10-K 1 d10k.htm FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 25, 2004 For the fiscal year ended September 25, 2004
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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: September 25, 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: 0-18281

 


 

Hologic, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 


 

Delaware   04-2902449

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

35 Crosby Drive, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)

 

(781) 999-7300

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Common Stock, $.01 par value

Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark 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.  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 26, 2004 was $393,779,245 based on the price of the last reported sale on the Nasdaq National Market System on that date.

 

As of December 6, 2004 there were 20,765,736 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.

 



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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the registrant’s annual meeting of stockholders to be filed within 120 days of the end of its fiscal year ended September 25, 2004 are incorporated into Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K where indicated.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Some of the statements contained in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our or our industry’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements regarding:

 

  our goal of expanding our market positions;

 

  the development of new competitive technologies and products;

 

  regulatory approval and clearances for our products;

 

  production schedules for our products;

 

  the anticipated development of our markets and the success of our products in these markets;

 

  the anticipated performance and benefits of our products;

 

  business strategies;

 

  dependence on significant suppliers;

 

  our ability to maintain effective internal controls;

 

  the impact of acquisitions we may complete in the future;

 

  compliance with covenants contained in credit facilities and long term leases;

 

  anticipated trends relating to our financial condition or results of operations; and

 

  our capital resources and the adequacy thereof.

 

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “potential” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Also, these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this report. Except as otherwise required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained in this report to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any of our forward-looking statements are based. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences in our future financial results include those discussed in the Risk Factors set forth in Part II Item 7 below as well as those discussed elsewhere in this report. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

 

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Part I

 

Item 1. Business

 

Overview

 

We are a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of diagnostic and medical imaging systems primarily serving the healthcare needs of women. We focus our resources on developing systems and subsystems offering superior image quality and diagnostic accuracy, which has enabled us to capture significant market share and customer loyalty, despite the presence of large competitors. Our core women’s healthcare business units are focused on bone densitometry and mammography. Our bone densitometry product line and our Lorad line of mammography systems are premier brands in their markets. In addition, we develop, manufacture and supply mini C-arm imaging products and DirectRay digital detectors. Our digital detectors are sold primarily to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), to incorporate into their own equipment. We have begun to sell, distribute and service complementary products that were developed and manufactured by other original equipment manufacturers. Examples of these products include our jointly labeled breast imaging ultrasound system with Aloka Company, Ltd., our computer aided detection software for breast cancer detection with R2 Technology and iCAD, and our breast biopsy system with Suros Surgical Systems. Our customers include hospitals, imaging clinics and private practices and many of the leading healthcare organizations in the world. Our customers are also major pharmaceutical companies that utilize our products in conducting clinical trials.

 

We were founded on and remain committed to the principle of applying superior technology to medical imaging challenges. We achieved our first market and technology position shortly after the first commercial shipment of our initial product targeting bone densitometry in 1987. Our patented technology remains a leading bone densitometry assessment tool, offering superior, cost-effective accuracy and reliability. Starting in 1996, we embarked on an acquisition program intended to expand and diversify our business. In 1996 we acquired Fluoroscan Imaging Systems, a market leader for low intensity, real-time mini C-arm x-ray imaging devices that address the trend towards minimally invasive surgery. We have long identified mammography as an attractive growth opportunity where superior imaging technology could significantly improve diagnosis. With this goal in mind, in June 1999, we acquired Direct Radiography Corp., or DRC, from Sterling Diagnostic Imaging and have continued to invest in the development of their direct-to-digital x-ray technology, DirectRay, with an emphasis on mammography applications. In September 2000 we significantly expedited our entry into the mammography market by acquiring the U.S. assets of Trex Medical Corporation, which included the Lorad product line of mammography and minimally invasive breast biopsy systems used to detect breast cancer. We estimate that over 12,000 Lorad mammography systems have been sold worldwide. Our products are known within the industry for superior image quality and technological innovation. We successfully integrated our DirectRay technology into the Lorad mammography product line and offer both digital upgrades to our existing installed base and new digital systems to potential customers.

 

As a result of these acquisitions and our commitment to develop digital radiography, particularly for mammography systems, we generated losses in fiscal 1999, 2000 and 2001. In August 2001, we implemented an extensive restructuring plan focused on returning to profitability and strengthening our competitive position in the women’s health and emerging digital imaging markets. This restructuring plan included a company-wide cost savings initiative, that included a reduction of the workforce, reduction of operating expenses in each of our business units and the phase-out of non-core and unprofitable units. The second element of our restructuring plan focused on long-term revenue growth through new marketing programs, expanded distribution channels, and development of strategic business relationships. In January 2002, we officially closed our conventional x-ray equipment manufacturing facility located in Littleton, Massachusetts, which was acquired through our acquisition of the U.S. assets of Trex Medical. This business incurred significant losses during fiscal 2001. We relocated some of the Littleton product lines, and sales and service support personnel to our corporate headquarters in Bedford, Massachusetts. Since the beginning of fiscal 2001 through the end of fiscal 2003, we reduced our workforce by approximately 25%. We returned to profitability in the second quarter of fiscal 2002.

 

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We are continuing to focus on expanding our market position in bone densitometry and mammography, including the growing field of digital mammography. To that end, in October 2002, we received final approval from the FDA to commence marketing activities with respect to our Lorad Selenia full field digital mammography system. In fiscal 2003, double digit growth in our two major women’s health care segments, bone densitometry and mammography, dramatically improved our profitability. In addition, we continued to focus on cost reductions and the expansion of our direct sales and service force in the United States and late in fiscal 2003 we began to de-emphasize sales of our lower margin digital end-use general radiography systems. We are continuing to evaluate new marketing programs to expand market share in our core markets, to assess new distribution channels for our product portfolio and to pursue business relationships and acquisitions that would allow us to further leverage our state-of-the-art technology base.

 

We were incorporated in Massachusetts in October 1985 and reincorporated in Delaware in March 1990. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to us, Hologic or our company refer to Hologic, Inc. and each of its consolidated subsidiaries. We view our operations and manage our business in four principal operating segments: osteoporosis assessment products, mammography products, direct-to-digital DirectRay detectors and all other which includes our mini C-arm imaging products and general radiography products. We have provided financial information concerning these segments in Note 9 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

 

Hologic and the Hologic Logo are registered trademarks of Hologic, Inc. Other trademarks, logos and slogans registered or used by Hologic and its divisions and subsidiaries in the United States and other countries include: Acclaim, Affinity, Affinity Platinum, Alexia, “At LORAD, Every Month is Breast Cancer Month,” Auto Film ID, Backtrack, CADfx, “Clarity of Vision,” Contour, Dataport, Delphi, Digispot, Direct Radiography, DirectRay and the DirectRay signal profile logo, Discovery, Dual Hip, EPEX, EPEX ER, EPEX Symphony, Exam Coach, Explorer, Express BMD, Express Exam, Fluoroscan, HiBrite, HTC, Image Pro, Instant Vertebral Assessment, IRIS, IVA, IVA Works, LORAD, “LORAD A Hologic Company,” LORAD DSM, LORAD Elite, M-IV, M-IV Platinum, MultiCare, Omniflex, One Time, OnePage Dx, OnePage Fx, OnePass, Permagrid, Physicians Report Writer, Physicians Viewer, Picturing Life, Premier, Premier Encore, QDR, QDR-1000, QDR-4500, RADEX, RVA, Sahara, ScoutMarc, SecurView, Selenia, SmartWindow, StereoLoc, SureLock, Tech Tips, UBA, and XRE.

 

Available Information

 

Our Internet website address is http://www.hologic.com. Through our website, we make available, free of charge, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. These SEC reports can be accessed through the investor relations section of our website. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC.

 

Our Markets and Products

 

Our core women’s healthcare business units are focused on mammography and bone densitometry. - In addition, we develop, manufacture and supply other x-ray based products, such as general purpose direct-to-digital radiography detectors and mini C-arm imaging products.

 

Mammography and Other Breast Cancer Detection Products

 

Overview

 

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, and more than 215,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to occur among women in the United States during 2004. Breast cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, causing an estimated 40,000 deaths in 2004. Over a lifetime, one in seven women will develop breast cancer and today there are slightly over 2 million women living in the U.S. who have been treated for breast cancer. As with all other invasive cancers, lowering morbidity and mortality can be directly related to the stage at which the disease is detected. Providing clinicians the tools necessary to assist in early detection of breast cancer represents a principal business of Hologic. With the acquisition of the U.S. assets of Trex Medical in September 2000, we gained access to the mammography and breast biopsy markets. Today we hold a leading share in the mammography market, primarily within the high-end segment.

 

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In fiscal 2004, we shipped over 900 mammography products including 143 digital systems, and estimate our installed base of equipment at close to 12,000 systems worldwide.

 

Market

 

Leading industry sources estimate that the worldwide mammography imaging equipment market will be greater than $300 million in 2004, and anticipate it may grow to over $600 million by 2008. This market growth is being fueled primarily by the rapidly emerging segment of digital mammography, offset only partially by a decline in more conventional film-based technologies. These sources estimate that the U.S. market for digital mammography may grow to over $400 million by 2008 from its introduction only three years ago. International markets are expected to experience similar growth trends. In addition to speed and convenience, digital technology is expected to provide improved image quality over conventional films – ultimately leading to earlier detection. While digital mammography systems are presently several times more expensive than conventional systems, we believe they can provide long-term savings as they eliminate the recurring film and processing costs, reduce the cost of image storage, and have the potential to increase patient throughput.

 

Products

 

Our breast cancer detection business offers a broad line of breast imaging products, including the Selenia full field digital mammography system, a series of screen-film mammography systems and a range of breast biopsy systems. The Selenia system received U.S. FDA marketing approval in October of 2002. Its technology is based on our proprietary, amorphous selenium DirectRay digital detector, which preserves image sharpness by directly converting x-rays to electronic signals. We believe our Selenia full field direct-to-digital mammography system positions us to expand our share of the mammography market by offering clinicians one of the most advanced tools available for early detection of breast cancer.

 

Currently our highest-end LORAD screen-film mammography system, the M-IV Platinum, is considered a technology leader in the analog mammography marketplace. The M-IV Platinum incorporates our High Transmission Cellular, (HTC) Grid, recognized by Frost & Sullivan in connection with LORAD’s receipt of the 2001 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award, as one of the most effective contrast improvements in 20 years of breast imaging. The patented HTC technology reduces x-ray scatter in two dimensions, delivering superior contrast and resolution without an increase in radiation dose. We also began full commercial production of our mid-tier system, the LORAD Affinity, which can also be configured with our HTC technology. The LORAD Affinity is a high-performance screen-film mammography system specifically developed to fill a market need for a cost-effective product, with performance characteristics similar to high-end systems. The Affinity replaced our previous mid-tier system, the Elite, which we no longer manufacture.

 

We also offer two minimally invasive breast biopsy systems, the MultiCare Platinum prone stereotactic breast biopsy system and the StereoLoc II upright system. These systems provide an alternative to open surgical biopsy, which is sometimes performed under general anesthesia in the outpatient department of a hospital. Minimally invasive biopsies are most often performed in a physician’s office or a breast-imaging center on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Stereotactic biopsies cause far less tissue trauma and are less expensive than open surgical biopsies.

 

In 2004 we began marketing efforts and commenced sales of a dedicated ultrasound breast imaging system made for us under private label by Aloka Corporation. Breast ultrasound may assist in the early detection of breast cancer by providing unique imaging capabilities for differentiating between solid and cystic nodules and identifying suspicious areas in dense breasts.

 

The following is a more detailed description of the products sold by our LORAD Division.

 

Selenia Full Field Digital Mammography System

 

  LORAD Selenia. The Selenia, which utilizes our DirectRay amorphous selenium flat-panel detector, is the industry’s first FDA approved digital mammography system based on direct conversion technology. Our direct conversion technology uses amorphous selenium to directly convert x-rays to electronic signals, without first converting them to light, a step required in systems using indirect conversion detectors. This direct conversion process completely eliminates light diffusion and preserves image sharpness, for exceptional digital images.

 

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The Selenia has a number of other features which improve image quality, enhance patient comfort, and streamline patient throughput. For example, the system’s detector size of 24 x 29 cm, the largest in the industry, accommodates almost all breast sizes with a single exposure. In addition, our award-winning HTC Grid, which is integrated into the digital detector, significantly reduces radiation scatter and allows geometric magnification views, and our shifting Smart Paddle System permits all examination views to be taken minimizing changing compression paddles. In April 2004 and September, 2004 R2 and iCAD, respectively, received FDA clearance for integration of their CAD (computer aided detection) products with Selenia.

 

The Selenia system facilitates efficient viewing and interpretation by physicians and provides multiple image manipulation options through the use and analysis of electronic and hard copy film printouts and the system’s computer workstation. The system is configured to interface with a sophisticated intra-department image management system to handle routing, archival, and retrieval of studies, or can be integrated with existing enterprise Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS) and Radiology Information Systems (RIS).

