Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended March 29, 2008

OR

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 000-19406

 

 

Zebra Technologies Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   36-2675536

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

333 Corporate Woods Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (847) 634-6700

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  x

  Accelerated filer  ¨

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

  Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

As of April 25, 2008, there were the following shares outstanding:

Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value 65,013,638

 

 

 


Table of Contents

ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

QUARTER ENDED MARCH 29, 2008

INDEX

 

     PAGE
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 29, 2008 (unaudited) and December 31, 2007

   3

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited) for the three months ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

   4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

   5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

   6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7

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

   19

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   27

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   28
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   29

Item 1A. Risk Factors

   29

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

   29

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   30
SIGNATURES    31

 

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands)

 

     March 29,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     (Unaudited)        
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 56,814     $ 38,211  

Restricted cash

     2,738       2,497  

Investments and marketable securities

     97,407       98,438  

Accounts receivable, net

     171,862       150,775  

Inventories, net

     89,443       85,038  

Deferred income taxes

     14,483       14,772  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     10,776       31,101  
                

Total current assets

     443,523       420,832  
                

Property and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     69,716       67,686  

Long-term deferred income taxes

     31,990       28,407  

Goodwill

     247,670       246,510  

Other intangibles, net

     115,287       119,424  

Long-term investments and marketable securities

     149,325       142,033  

Other assets

     9,095       9,386  
                

Total assets

   $ 1,066,606     $ 1,034,278  
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 47,119     $ 42,351  

Accrued liabilities

     85,229       69,437  

Deferred revenue

     11,111       9,633  

Income taxes payable

     13,300       751  
                

Total current liabilities

     156,759       122,172  

Deferred rent

     1,011       961  

Other long-term liabilities

     9,681       8,452  
                

Total liabilities

     167,451       131,585  
                

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred Stock

     —         —    

Class A Common Stock

     722       722  

Additional paid-in capital

     143,457       141,522  

Treasury stock

     (236,722 )     (205,058 )

Retained earnings

     988,156       960,512  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     3,542       4,995  
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     899,155       902,693  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,066,606     $ 1,034,278  
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
     March 29,
2008
    March 31,
2007

Net sales

   $ 246,277     $ 208,576

Cost of sales

     123,480       108,786
              

Gross profit

     122,797       99,790

Operating expenses:

    

Selling and marketing

     30,861       28,164

Research and development

     19,789       14,185

General and administrative

     25,045       17,932

Amortization of intangible assets

     4,514       2,323

Exit costs

     3,234       —  

Acquired in-process research and development

     —         1,853
              

Total operating expenses

     83,443       64,457
              

Operating income

     39,354       35,333
              

Other income (expense):

    

Investment income

     2,405       5,304

Foreign exchange gains

     700       175

Other, net

     (254 )     76
              

Total other income

     2,851       5,555
              

Income before income taxes

     42,205       40,888

Income taxes

     14,561       14,172
              

Net income

   $ 27,644     $ 26,716
              

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.42     $ 0.39

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.42     $ 0.39

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     66,134       68,908

Diluted weighted average and equivalent shares outstanding

     66,518       69,367

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 29,
2008
    March 31,
2007
 

Net income

   $ 27,644     $ 26,716  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

    

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     1,798       (179 )

Changes in unrealized losses on hedging transactions, net of tax benefit

     (3,935 )     (81 )

Changes in unrealized gains on investments, net of tax

     684       188  
                

Comprehensive income

   $ 26,191     $ 26,644  
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 29,
2008
    March 31,
2007
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 27,644     $ 26,716  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     9,088       5,853  

Stock-based compensation

     3,417       3,338  

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     (51 )     (479 )

Acquired in-process research and development

     —         1,853  

Deferred income taxes

     (3,553 )     (1,097 )

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:

    

Accounts receivable, net

     (21,393 )     (7,065 )

Inventories

     (3,834 )     2,779  

Other assets

     1,256       (123 )

Accounts payable

     2,901       (12,275 )

