UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended June 29, 200727, 2008

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from            to            

 

Commission File Number 000-25393

 


 

VARIAN, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 


 

Delaware 77-0501995

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

3120 Hansen Way, Palo Alto, California 94304-1030
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

(650) 213-8000

(Telephone Number)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.smaller reporting company. See definitionthe definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filerfiler” and large accelerated filer”“smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  x

  Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated filer  ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  Non-accelerated filer  Smaller reporting company  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of August 3, 20071, 2008 was 30,512,204.29,368,498.

 



VARIAN, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 29, 200727, 2008

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

      Page

PART I

Financial Information  Financial Information

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements:

  
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings

  3
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

  4
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

  5
  

Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  6

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  2024

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  3438

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

  3540

PART II

  Other Information  

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

  3741

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  3741

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

  3741

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

 

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

  Fiscal Quarter Ended

 Nine Months Ended

   Fiscal Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 
  June 29,
2007


 June 30,
2006


 June 29,
2007


 June 30,
2006


   June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 

Sales

        

Products

  $  195,634  $  181,011  $  584,314  $  533,514   $206,498  $195,634  $625,322  $584,314 

Services

   31,461   28,734   90,649   81,594    37,951   31,461   104,723   90,649 
  


 


 


 


             

Total sales

   227,095   209,745   674,963   615,108    244,449   227,095   730,045   674,963 
  


 


 


 


             

Cost of sales

        

Products

   107,644   99,459   317,783   297,259    116,457   107,644   342,951   317,783 

Services

   17,532   15,734   50,067   44,426    21,809   17,532   60,733   50,067 
  


 


 


 


             

Total cost of sales

   125,176   115,193   367,850   341,685    138,266   125,176   403,684   367,850 
  


 


 


 


             

Gross profit

   101,919   94,552   307,113   273,423    106,183   101,919   326,361   307,113 

Operating expenses

        

Selling, general and administrative

   64,366   60,122   190,822   178,045    68,797   64,366   202,380   190,822 

Research and development

   16,879   15,496   48,592   44,118    18,519   16,879   53,889   48,592 

Purchased in-process research and development

            756    1,488      1,488    
  


 


 


 


             

Total operating expenses

   81,245   75,618   239,414   222,919    88,804   81,245   257,757   239,414 
  


 


 


 


             

Operating earnings

   20,674   18,934   67,699   50,504    17,379   20,674   68,604   67,699 

Interest income (expense)

   

Impairment of private company equity investment (Note 14)

         (3,018)   

Interest income

   1,622   827   4,259   2,802    1,200   1,622   4,888   4,259 

Interest expense

   (454)  (534)  (1,444)  (1,575)   (390)  (454)  (1,274)  (1,444)
  


 


 


 


Total interest income, net

   1,168   293   2,815   1,227 
  


 


 


 


             

Earnings before income taxes

   21,842   19,227   70,514   51,731    18,189   21,842   69,200   70,514 

Income tax expense

   7,291   4,736   24,326   16,339    6,823   7,291   24,463   24,326 
  


 


 


 


             

Net earnings

  $14,551  $14,491  $46,188  $35,392   $11,366  $14,551  $44,737  $46,188 
  


 


 


 


             

Net earnings per share:

        

Basic

  $0.48  $0.47  $1.52  $1.14   $0.39  $0.48  $1.50  $1.52 
  


 


 


 


             

Diluted

  $0.47  $0.46  $1.49  $1.12   $0.38  $0.47  $1.48  $1.49 
  


 


 


 


             

Shares used in per share calculations:

   

Shares used in per share calculation:

     

Basic

   30,469   30,847   30,497   30,988    29,340   30,469   29,833   30,497 
  


 


 


 


             

Diluted

   30,983   31,315   31,028   31,494    29,728   30,983   30,309   31,028 
  


 


 


 


             

 

See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands, except par value amounts)

 

  June 29,
2007


  September 29,
2006


  June 27,
2008
  September 28,
2007

ASSETS

          

Current assets

          

Cash and cash equivalents

  $  171,340  $  154,155  $128,215  $196,396

Accounts receivable, net

   180,578   177,037   189,192   187,429

Inventories

   147,649   133,662   184,790   140,533

Deferred taxes

   33,700   33,235   38,175   38,068

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   17,119   15,728   19,277   17,332
  

  

      

Total current assets

   550,386   513,817   559,649   579,758

Property, plant and equipment, net

   107,988   112,528   114,975   110,792

Goodwill

   190,739   181,563   230,430   193,760

Intangible assets, net

   33,200   39,143   42,664   31,572

Other assets

   16,952   14,543   20,376   20,951
  

  

      

Total assets

  $899,265  $861,594  $968,094  $936,833
  

  

      

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          

Current liabilities

          

Current portion of long-term debt

  $6,250  $2,500  $  $6,250

Accounts payable

   68,909   73,138   78,603   72,588

Deferred profit

   10,504   13,796   10,531   13,641

Accrued liabilities

   173,835   169,063   173,007   159,109
  

  

      

Total current liabilities

   259,498   258,497   262,141   251,588

Long-term debt

   18,750   25,000   18,750   18,750

Deferred taxes

   3,622   3,721   7,302   4,050

Other liabilities

   21,108   22,336   44,206   44,358
  

  

      

Total liabilities

   302,978   309,554   332,399   318,746
  

  

      

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11)

      

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 15)

    

Stockholders’ equity

          

Preferred stock—par value $0.01, authorized—1,000 shares; issued—none

            

Common stock—par value $0.01, authorized—99,000 shares; issued and outstanding—30,472 shares at June 29, 2007 and 30,870 shares at September 29, 2006

   346,247   319,090

Common stock—par value $0.01, authorized—99,000 shares; issued and outstanding—29,350 shares at June 27, 2008 and 30,345 shares at September 28, 2007

   360,067   351,330

Retained earnings

   195,832   204,182   182,981   199,471

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   54,208   28,768   92,647   67,286
  

  

      

Total stockholders’ equity

   596,287   552,040   635,695   618,087
  

  

      

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $899,265  $861,594  $968,094  $936,833
  

  

      

 

See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

  Nine Months Ended

   Nine Months Ended 
  June 29,
2007


 June 30,
2006


   June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net earnings

  $46,188  $35,392   $44,737  $46,188 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

   21,163   19,807    21,217   21,163 

(Gain) loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment

   (196)  101 

Gain on disposition of property, plant and equipment

   (452)  (196)

Impairment of private company equity investment

   3,018    

Purchased in-process research and development

      756    1,488    

Share-based compensation expense

   7,890   6,232    7,207   7,890 

Tax benefit from share-based plans

   7,958   5,943 

Excess tax benefit from share-based plans

   (7,070)  (5,640)

Deferred taxes

   (2,690)  (4,086)   (540)  (1,802)

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions:

      

Accounts receivable, net

   2,245   (2,245)   10,735   2,245 

Inventories

   (9,703)  (17,110)   (31,046)  (9,703)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   (436)  5,265    490   (436)

Other assets

   (212)  123    (726)  (212)

Accounts payable

   (6,488)  (93)   1,222   (6,488)

Deferred profit

   (3,269)  (263)   (3,966)  (3,269)

Accrued liabilities

   272   (10,814)   3,200   272 

Other liabilities

   3,613   890    3,041   3,613 
  


 


       

Net cash provided by operating activities

   59,265   34,258    59,625   59,265 
  


 


       

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

   3,193   650    1,265   3,193 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

   (10,879)  (15,926)   (16,674)  (10,879)

Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired

   (5,066)  (69,915)   (52,898)  (5,066)

Private company equity investments

   (18)   
  


 


       

Net cash used in investing activities

   (12,752)  (85,191)   (68,325)  (12,752)
  


 


       

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Repayment of debt

   (2,500)  (2,500)   (6,250)  (2,500)

Repurchase of common stock

   (69,582)  (49,133)   (81,892)  (69,582)

Issuance of common stock

   26,748   27,332    15,761   26,748 

Excess tax benefit from share-based plans

   7,070   5,640    3,151   7,070 

Transfers to Varian Medical Systems, Inc.

   (381)  (506)   (600)  (381)
  


 


       

Net cash used in financing activities

   (38,645)  (19,167)   (69,830)  (38,645)
  


 


       

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   9,317   6,321 

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   10,349   9,317 
  


 


       

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   17,185   (63,779)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   (68,181)  17,185 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   154,155   188,494    196,396   154,155 
  


 


       

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $  171,340  $  124,715   $128,215  $171,340 
  


 


       

 

See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.    Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1.Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Varian, Inc. and its subsidiary companies (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The September 29, 200628, 2007 balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required in audited financial statements by U.S. GAAP. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 200628, 2007 filed with the SEC. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the information required to be set forth therein. The results of operations for the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 29, 200727, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year or for any other periods.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Note 2.    Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Note 2.Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

 

The Company designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells and services scientific instruments (including related software, consumable products, accessories and services) and vacuum products (and(including related accessories and services). These businesses primarily serve life science, industrial (which includes environmental, food and energy), academic and research customers.

 

Until April 2, 1999, the business of the Company was operated as the Instruments Business of Varian Associates, Inc. (“VAI”). On that date, VAI distributed to the holders of its common stock one share of common stock of the Company and one share of common stock of Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. (“VSEA”), which was formerly operated as the Semiconductor Equipment business of VAI, for each share of VAI (the “Distribution”). VAI retained its Health Care Systems business and changed its name to Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (“VMS”). Transfers made to VMS under the terms of the Distribution are reflected as financing activities in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Note 3.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 3.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Fiscal Periods. The Company’s fiscal years reported are the 52- or 53-week periods ending on the Friday nearest September 30. Fiscal year 20072008 will comprise the 52-week53-week period ending September 28, 2007,October 3, 2008, and fiscal year 20062007 was comprised of the 52-week period ended September 29, 2006.28, 2007. The fiscal quarters and nine months ended June 29, 200727, 2008 and June 30, 200629, 2007 each comprised 13 weeks and 39 weeks, respectively.

Revenue and Cost of Sales. In order to conform to the current year presentation, product revenue for the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2006 has been revised to include $1.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively, that was previously recorded as service revenue. Similarly, product cost of sales for the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2006 has been revised to include $0.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively, that was previously recorded as service cost of sales. These revisions had no impact on total revenue or total cost of sales for the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2006.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Comprehensive Income. A summary of the components of the Company’s comprehensive income follows:

 

  Fiscal Quarter Ended

  Nine Months Ended

  Fiscal Quarter Ended  Nine Months Ended
  June 29,
2007


  June 30,
2006


  June 29,
2007


  June 30,
2006


  June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
  June 27,
2008
  June 29,
2007

(in thousands)

                   

Net earnings

  $14,551  $14,491  $46,188  $35,392  $11,366  $14,551  $44,737  $46,188

Other comprehensive income:

            

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

       

Currency translation adjustment

   6,673   12,032   25,440   7,615   (3,048)  6,673   25,359   25,440
  

  

  

  

            

Total other comprehensive income

   6,673   12,032   25,440   7,615

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

   (3,048)  6,673   25,359   25,440
  

  

  

  

            

Total comprehensive income

  $  21,224  $  26,523  $  71,628  $  43,007  $  8,318  $  21,224  $  70,096  $  71,628
  

  

  

  

            

Note 4.Balance Sheet Detail

 

Note 4.    Balance Sheet Detail

   June 27,
2008
  September 28,
2007

(in thousands)

    

Inventories

    

Raw materials and parts

  $87,288  $64,130

Work in process

   33,153   24,842

Finished goods

   64,349   51,561
        

Total

  $  184,790  $  140,533
        

 

   June 29,
2007


  September 29,
2006


(In thousands)

        

Inventories

        

Raw materials and parts

  $64,687  $60,596

Work in process

   25,911   23,238

Finished goods

   57,051   49,828
   

  

   $  147,649  $  133,662
   

  

Note 5.    Forward Exchange Contracts

Note 5.Forward Exchange Contracts

 

The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to minimize the short-term impact of foreign currency fluctuations on assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies. These contracts are accounted for under Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. (“SFAS”) 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Typically, gains and losses on these contracts are substantially offset by transaction losses and gains on the underlying balances being hedged. During the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 27, 2008, net foreign currency gains relating to these arrangements were $0.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively. During the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 29, 2007, net foreign currency losses relating to these arrangements were $0.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively. During the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2006, net foreign currency losses relating to these arrangements were $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. These amounts were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

From time to time, the Company also enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on forecasted transactions. These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges under SFAS 133. At June 29, 2007,27, 2008, there were no outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions. During the fiscal quarters and nine months ended June 29, 200727, 2008 and June 30, 2006,29, 2007, no foreign exchange gains or losses from hedge ineffectiveness were recognized.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts generally range from one to 12 months in original maturity. The following table summarizesA summary of all foreign exchange forward contracts that were outstanding as of June 29, 2007:27, 2008 follows:

 

  

Notional
Value

Sold


  Notional
Value
Purchased


  Notional
Value
Sold
  Notional
Value
Purchased

(in thousands)

          

Australian dollar

  $  $43,281

Euro

  $  $80,979      28,715

Australian dollar

      36,563

British pound

      11,971

Swiss franc

      4,510

Canadian dollar

   4,858      3,255   

Japanese yen

   2,542      3,248   

British pound

   1,969   

Danish krone

   796   

Swedish krona

   2,337   

Polish zloty

      1,634
  

  

      

Total

  $  8,840  $  90,111
  $    10,165  $    117,542      
  

  

Note 6.Acquisitions

Analogix Business.On November 11, 2007, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Analogix, Inc. (the “Analogix Business”) for approximately $11 million in cash and assumed net debt, subject to certain net asset adjustments. Under the terms of the acquisition, the Company might make additional purchase price payments of up to $4 million over a three-year period, depending on the performance of the Analogix Business and certain operational milestones. The Analogix Business designs, manufactures, markets, sells and services consumables and instrumentation for automated compound purification using flash chromatography, and became part of the Scientific Instruments segment.

Oxford Diffraction Ltd. On April 4, 2008, the Company acquired Oxford Diffraction Ltd. (“Oxford Diffraction”) for approximately $39 million in cash and assumed net debt, subject to certain net asset adjustments. Under the terms of the acquisition, the Company might make additional purchase price payments of up to $10 million over a three-year period, depending on the future financial performance of the Oxford Diffraction business. Oxford Diffraction designs, manufactures, markets, sells and services instruments and consumables for x-ray crystallography, an analytical technique used by scientists in pharmaceutical research and other research laboratories to determine the structure of both small molecules and large molecules such as proteins. Oxford Diffraction became part of the Scientific Instruments segment.

In connection with the Oxford Diffraction acquisition, the Company has completed a preliminary valuation of identified intangible assets (including purchased in-process research and development) which was used to prepare the initial purchase price allocation for accounting purposes. This valuation is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008 and may result in adjustments to the final purchase price allocation.

Based on the results of the preliminary valuation, the Company recorded a one-time charge of $1.5 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2008 to immediately expense acquired in-process research and development related to projects that were in process but incomplete at the time of the acquisition.

Contingent Consideration Arrangements. The Company is, from time to time, obligated to pay additional cash purchase price amounts in the event that certain financial or operational milestones are met by acquired

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

businesses. As of June 27, 2008, up to a maximum of $43.9 million could be payable through April 2011 under contingent consideration arrangements relating to acquired businesses. Amounts subject to these arrangements can be earned over the respective measurement period, depending on the performance of the acquired business relative to certain financial and/or operational targets.

The following table summarizes contingent consideration arrangements as of June 27, 2008:

Acquired Business

Remaining

Amount Available

(maximum)

Measurement Period

Measurement Period End Date

(in millions)

PL International Ltd.