 

Screen-Film Mammography Systems

 

  LORAD M-IV Series, includes the LORAD M-IV and the M-IV Platinum. The LORAD M-IV has an installed base approaching 5,000 units worldwide. Features of the LORAD M-IV include a bi-angular x-ray tube, dual filter capability, auto filter mode, three-cell Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) sensor, fully automatic collimation and isocentric C-arm rotation. Image quality can be further improved through use of the HTC Grid and Fully Automatic Self-adjusting Tilt (FAST) Paddle, which are standard features of the M-IV Platinum and optional components on the M-IV. Other features of the LORAD M-IV Series include integrated auto film identification and optional bar code reader. The LORAD M-IV has also been designed to be upgradeable to our Selenia full field digital mammography system.

 

  LORAD Affinity. We began full commercial production of the Affinity in late 2002. The Lorad Affinity is a screen-film mammography system developed to fill a market need for a cost-effective, high performance mammography product. The Affinity can be used with other LORAD innovations to improve mammographic image quality, including our HTC and FAST Paddle technology.

 

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Systems

 

We provide clinicians with the flexibility of choosing from either upright or prone systems for breast biopsy. Our minimally invasive breast biopsy systems provide an alternative to open surgical biopsy, which is generally performed under general anesthesia.

 

We offer the StereoLoc II upright biopsy system, which is used in conjunction with our M-IV series of screen-film mammography systems. In addition, for physicians that perform a significant number of biopsies, we offer a dedicated, prone biopsy system called the LORAD MultiCare Platinum Breast Biopsy System (formerly called the StereoGuide). Both systems can be used with our digital “spot” mammography system, which enables a physician to position the sampling device at the site of the suspicious lesion. When performing a biopsy with any of our systems, a physician has a choice of tissue-sampling devices, which are not manufactured by us.

 

In October 2003, we entered into a distribution agreement with Suros Surgical Systems to sell their breast biopsy tissue sampling devices directly to our customers and as a component of our biopsy system.

 

Ultrasound Breast Imaging System

 

  Alexa. In 2004, we signed an agreement with Aloka Corporation for exclusive distribution rights in the United States for ultrasound products manufactured by Aloka and customized to our specifications. The Alexa system is designed to be used in conjunction with other screening and diagnostic systems to help increase the early detection of breast cancer. During 2004 we began marketing this system and commenced initial sales.

 

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Distribution and Strategic Alliances

 

Over the last two years we have expanded both the distribution of our products and the outsourcing of strategic products to be distributed through our existing channels. In 2002 we entered into a strategic alliance with Siemens AG focused on the development of direct-to-digital mammography systems. Under our agreements with Siemens, Siemens agreed to exclusively purchase from us digital detectors to be used with its full field digital mammography system during the five-year term of the agreement and we licensed display software from an affiliate of Siemens. Through this alliance we have combined our proprietary amorphous selenium direct-to-digital technology with their proprietary software to create a dedicated physician’s workstation and bring to market a direct-to-digital mammography system.

 

In March 2003 we finalized an agreement with the Agfa-Gevaert Group whereby Hologic would manufacture for Agfa, under a private label, a digital mammography system utilizing our patented direct-to-digital amorphous selenium technology. Under this agreement, Agfa will purchase our full field digital mammography acquisition platform and is responsible for all related installation, warranty and support requirements. We began shipping products under this agreement for non-United States customers during 2003.

 

In addition to the third party distribution of our technology and products, in July 2003 we entered into a distribution agreement with R2 Technologies, a leading provider of CAD products to assist in breast cancer detection. Under this agreement, R2, with assistance from Hologic, has customized R2’s CAD system for use with our Selenia system and we received worldwide distribution rights to sell the customized product in combination with our Selenia system. R2 received FDA approval of this digital CAD product in April 2004. R2 has also granted us distribution rights for R2 CAD products that are designed to be used with conventional screen-film mammography systems and can be upgraded to be used with our digital mammography systems. We have begun limited sales of these screen-film CAD products in conjunction with Hologic’s digital-ready conventional screen-film mammography products. The Agreement has a term of five years with two one-year renewal options.

 

In September 2004 we entered into a distribution agreement with iCAD, Inc., also a leading provider of CAD products. With the introduction of iCAD, we now have alternatives to offer our customers with respect to CAD products. Under the agreement, iCAD and Hologic worked in cooperation to customize iCAD’s Second Look Digital CAD system for use with our Selenia system. The agreement allows Hologic exclusive access to iCAD digital CAD when used with Selenia systems. The initial term of the agreement is four years and can be renewed for annual periods thereafter with the mutual consent of the parties.

 

Osteoporosis Assessment Products

 

Overview

 

Bone densitometry is the precise measurement of bone density to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases that can lead to debilitating bone fractures, often of the spine and hip. In October 2004 the U.S. Surgeon General published a comprehensive report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis, highlighting the fact that osteoporosis, fractures, and other chronic diseases no longer should be considered an inevitable result of aging. According to the report, an estimated 10 million Americans over age 50 have osteoporosis (the most common bone disease), while another 34 million are at risk. Of the ten million Americans estimated to have osteoporosis, eight million are women and two million are men. The report estimated that 1.5 million people suffer an osteoporotic-related fracture every year, an event that often leads to a downward spiral in physical and mental health. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 20 percent of senior citizens who suffer a hip fracture die within one year, and one out of every two women and one out of every four men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime, with risk of fracture increasing with age.

 

Due primarily to the aging of the population and the previous lack of focus on bone health, health care experts estimate that the number of hip fractures in the United States could double or even triple by the year 2020. In recognition of the importance of promoting bone health and preventing fractures, President George Bush declared 2002–2011 as the Decade of the Bone and Joint.

 

A significant boost for our osteoporosis assessment business was the 1995 introduction of the first drug therapies to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Since 1995, at least five other new therapies have been introduced in the U.S., and more have

 

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been introduced internationally. We believe that the introduction of new drug therapies, the aging of the population, and an increased focus on women’s health issues and preventive medical practices has created a growing awareness among patients and physicians that osteoporosis is treatable. As a result, more women than ever are seeking assessment for osteoporosis. We believe that the demand for our bone densitometry systems will continue to be driven by an increase in the number of available therapies to treat osteoporosis, the increase in the at-risk population, and broader reimbursement coverage for bone density testing. In fiscal 2004, we shipped more than 1,100 dual-energy x-ray bone densitometry systems worldwide.

 

We introduced our first product serving the bone densitometry market in 1986, began commercial shipments in 1987, and quickly gained recognition for our superior technology. Our patented dual-energy x-ray technology remains a leading bone densitometry assessment tool, offering superior, cost-effective accuracy and reliability. In 1999, we introduced the Delphi QDR x-ray densitometer, the first system to perform both bone density measurements and Instant Vertebral Assessment, or IVA. Delphi’s technology enables physicians to measure bone density and to visually identify vertebral (spine) fractures in a clinical setting. Spine fractures are typically the first clinical manifestation of osteoporosis, and frequently occur in patients who do not yet have markedly reduced bone density. The ability to conduct these two diagnostic procedures with one system enables doctors to cost-effectively improve fracture risk assessment and to capture greater reimbursement fees. IVA has been widely embraced by the medical community, and we have installed over 2,200 systems worldwide with IVA capabilities. In May 2001, we received the 2001 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award in the osteoporosis diagnostics market, given for technical superiority within the industry.

 

In December of 2002, we introduced our next generation of bone densitometers, the Discovery QDR Series. Discovery reduces bone density scan times providing bone density and IVA imaging scans in just 10 seconds. In addition, Discovery provides our CADfx feature, which automates the evaluation of spine fractures. Discovery’s automation and connectivity features improve patient throughput and integrate with electronic information systems. In October 2003 we introduced our Explorer QDR bone densitometer, and began commercial shipments in February 2004. Explorer is an entry level fan-beam x-ray bone densitometer, which is designed for cost conscious practitioners, particularly in international markets. In fiscal 2004, we completed the phase-out of the Delphi, QDR-4500, and QDR-4000 product lines, and we fully transitioned to the Discovery and Explorer product lines. In September of 2004, the American Medical Association published a new procedure code specifically for vertebral assessment performed on dual energy x-ray densitometers.

 

In addition to sales of new bone densitometry systems, we also offer upgrade opportunities to purchasers of many of our earlier generation systems, in order to incorporate IVA imaging technology, automation, and electronic reporting features. We have sold over 1,000 bone densitometer system upgrades worldwide.

 

Products

 

Our osteoporosis assessment products include a family of QDR x-ray bone densitometers and the Sahara Clinical Bone Sonometer (referred to herein as the “Sahara), a low-cost ultrasound device that assesses the bone density of the heel.

 

QDR x-ray Bone Densitometers. Since our first commercial shipment of a QDR system in October 1987, we have sold more than 11,000 QDR systems. We believe that advantages of our QDR systems include high precision, low patient radiation exposure equivalent to 1/10th of a conventional chest x-ray, a relatively fast scanning time, low operating cost, and the ability to measure bone density of the most important fracture sites, the spine and hip. Our studies and those of independent investigators have demonstrated that the systems can detect a change in spine bone density with a precision error of less than one percent.

 

All our QDR systems employ our patented Automatic Internal Reference System, which continuously calibrates each patient’s bone density measurement to a known standard. This system virtually eliminates errors that might result from manual calibration and saves operators the time-consuming task of calibrating several times a day. The system automatically compensates for drift in the x-ray system, detectors or other electronic components, which ensures long-term measurement stability.

 

In November 1999, we introduced our Delphi QDR Series bone densitometer. Delphi was the first bone densitometer to offer physicians the ability to simultaneously assess two of the strongest risk factors for osteoporotic fracture: existing fractures of the spine and low bone density. Using high-resolution fan beam x-ray imaging technology, Hologic’s IVA technology enables clinicians to perform a rapid, low-dose evaluation of the spine in a single office visit during a routine bone densitometry exam. The high-resolution, single-energy images obtained with IVA visually reveal spinal fractures,

 

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which substantially increase the risk of future fracture, and thereby affect a clinician’s therapeutic decisions. Prior to the introduction of IVA, spine fractures were rarely evaluated in clinical osteoporosis assessment, primarily due to the inconvenience and high radiation dose associated with obtaining conventional x-ray films. IVA provides a simple, point of care tool for vertebral assessment, with only 1% of the radiation dose of standard radiographic assessment. The combination of bone mineral density assessment and spine fracture assessment improves the clinician’s ability to accurately target therapy to those who can benefit most.

 

We have invested substantial resources in developing operating and applications software for our systems. The software includes calibration software, automated scan and analysis programs for each scan site, and a patient data base manager. In 2001 and 2002 we introduced a series of software tools for remote softcopy interpretation and electronic reporting of test results. We believe that electronic reporting is a critical feature for any medical imaging device, as medical providers move towards paperless storage and reporting systems.

 

In December of 2002, we introduced our Discovery QDR Series of bone densitometers. Discovery acquires bone density and IVA scans in just ten seconds, which we believe provides the most comprehensive assessment of fracture risk in the shortest amount of time. Discovery’s CADfx feature automates the classification of spine fractures, and our Express Exam feature completely automates the patient examination procedure. Discovery also offers workflow and connectivity enhancements, including complete electronic integration with hospital information systems.

 

Discovery systems are modular in design, allowing customers to add features and capabilities, while protecting their investment in equipment and patient data. Discovery is available in six different configurations, including the Ci and Wi models, which do not include the IVA capability, the C and W models, which include IVA, and the more advanced A and SL models.

 

An important feature of the Discovery A and SL systems is their ability to perform lateral, side-to-side scans of the spine, without turning the patient on her side, in addition to back-to-front measurements. The A and SL systems are capable of producing high quality images of the spine, lateral spine, hip and other skeletal sites. A motorized rotating scan arm allows for multiple scan views without patient repositioning. By using either of the A or SL systems, high-quality IVA images of the entire spine can be obtained in as little as ten seconds.

 

In February of 2004, we began shipments of our Explorer QDR Series bone densitometer. Explorer is an entry level x-ray bone densitometer targeted at cost conscious practitioners, particularly in international markets. Like Discovery, Explorer is a fan-beam system that utilizes a high-density array of detectors, and can acquire a 2-dimensional x-ray in a single linear scan motion. Older generation lower-cost systems required scanning in a rectilinear pattern, which lengthens scan times and decreases image resolution. Explorer’s design is based on the Discovery platform, and offers Discovery’s workflow and connectivity enhancements.

 

Ultrasound. In addition to our QDR x-ray bone densitometers, we have developed and sell a lightweight, portable ultrasound bone analyzer, called Sahara, that assesses the bone density of the heel. Clinical trials of ultrasound systems have indicated a significant association of low ultrasonic bone measurements of the heel and the risk of fracture. Since ultrasound devices do not use x-rays in making their measurements, they do not require x-ray licensed or registered operators. However, because ultrasound bone measurements currently are not as precise as x-ray and other measurements, they are less reliable for monitoring small changes in bone density or for assessing the response to therapies. In addition, they are generally limited to measurements at peripheral skeletal sites, not the spine or hip, which are considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. We believe that our Sahara ultrasound system represents a relatively low cost, portable, easy-to-use, non-ionizing measurement technique to assist in initial screening for osteoporosis. Since our introduction of the Sahara, over 3,700 Sahara systems have been sold worldwide.