Accrued liabilities

     7,085       (7,619 )

Deferred revenue

     2,745       3,301  

Income taxes payable

     12,534       10,815  

Other operating activities

     (5,635 )     834  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     32,204       26,831  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (5,909 )     (5,333 )

Acquisition of businesses acquired, net of cash acquired

     —         (127,200 )

Purchases of investments and marketable securities

     (190,530 )     (166,285 )

Maturities of investments and marketable securities

     128,723       195,424  

Sales of investments and marketable securities

     78,156       78,069  
                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     10,440       (25,325 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Purchase of treasury stock

     (24,600 )     (6,048 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and stock purchase plan purchases

     667       4,337  

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     51       479  
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (23,882 )     (1,232 )
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (159 )     18  
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     18,603       292  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     38,211       39,648  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 56,814     $ 39,940  
                

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Income taxes paid

     2,471       4,357  

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash transactions:

    

Purchase of treasury shares not paid in the first quarter of 2008

   $ 9,153       —    

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

Management prepared these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for Zebra Technologies Corporation and subsidiaries (Zebra) according to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for complete financial statements. Therefore, these consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in Zebra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007, in this Form 10-Q is taken from the audited consolidated balance sheet in our Form 10-K. These interim financial statements include all adjustments (of a normal, recurring nature) necessary to present fairly Zebra’s consolidated financial position as of March 29, 2008, the consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, and cash flows for the three months ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007. These results, however, are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

Note 2—Fair Value Measurements

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to elect to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected will be recognized in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 was effective for Zebra on January 1, 2008. We have currently chosen not to elect the fair value option for any items that are not already required to be measured at fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 was effective for our Company on January 1, 2008. However, in February 2008, the FASB released FASB Staff Position (FSP FAS 157-2 — Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157), which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The adoption of SFAS No. 157 for our financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We do not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 157 for our non-financial assets and liabilities, effective January 1, 2009, will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

As defined in SFAS No. 157, fair value is based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In order to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described below:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

 

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In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as consider counterparty credit risk in the assessment of fair value.

Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value as of March 29, 2008 are classified in the table below in one of the three categories described above (in thousands):

 

     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents (1)

   $ 56,814    $ —      $ —      $ 56,814

Restricted cash

     2,738      —        —        2,738

Available-for-sale securities

     235,799      —        —        235,799

Money market investments related to the deferred compensation plan

     4,071      —        —        4,071
                           

Total assets at fair value

   $ 299,422    $ —      $ —      $ 299,422
                           

Liabilities:

           

Forward contracts (2)

   $ 4,019    $ 13,372    $ —      $ 17,391

Liabilities related to the deferred compensation plan

     3,913      —        —        3,913
                           

Total liabilities at fair value

   $ 7,932    $ 13,372    $ —      $ 21,304
                           

 

1) Includes cash, money market investments and certificates of deposits.
2) The fair value of forward contracts are calculated as follows:
  a. Fair value of forward collar contract associated with forecasted sales hedges are calculated using the midpoint of ask and bid rates for similar contracts.
  b. Fair value of regular forward contracts associated with forecasted sales hedges are calculated using the month-end exchange rate adjusted for the discount rate (3 month LIBOR rate).
  c. Fair value of balance sheet hedges are calculated at the month end exchange rate adjusted for current forward points unless the hedge has been traded but not settled at month end. If this is the case, the fair value is calculated at the rate at which the hedge is being settled.

Note 3—Stock-Based Compensation

As of March 29, 2008, Zebra had a stock option plan and a stock purchase plan available for future grants. We accounted for these plans in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payments. Zebra recognizes compensation costs over the vesting period of 1 month to 5 years.

The compensation expense and the related tax benefit for share-based payments were included in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
     March 29,
2008
   March 31,
2007

Cost of sales

   $ 309    $ 452

Selling and marketing

     691      424

Research and development

     484      657

General and administration

     1,933      1,805
             

Total compensation

     3,417      3,338
             

Income tax benefit

   $ 1,179    $ 1,151

SFAS No. 123(R) requires the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized (excess tax benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows in the statement of cash flows. As a result, $51,000 of excess tax benefits for the three months ended March 29, 2008, have been classified as financing cash flows. The excess tax benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $479,000.

