UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ...................... FORM 10-K (Mark One) [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 ................. OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to .................... ................... Commission File Number 0-19306 EXCEL TECHNOLOGY, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter) Delaware 11-2780242 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.) 41 Research Way (631) 784-6175 E. Setauket, NY 11733 (Registrant's Telephone Number) (Address of Principal Executive Offices) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None. Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $.001 per share ....................................... Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act) Yes [X] No [ ] The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $392,432,034 based on the last sale price of the common stock as reported by NASDAQ on June 30, 2004. Shares held by each officer and director and by each person who owns 10% or more of the outstanding common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. The determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes. The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding as of March 11, 2005 was: 12,053,429. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the Registrant's 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (incorporated by reference under Part III) PART I ....... ITEM 1. BUSINESS General ........ Excel Technology, Inc. (the "Company") was organized under the laws of Delaware in 1985. The Company manufactures and markets photonics- based solutions, consisting of laser systems and electro-optical components primarily for industrial and scientific applications. The word laser is an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation." The essence of the laser is the ability of a photon (light energy) to stimulate the emission of other photons, each having the same wavelength (color) and direction of travel. The laser beam is so concentrated and powerful that it can produce power densities millions of times more intense than that found on the surface of the sun and is capable of cutting, welding and marking industrial products, yet it can be precisely controlled and directed and is capable of performing delicate surgery on humans. The Company's strategy is to grow internally and through acquisitions of complementary businesses. Historically, the Company has been successful in integrating acquired companies. The following is a history of its acquisitions and new company formations since October 1992: In October 1992, the Company acquired Quantronix Corporation ("Quantronix"). The acquisition of Quantronix and its then wholly-owned subsidiaries, Control Laser Corporation ("Control Laser"), located in Orlando, Florida, Excel Technology Europe GmbH ("Excel Europe"), located in Germany, and The Optical Corporation ("TOC"), located in Oxnard, California, provided the Company with its industrial, scientific and semiconductor product lines and provided the Company with a significant revenue base as well as established manufacturing, engineering, marketing and customer service capabilities. In February 1995, the Company acquired Cambridge Technology, Inc. ("Cambridge"), located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Cambridge is engaged primarily in the manufacture of laser scanners, essential components to moving a laser beam with precision at a specified speed. Laser scanners have both industrial and consumer applications, such as laser marking and etching, high-density laser printing and writing, digitized x-ray imaging and entertainment laser light shows and displays. The acquisition allowed the Company to expand into new markets and enhanced its market position in the industrial business. In October 1995, the Company acquired the Photo Research Division ("Photo Research") of Kollmorgen Instruments Corporation. Photo Research is engaged primarily in the business of developing, manufacturing and marketing photometric and spectroradiometer instruments and systems. In August 1998, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and properties of Synrad, Inc. ("Synrad"), a company engaged in the business of developing, manufacturing and marketing sealed CO2 lasers and related accessories. In April 1999, the Company formed Excel Technology Asia Sdn. Bhd. ("Excel Asia"). Excel Asia primarily engages in the business of marketing, selling, distributing, integrating and servicing certain of the Company's products throughout Southeast Asia. In July 2000, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Baublys GmbH ("Baublys"), a company located in Ludwigsburg, Germany and engaged in the manufacture and sale of customized laser systems and engraving machines. In January 2001, the Company formed Control Systemation, Inc. ("CSI") which focuses on turnkey laser based micro-machining systems and parts handling workstations for factory automation. CSI is headquartered in a Company-owned facility in Orlando, Florida. In January 2002, the Company consolidated the product lines and development efforts of Baublys and Control Laser to eliminate duplicative products and efforts, to increase efficiencies, and to create a unified market presence for the Company's laser marking and engraving operations. While the subsidiaries remain legally separate entities, with separate assembly, operations and selling and marketing efforts, they are operating under one name, "Baublys-Control Laser," as though they were one entity with operations in Florida and Germany. On August 31, 2002, the Company, through a newly-formed, wholly- owned subsidiary, Excel Technology Japan Holding Co., Ltd. ("Excel Japan"), acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of OptoFocus Corporation ("OptoFocus"), a distribution organization representing the Quantronix product line in Japan. On October 1, 2002, the Company, through a newly-formed, wholly- owned subsidiary, Continuum Electro-Optics, Inc., acquired substantially all of the assets and properties of Hoya Photonics, Inc. d/b/a Continuum, and Hoya Photonics' wholly-owned subsidiaries, Continuum Electro-Optics GmbH, Continuum France EURL and Hoya Continuum Corporation (collectively, "Continuum"), relating to the business of developing, manufacturing and marketing pulsed lasers and related accessories for the scientific and commercial marketplaces. On April 23, 2003, the Company created Excel Laser Technology Private Limited ("Excel SouthAsia JV") based in Mumbai, India as a joint venture for the distribution, in Southern Asia, of certain products manufactured by the Company's subsidiaries. Excel SouthAsia JV is focusing on the marketing, sales, installation, applications development and customer service of those products. The Company has a 50% equity ownership interest in the joint venture. In December 2003, the Company acquired D Green (Electronics) Limited ("DGE"). DGE is engaged primarily in the business of developing, manufacturing and marketing power supplies for laser systems. Current Products and Applications .................................. Marking and Engraving Systems .............................. The Company designs, manufactures and markets industrial, computer- controlled turnkey laser marking/engraving and mechanical marking/engraving and 3D engraving systems. The Company is a leading source of industrial beam-steered laser marking systems and mechanical marking & engraving systems used for coding, marking, engraving, deep engraving and 3D engraving, producing high quality, permanent, high speed marks on any material. These systems are used for marking part numbers, serial numbers, lot numbers, date codes, graphics, logos, OCR codes, barcodes, 2D Matrix codes, schematics, 2, 2-1/2 and 3D images and other identification marks for the aerospace, automotive, coining and jewelry, consumer/commercial, electronic/semiconductor, medical, mold and die, packaging, tools and tooling and the trophy and award industries. The Company's integrated automation solutions include a wide variety of fully automatic, semi- automatic and manual parts handling systems for any part configuration or material. The fully integrated and stand-alone marking systems offer a comprehensive variety of user-friendly software allowing for seamless integration into any production process. The laser marking/engraving, deep engraving and 2-1/2 & 3D marking systems include a full product range of CO2, lamp pumped and diode pumped infrared, frequency doubled, tripled and quadrupled Nd:YAG and Nd:YLF laser systems which are branded as Concorde, Comet, Icon, Insignia, Image, Aurora, Accent, Ultra Power Mark, Deep Power Engraver, BL65 and BL150 Deep engraving systems. The mechanical engraving systems include the Universal Marking & Engraving Machine, the Inclined Bed CNC Marking & Engraving Machine, the Mold Engraving Machine and the Table Top Engraving Machine. In 2004, the Company introduced new Laser Marking Studio 2.0 Software, which is used in its laser marking systems and new versions of WIN-Laser, LaserFinish and Win-Graed for its mechanical engraving systems. The Company also introduced several new industry specific integrated marking solutions including: compact Bearing Marking Systems, compact Cutting Tool Marking Systems, LCD Panel Marking Systems, and IC Marking Systems. Laser Micro-machining, Photomask Repair and Automation Systems ............................................................... The Company designs and manufactures laser micro-machining systems, parts handling/automation, systems integration, and software engineering solutions at CSI, the Company's subsidiary based in Orlando, Florida. The Company produces a variety of micro-machining systems (TaskMaster Series) for cutting, drilling, ablating and other micro machining applications. The TaskMaster series of micro-machining systems provides a versatile but affordable solution to almost any process requirement. They are modular in design allowing lasers of any wavelength such as green, UV, DUV, infrared, and CO2 in a variety of power levels to be integrated into the same workstation. The workstation can be taken from a basic XY system with a manually adjustable focusing beam delivery system and enhanced with a variety of options such as XY with a programmable focusing beam delivery system, vision system for part alignment and semi-automatic focusing adjustment, gas assist with programmable pressure regulator and part fixturing. The Company introduced the FA/Lit(Trademark) in 2003, a new product targeted at the integrated circuit ("IC") failure analysis market. This system utilizes a process (patent pending) for de-capping, cross- sectioning and performing material characterization (Alpha Spectrometry) on ICs, providing a non-destructive method of removing the mold compound and allowing parts to be tested and visibly inspected. This makes it possible to inspect wire bonds, dies and other internal components, even to the point of doing a wire pull test on die leads. Scanning Acoustic Microscope (SAM), x-ray and other failure analysis analytical instrument images of the internal IC can be imported and used by the Company's FA- Pro software to locate and target defects for analysis. These images are then used to navigate the system directly to the defect. Options available include 3D summation utilizing layer by layer spectral analysis data of the mold compound, color vision system with auto zoom (also used for defect and feature navigation), and even a second femtosecond laser system for detailed die analysis on the ICs. The Company also designs and builds custom micro-machining systems such as active and passive resistor trimmers, glove box welders, diamond cutting systems and specialized sub-micron processing systems utilizing ultrafast lasers. Several updates reflecting current technology have been added to the Company's DRS 855 Photomask Defect Repair System product. In 2004, the Company launched a new Photomask Repair System (Model 860X) to address the current industry requirements. Other products include the L2S2 System for Lead-frame Singulation and the BOARDmaster automated PCB Depaneling System. The Company continues to actively pursue opportunities in automation, parts handling, systems integration, and software engineering. In addition, the Company offers engineered software solutions including database, host communications, factory automation, vision adaptation, and system integration development. CO2 Lasers ........... The Company manufactures a range of sealed CO2 lasers for cutting, marking, drilling, and other machining applications for a variety of materials. The CO2 lasers range in power from 10W to 400W. Shipments of Synrad's Firestar series of sealed CO2 lasers started in September 2001. This series offers users the choice of higher performance and smaller size, with output powers from 20W to 100W. In 2002, further developments of the firestar technology produced the f200, the world's only fully integrated 200W CO2 laser. In 2003, at the Munich Laser Show, we exhibited a wide range of new products including a unique, fully integrated 400W laser (firestar f400), a single tube (linear polarization) fully-integrated 200W laser (firestar f201), and a compact, low cost 30W laser (firestar v30). In addition, we extended our firestar t-technology to include an 80W laser, available in either air or water-cooled versions. In 2004, we launched our high performance, air-cooled 100W laser (firestar t100). The Company sells primarily to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and system integrators who integrate the lasers with suitable motion systems and optical assemblies and then sell the complete system. Applications include desktop engraving systems found in many trophy and award shops throughout the world, large area flatbed systems for cutting dieboard or airbag material, and 3D prototyping using paper, sintered metals and other materials to create 3D models and molds directly from CAD packages. The Company's lower power lasers are the lasers of choice for the majority of the CO2 marking and coding systems in use throughout the world. Higher power lasers also are finding uses in manufacturing plants for trimming flashing from injection-molded parts in the automobile industry, cutting textiles and woven fabrics on continuous production lines and slitting and sealing of plastic packaging. The Company also manufactures the FH-Series of OEM marking-heads which, when configured with it's laser, provide a fast and effective method of permanently marking parts with lot codes, serial number/date information and bar codes. The FH-Series Index is ideal for stationary marking applications while the Tracker version features the capability to mark both moving and stationary parts. The Company's WinMark software has been developed specifically for the FH-series marking heads, and is available in multiple language versions, to run on Windows (Trademark) 95, 98, 2000 and Windows(Trademark) NT. Launched in December 2001, Synrad's FH-Series Smart marking head allows users to build marking systems that can be operated without a PC. Further developments of this product line in 2004 included USB and network capable heads. Scanners ......... The Company is a market leader in galvanometer based optical scanners, which are manufactured at Cambridge, the Company's subsidiary based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This technology is critical to a broad, diversified and growing market of laser based system applications. The breadth of laser applications served by the Company's scanners include: industrial through consumer product laser marking and coding, laser machining and welding, high density via hole PCB drilling for the cell phone industry, scanning microscopy for Genomic DNA research and drug discovery, retinal scanning and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) imaging for laser-based biomedical diagnostics, Laser-based Vision Correction, high resolution printing, semiconductor wafer inspection and processing, 2D or 3D imaging, and laser projection and entertainment. The Company is recognized worldwide for it's technology and it's leadership in the market for laser scanning systems that require the highest accuracy and highest speed beam steering and positioning for industrial, medical, scientific, military and academic applications and environments. The strong growth of scanner sales is fueled by the Company's R&D commitment to advancing optical scanner technology and the enabling of new OEM applications in the laser systems market. In 2004, the Company dramatically advanced and extended its highest performance product line of Optical Scanners to the new patented model 6200H product line which provides new levels of laser scanning speed that has enabled volume application growth in the above markets and set new standards for scanning and application performance. The Company's other major galvanometer product line is its' exclusive Moving Coil Optical Scanner line with its patented capacitive position detection, whose design was pioneered by Cambridge for applications requiring the highest levels of scanning accuracy and large apertures. In addition, the Company today offers a more extensive line of high performance analog and digital servo electronics products along with other value-added products such as a wide range of optics from uV to iR and mounts for complete scanning subassemblies and solutions. High Power Solid-State Lasers and Ultrafast Lasers ................................................... The Company designs, manufactures and markets solid-state lasers for science, industry and OEM uses at Quantronix, which is located in E. Setauket, NY. On a worldwide basis, scientific lasers represent one of the most stable and long-established laser markets. Chemists, biologists, physicists and engineers use scientific lasers. In this market, end-users are generally familiar with the various product specifications, features and reliability, which are the major factors in choosing between competing products. The Company's current line of scientific products includes the Integra C, Integra E, Integra I and Odin Series of Ultrafast Amplifiers and the High Power Green lasers that include the Falcon and Darwin series. The Company's Ultrafast Amplifiers incorporate a material called Titanium-doped Sapphire ("Ti:Sapphire"), which has created opportunities for a greater volume of research than previous materials. Ultrafast Amplifiers deliver high-energy short pulses on the femtosecond or picosecond time scale. (A femtosecond is one quadrillionth of a second; a picosecond is one trillionth of a second). These short pulses enable the investigation of a wide range of physical, chemical and biological phenomena. The scientific systems utilize Nd:YLF lasers to produce high-energy pulses at a rate of 1kHz (1,000 pulses per second). These pulses drive the Ti:Sapphire Amplifier that can then pump other optical systems such as optical parametric amplifiers, (also marketed by Quantronix), which deliver tunable light from ultraviolet to infrared regions of the spectrum. The material properties to be studied vary over this range. The Company's industrial and OEM offerings consist of a variety of high power lamp pumped and diode pumped Nd:YAG and Nd:YLF lasers, available in infrared, Green, UV and Deep UV wavelengths. These lasers are ideal for marking and micro-machining applications. The Company also has developed ultrafast lasers for ultra-fine micro-machining applications. In addition, the Company has launched a series of high- powered multi-wavelength diode pumped and lamp pumped marking and deep engraving systems for OEM's and system integrators. The newly released Condor series high power lamp pumped Nd:YAG lasers offer higher efficiency and extended lamp life of over 2000 hours. In addition to its lasers, the Company offers a variety of laser options and accessories such as power monitoring systems, beam delivery systems, laser energy controllers, pulse shapers and motorized apertures. These options are available with software drivers and can be integrated with any laser system. High-energy Solid-state Pulsed Lasers ...................................... The Company is a leading manufacturer of high-energy, solid-state pulsed laser systems, which are manufactured at Continuum, the Company's subsidiary located in Santa Clara, California. These systems produce pulsed laser energy outputs with very short duration (less than 10 billionths of a second) and very high (gigawatt) levels of peak power. The unique performance characteristics of these lasers allow researchers in the fields of chemistry, biology, and physics to explore a wide range of chemical and physical phenomena. Applications range from remote sensing and measurement to a number of important spectroscopic techniques. Specific examples in the remote sensing area include atmospheric analysis of airborne contaminants and pollutants, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) for measuring fluid dynamic properties in gases and liquids, and laser range finding techniques for precise distance measurements and terrain mapping. Spectroscopic applications include Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for metallurgical analysis of alloys, laser absorption and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy for chemical analysis, nonlinear spectroscopic techniques for combustion diagnostics, time of flight mass spectroscopy for isotopic analysis, and time-resolved spectroscopy for analysis of chemical reaction rates. The Company sells its high-energy solid-state pulsed laser products worldwide, primarily to scientific researchers in university, industrial and government laboratories. Products range in complexity from small turnkey low energy lasers to advanced high-energy lasers that use multiple stages of power amplification for higher energy and superior beam quality. High-energy lasers can be coupled to tunable dye lasers or devices known as Optical Parametric Oscillators (OPO's) to provide laser outputs that can be continuously tuned in wavelength from the deep ultraviolet to the far infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. These tunable laser systems are required for many spectroscopy applications. Product offerings include the Minilite and Surelite product lines, a series of "single oscillator" self-contained laser systems that do not require external water cooling and offer turnkey performance in a compact package. Energy outputs range from 0.05 to 0.8 Joules per pulse with wavelength coverage of 1064 nm, 532 nm, 355 nm, and 266 nm. These lasers are ideal sources for applications such as laser radar (LIDAR), laser photolysis, ablation, mass spectroscopy, and PIV. For advanced higher energy lasers, the Company manufactures and sells the Powerlite series of lasers. The Precision II 8000 and Precision II 9000 and Powerlite Plus operate in oscillator/amplifier configurations that provide enhanced output energies with excellent beam quality. Energy outputs range from 0.55 to 3.0 Joules per pulse with wavelength coverage of 1064 nm, 532 nm, 355 nm, and 266 nm. These lasers are ideal as pump sources for tunable dye and OPO product lines and as research tools for laser ablation, non-linear spectroscopy, and remote imaging. The Company's wavelength tunable product lines, the Surelite OPO, the Panther (Registered Trademark) EX OPO and the ND 6000 dye laser, produce laser light with wavelengths from 200 nm to 4500 nm, providing researchers with full wavelength coverage over the range of greatest interest for optical spectroscopy. In addition to standard pulsed laser products, the Company offers custom laser solutions to fit precise customer needs. The Company offers a wide range of solutions including mode-locked picosecond and long- pulse Nd:YAG lasers, chirped pulse amplification systems, Nd:glass macropulse systems, and Ti:Sapphire pump laser systems. Modular design and time proven reliability make these lasers flexible, versatile and easy to operate or upgrade. In 2004, the Company introduced Inlite, the industrial YAG laser system, designed from the ground up to satisfy the needs of users in industrial applications. The basic design features include an on-board microprocessor to manage laser head housekeeping functions, harmonic generators for 532 nm, 355 nm and 266 nm that fit inside the laser head, and Pyro detectors that can be added to control the laser in power mode or diagnose harmonics conversion efficiency. Applications for Inlite include materials processing, Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF), range finding, particle detection, inspection, marking and remote sensing. Since its inception, Continuum has sold over 20,000 lasers worldwide to universities, government laboratories, research institutions, and corporations. Optical Products ................. TOC, a subsidiary of the Company based in Oxnard, California, specializes in the manufacturing of custom precision optical components. TOC is an industry leader in the manufacturing of flying height test disks used in the disk drive industry. For more than 24 years, TOC has provided precision fabrication and coating services to meet demanding applications. The Company offers custom optics services which incorporate polishing optics to extreme flatness (better than 1/20 wave) with low surface roughness and difficult aspect ratios. The Company provides a complete range of thin film coatings in the UV-Visible-Near IR. This includes Edge Filters, Bandpass Filters, Hot Mirrors, Cold Mirrors, Beamsplitters, Neutral Density Filters, Enhanced Metallics, Polarizers, Broadband AntiReflection Coatings, V Coats, High Reflectors, Dielectric and Metallic Mirrors and Scanning Mirrors. The substrates and coated components are used in various systems such as optical scanners, laser systems, professional motion picture cameras and a myriad of other industrial and scientific applications, as well as interferometry and research and development. Light and Color Measurement ............................ The Company is a world leader and innovator in high precision, state-of-the-art electro-optical instrumentation and systems, which are manufactured at Photo Research, the Company's Chatsworth, California subsidiary. Photo Research has delivered world-class light and color measurement solutions, serving the cathode ray tube ("CRT")/flat panel display ("FPD"), automotive, aerospace, lighting, motion picture, research and development and related industries for over 60 years. The Company has three main product lines. The Spectra(Registered Trademark) product line offers systems to a wide variety of industries for research, quality control and on-line testing. This line includes the only truly portable battery operated Spectroradiometer; the PR-650 fast scanning SpectraColorimeter. The PR-705/715 SpectraScan complements this line with an automated aperture wheel that accommodates six apertures. The Pritchard (Registered Trademark) line originated with the industry workhorse the PR-1980 series. The Pritchard is the most widely used photometer in the world. The newer addition to this series is the PR-880. This is the only fully automated filter photometer available today. The PR-880 is ideal for today's automated factory and ATE/OEM environments. Photo Research developed the first commercially available video photometer over 15 years ago. The newest and most advanced video photometer, the PR-920 digital video photometer, is the latest addition to this product line. Video instrumentation provides high-resolution inspection of CRT and flat panel displays and instrument panels. Photo Research Optical Metrology Laboratory (PROML) is a supplier of optical radiation standards and calibration and measurement services to major manufacturers of instruments, displays, devices and materials. All Photo Research instruments are calibrated to NIST-traceable standards. The Company developed many industry standards, such as Spectra? Pritchard Optics, utilized in astronomical and star-simulation measurements. The Company is also instrumental in supporting standards for organizations including VESA, ISO and SAE. Marketing and Sales .................... The Company markets its products and services through several media sources in addition to the presentation of its product lines at domestic and international trade shows. The marketing and sales staff's efforts are enhanced by means of presentations and training at conferences, professional meetings, and through in-person and telephone sales and support calls. The Company also engages independent manufacturers' representatives for the sale of its products. Foreign sales of the Company's products are made primarily through foreign equipment distribution organizations, by representatives at Excel Europe, its German subsidiary, Excel Japan, its Japanese subsidiary, Excel Asia, its Malaysian subsidiary and Excel SouthAsia JV, a joint venture. Excel Europe has operations near Munich, Germany; Frankfurt, Germany; Ludwigsburg, Germany and Milan, Italy. Excel Japan has operations in Tokyo, Japan. Excel Asia has operations in Penang, Malaysia. Excel SouthAsia JV has operations in Mumbai, India. These subsidiaries engage in the business of marketing, distributing, integrating and servicing laser systems (for industrial, semiconductor, scientific, and electronic products) manufactured at the Company's facilities in East Setauket, New York; Santa Clara, California; Orlando, Florida; and Mukilteo, Washington. The sales territory covered by Excel Europe is primarily Europe, Excel Japan covers Japan, the sales territory for Excel Asia is primarily Southeast Asia and the sales territory for Excel SouthAsia JV is primarily South Asia. At Excel Europe, the staff of 95 includes 37 engineers who install and service all products, including complex semiconductor, scientific, and other industrial systems. In addition, Excel Europe provides spare parts for its installed base. Excel Japan has a staff of 29. Excel Asia currently has a staff of 12, which includes 4 engineers. Excel Asia offers sales and support services to semiconductor and electronics manufacturers, automation houses, universities, research and development facilities and local consumer manufacturers. Excel SouthAsia JV has a staff of 32. Net sales for foreign and domestic operations by origin is as follows (in thousands): The year ended December 31, 2004 2003 2002 ........ ........ ........ Net sales and services to unaffiliated customers from: United Stated operations $ 96,927 $ 84,393 $ 67,731 European operations 27,928 23,955 23,308 Asian operations 11,776 14,333 3,474 ........ ........ ........ $136,631 $122,681 $ 94,513 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ The following table presents the Company's net sales and services by destination for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands): 2004 2003 2002 ................ ............... ............... Dollars Percent Dollars Percent Dollars Percent ........ ....... ........ ....... ....... ....... To U.S. Customers $ 50,907 37% $ 47,994 39% $35,343 37% To Non-U.S. Customers 85,724 63% 74,687 61% 59,170 63% ........ ....... ........ ....... ....... ....... TOTAL $136,631 100% $122,681 100% $94,513 100% ........ ....... ........ ....... ....... ....... ........ ....... ........ ....... ....... ....... Of the net sales and services to non-U.S. customers above, net sales and services to customers in Germany accounted for approximately $17.8 million, $19.0 million and $15.5 million of total consolidated net sales and services for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively, and net sales and services to customers in Japan accounted for approximately $19.1 million of total consolidated net sales and services for 2004. No other individual foreign country accounted for more than 10% of total consolidated net sales and services in 2004, 2003 or 2002. Manufacturing .............. The Company assembles its products at its facilities in East Setauket, New York; Orlando, Florida; Oxnard, California; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Chatsworth, California; Santa Clara, California; Mukilteo, Washington and Ludwigsburg, Germany. The Company relies upon unaffiliated suppliers for the material components and parts used to assemble its products. Most parts and components purchased from suppliers are available from multiple sources. To date, the Company has not experienced any significant delays in obtaining parts and components for its products. The Company believes that it will be able to continue to obtain most required components and parts from a number of different suppliers, although there can be no assurance thereof. Lack of availability of certain components could require major redesign of the products and could result in production delays. Warranty and Customer Services ............................... The Company's warranty for its new products varies between three months and twelve months. The Company also provides field support services on an individual call basis and through service maintenance contracts, and provides customer support services by telephone to customers with operational and service problems. Research and Development ......................... Due to the intense competition and rapid technological change in the photonics industry, and specifically for laser and optical products, the Company believes that it must continue to improve and refine its existing products and systems and develop new applications for its technology. Research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 were $13.7 million, $12.6 million, and $9.8 million, respectively. Competition ............ The laser industry is subject to intense competition and rapid technological change. Several of the Company's competitors are substantially larger and have greater financial and other resources than the Company. Competition among laser manufacturers extends to attracting and retaining qualified technical personnel. The overall competitive position of the Company will depend primarily upon a number of factors, including the price and performance of its products, the compatibility of its products with existing laser systems and the Company's overall reputation in the laser industry. The Company's scientific and industrial solid-state laser products face a number of competing product lines from Spectra-Physics, Clark- MXR, Femtolaser, Thales Laser, Lee Laser, Spectron Lasers, Lightwave Electronics, and Coherent, Inc. Competition for the high-energy solid-state laser products comes from New Wave Research, Quantel Lasers and Big Sky Lasers, Spectra- Physics, Coherent, Inc., Thales Laser, Amplitide, Spectron Lasers, and Eksma. The Company's marking/engraving systems compete primarily with those manufactured by Rofin-Baasel, Electrox, Alltec, Foba, Laservall, SEI s.p.A., Cheval Frere, Fotona, E.O. Technics, Trumpf-Haas and Hans Laser. These products have generally been subject to intense price competition in recent years. In the semiconductor photomask repair market, the Company primarily competes with NEC, FEI, Seiko and Micrion. Recently, the market for photomask laser repair systems has been saturated and has experienced rapid advances in the miniaturization of integrated circuits and computers. Competition for sealed carbon dioxide lasers comes from Coherent- DEOS (Bloomfield, CT), Rofin (Hull, UK), ULS (Scottsdale, AZ), and Spectron (Rugby, UK). In light and color measurement, the major competitor to the Company's Spectra product is Minolta. Topcon is the prime competitor to the Pritchard line. In video-based products, the company's video photometer is utilized to characterize new display technologies, with Microvision as its key competitor. In the optical scanner market, GSI-Lumonics, is a significant competitor of the Company and there are a number of other small competitors in the international markets. Backlog ........ As of December 31, 2004, the Company had a backlog of firm orders of approximately $26.5 million as compared to a backlog of $36.2 million as of December 31, 2003. The Company believes that the current backlog will be filled during the present fiscal year. Historically, backlog is shipped within 90 days from the order date. Patents and Licenses ..................... The Company has several United States patents covering a wide variety of its products and has applications pending in the United States patent office. There can be no assurance that any other patents will be issued to the Company or that such patents, if and when issued, will provide any protection or benefit to the Company. Although the Company believes that its patents and its pending patent applications are valuable, the Company does not consider the ownership of patents essential to its business. The Company believes that, in general, the best protection of proprietary technology in the laser industry will come from market position, technical innovation and product performance. There is no assurance that the Company will realize any of these advantages. Government Regulation ...................... The Company is subject to the laser radiation safety regulations of the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act administered by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). Among other things, these regulations require a laser manufacturer to file new product and annual reports, to maintain quality control and sales records, to perform product testing, to distribute appropriate operating manuals, to incorporate certain design and operating features in lasers sold to end- users and to certify and label each laser sold to end-users as one of four classes (based on the level of radiation from the laser that is accessible to users). Various warning labels must be affixed and certain protective devices installed depending on the class of product. The National Center for Devices and Radiological Health is empowered to seek fines and other remedies for violations of the regulatory requirements. The Company believes that it is currently in compliance with these regulations. The FDA also imposes various requirements on manufacturers and sellers of products under its jurisdiction, such as labeling, manufacturing practices, record keeping and reporting requirements. The FDA also may require post-market testing and surveillance programs to monitor a product's effects. There can be no assurance that the appropriate approvals from the FDA will be granted, that the process to obtain such approvals will not be excessively expensive or lengthy or that the Company will have sufficient funds to pursue such approvals at the time they are sought. The failure to receive requisite approvals for the Company's products or processes, when and if developed, or significant delays in obtaining such approvals would prevent the Company from commercializing its products as anticipated and would have a materially adverse effect on the business of the Company. Employees .......... As of December 31, 2004, the Company had 684 full-time employees consisting of 3 executive officers; 25 subsidiary executive officers; 226 scientists, engineering and technical personnel; and 430 manufacturing, administrative and sales support personnel. The Company believes that its relations with its employees are satisfactory. None of the Company's employees is represented by a union. Financial Information About Foreign and Domestic Operations ............................................................. and Export Sales ................ Net sales and services to customers in the domestic U.S. amounted to approximately $50.9 million, $48.0 million and $35.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively (approximately 37%, 39% and 37% of total net sales and services, respectively). For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company had net sales and services to customers in foreign countries amounting to approximately $85.7 million, $74.7 million and $59.2 million, respectively (approximately 63%, 61% and 63%, of total net sales and services, respectively). These sales included sales by Excel Europe, Excel Asia, Excel Japan, and Excel SouthAsia JV, the Company's foreign subsidiaries. Excel Europe buys laser systems, spare parts and related consumable materials from Quantronix, Baublys-Control Laser and Synrad for resale to European and other foreign customers, and also furnishes field repair services. Excel Asia primarily engages in the business of marketing, selling, distributing, integrating and servicing Quantronix and Baublys-Control Laser products in Southeast Asia. Excel Japan engages in the business of marketing, selling, distributing, integrating and servicing Quantronix and Continuum products in Japan. Excel SouthAsia JV focuses on the business of marketing, sales, installation, applications and service of Quantronix, Baublys-Control Laser and CSI products in South Asia. See Note 13 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements." The carrying amounts of long-lived assets held by the Company's foreign subsidiaries (Excel Europe, Excel Asia , Excel Japan and Excel SouthAsia JV) at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 primarily include property, plant and equipment and goodwill whose combined carrying amounts were approximately $7.0 million, $5.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively. The carrying amounts of the aforementioned long-lived assets held by the Company's domestic subsidiaries at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were approximately $51.8 million, $52.8 million and $52.7 million, respectively. Access to Information ...................... The Company is required to file its annual reports on Forms 10-K and quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q, and other reports and documents as required from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. Such information may be obtained from the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC- 0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding the Company's electronic filings with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. The Company's website is located at http://www.exceltechinc.com. At this website, users can access, free of charge, the Company's filings with the SEC and annual, quarterly, and current reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. In addition, the Company will provide electronic or paper copies of such reports free of charge upon request. Requests may be made by calling Investor Relations at (631) 784-6175 or by writing to Investor Relations at 41 Research Way, East Setauket, New York 11733. Safe Harbor For Forward-Looking Statements Under the Securities ................................................................ Litigation Reform Act of 1995; Risk Factors ........................................... This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other reports, releases, and statements (both written and oral) issued by the Company and its officers from time to time may contain statements concerning the Company's future results, future performance, intentions, objectives, plans, and expectations that are deemed to be "forward-looking statements." Such statements are made in reliance upon safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company's actual results, performance, and achievements may differ significantly from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, those discussed below and in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in such forward-looking statements, the inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the Company's objectives and plans will be achieved. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "may," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise any of these forward-looking statements. Sometimes the Company communicates with securities analysts. It is against the law and the Company's policy to disclose to analysts any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. You should not assume that the Company agrees with any statement or report issued by any analyst regardless of the content of the statement or report. The Company has a policy against issuing financial forecasts or projections or confirming the accuracy of forecasts or projections issued by others. If reports issued by securities analysts contain projections, forecasts or opinions, those reports are not the responsibility of the Company. The risks presented below may not be all of the risks the Company may face. These are the factors that the Company believes could cause actual results to be different from expected and historical results. Other sections of this report include additional factors that could have an effect on the Company's business and financial performance. The industry that the Company competes in is very competitive and changes rapidly. Sometimes new risks emerge and management may not be able to predict all of them, or be able to predict how they may cause actual results to be different from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of future results. Uncertain Market Acceptance. The Company's overall marketing objective is to strengthen its presence in existing markets, and establish its market presence in other industrial markets. With any technology, there is the substantial risk that the market may not appreciate the benefits or recognize the potential applications of the technology. Market acceptance of the Company's products will depend, in large part, upon the ability of the Company to demonstrate the potential advantages of its products over products manufactured by other companies. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve all or any of its marketing objectives, or that the Company's products will be accepted in their intended marketplaces on any significant basis. Intense Competition. The photonics industry, particularly for laser and electro-optical component products, generally is subject to intense competition. The Company's current and proposed products compete with existing and proposed products marketed by other manufacturers. Some of the Company's competitors are substantially larger in size and have substantially greater financial, managerial, technical and other resources than the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will successfully differentiate its current and proposed products from the products of its competitors or that the marketplace will consider the Company's products to be superior to competing products. Technological Obsolescence. The laser and electro-optical component industry is characterized by extensive research and rapid technological change. The development by others of new or improved products, processes or technologies may make the Company's current or proposed products obsolete or less competitive. Compliance with Government Regulations. The Company currently is subject to the laser radiation safety regulations of the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act administered by the National Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the FDA. The National Center for Devices and Radiological Health is empowered to seek fines and other remedies for violations of these regulatory requirements. Patent Protection. The Company's ability to effectively compete may depend upon the proprietary nature of its technologies. The Company owns several patents and has other applications pending. The Company expects to file additional patent applications in the future. There can be no assurance, however, that other companies are not investigating or developing other technologies that are similar to the Company's technologies, or that any additional patents will be issued to the Company or that such patents will afford the Company sufficiently broad patent coverage to provide any significant deterrent to competitive products. Even if a competitor's products were to infringe products owned by the Company, it could be very costly for the Company to enforce its rights in an infringement action. The validity and enforceability of such patents may be significant to the Company and may be important to the success of the Company. The Company, however, believes that the best protection of proprietary technology in the laser industry comes from market position, technical innovation and product performance. There can be no assurance that any of these will be realized or maintained by the Company. The Company has obtained licenses under certain patents covering lasers and related technology incorporated into the Company's products. However, there may be other patents covering the Company's current or proposed products. If valid patents are infringed, the patent owner will be able to prevent the future use, sale and manufacture of the subject products by the Company and also will be entitled to damages for past infringement. Alternatively, the Company may be required to pay damages for past infringement and license fees or royalties on future sales of the infringing components of its systems. Infringement of any patents also may render the Company liable to purchasers and end-users of the infringing products. If a patent infringement claim is asserted against the Company, the defense of such claim may be very costly (whether or not the Company is successful in defending such claim). While the Company is unable to predict what such costs, if any, will be incurred if the Company is obligated to devote substantial financial or management resources to patent litigation, its ability to fund its operations and to pursue its business goals may be substantially impaired. Dependence on Suppliers. The Company relies on outside suppliers for most of its manufacturing supplies, parts and components. Most parts and components used by the Company currently are available from multiple sources. There can be no assurance that, in the future, its current or alternative sources will be able to meet all of the Company's demands on a timely basis. Unavailability of necessary parts or components could require the Company to re-engineer its products to accommodate available substitutions which would increase costs to the Company and/or have a material adverse effect on manufacturing schedules, product performance and market acceptance. Dependence on Resellers, Distributors and OEMs. The Company sells some of its products through resellers, distributors and OEMs. Reliance upon third party distribution sources subjects the Company to risks of business failure by these individual resellers, distributors and OEMs, and potential credit, inventory and business concentration risks. Dependence on Foreign Sales. A significant amount of the Company's product sales are made to customers outside the United States. These sales are subject to the normal risks of foreign operations, such as: Currency fluctuations Protective tariffs Trade barriers and export/import controls Transportation delays and interruptions Reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries The impact of recessionary foreign economies Longer receivable collection periods The Company cannot predict whether the United States or any other country will impose new quotas, tariffs, taxes or other trade barriers upon the importation of the Company's products or supplies, or gauge the effect that new barriers would have on its financial position or results of operations. Manufacturing. The Company assembles its products at its various facilities in the United States and Germany. If use of any of the Company's manufacturing facilities were interrupted by natural disaster or otherwise, the Company's operations could be negatively affected until the Company could establish alternative production and service operations. In addition, the Company may experience production difficulties and product delivery delays in the future as a result of: Changing process technologies Ramping production Installing new equipment at its manufacturing facilities Shortage of key components Financial Performance. The Company's operating results may vary in the future as a result of a number of factors, including: Changes in technology New competition Economic conditions Customer demand A shift in the mix of the Company's products A shift in sales channels The market acceptance of new or enhanced versions of the Company's products The timing of introduction of other products and technologies Any cancellation or postponement of orders Any charges to earnings associated with the foregoing Research and Development. The Company is active in research and development of new products and technologies. The Company's research and development efforts may not lead to the successful introduction of new or improved products. The Company may encounter delays or problems in connection with its research and development efforts. New products often take longer to develop, have fewer features than originally considered desirable and cost more to develop than initially estimated. There may be delays in starting volume production of new products and new products may not be commercially successful. Products under development are often announced before introduction and these announcements may cause customers to delay purchases of existing products until the new or improved versions of those products are available. Delays or deficiencies in development, manufacturing, delivery of, or demand for, new products or higher development cost, could have a negative affect on the Company's business, operating results or financial condition. Acquisitions. The Company has in the past and may in the future acquire businesses or product lines as a way of expanding its product offerings and acquiring new technology. If the Company does not identify future acquisition opportunities and/or integrate businesses that it may acquire effectively, the Company's growth may be negatively affected. Product Liability Claims. The testing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of laser products subjects the Company to the risk of liability claims or product recalls. Although the Company maintains product liability insurance in the countries in which it conducts business, the Company cannot assure that such coverage is adequate or will continue to be available at affordable rates. Product liability insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, if at all. A product recall or successful product liability claim could inhibit or prevent commercialization of the Company's products, impose a significant financial burden on the Company, or both, and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and financial condition. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES North America .............. East Setauket, New York ........................ Quantronix owns a building that is approximately 65,000 square feet. The facility is utilized for manufacturing operations, administrative offices, research and development, engineering and laser applications. Orlando, Florida ................. Baublys-Control Laser owns and occupies 50% of a building that is approximately 80,000 square feet, which it utilizes for administrative offices, manufacturing, and research and development. In addition, CSI occupies approximately 50% of this building, which it utilizes for all of its operating activities. Oxnard, California ................... TOC leases a 14,000 square foot building in Oxnard, California from an unaffiliated landlord for manufacturing purposes, at an annual rent of approximately $96 thousand. The lease term expires in August 2009. Cambridge, Massachusetts ......................... Cambridge leases a 17,000 square foot building in Cambridge, Massachusetts from an unaffiliated landlord for manufacturing operations and administrative offices. The lease is for a ten-year period ending in December 2006, at an annual rent of approximately $307 thousand. Chatsworth, California ....................... Photo Research purchased its building in July 1998. The building is approximately 22,000 square feet and is located in Chatsworth, California. The building is used for manufacturing operations and administrative offices. Mukilteo, Washington ..................... Synrad owns and occupies a 63,000 square foot building for its administrative offices and manufacturing operations. Santa Clara, California ........................ Continuum leases a 47,000 square foot building from an unaffiliated landlord for manufacturing purposes, at an annual rent of approximately $240 thousand. The lease is for a five-year period ending in December 2008. Europe ....... Darmstadt, Germany ................... Excel Europe and its division Quantronix Europe lease approximately 7,800 square feet of office space in Darmstadt, Germany, which it uses for sales, marketing and services. The space is leased from an unaffiliated landlord at an average annual rent of approximately 84 thousand euros. The lease expires in December 2009. Munich, Germany ................ Excel Europe maintains a satellite office in Munich, Germany, for Synrad's European sales, marketing and service operation. The office occupies approximately 7,800 square feet of space. The space is leased from an unaffiliated landlord, at an average annual rent of approximately 74 thousand euros. The lease expires in December 2008. Ludwigsburg, Germany ..................... Baublys-Control Laser operates out of a 22,500 square foot facility located in Ludwigsburg, Germany, which houses its sales and marketing, research and development, manufacturing and services operations and executive offices. The facility is leased from an unaffiliated landlord at an average annual rent of approximately 146 thousand euros. The lease expires in June 2008. Milan, Italy ............. Excel Europe also maintains a sales and service office near Milan, Italy. The lease provides approximately 750 square feet of office space from an unaffiliated landlord at an approximate annual rent of 8.5 thousand euros. The lease expires in November 2009. Savigny Sur Orge, France ......................... Excel Europe also maintains a sales and service office in Savigny Sur Orge, France, located outside of Paris. The lease provides approximately 2,800 square feet of office space from an unaffiliated landlord at an approximate annual rent of 30.5 thousand euros. The lease expires in December 2007. Northumberland, United Kingdom ............................... DGE operates out of a facility located in Northumberland, England, which it uses for sales and marketing, manufacturing and administrative offices. The lease is with an unaffiliated landlord at an approximate annual rent of $32 thousand. The lease expires in February 2010. Asia ...... Penang, Malaysia ................. Excel Asia leases a 7,500 square foot facility in Penang Free Industrial Zone, Penang, Malaysia, from an unaffiliated landlord. The building is utilized as a regional operations hub which houses the administrative offices, the light repair and integration services, technical and support offices, as well as applications laboratories for regional support. The annual rent is approximately $34 thousand. The lease expires in December 2005. Tokyo, Japan ............. Excel Technology Japan leases approximately 6,000 square feet of facilities in Tokyo, Japan and a sales office from unaffiliated landlords. The spaces house all its operations, administration and sales and marketing. The annual rent is approximately $184 thousand. The leases expire in September 2005, December 2005 and October 2006. Mumbai, India .............. Excel SouthAsia JV leases a 3,600 square foot facility in Mumbai, India from an unaffiliated landlord. The space houses its operations, administration and sales and marketing. The annual rent is approximately $40 thousand. The lease expires in July 2007. Colombo, Sri Lanka ................... Excel Technology-Lanka leases a 2,000 square foot office in Colombo, Sri Lanka from an unaffiliated landlord. This space houses our software operations to support our internal use software development activities. The annual rent is approximately $13 thousand. The lease expires in July 2007. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Dr. Phillips, Inc. ("Phillips"), the landlord of a facility leased by Baublys-Control Laser ("Baublys") a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company through 2001, filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit in and for Orange County, Florida against Baublys and the Company, for not repairing or replacing certain personal property related to the use of the property while Baublys leased the facility. The Company guaranteed the lease. Baublys filed a counterclaim contending that it was entitled to receive damages from Phillips for damage to specific property due to Phillips failure to maintain the leased premises. The Company believes there is no merit to the claims made by Phillips and that the ultimate outcome of this matter will not have a significant impact on the financial position and liquidity of the Company. However, if Phillips is successful in its claims, Baublys could be subject to approximately $300 thousand in damages plus interest and/or attorney fees. The Company and its subsidiaries are also subject to various claims, which have arisen in the normal course of business. The impact of the final resolution of these matters on the Company's results of operations or liquidity in a particular reporting period is not known. Management is of the opinion, however, that the ultimate outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company's financial condition or liquidity. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None. PART II ........ ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES The Company's Common Stock trades on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol "XLTC." The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices reported on the NASDAQ for the Common Stock for the periods indicated. Year ended: High Low December 31, 2004 First Quarter $36.84 $29.58 Second Quarter $35.80 $29.90 Third Quarter $33.65 $23.52 Fourth Quarter $28.95 $23.40 December 31, 2003 First Quarter $22.44 $17.84 Second Quarter $24.90 $20.31 Third Quarter $28.90 $21.75 Fourth Quarter $33.02 $25.67 As of March 11, 2005, there were approximately 692 holders of record of the Common Stock. The Company has never paid cash dividends on its common stock. Payment of dividends to holders of the common stock is within the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend, among other factors, on earnings, capital requirements and the operating and financial condition of the Company. At the present time, the Company's anticipated capital requirements are such that it intends to follow a policy of retaining its earnings, if any, in order to finance the development of its business. The following table summarizes the Company's equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2004: Equity Compensation Plan Information Number of Number of securities securities to be issued upon Weighted average remaining exercise of exercise price available for outstanding options of outstanding future issuance Plan category (In thousands) options (In thousands) .............. ................... ................ .............. Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 1,002 $ 19.37 898 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders 0 0 0 ..... ....... ... Total 1,002 $ 19.37 898 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, have been derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, are derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements which are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following tables summarize (in thousands, except share data) the Company's consolidated statement of operations and balance sheet data. You should read this information together with the discussion in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes to those statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Statement of Operations Data (in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, ................................................ 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Net sales and services $136,631 $122,681 $ 94,513 $ 88,492 $107,720 Net income $ 14,762 $ 11,318 $ 8,512 $ 5,938 $ 15,651 Net earnings per share Basic $1.23 $0.95 $0.72 $0.50 $1.35 Diluted $1.20 $0.93 $0.71 $0.50 $1.30 Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding Basic 12,026 11,853 11,792 11,762 11,597 Diluted 12,351 12,231 12,071 11,978 12,054 Balance Sheet Data (in thousands) As of December 31, ................................................ 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Total assets $152,478 $133,738 $118,724 $102,505 $ 98,986 Total liabilities $ 16,477 $ 16,466 $ 16,467 $ 10,907 $ 12,544 Working capital $ 80,006 $ 59,540 $ 44,765 $ 42,695 $ 48,584 Stockholders' equity $136,001 $117,272 $ 102,257 $ 91,598 $ 86,442 Long-term liabilities $ 2,807 $ 997 $ 180 $ 0 $ 0 Refer to Item 1 "Business" and Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information affecting the comparability of amounts above. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS General ........ The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes thereto set forth in Item 8. Overview ......... The Company designs, manufactures and markets a variety of photonics-based solutions primarily consisting of laser systems and electro-optical components for industrial and scientific applications. The company's current range of products include laser marking and engraving systems, laser micro-machining systems, CO2 lasers, optical scanners, high power solid-state CW and Q-switched lasers, Ultrafast lasers, high-energy solid-state pulsed lasers, precision optical components and light and color measurement instruments. The laser and electro-optical industry is subject to intense competition and rapid technological developments. Our strength and success is dependent upon us developing and delivering successful, timely and cost effective solutions to our customers. The Company believes, for it to maintain its performance, it must continue to increase its operational efficiencies, improve and refine its existing products, expand its product offerings and develop new applications for its technology. The Company's strategy is to grow internally and through acquisitions of complementary businesses. Historically the Company has successfully integrated acquired companies into its existing operations. Details on our operations are discussed in our MD&A. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates .................................... Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 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. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, bad debts, inventories, and income taxes. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be relevant under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition .................... The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" ("SAB 104"), as amended. SAB 104 requires that the following four basic criteria must be met before revenue can be recognized: 1) persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists; 2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; 3) the fee is fixed and determinable; and 4) collectibility is reasonably assured. Generally, the Company receives a customer purchase order as evidence of an arrangement and product shipment terms are F.O.B. shipping point. The Company's revenues are generated from: 1) product sales, including product upgrades and replacement part sales; 2) maintenance agreements; and 3) services. The Company's product lines principally consist of laser-based systems and electro-optical components used in a wide range of applications by different types of end-users and are often used as sub-assemblies required for end products manufactured by the customer. Revenue relating to these products is recognized upon transfer of title to the customer, which is generally the shipment date, assuming the other criteria of SAB 104 are met. With respect to maintenance agreements, revenue is recognized and customers are generally billed on a monthly or quarterly basis over the term of the agreement. When a customer pays an annual maintenance fee, it is recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue ratably over the term of the agreement. For services rendered, customers are billed and revenues are recognized as the related services are performed. When a sales arrangement involves multiple elements, such as the sale of products that require installation, training or other services, the Company records deferred revenue for the fair value of the undelivered element and recognizes the revenue when the revenue recognition criteria for that element is met. Fair value is established for an element based on the price when the element is sold separately. The Company manufactures one product called a Photomask Defect Repair System ("DRS") that is a laser-based system for use in semiconductor photomask repair. The DRS provides a means to repair defects on the complex photomasks used to produce integrated circuits. These are very large, highly complex machines, customized for each customer and ranging in price from $1.5 million to $2.0 million per unit (based upon the most recent range of historical sales prices). The terms of sale with respect to DRS's require that the Company perform installation due to the technical expertise required for this product. Due to the nature of the post-shipment installation obligations with respect to the DRS's, the Company defers revenue recognition on the sale of DRS's until installation has been completed. Allowances for Doubtful Accounts ................................. The Company is required to estimate the collectibility of its trade receivables. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the ultimate realization of receivables, including the current credit- worthiness of each customer. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The collectibility of accounts receivable is evaluated based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer's inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings), a specific reserve for bad debts is recorded against amounts due, to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, management estimates a reserve for bad debts based upon the total accounts receivable balance and the percentage expected to be realized through subsequent cash collections. If circumstances change (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer's ability to meet its financial obligations to us), the Company's estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be reduced by a material amount. Inventories ............ On a quarterly basis, the Company compares the amount of inventory on hand and under commitment with its latest forecasted requirements and historical usage or sales to determine whether write-downs for excess or obsolete inventory are required. Although the write-downs for excess or obsolete inventory reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are considered adequate by the Company's management, there can be no assurance that these write-downs will prove to be adequate over time to cover ultimate losses in connection with the Company's inventory. In addition, the Company will reduce the carrying value of its finished goods inventory to net realizable value, if the selling price of the product is less than its cost. Income Taxes ............. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that it believes is more likely than not to be realized. While the Company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, in the event the Company were to determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should the Company determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would increase income in the period such determination was made. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company has approximately $1.2 million of net deferred tax liabilities and $298 thousand of net deferred tax assets, respectively, related principally to inventory basis differences and tax deductible goodwill amortization. Should future pretax book income and taxable income be considerably lower than projected, an increase to the valuation allowance may be required. Recent Accounting Pronouncements ................................. On December 21, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" (FSP No. 109-1"), and FASB Staff Position No. FAS 109-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" ("FSP No. 109-2"). These staff positions provide accounting guidance on how companies should account for the effects of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 that was signed into law on October 22, 2004. FSP No. 109-1 states that the tax relief (special tax deduction for domestic manufacturing) from this legislation should be accounted for as a "special deduction" instead of a tax rate reduction. FSP No. 109-2 gives a company additional time to evaluate the effects of the legislation on any plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying FASB Statement No. 109. The Company is evaluating whether it might repatriate any of its $2 million of undistributed foreign earnings, which is expected to be completed within a reasonable amount of time after additional guidance is published. The evaluation is affected by many factors, including the Company's projected cash requirements and the impact of the new tax law's one-time deduction for qualifying repatriations. If the Company decides to repatriate foreign earnings, it estimates the potential income tax effect would be to record a tax liability at a rate of 5% or less. In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (R), "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS No. 123 (R)"). This statement replaces SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" and supercedes APB No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." SFAS 123 (R) requires all stock-based compensation to be recognized as an expense in the financial statements and that such cost be measured according to the grant-date fair value of the stock options or other equity instruments. SFAS 123 (R) will be effective for quarterly periods beginning after June 15, 2005. While the Company currently provides the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure," on a quarterly basis (see "Note 1 - Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"), it is currently evaluating the impact this statement will have on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4" ("SFAS No. 151"). SFAS No. 151 requires all companies to recognize a current-period charge for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted materials. This statement also requires that the allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this statement will have on its consolidated financial statements. Results of Operations ...................... The following table presents consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands of dollars and as a percentage of total net sales and services). 2004 2003 2002 .... .... .... Dollars Percent Dollars Percent Dollars Percent ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... Net Sales and Services $136,631 100.0% $122,681 100.0% $ 94,513 100.0% Cost of Sales and Services 72,723 53.2% 66,346 54.1% 51,851 54.9% ........ ...... ........ ...... ........ ...... Gross Profit/ Margin 63,908 46.8% 56,335 45.9% 42,662 45.1% Operating Expenses: Selling and Marketing 18,850 13.8% 16,530 13.5% 12,570 13.3% General and Administrative 11,341 8.3% 11,324 9.2% 8,062 8.5% Research and Development 13,710 10.0% 12,598 10.3% 9,838 10.4% ........ ...... ........ ...... ........ ...... Income from Operations 20,007 14.6% 15,883 12.9% 12,192 12.9% Non-Operating Income (973) (0.7%) (1,049) (0.9%) (513) (0.5%) ........ ...... ........ ...... ........ ...... Income before Provision for Income Taxes 20,980 15.4% 16,932 13.8% 12,705 13.4% Provision for Income Taxes 6,218 4.6% 5,614 4.6% 4,193 4.4% ........ ...... ........ ...... ........ ...... Net Income $ 14,762 10.8% $ 11,318 9.2% $ 8,512 9.0% ........ ...... ........ ...... ........ ...... ........ ...... ........ ...... ........ ...... Net Sales and Services ....................... Net sales and services for 2004 increased to $136.6 million from $122.7 million in 2003, an increase of $14.0 million or 11.4%. All product lines contributed towards the increase in net sales and services with the exception of high-energy solid-state pulsed lasers, which experienced a decrease in sales. Sales of CO2 lasers, scanners, light and color measurement equipment, and marking systems were the primary contributors towards our increase in sales. Net sales and services for 2003 increased to $122.7 million from $94.5 million in 2002. The increase from 2002 to 2003 of $28.2 million or 29.8% was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Continuum in October 2002, but the increase also resulted from an entire year's direct sales in 2003 from our subsidiary in Japan, and an increase in scanner and high power solid-state laser sales. Gross Margins and Cost of Sales ................................ Gross margins as a percentage of sales in 2004 were 46.8% compared to 45.9% in 2003. Cost of sales and services increased by $6.4 million or 9.6% to $72.7 million in 2004 from $66.3 million in 2003. The increase in gross margins as a percentage of sales is due to the fixed manufacturing costs being absorbed by increased sales volume, the mix of products being sold, which have varying levels of variable costs and a shift to higher margin direct sales from distributor sales. The increase in cost of sales and services from 2003 to 2004 is primarily attributable to the increased sales volume. Gross margins as a percentage of sales in 2003 were 45.9% compared to 45.1% in 2002. Cost of sales and services increased by $14.5 million or 28.0% to $66.3 million in 2003 from $51.9 million in 2002. The increase in gross margins as a percentage of sales and the increase in cost of sales and services from 2002 to 2003 are primarily attributable to the increased sales volume and product mix. Operating Expenses ................... Selling and Marketing Selling and marketing expenses were $18.9 million in 2004 compared to $16.5 million in 2003 and $12.6 million in 2002. The increase of $2.3 million or 14% from 2003 to 2004 was primarily attributable to the variable costs associated with increased sales volume and our additional fixed costs associated with expanding our US and global sales and marketing efforts. The increase of $4.0 million or 31.5% from 2002 to 2003 was primarily attributable to increased direct sales from our subsidiary in Japan and the acquisition of Continuum. Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of sales were 13.8% in 2004, 13.5% in 2003, and 13.3% in 2002. The increases in selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of sales are primarily attributable to higher marketing and personnel costs associated with the expansion of our sales and marketing efforts. General and Administrative General and administrative expenses were $11.3 million in 2004, as compared with $11.3 million in 2003 and $8.1 million in 2002. General and administrative expenses from 2003 to 2004 did not change as we incurred lower legal fees in 2004 subsequent to the settlement of patent litigation in December 2003 and July 2004, which savings were offset by an increase in accounting and other fees, associated with compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act. The increase of $3.3 million or 40.5% from 2002 to 2003 was primarily attributable to increased legal fees, primarily from patent litigation and the acquisition of Continuum. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 8.3% in 2004 as compared to 9.2% in 2003 and 8.5% in 2002. General and administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased due to an increased sales volume and many general and administrative costs are fixed in nature and do not significantly fluctuate as sales volume changes. Research and Development Research and development expenses for 2004 were $13.7 million as compared to $12.6 million in 2003 and $9.8 million in 2002. The increase of $1.1 million or 8.8% from 2003 to 2004 was primarily attributable to increased investments throughout our product lines, most notably the expansion of our development efforts in software embedded in our products, CO2 lasers, scanners, and high power solid-state lasers. The increase of $2.8 million or 28.0% from 2002 to 2003 was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Continuum and increases in research activities from all our major product lines. Other Income/Expense No interest expense was incurred in 2004 or 2003 as there were no borrowings throughout those years, as compared to $8 thousand in 2002. Interest expense decreased by $8 thousand or 100% from 2002 to 2003 due to less short-term borrowings by our European subsidiaries. Interest income for 2004 was $387 thousand, as compared to $148 thousand in 2003 and $220 thousand in 2002. The increase in interest income of $239 thousand or 161% from 2003 to 2004 is primarily due to the increase in the average investable cash balances. In addition, during 2004 the average interest rates increased, but the impact was reduced as the Company elected to invest in tax free instruments, which resulted in lower pre-tax interest earnings compared to tax bearing instruments. The decrease in interest income of $72 thousand or 32.7% from 2002 to 2003 is primarily due to lower interest rates. Other income, net for 2004 was $580 thousand, compared to $896 thousand in 2003 and $301 thousand in 2002. The income in 2004, 2003 and 2002 was primarily attributable to the recording of foreign currency exchange transaction gains at Excel Europe for the settlement of payables due in U.S. dollars for the purchase of inventories from the Company's U.S. domestic subsidiaries as a result of the decline in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Euro which amounted to $621 thousand, $845 thousand and $332 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Provision for Income Taxes The provision for income taxes for 2004 was $6.2 million, compared to $5.6 million in 2003 and $4.2 million in 2002. The increases of $604 thousand or 10.8% from 2003 to 2004 and $1.4 million or 33.9% from 2002 to 2003 are primarily attributable to higher taxable income. The Company's effective tax rate was 29.6% for 2004, as compared to 33.2% in 2003 and 33.0% in 2002. The decrease in the Company's effective tax rate from 2003 to 2004 is primarily due to an increased research and development credit, higher extraterritorial income ("ETI") benefits as a result of increased US export sales and tax-exempt investment income. The Company's effective tax rates were relatively consistent from 2002 to 2003. Liquidity and Capital Resources ................................ Cash Flow Overview ................... Cash, cash equivalents and investments increased $16.0 million during the year 2004 to $41.8 million. The increase during the year was primarily due to the net cash provided by operating activities of $16.1 million and financing activities from the exercise of stock options of $1.1 million partially offset by net cash used for capital expenditures of $1.4 million. The Company also experienced a favorable foreign exchange effect on cash and equivalents of $191 thousand in 2004. As of December 31, 2004 the Company had no bank debt. Net cash provided by operating activities was $16.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 and $15.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, which was primarily attributable to net income plus the depreciation and amortization expenses, offset partially by net changes in working capital items. Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $2.7 million. Accounts receivable at December 31, 2004 of $19.8 million decreased $2.3 million from December 31, 2003 due to effective cash collections during the year 2004. Inventory at December 31, 2004 of $28.8 million increased $3.3 million from December 31, 2003 due to an increase in the Company's average sales volume and the shorter lead times demanded by our customers requiring us to maintain a higher average inventory level compared to the prior year. Net cash used in investing activities of $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 was primarily attributable to the purchase of auction rate notes for $14.4 million and equipment for $1.4 million. Net cash used in investing activities of $19.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 was due primarily to the purchase of auction rate notes for $16.0 million and the acquisition of DGE for $910 thousand and capital expenditures of $2.5 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.1 million and $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively resulting from the proceeds received upon the exercise of employee stock options. As of December 31, 2004, the Company has working capital of $80.0 million including cash, cash equivalents and auction rate notes of $41.8 million, compared to working capital of $59.5 million including cash, cash equivalents and investments of $25.7 million at December 31, 2003. The working capital increased by $20.5 million and cash, cash equivalents and investments increased by $16.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2004. As of December 31, 2004, the Company's contractual obligations were as follows (in thousands): Contractual Obligations Payments Due by Period ...................................................... Total Less than 1 - 3 3 - 5 More than 1 Year Years Years 5 Years ...... ......... ...... ...... ......... Operating Leases $5,236 $1,724 $2,446 $1,033 $33 Line of Credit As of December 31, 2004, the Company has no lines of credit. The Company intends to continue to invest in support of its growth strategy. These investments aid in retaining and acquiring new customers, expanding the Company's current product offerings and further developing its operating infrastructure. The Company believes that current cash, cash equivalents and investments will be sufficient to meet these anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months. However, any projections of future cash needs and cash flows are subject to substantial uncertainty. If current cash, cash equivalents and investments and those that may be generated from operations are insufficient to satisfy the Company's liquidity requirements, the Company may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or secure lines of credit. The sale of additional equity or convertible debt securities could result in additional dilution to the Company's stockholders. In addition, the Company will, from time to time, consider the acquisition of, or investment in, complementary businesses, products, services and technologies, which might impact the Company's liquidity requirements or cause the Company to issue additional equity or debt securities. There can be no assurance that financing will be available, on terms that are acceptable to the Company or at all. Selected Quarterly Financial Data Unaudited quarterly financial data (in thousands, except per share amounts) for 2004 and 2003 is summarized as follows: 2004 2003 ...................................................................................................... Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YEAR Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YEAR ........ ........ ........ ........ ....... ........ ........ ........ ........ ....... Net sales and services $ 36,291 $ 34,163 $ 34,902 $ 31,276 $136,631 $ 31,437 $ 31,514 $ 28,690 $ 31,040 $122,681 Cost of sales and services 19,802 17,502 18,754 16,665 72,723 17,129 17,163 15,010 17,044 66,346 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Gross profit 16,489 16,661 16,148 14,611 63,908 14,308 14,351 13,680 13,996 56,335 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Operating expenses: Selling and marketing 4,781 4,817 4,521 4,732 18,850 4,187 4,272 3,949 4,122 16,530 General and administrative 2,804 2,927 2,631 2,980 11,341 2,633 2,724 2,984 2,983 11,324 Research and development 3,364 3,401 3,291 3,653 13,710 3,305 3,131 2,999 3,163 12,598 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ 10,949 11,145 10,443 11,365 43,901 10,125 10,127 9,932 10,268 40,452 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Income from operations 5,540 5,516 5,705 3,246 20,007 4,183 4,224 3,748 3,728 15,883 Non-operating expenses (income): Interest income (56) (74) (97) (159) (387) (24) (32) (38) (54) (148) Minority interest in net loss of subsidiary (6) 0 0 0 (6) 0 0 0 (5) (5) Foreign currency gains and other income, net (170) (197) (124) (88) (580) (177) (119) (243) (357) (896) ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Income before provision for income taxes 5,772 5,787 5,926 3,493 20,980 4,384 4,375 4,029 4,144 16,932 Provision for income taxes 1,725 1,736 1,778 978 6,218 1,535 1,509 1,370 1,200 5,614 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Net income $ 4,047 $ 4,051 $ 4,148 $ 2,515 $ 14,762 $ 2,849 $ 2,866 $ 2,659 $ 2,944 $ 11,318 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Basic earnings per common share $ 0.34 $ 0.34 $ 0.34 $ 0.21 $ 1.23 $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.22 $ 0.25 $ 0.95 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Weighted average common shares outstanding 11,972 12,028 12,052 12,053 12,026 11,806 11,815 11,864 11,925 11,853 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.33 $ 0.33 $ 0.34 $ 0.21 $ 1.20 $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ 0.93 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 12,444 12,449 12,255 12,256 12,351 12,103 12,178 12,273 12,362 12,231 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Inflation .......... In the opinion of management, inflation has not had a material effect on the operations of the Company. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK The principal market risks (i.e. the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices) to which the Company is exposed are interest rates on demand deposits with banks and money market funds and exchange rates, generating translation and transaction gains and losses. Interest Rates ............... The Company manages its cash and investment portfolios considering investment opportunities and risks, tax consequences and overall financing strategies. The Company's investment portfolios consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and investments, with carrying amounts approximating market value. Assuming year-end 2004 cash and investment levels, a one-point change in interest rates would have an approximate $400 thousand impact on the annual interest income of the Company. Foreign Currency Exchange Rates ................................ Operating in international markets involves exposure to movements in currency exchange rates that are volatile at times. The economic impact of currency exchange rate movements on the Company is complex because such changes are often linked to variability in real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental actions and other factors. These changes, if material, could cause the Company to adjust its financing and operating strategies. Consequently, isolating the effect of changes in currency does not incorporate these other important economic factors. The Company's net sales and services to foreign customers represented approximately 63% of total net sales and services in 2004, 61% in 2003 and 63% in 2002. The Company expects net sales and services to foreign customers will continue to represent a large percentage of its total net sales and services. The Company's net sales and services denominated in foreign currencies represented approximately 29% of its total net sales and services in 2004, 31% of its total net sales and services in 2003 and 28% in 2002. The Company generally has not engaged in foreign currency hedging transactions. The aggregate foreign exchange gains and (losses) included in determining consolidated results of operations were $621 thousand, $845 thousand and $332 thousand in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Changes in the Euro and Yen have the largest impact on the Company's operating profits. The Company estimates that a 10% change in foreign exchange rates would not materially impact reported operating profits. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The audited financial statements and supplementary data follow on pages 31 to 49. EXCEL TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule filed with the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K For the Year ended December 31, 2004. Page .... Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms 29 Consolidated Financial Statements: Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 31 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 32 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 33 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 34 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 35 Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules: Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 49 ......................... Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are either not applicable or the required information has been given elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ....................................................... The Board of Directors and Stockholders Excel Technology, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Excel Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the two- year period ended December 31, 2004. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Excel Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Excel Technology, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control- Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 9, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting. /s/ KPMG LLP Melville, New York March 9, 2005 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ....................................................... The Board of Directors and Stockholders Excel Technology, Inc.: We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Excel Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Excel Technology, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, management's assessment that Excel Technology, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, Excel Technology, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Excel Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2004, and our report dated March 9, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. /s/ KPMG LLP Melville, New York March 9, 2005 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ....................................................... To the Board of Directors and Stockholders Excel Technology, Inc. and Subsidiaries We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows of Excel Technology, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2002. Our audit also included the 2002 activity in the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of Excel Technology, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the 2002 activity in the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects the information set forth therein. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Melville, New York January 22, 2003 EXCEL TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2004 and 2003 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Assets ....... 2004 2003 .......... .......... Current assets: Cash and equivalents $ 11,329 $ 9,740 Investments 30,425 16,000 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $796 and $1,001 in 2004 and 2003, respectively 19,782 21,917 Inventories 28,839 25,038 Deferred income taxes 1,598 1,289 Other current assets 1,703 1,025 .......... .......... Total current assets 93,676 75,009 .......... .......... Property, plant and equipment 26,492 27,665 Other assets 289 415 Goodwill 32,021 30,649 .......... .......... Total Assets $ 152,478 $ 133,738 .......... .......... .......... .......... Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity ..................................... Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 5,265 $ 4,801 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 8,405 10,668 .......... .......... Total current liabilities 13,670 15,469 .......... .......... Deferred income taxes 2,807 991 Minority interest in subsidiary 0 6 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, par value $.001 per share: 2,000 shares authorized, none issued 0 0 Common stock, par value $.001 per share: 20,000 shares authorized, 12,053 and 11,943 shares issued and outstanding in 2004 and 2003, respectively 12 12 Additional paid-in capital 49,573 47,514 Retained earnings 82,375 67,613 Accumulated other comprehensive income 4,041 2,133 .......... .......... Total stockholders' equity 136,001 117,272 .......... .......... Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 152,478 $ 133,738 .......... .......... .......... .......... See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. EXCEL TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Income Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (In thousands, except earnings per share) 2004 2003 2002 ........ ........ ....... Net sales and services $136,631 $122,681 $94,513 Cost of sales and services 72,723 66,346 51,851 ........ ........ ....... Gross profit 63,908 56,335 42,662 Operating expenses: Selling and marketing 18,850 16,530 12,570 General and administrative 11,341 11,324 8,062 Research and development 13,710 12,598 9,838 ........ ........ ....... 43,901 40,452 30,470 ........ ........ ....... Income from operations 20,007 15,883 12,192 Non-operating expenses (income): Interest expense 0 0 8 Interest income (387) (148) (220) Minority interest in net loss of subsidiary (6) (5) 0 Foreign currency gains and other income, net (580) (896) (301) ........ ........ ....... Income before provision for income taxes 20,980 16,932 12,705 Provision for income taxes 6,218 5,614 4,193 ........ ........ ....... Net income $ 14,762 $ 11,318 $ 8,512 ........ ........ ....... ........ ........ ....... Basic earnings per common share $1.23 $0.95 $0.72 ........ ........ ....... ........ ........ ....... Weighted average common shares outstanding 12,026 11,853 11,792 ........ ........ ....... ........ ........ ....... Diluted earnings per common share $1.20 $0.93 $0.71 ........ ........ ....... ........ ........ ....... Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 12,351 12,231 12,071 ........ ........ ....... ........ ........ ....... See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Excel Technology, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (In thousands) Accumulated Additional Other Preferred Stock Common Stock Paid-In Retained Comprehensive Comprehensive Shares Amounts Shares Amounts Capital Earnings Income (Loss) Total Income ....... ....... ........ ....... .......... ........ .............. ........ ............. Balances at December 31, 2001 0 $ 0 11,764 $ 12 $ 44,857 $ 47,783 $ (1,054) $ 91,598 Exercise of common stock options 0 0 41 0 544 0 0 544 Net income for the year 0 0 0 0 0 8,512 0 8,512 $ 8,512 Foreign currency translation adjustment 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,603 1,603 1,603 ............. Comprehensive income 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 10,115 ....... ....... ....... ....... .......... ........ .............. ........ ............. ............. Balances at December 31, 2002 0 0 11,805 12 45,401 56,295 549 102,257 Exercise of common stock options 0 0 138 0 1,345 0 0 1,345 Tax benefit from employee stock option exercises 0 0 0 0 768 0 0 768 Net income for the year 0 0 0 0 0 11,318 0 11,318 $ 11,318 Foreign currency translation adjustment 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,584 1,584 1,584 ............. Comprehensive income 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 12,902 ....... ....... ....... ....... .......... ........ .............. ........ ............. ............. Balances at December 31, 2003 0 0 11,943 12 47,514 67,613 2,133 117,272 Exercise of common stock options 0 0 110 0 1,108 0 0 1,108 Tax benefit from employee stock option exercises 0 0 0 0 951 0 0 951 Net income for the year 0 0 0 0 0 14,762 0 14,762 $ 14,762 Foreign currency translation adjustment 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,908 1,908 1,908 ............. Comprehensive income 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 16,670 ....... ....... ....... ....... .......... ........ .............. ........ ............. ............. Balances at December 31, 2004 0 $ 0 12,053 $ 12 $ 49,573 $ 82,375 $ 4,041 $136,001 ....... ....... ....... ....... .......... ........ .............. ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... .......... ........ .............. ........ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. EXCEL TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (In thousands) 2004 2003 2002 ......... ......... ......... Operating activities: Net income $ 14,762 $ 11,318 $ 8,512 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Minority interest in net loss of subsidiary (6) (5) 0 Depreciation and amortization 2,687 2,887 2,746 Tax benefit from employee stock option exercises 951 768 0 Provision for bad debts 297 92 314 Deferred income taxes 1,507 590 817 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: Accounts receivable 2,334 743 (2,155) Inventories (3,269) 642 95 Other current assets (613) 371 318 Other assets (480) (228) 10 Accounts payable 362 (941) (1,590) Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (2,425) (829) 1,247 ......... ......... ......... Net cash provided by operating activities 16,107 15,408 10,314 ......... ......... ......... Investing activities: Purchases of investments, net of redemptions (14,425) (16,000) 0 Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired 0 (914) (11,255) Purchases of property, plant and equipment (1,392) (2,450) (4,034) ......... ......... ......... Net cash used in investing activities (15,817) (19,364) (15,289) ......... ......... ......... Financing activities: Proceeds from exercise of common stock options 1,108 1,345 498 Minority shareholder investment in joint venture 0 11 0 ......... ......... ......... Net cash provided by financing activities 1,108 1,356 498 ......... ......... ......... Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 191 518 87 ......... ......... ......... Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents 1,589 (2,082) (4,390) Cash and equivalents - beginning of year 9,740 11,822 16,212 ......... ......... ......... Cash and equivalents - end of year $ 11,329 $ 9,740 $ 11,822 ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... Supplemental Cash Flow Information ................................... Cash paid for: Interest $ 0 $ 0 $ 8 ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... Income taxes $ 5,604 $ 2,312 $ 1,950 ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2004 and 2003 (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies .......................................... Excel Technology, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") manufactures and markets laser systems and electro-optical components primarily for industrial and scientific applications. The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company are as follows: Basis of Presentation ..................... The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Excel Technology, Inc. (Excel), its 50% owned joint venture, Excel Laser Technology Private Limited (Excel SouthAsia JV) and its Wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Revenue Recognition ................... The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" ("SAB 104"), as amended. SAB 104 requires that the following four basic criteria must be met before revenue can be recognized: 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; 3) the fee is fixed and determinable; and 4) collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company's revenues are generated from: 1) product sales, including product upgrades and replacement part sales; 2) maintenance agreements; and 3) services. The Company's product lines principally consist of laser-based systems and electro- optical components used in a wide range of applications by different types of end-users and are often used as sub- assemblies required for end products manufactured by the customer. Revenue relating to these products is recognized upon transfer of title to the customer, which is generally upon shipment, assuming the other criteria of SAB 104 are met. Related shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales and services. With respect to maintenance agreements, revenue is recognized and customers are generally billed on a monthly or quarterly basis over the term of the agreement. When a customer pays an annual maintenance fee, it is recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue ratably over the term of the agreement. For services rendered, customers are billed and revenues are recognized as the related services are performed. When a sales arrangement involves multiple elements, such as the sale of products that require installation, training or other services, the Company records deferred revenue for the fair value of the undelivered element and recognizes the revenue when the revenue recognition criteria for that element is met. Fair value is established for an element based on the price when the element is sold separately. Product returns have historically been insignificant. The Company manufactures one product, a Photomask Defect Repair System ("DRS"), which is a large, highly complex customized machine. The terms of sale with respect to DRS's require that the Company perform installation due to the technical expertise required for this product. Due to the nature of the post- shipment installation obligations with respect to the DRS's, the Company defers revenue recognition on the sale of DRS's until installation has been completed. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments ...................................... Cash and equivalents of $11.3 million and $9.7 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, consist of demand deposits with banks and highly liquid money market funds. The Company considers investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Available-for-sale investments of $30.4 million and $16.0 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, consist of auction rate notes for which the carrying value equaled their fair value. Inventories ........... Inventories consist of material, labor and overhead and are stated at the lower of cost on a first-in, first-out basis or market. On a quarterly basis, the Company compares the amount of the inventory on hand and under commitment with its latest forecasted requirements and historical usage or sales to determine whether write-downs for excess or obsolete inventory are required. In addition, the Company will reduce the carrying value of its finished goods inventory to net realizable value, if the selling price of the product is less than its cost. Depreciation and Amortization ............................. The Company's property, plant and equipment, recorded at cost, are depreciated or amortized over their estimated useful lives under the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or over the estimated life of the asset, whichever is less. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are evaluated annually for impairment. The Company's annual assessment is performed on December 31st of each year. Research and Development Costs .............................. Research and development costs include material, labor and overhead associated with Company-sponsored projects. Such costs are expensed as incurred. Long-Lived Assets ................. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amounts of the assets exceed the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Warranty Reserve ................ The Company analyzes its warranty reserve for reasonableness on a quarterly basis. Based upon a three-year history of warranty expense incurred, the nature of the products shipped subject to warranty and anticipated warranty trends, the Company believes that the carrying amounts of its warranty reserve at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are reasonable. Changes in the warranty reserve in 2004 and 2003 were as follows (In thousands): 2004 2003 ........ ........ Balance at January 1 $ 756 $ 980 Provision for warranties during the year 536 322 Costs of warranty obligations during the year (527) (546) ........ ........ Balance at December 31 $ 765 $ 756 ........ ........ ........ ........ Income Taxes ............ The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities at enacted rates in effect when such amounts are expected to be realized or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Foreign Currency Translation ............................ The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation." All balance sheet accounts have been translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income statement amounts have been translated using the average exchange rate for the year. The resulting cumulative translation adjustment of approximately $4.0 million and $2.1 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, is reflected as accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders' equity. In addition, there were transaction gains and losses and inter-company balances not deemed long-term in nature at the balance sheet date that resulted in net transaction gains of $621 thousand, $845 thousand and $332 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, which is reflected in foreign currency gains and other income, net in the consolidated statements of income. Earnings Per Share .................. The Company presents two earnings per share ("EPS") amounts, basic and diluted. Basic EPS is calculated based on net income and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reported period. Diluted EPS includes the effect of potentially dilutive securities (stock options), using the treasury stock method, on weighted-average shares outstanding. Fair Value of Financial Instruments ................................... The recorded amounts of the Company's cash, cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these items. Use of Estimates ................ The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Concentration of Credit Risk ............................ Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of its holdings of cash, cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable. Cash, cash equivalents and investments are deposited with high credit quality financial institutions. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the Company's large number of customers and their dispersion throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and generally does not require collateral. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation ....................................... At December 31, 2004, the Company has stock-based employee compensation plans, which are more fully described in Note 8. The Company accounts for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost has been reflected in the statements of income for the three years ended December 31, 2004, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market values of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" to stock-based employee compensation. (In thousands, except per share data) Year ended December 31, 2004 2003 2002 ....... ....... ....... Net income, as reported $14,762 $11,318 $ 8,512 Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects (3,027) (1,519) (2,064) ....... ....... ....... Proforma net income $11,735 $ 9,799 $ 6,448 ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... Earnings per share: Basic - as reported $1.23 $0.95 $0.72 ....... ....... ....... Basic - proforma $0.98 $0.83 $0.55 ....... ....... ....... Diluted - as reported $1.20 $0.93 $0.71 ....... ....... ....... Diluted - proforma $0.95 $0.81 $0.54 ....... ....... ....... The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $13.67, $9.47 and $15.32, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option- pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: 2004- expected dividend yield of 0%, risk free interest rate of 3.6%, expected stock volatility of 50% and expected life of approximately 4.0 years; 2003- expected dividend yield of 0%, risk free interest rate of 3.6%, expected stock volatility of 50% and expected life of approximately 4.0 years; 2002- expected dividend yield of 0%, risk free interest rates ranging from 2.6% to 4.0%, expected stock volatility of 56% and expected life of approximately 4.0 years; For purposes of the proforma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to compensation expense over the options' vesting periods. New Accounting Pronouncements ............................. On December 21, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" (FSP No. 109-1"), and FASB Staff Position No. FAS 109-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" ("FSP No. 109-2"). These staff positions provide accounting guidance on how companies should account for the effects of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 that was signed into law on October 22, 2004. FSP No. 109-1 states that the tax relief (special tax deduction for domestic manufacturing) from this legislation should be accounted for as a "special deduction" and reduce tax expense in the period(s) the amounts are deductible on the tax returns, instead of a tax rate reduction. FSP No. 109-2 gives a company additional time to evaluate the effects of the legislation on any plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying FASB Statement No. 109. The Company is evaluating whether it might repatriate any of its $2 million of undistributed foreign earnings, which is expected to be completed within a reasonable amount of time after additional guidance is published. The evaluation is affected by many factors, including the Company's projected cash requirements and the impact of the new tax law's one-time deduction for qualifying repatriations. If the Company decides to repatriate foreign earnings, it estimates the potential income tax effect would be to record a tax liability at rate of 5% or less. In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (R), "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS No. 123 (R)"). This statement replaces SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" and supersedes APB No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." SFAS 123 (R) requires all stock-based compensation to be recognized as an expense in the financial statements and that such cost be measured according to the grant-date fair value of the stock options or other equity instruments. SFAS 123 (R) will be effective for quarterly periods beginning after June 15, 2005. While the Company currently provides the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure," on a quarterly basis (see "Note 1 - Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"), it is currently evaluating the impact this statement will have on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4" ("SFAS No. 151"). SFAS No. 151 requires all companies to recognize a current-period charge for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted materials. This statement also requires that the allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this statement will have on its consolidated financial statements. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ............................................. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("comprehensive income (loss)") refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders' equity, net of tax. The Company's comprehensive income (loss) is composed of net income (loss) and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translation adjustments. Reclassification ................ Amounts related to auction rate note investments of $16.0 million in the 2003 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2004 presentation. (2) Acquisitions ............ On December 17, 2003, the Company acquired all the outstanding capital stock of D. Green (Electronics) Ltd. ("DGE"), a manufacturer of power supplies for laser systems, which is located in the United Kingdom (UK), for $925 thousand, including $40 thousand of related expenses. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the operating results of DGE, which are insignificant compared to those of the Company, have been included in the Company's consolidated results of operations since the date of the acquisition. At the date of acquisition, the fair value of DGE's assets and liabilities assumed were $336 thousand and $193 thousand, respectively. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired of $782 thousand was recorded as goodwill. On April 23, 2003, the Company incorporated Excel Laser Technology Private Limited based in Mumbai, India as a joint venture for the distribution of certain subsidiary products in South Asia, which will market, sell, install and provide customer service for the Company's products. The Company invested $11 thousand for a 50% equity ownership interest in the joint venture. In accordance with FIN No. 46, "Accounting For Variable Interest Entities," since the joint venture is a variable interest entity and the Company is the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, the Company has consolidated the results of the joint venture with its results and reflected the minority interest in the net loss of the joint venture of $6 thousand and $5 thousand in the statements of income for 2004 and 2003, respectively. On October 1, 2002, the Company, through a newly formed wholly- owned subsidiary, Continuum Electro-Optics, Inc., acquired substantially all of the assets and properties ("Assets") of Hoya Photonics, Inc., d/b/a Continuum, and Hoya Photonics' Wholly owned subsidiaries, Continuum Electro-Optics GmbH, Continuum France EURL and Hoya Continuum Corporation collectively, "Continuum"), relating to the business of developing, manufacturing and marketing pulsed lasers and related accessories for the scientific and commercial marketplaces, for $11.2 million in cash, including approximately $500 thousand in transaction costs, and the assumption of trade payables, accrued expenses and other specified liabilities. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their fair values, and the operating results of Continuum have been included in the Company's consolidated results of operations since the date of acquisition. Goodwill was increased in 2003 by $347 thousand for additional expenses related to the acquisition and an inventory purchase price adjustment. The final purchase price allocation of the Continuum business resulted in the following condensed balance of assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Continuum Final Purchase ........................ Price Allocation ........................ (In thousands) ........................ Receivables $ 3,406 Inventories 4,260 Property, plant and equipment 236 Other assets 474 Goodwill 7,771 ....... Total assets acquired 16,147 Accounts payable 2,215 Other current liabilities 2,721 ....... Total liabilities assumed 4,936 ....... Net assets acquired $11,211 ....... ....... Pro-forma results of operations assume the acquisition of Continuum had been made at the beginning of 2002 and reflect the historical results of operations of the purchased business adjusted for the effects of reduced interest income, amortization expense and income tax expense. Year ended December 31, 2002 ............................ (In thousands, except per share data) ..................................... Net sales and services $111,838 Net income 7,613 Basic earnings per common share $0.65 Diluted earnings per common share $0.63 The pro-forma results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have occurred had the purchase been made at the beginning of 2002, or the results that may occur in the future. On August 31, 2002, the Company, through a newly formed wholly- owned subsidiary, Excel Japan, acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of OptoFocus Corporation ("OptoFocus"), a distribution organization representing the Company's Quantronix product line in Japan, for approximately $272 thousand in cash (including acquisition related expenses). The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the operating results of OptoFocus, which are insignificant compared to those of the Company, have been included in the Company's consolidated results of operations since the date of the acquisition. The final purchase price allocation for the OptoFocus acquisition resulted in approximately $719 thousand in total assets acquired and approximately $447 thousand in total liabilities acquired. (3) Inventories ........... Inventories consist of the following (In thousands): December 31, ....................... 2004 2003 .......... .......... Raw materials $ 15,384 $ 11,686 Work-in-process 7,074 7,360 Finished goods 4,858 5,116 Consigned inventory 1,523 876 .......... .......... $ 28,839 $ 25,038 .......... .......... .......... .......... (4) Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment at cost consists of the following (In thousands): December 31, ................. Useful life 2004 2003 ........... ........ ........ Land 0 $ 4,236 $ 4,236 Buildings 30 years 18,918 19,150 Leasehold improvements Lease term 644 612 Fixtures and computer equipment 3-5 years 2,869 2,678 Machinery and equipment 3-5 years 6,759 6,542 Laboratory equipment 3-5 years 3,293 3,002 ........ ........ 36,719 36,220 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 10,227 8,555 ........ ........ $ 26,492 $ 27,665 ........ ........ ........ ........ Depreciation and amortization expense aggregated approximately $2.7 million, $2.9 million and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. (5) Goodwill ........ The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2004 is attributable to the change in foreign currency exchange rates used to translate the goodwill contained in the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the net carrying amount of goodwill increased $782 thousand for the acquisition of DGE and $484 thousand for purchase price adjustments and additional acquisition costs related to the Continuum acquisition. (6) Income Taxes ............ Pre-tax income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 was comprised of domestic income of $20.7 million, $16.1 million and $13.6 million, respectively, and foreign income (losses) of $234 thousand, $817 thousand, and ($876) thousand, respectively. The provision for income taxes consists of (In thousands): Year ended December 31, ............................ 2004 2003 2002 ........ ........ ........ Current: Federal $ 3,736 $ 4,027 $ 2,952 State and local 697 321 373 Foreign 278 675 51 ........ ........ ........ 4,711 5,023 3,376 ........ ........ ........ Deferred: Federal 1,507 591 817 ........ ........ ........ $ 6,218 $ 5,614 $ 4,193 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ The current provision for income taxes includes a tax benefit of $192 thousand for 2004, $391 thousand for 2003 and $391 thousand for 2002 for utilizing Federal net operating loss carryforwards. The effective income tax rate differed from the statutory Federal income tax rate due to the following items (In thousands): Year ended December 31, 2004 2003 2002 ........ ........ ........ Taxes at statutory Federal income tax rate $ 7,241 $ 5,926 $ 4,447 State income taxes, net of Federal benefit 453 209 243 Credits (420) 0 0 ETI benefit (943) (704) (833) Change in valuation allowance 173 65 589 Foreign Tax Rate Differential 49 (89) 0 Non-taxable income (78) 0 0 Other (257) 207 (253) ........ ........ ........ $ 6,218 $ 5,614 $ 4,193 ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows (In thousands): December 31, ..................... 2004 2003 .......... ......... Deferred tax assets: Excess of tax over financial statement basis of inventory $ 997 $ 788 Allowance for doubtful accounts 211 152 Accrued warranty costs 105 100 Other accrued expenses 285 249 Benefits of U.S. net operating loss carryforwards 0 192 Benefits of foreign net operating loss carryforwards 2,173 2,000 Plant and equipment depreciation 0 181 .......... ......... Total deferred tax assets 3,771 3,662 Less valuation allowance (2,173) (2,000) .......... ......... 1,598 1,662 .......... ......... Deferred tax liabilities: Plant and equipment depreciation (591) 0 Goodwill amortization (2,216) (1,364) .......... ......... Total deferred tax liabilities (2,807) (1,364) .......... ......... Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets $ (1,209) $ 298 .......... ......... .......... ......... A valuation allowance of $2.2 million, as of December 31, 2004 has been provided against all of the Company's foreign net operating loss carryforwards. There can be no assurance that the Company will generate sufficient taxable earnings in future years to fully realize the tax benefits associated with foreign net operating loss carryforwards. Undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $2.0 million, at December 31, 2004. Those earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes has been provided thereon. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation; however, unrecognized foreign tax credit carryforwards would be available to reduce some portion of the U.S. tax liability. (7) Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities .............................................. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (In thousands): December 31, ..................... 2004 2003 .......... ......... Salaries, wages, commissions and bonuses $ 2,274 $ 1,999 Accrued vacation/holiday/sick pay 768 770 Deferred revenue 318 459 Customer deposits 714 847 Accrued royalties payable 53 119 Warranty reserve 765 756 Professional fees payable 814 511 Income taxes payable 1,675 3,360 Other 1,024 1,847 .......... ......... $ 8,405 $ 10,668 .......... ......... .......... ......... (8) Stockholders' Equity .................... Stock Option Plans .................. In 1990, Excel adopted a stock option plan (the "Plan") which provided for the granting of incentive stock options and non- incentive stock options to certain key employees, including officers and directors, to purchase an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of common stock, as amended, at prices and terms determined by the Board of Directors. Options granted under the Plan, which terminated on July 30, 2000, may be exercisable for a period of up to ten years. Through December 31, 2004, all options granted to employees under the Plan have exercise prices equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant, vest ratably over three or five years and expire either five or ten years from date of grant. In 1998, the Company adopted a stock option plan (the "1998 Plan") which provides for the granting of incentive stock options and non-incentive stock options to certain key employees, including officers and directors, and consultants to purchase an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of common stock at prices and terms determined by the Board of Directors. The option price per share of incentive stock options must be at least 100% of the market value of the stock on the date of the grant, except in the case of shareholders owning more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock, the option price must be at least 110% of the market value on the date of the grant, and for non-incentive stock options such price may be less than 100% of the market value of the stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 1998 Plan, which terminates on April 8, 2008, may be exercisable for a period up to ten years. Through December 31, 2004, all options granted to employees under the 1998 Plan have exercise prices equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant, vest ratably over three or five years, and expire either five or ten years from the date of grant. In 2004, the Company adopted a stock option plan (the "2004 Plan") which provides for the granting of incentive stock options and non-incentive stock options to certain key employees, including officers and directors of the Company and consultants to purchase an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of common stock at prices and terms determined by the Board of Directors. The option price per share of incentive stock options must be at least 100% of the market value of the stock on the date of the grant, except in the case of shareholders owning more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock, the option price must be at least 110% of the market value on the date of the grant, and for non-incentive stock options such price may be less than 100% of the market value of the stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2004 Plan, which terminates on February 23, 2014, may be exercisable for a period up to ten years. Through December 31, 2004, all options granted to employees under the 2004 Plan have exercise prices equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant, vest immediately, and expire ten years from the date of grant. A summary of activity related to the Company's stock option plans is as follows: Number of shares Weighted average (In thousands) exercise price ............. ................ Outstanding at December 31, 2001 820 $ 17.31 Granted 457 $ 15.32 Exercised (41) $ 12.05 Cancelled (165) $ 23.90 ............. Outstanding at December 31, 2002 1,071 $ 15.65 Granted 90 $ 22.16 Exercised (168) $ 13.09 Cancelled (20) $ 22.26 ............. Outstanding at December 31, 2003 973 $ 16.56 Granted 191 $ 31.98 Exercised (149) $ 16.85 Cancelled (13) $ 23.50 ............. Outstanding at December 31, 2004 1,002 $ 19.37 ............. ............. In 2004 and 2003, 39 thousand and 30 thousand shares of common stock held greater than six months, respectively, were used by employees to exercise options. Such shares, which had a market value of $1.4 million and $854 thousand, respectively, were retired. At December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, a total of 812 thousand, 632 thousand and 561 thousand options were exercisable at weighted average exercise prices of $19.85, $16.50 and $15.33, respectively, and at December 31, 2004 options for the purchase of 898 thousand common shares were available for future grants under the 2004 Plan. The options outstanding as of December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows: Number of Weighted options average Options Exercise outstanding contractual Exercisable price (In thousands) remaining life (In thousands) ........ .............. .............. .............. $ 6.50 2 3.80 years 2 $ 7.00 179 2.94 years 179 $ 13.06 25 4.47 years 25 $ 15.15 282 7.13 years 168 $ 16.66 40 7.78 years 8 $ 19.71 23 6.30 years 21 $ 22.16 70 8.38 years 43 $ 24.63 166 5.23 years 156 $ 26.51 40 10.00 years 40 $ 27.41 20 9.79 years 20 $ 29.00 30 5.42 years 30 $ 29.70 5 9.23 years 0 $ 34.68 120 9.32 years 120 ..... ... 1,002 812 ..... ... ..... ... Shares Reserved for Issuance ............................ At December 31, 2004, the Company had reserved, 1,900,934 authorized and unissued common shares for the following purposes (In thousands): Shares ...... 1990 Stock option plan 176 1998 Stock option plan 725 2004 Stock option plan 1,000 (9) Earnings Per Share .................. The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations (In thousands, except per share amounts): ................2004................. Earnings Shares Per-Share (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount ........... ............. ......... Basic EPS $14,762 12,026 $1.23 Effect of Dilutive Securities: Stock Options 325 ...... Diluted EPS $14,762 12,351 $1.20 ....... ...... ..... ....... ...... ..... .................2003............... Earnings Shares Per-Share (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount ........... ............. ......... Basic EPS $11,318 11,853 $0.95 Effect of Dilutive Securities: Stock Options 378 ...... Diluted EPS $11,318 12,231 $0.93 ....... ...... ..... ....... ...... ..... ...................2002............... Earnings Shares Per-Share (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount ........... ............. .......... Basic EPS $ 8,512 11,792 $0.72 Effect of Dilutive Securities: Stock Options 279 ...... Diluted EPS $ 8,512 12,071 $0.71 ....... ...... ..... ....... ...... ..... There were 175 thousand, 341 thousand, and 295 thousand unexercised stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, not included as part of the diluted EPS calculations for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, because they would have been antidilutive for the periods presented. (10) Treasury Stock .............. The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the purchase of up to 2 million shares of common stock in the open market at prevailing market prices. As of December 31, 2004, no shares have been repurchased. (11) Employee Benefit Plan ..................... The Company has a voluntary defined contribution plan, which complies with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. The plan permits employees to make a voluntary contribution of pretax dollars, with a matching contribution by the Company equal to 50% of an employee's basic contribution to the plan up to a maximum of 3% of their salaries. Company contributions to the plan were approximately $524 thousand, $489 thousand and $387 thousand in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. (12) Commitments and Contingencies ............................. Litigation .......... Dr. Phillips, Inc. ("Phillips"), the landlord of a facility leased by Baublys-Control Laser ("Baublys), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, through 2001, filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit in and for Orange County, Florida against Baublys and the Company, for not repairing or replacing certain personal property related to the use of the property while Baublys leased the facility. The Company guaranteed the lease. Baublys filed a counterclaim contending that it was entitled to receive damages from Phillips for damage to specific property due to Phillips failure to maintain the leased premises. The Company believes there is no merit to the claims made by Phillips and that the ultimate outcome of this matter will not have a significant impact on the financial position and liquidity of the Company. However, if Phillips is successful in its claims, Baublys could be subject to approximately $300 thousand in damages plus interest and/or attorney fees. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various claims, which have arisen in the normal course of business. The impact of the final resolution of these matters on the Company's results of operations or liquidity in a particular reporting period is not known. Management is of the opinion, however, that the ultimate outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company's financial condition or liquidity. Operating Leases ................ The Company and its subsidiaries lease certain buildings, vehicles and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. At December 31, 2004, the future minimum lease payments under non- cancelable operating leases are as follows (In thousands): 2005 $ 1,724 2006 1,455 2007 991 2008 805 2009 228 Thereafter 33 ........ $ 5,236 Rent expense approximated $1.4 million, $1.4 million, and $957 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Employment Agreements ..................... Excel has entered into employment agreements with certain key executives that provide for severance upon termination without cause, aggregating approximately $1.7 million. (13) Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales ................................................ The Company conducts its business in the following geographic regions that are aggregated into one reportable segment. The Company provides photonics-based solutions, primarily consisting of laser systems and electro-optical components, in a broad range of commercial, scientific research and semiconductor applications. The Company's product lines have similar long- term economic characteristics and utilize similar manufacturing processes. The Company distributes, sells and services its products to similar customers in all regions. Information concerning foreign and domestic operations, including net sales by origin is as follows (In thousands): As of or the year ended December 31, 2004 2003 2002 .......... .......... .......... Net sales and services to unaffiliated customers: United States operations $ 96,927 $ 84,393 $ 67,731 European operations 27,928 23,955 23,308 Asian operations 11,776 14,333 3,474 .......... .......... .......... $ 136,631 $ 122,681 $ 94,513 .......... .......... .......... Operating income (loss): United States operations $ 19,889 $ 15,877 $ 13,479 European operations (809) (2,057) (1,600) Asian operations 927 2,063 313 .......... .......... .......... $ 20,007 $ 15,883 $ 12,192 .......... .......... .......... Identifiable assets: United States operations $ 127,251 $ 109,228 $ 96,578 European operations 18,635 17,515 16,667 Asian operations 6,592 6,995 5,479 .......... .......... .......... $ 152,478 $ 133,738 $ 118,724 .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Identifiable assets are those tangible and intangible assets used in operations in each geographic area. During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company had foreign and export sales of approximately $85.7 million, $74.7 million and $59.2 million, representing 63%, 61% and 63%, respectively, of total net sales and services. Of the net sales and services to non-U.S. customers above, net sales and services to customers in Germany accounted for approximately $17.8 million, $19.0 million and $15.5 million of total consolidated net sales and services for 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively, and net sales and services to customers in Japan accounted for approximately $19.1 million of total consolidated net sales and services for 2004. No other individual foreign country accounted for more than 10% of total consolidated net sales and services in 2004, 2003 or 2002. No single customer accounted for more than ten percent of the Company's net sales and services in 2004, 2003 and 2002. No accounts receivable from a customer exceeded five percent of the Company's total accounts receivable at December 31, 2004 and 2003. (14) Related Party Transactions .......................... During 2004 and 2003, one director of the Company provided services to the Company as legal counsel, and the Company paid approximately $115 thousand and $53 thousand, respectively for legal services rendered by the director's law firm. During 2002, two directors of the Company provided services to the Company as legal counsel and the Company paid approximately $388 thousand for legal services rendered by the respective directors' law firms. Schedule II ............ EXCEL TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Balance at Additions charged (Deductions) Balance at beginning to cost and additions - end of Description of period expenses describe period ........... ......... ........ .......... ....... Allowance for doubtful accounts (In thousands): Year ended December 31,: 2004 $ 1,001 $ 297 $ (502)(1) $ 796 2003 $ 993 $ 92 $ (84)(1) $ 1,001 2002 $ 717 $ 314 $ (38)(1) $ 993 (1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Company's CEO and CFO concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings. There were no significant changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarterly period ended December 31, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Our management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by KPMG, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein. PART III ......... ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Information required by this Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which proxy statement is anticipated to be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company's year ended December 31, 2004. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which proxy statement is anticipated to be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company's year ended December 31, 2004. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT Information required by this Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which proxy statement is anticipated to be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company's year ended December 31, 2004. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which proxy statement is anticipated to be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company's year ended December 31, 2004. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES Information required by this Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which proxy statement is anticipated to be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company's year ended December 31, 2004. PART IV ........ ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report: 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (included in Part II, Item 8): Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule (included in Part II Item 8)* Schedule ........ II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 3. Exhibits included herein: See Exhibit Index below for exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. (b) Reports on Form 8-K - Filed in the fourth quarter of 2004: Form 8-K dated October 12, 2004 Item 7. Financial Statements, Proforma Financial Information and Exhibits Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition ............................. * Financial statement schedules other than those listed are omitted because they are either not applicable or not required, or because the information sought is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto. SIGNATURES PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED. EXCEL TECHNOLOGY, INC. By: /s/ J. Donald Hill ....................... J. Donald Hill, Chairman of the Board By: /s/ Antoine Dominic ....................... Antoine Dominic, Chief Executive Officer By: /s/ Alice H. Varisano ....................... Alice H. Varisano, Chief Financial Officer Date: March 15, 2005 PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED. Signature Title Date ...................... ..... .... /s/ J. Donald Hill Chairman of the Board March 15, 2005 ...................... and Director J. Donald Hill /s/ Antoine Dominic Chief Executive Officer, March 15, 2005 ...................... President, and Chief Antoine Dominic Operating Officer,(Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Alice H. Varisano Chief Financial Officer March 15, 2005 ...................... Alice H. Varisano /s/ Steven Georgiev Director March 15, 2005 ...................... Steven Georgiev /s/ Howard S. Breslow Director March 15, 2005 ....................... Howard S. Breslow /s/ Donald Weeden Director March 15, 2005 ....................... Donald Weeden /s/ Ira J. Lamel Director March 15, 2005 ....................... Ira J. Lamel INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit Number Document 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated November 13, 1990, as amended. Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-39375. 3.2 By-Laws, as amended. Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 33-47440. 4 Specimen Certificate for Company's Common Stock. Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-39375. 10.1 1990 Stock Option Plan, as amended. Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-52612. 10.2 Employment Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2000, between the Company and J. Donald Hill (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000), as amended by letter agreement, dated October 3, 2002 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002) as further amended by letter agreement, dated March 11, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2005). 10.3 Employment Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2000, between the Company and Antoine Dominic. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000. as amended by letter agreement, dated March 11, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2005). 10.4 1998 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference as Exhibit A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement, dated April 27, 1998 for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 24, 1998. 10.5 2004 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-117513. 10.6 Employment Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2004, between the Company and Alice Varisano. * 14 Code of Ethics. * 21 List of subsidiaries.* 23.1 Consent of KPMG LLP.* 23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.* 31.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* 31.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* 32.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.* 32.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.* *filed herewith EXHIBIT 10.6 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of the 27th day of December, 2004, by and between EXCEL TECHNOLOGY, INC., a Delaware corporation with its principal corporate offices located at 41 Research Way, East Setauket, New York 11733 (the "Company"), and ALICE VARISANO, an individual currently residing at 85 Melanie Lane, Syosset, New York 11791 (the "Employee"). W I T N E S S E T H: WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in the business of designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing lasers and laser systems; and WHEREAS, the Employee desires to be employed by the Company as the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Human Resources upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, and the Company desires that the Employee be so employed. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows: 1. EMPLOYMENT. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Company hereby employs and engages the Employee to serve as its Chief Financial Officer and its Vice President of Human Resources, and the Employee hereby agrees to serve the Company in such capacities, for the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on fourth anniversary of the date hereof (the "Employment Period"), unless sooner terminated pursuant to the express provisions hereof. 2. DUTIES. The Employee shall serve as the Company's Chief Financial Officer and the Company's Vice President of Human Resources, subject to the direction and control of the Senior Executive Officers (as defined below) and the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"). The Employee shall perform such duties and functions, consistent with the office of Chief Financial Officer and the office of Vice President of Human Resources, as the Senior Executive Officers or the Board, from time to time, shall determine, including, without limitation, serving as a consultant to Affiliates (as defined below) of the Company. In doing so, the Employee shall promote the interests of the Company pursuant to and in accordance with, and shall faithfully adhere to, the business policies and procedures established from time to time by the Senior Executive Officers or the Board. The Employee shall report to a Senior Executive Officer. As used herein, "Senior Executive Officers" shall mean the Company's Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, and such other officers as the Chief Executive Officer or the Board may determine; and "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to the Company, any entity that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company. 3. TIME TO BE DEVOTED TO EMPLOYMENT. Except during vacation periods or absences due to temporary illness, the Employee shall devote all of her professional and business time, attention, and energies to her duties and responsibilities hereunder. Except for business trips, which shall be necessary or desirable in the Company's business, the Employee shall perform her duties and responsibilities hereunder at the principal offices of the Company. 4. COMPENSATION; FRINGES 4.01 As total compensation for all services to be rendered by the Employee hereunder, including all services as an officer, director, or consultant of any Affiliate of the Company, the Employee shall receive the following: (a) During the Employment Period, the Employee shall receive a salary at the rate of TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($275,000) per annum (the "Base Salary"), which Base Salary shall be subject to federal, state, and other tax withholdings, shall be payable in accordance with the Company's normal payroll procedures for executive employees, and shall be subject to annual review and adjustment by the Company. (b) During the Employment Period, the Employee shall receive a yearly bonus as determined by the Board, which bonus shall not be less than $50,000 (the "Minimum Bonus"). 4.02 The Employee shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for all reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses necessarily incurred by her on behalf of the Company in the course of the performance of her duties hereunder, provided the Employee shall submit proper supporting documentation for such expenses all in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company. 4.03 The Employee shall be eligible, to the extent she qualifies, to participate in such fringe benefits plans (including group life, health and disability insurance, retirement, profit sharing and pension plans), if any, which the Company may from time to time make available to all of its executive employees, provided that the Company shall have the right from time to time to modify, terminate or replace any and all of such plans. 4.04 The Employee shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation each year during the Employment Period, which shall be taken at such times as are consistent with the needs of the Company and the convenience of the Employee. 4.05 During the Employment period, the Employee shall be entitled to a yearly, non-accountable expense allowance of $25,000 (the "Expense Allowance"). 4.06 Upon execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Employee shall be granted a fully-vested ten-year non-qualified stock option to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on such date (the "Option"). The Option shall be granted pursuant to and in accordance with the Company's 2004 Stock Option Plan (a copy of which has been delivered to and reviewed by the Employee). 5. TERMINATION 5.01 This Agreement and the Employee's employment hereunder shall terminate automatically and without notice upon the death of the Employee or a Change of Control (as defined in the Company's 2004 Stock Option Plan). 5.02 This Agreement and Employee's employment hereunder shall terminate upon the Employee's resignation without Good Reason or for Good Reason. As used herein, "Good Reason" shall mean (a) the material breach of this Agreement by the Company, which breach has not been corrected by the Company within fifteen days after written notice thereof from the Employee, (b) the material diminution in the title or job responsibilities of the Employee, which diminution has not been corrected by the Company within fifteen days after written notice thereof from the Employee; or (c) if the Employee's place of employment is relocated more than twenty five (25) miles from the Company's current location in East Setauket, New York. 5.03 The Company may terminate this Agreement and the Employee's employment hereunder, upon written notice to the Employee, in the event of the Employee's Incapacity. As used herein, "Incapacity" shall mean (a) the Employee's inability to perform her duties pursuant to this Agreement due to her mental or physical illness, disability or incapacity, and such illness, disability or incapacity is deemed by a licensed physician chosen by the Company to be of a permanent nature, or (b) the Employee's failure to perform her duties pursuant to this Agreement, due to her mental or physical illness, disability or incapacity, on a full-time basis for a continuous period of 60 days or for a period of 90 days (whether or not consecutive) in any six (6) consecutive month period. 5.04 The Company may terminate this Agreement and the Employee's employment hereunder, upon written notice to the Employee, for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean: (a) the Employee's conviction in a court of law of any crime or offense involving money or other property or of a felony; (b) the Employee's failure or refusal to substantially perform her duties hereunder (other than any such failure or refusal resulting from her Incapacity or the failure to meet specific growth and profit targets), or the Employee's failure or refusal to carry out the reasonable business directives of the Board or a Senior Executive Officer, or the willful taking of any action by the Employee which results in damage to the Company, or the material default or breach by the Employee of any obligation, representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the Employee herein; provided, however, the Company shall have given the Employee written notice of any such Cause for termination and the Employee shall have failed to cure such Cause within fifteen (15) days after the date of such notice. If the Cause for termination is cured within the fifteen (15) day period, it shall be deemed for all purposes that Cause for termination has not occurred (except that if the same or a similar event to the one resulting in notice pursuant to this subsection (b) recurs after a cure, the right to cure the second cause of termination, after notice with respect to the second event shall have been given, shall expire 24 hours after the time the notice is given); (c) or the Employee's breach of any of the provisions of Sections 6 or 8 hereof. 5.05 Upon termination of this Agreement and the Employee's employment hereunder, the Employee shall not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards, or compensation, except as follows: (a) If the Employee's employment hereunder is terminated for Cause or due to her death or Incapacity, or if the Employee resigns without Good Reason, then the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Employee (or, in the event of the Employee's death, the Employee's estate) all earned but unpaid Base Salary due to the Employee hereunder through the date of such termination or resignation, and to reimburse the Employee (or, in the event of the Employee's death, the Employee's estate) for all reimbursable business expenses (as set forth in Section 4.02 hereof) incurred by the Employee through the date of such termination or resignation. (b) If the Company terminates the Employee's employment without Cause, or if the Employee resigns for Good Reason, then the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Employee (i) all earned but unpaid Base Salary, Minimum Bonus, Expense Allowance, and benefits due to the Employee hereunder through the date of such termination, and to reimburse the Employee for all reimbursable business expenses (as set forth in Section 4.02 hereof) incurred by the Employee through the date of such termination. In addition, the Company shall pay to the Employee a [lump sum] severance payment equal to the Base Salary, Minimum Bonus, and Expense Allowance in effect on the date of such termination. (c) If the Employee's employment hereunder is terminated due a Change of Control, then the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Employee (i) all earned but unpaid Base Salary, Minimum Bonus, Expense Allowance, and benefits due to the Employee hereunder through the date of such termination, and to reimburse the Employee for all reimbursable business expenses (as set forth in Section 4.02 hereof) incurred by the Employee through the date of such termination. In addition, the Company shall pay to the Employee a lump sum severance payment equal to two times the Base Salary, Minimum Bonus, and Expense Allowance in effect on the date of such termination. 5.06 If the Employee is serving on the Board or the Board of Directors of any Affiliate of the Company at the time of termination of the Employee's employment, then upon the Company's request, the Employee immediately shall resign as a director effective upon such termination. 6. NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION 6.01 In view of the unique and valuable services it is expected the Employee will render to the Company and the knowledge regarding the Company it is expected the Employee will obtain during the course of her employment with the Company, and in consideration of this Agreement and the compensation to be received by the Employee hereunder, the Employee agrees that for so long as she is employed by the Company and for a period of one year thereafter (the "Covenant Period"), she will not compete with the Company (or any of its Affiliates) or, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, control, loan money to, or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or be connected with as a director, officer, employee, partner, consultant, agent, independent contractor or otherwise, or acquiesce in the use of her name in, any other business or organization which competes with the Company (or any of its Affiliates) in any geographical area in which the Company or its Affiliates is then conducting business or any geographical area in which, to the knowledge of the Employee, the Company or its Affiliates plans to conduct business within a six (6) month period; provided, however, the Employee shall be permitted to own less than a 5% interest as a shareholder in any company which is listed on any national securities exchange even though it may be in competition with the Company or its Affiliates. 6.02 The Employee will not, during the Covenant Period, directly or indirectly, either individually or on behalf of any other person or entity, solicit or interfere with, or endeavor to entice away any employees (full-time or part-time) or customers of the Company (or any of its Affiliates). 6.03 The Employee agrees that the provisions of this Section 6 are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company and its business. It is the desire and intent of the parties that the provisions of this Section 6 shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted under the public policies and laws applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. If any restriction contained in this Section 6 shall be deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable by reason of the extent, duration or geographical scope thereof, or otherwise, then the court making such determination shall have the right to reduce such extent, duration, geographical scope or other provision hereof and in its reduced form such restriction shall then be enforceable in the manner contemplated hereby. 7. RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that all computers, equipment, software, records, plans, manuals, guides, memoranda, lists, correspondence with customers or representatives, reports, records, charts, advertising materials, and any data and other property delivered to or acquired by the Employee by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates or by an agent, representative or customer of any of them (including, but not limited to, any such customers obtained by the Employee), and all records compiled by the Employee which pertain to the business of the Company or its Affiliates, shall be and remain the property of the Company or its Affiliate, as the case may be, and be subject at all times to the discretion and control of the Company or its Affiliates, as the case may be, and shall be delivered promptly to the Company or such Affiliate, without request, by the Employee upon the termination of the Employee's employment. 8. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. In the course of performing her duties hereunder or otherwise, the Employee may become aware of confidential or proprietary information of Company or any Affiliate of the Company (for purposes of this Section 8, the "Company"), including, but not limited to, trade secrets, product information, technical information, software programs, software code, designs, prototypes, methods, techniques, plans, processes, strategies, product pricing, research and development activities, sales goals, marketing information, customer and potential customer lists, vendor lists, and other information which the Company is obligated to keep confidential pursuant to the Company's obligations to third parties (collectively, "Confidential Information"). The Employee shall maintain in strict confidence and shall not use for her own benefit, directly or indirectly, any Confidential Information, and shall not publish, disseminate, or disclose any Confidential Information without the express written permission of the Company, except to the extent necessary to carry out her duties hereunder. The term "Confidential Information" shall not include information which becomes public knowledge without the breach of any obligation of confidentiality of the Employee. The covenants contained in this Section 8 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. 9. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. In the event of a breach or a threatened breach by the Employee of the provisions of Sections 6, 7, or 8 (collectively, the "Restrictive Covenants"), the Company shall be entitled, without being required to post any bond or other security or prove special damages, to an injunction, to have the Restrictive Covenants specifically enforced by a court of competent jurisdiction, or to such other equitable relief as may be necessary or desirable to enforce the Restrictive Covenants (including, in the case of a breach of Section 8 hereof, restraining the Employee from disclosing, in whole or in part, the Confidential Information, or from rendering any services to any person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity to whom such Confidential Information, in whole or in part, has been disclosed or is threatened to be disclosed). Nothing contained herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other rights or remedies available to the Company, under law and in equity, for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from the Employee. 10. SURVIVAL. The covenants and agreements contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Employee's termination of employment, irrespective of any investigation made by or on behalf of any party. 11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; MODIFICATION. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersedes all existing agreements between them concerning such subject matter, and may be modified, supplemented or discharged only by a written instrument duly executed by each party. 