 

Direct-to-Digital Imaging Products

 

Overview

 

We continue to make a strategic commitment to digital radiography technology. We believe that the advantages of digital radiography over conventional screen-film and computed radiography technologies have significant potential in general and in our core mammography systems market in particular.

 

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Digital radiography technologies can be divided into two classes: those that employ direct methods to convert x-ray energy into an electrical charge and those that use indirect methods. Technologies using direct-conversion flat-panel digital detectors, such as our DirectRay® flat panel detector, use a semiconductor coating – amorphous selenium (a-Se) – to directly convert x-ray photons into an electrical charge. No intensifying screens or additional processes are required to capture and convert the x-ray energy. Digital radiography technologies using indirect conversion detectors employ a two-step process for x-ray detection. Semiconductor coatings, such as cesium iodide or gadolinium oxysulfide, capture x-ray energy and convert it to light. An array of thin-film diodes then converts the light energy to electrical signals. We believe that other digital x-ray imaging technologies that use light compromise image sharpness because light scatter can blur the image.

 

DirectRay amorphous selenium coated detectors developed and manufactured by our Direct Radiography Corp. subsidiary are particularly well suited for high-quality digital imaging because selenium has high x-ray absorption efficiency, very high intrinsic resolution and low noise. We believe that amorphous selenium technology results in the highest quality digital image across a wide range of general radiographic applications and is particularly valuable for mammography, which has high-resolution requirements. The wide dynamic range inherent in Hologic DirectRay direct-to-digital detectors allows a radiologist to adjust the image electronically at a workstation to enhance the desired anatomy view and gain more diagnostic information compared to traditional screen-film technology.

 

Amorphous selenium deposition is a well-developed technology. It has been used for decades in photocopiers, in photocells and exposure meters for photographic use, as well as in solar cells. It is also used as a photographic toner and as an additive in the glass and stainless steel industries.

 

In digital mammography and radiography, direct-to-digital imaging technology provides the opportunity for more expedient patient exam flow, fewer repeat exams and increased room utilization. Because radiography systems utilizing direct radiography technology capture and convert x-ray images into a digital format within seconds of exposure, the technologist can quickly preview the digitized image for quality assurance prior to completion of a patient’s examination. The digitized image can then be transmitted electronically for reviewing on a diagnostic workstation, printing on film, and electronic storage.

 

For healthcare providers, the benefits of digital radiography technology stem from fast and efficient production of diagnostic quality images. We believe digital radiography systems incorporating our direct-to-digital technology, when compared to film-based systems, offer improved patient care, increased staff and equipment productivity, and the potential to attract a greater number of referral patients and physicians. In spite of their high acquisition cost, digital radiography systems can be cost effective in the long-term when considering increased throughput, savings in film-related expenses, image storage and transfer costs as well as the benefits of enhanced diagnostic convenience.

 

A significant factor in the medical market’s acceptance of digital technology is the current transition within the healthcare industry from conventional x-ray film archiving to Picture, Archive and Communication Systems, or PACS, to store x-ray images electronically. Although only a limited number of hospitals and outpatient care facilities have adopted the PACS environment to date, we expect this adoption rate to accelerate over the next several years as imaging centers realize the value and cost savings of a film less infrastructure. While not all facilities in which x-ray units are installed will migrate to digital technology, we believe most large facilities will, particularly those in the U.S. where PACS is an important initiative.

 

Products

 

In fiscal 2004 Hologic offered DirectRay digital detectors in Hologic designed, manufactured, installed and serviced systems and to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), to incorporate into their own equipment. In fiscal 2004 we moved away from selling our own general radiography digital x-ray systems in competition with our OEM partners in general digital radiography, and began to shift resources to our core women’s health products – mammography and osteoporosis assessment systems – while selling our DirectRay detectors to OEMs for incorporation in their own line of digital radiography systems. In fiscal 2004, our OEM customers included Analogic Corporation, Eastman Kodak, Tromp Medical, Sedecal, E-Com, Gold Mountain Neusoft, FirstTech, and Dong Kang for digital radiography systems, and Agfa and Siemens for digital mammography systems.

 

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Mini C-arm Imaging Products

 

Overview

 

We manufacture and distribute Fluoroscan mini C-arm imaging systems. Mini C-arms provide low intensity, real-time x-ray imaging, with high-resolution images at radiation levels and at a cost well below those of conventional x-ray and fluoroscopic equipment. Mini C-arm systems are used primarily by orthopedic surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures on a patient’s extremities, such as the hand, wrist, knee, foot and ankle.

 

Products

 

Premier Encore. We introduced the original Premier mini C-arm system in August 1998. The Premier’s .045 mm focal spot x-ray tube, currently the smallest in the mini C-arm industry, provides clear resolution and detailed images on a six-inch field of view. The Premier’s mini C-arm is designed to rotate 360 degrees. The Premier also features dual video channels that allow a surgeon to display different views of the anatomy for side-by-side comparison; four image buffer memories for instant recall of previous images; and built-in video and Ethernet connections that allow the user to output images to a printer or workstation, send to or receive from remote workstations, or record, review and archive images using existing Windows NT or hospital PACS.

 

At the Radiological Society of North America trade show held in December 2002, we introduced the Premier Encore system. The Premier Encore system builds upon the strengths of the Premier system, while retaining the high resolution imaging that makes Premier a leading mini C-arm system. Premier Encore streamlines system operation using a touch screen interface, configurable physician preference pre-sets, complete DICOM connectivity software capabilities, and CD image storage. The Premier Encore system is available with a laser-positioning pointer and offers 60-degree monitor rotation for maximum operating room flexibility.

 

OfficeMate. We introduced the OfficeMate imaging system in fiscal 1997. This system was designed specifically to meet the needs of the physician office. The OfficeMate features efficient, user-friendly operation, high resolution real-time and freeze frame images, and the choice of three or four inch field-of-view. Due to its compact size and portability, we believe the OfficeMate is well suited for the in-office extremity imaging requirements of hand and orthopedic surgeons.

 

Conventional General Radiography Products

 

In January 2002 we officially closed our conventional x-ray equipment manufacturing facility in Littleton, Massachusetts and relocated some of the Littleton product lines and sales and service support personnel to our corporate headquarters in Bedford, Massachusetts. This consolidation was part of our previously announced plan to phase-out non-core and unprofitable product lines. We are continuing to provide service and supply spare parts for our discontinued product lines.

 

Marketing and Sales

 

In the United States, we sell and service our products through a combination of a direct sales and service force and a network of independent distributors. In early fiscal 2002, we centralized our management of these sales channels for all of our product lines. PSS World Medical, Inc. and its affiliates, our largest distributor network in the United States, accounted for approximately 24% of our product sales for fiscal 2002 and 21% of our product sales in fiscal 2001. In November 2002, PSS sold its Diagnostic Imaging, Inc. subsidiary, which was a distributor of our mammography product line, to Platinum Equity. Diagnostic Imaging (now known as SourceOne), as part of PSS, accounted for approximately 15% of our product sales for fiscal 2002. In January 2003, we terminated SourceOne, who represented almost one-half of the U.S. market for our mammography products in fiscal 2002 and assumed full sales and service responsibility in these geographic locations on a direct basis. For fiscal 2003, PSS accounted for 12% of our product sales. In fiscal 2004, PSS only accounted for 7% of our total product sales and accounted for 23% of our osteoporosis assessment product sales.

 

As of November 30, 2004 our direct sales and service force, consisted of over 61 people in sales, and 115 field service engineers, plus internal technical support and associated administrative functions. Over the past two years we have expanded our direct sales and service efforts for mammography into territories that were previously covered by SourceOne and other independent distributors, and we are considering further expansion of our direct sales and service coverage in the United States.

 

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Our United States marketing efforts also include the use of two national account managers which are focused on obtaining purchasing contracts from large purchasing entities, such as managed care organizations, integrated delivery networks (IDN) and government healthcare facilities. The rise of these large purchasing organizations and IDN’s has significantly altered the way we are organized. We believe that our success in capturing managed care accounts will have a significant impact on our growth. We believe that we have made excellent progress penetrating these key accounts as evidenced by contracts obtained from Consorta, Broadlane/Kaiser, HealthTrust Purchasing Group, Novation, Premier, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Supply Center of Philadelphia (DSCP).

 

We sell our systems in international markets through a network of independent distributors, as well as a direct sales and service force in Belgium. In October 2003, we expanded our sales and service presence in Belgium by acquiring the mammography distribution business, including key service and application personnel, inventory and other related assets, from our independent distributor VH Services NV. In fiscal 2002, we restructured our operations in Europe, which included entering into exclusive distribution agreements with Stephanix, one of the leading French manufacturers of medical x-ray equipment, and its affiliate, Radiologia, S.A., the oldest x-ray equipment manufacturer in Spain, for sales of our product lines in France, Spain and Portugal. We offer our broad range of products in Latin America, including Argentina, Brazil and Chile, and into Pacific Rim countries, including Japan, Australia, The Peoples Republic of China, South Korea and Taiwan, by working with local sales representatives and distributors or entering into strategic marketing alliances in those territories. In fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002 foreign sales accounted for approximately 39%, 32% and 20% of our product sales, respectively. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for geographical information concerning those sales.

 

In fiscal 2004, we entered into a number of agreements, which have strengthened the sales and distribution channels for our core product lines, including the following:

 

  We signed an agreement with iCAD to integrate their CAD technology with Hologic’s Lorad Selenia full field digital mammography system. The agreement is for an initial term of four years with one-year renewal options.

 

  We signed an agreement with Aloka Company Ltd. giving Hologic exclusive distribution rights in the United States for ultrasound products manufactured by Aloka and customized to Hologic’s specifications. The agreement is for an initial term of three years, with automatic one-year renewal options.

 

  We signed an agreement with Suros Surgical Systems, Inc. giving Hologic non-exclusive distribution rights in the United States for the Suros automated breast biopsy and tissue excision system, the ATEC. The agreement is for an initial term of three years, with automatic one-year renewal options.

 

  We signed a distribution agreement with Confirma, Inc. The agreement gives Hologic non-exclusive distribution rights for CADStream, Confirma’s computer-aided diagnosis system. The agreement is for an initial term of two years, with automatic one-year renewal options.

 

  We entered into an exclusive, three-year agreement with Clarian Health Partners, Inc. covering the purchase and sale of Hologic’s Lorad line of analog and digital mammography products and stereotactic breast biopsy systems. The agreement also covers computer-aided detection (CAD) systems from R2 Technology. Systems purchased through the agreement will be supplied through Associated x-ray Services, Inc., our sole distributor in the state of Indiana.

 

  We signed an agreement with Mammography Reporting Systems, Inc. (MRS). Under the terms of the agreement, Hologic and MRS agreed to work cooperatively to offer the MRS portfolio of products to healthcare facilities currently using or purchasing Hologic’s line of screen-film and digital mammography systems.

 

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  We signed a distribution agreement with InSiteOne, an on-site and off-site storage and archiving service provider for digital medical images. Under the terms, Hologic will have non-exclusive distribution rights in the United States for InSiteOne’s proprietary image management service, InDex® (Internet DICOM Express). This agreement will remain in effect until terminated by either party.

 

  We signed a new 30 month dual source contract with Premier, one of the nations’ foremost purchasing and supply chain management organizations, for the purchase and sale of our Lorad Selenia full field digital mammography system, and our entire Lorad line of screen-film mammography and stereotactic breast biopsy systems. The prior contract was a tri-source contract. In April 2004 we won a sole source Group Buy position with Premier for the entire Lorad mammography product.

 

  We signed an amended contract with Novation, a leading supply chain management company in healthcare, to extend our current contracts for the purchase and sale of our Lorad Selenia full field digital mammography system and the purchase and sale of our Lorad line of other breast imaging systems through June 2005. Novation and Hologic have existing agreements in place to cover the purchase and sale of Hologic’s bone densitometry systems and mini C-arm imaging products.

 

  We signed a new three-year purchasing agreement with Consorta covering our full mammography product line as well as adding bone densitometry products to the Hologic product offering.

 

  We extended the current HealthTrust Purchasing Group contract through April of 2005 and have submitted a new RFP for the entire Lorad mammography line as well as mini C-arm and bone densitometry.

 

  We extended our Broadlane contract for mammography and bone densitometry for two additional years. Both the Lorad Selenia full field digital mammography system and the Discovery bone densitometry systems were added to the current contract.