$15.33 yearsDecember 2008

IonSpec Corporation

  14.03 yearsApril 2009

Oxford Diffraction

  10.03 yearsApril 2011

Analogix Business

    4.03 yearsDecember 2010

Other

    0.62 yearsJuly 2010

Total

$43.9

Note 6.    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Note 7.Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for each of the Company’s reporting segments in the first nine months of fiscal year 20072008 were as follow:

 

  Scientific
Instruments


  Vacuum
Technologies


  Total
Company


  Scientific
Instruments
  Vacuum
Technologies
  Total
Company

(in thousands)

               

Balance as of September 29, 2006

  $180,597  $966  $181,563

Balance as of September 28, 2007

  $  192,794  $  966  $  193,760

Fiscal year 2008 acquisitions

   29,247      29,247

Contingent payments on prior-year acquisitions

   4,062      4,062   4,057      4,057

Foreign currency impacts and other adjustments

   5,114      5,114   3,366      3,366
  

  

  

         

Balance as of June 29, 2007

  $  189,773  $  966  $  190,739

Balance as of June 27, 2008

  $229,464  $966  $230,430
  

  

  

         

 

As required by SFAS 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, the Company performs an annual goodwill impairment assessment. This assessment is performed in the second quarter of each fiscal year. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2007,2008, the Company completed its annual impairment test and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill.

 

The following intangible assets have been recorded and are being amortized by the Company:

 

  June 29, 2007

  June 27, 2008
  Gross

  Accumulated
Amortization


 Net

  Gross  Accumulated
Amortization
 Net

(in thousands)

           

Intangible assets

           

Existing technology

  $17,614  $(8,633) $8,981  $17,790  $(9,841) $7,949

Patents and core technology

   29,295   (9,667)  19,628   45,816   (14,117)  31,699

Trade names and trademarks

   2,456   (1,533)  923   2,451   (1,884)  567

Customer lists

   11,764   (8,890)  2,874   12,288   (10,399)  1,889

Other

   2,958   (2,164)  794   3,144   (2,584)  560
  

  


 

         

Total

  $  64,087  $  (30,887) $  33,200  $  81,489  $(38,825) $  42,664
  

  


 

         

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

  September 29, 2006

  September 28, 2007
  Gross

  Accumulated
Amortization


 Net

  Gross  Accumulated
Amortization
 Net

(in thousands)

           

Intangible assets

           

Existing technology

  $15,054  $(5,726) $9,328  $16,611  $(8,235) $8,376

Patents and core technology

   29,321   (6,573)  22,748   29,908   (10,752)  19,156

Trade names and trademarks

   2,419   (1,209)  1,210   2,458   (1,623)  835

Customer lists

   11,325   (6,783)  4,542   11,866   (9,408)  2,458

Other

   2,823   (1,508)  1,315   3,025   (2,278)  747
  

  


 

         

Total

  $63,868  $(32,296) $31,572
  $  60,942  $  (21,799) $  39,143         
  

  


 

 

Amortization expense relating to intangible assets was $2.4 million and $6.2 million during the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 27, 2008, respectively. Amortization expense relating to intangible assets was $1.8 million and $6.1 million during the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 29, 2007, respectively. Amortization expense relating to intangible assets was $2.5 million and $6.1 million during the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2006, respectively. At June 29, 2007,27, 2008, estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal year 20072008 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter was as follows:

 

  Estimated
Amortization
Expense


  Estimated
Amortization
Expense

(in thousands)

     

Three months ending September 28, 2007

  $1,946

Fiscal year 2008

   7,171

Fiscal quarter ending October 3, 2008

  $2,414

Fiscal year 2009

   6,119   8,652

Fiscal year 2010

   5,614   8,148

Fiscal year 2011

   3,172   5,680

Fiscal year 2012

   2,351   4,836

Fiscal year 2013

   4,431

Thereafter

   6,827   8,503
  

   

Total

  $  33,200  $42,664
  

   

Note 7.    Restructuring Activities

Note 8.Restructuring Activities

 

Summary of Restructuring Plans.Between fiscal years 2003 and 2007, the Company committed to several restructuring plans in order to adjust its organizational structure, improve operational efficiencies and eliminate redundant or excess costs resulting from acquisitions or dispositions during those periods.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table sets forth changes in the Company’s aggregate liability relating to all restructuring plans (including the Fiscal Year 2007 Plan described below) during the first, second and third quarters of fiscal year 2007:2008 as well as total restructuring expense and other related costs recorded since the inception of those plans:

 

  Employee-
Related


 Facilities-
Related


 Total

   Employee-
Related
 Facilities-
Related
 Total 

(in thousands)

       

Balance at September 29, 2006

  $233  $818  $  1,051 

Charges

   115      115 

Balance at September 28, 2007

  $  2,222  $707  $2,929 

Charges to expense, net

   453   761   1,214 

Cash payments

   (166)  (35)  (201)   (181)  (131)  (312)

Foreign currency impacts and other adjustments

   10      10    24   (24)   
  


 


 


          

Balance at December 29, 2006

   192   783   975 

Charges

   64      64 

Balance at December 28, 2007

   2,518   1,313   3,831 

Charges to expense, net

   51      51 

Cash payments

   (82)  (43)  (125)   (1,020)  (65)  (1,085)

Foreign currency impacts and other adjustments

   2   1   3    36   138   174 
  


 


 


          

Balance at March 30, 2007

   176   741   917 

Charges

   1,888      1,888 

Balance at March 28, 2008

   1,585   1,386   2,971 

Charges to expense, net

   294      294 

Cash payments

      (20)  (20)   (107)  (88)  (195)

Foreign currency impacts and other adjustments

   (4)  10   6    (4)  (21)  (25)
  


 


 


          

Balance at June 29, 2007

  $  2,060  $  731  $2,791 

Balance at June 27, 2008

  $1,768  $  1,277  $  3,045 
  


 


 


          

Total expense since inception of plans

    

(in millions)

    

Restructuring expense

    $19.2 
      

Other restructuring-related costs(1)

    $8.1 
      

 

The Company has incurred a total of $17.4 million in restructuring expense under these restructuring plans. In addition, the Company has recorded other costs related directly to these plans (comprised primarily of employee retention and relocation costs and accelerated depreciation of assets to be disposed upon closure of facilities) totaling $4.4 million. Of this amount, a total of $1.0 million was recorded during the third quarter and nine months ended June 29, 2007.

(1)These costs related primarily to employee retention and relocation costs and accelerated depreciation of assets disposed upon the closure of facilities. Of the $8.1 million in other restructuring-related costs, $1.4 million and $2.7 million were recorded in the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 27, 2008, respectively.

 

Fiscal Year 2007 Plan. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, the Company committed to a plan to combine and optimize the development and assembly of most of its NMR and mass spectrometry products, to further centralize related administration and other functions and to reallocate certain resources toward more rapidly growing product lines and geographies. As part of the plan, the Company is creating an information rich detection (“IRD”) center in Walnut Creek, California, where NMR operations currently located in Palo Alto, California will beare being integrated with mass spectrometry operations already located in Walnut Creek. The Company will investis investing in a new 45,000 square foot building and a substantial remodel of an existing building there to house the IRD center.

 

As a result of the plan, a number of employee positions have been or will be relocated or eliminated and certain facilities have been or will be consolidated. These actions primarily impact the Scientific Instruments segment and involve the elimination of between approximately 40 and 60 positions. The Company expects these activities to be completed during the first half of fiscal year 2009.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Restructuring and other related costs associated with this plan include one-time termination benefits, retention payments, costs to relocate facilities (including decommissioning costs, moving costs and temporary facility/storage costs), accelerated depreciation of fixed assets to be disposed as a result of facilities actions and lease termination costs.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table sets forth changes in the Company’s restructuring liability relating to the foregoing plan during the first, second and third quarterquarters of fiscal year 2007:2008:

 

  Employee-
Related


   Facilities-
Related


  Total

   Employee-
Related
 Facilities-
Related
 Total 

(in thousands)

             

Balance at March 30, 2007

  $   $  $ 

Charges

   1,888       1,888 

Balance at September 28, 2007

  $2,222  $  $2,222 

Charges to expense, net

   453   761   1,214 

Cash payments

              (181)  (77)  (258)

Foreign currency impacts and other adjustments

   (6)      (6)   24   (20)  4 
  


  

  


          

Balance at June 29, 2007

  $  1,882   $     —  $  1,882 

Balance at December 28, 2007

   2,518   664   3,182 

Charges to expense, net

   51      51 

Cash payments

   (1,020)  (44)  (1,064)

Foreign currency impacts and other adjustments

   36   136   172 
  


  

  


          

Balance at March 28, 2008

   1,585   756   2,341 

Charges to expense, net

   294      294 

Cash payments

   (107)  (64)  (171)

Foreign currency impacts and other adjustments

   (4)  (11)  (15)
          

Balance at June 27, 2008

  $1,768  $  681  $2,449 
          

Total expense since inception of plans

    

(in millions)

    

Restructuring expense

Restructuring expense

 

 $3.9 
      

Other restructuring-related costs

Other restructuring-related costs

 

 $4.7 
      

 

The restructuring charges of $1.9$0.3 million and $1.6 million recorded during the thirdfiscal quarter of fiscal year 2007and nine months ended June 27, 2008 related to employee termination benefits. In addition,benefits and costs associated with the closure of leased facilities. The Company also incurred $1.0$1.4 million and $2.7 million in other restructuring-related costs relating directly to this restructuring plan during the thirdfiscal quarter of fiscal year 2007.and nine months ended June 27, 2008, respectively. These costs were comprised of a $0.2 millionrelated to employee retention costs and facilities-related costs including decommissioning costs and non-cash chargecharges for accelerated depreciation of assets to be disposed upon the closure of facilities, $0.3 million in employee retention costs and $0.5 million in other facility-related costs.facilities.

Note 8.    Warranty and Indemnification Obligations

Note 9.Warranty and Indemnification Obligations

 

Product Warranties. The Company’s products are generally subject to warranties. Liabilities for the estimated future costs of repair or replacement are established and charged to cost of sales at the time the related sale is recognized. The amount of liability to be recorded is based on management’s best estimates of future warranty costs after considering historical and projected product failure rates and product repair costs.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Changes in the Company’s estimated liability for product warranty during the nine months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007 and June 30, 2006 were as follows:follow:

 

  Nine Months Ended

   Nine Months Ended 
  June 29,
2007


   June 30,
2006


   June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 

(in thousands)

         

Beginning balance

  $  11,042   $  10,723   $12,454  $11,042 

Charges to costs and expenses

   3,856    3,440    3,571   3,856 

Warranty expenditures

   (3,433)   (3,809)

Warranty expenditures and other adjustments

   (3,521)  (3,433)

Acquired warranty liabilities

   1,098    
  


  


       

Ending balance

  $11,465   $10,354   $  13,602  $  11,465 
  


  


       

 

Indemnification Obligations. FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 45,Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, requires a guarantor to recognize a liability for and/or disclose obligations it has undertaken in relation to the issuance of the guarantee. Under this guidance, arrangements involving indemnification clauses are subject to the disclosure requirements of FIN 45 only.

 

The Company is subject to certain indemnification obligations to VMS (formerly VAI) and VSEA in connection with the Instruments business as conducted by VAI prior to the Distribution (described in Note 2). These indemnification obligations cover a variety of aspects of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, employee, tax, intellectual property, litigation and environmental matters. Certain of the agreements containing these indemnification obligations are disclosed as exhibits to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The estimated fair value of these indemnification obligations is not considered to be material.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company is subject to certain indemnification obligations to Jabil Circuit, Inc. (“Jabil”) in connection with the Company’s sale of its Electronics Manufacturing Business to Jabil. These indemnification obligations cover certain aspects of the Company’s conduct of the Electronics Manufacturing Business prior to its sale to Jabil, including, but not limited to, employee, tax litigation and environmental matters. The agreement containing these indemnification obligations is disclosed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The estimated fair value of these indemnification obligations is not considered to be material.

 

The Company’s By-Laws require it to indemnify its officers and directors, as well as those who act as directors and officers of other entities at the request of the Company, against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceedings arising out of their services to the Company. In addition, the Company has entered into separate indemnity agreements with each director and officer that provide for indemnification of these directors and officers under certain circumstances. The form of these indemnity agreements is disclosed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The indemnification obligations are more fully described in these indemnity agreements and the Company’s By-Laws. The Company purchases insurance to cover claims or a portion of any claims made against its directors and officers. Since a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated in the Company’s By-Laws or these indemnity agreements and will depend on the facts and circumstances that arise out of any future claims, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot reasonably be estimated. Historically, the Company has not made payments related to these indemnification obligations and the estimated fair value of these indemnification obligations is not considered to be material.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

As is customary in the Company’s industry and as provided for in local law in the U.S. and other jurisdictions, many of the Company’s standard contracts provide remedies to customers and other third parties with whom the Company enters into contracts, such as defense, settlement or payment of judgment for intellectual property claims related to the use of its products. From time to time, the Company also agrees to indemnify customers, suppliers, contractors, lessors, lessees and others with whom it enters into contracts, against loss, expense and/or liability arising from various triggering events related to the sale and the use of the Company’s products and services, the use of their goods and services, the use of facilities and other matters covered by such contracts, usually up to a specified maximum amount. In addition, from time to time, the Company sometimes also agrees to indemnify these parties against claims related to undiscovered liabilities, additional product liability or environmental obligations. Claims made under such indemnification obligations have been insignificant and the estimated fair value of these indemnification obligations is not considered to be material.

Note 9.    Debt and Credit Facilities

Note 10.Debt and Credit Facilities

 

Credit Facilities. As of June 29, 2007, theThe Company and its subsidiaries had a total of $62.2 millionmaintains relationships with banks in uncommitted and unsecured credit facilities for working capital purposes with interest rates to be established at the time of borrowing. No borrowings were outstanding under these credit facilities as of June 29, 2007. Of the $62.2 million in uncommitted and unsecured credit facilities, a total of $35.5 million was limited for use by, or in favor of, certain subsidiaries at June 29, 2007, and a total of $13.0 million of this $35.5 million was being utilized in the form ofmany countries from whom it sometimes obtains bank guarantees and short-term standby letters of credit. These guarantees and letters of credit relatedrelate primarily to advance payments and deposits made to the Company’s subsidiaries by customers for which separate liabilities wereare recorded in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements atstatements. As of June 29, 2007.27, 2008, a total of $23.2 million of these bank guarantees and letters of credit were outstanding. No amounts had been drawn by beneficiaries under these or any other outstanding guarantees or letters of credit as of that date.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Long-term Debt. As of June 29, 2007,27, 2008, the Company had a $25.0an $18.8 million term loan outstanding with a U.S. financial institution, compared to $27.5institution. The balance outstanding under this term loan was $25.0 million at September 29, 2006.28, 2007. As of both June 29,27, 2008 and September 28, 2007, the fixed interest rate on the term loan was 6.7%. As of September 29, 2006, fixed interest rates on the term loan ranged from 6.7% to 7.2%. The weighted-average interest rate on the term loan was 6.8% at September 29, 2006. The term loan contains certain covenants that limit future borrowings and the payment of cash dividends and require the maintenance of certain levels of working capital and operating results. The Company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants of the term loan agreement at June 29, 2007.27, 2008.

