10-K 1 cy04_10-k.htm 10K 2004

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

_________________

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
or
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from       to       .

Commission File Number 1-12273

ROPER INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

_________________

Delaware     51-0263969    
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer   
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)  

_________________

2160 Satellite Boulevard, Suite 200
Duluth, Georgia 30097

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (770) 495-5100

_________________

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange
On Which Registered

Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value               New York Stock Exchange    
  
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights with respect  
to Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value             New York Stock Exchange  

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: None

_________________

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. [X] Yes [ ] No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). [X] Yes [ ] No

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was: $2,417,017,148.

Number of shares of Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of March 4, 2004: 42,478,333.

_________________

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement to be furnished to Stockholders in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 25, 2005, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.


ROPER INDUSTRIES, INC.

FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004

INDEX

Item 1     Business       2  
Item 2   Properties    12  
Item 3   Legal Proceedings    13  
Item 4   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    13  

PART II

Item 5     Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities       14  
Item 6   Selected Financial Data    15  
Item 7   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    17  
Item 7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    35  
Item 8   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    36  
Item 9   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    38  
Item 9A   Controls and Procedures    38  
Item 9B   Other Information    39  

PART III

Item 10     Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant       40  
Item 11   Executive Compensation    40  
Item 12   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management    40  
Item 13   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    41  
Item 14   Principal Accountant Fees and Services    41  

PART IV

Item 15     Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules  41
  Signatures 45

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Our Business

Roper Industries, Inc. (“Roper” or the “Company”) was incorporated on December 17, 1981 under the laws of the State of Delaware. We are a diversified industrial company that designs, manufactures and distributes energy systems and controls, scientific and industrial imaging products and software, industrial technology products and instrumentation products and services. We market these products and services to selected segments of a broad range of markets including radio frequency (RF) applications, water and wastewater, oil and gas, research, power generation, general industry and 15 other niche markets.

We pursue consistent and sustainable growth in sales and earnings by emphasizing continuous improvement in the operating performance of our existing businesses and by acquiring other carefully selected businesses that offer high value-added, engineered products and solutions and are capable of achieving growth and maintaining high margins. We compete in many niche markets and believe that we are the market leader or a competitive alternative to the market leader in the majority of these markets.

In August 2003, we changed our fiscal year-end from October 31 to December 31. However, unless otherwise indicated, references to 2004, 2003 and 2002 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) refer to the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, twelve months ended December 31, 2003, and twelve months ended October 31, 2002.

We continued our growth in 2004 from internal growth and the full-year contributions from the Neptune Technology Group Holdings, Inc. (“NTGH”) businesses acquired on December 29, 2003. Our 2004 acquisitions of the Power Generation business of R/D Tech on June 7, 2004 and TransCore Holdings, Inc. (“TransCore”) effective on December 13, 2004 were purchased for cash and financed through borrowings under our credit agreements and proceeds from our December 2004 public offering of our common stock.

The Company makes available free of charge on our website (www.roperind.com), our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These filings are also accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

The annual certification of Roper’s Chief Executive Officer required to be furnished to the New York Stock Exchange pursuant to Section 303A 12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual was previously filed with the New York Stock Exchange on June 18, 2004.

Market Share, Market Expansion, and Product Development

Leadership with Engineered Content for Niche Markets. We have developed and maintained a leading position in many of our markets. We believe our market positions are attributable to the technical sophistication of our products, the applications expertise used to create our advanced products and systems and our service capabilities. Our operating units grow their businesses through new product development and development of new applications and services for existing products to satisfy customer needs. In addition, our operating units continue to grow our customer base by expanding our distribution, selling other products through our existing channels and entering adjacent markets.

Diversified End Markets and Geographic Reach. Over the past decade, we have strategically expanded the number of end markets we serve to increase revenue and business stability and expand our opportunities for growth. During that same period, we grew our global presence to the degree that our sales of products manufactured and exported from the U.S. and manufactured abroad and sold to customers outside the U.S. accounted for $459 million for 2004, up from $378 million in 2003. Information regarding our international operations is set forth in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”).

Research and Development. We conduct applied research and development to improve the quality and performance of our products and to develop new technologies and products to enter new markets. Our research and development spending increased to $38.7 million in 2004 as compared to $32.6 million in 2003 and $29.6 million in 2002. We expect the amount spent on research and development activities to continue to rise in 2005 as a result of the acquisition of TransCore in December 2004.

The TransCore Acquisition and Related Recapitalization Transactions

On December 13, 2004, we acquired TransCore which is a leading provider of radio frequency identification (“RFID”) and satellite-based communication technologies and related services that are used by customers to automate and enhance business processes, increase asset productivity and improve security, largely for transportation-related applications in North America. TransCore was acquired for a cash purchase price of approximately $597 million (net of cash acquired and outstanding debt and prior to amounts incurred for due diligence and other direct external costs related to the acquisition).

We also completed a public offering of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $300.5 million. Concurrently with the closing of the offerings, we also entered into an amended and restated $1.055 billion five-year senior secured credit facility consisting of a $655 million term loan and a $400 million revolving credit facility. We used the proceeds from the common stock offering, together with borrowings under our senior secured credit facility, to pay for the acquisition, repay our existing credit facility and pay related fees and expenses. An underwriters’ overallotment of 115,000 shares of common stock was subsequently exercised and closed on December 28, 2004 for additional gross proceeds of approximately $6.9 million.


Our Business Segments

Our operations are reported in five market-focused segments around common customers, markets, sales channels, technologies and common cost opportunities. The segments are: Instrumentation, Industrial Technology, Energy Systems and Controls, Scientific and Industrial Imaging, and RF Technology. Financial information about our business segments is presented in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Instrumentation

Our Instrumentation segment principally offers equipment and consumables for materials analysis, fluid properties testing and industrial leak testing. These products and solutions are provided through three U.S.-based and two European-based operating units. For 2004, this segment had net sales of $213.7 million, representing 22.0% of our total net sales.

Materials Analysis Equipment and Consumables. We manufacture and sell equipment and supply various types of consumables necessary to extract and shape certain materials for production and to prepare materials samples for testing and analysis. These products are used mostly within the academic, government research, electronics and material science end-user markets.

Fluid Properties Testing Equipment. We manufacture and sell automated and manual test equipment to determine physical and elemental properties, such as sulfur and nitrogen content, flash point, viscosity, freeze point and distillation, of liquids and gases for the petroleum and other industries.

Industrial Leak Testing Equipment. We manufacture and sell products and systems to test for leaks and confirm the integrity of assemblies and sub-assemblies in automotive, medical, industrial and consumer products applications.

The following table sets forth information regarding each class of products within the Instrumentation segment that accounted for at least 10% of our total net sales in any of the periods presented (in thousands):

Years Ended
December 31,
Year ended
October 31,
2004
2003
2002
Materials analysis equipment and consumables     $ 91,868   $ 76,943   $ 75,640  
Fluid properties testing equipment   $ 82,619   $ 69,412   $ 68,180  

The following chart shows the breakdown of the Instrumentation segment’s sales by end market for the year ended December 31, 2004:

Backlog. Our Instrumentation operating units’ sales reflect a combination of standard products and specifically engineered, application-specific products. Standard products are shipped within four weeks of receipt of order. One of our businesses has considerable sales of consumables that are typically shipped overnight. Certain systems, primarily those containing custom requirements by the customer have longer lead times. Blanket purchase orders are placed by certain end-users, with continuing requirements for fulfillment over specified periods of time. This segment’s backlog of firm unfilled orders, including blanket purchase orders, totaled $20.3 million at December 31, 2004 compared to $17.1 million at December 31, 2003.

Distribution and Sales. Distribution and sales are achieved through a combination of manufacturers’ representatives, agents, distributors and direct sales offices in both the U.S. and various other countries.

Customers.  None of this segment’s customers accounted for as much as 10% of its net sales for 2004.

Industrial Technology

Our Industrial Technology segment produces industrial pumps, flow measurement and metering equipment, industrial valves and controls and water meter and automatic meter reading (AMR) products and systems. These products and solutions are provided through six U.S.-based and two European-based operating units. For 2004, this segment had net sales of $396.7 million, representing 40.9% of our total net sales.

Industrial Pumps. We manufacture and distribute a wide variety of pumps. These pumps vary significantly in complexity and in pumping method employed, which allows for the movement and application of a diverse range of liquids and solids including low and high viscosity liquids, high solids content slurries and chemicals. Our pumps are used in large and diverse sets of end markets such as oil and gas, agricultural, water and wastewater, medical, chemical and general industrial.

Industrial Valves and Controls. We manufacture and distribute a variety of valves, sensors, switches and control products used on engines, compressors, turbines and other powered equipment for the oil and gas, pipeline, power generation, refrigeration, marine engine and general industrial markets. Many of these products are designed for use in hazardous environments.

Flow Measurement Equipment. We manufacture and distribute turbine and positive displacement flow meters, emissions measurement equipment and flow meter calibration products for aerospace, automotive, power generation and other industrial applications.

Water Meter and Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) Products and Systems. We manufacture and distribute several classes of water meter products serving the residential, and certain commercial and industrial water management markets, and several lines of automatic meter reading products and systems serving these markets.