 

Competition

 

The healthcare industry in general, and the market for imaging and osteoporosis assessment products in particular, is highly competitive and characterized by continual change and improvement in technology, and multiple technologies that have been or are under development. A number of companies have developed, or are expected to develop products that compete or will compete with our products. Many of these competitors offer a range of products in areas other than those in which we compete, which may make such competitors more attractive to hospitals, radiology clients, general purchasing organizations and other potential customers. In addition, many of our competitors and potential competitors are larger and have greater financial resources than we do and offer a range of products broader than our products. Some of the companies with whom we compete have or may have more extensive research, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and significantly greater technical and personnel resources than we do, and may be better positioned to continue to improve their technology in order to compete in an evolving industry. The companies that have significantly greater resources and product breadth than we do include General Electric Medical Systems (GE), Siemens, Philips and Toshiba. Competitors may develop superior products or products of similar quality for sale at the same or lower prices. Moreover, our products could be rendered obsolete by new industry standards or changing technology. We cannot assure that we will be able to compete successfully with existing or new competitors.

 

Our mammography systems compete with products offered by a number of competitors, including GE, Siemens, PlanMed, Fischer Imaging and Agfa. GE and Fischer Imaging received FDA approval to commercialize their own indirect conversion digital mammography systems in January 2000 and September 2001, respectively. We received FDA approval for our full field digital mammography system, Selenia in October 2002. Both Siemens and Agfa have adopted the Hologic DirectRay direct-to-digital detectors for use in their respective digital mammography systems. Siemens has received FDA clearance for their full field digital mammography system with the Hologic detector and is starting to place systems in U.S. sites. The Agfa system is supplied by Hologic currently only for the international market. While we offer a broad product line of breast imaging products, we compete most effectively in the high-end segment of the mammography market. We attribute this success in large part to our patented High Transmission Cellular (HTC) Grid technology that enables our products incorporating that technology to deliver high contrast and resolution. We believe that our continued success will depend in part upon our ability to market and sell Selenia, our full field digital mammography system. Although Selenia

 

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systems are priced higher than competing technologies, we believe Selenia provides outstanding performance in aiding physicians in the early detection of breast cancer due to its image quality and workflow features and functionality. We believe that our mammography products compete primarily on the basis of image quality, product features, cost and ease of operation, price, reputation, product reliability and quality of service. We believe that growth of the digital mammography market will accelerate as product offerings improve image quality over existing systems. We expect additional participants to enter this digital mammography market over the next several years. Our minimally invasive breast biopsy systems compete with products offered by Fischer Imaging and with conventional surgical biopsy procedures. Our Alexa ultrasound breast imaging system competes with ultrasound products offered from GE, Philips, Siemens, Toshiba, Hitachi and Sonosite. We believe that competition for our mammography, breast biopsy and ultrasound breast imaging products is based largely on image quality, product features, product reliability and reputation as well as price and service.

 

International clinical guidelines recognize spine and hip bone density measurements as the standard for diagnosis of osteoporosis. GE is our primary competitor in the osteoporosis assessment market with bone density of the hip and spine systems. Other companies have developed lower priced x-ray and ultrasound based systems that assess bone status of peripheral skeletal sites, such as the heel, hand or wrist. Measurements of bone density at peripheral sites are utilized for screening for osteoporosis risk, and patients identified as at risk by peripheral testing are commonly referred for spine and hipbone density testing. We believe that competition in the field of osteoporosis assessment is based upon product versatility and features, price, precision, speed of measurement, reputation, cost and ease of operation, product reliability and quality of service. While we are generally not the lowest cost provider of dual-energy x-ray systems, we believe that we have been able to compete effectively because of our advanced technology and product features, including Vertebral Assessment imaging. We offer our Explorer system for the more price sensitive segment of the x-ray based osteoporosis assessment market, and our Sahara ultrasound bone analyzer for screening applications. We believe that competition in the field of osteoporosis assessment ultrasound systems is based on price, precision, speed of measurement, cost and ease of operation, reputation, product reliability and quality of service. We believe that advantages of our Sahara ultrasound bone analyzer system include the system’s dry operation, simple single-button operation, and a compact and self-contained design that does not require the use of a separate computer. Because ultrasound systems can only measure peripheral skeletal sites and do not have the precision of dual-energy x-ray systems, we believe dual-energy x-ray systems will continue to be the predominant means of diagnosis and monitoring of bone density changes for patients being treated for osteoporosis.

 

Our direct-to-digital digital radiography detectors compete with traditional x-ray systems as well as indirect-conversion systems, such as computed radiography systems, which are less expensive than our products. Many of these competitors have established relationships with hospitals and other of our potential customers in our targeted markets. The larger competitors in these markets include GE, Siemens, Kodak, Canon, Philips, SwissRay and Varian. Kodak’s digital radiography x-ray system currently incorporates our DirectRay detector. There is a significant installed base of conventional x-ray imaging products in hospitals and radiological practices. The use of direct-to-digital x-ray imaging systems require customers to either modify or replace their existing x-ray imaging equipment. At the beginning of fiscal 2004 we moved away from selling our own general radiography digital x-ray systems in competition with our OEM customers in the general radiology market and focus more on expanding our OEM sales for our DirectRay detectors. Our OEM customers include Analogic Corporation, Eastman Kodak, Tromp Medical, Sedecal, E-Com, Gold Mountain, Neusoft, FirstTech, and Dong Kang for digital radiography systems, and Agfa and Siemens for digital mammography systems. We believe that our DirectRay technology competes on the basis of image quality, product reliability and price, as well as our reputation and service. We believe that the primary advantage of our DirectRay technology is image quality. Because of the early stage of the markets for these products, it is likely that our evaluation of the potential markets for these products will materially vary with time.

 

Our mini C-arm products compete directly with mini C-arms manufactured and sold by a limited number of companies including GE. We also compete with manufacturers of conventional C-arm image intensifiers including Philips, Siemens and GE. We believe that competition for our mini C-arm systems is based largely on price, quality, reputation, service and production capabilities. We believe that advantages of our mini C-arm systems include low levels of radiation, image quality or resolution, low product life cycle costs, mobility, quality and durability.

 

Manufacturing

 

We manufacture our osteoporosis assessment and mini C-arm imaging systems at our headquarters in Bedford, Massachusetts. We manufacture our mammography and breast biopsy systems at our manufacturing facilities in Danbury, Connecticut. Manufacturing operations for our systems consist primarily of assembly, test, burn-in and quality control. We

 

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purchase a major portion of the parts and peripheral components for these products, and manufacture some subsystems, such as high-voltage x-ray power supply, from raw materials. Parts and materials for these systems are generally readily available from several supply sources. However, we rely on one supplier for the HTC grid, an important component for our more advanced mammography systems. In addition, several key components of our mini C-arm systems are manufactured by only one or a small number of suppliers, including the x-ray tube, image intensifier, video camera and fiber optic taper.

 

We manufacture our direct radiography plates at our manufacturing facility in Newark, Delaware. Our manufacture of DirectRay plates consists primarily of vapor deposition in clean rooms, microelectronics fabrication, assembly, test, burn-in and quality control. We rely on one or only a limited number of suppliers for key components or subassemblies for our plates. In particular, we have only a limited number of suppliers for our thin-film transistor (TFT) plates and for the coating of those plates. The manufacture of our direct radiography detectors is highly complex and requires precise high quality manufacturing that is difficult to achieve. Changes in design for our direct radiography detectors, including our mammography detectors, could result and has in the past resulted in unanticipated production problems, such as a high level of defects for the newly designed plates.

 

Obtaining alternative sources of supply for components or systems that are available from only one or a limited number of suppliers could involve significant delays and other costs, and these supplies may not be available to us on reasonable terms, if at all.

 

Backlog

 

Our backlog as of November 30, 2004 totaled $67.6 million and as of November 30, 2003 totaled $49.5 million. Backlog consists of purchase orders for which a delivery schedule within the next twelve months has been specified by the customer. Orders included in backlog may be canceled or rescheduled by customers without significant penalty. Backlog as of any particular date should not be relied upon as indicative of our net revenues for any future period.

 

Research and Development

 

Our research and development efforts are focused on enhancing our existing products and developing new products. Our current emphasis is further development of digital detector plates, the engineering and system design of new end-use digital radiography products, and software improvements for our existing products. This research and development includes refining and continuing Lorad’s research on the full field digital mammography system, and in particular the development of systems to perform breast tomosynthesis which is a 3-dimensional imaging technique. Our research and development personnel also are involved in establishing protocols, monitoring, and interpreting and submitting test data to the FDA and other regulatory agencies to obtain the requisite clearances and approvals for our products. Our research and product development expenses, without consideration of purchased in-process research and development, were approximately $16.7 million in fiscal 2004, $18.4 million in fiscal 2003, and $20.4 million in fiscal 2002.

 

Patents and Proprietary Rights

 

We rely primarily on a combination of trade secrets, patents, copyright and trademark laws, and confidentiality procedures to protect our technology. Due to the rapid technological change that characterizes the medical device industry, we believe that the improvement of existing products, reliance upon trade secrets and unpatented proprietary know-how and the development of new products are generally as important as patent protection in establishing and maintaining a competitive advantage. Nevertheless, we have obtained patents and will continue to make efforts to obtain patents, when available, in connection with our product development program.

 

As of November 30, 2004, we owned 48 United States patents relating to our densitometry technology, 38 patents relating to our direct radiography technology, 5 patents relating to our mini C-arm technology and 20 patents relating to our mammography business. Also, we license patents from others on a variety of terms, and own approximately 57 additional U. S. patents relating to other matters. Our patents have expiration dates ranging from 2006 to 2022. In addition, we have applied for an additional 48 U.S. patents on our technologies. We have also obtained or applied for corresponding patents and patent applications for some of our patents in selected foreign countries.

 

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There has been substantial litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the medical device and related industries. We have been involved in extensive patent litigation with Lunar Corporation, which has since been acquired by GE. This litigation was settled by agreement dated November 22, 1995. The agreement provides that neither party will engage the other party in patent litigation for a period of ten years following the date of the agreement, regardless of the infringement claimed and regardless of whether the technology in question currently exists or is developed or acquired by the other party in the future. Neither party is required to disclose to the other any of its technology during this ten year period or otherwise. Upon expiration of this ten year period on November 22, 2005, there will be no restrictions by either party on the assertion of an infringement claim against the other. However, GE has notified us of their interest in extending this agreement.

 

We have also been, and may be in the future, notified that we may be infringing intellectual property rights possessed by other third parties. If any such claims are asserted against us or our products, we may seek to enter into royalty or licensing arrangements. There is a risk in these situations that no license will be available or that a license will not be available on reasonable terms. Alternatively, we may decide to litigate such claims or to design around the patented technology. These actions could be costly and would divert the efforts and attention of our management and technical personnel. As a result, any infringement claims by third parties or other claims for indemnification by customers resulting from infringement claims, whether or not proven to be true, may harm our business and prospects.

 

Regulation

 

The medical devices manufactured and marketed by us are subject to regulation by the FDA and, in many instances, by foreign governments. Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, known as the FD&C Act, manufacturers of medical devices must comply with certain regulations governing the design, testing, manufacturing, packaging, servicing and marketing of medical devices. Some of our products are also subject to the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act, administered by the FDA, which imposes performance standards and record keeping, reporting, product testing and product labeling requirements for devices that emit radiation, such as x-rays.

 

The FDA generally must clear the commercial sale of new medical devices. Commercial sales of our medical devices within the United States must be preceded by either a premarket notification filing pursuant to Section 510(k) of the FD&C Act or the granting of a premarket approval. The 510(k) notification filing must contain information that establishes the device to be substantially equivalent to a device commercially distributed prior to May 28, 1976.

 

The premarket approval procedure involves a more complex and lengthy testing and review process by the FDA than the 510(k) premarket notification procedure and may require several years to obtain. We must first obtain an investigational device exemption, known as an IDE, for the product to conduct extensive clinical testing of the device to obtain the necessary clinical data for submission to the FDA. The FDA will thereafter only grant premarket approval if, after evaluating this clinical data, it finds that the safety and effectiveness of the product has been sufficiently demonstrated. This approval may restrict the number of devices distributed or require additional patient follow-up for an indefinite period of time. We received premarket approval of our Selenia full field digital mammography system in October 2002. This premarket approval permitted us to begin marketing efforts in the United States and launch our commercialization efforts with respect to this product.

 

Our systems are also subject to approval by certain foreign regulatory and safety agencies. Some of our technology is governed by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations of the United States Department of State. As a result, the export of some of our systems to some countries may be limited or prohibited.

 

Our manufacturing processes and facilities are subject to continuing review by the FDA and foreign governments or their representatives. Adverse findings could result in various actions against Hologic, including withdrawal of approvals and product recall.

 

We cannot assure that the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies will give the requisite approvals or clearances for any of our medical devices under development on a timely basis, if at all. Moreover, after clearance is given, these agencies can later withdraw the clearance or require us to change the device or its manufacturing process or labeling, to supply additional proof of its safety and effectiveness, or to recall, repair, replace or refund the cost of the medical device, if it is shown to be hazardous or defective. The process of obtaining clearance to market products is costly and time-consuming and can delay the marketing and sale of our products.