 

The following table summarizes future principal payments on borrowings under long-term debt outstanding as of June 29, 2007:27, 2008:

 

  

Three

Months

Ending

Sept. 28,
2007


  Fiscal Years

     Fiscal
Quarter
Ending
Oct. 3,

2008
  Fiscal Years  Total
  2008

  2009

  2010

  2011

  2012

  Thereafter

  Total

  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  Thereafter  

(in thousands)

                                        

Long-term debt (including current portion)

  $     —  $  6,250  $     —  $  6,250  $     —  $  6,250  $  6,250  $  25,000  $  —  $  —  $  6,250  $  —  $  6,250  $  —  $  6,250  $  18,750
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

                        

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

Note 10.    Defined Benefit Pension PlansNOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 11.Defined Benefit Retirement Plans

 

Net Periodic Pension Cost. The components of net periodic pension cost relating to the Company’s defined benefit pensionretirement plans follow:

 

  Fiscal Quarter Ended

 Nine Months Ended

   Fiscal Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended 
  June 29,
2007


 June 30,
2006


 

June 29,

2007


 June 30,
2006


   June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 

(in thousands)

        

Service cost

  $334  $329  $1,002  $987   $343  $334  $1,029  $1,002 

Interest cost

   626   527   1,878   1,581    723   626   2,169   1,878 

Expected return on plan assets

   (512)  (419)  (1,536)  (1,257)   (653)  (512)  (1,959)  (1,536)

Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gains and losses

   111   129   333   387       111      333 
  


 


 


 


             

Net periodic pension cost

  $  559  $  566  $  1,677  $  1,698   $  413  $  559  $1,239  $1,677 
  


 


 


 


             

 

Employer Contributions. During the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 29, 2007,27, 2008, the Company made contributions totaling $0.3 million and $1.0 million to its defined benefit pension plans. The Company currently anticipates contributing an additional $0.4 million to these plans in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007.2008.

 

Note 11.    Contingencies

Note 12.Contingencies

 

Environmental Matters. The Company’s operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws in the U.S. as well as laws in other countries regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. These regulations increase the costs and potential liabilities of the Company’s operations. However, the Company does not currently anticipate that its compliance with these regulations will have a material effect on the Company’s capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company and VSEA are each obligated (under the terms of the Distribution described in Note 2) to indemnify VMS for one-third of certain costs (after adjusting for any insurance proceedsrecoveries and tax benefits recognized or realized by VMS for such costs) relating to (a) environmental matters. In that regard, VMS has been namedinvestigation, monitoring and/or remediation activities at certain facilities previously operated by theVAI and third-party claims made in connection with environmental conditions at those facilities, and (b) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or third parties asthird-party claims alleging that VAI or VMS is a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended at nine(“CERCLA”) in connection with certain sites whereto which VAI is alleged to haveallegedly shipped manufacturing waste for recycling, treatment or disposal. In addition,disposal (the “CERCLA sites”). With respect to the facilities formerly operated by VAI, VMS is overseeing and, as applicable, reimbursing third parties forthe environmental investigation, monitoring and/or remediation activities, in most cases under the direction of or in consultation with federal, state and/or local agencies, inand handling third-party claims. VMS is also handling claims relating to the U.S. at certain current VMS or former VAI facilities.CERCLA sites. The Company and VSEA are each obligated to indemnify VMS for one-third of theseis also undertaking environmental investigation monitoring and/or remediation costs (after adjusting for any insurance proceeds and taxes).monitoring activities at one of its facilities under the direction of or in consultation with governmental agencies.

 

For certain of these sites and facilities, variousVarious uncertainties make it difficult to assessestimate future costs for certain of these environmental-related activities, specifically external legal expenses, VMS’ internal oversight costs, third-party claims and a former VAI facility where the likelihood and scope of further environmental-related activities orare difficult to estimate the future costs of such activities if undertaken.assess. As of June 29, 2007,27, 2008, it was nonetheless estimated that the Company’s share of the future exposure for these environmental-related costs for these sites and facilities ranged in the aggregate from $1.2$1.1 million to $2.6 million (without discounting to present value).million. The time frame over which these costs are expected to be incurred varies with each site and facility,type of cost, ranging up to approximately 1422 years as of June 29, 2007. 27, 2008.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

No amount in the foregoing range of estimated future costs is discounted, and no amount in the range is believed to be more probable of being incurred than any other amount in such range and therange. The Company therefore had an accrual of $1.2$1.1 million as of June 29, 2007.27, 2008 for these future environmental-related costs.

 

As to certain sites and facilities, sufficientSufficient knowledge has been gained to be able to better estimate the scope and certainother costs offor future environmental-related activities. As of June 29, 2007,27, 2008, it was estimated that the Company’s share of the future exposurecosts for these environmental-related costs for these sites and facilitiesactivities ranged in the aggregate from $3.2$2.9 million to $12.7 million (without discounting to present value).$12.8 million. The time frame over which these costs are expected to be incurred varies, with each site and facility, ranging up to approximately 3022 years as of June 29, 2007.27, 2008. As to each of these sites and facilities,ranges of cost estimates, it was determined that a particular amount within the range of certain estimated costs was a better estimate of the future environmental-related cost than any other amount within the range and thatrange. Together, these amounts totaled $5.8 million at June 27, 2008. Because both the amount and timing of the recurring portion of these future costs were reliably determinable. Together, these amounts totaled $6.0 milliondeterminable, that portion is discounted at June 29, 2007.4%, net of inflation. The Company therefore had an accrual of $4.2$4.1 million as of June 29, 2007,27, 2008, which represents theits best estimate of its share of these future environmental-related costs discounted at 4%, net of inflation.after discounting estimated recurring future costs. This accrual is in addition to the $1.2$1.1 million described in the preceding paragraph.

 

AnThe Company has not reduced any environmental-related liability in anticipation of recoveries from third parties. However, an insurance company has agreed to pay a portion of certain of VAI’s (now VMS’) future environmental-related costs, for which the Company has an indemnification obligation, and the Company therefore has a long-term receivable of $1.0 million (discounted at 4%, net of inflation) in other assets as of June 29, 2007,27, 2008, for the Company’s share of suchthat insurance recovery. The Company has not reduced any environmental-related liability in anticipation of recoveries from third parties.

 

The Company believes that its reserves for the foregoing and other environmental-related matters are adequate, but as the scope of its obligation becomes more clearly defined, these reserves may be modified and related charges against or credits to earnings may be made. Although any ultimate liability arising from environmental-related matters could result in significant expenditures that, if aggregated and assumed to occur within a single fiscal year, would be material to the Company’s financial statements, the likelihood of such occurrence is considered remote. Based on information currently available and its best assessment of the ultimate amount and timing of environmental-related events, the Company believes that the costs of environmental-related matters are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Legal Proceedings. The Company is involved in pending legal proceedings that are ordinary, routine and incidental to its business. While the ultimate outcome of these legal matters is not determinable, the Company believes that these matters are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Note 12.    Stockholders’ Equity and Stock Plans

Note 13.Stockholders’ Equity and Stock Plans

 

Share-Based Compensation Expense. The Company accounts for share-based awards in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R),Share-Based Payment, which was adopted during the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2005 using the modified prospective application method..

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the amount of share-based compensation expense by award type as well as the effect of this expense on net earnings and net earnings per share:

 

   Fiscal Quarter Ended

  Nine Months Ended

 
   June 29,
2007


  June 30,
2006


  June 29,
2007


  June 30,
2006


 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

                 

Share-based compensation expense by award type:

                 

Employee and non-employee director stock options

  $  (1,424) $  (1,337) $  (5,404) $  (4,872)

Employee stock purchase plan

   (219)  (301)  (722)  (738)

Restricted (nonvested) stock (1)

   (533)  (172)  (1,639)  (472)

Non-employee director stock units

         (125)  (150)
   


 


 


 


Total share-based compensation expense (effect on earnings before income taxes)

   (2,176)  (1,810)  (7,890)  (6,232)

Effect on income tax expense

   794   661   2,879   2,233 
   


 


 


 


Effect on net earnings

  $(1,382) $(1,149) $(5,011) $(3,999)
   


 


 


 


Effect on net earnings per share:

                 

Basic

  $(0.05) $(0.04) $(0.16) $(0.13)
   


 


 


 


Diluted

  $(0.04) $(0.04) $(0.16) $(0.13)
   


 


 


 



   Fiscal Quarter Ended  Nine Months Ended 
   June 27,
2008
  June 29,
2007
  June 27,
2008
  June 29,
2007
 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

     

Share-based compensation expense by award type:

     

Employee and non-employee director stock options

  $  (1,359) $  (1,424) $  (4,150) $  (5,404)

Employee stock purchase plan

   (224)  (219)  (787)  (722)

Restricted (nonvested) stock (1) 

   (802)  (533)  (2,045)  (1,639)

Non-employee director stock units

         (225)  (125)
                 

Total share-based compensation expense (effect on earnings before income taxes)

   (2,385)  (2,176)  (7,207)  (7,890)

Effect on income tax expense

   744   794   2,070   2,879 
                 

Effect on net earnings

  $(1,641) $(1,382) $(5,137) $(5,011)
                 

Effect on net earnings per share:

     

Basic

  $(0.06) $(0.05) $(0.17) $(0.16)
                 

Diluted

  $(0.06) $(0.04) $(0.17) $(0.16)
                 

(1)Includes $46,000$81,000 and $244,000 in the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 29, 200727, 2008, respectively, related to sharesrestricted stock granted in connection with the Company’s fiscal yearFiscal Year 2007 restructuring plan.

 

Share-based compensation expense has been included in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statement of earnings as follows:

 

  Fiscal Quarter Ended

  Nine Months Ended

  Fiscal Quarter Ended  Nine Months Ended
  June 29,
2007


  June 30,
2006


  June 29,
2007


  June 30,
2006


  June 27,
2008
  June 29,
2007
  June 27,
2008
  June 29,
2007

(in thousands)

                    

Cost of sales

  $103  $101  $322  $299  $106  $103  $338  $322

Selling, general and administrative

   1,936   1,567   7,177   5,530   2,164   1,936   6,503   7,177

Research and development

   137   142   391   403   115   137   366   391
  

  

  

  

            

Total

  $  2,176  $  1,810  $  7,890  $  6,232  $  2,385  $  2,176  $  7,207  $  7,890
  

  

  

  

            

Stock Options.Under the Omnibus Stock Plan (“OSP”), the Company periodically grants stock options to officers, directors and employees. The exercise price for stock options granted under the OSP may not be less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of the grant. Options granted are exercisable at the times and on the terms established by the Compensation Committee, but not later than ten years after the date of grant (except in the event of death, after which an option is exercisable for three years). Options granted generally become exercisable in cumulative installments of one-third each year commencing one year following the date of grant.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Stock Options.DuringThe following table summarizes stock option activity under the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2007, the Company granted 5,000 employee stock options having a weighted-average exercise price of $58.78 and an estimated grant date fair value (net of expected forfeitures) of $0.1 million. DuringOSP for the nine months ended June 29, 2007, the Company granted 335,000 stock options to employees and non-employee directors having a weighted-average exercise price of $45.93 and an estimated grant date fair value (net of expected forfeitures) of $4.5 million. During the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006, the Company did not grant any stock options. During the nine months ended June 30, 2006, the Company granted 533,000 stock options to employees and non-employee directors having a weighted-average exercise price of $41.82 and an estimated grant date fair value (net of expected forfeitures) of $6.2 million.27, 2008:

   Shares  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
  Aggregate
Grant Date
Fair Value (1)
   (in thousands)     (in millions)

Outstanding at September 28, 2007

  1,783  $38.43  

Granted

  288  $67.53  $5.5

Exercised

  (360) $35.26  

Cancelled or expired

  (7) $56.97  
       

Outstanding at June 27, 2008

  1,704  $  43.95  
       

(1)After estimated forfeitures.

 

As of June 29, 2007, the unrecorded deferred27, 2008, unrecognized share-based compensation balanceexpense related to stock options was $5.2$5.8 million. This amount will be recognized as expense using the straight-line attribution method over an estimateda weighted-average amortization period of 1.31.2 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan.The Company maintains an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) under which eligible employees may purchase shares of its common stock, subject to certain conditions and limitations. During the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 29, 2007, employees purchased 25,000 shares for $0.9 million and 79,000 shares for $2.9 million, respectively, under the ESPP. During the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2006, employees purchased 27,000 shares for $0.9 million and 92,000 shares for $2.8 million, respectively, under the ESPP. As of June 29, 2007, a total of 284,000 shares remained available for issuance under the ESPP.

 

Restricted (Nonvested) Stock.Under the Omnibus Stock Plan (“OSP”),OSP, the Company also periodically grants restricted (nonvested) common stock to employees. Such grants are valued using the quoted market value of the underlying common stock as of the grant date. These amounts areThe fair value of these shares is then recognized by the Company as share-based compensation expense ratably over their respective vesting periods, which range from twoone to three years. During

The following table summarizes restricted (nonvested) common stock activity under the fiscal quarter andOSP for the nine months ended June 29, 2007, the Company granted 12,000 shares and 59,200 shares, respectively, of restricted (nonvested) common stock with an aggregate value of $0.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively. During the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 29, 2007, the Company recognized $0.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, in share-based compensation expense relating to restricted stock grants. During the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2006, the Company granted 27,500 shares of restricted (nonvested) common stock with an aggregate value of $1.2 million. There were no grants of restricted (nonvested) common stock during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006. During the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2006, the Company recognized $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, in share-based compensation expense relating to restricted (nonvested) common stock grants.27, 2008:

   Shares  Weighted
Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
  Aggregate
Grant Date
Fair Value
   (in thousands)     (in millions)

Outstanding and unvested at September 28, 2007

  111  $  43.92  

Granted

  42  $69.44  $2.9

Vested(1)

  (50) $37.48  
       

Outstanding and unvested at June 27, 2008

  103  $57.45  
       

(1)Includes shares tendered to the Company by employees in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations.

 

As of June 29, 2007,27, 2008, there was $2.4a total of $2.7 million of totalin unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to restricted (nonvested) common stock granted under the OSP. This expense is expected towill be recognized over a weighted-average amortization period of 1.3 years.

 

Non-Employee Director Stock Units. Under the terms of the OSP, on the first business day following each annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders, each person then serving as a non-employee director is automatically granted stock units having an initial value of $25,000.$45,000 (beginning in fiscal year 2008) and $25,000 (prior to fiscal year 2008). The stock units will vest upon termination of the director’s service on the Board of Directors and will then be then satisfied by issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock. Each non-employee director who holds stock units will not have rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares issuable thereunder

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

until such shares are paid out. The stock units are not transferable, except to the non-employee director’s designated beneficiary or estate in the event of his or her death. During the nine months ended June 29, 200727, 2008 and June 30, 2006,29, 2007, the Company granted stock units with an aggregate value of $125,000$225,000 and $150,000,$125,000, respectively, to non-employee directorsmembers of its Board of Directors (of which there were five) and recognized the total value of $125,000 and $150,000, respectively, as share-based compensation expense at the time of grant in each of those respective periods.

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIESgrant.

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)Employee Stock Purchase Plan.During the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 27, 2008, employees purchased approximately 20,000 shares for $1.0 million and 61,000 shares for $3.1 million, respectively, under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). During the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 29, 2007, employees purchased approximately 25,000 shares for $0.9 million and 79,000 shares for $2.9 million, respectively. As of June 27, 2008, a total of approximately 207,000 shares remained available for issuance under the ESPP.

 

Stock Repurchase Programs. In November 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which the Company was authorized to utilize up to $100 million to repurchase shares of its common stock. This repurchase program was effective through September 30, 2007. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, the Company repurchased and retired 820,000 shares under this authorization at an aggregate cost of $37.1 million, which completed this repurchase program.