The following table sets forth information regarding each class of products within the Industrial Technology segment that accounted for at least 10% of our total net sales in any of the periods presented (in thousands):

Years Ended
December 31,
Year ended
October 31,
2004
2003
2002
Industrial pumps     $ 95,272   $ 89,080   $ 83,484  
Industrial valves and controls   $ 75,712   $ 66,166   $ 63,721  

The following chart shows the breakdown of the Industrial Technology segment’s sales by end market during the year ended December 31, 2004:

Backlog. The Industrial Technology operating units’ sales also reflect a combination of standard products and specifically engineered, application-specific products. Standard products are typically shipped within two weeks of receipt of order, with certain valve and pump products shipped on an immediate basis. Application-specific products typically ship within 6 to 12 weeks following receipt of order. However, larger project orders and blanket purchase orders for certain original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, may extend shipment for longer periods. This segment’s backlog of firm unfilled orders, including blanket purchase orders, totaled $50.0 million at December 31, 2004, as compared to $58.0 million at December 31, 2003.

Distribution and Sales. Distribution and sales occur through direct sales personnel, manufacturers’ representatives and distributors.

Customers.  No customer was responsible for as much as 10% of this segment’s net sales for 2004.

Energy Systems and Controls

Our Energy Systems and Controls segment principally produces control systems, machinery vibration and other non-destructive inspection and measurement products and solutions, which are provided through three U.S.-based operating units. For 2004, this segment had net sales of $156.2 million, representing 16.1% of our total net sales.

Control Systems. We manufacture control systems and panels and provide related engineering and commissioning services for turbomachinery applications, predominately in energy markets.

Non-destructive Inspection and Measurement Instrumentation. We manufacture non-destructive inspection and measurement solutions including measurement probes, robotics, and machinery vibration sensors, switches and transmitters. These solutions are applied principally in energy markets but also in aerospace and broader industrial markets. Many of these products are designed for use in hazardous environments.

The following table sets forth information regarding each class of products within the Energy Systems and Controls segment that accounted for at least 10% of our total net sales in any of the periods presented (in thousands):

Years Ended
December 31,
Year ended
October 31,
2004
2003
2002
Control systems     $ 77,908   $ 77,492   $ 97,889  

The following chart shows the breakdown of sales by end market for the Energy Systems and Controls segment during the year ended December 31, 2004:

Backlog.  The majority of this segment’s business consists of larger engineered projects with lead times of three to nine months. As such, backlog typically fluctuates significantly depending upon the timing of large project awards. Standard products generally ship within two weeks of receipt of order. This segment’s backlog of firm unfilled orders totaled $45.1 million at December 31, 2004 compared to $31.0 million at December 31, 2003.

Distribution and Sales. Distribution and sales occur through direct sales offices, manufacturers’ representatives and distributors.

Customers.  None of this segment’s customers accounted for as much as 10% of its net sales for 2004.

Scientific and Industrial Imaging

Our Scientific and Industrial Imaging segment principally offers high performance digital imaging products and software, and handheld computers and software. These products and solutions are provided through five U.S-based and two Canadian-based operating units. For 2004, this segment had net sales of $187.9 million, representing 19.4% of our total net sales.

Digital Imaging Products and Software. We manufacture and sell extremely sensitive, high-performance CCD and CMOS cameras, detectors and related software for a variety of scientific and industrial uses, which require high resolution and/or high speed digital video, including transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy applications. We principally sell these products for use within academic, government research, semiconductor, automotive, and other end-user markets such as ballistic, biological and material science. They are frequently incorporated into products by OEMs.

Handheld Computers and Software. We manufacture and sell fully rugged handheld computers for utility, principally water management, and non utility markets and we develop and sell software to assist in utility meter reading and service order management.

The following table sets forth information regarding each class of products within the Scientific and Industrial Imaging segment that accounted for at least 10% of our total net sales in any of the periods presented (in thousands):

Years Ended
December 31,
Year ended
October 31,
2004
2003
2002
Digital imaging products and software     $ 160,973   $160,150   $ 134,859  

The following chart shows the breakdown of the Scientific and Industrial Imaging segment’s sales by end market for the year ended December 31, 2004:

Backlog.  Our Scientific and Industrial Imaging segment companies typically have lead times of up to several months on many of their product sales, although standard products are often shipped within two weeks of receipt of order. Blanket purchase orders are placed by certain OEMs and end-users, with continuing requirements for fulfillment over specified periods of time. The segment’s backlog of firm unfilled orders, including blanket purchase orders, totaled $36.8 million at December 31, 2004, as compared to $42.5 million at December 31, 2003.

Distribution and Sales. Distribution and sales occur through direct sales personnel, manufacturers’ representatives, value added resellers (“VARs”), OEMs and distributors.

Customers.  No customer was responsible for as much as 10% of this segment’s net sales for 2004.

RF Technology

Our acquisition of TransCore on December 13, 2004 established our newest platform, RF Technology. Currently, this segment provides radio frequency identification (RFID) and satellite-based communication technologies that are used primarily in comprehensive toll and traffic systems and processing, security and access control and mobile asset tracking. This segment had sales of $15.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, representing 1.6% of our total net sales.

There was no class of products within the RF Technology segment that accounted for at least 10% of our total net sales in 2004. Backlog typically fluctuates significantly depending on the timing of large project awards. Standard products ship within two weeks of receipt of order. This segment’s backlog of firm unfilled orders totaled $183.7 million at December 31, 2004.


Materials and Suppliers

We believe that most materials and supplies used by us are readily available from numerous sources and suppliers throughout the world. However, some of our components and sub-assemblies are currently available from a limited number of suppliers. Some high-performance components for digital imaging products can be in short supply and/or suppliers have occasional difficulty manufacturing such components to our specifications. We regularly investigate and identify alternative sources where possible, and we believe that these conditions equally affect our competitors. Thus far, supply shortages have not had a significant adverse effect on Roper’s sales although delays in shipments have occurred following such supply interruptions.

Environmental Matters and Other Governmental Regulation

Our operations and properties are subject to laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including laws and regulations governing air emissions, water discharges, waste management and workplace safety. We use, generate and dispose of hazardous substances and waste in our operations and, as a result, could be subject to potentially material liabilities relating to the investigation and clean-up of contaminated properties and to claims alleging personal injury. We are required continually to conform our operations and properties to these laws and adapt to regulatory requirements in all countries as these requirements change. We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, modest costs relating to our compliance with environmental laws and regulations. In connection with our acquisitions, we may assume significant environmental liabilities, some of which we may not be aware of, or may not be quantifiable, at the time of acquisition. In addition, new laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could increase our environmental compliance costs or subject us to new or increased liabilities.

Competition

Generally, our products and solutions face significant competition, usually from a limited number of competitors. We believe that we are a leader in most of our markets, and no single company competes with us over a significant number of product lines. Competitors might be large or small in size, often depending on the life cycle and maturity of the technology employed. We compete primarily on product quality, performance, innovation, technology, price, applications expertise, distribution channel access and customer service capabilities.

Patents and Trademarks

In addition to trade secrets, unpatented know-how, and other intellectual property rights, we own the rights under a number of patents, trademarks and copyrights relating to certain of our products and businesses. We also employ various methods, including confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with employees, to protect our trade secrets and know-how. While we believe that none of our operating units are substantially dependent on any single patent, trademark, copyright, or other item of intellectual property or group of patents, trademarks or copyrights, the product development and market activities of Compressor Controls, Gatan, Neptune Technology and Roper Scientific, in particular, have been planned and conducted in conjunction with continuing patent strategies. Our recent TransCore acquisition has developed a portfolio of RFID and satellite-based communication products, supported by over 100 patents. While we have not significantly licensed patents, trademarks, trade secrets and similar proprietary rights to and from third parties in the past, we may do so in the future.

Employees

As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately 5,600 total employees, of whom approximately 4,150 were located in the United States. Fewer than 50 of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. We have not experienced any work stoppages and consider our relations with employees to be good.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Roper’s corporate offices, consisting of 13,800 square feet of leased space, are located near Atlanta, Georgia. We have established manufacturing, sales and service locations around the world to support our operations. The following table sets forth our principal properties as of December 31, 2004:

Square Footage
Location
Property
Owned
Leased
Industry segment    
Phoenix, AZ     Office/Mfg.      --    45,900   Industrial Technology    
Tucson, AZ   Office/Mfg.    --    37,300   Scientific and Industrial Imaging  
Tallassee, AL   Office/Mfg    300,000    5,000   Industrial Technology  
Quebec City, Canada   Office/Mfg.    --    26,400   Scientific and Industrial Imaging  
Quebec City, Canada   Office/Mfg.    --    28,000   Energy Systems and Controls  
Mississauga, Canada   Office    --    46,100   Scientific and Industrial Imaging  
Pleasanton, CA   Office    --    19,400   Scientific and Industrial Imaging  
Richmond, CA   Office/Mfg.    67,400    --   Industrial Technology  
San Diego, CA   Office    --    61,800   RF Technology  
Malu, China   Office/Mfg.    --    16,600   Industrial Technology  
Shanghai, China   Office    --    16,100   Industrial Technology  
Ballerup, Denmark   Office/Mfg.    --    88,500   Instrumentation  
Orlando, FL   Office    --    16,100   RF Technology  
Verson, France   Office/Mfg.    --    22,500   Instrumentation  
Atlanta, GA   Office    --    34,000   RF Technology  
Commerce, GA   Office/Mfg.    203,800    --   Industrial Technology  
Duluth, GA   Office/HQ.    --    13,800   N/A  
Büchen, Germany   Office/Mfg.    118,900    --   Industrial Technology  
Lauda, Germany   Office/Mfg.    37,900    --   Instrumentation  
Des Moines, IA   Office/Mfg.    --    88,000   Energy Systems and Controls  
Burr Ridge, IL   Office/Mfg.    55,000    --   Industrial Technology  
Acton, MA   Office/Mfg.    --    28,700   Instrumentation  
Trenton, NJ   Office/Mfg.    40,000    --   Scientific and Industrial Imaging  
Albuquerque, NM   Office/Mfg.    --    74,700   RF Technology  
Syosset, NY   Office/Mfg.    --    27,500   Industrial Technology  
West Lake, OH   Office/Mfg.    --    18,000   Instrumentation  
Kanata, Ontario   Office/Assem.    --    25,900   RF Technology  
Beaverton, OR   Office    --    54,400   RF Technology  
Portland, OR   Office/Mfg.    --    128,000   Industrial Technology  
Harrisburg, PA   Office    --    68,800   RF Technology  
Warrendale, PA   Office/Mfg.    --    44,250   Scientific and Industrial Imaging  
Carrollton, TX   Office    --    22,000   Instrumentation  
Dallas, TX   Office    --    60,800   RF Technology  
Houston, TX   Office/Mfg.    16,200    --   Energy Systems and Controls  
Houston, TX   Office/Mfg.    --    35,000   Instrumentation  
Houston, TX   Office/Mfg.    --    32,800   Instrumentation  
Bury St. Edmunds, U.K   Office/Mfg.    90,000    --   Industrial Technology  
Glasgow, U.K   Office/Mfg.    27,700    --   Instrumentation  
Issaquah, WA   Office/Mfg.    --    86,400   Energy Systems and Controls  

We consider each of the above facilities to be in good operating condition and adequate for its present use and believe that it has sufficient plant capacity to meet its current and anticipated operating requirements.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are defendants in various lawsuits involving product liability, employment practices and other matters, none of which we believe will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. The majority of such claims are subject to insurance coverage.

We and/or one of our subsidiaries are named as defendants, along with many other companies, in asbestos-related personal injury or wrongful death actions. The allegations in these actions are vague, general and speculative, and the actions are in their early stages. Given the state of these claims, it is not possible to determine the potential liability, if any.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY-HOLDERS

There were no matters submitted to a vote of our security-holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “ROP”. The table below sets forth the range of high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported by the NYSE as well as cash dividends declared during each of our fiscal 2004 and 2003 quarters.

Calendar 2004     4th Quarter     $ 63.31   $ 58.40   $ 0.10625  
    3rd Quarter    58.64  52.17  0.09625
   2nd Quarter    57.28  47.45  0.09625
   1st Quarter    52.88  45.27  0.09625
  
Calendar 2003   4th Quarter   $51.58 $43.90 $0.09625
   3rd Quarter    46.75  36.90  0.08750
   2nd Quarter    38.38  29.00  0.08750
   1st Quarter    39.80  26.75  0.08750

Based on information available to us and our transfer agent, we believe that as of March 4, 2005 there were 190 record holders of our common stock.

Dividends.     Roper has declared a cash dividend in each quarter since our February 1992 initial public offering and we have also annually increased our dividend rate since our initial public offering. In November 2004, our Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend paid January 31, 2005 to $0.10625 per share from $0.09625 per share, an increase of 10%. However, the timing, declaration and payment of future dividends will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our profitability, financial condition, capital needs, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities. None


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following summary consolidated selected financial data for and as of the end of the twelve months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the two months ended December 31, 2002 and the twelve months ended October 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. Our consolidated financial statements for and as of the end of each of the twelve months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the two months ended December 31, 2002 and the twelve months ended October 31, 2002 were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. In August 2003, we changed our fiscal year-end from October 31 to December 31 effective as of January 1, 2003, with the two months ended December 31, 2002 being the transition period.

You should read the table below in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report (amounts in thousands, except per share data).

12 months ended
December 31,
2 months
ended
December 31,
12 months ended October 31,
2004(1)
2003(2)
2002
2002(3)
2001(4)
2000(5)
(in thousands, except per share data)
 Operations data:                        
   Net sales   $ 969,764   $ 657,356   $ 83,885   $ 617,462   $ 562,955   $ 469,999  
   Gross profit    485,045    346,138    41,565    333,755    304,750    252,522  
   Income from operations(6)    171,302    108,100    4,568    115,545    100,866    88,662  
   Earnings from continuing       
   operations before change in        
   accounting principle    93,852    48,061    1,240    66,438    57,415    49,575  
   Net earnings (loss)    93,852    45,239    853    40,053    55,839    49,278  
Per share data:  
   Earnings from continuing  
   operations before change in  
   accounting principle:  
      Basic   $ 2.52   $ 1.52   $ 0.04   $ 2.13   $ 1.87   $ 1.63  
      Diluted    2.48    1.50    0.04    2.09    1.82    1.59  
   Net earnings (loss):  
      Basic   $ 2.52   $ 1.43   $ 0.03   $ 1.28   $ 1.82   $ 1.62  
      Diluted    2.48    1.41    0.03    1.26    1.77    1.58  
     
      Dividends declared    0.40    0.36    0.09    0.33    0.30    0.28  
Balance sheet data:  
   Working capital   $ 302,610   $ 219,695   $ 126,221   $ 118,590   $ 135,972   $ 136,909  
   Total assets    2,366,404    1,514,995    824,966    828,973    762,122    596,902  
   Long-term debt, less current        
   portion    855,364    630,186    308,684    311,590    323,830    234,603  
   Stockholders' equity    1,114,086    655,781    380,981    376,012    323,506    270,191  

(1)   Includes results of the power generation business of R/D Tech from June 7, 2004 and TransCore from December 13, 2004.
(2) Balance sheet data includes the effect of the NTGH acquisition effective on December 29, 2003.
(3) Includes results of Zetec from August 2002 and several smaller businesses acquired during fiscal 2002.
(4) Includes results of Struers and Logitech from September 2001 and several smaller businesses acquired during fiscal 2001.
(5) Includes results of Redlake MASD from November 1999, Abel Pump from May 2000, Antek Instruments from August 2000, Hansen Technologies from September 2000 and several smaller businesses acquired during fiscal 2000.
(6) Includes $5.9 million of restructuring expenses in 2003.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. In August 2003, we changed our fiscal year-end from October 31 to December 31 effective as of January 1, 2003, with the two months ended December 31, 2002 being the Transition Period.

Overview

We are a diversified industrial company that designs, manufactures and distributes energy systems and controls, scientific and industrial imaging products and software, industrial technology products, instrumentation products and services and radio frequency identification and satellite-based communication technologies and related services. We market these products and services to selected segments of a broad range of markets including radio frequency (RF) applications, water and wastewater, oil and gas, research, power generation, general industry and 15 other niche markets.

We pursue consistent and sustainable growth in earnings by emphasizing continuous improvement in the operating performance of our existing businesses and by acquiring other carefully selected businesses. Our acquisitions have represented both bolt-ons and new strategic platforms. We strive for high cash and earnings returns from our acquisition investments. On June 7, 2004, we purchased the power generation business of R/D Tech which was combined with our existing Zetec business in the area of non-destructive evaluation. On December 13, 2004, we acquired TransCore a provider of technologies and related services in areas such as radio frequency identification (RFID), satellite-based communication, mobile asset tracking, security applications and comprehensive toll system and processing services. In connection with this acquisition we replaced our existing $625 million credit agreement, completed a public offering of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock, and entered into an amended and restated $1.055 billion credit agreement. An underwriters’ overallotment of 115,000 shares of our common stock was subsequently exercised and closed on December 28, 2004.

During the year ended December 31, 2004, our results of operations benefited from the NTGH acquisition made on December 29, 2003 and the partial year activities of the power generation business of R/D Tech purchased on June 7, 2004.

During the Transition Period ended December 31, 2002, we began reporting our operations under a new segment structure. This structure includes four market-focused groups intended to capture value-creating opportunities around common customers, market orientation, sales channels, technologies and common cost opportunities.

Following the segment realignment, we started a number of restructuring activities that were completed in the first quarter of 2004. During 2003, we completed the integration of our Acton Research and Integrated Design business units, the integration of AI Qualitek into the Uson business unit, the integration of production operations of our Redlake business unit into other Imaging segment facilities and the relocation of Struers manufacturing, engineering and administrative support into a new facility. In 2003 we also opened new production facilities in Mexico and China. During 2004 we moved the U.S. production operations of the Amot Controls business unit to other facilities and completed a restructuring of the Compressor Controls business unit to adjust to lower levels of OAO Gazprom business. All of these actions were planned to lower costs and enhance profit margins.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP. A discussion of our significant accounting policies can also be found in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

GAAP offers acceptable alternative methods for accounting for certain issues affecting our financial results, such as determining inventory cost, depreciating long-lived assets, recognizing revenues and issuing stock options to employees. We have not changed the application of acceptable accounting methods or the significant estimates affecting the application of these principles in the last three years in a manner that had a material effect on our financial statements, except for the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” as discussed below.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates, assumptions, judgments and interpretations that can affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and other supplemental disclosures.