 

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As a manufacturer of medical devices, we are subject to additional FDA regulations, including the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968, which specifically regulates radiation-emitting products. Most states and many other foreign countries monitor and require licensing of x-ray devices. Federal, state and foreign regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of medical devices are subject to future change. We cannot predict what impact, if any, such changes might have on our business.

 

Reimbursement

 

In the United States, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (formerly the Health Care Financing Administration), known as CMS, establishes guidelines for the reimbursement of healthcare providers treating Medicare and Medicaid patients. Under current CMS guidelines, varying reimbursement levels have been established for bone density assessment, mammography and other imaging and diagnostic procedures performed by our products. The actual reimbursement amounts are determined by individual state Medicare carriers and, for non-Medicare and Medicaid patients, private insurance carriers. There are often delays between the reimbursement approvals by CMS and by a state Medicare carrier and private insurance carriers. Moreover, states as well as private insurance carriers may choose not to follow the CMS reimbursement guidelines. The use of our products outside the United States is similarly affected by reimbursement policies adopted by foreign regulatory and insurance carriers.

 

Employees

 

As of November 30, 2004, we had 761 full-time employees, including 228 in manufacturing operations, 128 in research and development, 323 in marketing, sales and support services, and 82 in finance and administration. None of our employees are represented by a union.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

We own and lease the real property identified below. We believe that we have adequate space for our anticipated needs and that suitable additional space will be available at commercially reasonable prices as needed.

 

Owned Real Property

 

We own a 168,000 square foot research and development, manufacturing and administrative site in Newark, Delaware at which DRC conducts its research and development and plate manufacture. We currently occupy approximately 63,000 square feet of this building, which houses our plate manufacturing facility, including both a class 1 and a class 2 clean room. We lease approximately 45,000 square feet of the facility to Agfa under a lease which expires in April 2005. The remaining space in the facility, approximately 60,000 square feet, is leased to Dade Behring under a lease which expires in July 2010. The property is subject to a mortgage to Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. (formerly known as Foothill Capital Corporation).

 

Leased Real Property

 

In September 2002, we completed a sale/leaseback transaction for our 200,000 square foot headquarters and manufacturing facility located in Bedford, Massachusetts and our 62,500 square foot LORAD manufacturing facility in Danbury, Connecticut. The lease for these facilities, including the associated land, has a term of 20 years, with four-five year renewal options. We sublease approximately 10,000 square feet of the Bedford facility to a subtenant, Tech Online, under a lease which expires in May 2005.

 

We lease a 60,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space in Danbury, Connecticut near our Lorad manufacturing facility. This lease expires in November 2006.

 

We also lease a sales and service office in Belgium.

 

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

We are not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

None.

 

Part II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer’s Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Market Information. Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “HOLX.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock, as reported by the Nasdaq National Market.

 

Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2003

 

     High

   Low

First Quarter

   $ 14.34    $ 9.90

Second Quarter

     13.05      7.10

Third Quarter

     13.60      8.45

Fourth Quarter

     16.85      12.50

 

Fiscal Year Ended September 25, 2004

 

     High

   Low

First Quarter

   $ 17.63    $ 12.68

Second Quarter

     21.00      16.79

Third Quarter

     23.22      18.50

Fourth Quarter

     23.78      17.77

 

Number of Holders. As of December 6, 2004, there were approximately 1,627 holders of record of our common stock, including multiple beneficial holders at depositaries, banks and brokers listed as a single holder in the street name of each respective depositary, bank or broker.

 

Dividend Policy. We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock and do not plan to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Our current policy is to retain all of our earnings to finance future growth. In addition, our existing credit facility with Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. prohibits us from declaring or paying any dividends.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities. We did not sell unregistered securities during fiscal 2004.

 

Issuer’s Purchases of Equity Securities. We did not repurchase any of our equity securities during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

 

In fiscal 2000 we acquired the U.S. assets of Trex Medical. The purchase accounting method under APB No. 16 was used for this transaction. Included in the fiscal 2000 financial data are acquisition related pre-tax charges of $13.3 million related to the Trex Medical acquisition. Included in the fiscal 2001 financial data are (i) a $2.5 million reduction in expenses as a result of the settlement of the final purchase price and reassessment of reserves from the Trex Medical acquisition, (ii) the recognition of $2.1 million of other revenue previously deferred and a $500,000 reduction to cost of product sales due to

 

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excess warranty reserves related to the settlement of the litigation with Fleet Business Credit, LLC, (iii) restructuring charges of approximately $1.0 million for severance related expenses resulting from reductions in our workforce and (iv) a $500,000 charge from the relocation of the Fluoroscan mini C-arm manufacturing facility from Illinois to Massachusetts. Included in the fiscal 2002 financial data are restructuring costs of approximately $2.1 million related to closing the conventional general radiography manufacturing facility and to our continued efforts to streamline operations. In the fourth quarter of 2003, we adopted EITF 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, as a cumulative effect adjustment for a change in accounting principle. Accordingly, the revenue representing the fair value of services not performed at the time of product shipment such as installation and training are deferred and recognized as performed. Additionally, revenue related to installation and training activities have been classified as service and other revenue. All prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform with the current-period presentation as discussed in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

     Fiscal Years Ended

 
     September 25,
2004


    September 27,
2003


    September 28,
2002


    September 29,
2001


    September 30,
2000


 
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data

                                        

Revenues:

                                        

Product sales

   $ 177,936     $ 156,734     $ 144,684     $ 135,067     $ 74,507  

Service and other revenue

     50,769       47,301       45,508       45,129       19,830  
    


 


 


 


 


       228,705       204,035       190,192       180,196       94,337  
    


 


 


 


 


Costs and Expenses:

                                        

Cost of product sales

     94,762       86,506       84,230       85,712       46,728  

Cost of service and other revenue

     48,574       43,949       34,146       33,734       18,726  

Research and development

     16,659       18,381       20,362       23,328       22,178  

Selling and marketing

     31,761       29,978       28,319       33,858       22,623  

General and administrative

     24,363       22,196       18,908       20,852       16,441  

Restructuring and relocation

     —         —         2,070       1,518       —    
    


 


 


 


 


       216,119       201,010       188,035       199,002       126,696  
    


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) from operations

     12,586       3,025       2,157       (18,806 )     (32,359 )

Interest income

     540       685       573       1,027       3,567  

Interest/other expense

     (199 )     (445 )     (2,980 )     (2,902 )     (227 )
    


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     12,927       3,265       (250 )     (20,681 )     (29,019 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     763       176       (429 )     169       (10,400 )
    


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     12,164       3,089       179       (20,850 )     (18,619 )

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —         (207 )     —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 12,164     $ 2,882     $ 179     $ (20,850 )   $ (18,619 )
    


 


 


 


 


Basic income (loss) per common and common equivalent share:

                                        

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   $ 0.60     $ 0.16     $ 0.01     $ (1.35 )   $ (1.22 )

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —         (0.01 )     —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 0.60     $ 0.15     $ 0.01     $ (1.35 )   $ (1.22 )
    


 


 


 


 


Diluted income (loss) per common and common equivalent share:

                                        

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   $ 0.57     $ 0.15     $ 0.01     $ (1.35 )   $ (1.22 )

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —         (0.01 )     —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 0.57     $ 0.14     $ 0.01     $ (1.35 )   $ (1.22 )
    


 


 


 


 


Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

                                        

Basic

     20,258       19,629       18,419       15,475       15,320  
    


 


 


 


 


Diluted

     21,296       20,130       19,192       15,475       15,320  
    


 


 


 


 


Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

                                        

Working capital

   $ 121,049     $ 103,862     $ 98,472     $ 44,679     $ 53,022  

Total assets

     211,751       188,603       184,147       194,863       219,145  

Long-term debt

     472       1,550       2,268       28,416       25,000  

Total stockholders’ equity

     166,275       148,927       142,409       111,807       131,572  

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the “Selected Financial Data” and the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report and the information described under the caption “Risk Factors” below.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to customer programs and incentives, product returns, bad debts, inventories, investments, intangible assets, income taxes, warranty obligations, restructuring, contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable 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.

 

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

 

Inventory

 

Our inventories include material, labor and overhead, and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. As a designer and manufacturer of high technology medical equipment, we may be exposed to a number of economic and industry factors that could result in portions of our inventory becoming either obsolete or in excess of anticipated usage. These factors include, but are not limited to, technological changes in our markets, our ability to meet changing customer requirements, competitive pressures in products and prices, reliability and replacement of and the availability of key components from our suppliers. Our policy is to establish inventory reserves when conditions exist that suggest that our inventory may be in excess of anticipated demand or is obsolete based upon our assumptions about future demand for our products and market conditions. We regularly evaluate our ability to realize the value of our inventory based on a combination of factors including the following: historical usage rates, forecasted sales or usage, product end of life dates, estimated current and future market values and new product introductions. Assumptions used in determining our estimates of future product demand may prove to be incorrect, in which case the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory would have to be adjusted in the future. If inventory is determined to be overvalued, we would be required to recognize such costs as cost of goods sold at the time of such determination. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand could have a significant negative impact on the value of our inventory and our reported operating results. Additionally, purchasing requirements and alternative usage avenues are explored within these processes to mitigate inventory exposure. When recorded, our reserves are intended to reduce the carrying value of our inventory to its net realizable value.

 

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Table of Contents

Accounts Receivable Reserves

 

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We regularly evaluate the collectibility of our trade receivables based on a combination of factors, which may include dialogue with the customer to determine the cause of non-payment, the use of collection agencies, and/or the use of litigation. In the event it is determined that the customer may not be able to meet its full obligation to us, we record a specific allowance to reduce the related receivable to the amount that we expect to recover given all information present. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and our assessment of the customer’s current credit worthiness. We continuously monitor collections from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates in the future. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

 

We also record a provision for estimated sales returns and allowances on product and service related sales in the same period as the related revenues are recorded. These estimates are based on the specific facts and circumstances of particular orders, analysis of credit memo data and other known factors. If the data we use to calculate these estimates do not properly reflect reserve requirements, then a change in the allowances would be made in the period in which such a determination is made and revenues in that period could be adversely affected.

 

Our accounts receivable reserves were $2.8 million, $3.5 million and $4.7 million in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The decreases in the reserve in fiscal 2004 and 2003 was primarily attributable to our write-off of reserves and accounts receivable related to financed sales in Latin America and a decrease to our bad debt expense in fiscal 2004.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue. We recognize product revenue upon shipment, provided that there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, there are no uncertainties regarding acceptance, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is probable. Generally, our product arrangements are multiple element arrangements, including services such as installation and training. Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, we began accounting for these arrangements in accordance with EITF 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. Based on the terms and conditions of the product arrangements, we have concluded that these services can be accounted for separately from the product element as our product has value to our customers on a stand-alone basis and we have objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of such services. Accordingly, service revenue representing the fair value of services not yet performed at the time of product shipment is deferred and recognized as such services are performed. The residual revenue under the product arrangement will be recognized as product revenue upon shipment. We adopted EITF 00-21 as a cumulative effective of a change in accounting principle in accordance with APB 20, Accounting Changes. In connection with the adoption of EITF 00-21, we reclassified $4.2 million of product revenue to service revenue for the year ended September 28, 2002.

 

We recognize product revenue upon the completion of installation for shipments that require more than perfunctory obligations at the time of shipment, specifically for certain of our digital imaging systems. A provision is made at that time for estimated warranty costs to be incurred.

 

Service and other revenues, which primarily includes maintenance contracts, replacement parts, non-warranty repair services, installation and training services, and fee-per-scan revenue are recognized ratably over the contract period for maintenance contracts, at the time of shipment for replacement parts, as the service is rendered for repair, installation and training services and as the fees are collected for fee-per-scan revenue.

 

Product Warranties. Products sold are generally covered by a warranty for a period of one year. We accrue a warranty reserve at the time of revenue recognition for estimated costs to provide warranty services. Our estimate of costs to service our warranty obligations is based on historical experience and expectation of future conditions. To the extent we

 

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experience increased or decreased warranty claim activity or increased or decreased costs associated with servicing those claims, our warranty accrual will increase or decrease, respectively, resulting in decreased or increased gross profit. Our warranty accrual was approximately $4.5 million, $4.5 million and $4.8 million in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This accrual has remained relatively constant over the past three fiscal years. This is due to a decrease in the warranty accrual attributable to our decision to eliminate the unprofitable conventional general radiography product lines which had warranty periods of up to five years offset by an increase in our warranty accrual for our increase in our digital systems revenues.

 

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This statement requires that we recognize a current tax liability or asset for current taxes payable or refundable and a deferred tax liability or asset for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards to the extent they are realizable. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, in the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

 

The valuation allowance as of September 25, 2004 and September 27, 2003 primarily relates to net operating losses and research and development tax credits generated in fiscal 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000 for which we can only realize a benefit through the generation of future taxable income and to certain deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions, for which realization is uncertain. Our net deferred tax asset is currently $3.6 million and we believe it will be fully realized in the next 12 to 24 months.