12. NOTICES. Any notices or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a) when faxed or personally delivered, (b) one (1) business day after being sent by reputable "overnight" courier, or (c) five days after being mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the parties at their addresses set forth in the preamble to this Agreement (or to such other address as a party shall have furnished in writing to the other party in accordance with the provisions of this Section 12, provided that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt). 13. WAIVER. Any waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision of this Agreement. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement. Any waiver must be in writing. 14. BINDING EFFECT. The Employee's rights and obligations under this Agreement shall not be transferable by assignment or otherwise, such rights shall not be subject to commutation, encumbrance, or the claims of the Employee's creditors, and any attempt to do any of the foregoing shall be void. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Employee, her heirs, executors, and administrators, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns. 15. HEADINGS. The headings in this Agreement are solely for the convenience of reference and shall be given no effect in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement. 16. COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any doctrine pertaining to the conflict of laws. 17. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND AGREEMENTS. The Employee represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Employee does not and will not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which the Employee is a party or by which she is bound, (b) the Employee is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement, non-compete agreement, confidentiality agreement, restrictive covenant or other restrictions, whether written or oral, with any other person or entity, and (c) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Employee, this Agreement shall be the valid and binding obligation of the Employee, enforceable against her in accordance with its terms. The Employee agrees to submit to a medical examination (at the Company's expense) and to cooperate and supply such other information and documents as may be required by any insurance company in connection with the Company's obtaining any type of insurance or fringe benefit as the Company shall determine from time to time to obtain. 18. PUBLICITY. During the Employment Period (and, solely with respect to publicity materials or presentation materials in existence at the end of the Employment Period, for the six-month period after the Employment Period), the Company shall have the right to use the Employee's name and likeness in any publicity materials prepared by it and in presentations to current or prospective clients, investors, and others. The Employee shall not have the right to use the Company's name in any publications or publicity or materials prepared by her without obtaining the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year above written. /s/ Alice Varisano ............................ ALICE VARISANO EXCEL TECHNOLOGY, INC. By: /s/ Antoine Dominic .......................... Antoine Dominic, CEO EXHIBIT 14 CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON FEBRUARY 24, 2004 This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics covers a wide range of business practices and procedures. It does not cover every issue that may arise, but it sets out basic principles to guide all employees of the Company. All of our employees must conduct themselves accordingly and seek to avoid even the appearance of improper behavior. The Code should also be followed by the Company's agents and representatives, including consultants. If a law conflicts with a policy in this Code, you must comply with the law. If you have any questions about these conflicts, you should ask your supervisor how to handle the situation. Those who violate the standards in this Code will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. If you are in a situation which you believe may violate or lead to a violation of this code, follow the guidelines described in Section 14 of this Code. 1. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations Obeying the law, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation on which this Company's ethical standards are built. All employees must respect and obey the laws of the cities, states and countries in which we operate. Although not all employees are expected to know the details of these laws, it is important to know enough to determine when to seek advice from supervisors, managers or other appropriate personnel. 2. Conflicts of Interest A "conflict of interest" exists when a person's private interest interferes in any way with the interests of the Company. A conflict situation can arise when an employee, officer or director takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her Company work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest may also arise when an employee, officer or director, or members of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position in the Company. Loans to, or guarantees of obligations of, employees and their family members may create conflicts of interest. It is almost always a conflict of interest for a Company employee to work simultaneously for a competitor, customer or supplier. You are not allowed to work for a competitor as a consultant or board member. The best policy is to avoid any direct or indirect business connection with our customers, suppliers or competitors, except on our behalf. Conflicts of interest are prohibited as a matter of Company policy, except under guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. Conflicts of interest may not always be clear-cut, so if you have a question, you should consult with higher levels of management. Any employee, officer or director who becomes aware of a conflict or potential conflict should bring it to the attention of a supervisor, manager or other appropriate personnel or consult the procedures described in Section 14 of this Code. 3. Insider Trading Employees who have access to confidential information are not permitted to use or share that information for stock trading purposes or for any other purpose except the conduct of our business. All non-public information about the Company should be considered confidential information. To use non-public information for personal financial benefit or to "tip" others who might make an investment decision on the basis of this information is not only unethical but also illegal. 4. Corporate Opportunities Employees, officers and directors are prohibited from taking for themselves personally opportunities that are discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position without the consent of the Board of Directors. No employee may use corporate property, information, or position for improper personal gain, and no employee may compete with the Company directly or indirectly. Employees, officers and directors owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises. 5. Competition and Fair Dealing We seek to outperform our competition fairly and honestly. Stealing proprietary information, possessing trade secret information that was obtained without the owner's consent, or inducing such disclosures by past or present employees of other companies is prohibited. Each employee should endeavor to respect the rights of and deal fairly with the Company's customers, suppliers, competitors and employees. No employee should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other intentional unfair-dealing practice. The purpose of business entertainment and gifts in a commercial setting is to create goodwill and sound working relationships, not to gain unfair advantage with customers. No gift or entertainment should ever be offered, given, provided or accepted by any Company employee, family member of an employee or agent unless it: (1) is not a cash gift, (2) is consistent with customary business practices, (3) is not excessive in value, (4) cannot be construed as a bribe or payoff and (5) does not violate any laws or regulations. Please discuss with your supervisor any gifts or proposed gifts which you are not certain are appropriate. 6. Discrimination and Harassment The diversity of the Company's employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment of any kind. Examples include derogatory comments based on racial or ethnic characteristics and unwelcome sexual advances. 7. Health and Safety The Company strives to provide each employee with a safe and healthy work environment. Each employee has responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees by following safety and health rules and practices and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions. Violence and threatening behavior are not permitted. Employees should report to work in condition to perform their duties, free from the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. The use of illegal drugs in the workplace will not be tolerated. 8. Record-Keeping The Company requires honest and accurate recording and reporting of information in order to make responsible business decisions. For example, only the true and actual number of hours worked should be reported. Many employees regularly use business expense accounts, which must be documented and recorded accurately. If you are not sure whether a certain expense is legitimate, ask your supervisor or the Controller of your subsidiary. All of the Company's books, records, accounts and financial statements must be maintained in reasonable detail, must appropriately reflect the Company's transactions and must conform both to applicable legal requirements and to the Company's system of internal controls. Unrecorded or "off the books" funds or assets should not be maintained unless permitted by applicable law or regulation. Business records and communications often become public, and we should avoid exaggeration, derogatory remarks, guesswork, or inappropriate characterizations of people and companies that can be misunderstood. This applies equally to e-mail, internal memos, and formal reports. Records should always be retained or destroyed according to widely accepted standards for record retention. In the event of litigation or governmental investigation please consult with your supervisor. 9. Confidentiality Employees must maintain the confidentiality of confidential information entrusted to them by the Company or its customers, except when disclosure is authorized by the Company's management or attorney or required by laws or regulations. Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors, or harmful to the Company or its customers, if disclosed. It also includes information that suppliers and customers have entrusted to us. The obligation to preserve confidential information continues even after employment ends. 10. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets All employees should endeavor to protect the Company's assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness, and waste have a direct impact on the Company's profitability. Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be immediately reported for investigation. Company equipment should not be used for non-Company business, though incidental personal use may be permitted. The obligation of employees to protect the Company's assets includes its proprietary information. Proprietary information includes intellectual property such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and copyrights, as well as business, marketing and service plans, engineering and manufacturing ideas, designs, databases, records, salary information and any unpublished financial data and reports. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information would violate Company policy, it could also be illegal and result in civil or even criminal penalties. 11. Payments to Government Personnel The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits giving anything of value, directly or indirectly, to officials of foreign governments or foreign political candidates in order to obtain or retain business. It is strictly prohibited to make illegal payments to government officials of any country. In addition, the U.S. government has a number of laws and regulations regarding business gratuities which may be accepted by U.S. government personnel. The promise, offer or delivery to an official or employee of the U.S. government of a gift, favor or other gratuity in violation of these rules would not only violate Company policy but could also be a criminal offense. State and local governments, as well as foreign governments, may have similar rules. 12. Waivers of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Any waiver of this Code for executive officers or directors may be made only by the Board or a Board committee and will be promptly disclosed as required by law or stock exchange regulation. 13. Reporting any Illegal or Unethical Behavior Employees are encouraged to talk to supervisors, managers or other appropriate personnel about observed illegal or unethical behavior and when in doubt about the best course of action in a particular situation. It is the policy of the Company not to allow retaliation for reports of misconduct by others made in good faith by employees. Employees are expected to cooperate in internal investigations of misconduct. Any employee may submit a good faith concern regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters without fear of dismissal or retaliation of any kind. 14. Compliance Procedures We must all work to ensure prompt and consistent action against violations of this Code. However, in some situations it is difficult to know if a violation has occurred. Since we cannot anticipate every situation that will arise, it is important that we have a way to approach a new question or problem. These are the steps to keep in mind: Make sure you have all the facts. In order to reach the right solutions, we must be as fully informed as possible. Ask yourself: What specifically am I being asked to do? Does it seem unethical or improper? This will enable you to focus on the specific question you are faced with, and the alternatives you have. Use your judgment and common sense; if something seems unethical or improper, it probably is. Clarify your responsibility and role. In most situations, there is shared responsibility. Are your colleagues informed? It may help to get others involved and discuss the problem. Discuss the problem with your supervisor. This is the basic guidance for all situations. In many cases, your supervisor will be more knowledgeable about the question, and will appreciate being brought into the decision-making process. Remember that it is your supervisor's responsibility to help solve problems. Seek help from Company resources. In the rare case where it may not be appropriate to discuss an issue with your supervisor, or where you do not feel comfortable approaching your supervisor with your question, discuss it locally with your office manager or your Human Resources manager. You may report ethical violations in confidence and without fear of retaliation. If your situation requires that your identity be kept secret, your anonymity will be protected. The Company does not permit retaliation of any kind against employees for good faith reports of ethical violations. Always ask first, act later: If you are unsure of what to do in any situation, seek guidance before you act. CODE OF ETHICS FOR CEO AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS The Company has a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all directors and employees of the Company. The CEO and all senior financial officers, including the CFO and principal accounting officer, are bound by the provisions set forth therein relating to ethical conduct, conflicts of interest and compliance with law. In addition to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, the CEO and senior financial officers are subject to the following additional specific policies: 1. The CEO and all senior financial officers are responsible for full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the periodic reports required to be filed by the Company with the SEC. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of the CEO and each senior financial officer promptly to bring to the attention of the Board of Directors (the "Board") any material information of which he or she may become aware that affects the disclosures made by the Company in its public filings or otherwise assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities. 2. The CEO and each senior financial officer shall promptly bring to the attention of the Board and the Audit Committee any information he or she may have concerning (a) significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data or (b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company's financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls. 3. The CEO and each senior financial officer shall promptly bring to the attention of the Company's attorney or the CEO and to the Audit Committee any information he or she may have concerning any violation of the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, including any actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships, involving any management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company's financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls. 4. The CEO and each senior financial officer shall promptly bring to the attention of the Company's attorney or the CEO and to the Audit Committee any information he or she may have concerning evidence of a material violation of the securities or other laws, rules or 5. The Board shall determine, or designate appropriate persons to determine, appropriate actions to be taken in the event of violations of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or of these additional procedures by the CEO and the Company's senior financial officers. Such actions shall be reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote accountability for adherence to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and to these additional procedures, and shall include written notices to the individual involved that the Board has determined that there has been a violation, censure by the Board, demotion or re-assignment of the individual involved, suspension with or without pay or benefits (as determined by the Board) and termination of the individual's employment. In determining what action is appropriate in a particular case, the Board of Directors or such designee shall take into account all relevant information, including the nature and severity of the violation, whether the violation was a single occurrence or repeated occurrences, whether the violation appears to have been intentional or inadvertent, whether the individual in question had been advised prior to the violation as to the proper course of action and whether or not the individual in question had committed other violations in the past. EXHIBIT 21 LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES Name of Subsidiary: Incorporated in: .................... ................ Cambridge Technology, Inc. Massachusetts Continuum Electro-Optics, Inc. (d/b/a "Continuum") Delaware Control Laser Corporation (d/b/a "Baublys-Control Laser") Florida Control Systemation, Inc. Delaware D Green (Electronics) Limited United Kingdom Excel Technology Services Company Delaware Quantronix Corporation Delaware Photo Research, Inc. Delaware Synrad, Inc. Washington The Optical Corporation California Excel Technology Asia Sdn. Bhd. Malaysia Excel Technology Europe GmbH Germany Baublys GmbH (1) Germany Excel Technology France S.A.S. (1) France Excel Technology Japan Holding Co., Ltd. Japan Excel Technology Japan K.K. (2) Japan Excel Laser Technology Private Limited (3) India Excel Technology Lanka (Private) Limited Sri Lanka (1) A wholly-owned subsidiary of Excel Technology Europe GmbH (2) A wholly-owned subsidiary of Excel Technology Japan Holding Co., Ltd. (3) A joint venture in which Excel Technology, Inc. has a 50% equity ownership interest EXHIBIT 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors Excel Technology, Inc.: We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No 33-71122, 333-59340, and 333-117513) on Form S-8 of Excel Technology, Inc. of our reports with respect to the consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedule, management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which reports appear in the December 31, 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Excel Technology, Inc. /s/ KPMG LLP Melville, New York March 11, 2005 EXHIBIT 23.2 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-71122) pertaining to the Excel Technology, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan, the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-59340) pertaining to the Excel Technology 1998 Stock Option Plan and the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-117513) pertaining to the Excel Technology 2004 Stock Option Plan of our report dated January 22, 2003, with respect to the consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income and cash flows and the related schedule for the year ended December 31, 2002 of Excel Technology, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2004. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Melville, New York March 11, 2005 EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION I, Antoine Dominic, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Excel Technology, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and I have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. By: /s/ Antoine Dominic ............................ Antoine Dominic, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer Dated: March 15, 2005 EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION I, Alice Varisano, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Excel Technology, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and I have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. By: /s/ Alice Varisano ....................... Alice Varisano, Chief Financial Officer Dated: March 15, 2005 EXHIBIT 32.1 CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT I, Antoine Dominic, Chief Executive Officer of Excel Technology, Inc. (the "Company"), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that, to my knowledge,: (1) the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2004 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15. U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Dated: March 15, 2005 /s/ Antoine Dominic ........................... Antoine Dominic, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. EXHIBIT 32.2 CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT I, Alice Varisano, Chief Financial Officer of Excel Technology, Inc. (the "Company"), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that, to my knowledge,: (1) the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2004 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15. U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Dated: March 15, 2005 /s/ Alice Varisano ....................... Alice Varisano, Chief Financial Officer A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.