In January 2007,February 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to utilize up to $100 million to repurchase shares of its common stock. This repurchase program is effective through December 31, 2008.2009. During the second and third quarters of fiscal year 2007,nine months ended June 27, 2008, the Company repurchased and retired 575,000567,000 shares under this authorization at an aggregate cost of $32.5$30.5 million. As of June 29, 2007,27, 2008, the Company had remaining authorization to repurchase $67.5$69.5 million of its common stock under this program.

In January 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which the Company was authorized to utilize up to $100 million to repurchase shares of its common stock. This repurchase program is effective through December 31, 2008. During the nine months ended June 27, 2008, the Company repurchased and retired 876,000 shares under this authorization at an aggregate cost of $50.4 million, which completed this repurchase program.

Other Stock Repurchases.During the nine months ended June 27, 2008, the Company repurchased and retired 14,000 shares tendered to it by employees in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due from those employees upon the vesting of restricted stock.

Note 14.Investments in Privately Held Companies

The Company has equity investments in privately held companies which, because of its ownership interest and other factors, are carried at cost. The Company monitors these investments for impairment.

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company became aware of information which raised substantial doubt about the ability of a small, privately held company in which the Company holds a cost-method equity investment to continue as a going concern. Based on this information, the Company determined that the fair value of its investment had declined and that the decline was other-than-temporary. As a result, the Company wrote off the entire $3.0 million carrying value of its investment via an impairment charge in the period.

Note 15.Income Taxes

Effective September 29, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – An Interpretation of FASB Statement No 109, which addresses accounting for, and disclosure of, uncertain tax positions. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. As a result of the adoption of FIN 48, the Company reduced its liability for unrecognized tax benefits and increased deferred tax

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

assets by $2.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. These adjustments were aggregated and accounted for as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, which resulted in an increase to retained earnings of $3.0 million. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits excluding interest thereon as of the date of adoption was $6.9 million, substantially all of which would impact the effective tax rate if realized. The Company’s policy to include interest and penalties related to income taxes within income tax expense did not change as a result of implementing FIN 48. As of the date of adoption of FIN 48, the Company had accrued $0.7 million in income taxes payable for the payment of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company’s U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns and non-U.S. income tax returns are subject to audit by relevant tax authorities. The Company’s income tax reporting periods beginning after fiscal year 2004 for the U.S. and after fiscal year 2001 for the Company’s major non-U.S. jurisdictions remain generally open to audit by relevant tax authorities.

During the fiscal quarter ended June 27, 2008, total unrecognized tax benefits were decreased by $0.6 million due to the lapse of certain statutes of limitations in the period which resulted in a $1.0 million reduction, which was partially offset by additions for current-year unrecognized tax benefits. During the nine months ended June 27, 2008, total unrecognized tax benefits were decreased by $1.5 million due to the lapse of certain statutes of limitations in the period which resulted in a $2.3 million reduction, partially offset by additions for current-year unrecognized tax benefits. These net decreases resulted in corresponding tax benefits in the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 27, 2008, respectively.

At June 27, 2008, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $5.4 million, substantially all of which would impact the effective tax rate if realized. Income taxes payable at June 27, 2008 included accrued interest and penalties of $0.5 million. Although the timing and outcome of income tax audits is highly uncertain, it is possible that certain unrecognized tax benefits could decrease in the next twelve months due to the lapse of certain statutes of limitation and result in a reduction in the annual effective tax rate of up to 1%. Any such reduction could be impacted by other changes in other unrecognized tax benefits.

Note 13.     Net Earnings Per Share

Note 16.Net Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share are calculated based on net earnings and the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the reported period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated similarly, except that the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period are increased by the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential shares of common stock had been issued. The dilutive effect of potential common stock (including outstanding stock options, ESPP shares,unvested restricted stock and non-employee director stock units) is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method, which includes consideration of share-based compensation as required by SFAS 123(R) in the fiscal quarters and nine months ended June 29, 2007 and June 30, 2006..

 

For the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 29, 2007,27, 2008, options to purchase 5,000282,000 and 31,000256,000 shares, respectively, with exercise prices that exceeded the average market prices for the respective periods were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect was anti-dilutive. For the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2006,29, 2007, options to purchase 421,0005,000 and 510,00031,000 shares, respectively, with exercise prices that exceeded the average market prices for the respective periods were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect was anti-dilutive.

Following is a reconciliation of weighted-average basic shares outstanding to weighted-average diluted shares outstanding:

   Fiscal Quarter Ended

  Nine Months Ended

   June 29,
2007


  June 30,
2006


  June 29,
2007


  June 30,
2006


(in thousands)

            

Weighted-average basic shares outstanding

  30,469  30,847  30,497  30,988

Net effect of dilutive potential common stock

  514  468  531  506
   
  
  
  

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding

  30,983  31,315  31,028  31,494
   
  
  
  

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

A reconciliation of weighted-average basic shares outstanding to weighted-average diluted shares outstanding follows:

   Fiscal Quarter Ended  Nine Months Ended
   June 27,
2008
  June 29,
2007
  June 27,
2008
  June 29,
2007

(in thousands)

        

Weighted-average basic shares outstanding

  29,340  30,469  29,833  30,497

Net effect of dilutive potential common stock

  388  514  476  531
            

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding

  29,728  30,983  30,309  31,028
            

Note 17.Industry Segments

 

Note 14.     Industry Segments

TheFor financial reporting purposes, the Company’s operations are grouped into two business segments: Scientific Instruments and Vacuum Technologies. The Scientific Instruments segment designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells and services equipment and related software, consumable products, accessories and services for a broad range of life science and industrial (which includes environmental, food and energy) applications requiring identification, quantification and analysis of the composition or structure of liquids, solids or gases. The Vacuum Technologies segment designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells and services vacuum products and related accessories and services used to create, contain, control, measure and test vacuum environments in a broad range of life science and industrial applications requiring ultra-clean or high-vacuum environments. These segments were determined in accordance with SFAS 131,Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related InformationInformation..

 

General corporate costs include shared costs of legal, tax, accounting, treasury, insurance and other management costs. A portion of the indirect and common costs has been allocated to the segments through the use of estimates. Also, transactions between segments are accounted for at cost and are not included in sales. Accordingly, the following information is provided for purposes of achieving an understanding of operations, but might not be indicative of the financial results of the reported segments were they independent organizations. In addition, comparisons of the Company’s operations to similar operations of other companies might not be meaningful.

 

   Sales

  Sales

   Fiscal Quarter Ended

  Nine Months Ended

   June 29,
2007


  June 30,
2006


  June 29,
2007


  June 30,
2006


(in millions)

                

Scientific Instruments

  $  187.0  $  170.3  $  554.2  $  503.0

Vacuum Technologies

   40.1   39.4   120.8   112.1
   

  

  

  

Total industry segments

  $227.1  $209.7  $675.0  $615.1
   

  

  

  

  Pretax Earnings

   Pretax Earnings

   Sales  Sales
  Fiscal Quarter Ended

   Nine Months Ended

   Fiscal Quarter Ended  Nine Months Ended
  June 29,
2007


   June 30,
2006


   June 29,
2007


   June 30,
2006


   June 27,
2008
  June 29,
2007
  June 27,
2008
  June 29,
2007

(in millions)

                    

Scientific Instruments

  $  17.4   $  14.7   $  58.0   $  41.4   $200.7  $187.0  $602.1  $554.2

Vacuum Technologies

   7.8    8.5    23.9    21.8    43.7   40.1   127.9   120.8
  


  


  


  


            

Total industry segments

   25.2    23.2    81.9    63.2   $244.4  $227.1  $730.0  $675.0

General corporate

   (4.5)   (4.3)   (14.2)   (12.7)

Interest income

   1.6    0.8    4.2    2.8 

Interest expense

   (0.5)   (0.5)   (1.4)   (1.6)
  


  


  


  


            

Total

  $21.8   $19.2   $70.5   $51.7 
  


  


  


  


VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

   Pretax Earnings  Pretax Earnings 
   Fiscal Quarter Ended  Nine Months Ended 
   June 27,
2008
  June 29,
2007
  June 27,
2008
  June 29,
2007
 

(in millions)

     

Scientific Instruments

  $12.2  $17.4  $54.5  $58.0 

Vacuum Technologies

   7.8   7.8   24.3   23.9 
                 

Total industry segments

   20.0   25.2   78.8   81.9 

General corporate

   (2.6)  (4.5)  (10.2)  (14.2)

Impairment of private company equity investment

   —     —     (3.0)  —   

Interest income

   1.2   1.6   4.9   4.2 

Interest expense

   (0.4)  (0.5)  (1.3)  (1.4)
                 

Total pretax earnings

  $18.2  $21.8  $69.2  $70.5 
                 

Note 15.     Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, which addresses accounting for, and disclosure of, uncertain tax positions. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109,Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of FIN 48 and is not yet able to determine whether its adoption in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 will have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB 108,Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements. SAB 108 requires companies to evaluate the materiality of identified unadjusted errors on each financial statement and related disclosures using both the rollover and the iron curtain approach. The rollover approach quantifies misstatements based on the amount of the error originating in the current year income statement. The iron curtain approach quantifies misstatements based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current year, irrespective of the misstatement’s year of origin. Adjustment of financial statements would be required if either approach resulted in a material misstatement. SAB 108 applies to annual financial statements for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The Company does not expect the adoption of SAB 108 to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

Note 18.Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies to previous accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.2007, with certain exceptions which are described below. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-1, Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13 (“FSP 157-1”), which amends SFAS 157 to exclude certain leasing transaction from its scope. Also in February 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-2,Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 158,Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability measured by the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation. SFAS 158 also requires any unrecognized prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses to be recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Under SFAS 158, the Company will be required to initially recognize the funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans and to provide additional required disclosures in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007. Based on valuations performed in fiscal year 2006, had the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 158 in that period, the Company’s defined benefit pension plan liability would have increased by approximately $5.3 million and accumulated other comprehensive income would have decreased by approximately $3.6 million (net of taxes) as of September 29, 2006. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 158 with respect to its other defined benefit postretirement plans to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement 115, which provides companies with an option to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities in their entirety at fair value. The fair value option may be applied instrument by instrument, and may be applied only to entire instruments. If a company elects the fair value option for an eligible item, changes in the item’s fair value must be reported as unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is evaluating the options provided under SFAS 159 and their potential impact on its financial condition and results of operations if implemented.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141 (revised 2007),Business Combinations, (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements of the original pronouncement requiring that the purchase method be used for all business combinations but also provides revised guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. It also requires the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies, the capitalization of in-process research and development at fair value, and the expensing of acquisition-related costs as incurred.SFAS 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS 141(R) and does not expect its adoption in the first quarter of

VARIAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

fiscal year 2010 to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. However, in the event that the Company completes acquisitions subsequent to its adoption of SFAS 141(R), the application of its provisions will likely have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, although the Company is not currently able to estimate that impact.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51. SFAS 160 requires that ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent and the amount of consolidated net income be clearly identified, labeled and presented in the consolidated financial statements. It also requires once a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. Sufficient disclosures are required to clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. All other requirements are applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 160 to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161,Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133,which requires additional disclosures about the objectives and strategies of the derivative instruments and hedging activities, the method of accounting for such instruments under SFAS 133 and its related interpretations, and a tabular disclosure of the effects of such instruments and related hedged items on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 161 to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP 142-3,Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. The intent of FSP 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141(R),Business Combinations, and other accounting literature. FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and must be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date. Early adoption is prohibited. Given that FSP 142-3 applies to intangible assets acquired after the effective date, the Company is not yet able to determine whether its adoption will have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

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

 

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Throughout this Report, and particularly in thisItem 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, there are forward-looking statements that are based upon our current expectations, estimates and projections and that reflect our beliefs and assumptions based upon information available to us at the date of this Report. In some cases, you can identify these statements by words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,”“potential” or “continue,” and other similar terms. These forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) those relating to the timing and amount of anticipated restructuring and other related costs as well as anticipated capital expenditures.expenditures in fiscal year 2008.

 

We caution investors that forward-looking statements are only predictions, based upon our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Some of the important factors that could cause our results to differ are discussed inItem 1A—Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2006.28, 2007. We encourage you to read that section carefully.

 

Other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: whether we will succeed in new product development, release, commercialization, performance and acceptance; whether we can achieve continued growth in sales for industrial applications and/or renewed growth in sales for life science applications; whether we can achieve continued sales growth in Europe and Asia Pacific and/or renewedstronger growth in sales in the U.S.; risks arising from the timing of shipments, installations and the recognition of revenues on certain magnetic resonance (“MR”)magnet-based products, including nuclear magnetic resonance (“NMR”), MR spectroscopy systems, magnetic resonance (“MR”) imaging systems and fourier-transformfourier transform mass spectrometry (“FTMS”) systems and superconducting magnets; the impact of shifting product mix on profit margins; competitive products and pricing; economic conditions in our product and geographic markets; whether we will see continued and timely delivery of key raw materials and components by suppliers; foreign currency fluctuations that could adversely impact revenue growth and earnings; whether we will see sustained or improved marketcontinued investment in capital equipment;equipment, in particular given global liquidity and credit concerns; whether we will see reduced demand from customers that operate in cyclical industries; the impact of any delay or reduction in government funding for research; our ability to successfully evaluate, negotiate and integrate acquisitions; the actual costs, timing and benefits of restructuring activities (such as our Northern California facilities consolidation) and other efficiency improvement activities;activities (such as our global procurement, lower-cost manufacturing and outsourcing initiatives); variability in our effective income tax rate (due to factors including the timing and amount of discrete tax events; the timingevents and amount of stock-based compensation expense;changes to unrecognized tax benefits); and other risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We disclaim any intent orundertake no special obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events or otherwise.

Results of Operations

 

Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 20072008 Compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 20062007

 

Segment Results

 

OurFor financial reporting purposes, our operations are grouped into two reportable business segments: Scientific Instruments and Vacuum Technologies. The following table presents comparisons of our sales and operating earnings for each of those segments and in total for the third quarters of fiscal years 20072008 and 2006:2007:

 

  Fiscal Quarter Ended

     Fiscal Quarter Ended   
  

June 29,

2007


 

June 30,

2006


 Increase
(Decrease)


   June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 Increase
(Decrease)
 
  $

 % of
Sales


 $

   % of
Sales


 $

   %

   $ % of
Sales
 $ % of
Sales
 $ % 

(dollars in millions)

                

Sales by Segment:

                

Scientific Instruments

  $  187.0  82.3% $  170.3   81.2% $  16.7   9.8%  $200.7  82.1% $187.0  82.3% $13.7  7.3%

Vacuum Technologies

   40.1  17.7   39.4   18.8   0.7   1.7    43.7  17.9   40.1  17.7   3.6  9.0 
  


 


   


                

Total company

  $227.1  100.0% $209.7   100.0% $17.4   8.3%  $244.4  100.0% $227.1  100.0% $17.3  7.6%
  


 


   


                

Operating Earnings by Segment:

                

Scientific Instruments

  $17.4  9.3% $14.7   8.6% $2.7   18.2%  $12.2  6.1% $17.4  9.3% $(5.2) (29.9)%

Vacuum Technologies

   7.8  19.5   8.5   21.6   (0.7)  (8.2)   7.8  17.7   7.8  19.5   —    —   
  


 


   


                

Total segments

   25.2  11.1   23.2   11.1   2.0   8.5    20.0  8.2   25.2  11.1   (5.2) (20.9)

General corporate

   (4.5) (2.0)  (4.3)  (2.1)  (0.2)  5.7    (2.6) (1.1)  (4.5) (2.0)  1.9  43.6 
  


 


   


                

Total company

  $20.7  9.1% $18.9   9.0% $1.8   9.2%  $17.4  7.1% $20.7  9.1% $(3.3) (15.9)%
  


 


   


                

 

Scientific Instruments. The increase in Scientific Instruments sales was primarily attributable to higher sales volume of our analytical instruments and strong demandconsumable products, partially offset by lower sales of magnet-based products (primarily due to delayed deliveries and installations of a few large systems). The weaker U.S. dollar and recent acquisitions also had a positive impact on Scientific Instruments sales growth. Sales increased for both industrial (which includes environmental, food and energy) and life science applications.