 

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act) introduced a special one-time dividends received deduction on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings to a U.S. taxpayer (repatriation provision), provided certain criteria are met. On October 22, 2004, the Act was signed into law by the President. Even in light of the Act, we do not provide for U.S. income taxes on earnings of our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. Our current intention is to reinvest the total amount of our approximately $515,000 of unremitted earnings permanently or to repatriate the earnings only when tax-effective to do so. It is not practical to estimate the amount of additional taxes that might be payable upon repatriation of foreign earnings; however, we believe that previously unbenefitted U.S. operating loss carryovers would largely eliminate any U.S. taxes due upon repatriation.

 

Legal Contingencies

 

We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings. In connection with these legal proceedings, management periodically reviews estimates of potential costs to be incurred by us in connection with the adjudication or settlement, if any, of these proceedings. These estimates are developed in consultation with outside counsel and are based on an analysis of potential litigation outcomes and settlement strategies. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, loss contingencies are accrued if, in the opinion of management, an adverse outcome is probable and such outcome can be reasonably estimated. We do not believe that these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial position; however, it is possible that future results for any particular quarter or annual period may be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies relating to these proceedings.

 

OVERVIEW

 

We are engaged in the development, manufacture and distribution of proprietary x-ray, digital x-ray and other medical imaging systems. Our businesses are reported as four segments: mammography; osteoporosis assessment; digital detectors; and other.

 

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Table of Contents

Our mammography products include a broad product line of breast imaging products, including film-based and digital mammography systems and breast biopsy systems. Our osteoporosis assessment products primarily consist of dual-energy x-ray bone densitometry systems and, to a lesser extent, an ultrasound-based osteoporosis assessment product. Bone densitometry is the precise measurement of bone density to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases that can lead to debilitating bone fractures. Our digital detector products are a digital component for original equipment manufacturers to incorporate into their own equipment. Our other business segment includes our mini C-arm, conventional general radiography service and digital general radiography systems businesses. Our mini C-arm products are low intensity, real-time mini C-arm x-ray systems used primarily for minimally invasive surgery on a patient’s extremities. In January 2002, we closed the manufacturing facility for the conventional general radiography products; however, we continue to service and support most of these product lines. During fiscal 2004, we phased out our digital general radiography systems and have focused on supplying our digital detectors, reported under our digital detector segment, to other original equipment manufacturers.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of total revenues represented by items as shown in our consolidated statements of operations.

 

     Fiscal Years Ended

 
     September 25,
2004


   

September 27,

2003


    September 28,
2002


 

Revenues:

                  

Product sales

   77.8 %   76.8 %   76.1 %

Service and other revenue

   22.2     23.2     23.9  
    

 

 

     100.0     100.0     100.0  
    

 

 

Cost and expenses:

                  

Cost of product sales

   41.4     42.4     44.3  

Cost of service and other revenue

   21.2     21.5     18.0  

Research and development

   7.3     9.0     10.7  

Selling and marketing

   13.9     14.7     14.9  

General and administrative

   10.7     10.9     9.9  

Restructuring and relocation

   —       —       1.1  
    

 

 

     94.5     98.5     98.9  
    

 

 

Income from operations

   5.5     1.5     1.1  

Interest income

   0.2     0.3     0.3  

Interest/other expense

   (0.1 )   (0.2 )   (1.5 )
    

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change

   5.6     1.6     (0.1 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   0.3     0.1     (0.2 )
    

 

 

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   5.3     1.5     0.1  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   —       (0.1 )   —    
    

 

 

Net income

   5.3 %   1.4 %   0.1 %
    

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended September 25, 2004 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2003

 

Product Sales.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25, 2004

    September 27, 2003

       
     Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Change

 
               Amount

    %

 

Product Sales

                                        

Mammography

   $ 93,536    41 %   $ 68,739    34 %   $ 24,797     36 %

Osteoporosis Assessment

   $ 51,376    23 %   $ 51,900    26 %   $ (524 )   (1 )%

Digital Detectors

   $ 12,370    5 %   $ 6,843    3 %   $ 5,527     81 %

Other

   $ 20,654    9 %   $ 29,252    14 %   $ (8,598 )   (29 )%
    

  

 

  

 


 

     $ 177,936    78 %   $ 156,734    77 %   $ 21,202     14 %
    

  

 

  

 


 

 

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Table of Contents

In fiscal 2004 our product sales increased 14% compared to fiscal 2003 primarily due to the continued growth in the number of our Selenia full field digital mammography systems sold and to a lesser extent, our increase in digital detector sales. Partially offsetting these increases was the decrease in sales attributable to our continued phasing out of our general radiography systems business, which is included in our other segment. We have substantially completed our plan to discontinue taking new orders for general radiography systems as of September 25, 2004, but continue to service the installed base of such equipment.

 

Mammography product sales increased 36% compared to fiscal 2003 primarily due to a $32.9 million increase in worldwide digital mammography system sales and a $2.8 million increase in Multicare stereotactic tables sold in the United States. The increase in our digital mammography product sales was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of Selenia systems sold and, to a lesser extent, a modest increase in the average selling price for those systems. In fiscal 2004 we sold 143 digital mammography systems compared to 57 systems in fiscal 2003. The increase in the average selling price of the Selenia contributed $7.0 million to our digital mammography product sales during fiscal 2004. We attribute the increase in digital mammography system sales primarily to the growing acceptance of our Selenia mammography system and of digital mammography in general. The increase in sales of our Multicare stereotactic tables, in the United States, was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of tables sold in the first two quarters of fiscal 2004 as compared to the corresponding quarters of the prior year. The increases in digital mammography and table sales were partially offset by a $14.4 million decrease in analog mammography systems sales in the United States, primarily as a result of reduced unit sales of those systems related to the increased market acceptance of digital mammography.

 

Osteoporosis assessment product sales decreased 1% in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003. This decrease was primarily attributable to a $3.0 million decrease in sales of our dual-energy x-ray bone densitometry systems in the United States and a decrease of $417,000 due to a reduction in the number of Sahara ultrasound systems sold in the United States. The decrease in United States sales of dual-energy x-ray bone densitometry systems was primarily attributable to a decrease in the number of systems sold and a shift to our lower priced systems sold into the primary care market. These reductions were partially offset by a $2.7 million increase in sales in international markets, primarily attributable to an increase in the number of our lower priced Explorer systems sold, and a $427,000 increase in upgrade sales.

 

Digital detector product sales increased 81% in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of digital detectors sold in the United States and Europe, partially offset by a decrease in the number of detectors sold in Asia. Product sales of digital detectors in the current year increased $3.8 million in the United States, $3.2 million in Europe and decreased $1.4 million in Asia compared to fiscal 2003. The increase in the United States primarily reflects the increase in the number of digital detectors sold for general radiography systems, while the increase for Europe primarily reflects the increase in the number of digital detectors sold for mammography systems. The decrease in Asia is primarily due to a reduction in the number of digital general radiography detectors sold. We believe that our increase in digital detector sales reflects the growing acceptance of digital radiography and our technology, as well as our decision to phase out our digital general radiography systems and to focus on supplying our digital detectors to other original equipment manufacturers.

 

Other product sales decreased 29% in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003. This decrease was primarily attributable to a $6.7 million decrease in worldwide digital general radiography product sales and a $2.0 million decrease in our mini C-arm product sales, primarily in the United States. The decrease in general radiography product sales reflects our decision to phase out our digital general radiography systems. As a result of this decision, we expect product sales for our digital general radiography systems to be negligible next year. In the current year, sales of digital general radiography systems accounted for $8.2 million of other product revenues. We attribute the decrease in sales of our mini C-arm products primarily to a reduction in the number of systems sold as a result of increased competition and competitive pricing pressure.

 

25


Table of Contents

In fiscal 2004, approximately 61% of product sales were generated in the United States, 21% in Europe, 11% in Asia, 6% in Latin America and 1% in other international markets. In fiscal 2003, approximately 68% of product sales were generated in the United States, 17% in Europe, 13% in Asia, 1% in Latin America and 1% in other international markets. We believe the shift in sales to Europe and other international markets is primarily due to the timing of an increase in demand from those territories. The increase in sales in Latin America during the current year was primarily attributable to a large sale of our Selenia digital mammography systems in Mexico in the first six months of fiscal 2004. In the second half of fiscal 2004 our product sales to Latin America constituted approximately 2% of our total product sales.

 

Service and Other Revenue.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25, 2004

    September 27, 2003

       
     Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Change

 
             Amount

   %

 

Service and Other Revenue

   $ 50,769    22 %   $ 47,301    23 %   $ 3,468    7 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

Service and other revenue is primarily comprised of revenue generated from our field service organization to provide ongoing service, installation and repair of our products. Service and other revenue increased 7% in fiscal 2004 compared to the prior year. The increase in service and other revenue in fiscal 2004 was primarily due to a $3.3 million increase in service contract revenues in our mammography segment compared to fiscal 2003, primarily as a result of our assuming service responsibilities previously performed by a former distributor and the continued growth in our installed base of mammography systems and digital detectors. The increase in mammography service revenue was partially offset by a $1.2 million decrease in osteoporosis assessment service revenues. We attribute this decrease primarily to the completion of a multi-year service contract in Europe during fiscal 2004 that has not been renewed.

 

Cost of Product Sales.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25, 2004

    September 27, 2003

       
     Amount

  

% of Product

Sales


    Amount

  

% of Product

Sales


    Change

 
             Amount

   %

 

Cost of Product Sales

   $ 94,762    53 %   $ 86,506    55 %   $ 8,256    10 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

The cost of product sales decreased as a percentage of product sales to 53% in fiscal 2004 from 55% in fiscal 2003. Cost of product sales decreased as a percentage of product sales primarily due to increased revenues and improved gross margins recognized on the shift in mammography product sales to Selenia, our full field digital mammography systems. These systems have significantly higher selling prices, more than offsetting the higher costs of the product, when compared to analog mammography. This improvement was partially offset by reduced margins associated with our sales of osteoporosis assessment and mini C-arm products, discussed in further detail under our Segment Results of Operations below.

 

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Table of Contents

Cost of Service and Other Revenue.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25, 2004

    September 27, 2003

       
   Amount

  

% of Service

Revenue


    Amount

  

% of Service

Revenue


    Change

 
             Amount

   %

 

Cost of Service and Other Revenue

   $ 48,574    96 %   $ 43,949    93 %   $ 4,625    11 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

Cost of service and other revenue increased both in percentage of service revenue and absolute dollars, primarily related to additional personnel and other costs to expand our service capabilities, especially in the United States, as we continue to assume direct coverage of territories previously assigned to distributors and to support our growing installed base of products and due to increased warranty costs in our digital detector business. We expect our costs of service and other revenue to remain relatively high as a percentage of service and other revenue, reflecting our need to employ the required personnel for warranty, non-warranty and installation activities to service our growing installed base of products. We also expect an increase in customers entering into service agreements in connection with our transition to digital mammography and direct service coverage.

 

Operating Expenses.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25, 2004

    September 27, 2003

       
   Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Change

 
             Amount

    %

 

Operating Expenses

                                        

Research and Development

   $ 16,659    7 %   $ 18,381    9 %   $ (1,722 )   (9 )%

Selling and Marketing

   $ 31,761    14 %   $ 29,978    15 %   $ 1,783     6 %

General and Administrative

   $ 24,363    11 %   $ 22,196    11 %   $ 2,167     10 %
    

  

 

  

 


 

     $ 72,783    32 %   $ 70,555    35 %   $ 2,228     3 %
    

  

 

  

 


 

 

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses decreased 9% in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003 primarily due to a decrease in research and development spending and personnel costs primarily related to our phase-out of the digital general radiography systems product line announced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. These decreases were offset in part from an increase in mammography related research and development expenses including our tomosynthesis development project. We expect total research and development expenses to continue to increase as we accelerate our development efforts of tomosynthesis technology for mammography in fiscal 2005.

 

Selling and Marketing Expenses. Selling and marketing expenses increased 6% in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003. These expenses decreased as a percentage of revenue to 13.9% in fiscal 2004 from 14.7% in fiscal 2003. The increase in the current fiscal year was primarily due to an increase of approximately $778,000 of international distributor commissions primarily related to the sale of Selenias in Mexico in the first six months of fiscal 2004, $601,000 of increased commissions to our direct sales force due to the increased product sales in direct territories and $388,000 of tradeshow expenses related to the promotion of our full field digital mammography system, Selenia. Sales and marketing expenses have also shifted between the operating segments for the current fiscal year by increasing in mammography, reflecting our increased revenues from that segment, and decreasing for our digital general radiography systems which are being phased-out.

 

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased 10% in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003. As a percentage of revenue these expenses decreased to 10.7% in fiscal 2004 from 10.9% in fiscal 2003. The increase in the dollar amount of these expenses was primarily due to an increase of approximately $2.3 million in bonus and profit sharing expense in accordance with the applicable plans as a result of continued improved financial results. In addition, we incurred $741,000 of due diligence expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 in connection with a potential acquisition. Prior to the end of the third quarter we decided not to pursue this potential acquisition further and accordingly expensed all

 

27


Table of Contents

acquisition costs in that quarter. Partially offsetting these increases were a $448,000 decrease in the bad debt provision as a result of strong cash collections in fiscal 2004, a $253,000 decrease of legal fees and a $251,000 decrease in the fees associated with our note payable to Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. due to an amendment executed in July 2003.