The development of accounting estimates is the responsibility of our management. Our management discusses those areas that require significant judgments with the audit committee of our board of directors. The audit committee has reviewed all financial disclosures in our annual filings with the SEC. Although we believe the positions we have taken with regard to uncertainties are reasonable, others might reach different conclusions and our positions can change over time as more information becomes available. If an accounting estimate changes, its effects are accounted for prospectively.

Our most significant accounting uncertainties are encountered in the areas of accounts receivable collectibility, inventory utilization, future warranty obligations, revenue recognition (percent of completion), income taxes and goodwill and indefinite-lived asset analyses. These issues, except for income taxes, which are not allocated to our business segments, affect each of our business segments. These issues are evaluated primarily using a combination of historical experience, current conditions and relatively short-term forecasting.

Accounts receivable collectibility is based on the economic circumstances of customers and credits given to customers after shipment of products, including in certain cases credits for returned products. Accounts receivable are regularly reviewed to determine customers who have not paid within agreed upon terms, whether these amounts are consistent with past experiences, what historical experience has been with amounts deemed uncollectible and the impact that current and near-term forecast economic conditions might have on collection efforts in general and with specific customers. The returns and other sales credits histories are analyzed to determine likely future rates for such credits. At December 31, 2004, our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, sales returns and sales credits was $7.8 million, or 3.1% of total gross accounts receivable. This percentage is influenced by the risk profile of the underlying receivables and is not significantly different as a percent of sales as compared to the December 31, 2003 level.

We regularly compare inventory quantities on hand against anticipated future usage, which we determine as a function of historical usage or forecasts related to specific items in order to evaluate obsolescence and excessive quantities. When we use historical usage, this information is also qualitatively compared to business trends to evaluate the reasonableness of using historical information as an estimate of future usage. Business trends can change rapidly and these events can affect the evaluation of inventory balances. At December 31, 2004, inventory reserves for excess and obsolete inventory were $25.6 million, or 16.1% of gross first-in, first-out inventory cost. This percentage has decreased from 18.0% in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. We expect this percentage to continue to decrease over time.

Most of our sales are covered by warranty provisions that generally provide for the repair or replacement of qualifying defective items for a specified period after the time of sale, typically 12 months. Future warranty obligations are evaluated using, among other factors, historical cost experience, product evolution and customer feedback. At December 31, 2004, the reserve for future warranty obligations was $6.4 million. Our expense for warranty obligations was less than 1% of net sales for each of the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2004, December 31, 2003, and October 31, 2002.

Revenues related to the use of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting are dependent on a comparison of total costs incurred compared with total estimated costs for a project. During the twelve month period ended December 31, 2004, we recognized revenue of approximately $16.8 million using this method, primarily for major turn-key, longer term energy projects. No material amount of revenue was recognized using this method during the two month period ended December 31, 2002. Approximately $31.4 million and $2.4 million of revenue was recognized using this method during the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 and October 31, 2002, respectively. At December 31, 2004 approximately $58.3 million of revenue related to unfinished percentage-of-completion contracts had yet to be recognized. Contracts accounted for under this method are generally not significantly different in profitability from revenues accounted for under other methods. We expect a significant increase in revenue related to the use of percentage-of-completion accounting in 2005 as TransCore has several longer term projects related to toll and traffic systems that require use of this method.

Income taxes can be affected by estimates of whether and within which jurisdictions future earnings will occur and how and when cash is repatriated to the United States, combined with other aspects of an overall income tax strategy. Additionally, taxing jurisdictions could retroactively disagree with our tax treatment of certain items, and some historical transactions have income tax effects going forward. Accounting rules require these future effects to be evaluated using current laws, rules and regulations, each of which can change at any time and in an unpredictable manner. During 2004, our effective income tax rate was 29.8%, which included a $0.9 million additional R&D credit, as compared to 27.5% for 2003. Our 2003 rate was abnormally low due to the marginal rate impact in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 of certain expenses related to the NTGH acquisition and related financing and the demonstrated ability to avoid repatriation of certain foreign sourced earnings. We expect our tax rate in 2005 to increase to approximately 32.5% due primarily to TransCore’s higher effective rate.

We adopted SFAS No. 142 effective November 1, 2001 – the beginning of our fiscal year ended October 31, 2002. The evaluation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets under SFAS 142 requires valuations of each applicable underlying business. These valuations can be significantly affected by estimates of future performance and discount rates over a relatively long period of time, market price valuation multiples and marketplace transactions in related markets. These estimates will likely change over time. Some of our businesses operate in somewhat cyclical industries and the valuation of these businesses can be expected to fluctuate as a result of this cyclicality. The transitional business valuation reviews required by SFAS 142 indicated a reduction of the carrying value of goodwill for three business units (Redlake, Petrotech and Dynamco). This goodwill reduction was reported as a change in accounting principle retroactive to the beginning of our fiscal year ended October 31, 2002 and resulted in a transitional charge to earnings of approximately $26 million. SFAS 142 requires goodwill to be evaluated annually. If this annual review indicates further impairment of goodwill balances, that entire impairment will be recorded immediately and reported as a component of current operations. Our annual reviews undertaken during 2004 and 2003 did not indicate that any further impairment to the goodwill balances was necessary. Our acquisitions have generally included a large goodwill component and we expect this to continue with future acquisitions.

Prior to adopting SFAS 142, goodwill was amortized over periods not exceeding 40 years. With the adoption of this standard, goodwill is not amortized. It is periodically reviewed for impairment as discussed above. We are unable to conclude whether the likelihood of any impairment charge resulting from subsequent annual reviews is more likely in any business segment compared to another segment.


Results of Operations

General

The following tables set forth selected information for the years indicated. Dollar amounts are in thousands and percentages are of net sales.

12 months
ended
December 31,
2004

12 months
ended
December 31,
2003

2 months
ended
December 31,
2002

12 months
ended
October 31,
2002

Net sales                    
   Instrumentation   $ 213,722   $ 181,329   $ 28,390   $ 175,490  
   Industrial Technology(1)    396,671    170,324    21,379    164,160  
   Energy Systems and Controls(2)    156,232    138,968    12,353    126,709  
   Scientific and Industrial Imaging(3)    187,926    166,735    21,763    151,103  
   RF Technology(4)    15,213    --    --    --  




Total    969,764    657,356    83,885    617,462  




Gross profit:  
   Instrumentation    57.8 %  58.3 %  57.7 %  58.6 %
   Industrial Technology    42.6    45.6    43.9    46.2  
   Energy Systems and Controls    52.3    52.8    38.7    59.8  
   Scientific and Industrial Imaging    55.7    53.6    50.6    52.3  
   RF Technology    40.4    --    --    --  




Total    50.0    52.7    49.5    54.1  




Operating profit:  
   Instrumentation    20.2 %  17.5 %  15.9 %  18.7 %
   Industrial Technology    20.7    21.2    14.4    22.8  
   Energy Systems and Controls    21.6    19.0    (21.2 )  26.1  
   Scientific and Industrial Imaging    17.2    16.8    5.6    17.1  
   RF Technology    (0.1 )  --    --    --  




Total    19.7    18.6    7.3    20.9  




Corporate administrative expenses    (2.0 )  (2.2 )  (1.9 )  (2.2 )
Income from continuing operations    17.7    16.4    5.4    18.7  
Interest expense    (3.0 )  (2.5 )  (3.5 )  (3.0 )
Euro debt currency exchange loss    --    --    --    (0.7 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt    (0.8 )  (3.8 )  --    --  
Other income/(expense)    (0.1 )  --    0.2    0.5  




Income from continuing operations before taxes and            
  change in accounting principle    13.8    10.1    2.1    15.6  
Income taxes    (4.1 )  (2.8 )  (0.6 )  (4.8 )
Loss on discontinued operations, net of taxes    --  (0.4 )  (0.5 )  (0.1 )
Goodwill adjustment effective   
   November 1, 2001, net of taxes    --  --  --    (4.2 )




Net earnings    9.7 %  6.9 %  1.0 %  6.5 %





(1)   Includes results of NTGH acquisition from December 29, 2003.
(2) Includes results of Zetec from August 2002, and the power generation business of R/D Tech from June 7, 2004.
(3) Includes results of NTGH acquisition from December 29, 2003 and several smaller business acquired during the years presented.
(4) Includes results of TransCore from December 13, 2004.

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2004 were $969.8 million as compared to sales of $657.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, an increase of 47.5%. This increase was the result of sales from acquired companies and strong internal growth. Our 2004 results included a full year of sales from the NTGH acquisition, six months of sales from the power generation business of R/D Tech and two weeks of sales from the TransCore acquisition.

In our Instrumentation segment, net sales for the year ended December 31, 2004 increased by $32.4 million or 17.9% over the year ended December 31, 2003. The increase was attributable to improved distribution, new product introductions, favorable market conditions, and changes in exchange rates.

Net sales for our Industrial Technology segment increased by $226.3 million or 132.9% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004 over the twelve months ended December 31, 2003. The increase primarily resulted from the NTGH acquisition, and also included stronger sales into industrial, energy, and commercial refrigeration end markets.