Scientific Instruments revenues for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 do not include sales from acquisitions completed since the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, primarily Oxford Diffraction Limited (“Oxford Diffraction”), which was acquired in April 2008, and the business of Analogix, Inc. (the “Analogix Business”), which was acquired in November 2007. In the aggregate, these acquisitions contributed approximately 1% to Scientific Instruments sales growth in the third quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2007.

 

Scientific Instruments operating earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 include2008 included an acquisition-related in-process research and development charge of $1.5 million, acquisition-related intangible amortization of $2.4 million, amortization of $0.6 million related to inventory written up to fair value in connection with the acquisition of Oxford Diffraction, restructuring and other related costs of $2.9 million, acquisition-related intangible amortization of $1.8$1.7 million and share-based compensation expense of $0.7$0.9 million. In comparison, Scientific Instruments operating earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 include2007 included acquisition-related intangible amortization of $1.8 million, restructuring and other related costs of $0.1$2.9 million acquisition-related intangible amortization of $2.4 million,and share-based compensation expense of $0.8 million and amortization of $0.6 million related to inventory written up in connection with the acquisitions of Magnex Scientific Limited (“Magnex”) in November 2004 and IonSpec Corporation (“IonSpec”) in February 2006. Excluding the impact of these items, the increase in operating earnings as a percentage of sales resulted primarily from efficiency improvements and sales volume leverage (as the higher sales volume improved the absorption rate of fixed and semi-variable costs) favorably impacting selling, general and administrative expenses.

Vacuum Technologies. Vacuum Technologies sales increased slightly due to higher overall sales volume. Higher sales into life science applications were partially offset by lower sales into industrial applications.

Vacuum Technologies operating earnings for the third quarters of fiscal years 2007 and 2006 include the impact of share-based compensation expense of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.$0.7 million. Excluding the impact of these items, the decrease in operating earnings as a percentage of sales resulted primarily from lower gross margins comparedwas attributable to an exceptionallyhigher transition costs related to the relocation of manufacturing activities for certain products, the continued weakening of the U.S. dollar (which was favorable product mixto reported sales but unfavorable to reported operating margins) and, to a lesser extent, the transition effect of acquisitions completed in the thirdquarter.

We expect our initiatives to relocate manufacturing activities for certain products to have some residual negative impact on revenue and profitability in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Vacuum Technologies. The increase in Vacuum Technologies sales was driven by higher sales volume across a broad range of the prior year. We currently believe that this segment’s products and services. The weaker U.S. dollar also had a positive impact on Vacuum Technologies sales growth. Sales increased for both industrial and life science applications.

Vacuum Technologies operating profit margin (defined asearnings for the third quarters of fiscal years 2008 and 2007 include the impact of share-based compensation expense of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of these items, the decrease in Vacuum Technologies operating earnings as a percentage of sales) forsales is primarily the result of the continued weakening of the U.S. dollar, which was only partially offset by the positive impact of sales volume leverage in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 is more indicative of operating profit margins to be expected over the next several quarters than the margin for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006.

2008.

Consolidated Results

 

The following table presents comparisons of our sales and other selected consolidated financial results for the third quarters of fiscal years 20072008 and 2006:2007:

 

  Fiscal Quarter Ended

     Fiscal Quarter Ended   
  

June 29,

2007


 

June 30,

2006


 

Increase

(Decrease)


   June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 Increase
(Decrease)
 
  $

 % of
Sales


 $

   % of
Sales


 $

   %

   $ % of
Sales
 $ % of
Sales
 $ % 

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

                

Sales

  $  227.1  100.0% $  209.7   100.0% $  17.4   8.3%  $244.4  100.0% $227.1  100.0% $17.3  7.6%
  


 


   


                

Gross profit

   101.9  44.9   94.5   45.1   7.4   7.8    106.2  43.4   101.9  44.9   4.3  4.2 
  


 


   


                

Operating expenses:

                

Selling, general and administrative

   64.3  28.4   60.1   28.7   4.2   7.1    68.8  28.1   64.3  28.4%  4.5  6.9 

Research and development

   16.9  7.4   15.5   7.4   1.4   8.9    18.5  7.6   16.9  7.4   1.6  9.7 

Purchased in-process research and development

   1.5  0.6   —    —     1.5  100.0 
  


 


   


                

Total operating expenses

   81.2  35.8   75.6   36.1   5.6   7.4    88.8  36.3   81.2  35.8   7.6  9.3 
  


 


   


                

Operating earnings

   20.7  9.1   18.9   9.0   1.8   9.2    17.4  7.1   20.7  9.1   (3.3) (15.9)

Interest income

   1.6  0.7   0.8   0.4   0.8   96.2    1.2  0.5   1.6  0.7   (0.4) (26.0)

Interest expense

   (0.4) (0.2)  (0.5)  (0.3)  0.1   (15.0)   (0.4) (0.2)  (0.4) (0.2)  —    14.0 

Income tax expense

   (7.3) (3.2)  (4.7)  (2.2)  (2.6)  53.9    (6.8) (2.8)  (7.3) (3.2)  0.5  6.4 
  


 


   


                

Net earnings

  $14.6  6.4% $14.5   6.9% $0.1   0.4%  $11.4  4.6% $14.6  6.4% $(3.2) (21.9)%
  


 


   


                

Net earnings per diluted share

  $0.47  $0.46    $0.01      $0.38   $0.47   $(0.09) 
  


 


   


                

 

Sales. As discussed under the headingSegment Results above, sales by theour Scientific Instruments and Vacuum Technologies segments in the third quarter of fiscal year 20072008 increased by 9.8%7.3% and 1.7%9.0%, respectively, compared to the prior-year quarter. OnThe growth in consolidated sales was broad-based, with increases in sales of products for both industrial (which includes environmental, food and energy) and life science applications. Recent acquisitions and the weaker U.S. dollar also had a positive effect on the reported sales increases, while delayed deliveries and installations of a few large magnet-based products had a negative effect. Sales from acquisitions completed since the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 contributed approximately 1% to consolidated basis, sales grew 8.3%growth in the third quarter of fiscal year 20072008 compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, with the increase driven by strong demand in the Scientific Instruments segment for industrial applications.2007.

For geographic reporting purposes, we use four regions—North America (excluding Mexico), Europe (including the Middle East and Africa), Asia Pacific (including India) and Latin America (including Mexico). Sales by geographic region in the third quarters of fiscal years 20072008 and 20062007 were as follows:follow:

 

  Fiscal Quarter Ended

     Fiscal Quarter Ended    
  

June 29,

2007


 

June 30,

2006


 Increase
(Decrease)


   June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 Increase
(Decrease)
 
  $

  % of
Sales


 $

  % of
Sales


 $

   %

   $  % of
Sales
 $  % of
Sales
 $  % 

(dollars in millions)

                      

Sales by Geographic Region:

            

Geographic Region

          

North America

  $78.7  34.7% $85.9  41.0% $(7.2)  (8.4)%  $79.2  32.4% $79.0  34.8% $0.2  0.2%

Europe

   90.4  39.8   74.7  35.6   15.7   21.1    98.1  40.1   90.4  39.8   7.7  8.5 

Asia Pacific

   47.4  20.9   41.7  19.9   5.7   13.6    51.5  21.1   47.4  20.9   4.1  8.8 

Latin America

   10.6  4.6   7.4  3.6   3.2   41.5    15.6  6.4   10.3  4.5   5.3  52.0 
  

   

   


                

Total company

  $  227.1  100.0% $  209.7  100.0% $  17.4   8.3%  $244.4  100.0% $227.1  100.0% $17.3  7.6%
  

   

   


                

Sales in North America were essentially flat, with higher Vacuum Technologies sales offset by slightly lower Scientific Instruments sales. The sales increases in Europe and Asia Pacific were attributable to higher sales by both the Scientific Instruments and Vacuum Technologies segments. The sales increase in Latin America was attributable to higher Scientific Instruments sales.

 

The increases in sales increase in Europe Asia Pacific and Latin America were primarily attributablewas less pronounced compared to stronger demand across a broad rangethe prior-year quarter due to the timing of our Scientific Instruments products. To a lesser extent, higher sales of Vacuum Technologiescertain low-volume, high-selling price magnet-based products. We do not consider this to be indicative of any particular trend for magnet-based products also contributedas a whole, but rather to the increase in those regions.

We believe the reduction in sales in North America was primarily due to a general trend in many industries of manufacturing moving outbe reflective of the U.S. for cost and tax reasons and softnessvariability in demand from pharmaceutical companies in the U.S., which was in part due to consolidations and a shift in pharmaceutical research and manufacturing to the Asia Pacific region. While both ofresults that these trends negatively impacted sales in North America in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, they probably benefited us in Asia Pacific. On a sequential basis, North America sales were higher by approximately 10%, primarily as a result of increased government funding for purchases of our Scientific Instruments products.low-volume, high-selling price magnet-based products can create.

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal year 2008 reflects the impact of $2.0 million in amortization expense relating to acquisition-related intangible assets, $0.6 million in amortization expense related to inventory written up to fair value primarily in connection with the acquisition of Oxford Diffraction, $0.5 million in restructuring and other related costs and share-based compensation expense of $0.1 million. In comparison, gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 reflects the impact of $1.3 million in amortization expense relating to acquisition-related intangible assets, $0.7 million in restructuring and other related costs and share-based compensation expense of $0.1 million. In comparison, gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 reflects the impact of $1.6 million in amortization expense relating to acquisition-related intangible assets, $0.6 million in amortization expense related to inventory written up in connection with the Magnex and IonSpec acquisitions and share-based compensation expense of $0.1 million. Excluding the impact of these items, the decrease in gross profit percentage decreased primarily as a percentage of sales was primarily the result of higher transition costs related to the salerelocation of two low-margin high-field NMR systems duringmanufacturing activities for certain products, the third quarter of fiscal year 2007. Both of these systems had been in backlog for some timeweaker U.S. dollar (which was favorable to reported sales but unfavorable to reported gross profit margins) and, required significant installation time. One of these systems also includedto a higher-cost OEM magnet sourced from a third-party supplier. As of June 29, 2007, only a few such OEM magnets remained for shipment in future periods. In addition, the product mix in the Vacuum Technologies segment was exceptionally favorable in the third quarter of the prior year. The decrease from these factors was partially offset by the positive impact on gross margins of internally sourced magnets for MR products.lesser extent, higher freight costs.

 

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 2008 included $0.4 million in amortization expense relating to acquisition-related intangible assets, $0.9 million in restructuring and other related costs and $2.1 million in share-based compensation expense. In comparison, selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 includeincluded $0.5 million in amortization expense relating to acquisition-related intangible assets, $1.9 million in restructuring and other related costs and $1.9 million in share-based compensation expense. In comparison, selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 included $0.1 million in restructuring and other related costs, $0.9 million in acquisition-related intangible amortization and $1.6 million in share-based compensation expense. Excluding the impact of these items, the slight increase in selling, general and administrative expenses were lower as a percentage of sales was primarily due to the weaker U.S. dollar, higher costs relating to new product introductions and the transition effect of acquisitions completed during the quarter, partially offset by lower employee bonus accruals in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 primarily as a result of sales volume leverage and efficiency improvements in the Scientific Instruments segment.2008.

 

Research and Development. Research and development expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 20072008 reflect the impact of $0.3 million in restructuring and other related costs of $0.3 million and $0.1 million in share-based compensation expense. In comparison, research and development expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006

2007 reflect the impact of restructuring and other related costs of $0.3 million and share-based compensation expense of $0.1 million. Excluding the impact of these items, research and development expenses were relatively flat as a percentage of sales. Thethe slight increase in research and development expenses in absolute dollars resultedas a percentage of sales was primarily fromdue to higher spending oncosts relating to new product introductions and product transition activities.

Purchased In-Process Research and Development.In connection with the Oxford Diffraction acquisition in the third quarter of fiscal year 2008, we recorded a one-time charge of $1.5 million to immediately expense acquired in-process research and development for mainly information rich detection products.related to projects that were in process but incomplete at the time of the acquisition.

 

Restructuring Activities. Between fiscal years 2003 and 2007, we committed to several restructuring plans in order to adjust our organizational structure, improve operational efficiencies and eliminate redundant or excess costs resulting from acquisitions or dispositions during those periods.

The following table sets forth changes in our aggregate liability relating to all restructuringperiods.From the respective inception dates of these plans during the third quarter of fiscal year 2007:

   Employee-
Related


  Facilities-
Related


  Total

 

(in thousands)

             

Balance at March 30, 2007

  $176  $741  $917 

Charges

   1,888      1,888 

Cash payments

      (20)  (20)

Foreign currency impacts and other adjustments

   (4)  10   6 
   


 


 


Balance at June 29, 2007

  $  2,060  $  731  $  2,791 
   


 


 


Wethrough June 27, 2008, we have incurred a total of $17.4$19.2 million in restructuring expense under these restructuring plans. In addition, we have also recordedand a total of $8.1 million in other costs related directly to thesethose plans (comprised primarily of employee retention and relocation costs and accelerated depreciation of assets to be disposed upon the closure of facilities) totaling $4.4 million. Of this amount, a total of $1.0 million was recorded during. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2007.2008, there was no significant activity under these plans except for the fiscal year 2007 plan as described below.

 

Fiscal Year 2007 Plan. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, we committed to a plan to combine and optimize the development and assembly of most of our NMR and mass spectrometry products, to further centralize related administration and other functions and to reallocate certain resources toward more rapidly growing product lines and geographies. As part of the plan, we are creating an information rich detection (“IRD”) center in Walnut Creek, California, where NMR operations currently located in Palo Alto, California will beare being integrated with mass spectrometry operations already located in Walnut Creek. Merging our IRD talent base into this single location will capitalize on our strength in NMR and mass spectrometry and enhance our ability to develop innovative IRD solutions that are more powerful, complementary, routine and user-friendly. Underscoring our commitment to IRD and the benefits that a combined location and organization will provide, we will investare investing in a new 45,000 square foot building and a substantial remodel of an existing building there to house the IRD center.

 

As a result of the plan, a number of employee positions have been or will be relocated or eliminated and certain facilities have been or will be consolidated. These actions primarily impact the Scientific Instruments segment and involve the elimination of between approximately 40 and 60 positions. We expect these activities to be completed during the first half of fiscal year 2009.

 

Restructuring and other related costs associated with this plan include one-time employee termination benefits, employee retention payments, costs to relocate facilities (including decommissioning costs, moving costs and temporary facility/storage costs), accelerated depreciation of fixed assets to be disposed as a result of facilities actions and lease termination costs. These costs are currently estimated to be between $9.5 million and $14.5 million, of which $2.9 million was incurred in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 and between $1.0 million and $2.0 million is expected to be recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007. These costs are expected to be settled through the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 except for certain lease termination-related costs, which might be settled as late as the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012.