 

Interest Income.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25,
2004


   September 27,
2003


      
   Amount

   Amount

   Change

 
         Amount

    %

 

Interest Income

   $ 540    $ 685    $ (145 )   (21 )%
    

  

  


 

 

Interest income decreased in fiscal 2004 compared to the prior year primarily due to a decrease in the interest rate earned in fiscal 2004 compared to last year, partially offset by higher investment balances.

 

Interest / Other Expense.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25,
2004


    September 27,
2003


       
   Amount

    Amount

    Change

 
       Amount

   %

 

Interest / Other Expense

   $ (199 )   $ (445 )   $ 246    55 %
    


 


 

  

 

Interest and other expense primarily consist of interest costs on the Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. note payable. The decrease in these expenses was primarily due to the amendment made to the Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. note payable in the third quarter of fiscal 2003 that significantly reduced the costs related to this facility. Other expense also includes foreign currency transaction gains and losses and interest costs on a bank line of credit used by our European subsidiaries to borrow funds in their local currencies to pay for intercompany sales, thereby reducing the foreign currency exposure in these transactions. In fiscal 2004 and 2003 we did not recognize any significant foreign exchange gains or losses or incur any interest charges under our foreign currency line of credit. To the extent that foreign currency exchange rates fluctuate in the future, we may be exposed to continued financial risk. Although we have established a borrowing line of credit denominated in the foreign currency, the euro, in which our subsidiaries currently conduct business to minimize this risk, we cannot assure that we will be successful or can fully hedge our outstanding exposure.

 

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25,
2004


   September 27,
2003


      
   Amount

   Amount

   Change

 
         Amount

   %

 

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

   $ 763    $ 176    $ 587    334 %
    

  

  

  

 

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We account for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This statement requires that we recognize a current tax liability or asset for current taxes payable or refundable and a deferred tax liability or asset for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards to the extent they are realizable. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, in the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. We have provided for nominal federal, state and foreign income taxes in fiscal 2004 and 2003 and certain minimum taxes where net-operating losses cannot be used.

 

Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25, 2004

   September 27, 2003

       
   Amount

   Amount

    Change

 
        Amount

   %

 

Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle

   $ 0    $ (207 )   $ 207    (100 )%
    

  


 

  

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, we adopted EITF 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in accordance with APB 20, Accounting Changes, in fiscal 2003. In connection with the adoption of EITF 00-21, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $207,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2003.

 

Segment Results of Operations

 

As a result of our decision to phase out our digital general radiography systems and to focus on supplying our digital detectors to other original equipment manufacturers, as well as the trends in the markets in which we compete, we revised our segment reporting in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Our businesses are reported as four segments: mammography; osteoporosis assessment; digital detectors and other. Prior periods have been restated to conform to this presentation. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the footnotes to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. We measure segment performance based on total revenues and operating income or loss. Revenues from product sales of each of these segments are described in further detail above. The discussion that follows is a summary analysis of total revenues and the primary changes in operating income or loss by segment.

 

Mammography.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25, 2004

    September 27, 2003

            
     Amount

  

% of Total
Segment

Revenue


    Amount

  

% of Total
Segment

Revenue


    Change

 
             Amount

   %

 

Total Revenues

   $ 114,579    100 %   $ 86,473    100 %   $ 28,107    33 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

Operating Income

   $ 9,592    8 %   $ 4,331    5 %   $ 5,261    121 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

Mammography revenues increased primarily due to the $24.8 million increase in product sales and an increase of $3.3 million in service revenues related to the increased number of systems in our installed base discussed above. Operating income for this business segment increased primarily due to the increased revenues and the improved gross margin from the

 

29


Table of Contents

shift in product revenues to our more profitable Selenia full field digital mammography systems from our analog mammography systems. Our gross margin in this business segment was 41% in fiscal 2004 compared to 35% in the prior year. Partially offsetting this increase was additional international commissions, totaling $2.1 million, related to a multiple unit Selenia sale in Mexico in the first six months of fiscal 2004 and an increased allocation of operating expenses previously absorbed by the digital general radiography business.

 

                    Osteoporosis Assessment.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25, 2004

    September 27, 2003

             
  

Amount


  

% of Total
Segment

Revenue


   

Amount


  

% of Total
Segment

Revenue


    Change

 
             Amount

    %

 

Total Revenues

   $ 68,483    100 %   $ 71,081    100 %   $ (2,598 )   (4 )%
    

  

 

  

 


 

Operating Income

   $ 7,500    11 %   $ 10,236    14 %   $ (2,736 )   (27 )%
    

  

 

  

 


 

 

Osteoporosis assessment revenues decreased in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003 primarily due to a $2.1 million decrease in service revenues and the $524,000 decrease in product sales discussed above. The decrease in service revenues was primarily due to the completion of a multi-year service contract in Europe during fiscal 2004 that was not renewed. Operating income for osteoporosis assessment decreased primarily due to decreased revenues and gross margins. Our gross margin in this business segment was 43% in fiscal 2004 compared to 47% in fiscal 2003. The decrease in osteoporosis assessment gross margins was primarily attributable to the decrease in revenues, a shift to international sales where we generally sell at lower prices through distributors, a shift to lower priced systems sold into the United States primary care market and an increased allocation of operating expenses previously absorbed by the digital general radiography systems business, which is being phased out. Partially offsetting these decreases in operating income was reduced commissions expense, primarily related to the shift to international sales.

 

                    Digital Detectors.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25, 2004

    September 27, 2003

            
  

Amount


   

% of Total
Segment

Revenue


   

Amount


   

% of Total
Segment

Revenue


    Change

 
           Amount

   %

 

Total Revenues

   $ 15,047     100 %   $ 7,990     100 %   $ 7,057    88 %
    


 

 


 

 

  

Operating Loss

   $ (4,833 )   (32 )%   $ (5,500 )   (69 )%   $ 667    (12 )%
    


 

 


 

 

  

 

Digital detector revenues increased primarily due to the increased number of digital detectors sold as discussed above and a $1.5 million increase in service revenues. The service revenues increase is due to the increase in the number of detectors in the installed base. The decrease in the digital detector business operating loss is primarily due to the increased revenues and the improved gross profit from that increase, and a decrease in our operating expenses. Our gross margin in this business segment decreased to 15% in fiscal 2004 compared to 21% in fiscal 2003. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to increased warranty and service expenses. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily attributable to a lower allocation of sales and marketing expenses and a decrease in research and development spending related to the completion of our digital detector development for Selenia.

 

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Table of Contents

Other.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 25, 2004

    September 27, 2003

       
   Amount

  

% of Total
Segment

Revenue


    Amount

   

% of Total
Segment

Revenue


    Change

 
             

Amount

 

  %

 

Total Revenues

   $ 30,596    100 %   $ 38,491     100 %   $ (7,895 )   (21 )%
    

  

 


 

 


 

Operating Income (Loss)

   $ 327    1 %   $ (6,042 )   (16 )%   $ 6,369     (105 )%
    

  

 


 

 


 

 

Revenues for this business segment, which includes the mini C-arm business, the digital general radiography business and the conventional general radiography service business, decreased primarily due to a $6.7 million decrease in digital general radiography systems sold worldwide, as a result of our phase out of that business, and a $2.0 million decrease in product sales of our mini C-arm products primarily in the United States as discussed above. The improvements in operating income were primarily due to lower operating expenses as a result of our decision to de-emphasize the digital general radiography systems business, which has been substantially phased out, and to reallocate resources and costs in order to focus on the more profitable and faster growing digital mammography systems. These improvements were partially offset by the reduced revenue and gross profits from the decrease in mini C-arm system sales.

 

Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2003 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2002

 

Product Sales.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 27, 2003

    September 28, 2002

       
   Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Change

 
             Amount

    %

 

Product Sales

                                        

Mammography

   $ 68,739    34 %   $ 59,138    31 %   $ 9,601     16 %

Osteoporosis Assessment

   $ 51,900    25 %   $ 45,531    24 %   $ 6,369     14 %

Digital Detectors

   $ 6,843    3 %   $ 6,125    3 %   $ 718     12 %

Other

   $ 29,252    14 %   $ 33,890    18 %   $ (4,638 )   (14 )%
    

  

 

  

 


 

     $ 156,734    77 %   $ 144,684    76 %   $ 12,050     8 %
    

  

 

  

 


 

 

In fiscal 2003 our product sales increased 8% compared to fiscal 2002 primarily due to increased mammography and osteoporosis assessment product sales. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in our conventional general radiography product revenues due to our phase-out of this unprofitable product line during fiscal 2002, and slightly lower mini C-arm sales.

 

Mammography product sales increased 16% in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002 primarily due to a $15.2 million increase in digital mammography system sales primarily attributable to an increase in the number of Selenia full field digital mammography systems sold worldwide. In addition, there was a $5.7 million increase attributable to an increase in the number of multicare stereotactic tables sold. These increases were partially offset by an $11.2 million decrease in analog

 

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Table of Contents

mammography systems sales primarily in the United States. The decrease in analog system sales in the United States was primarily attributable to a decrease in the number of systems sold, which we attribute primarily to a decrease in the market for analog systems as a result of the growing acceptance of digital technology.

 

Osteoporosis assessment product sales increased 14% in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of systems sold internationally and, to a lesser extent, to the initial shipments of our new Discovery line of bone densitometers at higher average selling prices.

 

Digital detector product sales increased 12% in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the average selling prices of digital detectors resulting in higher revenues on fewer units sold.

 

Other product sales decreased 14% in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. This decrease was primarily attributable to a $4.8 million decrease in worldwide conventional general radiography product sales due to our decision to phase out our unprofitable conventional general radiography product line, which was completed in fiscal 2002.

 

In fiscal 2003, approximately 68% of product sales were generated in the United States, 17% in Europe, 13% in Asia, 1% in Latin America and 1% in other international markets. In fiscal 2002, approximately 80% of product sales were generated in the United States, 9% in Europe, 8% in Asia, 2% in Latin America and 1% in other international markets.

 

Service and Other Revenue.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 27, 2003

    September 28, 2002

       
   Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Change

 
            

Amount


   %

 

Service and Other Revenue

   $ 47,301    23 %   $ 45,508    24 %   $ 1,793    4 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

Service and other revenue is primarily comprised of revenue generated from our field service organization to provide ongoing service, installation and repair of our products. Service and other revenue increased 4% in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. This increase was primarily due to increased service revenues primarily in our mammography business as a result of our assuming service responsibilities previously performed by a former distributor and increased service contract revenues in our osteoporosis assessment and digital imaging businesses. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in other revenue from the licensing of certain mammography-patented technology and additional fee-per-scan revenues as compared to fiscal 2002.

 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2003, we terminated an independent dealer who represented almost one-half of the U.S. market for our mammography products in fiscal 2002 and assumed full sales and service responsibility in these geographic locations on a direct basis. To provide the necessary sales coverage and service support we hired 10 sales and 28 service personnel.

 

Cost of Product Sales.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 27, 2003

    September 28, 2002

       
   Amount

  

% of Product

Sales


    Amount

  

% of Product

Sales


    Change

 
             Amount

   %

 

Cost of Product Sales

   $ 86,506    55 %   $ 84,230    58 %   $ 2,276    3 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

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Cost of product sales decreased as a percentage of product sales to 55% in fiscal 2003 from 58% in fiscal 2002. These costs decreased as a percentage of product sales primarily due to improved gross margins recognized on the mammography and osteoporosis assessment products as a result of the increase in revenues, as well as lower manufacturing costs on the mini c-arm products and the elimination of our unprofitable conventional general radiography product line in the third quarter of fiscal 2002. The increased volume has improved the absorption of manufacturing overhead at our manufacturing facilities for those products. Our DRC subsidiary continues to have significant fixed manufacturing costs and is operating significantly below manufacturing capacity.

 

Cost of Service and Other Revenue.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 27, 2003

    September 28, 2002

       
   Amount

  

% of Service

Revenue


    Amount

  

% of Service

Revenue


    Change

 
             Amount

   %

 

Cost of Service and Other Revenue

   $ 43,949    93 %   $ 34,146    75 %   $ 9,803    29 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

Cost of service and other revenue increased as a percentage of service and other revenue to 93% in fiscal 2003 from 75% in fiscal 2002. These costs increased as a percentage of service and other revenue primarily due to additional personnel and other costs in our field service area to expand our United States service capabilities for our digital mammography and general radiography systems and to assume direct coverage of territories previously assigned to distributors, as well as to lower levels of other revenue.