In our Energy Systems and Controls segment, net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004 increased by $17.3 million or 12.4% over the twelve months ended December 31, 2003. The increase was due to the partial-year impact of the power generation business of R/D Tech acquired in 2004 as well as higher system and product sales of energy applications, substantially offset by lower sales to Gazprom.

Our Scientific and Industrial Imaging segment reported an increase in net sales of $21.2 million or 12.7% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004 over the twelve months ended December 31, 2003. The increase was attributable to the full-year impact of NTGH acquired in 2003.

Our RF Technology segment was established in the fourth quarter of 2004 with the acquisition of TransCore on December 13, 2004 and includes two weeks of sales in 2004.

Our overall gross profit percentage was 50.0% for the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to 52.7% for the year ended December 31, 2003. Instrumentation segment gross margins decreased to 57.8% as compared to 58.3% in the prior year. The margins were impacted by increased sales of third party sourced products that carried a lower gross profit margin, but good operating profit margins. As expected, Industrial Technology gross margins decreased, to 42.6% as compared to 45.6% in the prior year, because NTGH gross margins are lower than the segment average. Our Energy Systems and Controls segment gross margins were 52.3% in 2004 as compared to 52.8% in 2003. This was due to a margin decrease in our turbomachinery controls business offset by an increase in margins in our non-destructive testing business. Our Scientific and Industrial Imaging segment gross margins were 55.7% in 2004 as compared to 53.6% in 2003. This increase is due to improved margins in our high-performance digital imaging cameras and electron microscopes, much of which was achieved through the restructuring efforts undertaken in 2003.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased to 32.4% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 36.2% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2003. The decrease is due to leverage from higher sales levels and the reductions in restructuring expenses that were incurred in the prior year. This was offset with increased expenses related to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Interest expense increased $12.5 million, or 76.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003, as a result of higher debt levels incurred due to the NTGH acquisition in December 2003.

Income taxes were 29.8% of pretax earnings in 2004 compared to 27.5% for 2003. Our 2003 rate was low due to the marginal rate impact in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 of certain expenses related to the NTGH acquisition and related financing. Our 2004 rate also included an additional $0.9 million credit related to a R&D study completed during the year. We expect our tax rate in 2005 to increase to approximately 32.5% due primarily to TransCore’s higher effective rate.

At December 31, 2004, the functional currencies of our European subsidiaries were stronger against the U.S. dollar compared to currency exchange rates at December 31, 2003. This strengthening resulted in an increase in the foreign exchange component of comprehensive earnings of $27.3 million in the twelve month period ending December 31, 2004. Approximately $19.5 million of these adjustments related to goodwill and are not expected to directly affect our projected future cash flows. 2004 operating earnings benefited 1.9% from stronger non-U.S. currencies. Foreign exchange differences related to our other non-U.S. subsidiaries were immaterial to 2004 financial performance.

The following table summarizes our net sales order information for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollar amounts in thousands).

2004
2003
change
Instrumentation     $ 215,821   $ 178,255    21.1 %
Industrial Technology    386,488    168,798    129.0  
Energy Systems and Controls    170,459    143,933    18.4  
Scientific and Industrial Imaging    182,887    154,538    18.3  
RF Technology    15,213    --    n.m.  



      Total   $ 970,868   $ 645,524    50.4 %



Instrumentation segment net orders improved due to continued strength for oil and gas desulfurization applications and higher orders for our materials analysis equipment. In addition, approximately 5.1% of the increase was due to the stronger European and Asian currencies against the dollar. Industrial Technology segment net orders strengthened over all markets from the prior year and also benefited from the orders for Neptune which were not included in the prior year. Energy Systems and Controls net orders rose due to strength in the non-destructive testing markets as well as the inclusion of the orders of the power generation business of R/D Tech which is included for almost seven months of the current year. In addition, there was continued strength in non-Gazprom oil and gas sectors, offset by significantly lower Gazprom orders. Scientific and Industrial Imaging net orders increased from strong orders for electron microscopy products.

The following table summarizes sales order backlog information at December 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollar amounts in thousands). Roper’s policy is to include in backlog only orders scheduled for shipment within twelve months.

2004
2003
change
Instrumentation     $ 20,310   $ 17,068    19.0 %
Industrial Technology    50,004    58,024    -13.8
Energy Systems and Controls    45,076    30,989    45.5  
Scientific and Industrial Imaging    36,835    42,482    -13.3
RF Technology    183,742    --    --  



     Total   $ 335,967   $ 148,563    126.1 %



The increase in backlog is due primarily to the inclusion of the TransCore backlog of firm orders which can be shipped within twelve months.


Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended October 31, 2002

Net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 were $657.4 million as compared to sales of $617.5 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2002, an increase of 6.5%. A significant part of the increase was the full year impact of our fiscal 2002 acquisitions, Zetec, AI Qualitek and QImaging. We had a significant decrease in sales to Gazprom ($33.7 million or 59.7% decline from the prior period) as a result of the change in their procurement processes. This significant decline was offset by sales increases in materials analysis equipment and consumables, imaging sales into electron microscopy markets, water/wastewater projects and other oil and gas sector sales.

In our Instrumentation segment, net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 increased by $5.8 million or 3.3% over the twelve months ended October 31, 2002. The increase was attributable to the full-year impact of AI Qualitek (acquired in fiscal 2002) and strong results from our European-based Struers operation which was partially offset by continued depressed business conditions in telecommunications markets.

Net sales for our Industrial Technology segment increased by $6.2 million or 3.8% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 over the twelve months ended October 31, 2002. The increase was the result of strength in our industrial pumps companies which experienced increased sales in the larger municipal water/wastewater projects.

In our Energy Systems and Controls segment, net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 increased by $12.3 million or 9.7% over the twelve months ended October 31, 2002. The increase was due to the full-year impact of Zetec acquired in fiscal 2002, offset by the expected lower sales levels to Gazprom. We also had improved sales of our machinery vibration sensor equipment in the current twelve month period.

Our Scientific and Industrial Imaging segment reported an increase in net sales of $15.6 million or 10.3% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 over the twelve months ended October 31, 2002. The increase was attributable to both the full-year impact of QImaging acquired in fiscal 2002 and the increased sales for electron microscopy products.

Our overall gross profit percentage was 52.7% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 as compared to 54.1% for the twelve months ended October 31, 2002. Instrumentation segment gross margins were roughly flat period over period at 58.3% as compared to 58.6%. Industrial Technology gross margins decreased to 45.6% due to an erosion in part of our industrial valves and controls business that was addressed by moving production to lower cost environments. Our Energy Systems and Controls segment reported margins of 52.8% in fiscal 2003 as compared to 59.8% in fiscal 2002. A decrease was expected this year from the full year inclusion of Zetec whose gross margins are lower than the segment average. Additionally there were lower margins from the significantly lower levels of Gazprom sales in this segment in the current period. Our Scientific and Industrial Imaging segment gross margins were 53.6% in fiscal 2003 as compared to 52.3% in fiscal 2002 as we experienced a rebound in motion imaging equipment sales and a higher percentage of the segment sales in higher margin product.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased to 36.2% of net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 from 35.2% of net sales for the twelve months ended October 31, 2002, primarily from $5.9 million of restructuring expenses (0.9% of net sales) incurred in the current fiscal year to reduce excess manufacturing capacity, move certain operations to lower-cost locations and reduce fixed costs.

Interest expense decreased $2.1 million, or 11.5%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 compared to the twelve months ended October 31, 2002, as a result of lower debt levels in the current period. The company used its cash flows generated from operating activities to reduce debt levels prior to the NTGH transaction.

Income taxes were 27.5% of pretax earnings in fiscal 2003 compared to 31% in fiscal 2002. The primary factors for the decrease were the marginal rate impact in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 of certain expenses related to the NTGH acquisition and related financing transactions and the demonstrated ability to avoid repatriation of certain foreign sourced earnings.

At December 31, 2003, the functional currencies of our European subsidiaries were stronger against the U.S. dollar compared to currency exchange rates at both October 31, 2002 and December 31, 2002. This strengthening resulted in an increase in the foreign exchange component of comprehensive earnings of $6.8 million in the two month period ending December 31, 2002 and of $36.3 million in the twelve month period ending December 31, 2003. Approximately $33.6 million of these adjustments related to goodwill and are not expected to directly affect our projected future cash flows. Fiscal 2003 operating results also benefited from the stronger non-U.S. currencies. The net benefits were approximately 2% of operating earnings. Foreign exchange differences related to our other non-U.S. subsidiaries were immaterial to fiscal 2003 financial performance.

The following table summarizes our net sales order information for the years ended December 31, 2003 and October 31, 2002 (dollar amounts in thousands).

2003
2002
change
Instrumentation     $ 178,255   $ 168,350    5.9 %
Industrial Technology    168,798    161,632    4.4  
Energy Systems and Controls    143,933    123,038    17.0  
Scientific and Industrial Imaging    154,538    153,349    0.8  



      Total   $ 645,524   $ 606,369    6.5 %



Instrumentation segment net orders improved due to the full year bookings of AI Qualitek, continued strength for oil and gas desulfurization applications and higher orders for our materials analysis equipment. Industrial Technology segment net orders strengthened over most markets after a soft fiscal 2002. Energy Systems and Controls net orders rose on the strength of a full year of Zetec orders and strength in non-Gazprom oil and gas sectors, offset by significantly lower Gazprom orders. Scientific and Industrial Imaging net orders benefited from the full year of QImaging orders offset by the timing of orders for electron microscopy products (sales increased in the period) and weaker research market demand for high-end digital cameras.