The following table sets forth changes in our restructuring liability relating to the foregoing plan during the third quarter of fiscal year 2007:2008 as well as total restructuring expense and other restructuring-related costs recorded since the inception of the plan:

 

  Employee-
Related


 Facilities-
Related


  Total

   Employee-
Related
 Facilities-
Related
 Total 

(in thousands)

          

Balance at March 30, 2007

  $  $  $ 

Charges

   1,888      1,888 

Balance at March 28, 2008

  $1,585  $756  $2,341 

Charges to expense, net

   294   —     294 

Cash payments

             (107)  (64)  (171)

Foreign currency impacts and other adjustments

   (6)     (6)   (4)  (11)  (15)
  


 

  


          

Balance at June 29, 2007

  $  1,882  $     —  $  1,882 

Balance at June 27, 2008

  $1,768  $681  $2,449 
  


 

  


          

Total expense since inception of plans

    

(in millions)

    

Restructuring expense

Restructuring expense

 

 $3.9 
      

Other restructuring-related costs

Other restructuring-related costs

 

 $4.7 
      

 

The restructuring charges of $1.9$0.3 million recorded during the third quarter of fiscal year 20072008 related to employee termination benefits. In addition, weWe also incurred $1.0$1.4 million in other restructuring-related costs relating directly to this restructuring plan during the third quarter, of fiscal year 2007. These costswhich were comprised of $0.7 million in employee retention costs and $0.7 million in facilities-related costs including decommissioning costs and a $0.2 million non-cash charge for accelerated depreciation of assets to be disposed upon the closure of facilities as well as $0.3 million in employee retention costs and $0.5 million in other facility-related costs, both of which will be settled in cash.

Upon its completion, the plan is expected to result in certain operational improvements and efficiencies, which we anticipate will result in a reduction of our overall cost structure and annual operating expenses. We currently estimate the annual cost savings to be achieved following completion of this plan to be between $3.0 million and $5.0 million per year. These estimated cost savings, which are not expected to be realized until the plan is substantially completed in the first half of fiscal year 2009, are expected to impact cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. Some of these cost savings have been and will continue to be reinvested in other parts of our business, for example, as part of our continued emphasis on information rich detection and consumable products. In addition, unrelated cost increases in other areas of our operations have and could in the future offset some or all of these cost savings. Although it is difficult to quantify with any precision our actual cost savings to date from these activities, many of which are still ongoing, we currently believe that the ultimate savings realized will not differ materially from these estimates.

Interest Income.The increase in interest income was primarily due to higher average invested cash balances and higher rates of interest on those balances during the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006.facilities.

 

Income Tax Expense.The effective income tax rate was 37.5% for the third quarter of fiscal year 2008, compared to 33.4% for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, compared to 24.6% for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006.2007. The lowerhigher effective income tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal year 20062008 was primarily due to higher U.S. taxes on foreign earnings, a releasenon-deductible in-process research and development charge related to the acquisition of $2.3 millionOxford Diffraction in April 2008 and higher non-deductible compensation expense. These factors were partially offset by the benefit from a larger reduction in unrecognized tax reserves resulting frombenefits due to the positive outcomelapse of tax uncertainties during that period.certain statutes of limitations in the third quarter of fiscal year 2008.

 

Net Earnings. Net earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 20072008 reflect an acquisition-related in-process research and development charge of $1.5 million and the impactafter-tax impacts of $2.1 million in share-based compensation expense, $1.8 million in acquisition-related intangible amortization and $2.9 million in restructuring and other related costs. Net earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 reflect the impact of $1.8 million in share-based compensation expense, $2.4 million in acquisition-related intangible amortization, $0.6 million in amortization related to inventory written up to fair value in connection with recent acquisitions and $0.1the acquisition of Oxford Diffraction, $1.7 million in restructuring and other related costs.costs and $2.3 million in share-based compensation expense. Net earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 reflect the after-tax impacts of $1.8 million in acquisition-related intangible amortization, $2.9 million in restructuring and other related costs and $2.1 million in share-based compensation expense. Excluding the after-tax impact of these items, the increasedecrease in net earnings in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 resulted2008 was primarily fromattributable to higher sales volumetransition costs related to the relocation of manufacturing activities for certain products and lower selling, generalhigher costs relating to new product introductions.

We expect our initiatives to relocate manufacturing activities for certain products to have some residual negative impact on revenue and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales, partially offset by lower gross profit margins and the higher effective income tax rateprofitability in the period.fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

First Nine Months of Fiscal Year 20072008 Compared to First Nine Months of Fiscal Year 20062007

 

Segment Results

 

The following table presents comparisons of our sales and operating earnings for each of our Scientific Instruments and Vacuum Technologies segments and in total for the first nine months of fiscal years 20072008 and 2006:2007:

 

  Nine Months Ended

     Nine Months Ended   
  

June 29,

2007


 

June 30,

2006


 

Increase

(Decrease)


   June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 Increase
(Decrease)
 
  $

 % of
Sales


 $

   % of
Sales


 $

   %

   $ % of
Sales
 $ % of
Sales
 $ % 

(dollars in millions)

                

Sales by Segment:

                

Scientific Instruments

  $  554.2  82.1% $  503.0   81.8% $  51.2   10.2%  $602.1  82.5% $554.2  82.1% $47.9  8.7%

Vacuum Technologies

   120.8  17.9   112.1   18.2   8.7   7.7    127.9  17.5   120.8  17.9   7.1  5.9 
  


 


   


                

Total company

  $675.0  100.0% $615.1   100.0% $59.9   9.7%  $730.0  100.0% $675.0  100.0% $55.0  8.2%
  


 


   


                

Operating Earnings by Segment:

                

Scientific Instruments

  $58.0  10.5% $41.4   8.2% $16.6   40.3%  $54.5  9.1% $58.0  10.5% $(3.5) (6.1)%

Vacuum Technologies

   23.9  19.7   21.8   19.5   2.1   9.2    24.3  19.0   23.9  19.7   0.4  1.7 
  


 


   


                

Total segments

   81.9  12.1   63.2   10.3   18.7   29.6    78.8  10.8   81.9  12.1   (3.1) (3.8)

General corporate

   (14.2) (2.1)  (12.7)  (2.1)  (1.5)  (11.7)   (10.2) (1.4)  (14.2) (2.1)  4.0  28.5 
  


 


   


                

Total company

  $67.7  10.0% $50.5   8.2% $17.2   34.0%  $68.6  9.4% $67.7  10.0% $0.9  1.3%
  


 


   


                

 

Scientific Instruments. The increase in Scientific Instruments sales was primarily attributable to higher sales volume in particular from mass spectrometersacross a broad range of our analytical instruments and other analytical instruments.consumable products, partially offset by lower sales of magnet-based products. The weaker U.S. dollar and recent acquisitions also had a positive impact on Scientific Instruments sales growth. Sales intoincreased for both industrial applications increased strongly, while sales into(which includes environmental, food and energy) and life science applications were relatively flat. applications.

Scientific Instruments revenues for the first nine months of fiscal year 20062007 do not include sales forfrom acquisitions completed subsequent to that period, primarily Oxford Diffraction and the full periodAnalogix Business. Excluding sales from PL International Limited (“Polymer Labs”), which was acquired in November 2005. Excluding the impact of Polymer Labs,these acquisitions, Scientific Instruments sales in the first nine months of fiscal year 20072008 increased by approximately 9.5%8% compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006.2007.

 

Scientific Instruments operating earnings for the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 include2008 included an acquisition-related in-process research and development charge of $1.5 million, acquisition-related intangible amortization of $6.1 million, amortization of $1.2 million related to inventory written up to fair value in connection with the acquisitions of Oxford Diffraction, the Analogix Business and IonSpec Corporation (“IonSpec”), restructuring and other related costs of $3.1$4.2 million acquisition-related intangible amortization of $6.0 million,and share-based compensation expense of $2.6 million and amortization of $0.5 million related to inventory written up in connection with the acquisition of IonSpec.million. In comparison, Scientific Instruments operating earnings for the first nine months of fiscal year 2006 include2007 included acquisition-related intangible amortization of $6.0 million, amortization of $0.5 million related to inventory written up to fair value in connection with the acquisition of IonSpec, restructuring and other related costs of $0.3$3.1 million an in-process research and development charge of $0.8 million relating to the acquisition of Polymer Labs, acquisition-related intangible amortization of $6.1 million, share-based compensation expense of $2.6 million and amortization of $3.9 million related to inventory written up in connection with the acquisitions of Magnex in November 2004, Polymer Labs in November 2005 and IonSpec in February 2006.million. Excluding the impact of these items, the increase in operating earnings were lower as a percentage of sales resulted primarily fromdue to higher transition costs related to the relocation of manufacturing activities for certain products, the continued weakening of the U.S. dollar (which was favorable to reported sales volume leverage, a favorable mix shift toward higher-margin products including mass spectrometersbut unfavorable to reported operating margins) and consumables, the transition to internally sourced magnets for MR products andtiming of new product introductions. These factors more than offset the positive impact of efficiency improvements on selling, general and administrative expenses.sales volume leverage.

 

Vacuum Technologies. The increase in Vacuum Technologies sales increased primarily as a result ofwas driven by higher sales volume with growth into both life scienceof a broad range of products and services, particularly those for industrial applications. The weaker U.S. dollar also had a positive impact on Vacuum Technologies sales growth.

Vacuum Technologies operating earnings for the first nine months of fiscal yearyears 2008 and 2007 and 2006 include the impact of share-based compensation expense of $1.0$0.6 million and $0.8$1.0 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of these items, the increasedecrease in Vacuum Technologies operating earnings as a percentage of sales is primarily the result of the weaker U.S. dollar, which was primarily attributable toonly partially offset by the positive impact of sales volume leverage.

leverage in the first nine months of fiscal year 2008.

Consolidated Results

 

The following table presents comparisons of our sales and other selected consolidated financial results for the first nine months of fiscal years 20072008 and 2006:2007:

 

  Nine Months Ended

     Nine Months Ended   
  

June 29,

2007


 

June 30,

2006


 

Increase

(Decrease)


   June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 Increase
(Decrease)
 
  $

 % of
Sales


 $

 % of
Sales


 $

 %

   $ % of
Sales
 $ % of
Sales
 $ % 

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

          

Sales

  $  675.0  100.0% $  615.1  100.0% $  59.9  9.7%  $730.0  100.0% $675.0  100.0% $55.0  8.2%
  


 


 


              

Gross profit

   307.1  45.5   273.4  44.4   33.7  12.3    326.4  44.7   307.1  45.5   19.3  6.3 
  


 


 


              

Operating expenses:

          

Selling, general and administrative

   190.8  28.3   178.0  28.9   12.8  7.2    202.4  27.7   190.8  28.3%  11.6  6.1 

Research and development

   48.6  7.2   44.1  7.2   4.5  10.1    53.9  7.4   48.6  7.2   5.3  10.9 

Purchased in-process research and development

        0.8  0.1   (0.8) (100.0)   1.5  0.2        1.5  100.0 
  


 


 


              

Total operating expenses

   239.4  35.5   222.9  36.2   16.5  7.4    257.8  35.3   239.4  35.5   18.4  7.7 
  


 


 


              

Operating earnings

   67.7  10.0   50.5  8.2   17.2  34.0    68.6  9.4   67.7  10.0   0.9  1.3 

Impairment of private company investments

   (3.0) (0.4)       (3.0) (100.0)

Interest income

   4.2  0.6   2.8  0.5   1.4  52.0    4.9  0.7   4.2  0.6   0.7  14.8 

Interest expense

   (1.4) (0.2)  (1.6) (0.3)  0.2  (8.3)   (1.3) (0.2)  (1.4) (0.2)  0.1  11.8 

Income tax expense

   (24.3) (3.6)  (16.3) (2.6)  (8.0) 48.9    (24.5) (3.4)  (24.3) (3.6)  (0.2) (0.6)
  


 


 


              

Net earnings

  $46.2  6.8% $35.4  5.8% $10.8  30.5%  $44.7  6.1% $46.2  6.8% $(1.5) (3.1)%
  


 


 


              

Net earnings per diluted share

  $1.49  $1.12  $0.36    $1.48   $1.49   $(0.01) 
  


 


 


              

 

Sales. As discussed under the headingSegment Results above, sales by the Scientific Instruments and Vacuum Technologies segments in the first nine months of fiscal year 20072008 increased by 10.2%8.7% and 7.7%5.9%, respectively, compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. On2007. The growth in consolidated sales was broad-based, with increases in sales of products for both industrial and life science applications. Recent acquisitions and the weaker U.S. dollar also had a consolidated basis,positive effect on the reported sales grew 9.7% inincreases. Excluding sales from acquisitions completed since the first nine monthsthird quarter of fiscal year 2007, with strong growth into industrial applications and modest growth into life science applications. Revenues for the first nine months of fiscal year 2006 do not include sales for the full nine months from Polymer Labs, which was acquired in November 2005. Excluding the impact of Polymer Labs,consolidated sales in the first nine months of fiscal year 20072008 increased by approximately 9.4%almost 8% compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006.2007.

Sales by geographic region in the first nine months of fiscal years 20072008 and 20062007 were as follows:follow:

 

  Nine Months Ended

     Nine Months Ended     
  

June 29,

2007


 

June 30,

2006


 

Increase

(Decrease)


   June 27,
2008
 June 29,
2007
 Increase
(Decrease)
 
  $

  % of
Sales


 $

  % of
Sales


 $

 %

   $  % of
Sales
 $  % of
Sales
 $  % 

(dollars in millions)

                   

Sales by Geographic Region:

         

Geographic Region

          

North America

  $  224.4  33.2% $  245.1  39.8% $  (20.7) (8.5)%  $232.5  31.8% $225.0  33.3% $7.5  3.3%

Europe

   279.2  41.4   224.6  

36.5

 

  54.6  24.3    299.3  41.0   279.2  41.4   20.1  7.2 

Asia Pacific

   138.6  20.5   118.4  

19.3

 

  20.2  

17.0

 

   153.1  21.0   138.6  20.5   14.5  10.5 

Latin America

   32.8  4.9   27.0  

4.4

 

  5.8  

21.9

 

   45.1  6.2   32.2  4.8   12.9  40.3 
  

   

   


              

Total company

  $675.0  100.0% $615.1  100.0% $59.9  9.7%  $730.0  100.0% $675.0  100.0% $55.0  8.2%
  

   

   


              

 

The sales increases in North America and Latin America were driven by higher Scientific Instruments sales, with Vacuum Technologies sales essentially flat in those regions. The increases in sales in Europe and Asia Pacific and Latin America were primarily attributable to stronger demand across a broad range of our products, in particular analytical instruments and vacuum products. In Europe, higher sales of MR products also contributed toby both the increase.

We believe the reduction in sales in North America was primarily due to a general trend in many industries of manufacturing moving out of the U.S. for costScientific Instruments and tax reasons and softness in demand from pharmaceutical companies in the U.S., which was in part due to consolidations and a shift in pharmaceutical research and manufacturing to the Asia Pacific region. While both of these trends negatively impacted sales in North America in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007, they probably benefited us in Asia Pacific.Vacuum Technologies segments.

 

In addition to the factors described above, theThe sales decrease in North America and increase in Europe was less pronounced compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006 were both more pronounced, and the sales increase in Asia Pacific was less pronounced,2007 due to the timing of sales of certain low-volume, high-selling price MRmagnet-based products. We do not consider these geographic shiftsthis to be indicative of any particular trend for MRmagnet-based products as a whole, but rather to be reflective of the variability in results that these low-volume, high-selling price MRmagnet-based products can create.