 

Operating Expenses.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 27, 2003

    September 28, 2002

       
   Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Amount

  

% of Total

Revenue


    Change

 
             Amount

    %

 

Operating Expenses

                                        

Research and Development

   $ 18,381    9 %   $ 20,362    11 %   $ (1,981 )   (10 )%

Selling and Marketing

   $ 29,978    15 %   $ 28,319    15 %   $ 1,659     6 %

General and Administrative

   $ 22,196    11 %   $ 18,908    10 %   $ 3,288     17 %

Restructuring and Relocation

   $ 0    0 %   $ 2,070    1 %   $ (2,070 )   (100 )%
    

  

 

  

 


 

     $ 70,555    35 %   $ 69,659    37 %   $ 896     1 %
    

  

 

  

 


 

 

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses decreased 10% in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in research and development spending and personnel primarily related to reduced spending of $1.6 million on digital detectors at DRC, a decrease of $737,000 due to our phase-out of the conventional general radiography product line in fiscal 2002 and a decrease of $671,000 related to our mammography business. These decreases were partially offset by increased spending of $1.1 million related to our general radiography digital imaging systems. Approximately $8.2 million and $8.7 million of the total of these expenses related to the development of digital mammography and digital general radiography systems and detectors at DRC in fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

33


Table of Contents

Selling and Marketing Expenses. Selling and marketing expenses increased 6% in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. The increase was primarily due to additional personnel and other costs incurred to expand our United States coverage of territories previously assigned to distributors, and to a lesser extent, higher trade show expenses in fiscal 2003 compared to 2002.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased 17% in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. The increase was primarily due to additional personnel, increased employee benefit expenses and expenses related to the implementation of our integrated enterprise wide software application.

 

Restructuring and Relocation Costs. Restructuring and relocation costs in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2002 were primarily the result of our continuing efforts to streamline operations and eliminate unprofitable product lines. In the second quarter of fiscal 2002, we incurred severance costs of approximately $495,000 in connection with the reduction of our workforce in the United States and Europe by 13 persons across all functional areas. In the first quarter of fiscal 2002, we incurred a restructuring charge of approximately $806,000 primarily comprised of severance costs related to the termination of 85 employees at the Littleton facility. In addition, we incurred severance cost of approximately $561,000 and $208,000 in connection with the closure of our direct sales and service office in Paris, France and the continued reduction of Lorad’s workforce, respectively. The severance charges related to the workforce reductions of 5 persons in France and 20 persons at Lorad and were across all functional areas.

 

Interest Income.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 27, 2003

   September 28, 2002

      
   Amount

   Amount

   Change

 
         Amount

   %

 

Interest Income

   $ 685    $ 573    $ 112    20 %
    

  

  

  

 

Interest income increased in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002 primarily due to $84,000 of interest income related to the note receivable from an officer and $21,000 of additional interest collected from Latin American financed sales.

 

Interest / Other Expense.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 27, 2003

   September 28, 2002

      
   Amount

   Amount

   Change

 
         Amount

    %

 

Interest / Other Expense

   $ 445    $ 2,980    $ (2,535 )   (85 )%
    

  

  


 

 

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Table of Contents

In fiscal 2003, these expenses were primarily due to the interest costs on the Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. note payable. In fiscal 2002, these expenses included interest costs of approximately $2.6 million on the $25 million note payable issued in connection with the Trex Medical acquisition and to a much lesser extent, interest costs on the Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. note payable, foreign currency transaction losses and interest costs on a bank line of credit used by our European subsidiaries to borrow funds in their local currencies to pay for intercompany sales, thereby reducing the foreign currency exposure on those transactions. In September 2002, we paid off the note payable to Trex Medical with the proceeds from the sale/leaseback transaction of two of our facilities. To the extent that foreign currency exchange rates fluctuate in the future, we may be exposed to continued financial risk. Although we have established a borrowing line of credit denominated in the foreign currency, the euro, in which our subsidiaries currently conduct business to minimize this risk, we cannot assure that we will be successful or can fully hedge our outstanding exposure.

 

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes.

 

     Years Ended

 
     September 27, 2003

   September 28, 2002

   
 
   Amount

   Amount

    Change

 
        Amount

   %

 

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

   $ 176    $ (429 )   $ 605    (141 )%
    

  


 

  

 

We provided for certain minimum taxes where net-operating losses cannot be used in fiscal 2003. In fiscal 2002 we had a benefit for income taxes of $429,000 as a result of a $4.5 million tax benefit recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2002, partially offset by a $3.9 million tax provision recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 to reduce our deferred tax asset to $3.6 million that we believe will be fully realizable in the next 12 to 24 months. During fiscal 2002, as a result of the Economic Stimulus Bill signed into law in March, we filed carry back claims of approximately $13.8 million. Of this amount, we received $12.0 million in cash in fiscal 2003 and $1.8 million, which we received in fiscal 2004, is included in other current assets in the accompanying balance sheet at September 27, 2003.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At September 25, 2004 we had approximately $121.0 million of working capital. At that date our cash and cash equivalents totaled $68.3 million. Our cash and cash equivalents balance increased $23.2 million during fiscal 2004 primarily due to cash provided by operating and financing activities partially offset by the use of cash for purchases of property and equipment.

 

Our cash provided by operating activities was $25.9 million, which included net income of $12.2 million for fiscal 2004 increased by non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization of an aggregate of $7.6 million. Cash provided by operations due to changes in our current assets and liabilities included an increase in deferred revenue of $3.5 million, an increase in accrued expenses of $3.5 million and a decrease in inventory of $3.4 million. These sources of cash were partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $4.4 million. The increase in deferred revenue was primarily due to an increase in the number of deferred service contracts and an increase in customer deposits. The increase in accrued expenses was primarily due to timing of payments. The decrease in inventory was primarily the result of improved supply chain management. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to the increased revenues during fiscal 2004.

 

In fiscal 2004, we used approximately $6.6 million of cash in investing activities. This use of cash was primarily attributable to purchases of property and equipment of $7.2 million, which consisted primarily of computer hardware, demonstration and manufacturing equipment.

 

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Table of Contents

In fiscal 2004, financing activities provided us with $3.9 million of cash. These cash flows included approximately $5.0 million from the exercise of stock options partially offset by repayments, totaling $1.1 million, of our term loan with Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. and our Fleet Business Credit, LLC note payable.

 

As of September 25, 2004 we had short-term borrowings, including the current portion of our long-term obligations, of $475,000 and long term notes payable totaling $472,000. These amounts represent our obligations of our term loan under our credit facility with Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc.

 

We maintain an unsecured line of credit with a European bank for the equivalent of $3.0 million, which bears interest at the Europe Interbank Offered Rate (2.12% at September 25, 2004) plus 1.5%. The borrowings under this line are primarily used by our European subsidiaries to settle intercompany sales and are denominated in the respective local currencies of its European subsidiaries. The line of credit may be canceled by the bank with 30 days notice. At September 25, 2004, there were no outstanding borrowings under this line.

 

In September 2001 we obtained a secured loan from Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. The loan agreement with Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. provides for a term loan of approximately $2.4 million, which we borrowed at signing, and a revolving line of credit facility. The maximum amount we can borrow under the loan agreement and amendment is $20.0 million. The loan agreement and amendment contain financial and other covenants and the actual amount which we can borrow under the line of credit at any time is based upon a formula tied to the amount of our qualifying accounts receivable. At September 25, 2004, the total amount of availability under this formula was $20.0 million. In July 2003 we amended this loan agreement primarily to simplify financial covenants and to reduce the fees related to this facility. The term loan accrues interest at prime plus 1.0% for five years. The line of credit advances accrue interest at prime plus 0.25%. The line of credit expires in September 2005. We were in compliance with all covenants as of September 25, 2004. At September 25, 2004, there were no outstanding borrowings under our line of credit.

 

In September 2002, we completed a sale/leaseback transaction for our headquarters and manufacturing facility located in Bedford, Massachusetts and our LORAD manufacturing facility in Danbury, Connecticut. The transaction resulted in net proceeds to us of $31.4 million. The lease for these facilities, including the associated land, has a term of 20 years, with four five-year year renewal terms, which we may exercise at our option. The basic rent for the facilities is $3.2 million per year, which is subject to adjustment for increases in the consumer price index. The aggregate total minimum lease payments during the initial 20-year term are $62.9 million. In addition, we are required to maintain the facilities during the term of the lease and to pay all taxes, insurance, utilities and other costs associated with those facilities. Under the lease, we make customary representations and warranties and agree to certain financial covenants and indemnities. In the event we default on the lease, the landlord may terminate the lease, accelerate payments and collect liquidated damages. We were in compliance with all covenants as of September 25, 2004.

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments as of September 25, 2004:

 

    

Payments Due by Period

(in thousands)


Contractual Obligations


   Total

   Less than 1 year

   1-3 years

   3-5 years

  

More than

5 years


Long Term Debt

   $ 947    $ 475    $ 472    $ —      $ —  

Operating Leases

     60,359      4,848      8,352      6,395      40,764

Purchase Obligations

     3,534      1,256      2,278      —        —  
    

  

  

  

  

Total Contractual Obligations

   $ 64,840    $ 6,579    $ 11,102    $ 6,395    $ 40,764
    

  

  

  

  

 

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Table of Contents

Except as set forth above, we do not have any other significant capital commitments. We are working on several projects, with an emphasis on digital mammography. Subject to the risk factors set forth below and the general disclaimers set forth in our Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements at the outset of this Report, we believe that we have sufficient funds in order to fund our expected operations over the next twelve months.

 

The expected timing of payment and amounts of the obligations discussed above are estimated based on current information.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In October 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) concluded that proposed Statement 123R, Share-Based Payment, which would require all companies to measure compensation cost for all share-based payments, including employee stock options, at fair value, would be effective for public companies except small business issuers as defined in SEC Regulation S-B for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The FASB has tentatively concluded that companies could adopt the new standard using either the modified prospective transition method or the modified retrospective transition method. Under the modified prospective transition method, a company would recognize share-based employee compensation cost from the beginning of the fiscal period in which the recognition provisions are first applied as if the fair-value-based accounting method had been used to account for all employee awards granted, modified, or settled after the effective date and to any awards that were not fully vested as of the effective date. Measurement and attribution of compensation cost for awards that are not vested as of the effective date of the proposed Statement would be based on the same estimate of the grant-date fair value and the same attribution method used previously under Statement 123 (either for recognition or pro forma purposes). Under the modified retrospective transition method, a company would recognize employee compensation cost for periods presented prior to the adoption of Statement 123R in accordance with the original provisions of Statement 123; that is, an entity would recognize employee compensation cost in the amounts reported in the pro forma disclosures provided in accordance with Statement 123. A company would not be permitted to make any changes to those amounts upon adoption of the proposed Statement unless those changes represent a correction of an error (and are disclosed accordingly). For periods after the date of adoption of Statement 123R, the modified prospective transition method described above would be applied. The Company is in the process of determining the impact of this statement on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Risk Factors

 

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of our objectives, expectations and intentions. The cautionary statements made in this report should be read as applicable to all forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this report. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed below, as well as those discussed elsewhere in this report.

 

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The markets for our direct radiography products are in the early stage of development.

 

In 1998, our subsidiary, Direct Radiography Corp., was the first company to introduce direct-to-digital x-ray imaging products in the United States. The markets for these products are relatively new. There is a significant installed base of conventional x-ray imaging products in hospitals and radiological practices. The use of our direct-to-digital x-ray imaging products, including digital mammography products, in many cases would require these potential customers to either modify or replace their existing x-ray imaging equipment. Moreover, we believe that a major factor in the market’s acceptance of direct-to-digital x-ray technology is the trend toward transition by the healthcare industry from conventional film archiving systems to hospital Picture Archiving and Communications Systems, known as PACS, to store x-ray images electronically. Because the benefits of our direct-to-digital technology may not be fully realized by customers until they install a PACS platform, a large potential market for these products may not develop until PACS environments are more widely used. Because of the early stage of the markets for these products, it is likely that our evaluation of the potential markets for these products will materially vary with time. We cannot assure that the markets for our direct radiography products will continue to develop.

 

If we fail to achieve and maintain the high manufacturing standards that our direct radiography products require, we will not be successful in developing and marketing those products.

 

The manufacture of our direct radiography detectors is highly complex and requires precise high quality manufacturing that is difficult to achieve. We have in the past and may in the future experience difficulties in manufacturing these detectors in commercial quantities, primarily related to delays and difficulties in obtaining critical components for these detectors that meet our high manufacturing standards. Our initial difficulties have led to increased delivery lead-times and increased costs of manufacturing these products. Our failure, including the failure of our contract manufacturers, to achieve and maintain the required high manufacturing standards could result in further delays or failures in product testing or delivery, cost overruns, product recalls or withdrawals, or other problems that could harm our business and prospects.

 

We continue to incur significant losses in our digital detector business segment and cannot assure that the segment will become profitable.

 

Our digital detector business segment incurred net losses of $4.8 million in fiscal 2004, $5.8 million in fiscal 2003 and $4.6 million in fiscal 2002. At the beginning of fiscal 2004 we started to move away from selling our own general digital x-ray systems in competition