The following table summarizes sales order backlog information at December 31, 2003 and October 31, 2002 (dollar amounts in thousands).

2003
2002
change
Instrumentation     $ 17,068   $ 17,751    -3.8%  
Industrial Technology    58,024    24,122    140.5  
Energy Systems and Controls    30,989    23,985    29.2  
Scientific and Industrial Imaging    42,482    40,732    4.3  



     Total   $ 148,563   $ 106,590    39.4 %



The increase in backlog was primarily due to the inclusion of the NTGH entities at December 31, 2003. The decline in the Instrumentation backlog is the result of continued softness in our telecommunications business.


Two Months Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Two Months Ended December 31, 2001

Net sales for the two month period ended December 31, 2002 were $83.9 million as compared to $86.9 million in the two month period ended December 31, 2001. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower sales to Gazprom and the absence of motion imaging sales in the Scientific and Industrial Imaging segment, partially offset by the contributions from our fiscal 2002 acquisitions.

In our Instrumentation segment, net sales decreased by 7.2% as compared to the prior-year period primarily as a result of surplus used equipment flooding the weak telecommunications capital equipment markets for our Logitech unit and lower capital spending in the semi-conductor market. Elsewhere softness in oil & gas refinery capital spending offset the benefits of the AI Qualitek acquisition. Gross margins moved from 61.7% in the prior year period to 57.7% in the current period largely from the adverse leverage at our Logitech unit and semi-conductor businesses. SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales were 2.4% higher at 41.8% due to lower sales volume explained above and higher medical insurance expenditures. Overall the segment reported operating profit margins of 15.9% as compared to 22.3% in the prior-year period.

In our Industrial Technology segment, net sales were comparable to the same period in 2001. Gross margins decreased to 43.9% in the period from 45.0% in the prior-year; however, SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales were 1.1% lower at 29.5% offsetting the reduction in gross margin allowing the operating profit margin to remain constant at 14.4%. The lower SG&A expense level is primarily the result of headcount reductions.

Net sales in our Energy Systems & Controls segment increased by 19.5% during the two months ended December 31, 2002 as sales contributed by Zetec and higher control systems sales to oil and gas customers more than offset the lower sales to Gazprom. Gross margins decreased from 40.7% to 38.7% as a result of the adverse sales leverage from the deferred Gazprom sales and the seasonal low sales at Zetec with reduced power generation inspection activity during the peak heating season. This adverse leverage also resulted in an increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales from 48.0% in the prior-year period to 59.9% in the current year period. As a result, operating losses increased from 7.3% in the prior-year period to 21.2%. Management does not anticipate that the confluence of these events giving rise to such operating margins will recur in the future.

Our Scientific & Industrial Imaging segment net sales decreased by 12.0% due primarily to the absence of motion imaging product sales which was partially offset by net sales contributed by the contributions from the QImaging and Definitive Imaging acquisitions. Gross margins decreased from 51.3% in 2002 to 50.6% due to the increased manufacturing costs in the period for TEM imaging equipment. SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 45.0% in the period from 35.6% in the prior-year period as a result of additional costs associated with the development of the new motion imaging products and additional costs associated with foreign sales subsidiaries. Overall, the segment reported operating profits margins of 5.6% as compared to 15.7% with the bulk of the decline attributable to the repositioning of our motion imaging business.

Corporate expenses decreased by $1.0 million and reduced as a percentage of sales from 2.9% to 1.9% due primarily to reduced variable compensation costs.

Interest expense held constant at $2.9 million for the two month period ended December 31, 2002 compared to the two month period ended December 31, 2001, as lower effective interest rates offset increased borrowing levels.

Other income was $0.2 million in the two month period ended December 31, 2002 as compared to $0.7 million in the equivalent prior-year period from reduced realized foreign exchange gains.

Income taxes were 30.0% of pretax earnings in the current year period as compared to 35.0% in the equivalent prior-year period principally driven by improved expectations for our utilization of all available foreign income tax credits.

At December 31, 2002, the functional currencies of our European subsidiaries were stronger against the U.S. dollar compared to currency exchange rates at October 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001. This strengthening resulted in a gain of $6.8 million in the foreign exchange component of comprehensive earnings for the two month period ended December 31, 2002. Approximately $5.4 million of the total adjustment related to goodwill and is not expected to directly affect our expected future cash flows. Operating results in the two month period also benefited from the weakening of the US dollar, primarily against the euro. The difference between the operating results for these companies for the two month period ending December 31, 2002, translated into U.S. dollars at average currency exchange rates experienced during the two month period and these operating results translated into U.S. dollars at average currency exchange rates experienced during the comparable two month period in 2001 was not material. If the impact of selling European sourced product in the U.S. is also considered, the impact of currency movements was negligible.

Net orders, booked for continuing operations, were $95.3 million for the period, 8% higher than the same period of 2001 net order intake of $88.0 million. This increase was due to the additional net orders booked of $10.6 million from our fiscal 2002 acquisitions, which was somewhat offset by delays in blanket order releases and other industrial market softness for our Industrial Technology segment. Overall, our order backlog at December 31, 2002 increased by $6.6 million as compared to December 31, 2001. This increase was due to new acquisitions having $6.9 million in backlog at December 31, 2002, partially offset by softness in the Industrial Technology segment.

Net orders booked for the two months ended December 31, Order backlog as of
December 31,
2002
2001
2002
2001
Instrumentation     $ 29,433   $ 28,244   $ 18,873   $ 22,286  
Industrial Technology    22,811    26,604    25,574    31,183  
Energy Systems & Controls    14,254    6,824    25,902    18,426  
Scientific & Industrial Imaging    28,780    26,371    46,999    38,874  




    $ 95,278   $ 88,043   $ 117,348   $ 110,769  





Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities was $164.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, $71.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, and $86.8 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2002. 2003 results include a $24.4 million write-off of debt extinguishment costs related to the recapitalization of the Company. The increase in 2004 over 2003 reflected stronger earnings from operations due to the inclusion of NTGH in 2004, strong internal growth, the non-recurrence of debt extinguishment cash cost and low cash tax payments due to the utilization of certain domestic net operating losses for tax purposes. Cash flows used in investing activities during each of fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002 were primarily business acquisition costs. Cash flows from financing activities during each of these years were largely debt repayments and borrowings for acquisitions. Financing activities in 2004 also included amending and restating our previous $625 million credit agreement with our current $1.055 billion credit agreement to increase capacity, lower borrowing costs, and improve other terms and conditions.

Net working capital (current assets, excluding cash, less total current liabilities, excluding debt) was $209.7 million at December 31, 2004 compared to $170.4 million at December 31, 2003. We acquired approximately $53.2 million of net current assets through business acquisitions during 2004.

Total debt was $891.9 million at December 31, 2004 (44.4% of total capital) compared to $651.1 million at December 31, 2003 (49.8% of total capital). Our increased debt at December 31, 2004 compared to December 31, 2003 was due to borrowings incurred at the end of the current year to fund the TransCore acquisition and replace the previous credit facility.

Our $1.055 billion credit facility consists of a $655 million term loan and a $400 million revolving loan, both with five year maturities. At December 31, 2004, our debt consisted of $230 million in senior subordinated convertible notes due in 2034, and the $655 million term loan. The Company had $47.3 million of outstanding letters of credit at December 31, 2004. $45 million of the letters of credit were issued via the revolving loan, thereby reducing its remaining capacity to $355 million. We expect that our available borrowing capacity, combined with existing cash balances and cash flows expected to be generated from existing businesses, will be sufficient to fund normal operating requirements and finance additional acquisitions. We also have several smaller facilities that allow for borrowings or the issuance of letters of credit in various foreign locations to support our non-U.S. businesses. In total, these smaller facilities do not represent a significant source of credit for us.

We were in compliance with all debt covenants related to our credit facilities throughout the year ended December 31, 2004.

Capital expenditures of $12.1 million, $10.4 million and $7.7 million were incurred during 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. We expect capital expenditures in 2005 to be slightly higher due to the higher capital expenditure requirements of the newly acquired TransCore business.

Description of Certain Indebtedness

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Concurrently with the closing of the TransCore acquisition and the common stock and debt offerings in December 2004, we entered into a $1.055 billion senior secured credit facility. This credit facility consists of a five-year $655 million term loan and a five-year $400 million revolving loan.

Our credit facility requires us to prepay the term loan and, in certain cases, reduce the commitments under the revolving loan, upon the receipt of certain proceeds, including from certain asset sales, the incurrence of certain debt, and up to 75% of our excess cash flows unless we meet a consolidated total leverage ratio test. We are also required to make quarterly principal payments on the term loans. The facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants which, among other things, limit our ability to incur new debt, prepay subordinated debt, make certain investments and acquisitions, sell assets and grant liens, make restricted payments (including the payment of dividends on our common stock) and capital expenditures, or change our line of business. We also are subject to financial covenants which require us to limit our consolidated total leverage ratio and to maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio.

Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes

In December 2003, we issued $230 million of senior subordinated convertible notes at an original issue discount of 60.498%, resulting in an effective yield of 3.75% per year to maturity. Interest on the notes is payable semiannually, beginning July 15, 2004, until January 15, 2009. After that date, we will not pay cash interest on the notes prior to maturity unless contingent cash interest becomes payable. Instead, after January 15, 2009, interest will be recognized at the effective rate of 3.75% and will represent accrual of original issue discount, excluding any contingent cash interest that may become payable. We will pay contingent cash interest to the holders of the notes during any six month period commencing after January 15, 2009 if the average trading price of a note for a five trading day measurement period preceding the applicable six month period equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price, accrued original issue discount and accrued cash interest, if any, for such note. The contingent cash interest payable per note in respect of any six month period will equal the annual rate of 0.25%.

The notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations, rank junior to our existing and future senior secured indebtedness and rank equally with our existing and future senior subordinated indebtedness.

As originally issued, each $1,000 principal amount of the notes will be convertible at the option of the holder into 6.211 shares of our common stock (subject to adjustment), if (i) the sale price of our common stock reaches, or the trading price of the notes falls below, specified thresholds, (ii) if the notes are called for redemption or (iii) if specified corporate transactions have occurred. Upon conversion, we will have the right to deliver, in lieu of common stock, cash or a combination of cash and common stock. On November 19, 2004, the Company began a consent solicitation to amend the notes such that the Company would pay the same conversion value upon conversion of the Notes, but would change how the conversion value is paid. In lieu of receiving exclusively shares of common stock or cash upon conversion, noteholders would receive cash up to the value of the accreted principal amount of the Notes converted and, at the Company’s option, any remainder of the conversion value would be paid in cash or shares of common stock. The consent solicitation was successfully completed on December 6, 2004 and the amended conversion provisions were adopted.

Holders may require us to purchase all or a portion of their notes on January 15, 2009, January 15, 2014, January 15, 2019, January 15, 2024, and January 15, 2029, at stated prices plus accrued cash interest, if any, including contingent cash interest, if any. We may only pay the purchase price of such notes in cash and not in common stock.

We may redeem for cash all or a portion of the notes for cash at any time on or after January 15, 2009 at redemption prices equal to the sum of the issue price plus accrued original issue discount and accrued cash interest, if any, including contingent cash interest, if any, on such notes to the applicable redemption date.

Contractual Cash Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments and Contingencies

The following table quantifies our contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments at December 31, 2004 (dollars in thousands).

Payments Due in Fiscal
Contractual
Cash Obligations

Total
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Thereafter
Long-term debt     $ 891,891   $ 36,527   $ 34,673   $ 65,500   $ 98,250   $ 426,941   $ 230,000  
Operating Leases    89,100    25,700    20,900    14,200    8,600    5,800    13,900  







         Total   $ 980,991   $ 62,227   $ 55,573   $ 79,700   $ 106,850   $ 432,741   $ 243,900  








Amounts Expiring in Fiscal
Other Commercial
Commitments

Total
Amount
Committed

2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Thereafter
Standby letters of credit                                
and bank guarantees   $ 47,295   $ 46,743   $ 149   $ 134   $ 139   $ 50   $ 80  







At December 31, 2004 and 2003, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

We believe that internally generated cash flows and the remaining availability under our various credit facilities will be adequate to finance normal operating requirements and further acquisition activities. Although we maintain an active acquisition program, any further acquisitions will be dependent on numerous factors and it is not feasible to reasonably estimate if or when any such acquisitions will occur and what the impact will be on our activities, financial condition and results of operations. We may also explore alternatives to attract additional capital resources.

We anticipate that our recently acquired businesses as well as our other businesses will generate positive cash flows from operating activities, and that these cash flows will permit the reduction of currently outstanding debt at a high rate. However, the rate at which we can reduce our debt during 2005 (and reduce the associated interest expense) will be affected by, among other things, the financing and operating requirements of any new acquisitions and the financial performance of our existing companies. None of these factors can be predicted with certainty.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In January 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 106-1 (“FSP 106-1”) “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003,” which provides temporary guidance concerning the recently enacted Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” requires presently enacted changes in laws that will take effect in future periods to be taken into account in measuring current period postretirement benefit cost and the accumulated projected benefit obligation. The implementation of FSP 106-1 had no material impact on the Company.

The Emerging Issues Task Force issued EITF 03-6, “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share,” effective for periods ending after March 31, 2004, regarding the computation of earnings per share by companies that have issued securities other than common stock that contractually entitle the holder to participate in dividends and earnings of the company when, and if, it declares dividends on its common stock. The Company does not have securities subject to the provisions of EITF 03-6 and, as such, the implementation of EITF 03-6 had no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

The EITF reached final consensus on EITF 04-8, “The Effect of Contingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings per Share,” which would require convertible debt with a market price contingency to be included in diluted EPS calculations. The consensus should be applied to reporting periods ending after December 15, 2004. During December 2004, management completed a consent solicitation to modify the conversion provisions on the company’s convertible notes with the effect that they will not be required to be included in diluted EPS calculations pursuant to EITF 04-8.

In November 2004, the FASB issued FAS 151, “Inventory Costs-An Amendment of ARB No. 43” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and material waste. The standard requires that abnormal amounts of these items be recognized as current period charges. FAS 151 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Financial Statements.

In December, 2004, the FASB issued FAS 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (revised 2004) effective for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2005. This standard requires unvested equity awards outstanding at the effective date to continue to be measured and charged to expense over the remaining requisite service (vesting) period as required by FAS 123. The Company will implement this standard effective July 1, 2005 and is currently evaluating the impact of this statement.

The FASB issued FSP 109-1 and 109-2 related to the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. FSP 109-1 provides guidance related to the accounting for special tax deductions on “qualified production activities income” FSP 109-2 provides companies with additional time to complete assessment of repatriation plans related to the one time deduction on certain repatriated foreign earnings as provided in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The FSPs were effective upon issuance on December 21, 2004. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new FSPs.


Information About Forward Looking Statements

This Annual Report includes and incorporates by reference “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In addition, we, or our executive officers on our behalf, may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports and other documents we file with the SEC or in connection with oral statements made to the press, potential investors or others. All statements that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” The words “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expected financial position, business, financing plans, business strategy, business prospects, revenues, working capital, liquidity, capital needs, interest costs and income, in each case relating to our company as a whole, as well as statements regarding acquisitions, potential acquisitions and the benefits of acquisitions, including with respect to the TransCore acquisition.

Forward-looking statements are estimates and projections reflecting our best judgment and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions, which in turn are based on currently available information. Examples of forward looking statements in this report include but are not limited to our expectations regarding our ability to generate operating cash flows and reduce debt and associated interest expense and our expectations regarding growth through acquisitions. Important assumptions relating to the forward-looking statements include, among others, assumptions regarding demand for our products, the cost, timing and success of product upgrades and new product introductions, raw materials costs, expected pricing levels, the timing and cost of expected capital expenditures, expected outcomes of pending litigation, competitive conditions, general economic conditions and expected synergies relating to acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances. These assumptions could prove inaccurate. Although we believe that the estimates and projections reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, our expectations may prove to be incorrect. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include:

  • our ability to integrate the TransCore acquisition businesses into our operations;
  • any unforeseen liabilities associated with the TransCore businesses or future acquisitions;
  • limitations on our business imposed by our indebtedness;
  • reductions in our business with Gazprom;
  • the success of our restructuring activities in reducing costs;
  • unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates;
  • difficulties associated with exports;
  • risks and costs associated with our international sales and operations;
  • difficulty making acquisitions and successfully integrating acquired businesses;
  • increased directors and officers liability and other insurance costs;
  • risk of rising interest rates;
  • product liability and insurance risks;
  • increased warranty exposure;
  • future competition;
  • the cyclical nature of our markets;
  • reduction of business with large customers;
  • risks associated with government contracts;
  • changes in the supply of, or price for, parts and components;
  • environmental compliance costs and liabilities;
  • risks and costs associated with asbestos-related litigation;
  • potential write-offs of our substantial intangible assets;
  • our ability to successfully develop new products;
  • failure to protect our technology;
  • trade tariffs that may be applied due to the U.S. government’s delay in complying with certain WTO directives;
  • terrorist attacks;
  • future health crises; and
  • the factors discussed in Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report under the heading “Risk Factors.”

        We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to interest rate risks on our outstanding borrowings, and we are exposed to foreign currency exchange risks on our transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We are also exposed to equity market risks pertaining to the traded price of our common stock.

At December 31, 2004, we had a combination of fixed and floating rate borrowings. Our $1.055 billion senior credit facility contains $655 million variable rate term notes and a $400 million variable rate revolver. To reduce the financial risk of future rate increases, the Company entered into fixed rate swap agreements, including a $100 million agreement expiring January 6, 2006, and, subsequent to year end, a $250 million agreement expiring March 13, 2008. Our $230 million senior unsecured convertible notes have a fixed interest rate. At December 31, 2004, there was no material difference between prevailing market rates and the fixed rate on our debt instruments.