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal year 2008 reflects the impact of $4.9 million in amortization expense relating to acquisition-related intangible assets, $1.2 million in amortization expense related to inventory written up to fair value in connection with recent acquisitions, $1.2 million in restructuring and other related costs and share-based compensation expense of $0.3 million. In comparison, gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 reflects the impact of $3.9 million in amortization expense relating to acquisition-related intangible assets, $0.5 million in amortization expense related to inventory written up to fair value in connection with the IonSpec acquisition, share-based compensation expense of $0.3 million and $0.7 million in restructuring and other related costs. In comparison, gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal year 2006 reflects the impact of $3.6 million in amortization expense relating to acquisition-related intangible assets, $3.9 million in amortization expense related to inventory written up in connection with the IonSpec, Polymer Labs and Magnex acquisitionscosts and share-based compensation expense of $0.3 million. Excluding the impact of these items, the decrease in gross profit percentage increased primarily as a percentage of sales was primarily the result of sales volume leveragehigher transition costs related to the relocation of manufacturing activities for certain products, the weaker U.S. dollar (which increased reported revenues but lowered reported gross profit margins) and, to a favorable mix shift toward higher-margin products including mass spectrometers and lower-field NMR and MR imaging systems and away from lower-margin high-field NMR systems.lesser extent, higher freight costs.

 

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of fiscal year 2008 included $1.2 million in amortization expense relating to acquisition-related intangible assets, $2.3 million in restructuring and other related costs and $6.4 million in share-based compensation expense. In comparison, selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 included $2.1 million in amortization expense relating to acquisition-related intangible assets, $2.1 million in restructuring and other related costs and $7.1 million in share-based compensation expense. In comparison,Excluding the impact of these items, the slight decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales was primarily the result of sales volume leverage and lower employee bonus accruals, largely offset by the continued weakening of the U.S. dollar, higher costs relating to sales commissions on strong orders, the timing of new product introductions and the transition effect of acquisitions completed during the first nine months of fiscal year 2008.

Research and Development. Research and development expenses for the first nine months of fiscal year 2006 included $2.4 million in acquisition-related intangible amortization, $0.32008 reflect the impact of $0.8 million in restructuring and other related costs and $5.5 million in share-based compensation expense. Excluding the impactexpense of these items, selling, general and administrative expenses were lower as a percentage of sales in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 primarily as a result of sales volume leverage and efficiency improvements resulting from cost reduction activities.

Research and Development. Research$0.3 million. In comparison, research and development expenses for the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 reflect the impact of $0.3 million in restructuring and other related costs and $0.4 million in share-based compensation expense. In comparison, research and development expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 reflect the impact of share-based compensation expense of $0.4 million. Excluding the impact of these items, research and development expenses were relatively flat as a percentage of sales. The increase in research

Purchased In-Process Research and development expenses in absolute dollars resulted primarily from acquisitions of Polymer LabsDevelopment. In connection with the Oxford Diffraction acquisition in the firstthird quarter of fiscal year 20062008, we recorded a one-time charge of $1.5 million to immediately expense acquired in-process research and IonSpecdevelopment related to projects that were in process but incomplete at the second quartertime of fiscal year 2006 and higher spending on new product development for mainly information rich detection products.the acquisition.

 

Restructuring Activities. Between fiscal years 2003 and 2007, we committed to several restructuring plans in order to adjust our organizational structure, improve operational efficiencies and eliminate redundant or excess costs resulting from acquisitions or dispositions during those periods.

The following table sets forth changes in our aggregate liability relating to all restructuring plans duringperiods.During the first nine months of fiscal year 2007:

   Employee-
Related


  Facilities-
Related


  Total

 

(in thousands)

             

Balance at September 29, 2006

  $    233  $  818  $  1,051 

Charges

   2,067      2,067 

Cash payments

   (248)  (98)  (346)

Foreign currency impacts and other adjustments

   8   11   19 
   


 


 


Balance at June 29, 2007

  $  2,060  $731  $2,791 
   


 


 


We have incurred a total of $17.4 million in restructuring expense2008, there was no significant activity under these restructuring plans. In addition, we have also recorded other costs related directly to these plans (comprised primarily of employee retention and relocation costs and accelerated depreciation of assets to be disposed uponexcept for the closure of facilities) totaling $4.4 million. Of this amount, a total of $1.0 million was recorded during the first nine months of fiscal year 2007.2007 plan as described below.

 

Fiscal Year 2007 Plan. During the first nine monthsthird quarter of fiscal year 2007, we committed to a plan to combine and optimize the development and assembly of most of our NMR and mass spectrometry products, to further centralize related administration and other functions and to reallocate certain resources toward more rapidly growing product lines and geographies.

 

The following table sets forth changes in our restructuring liability relating to the foregoing plan during the first nine months of fiscal year 2007:2008:

 

  Employee-
Related


 Facilities-
Related


  Total

   Employee-
Related
 Facilities-
Related
 Total 

(in thousands)

          

Balance at September 29, 2006

  $     —  $     —  $     — 

Charges

   1,888      1,888 

Balance at September 28, 2007

  $2,222  $  $2,222 

Charges to expense, net

   798   761   1,559 

Cash payments

             (1,308)  (185)  (1,493)

Foreign currency impacts and other adjustments

   (6)     (6)   56   105   161 
  


 

  


          

Balance at June 29, 2007

  $  1,882  $  $  1,882 

Balance at June 27, 2008

  $1,768  $681  $2,449 
  


 

  


          

 

The restructuring charges of $1.9$1.6 million recorded during the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 related to employee termination benefits. In addition, we incurred $1.0 million in other costs relating directly to this restructuring plan during the first nine months of fiscal year 2007. These2008 related to employee termination benefits and costs associated with the closure of leased facilities. We also incurred $2.7 million in other restructuring-related costs which were comprised of $1.7 million in employee retention costs and $1.0 million in facilities-related costs including decommissioning costs and a $0.2 million non-cash charge for accelerated depreciation of assets to be disposed upon the closure of facilities as well as $0.3 million in employee retention costs and $0.5 million in other facility-related costs both of which will be settled in cash.facilities.

 

Interest Income.The increase in interest income was primarily due to higher average invested cash balances and higher ratesImpairment of interest on those balances duringPrivate Company Equity Investment. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared2008, we became aware of information which raised substantial doubt about the ability of a small, private company in which we hold a cost-method equity investment to continue as a going concern. Based on this information, we determined that the first nine monthsfair value of our investment had declined and that the decline was other-than-temporary. As a result, we wrote off the entire $3.0 million carrying value via an impairment charge in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006.2008.

 

Income Tax Expense.The effective income tax rate was 35.4% for the first nine months of fiscal year 2008, compared to 34.5% for the first nine months of fiscal year 2007, compared to 31.6% for the first nine months of fiscal year 2006.2007. The lowerhigher effective income tax rate in the first nine months of fiscal year 20062008 was primarily due to a release of $2.3 million in tax reserves resulting from the positive outcome of tax uncertainties during that period. The positive impact of this releasehigher U.S. taxes on the effective income tax rate was partially offset by the negative impact of an $0.8 millionforeign earnings, higher non-deductible compensation expense and a non-deductible in-process research and development charge recorded duringrelated to the same period.

We currently expect our effective incomeacquisition of Oxford Diffraction in April 2008. These factors were partially offset by the benefit from a larger reduction in unrecognized tax ratebenefits due to be between 34.5% and 35.0% for the fulllapse of certain statutes of limitations in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007, which compares to 32.9% for fiscal year 2006.2008.

 

Net Earnings. Net earnings for the first nine months of fiscal year 20072008 reflect an in-process research and development charge of $1.5 million and the impactafter-tax impacts of $7.8an impairment of a private company equity

investment of $3.0 million, in share-based compensation expense, $6.0$6.1 million in acquisition-related intangible amortization, $3.1$1.2 million in amortization related to inventory written up to fair value in connection with recent acquisitions, $4.2 million in restructuring and other related costs and $0.5$7.0 million in amortization related to inventory written up in connection with recent acquisitions.share-based compensation expense. Net earnings for the first nine months of fiscal year 20062007 reflect the impactafter-tax impacts of $6.2 million in share-based compensation expense, $6.1$6.0 million in acquisition-related intangible amortization, $3.9$0.5 million in amortization related to inventory written up to fair value in connection with recent acquisitions, $0.3the acquisition of IonSpec, $3.1 million in restructuring and other related costs and an in-process research and development charge of $0.8 million.$7.8 million in share-based compensation expense. Excluding the after-tax impact of these items, the increase in net earnings in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 resulted2008 was primarily fromattributable to higher sales volume improved gross profit margins(including sales volume leverage on operating expenses), partially offset by higher transition costs related to the relocation of manufacturing activities for certain products and lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales.higher costs relating to new product introductions.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We generated $59.3$59.6 million of cash from operating activities in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007,2008, compared to $34.3$59.3 million generated in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The increase in cash2007. Cash generated from operating activities remained essentially flat as a relative increase in inventories ($21.3 million) was offset by a relative decrease in accounts receivable ($8.5 million) and relative increases in accrued liabilities ($2.9 million) and accounts payable ($7.7 million). The relative increase in inventories was primarily driven by higher net earningsdue to a build-up of inventory to support increased orders, new product introductions and the transition of certain products to new manufacturing locations. The relative decrease in accounts receivable was primarily due to stronger collection efforts in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2006. The increase was also attributable to a relative increase of $10.3 million in cash from changes in assets and liabilities (excluding the effect of acquisitions).

2008. The relative increase in cash from changes in assets and liabilities was primarily due to relative increases in cash from accrued liabilities ($11.1 million), inventories ($7.4 million) and accounts receivable ($4.5 million). The relative increase from accrued liabilities was primarily due to an increase in customercontract advances in the current-year period, while the increase from inventories was primarily due to a greater increase in inventories in the prior-year period as a result of our transition to internally sourced magnets for our MR products and the timing of new product launches. The relative increase from accounts receivable was primarily due to the timing of sales (particularly late in the nine-month period) and collections from customers. The increase in cash inflows attributable to the foregoing factors was partially offset by relative decreases in cash from accounts payable ($6.4 million) and prepaid expenses and other current assets ($5.7 million)customers during the first nine months of 2007.fiscal year 2008. The relative decrease fromincrease in accounts payable was primarily due to increasedhigher purchasing volume to support higher sales and the timing of vendor payments, while the relative decrease from prepaid expenses and other current assets was primarily attributable to a reduction in deposits made for OEM magnets for our MR products due to our transition to internally sourced magnets.inventories.

 

We used $12.8$68.3 million of cash for investing activities in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007, compared2008, which compares to $85.2$12.8 million used for investing activities in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006.2007. The decreaseincrease in cash used for investing activities in the first nine months of fiscal year 20072008 was primarily the result of lower acquisition-related payments. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2007, acquisition-related payments totaled $5.1 million and consisted of amounts previously retained to secure sellers’ indemnification obligations and contingent consideration payments related to acquisitions made in prior periods. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2006, acquisition-related payments totaled $69.9 million and included $44.1 million and $14.5 million for the acquisitions of Polymer Labsthe Analogix Business in November 2007 and IonSpec, respectively, and $11.3 million for contingent consideration payments relatingOxford Diffraction in April 2008 as well as higher net capital expenditures due primarily to acquisitions madethe construction of our IRD center in prior years.Walnut Creek, California.

 

We used $38.6$69.8 million of cash for financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal year 2007, compared2008, which compares to $19.2$38.6 million used for financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal year 2006.2007. The increase in cash used for financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal year 2008 was primarily due to higher expenditures to repurchase and retire common stock (such expenditures were made in both periods as a result of a continued effort to utilize excess cash to reduce the number of outstanding common shares).

, lower proceeds from the issuance of common stock (due to lower stock option exercise volume) and higher repayments of debt.

As of June 29, 2007,We maintain relationships with banks in many countries from whom we had a total of $62.2 million in uncommitted and unsecured credit facilities for working capital purposes with interest rates to be established at the time of borrowing. No borrowings were outstanding under these credit facilities as of June 29, 2007. Of the $62.2 million in uncommitted and unsecured credit facilities, a total of $35.5 million was limited for use by, or in favor of, certain subsidiaries at June 29, 2007, and a total of $13.0 million of this $35.5 million was being utilized in the form ofsometimes obtain bank guarantees and short-term standby letters of credit. These guarantees and letters of credit relatedrelate primarily to advance payments and deposits made to our subsidiaries by customers for which separate liabilities wereare recorded in ourthe unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements atstatements. As of June 29, 2007.27, 2008, a total of $23.2 million of these bank guarantees and letters of credit were outstanding. No amounts had been drawn by beneficiaries under these or any other outstanding guarantees or letters of credit as of that date.

 

Long-term Debt. As of June 29, 2007,27, 2008, we had a $25.0an $18.8 million term loan outstanding with a U.S. financial institution, compared to $27.5institution. The balance outstanding under this term loan was $25.0 million at September 29, 2006.28, 2007. As of both June 29,27, 2008 and September 28, 2007, the fixed interest rate on the term loan was 6.7%. As of September 29, 2006, fixed interest rates on the term loan ranged from 6.7% to 7.2%. The weighted-average interest rate on the term loan was 6.8% at September 29, 2006. The term loan contains certain covenants that limit future borrowings and the payment of cash dividends and require the maintenance of certain levels of working capital and operating results. We were in compliance with all restrictive covenants of the term loan agreement at June 29, 2007.27, 2008.

In connection with the IonSpec acquisition,certain acquisitions, we have accrued but not yet paid a portion of the purchase price that has been retained to secure the respective sellers’ indemnification obligations. As of June 29, 2007,The following table summarizes outstanding purchase price amounts retained amounts forand the IonSpec acquisition totaled $0.7 million, which is due to be paiddate they will become payable (net of any indemnification claims) as of June 27, 2008:

Acquired Business

Retained Amount

Date Payable

(in millions)

Analogix Business

$1.3November 2009

Other

  0.3April 2009

Total

$1.6

In addition to the above amounts, the final $0.7 million retained in connection with the acquisition of IonSpec in February 2006 was paid during the first nine months of fiscal year 2008.

 

As of June 29, 2007, up to a maximum of $37.2 million could be payable through February 2009 under27, 2008, we had several outstanding contingent consideration arrangements relating to acquired businesses. Amounts subject to these arrangements can be earned over the respective measurement period, depending on the performance of the acquired business relative to certain financial and/or operational targets.

 

The following table summarizes key terms of outstanding contingent consideration arrangements as of June 29, 2007:27, 2008:

 

Acquired businessBusiness


  

Remaining Amount

amount

availableAvailable

(maximum)


  

Measurement periodPeriod


  

Measurement period end datePeriod End
Date


(in millions)

IonSpecPL International Ltd.

  $14.0 million15.3  3 years  February 2009December 2008

MagnexIonSpec Corporation

  $4.0 million  14.0  3 years  November 2007April 2009

Polymer LabsOxford Diffraction

  $19.2 million  10.0  3 years  November 2008April 2011

Analogix Business

    4.03 yearsDecember 2010

Other

    0.62 yearsJuly 2010

Total

$43.9

During the first nine months of fiscal year 2008, we paid $4.0 million for the final contingent consideration payment related to Magnex Scientific Limited, which we acquired in November 2004.

 

The Distribution Agreement provides that we are responsible for certain litigation to which VAI was a party, and further provides that we will indemnify VMS and VSEA for one-third of the costs, expenses and other liabilities relating to certain discontinued, former and corporate operations of VAI, including certain environmental liabilities (see Note 1112 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

As of June 27, 2008, we had cancelable commitments to a contractor for capital expenditures totaling approximately $21.3 million relating to the construction of our IRD center in Walnut Creek, California. In the event that these commitments are canceled for reasons other than the contractor’s default, we may be responsible for reimbursement of actual costs incurred by the contractor. We had no material non-cancelable commitments for capital expenditures as of June 29, 2007.27, 2008. In the aggregate, we currently anticipate that our capital expenditures will be approximately 2%2.5% of sales for the full fiscal year 2007.

2008.

InAs discussed above under the headingRestructuring Activities, in April 2007, we committed to a plan to combine and optimize the development and assembly of most of our NMR and mass spectrometry products, to further centralize related administration and other functions and to reallocate certain resources toward more rapidly growing product lines and geographies. In connection with this plan, we expect to make capital expenditures of up to $25 million, beginningwhich began in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 and continuingwill continue through the first half of

fiscal year 2009. We expect that a significant portion of these expenditures will fall within our typical capital spending pattern (of approximately 3% of sales) measured over a two-year period. We also expect to incur total restructuring and other related costs associated with this plan of between $9.5$12.0 million and $14.5$14.0 million, of which $2.9$4.3 million was incurred in fiscal year 2007 and $4.2 million was incurred in the third quarterfirst nine months of fiscal year 2007 and between $1.0 million and $2.0 million is expected to be recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007.2008. Some portion of these costs is expected to be settled through the secondfourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, except for certain lease termination-related costs, which might be settled as late as the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012. A total of $8.0$10.5 million to $12.5 million of these costs are expected to result in cash expenditures.

 

In November 2005,February 2008, our Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program under which we are authorized to utilize up to $100 million to repurchase shares of our common stock. This repurchase program is effective through December 31, 2009. During the nine months ended June 27, 2008, we repurchased and retired 567,000 shares under this authorization at an aggregate cost of $30.5 million. As of June 27, 2008, we had remaining authorization to repurchase $69.5 million of our common stock under this repurchase program.

In January 2007, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we were authorized to utilize up to $100 million to repurchase shares of our common stock. This repurchase program was effective until September 30, 2007.December 31, 2008. During the first quarternine months of fiscal year 2007,2008, we repurchased and retired 820,000876,000 shares under this repurchase program at an aggregate cost of $37.1$50.4 million, which completed this repurchase program.

In January 2007, our Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program under which we are authorized to utilize up to $100 million to repurchase shares of our common stock. This repurchase program is effective until December 31, 2008. During the second and third quarters of fiscal year 2007, we repurchased and retired 575,000 shares at an aggregate cost of $32.5 million. As of June 29, 2007, we had remaining authorization to repurchase $67.5 million of our common stock under this program.

 

Our liquidity is affected by many other factors, some based on the normal ongoing operations of the business and others related to the uncertainties of the industries in which we compete and global economies. Although our cash requirements will fluctuate based on the timing and extent of these factors, we believe that cash generated from operations, together with our current cash balance and borrowing capability, will be sufficient to satisfy commitments for capital expenditures and other cash requirements for the next 12 months.

 

Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

 

The following table summarizes the amount and estimated timing of future cash expenditures relating to principal payments on outstanding long-term debt, minimum rentals due for certain facilities and other leased assets under long-term, non-cancelable operating leases and other long-term liabilities as of June 29, 2007:27, 2008:

 

  Three
Months
Ending
Sept. 28,
2007


  Fiscal Years

  

Total


  Fiscal
Quarter
Ending
Oct. 3,
2008
  Fiscal Years
  2008

  2009

  2010

  2011

  2012

  Thereafter

     2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  Thereafter  Total

(in thousands)

                                        

Operating leases

  $  2,547  $    7,059  $  5,073  $  3,243  $  2,007  $  1,853  $    5,557  $  27,339  $3,001  $9,472  $6,683  $3,356  $2,252  $1,780  $3,762  $30,306

Long-term debt (including current portion)

      6,250      6,250      6,250   6,250   25,000   —     —     6,250   —     6,250   —     6,250   18,750

Other long-term liabilities

   502   4,455   3,898   3,511   2,934   2,742   26,164   44,206
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

                        

Total contractual cash obligations

  $2,547  $  13,309  $5,073  $9,493  $2,007  $8,103  $  11,807  $52,339

Total

  $3,503  $13,927  $16,831  $6,867  $11,436  $4,522  $36,176  $93,262
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

                        

 

In addition to the non-cancelable contractual obligations included in the above table, we had cancelable commitments to purchase certain superconducting magnets intended for use with NMR systems totaling $3.2 million, net of deposits paid, as of June 29, 2007. In the event that these commitments are canceled for reasons other than the supplier’s default, we may be responsible for reimbursement of actual costs incurred by the supplier.

As of June 29, 2007,27, 2008, we did not have any off-balance sheet commercial commitments that could result in a significant cash outflow upon the occurrence of some contingent event, except for contingent payments of up to a maximum of $37.2$43.9 million related to acquisitions as discussed underLiquidity and Capital Resources above, the specific amounts of which are not currently determinable.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, which addresses accounting for, and disclosure of, uncertain tax positions. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109,Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We are currently evaluating the requirements of FIN 48 and are not yet able to determine whether its adoption in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 will have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. (“SAB”) 108,Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements. SAB 108 requires companies to evaluate the materiality of identified unadjusted errors on each financial statement and related disclosures using both the rollover and the iron curtain approach. The rollover approach quantifies misstatements based on the amount of the error originating in the current year income statement. The iron curtain approach quantifies misstatements based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current year, irrespective of the misstatement’s year of origin. Adjustment of financial statements would be required if either approach resulted in a material misstatement. SAB 108 applies to annual financial statements for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. We do not expect the adoption of SAB 108 to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies to previous accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.2007, with certain exceptions which are described below. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-1, Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13, which amends SFAS 157 to exclude certain leasing transactions from its scope. Also in February 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-2,Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 158,Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability measured by the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation. SFAS 158 also requires any unrecognized prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses to be recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Under SFAS 158, we will be required to initially recognize the funded status of our defined benefit postretirement plans and to provide additional required disclosures in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007. Based on valuations performed in fiscal year 2006, had we adopted the provisions of SFAS 158 in that period, our defined benefit pension plan-related liability would have increased by $5.3 million and accumulated other comprehensive income would have decreased by approximately $3.6 million (net of taxes) as of September 29, 2006. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 158 with respect to our other defined benefit postretirement plans to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement 115, which provides companies with an option to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities in their entirety at fair value. The fair value option may be applied instrument by instrument, and may be applied only to entire instruments. If a company elects the fair value option for an eligible item, changes in the item’s fair value must be reported as unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are evaluating the options provided under SFAS 159 and their potential impact on our financial condition and results of operations if implemented.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(revised 2007),Business Combinations, (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements of the original pronouncement requiring that the purchase method be used for all business combinations but also provides revised guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. It also requires the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies, the capitalization of in-process research and development at fair value, and the expensing of acquisition-related costs as incurred.SFAS 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS 141(R) and do not expect its adoption in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. However, in the event that we complete acquisitions subsequent to our adoption of SFAS 141(R), the application of its provisions will likely have a material impact on our results of operations, although we are not currently able to estimate that impact.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51. SFAS 160 requires that ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent and the amount of consolidated net income be clearly identified, labeled and presented in the consolidated financial statements. It also requires once a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. Sufficient disclosures are required to clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. All other requirements are applied prospectively. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 160 to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161,Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133,which requires additional disclosures about the objectives and strategies of the derivative instruments and hedging activities, the method of accounting for such instruments under SFAS 133 and its related interpretations, and a tabular disclosure of the effects of such instruments and

related hedged items on our financial condition and results of operations. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 161 to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP 142-3,Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. The intent of FSP 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141(R),Business Combinations, and other accounting literature. FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and must be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date. Early adoption is prohibited. Given that FSP 142-3 applies to intangible assets acquired after the effective date, we are not yet able to determine whether its adoption will have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk. We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to minimize the short-term impact of foreign currency fluctuations on assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies. From time to time, we also enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on forecasted transactions. The success of our hedging activities depends on our ability to forecast balance sheet exposures and transaction activity in various foreign currencies. To the extent that these forecasts are overstated or understated during periods of currency volatility, we could experience unanticipated currency gains or losses. However, we believe that in most cases any such gains or losses would be substantially offset by losses or gains from the related foreign exchange forward contracts. We therefore believe that the direct effect of an immediate 10% change in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and all other currencies is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

At June 29, 2007,27, 2008, there were no outstanding forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2007,2008, no foreign exchange gains or losses from cash flow hedge ineffectiveness were recognized.

 

Our foreign exchange forward contracts generally range from one to 12 months in original maturity. The following table summarizesA summary of all foreign exchange forward contracts that were outstanding as of June 29, 2007:27, 2008 follows:

 

  

Notional
Value

Sold


  Notional
Value
Purchased


  Notional
Value
Sold
  Notional
Value
Purchased

(in thousands)

          

Australian dollar

  $  $43,281

Euro

  $  $80,979      28,715

Australian dollar

      36,563

British pound

      11,971

Swiss franc

      4,510

Canadian dollar

   4,858      3,255   

Japanese yen

   2,542      3,248   

British pound

   1,969   

Danish krone

   796   

Swedish krona

   2,337   

Polish zloty

      1,634
  

  

      

Total

  $8,840  $90,111
  $  10,165  $  117,542      
  

  

 

Interest Rate Risk. We have no material exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates. We invest any excess cash primarily in short-term U.S. Treasury securities and money market funds, and changes in interest rates would not be material to our financial condition or results of operations. We enter into debt obligations principally to support general corporate purposes, including working capital requirements, capital expenditures and acquisitions. At June 29, 2007,27, 2008, our debt obligations had fixed interest rates.

Based upon rates currently available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities, the carrying amounts of long-term debt approximate their estimated fair values.

 

Although payments under certain of our operating leases for our facilities are tied to market indices, we are not exposed to material interest rate risk associated with our operating leases.

Debt Obligations.

 

Principal Amounts and Related Weighted-Average Interest Rates By Year of Maturity

 

  Three
Months
Ending
Sept. 28,
2007


  Fiscal Years

     Fiscal
Quarter
Ending
Oct. 3,
2008
  Fiscal Years Total 
 2008

 2009

 2010

 2011

 2012

 Thereafter

 Total

   2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Thereafter 

(dollars in thousands)

   

(in thousands)

         

Long-term debt (including current portion)

  $ —  $ 6,250  $ —  $ 6,250  $ —  $ 6,250  $ 6,250  $ 25,000   $  —  $  —  $  6,250  $  $  6,250  $  —  $  6,250  $  18,750 

Average interest rate

   %  6.7%  %  6.7%  %  6.7%  6.7%  6.7%   %  %  6.7%  %  6.7%  %  6.7%  6.7%

 

Defined Benefit PensionRetirement Plans. Most of our retirement plans, including all U.S.-based plans, are defined contribution plans. However, we also provide defined benefit pension plans in certain countries outside of the U.S. Our obligations under these defined benefit plans will ultimately be settled in the future and are therefore subject to estimation. Defined benefit pension accounting under SFAS 87,Employers’ Accounting for Pensions, is intended to reflect the recognition of future benefit costs over the employees’ estimated service periods based on the terms of the pension plans and the investment and funding decisions made by us.

 

For our defined benefit pension plans, we make assumptions regarding several variables including the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the discount rate in order to determine defined benefit pension plan expense for the year. This expense is referred to as “net periodic pension cost.” We assess the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and discount rate assumption for each defined benefit plan based on relevant market conditions as prescribed by SFAS 87 and make adjustments to the assumptions as appropriate. On an annual basis, we analyze the rates of return on plan assets and discount rates used and determine that these rates are reasonable. For rates of return, this analysis is based on a review of the nature of the underlying assets, the allocation of those assets and their historical performance relative to the overall markets in the countries where the related plans are effective. Historically, our assumed asset allocations have not varied significantly from the actual allocations. Discount rates are based on the prevailing market long-term interest rates in the countries where the related plans are effective. As of September 29, 2006,28, 2007, the estimated long-term rate of return on our defined benefit pension plan assets ranged from 0.5% to 6.5%7.1% (weighted-average of 5.4%5.9%), and the assumed discount rate for our defined benefit pension plan obligations ranged from 2.3%2.0% to 5.1%5.7% (weighted-average of 4.8%5.5%).

 

If any of these assumptions were to change, our net periodic pension cost would also change. We incurred net periodic pension cost relating to our defined benefit pension plans of $2.3 million in fiscal year 2007, $2.3 million in fiscal year 2006 and $1.6 million in fiscal year 2005 (excluding a settlement loss) and $2.7 million in fiscal year 2004 (excluding curtailment gains), and expect our net periodic pension cost to be approximately $2.2$1.7 million in fiscal year 2007.2008. A one percent decrease in the weighted-average estimated return on plan assets or assumed discount rate would increase our net periodic pension cost for fiscal year 20072008 by $1.1 million or $0.4 million, respectively. As of September 29, 2006,28, 2007, our projected benefit obligation relating to defined benefit pension plans was $52.1$53.3 million. A one percent decrease in the weighted-average estimated discount rate would increase this obligation by $12.7$11.0 million.

Item 4.    ControlsControls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) required by Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act, our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (June 29, 2007)27, 2008), our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Inherent Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls. The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Due to the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons or by collusion of two or more people. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the third quarter of our fiscal year 20072008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1A.    RiskRisk Factors

 

See Item 1A—Risk Factors presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2006,28, 2007, which we encourage you to carefully consider.

 

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

(c) January 2007February 2008 Stock Repurchase Program.The following table summarizes information relating to our stock repurchases during the third quarter of fiscal year 2007:2008:

 

Fiscal Month


 Shares
Repurchased


 Average Price
    Per Share    


 Total Value of Shares
Repurchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plan (1)(2)


 Maximum Total Value
of Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plan


(In thousands, except per share amounts)

           

Balance – March 30, 2007

         $  85,111

March 31, 2007 – April 27, 2007

  $ $  85,111

April 28, 2007 – May 25, 2007

 153  58.27  8,892  76,219

May 26, 2007 – June 29, 2007

 151  57.63  8,723 $67,496
  
 

 

   

Total shares repurchased

 304 $  57.95 $  17,615   
  
 

 

   

Fiscal Month

 Shares
Repurchased (1)
 Average Price
Per Share(1)
 Total Value of Shares
Repurchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plan(2)(3)
 Maximum Total Value
of Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under the
Plan

(in thousands, except per share amount)

    

Balance – March 28, 2008

    $79,752

March 29, 2008 – April 25, 2008

  $ $ $79,752

April 26, 2008 – May 23, 2008

 152  53.25  7,987 $71,765

May 24, 2008 – June 27, 2008

 42  54.46  2,260 $69,505
         

Total shares repurchased

 194 $53.51 $10,247 
         

(1)Includes 2,000 shares tendered to the Company by employees in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due from those employees upon the vesting of restricted stock.
(2)In January 2007,February 2008, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we wereare authorized to utilize up to $100 million to repurchase shares of our common stock. This new repurchase program is effective untilthrough December 31, 2008.2009.
(2)(3)Excludes commissions on repurchases.

 

Item 6.Exhibits

 

(a)Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits.

 

Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit
No.


  

Exhibit Description


Incorporated by
Reference
  Form

  Date

  Exhibit
Number


  Filed
Herewith


31.1

  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.        X

31.2

  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.        X

32.1

  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.        

32.2

  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.        

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

VARIAN, INC .

INC.

(Registrant)

Date: August 8, 20075, 2008

 

By:

 

/s/ G. EDWARD MCCLAMMY


  

G. Edward McClammy

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

and Treasurer

(Duly Authorized Officer and

Principal Financial Officer)

 

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