At December 31, 2004, Roper’s outstanding variable-rate borrowings under the $1.055 billion credit facility were $555 million. An increase in interest rates of 1% would increase our annualized interest costs by $5.6 million (before accounting for the $250 million fixed rate swap agreement which we entered into subsequent to year end).

Several Roper companies have transactions and balances denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Most of these transactions or balances are denominated in euros, British pounds, Danish krone or Japanese yen. Sales by companies whose functional currency was not the U.S. dollar were 36% of our total sales and 77% of these sales were by companies with a European functional currency. The U.S. dollar weakened against these European currencies during 2004 and was relatively stable compared to other currencies. The difference between 2004 operating results for these companies translated into U.S. dollars during 2004 and these operating results translated into U.S. dollars during 2003 was not material. If these currency exchange rates had been 10% different throughout 2004 compared to currency exchange rates actually experienced, the impact on our expected net earnings would have been approximately $2.9 million.

The changes in these currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar during 2004 compared to currency exchange rates at December 31, 2003 resulted in an increase in net assets of $27.3 million that was reported as a component of comprehensive earnings, $19.5 million of which was attributed to goodwill. Goodwill changes from currency exchange rate changes do not directly affect our reported earnings or cash flows.

The trading price of Roper’s common stock influences the valuation of stock option grants and the effects these grants have on pro forma earnings disclosed in our financial statements. The stock prices also influence the computation of the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options to determine diluted earnings per share. The stock price also affects our employees’ perceptions of various programs that involve our common stock. We believe the quantification of the effects of these changing prices on our future earnings and cash flows is not readily determinable.


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The financial statements and supplementary data required by this item begin at page F-1.


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index

Consolidated Financial Statements:          
 
   Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)   F-2  
 
   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003   F-3  
 
   Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003,
     2 months ended December 31, 2002, and the 12 months ended October 31, 2002
  F-4  
 
   Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Earnings for the  
     12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, 2 months ended December 31, 2002, and  
     the 12 months ended October 31, 2002   F-5  
 
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003,  
     2 months ended December 31, 2002, and the 12 months ended October 31, 2002   F-7  
 
   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-9  
 
Supplementary Data:  
 
   Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the 12 months ended  
     December 31, 2004 and 2003, 2 months ended December 31, 2002, and the 12 months  
     ended October 31, 2002   S-1  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders
of Roper Industries, Inc.:

We have completed an integrated audit of Roper Industries, Inc.‘s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Roper Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, December 31, 2003 and October 31, 2002 and the two month period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15 (a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As described in Scope of Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, management has excluded R/D Tech and TransCore Holdings, Inc. from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 because they were acquired by the Company in purchase business combinations during 2004. We have also excluded R/D Tech and TransCore Holdings, Inc. from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. R/D Tech and TransCore Holdings, Inc. are wholly-owned subsidiaries whose total assets represent 2% and 30%, respectively, and whose total revenues represent 1% and 2%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Atlanta, Georgia

March 15, 2005


ROPER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(in thousands, except per share data)

2004
2003
Assets            
   Cash and cash equivalents   $ 129,419   $ 70,234  
   Accounts receivable, net    242,014    150,856  
   Inventories    132,282    107,082  
   Deferred taxes    20,485    33,314  
   Other current assets    31,960    19,706  


        Total current assets    556,160    381,192  


   Property, plant and equipment, net    97,949    78,461  
   Goodwill    1,144,035    711,158  
   Other intangible assets, net    487,173    298,669  
   Deferred taxes    34,205    6,034  
   Other assets    46,882    39,481  


        Total assets   $ 2,366,404   $ 1,514,995  


Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity  
   Accounts payable   $ 65,801   $ 45,412  
   Accrued liabilities    145,880    93,523  
   Deferred taxes    5,342    1,639  
   Current portion of long-term debt    36,527    20,923  


        Total current liabilities    253,550    161,497  


Long-term debt    855,364    630,186  
Deferred taxes    125,984    50,187  
Other liabilities    17,420    17,344  


        Total liabilities    1,252,318    859,214  


Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 1,000 shares authorized;            
   none outstanding    --    --  
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 80,000 shares authorized;            
43,584 shares issued and 42,416 outstanding at December 31, 2004 and            
37,226 shares issued and 36,042 outstanding at December 31, 2003    436    372  
Additional paid-in capital    645,373    293,402  
Retained earnings    415,188    336,520  
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings    76,249    48,989  
Treasury stock 1,168 shares at December 31, 2004 and 1,184 shares at            
December 31, 2003    (23,160 )  (23,502 )


        Total stockholders' equity    1,114,086    655,781  


        Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 2,366,404   $ 1,514,995  


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


ROPER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, 2 months ended December 31, 2002, and the 12 months ended October 31, 2002
(Dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share data)

12 months ended
December 31, 2004

12 months
ended December 31, 2003

2 months
ended December 31, 2002

12 months
ended
October 31, 2002

Net sales     $ 969,764   $ 657,356   $ 83,885   $ 617,462  
Cost of sales    484,719    311,218    42,320    283,707  




Gross profit    485,045    346,138    41,565    333,755  
Selling, general and administrative expenses    313,743    238,038    36,997    218,210  




Income from operations    171,302    108,100    4,568    115,545  
Interest expense    28,847    16,384    2,978    18,506  
Euro debt currency exchange loss    --    --    --    4,093  
Loss on extinguishment of debt    8,168    25,054    --    --  
Other income (expense)    (571 )  (372 )  179    3,381  




Earnings from continuing operations before income  
   taxes and change in accounting principle    133,716    66,290    1,769    96,327  
Income taxes    39,864    18,229    529    29,889  




Earnings from continuing operations before change  
in accounting principle    93,852    48,061    1,240    66,438  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes    --    2,822    387    415  
Goodwill impairment, net of taxes of $11,130    --    --    --    (25,970 )




Net earnings   $ 93,852   $ 45,239   $ 853   $ 40,053  




Earnings per share:  
   Basic:  
     Earnings from continuing operations before  
     change in accounting principle   $ 2.52   $ 1.52   $ 0.04   $ 2.13  
     Loss from discontinued operations    --    (.09 )  (.01 )  (.01 )
     Goodwill adjustment effective November 1, 2001    --    --    --    (0.84 )




         Net earnings   $ 2.52   $ 1.43   $ 0.03   $ 1.28  




   Diluted:  
     Earnings from continuing operations before  
     change in accounting principle   $ 2.48   $ 1.50   $ 0.04   $ 2.09  
     Loss from discontinued operations    --    (.09 )  (.01 )  (.01 )
     Goodwill adjustment effective November 1, 2001    --    --    --    (0.82 )




         Net earnings   $ 2.48   $ 1.41   $ 0.03   $ 1.26  




Weighted average common shares outstanding:  
   Basic    37,220    31,575    31,356    31,210  
   Diluted    37,832    31,992    31,854    31,815  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


ROPER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, 2 months ended December 31, 2002, and the 12 months ended October 31, 2002
(in thousands, except per share data)

Common Stock
Additional
paid-in
Unearned
compensation
on
restricted
Retained Accumulated
other
comprehensive
Treasury Total
stockholders
Compre-
hensive
Shares
Amount
capital
stock grants
earnings
earnings
stock
equity
earnings
Balances at October 31, 2001      30,879   $ 321   $ 80,510   $ --   $ 275,259   $ (7,757 ) $ (24,827 ) $ 323,506   $ 56,995  









Net earnings    --    --    --    --    40,053    --    --    40,053   $ 40,053  
Stock option transactions    462    5    8,096    --    --    --    --    8,101    --  
Incentive bonus plan transactions    11    --    325    --    --    --    210    535    --  
Treasury stock sold    11    --    222    --    --    --    215    437    --  
Currency translation adjustments    --    --    --    --    --    13,697    --    13,697    13,697  
Dividends declared ($0.33 per share)    --    --    --    --    (10,317 )  --    --    (10,317    --  









Balances at October 31, 2002    31,363   $ 326   $ 89,153   $ --   $ 304,995   $ 5,940   $ (24,402 ) $ 376,012   $ 53,750  









Net earnings    --    --    --    --    853    --    --    853   $ 853  
Stock option transactions    7    --    111    --    --    --    --    111    --  
Treasury stock sold    --    --    --    --    --    --    --    --    --  
Currency translation adjustments    --    --    --    --    --    6,752    --    6,752    6,752  
Dividends declared ($0.0875 per share)    --    --    --    --    (2,747 )  --    --    (2,747 )  --  









Balances at December 31, 2002    31,370   $ 326   $ 89,264   $ --   $ 303,101   $ 12,692   $ (24,402 ) $ 380,981   $ 7,605  









Net earnings    --    --    --    --    45,239    --    --    45,239   $ 45,239  
Stock option transactions    427    4    8,733    --    --    --    --    8,737    --  
Treasury stock sold    11    --    147    --    --    --    226    373    --  
Currency translation adjustments    --    --    --    --    --    36,297    --    36,297    36,297  
Restricted Stock Grants    --    --    475    (59 )  --    --    --    416    --  
Stock issued in DAP Canada purchase    34    --    958    --    --    --    674    1,632    --  
Secondary stock offering    4,200    42    191,518    --    --    --    --    191,560    --  
Stock option tax benefit    --    --    2,366    --    --    --    --    2,366    --  
Dividends declared ($0.35875 per share)    --    --