 

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For purposes of calculating the compensation cost consistent with SFAS No. 123(R), the fair value is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial model. Volatility is based on an average of the implied volatility in the open market and the annualized volatility of Zebra’s stock prices over our entire stock history. The following table shows the weighted-average assumptions used for stock option grants as well as the fair value of the options granted based on those assumptions:

 

     Three months ended
     March 29, 2008    March 31, 2007

Expected dividend yield

   0%    0%

Forfeiture rate

   7.69%    7.43%

Volatility

   34.73%    38.30%

Risk free interest rate

   4.55%    4.58%

- Range of interest rates

   4.55% - 5.03%    4.38% - 4.73%

Expected weighted-average life

   4.88 years    4.58 years

Fair value of options granted

   $112,000    $985,000

Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted

   $11.20    $11.63

The fair value of the purchase rights of all Zebra employees issued under the Stock Purchase Plan is estimated using the following weighted-average assumptions for purchase rights granted. Expected lives of three months to one year have been used along with these assumptions.

 

     Three months ended  
     March 29,
2008
    March 31,
2007
 

Fair market value

   $ 33.32     $ 38.61  

Option price

   $ 28.32     $ 29.57  

Expected dividend yield

     0 %     0 %

Expected volatility

     37 %     23 %

Risk free interest rate

     3.29 %     4.89 %

Stock option activity for the period ended March 29, 2008, was as follows:

 

     2008

Fixed Options

   Shares     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding at beginning of year

     3,029,138     $ 34.68

Granted

     10,000       32.43

Exercised

     (60,040 )     13.29

Forfeited

     (28,408 )     38.08

Expired

     (10,632 )     42.06
              

Outstanding at end of period

     2,940,058     $ 35.05

Options exercisable at end of period

     1,640,617     $ 32.06

Intrinsic value of options exercised

   $ 1,125,950    

The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options outstanding at March 29, 2008:

 

     Options Outstanding    Options Exercisable

Range of

Exercise Prices

   Number
of Shares
   Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual Life
   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
   Number
of Shares
   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

$ 1.29-$20.22

   300,414    4.83 years    $ 13.09    189,801    $ 12.67

$ 20.22-$28.22

   781,863    4.08 years      23.94    739,876      24.03

$ 28.22-$41.25

   730,919    8.52 years      38.52    88,610      35.75

$ 41.25-$46.18

   662,191    7.76 years      44.22    325,912      45.15

$ 46.18-$53.92

   464,671    6.28 years      49.42    296,418      49.03
                  
   2,940,058          1,640,617   
                  

 

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     Options Outstanding    Options Exercisable

Aggregate intrinsic value

   $ 12,990,000    $ 10,423,000

Weighted-average remaining contractual term

     6.4 years      5.0 years

As of March 29, 2008, there was $21,495,000 of unearned compensation cost related to stock options granted under the plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.

Note 4—Inventories

The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):

 

     March 29,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Raw materials

   $ 46,920    $ 46,572

Work in process

     3,026      2,124

Finished goods

     39,497      36,342
             

Total inventories

   $ 89,443    $ 85,038
             

Note 5—Business Combinations

Navis, LLC. On December 14, 2007, Zebra acquired all of the outstanding stock of Navis Holdings, LLC (Navis) for $143,942,000, which is net of cash acquired and transaction costs. Headquartered in Oakland, California, Navis provides solutions to optimize the flow of goods through marine terminals and other operations managing cargo in the supply chain. The consolidated statements of earnings reflect the results of operations of Navis since the effective date of the purchase. The pro forma impact of this acquisition was not significant.

The following table (in thousands) summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.

 

     At December 14, 2007  

Current assets

   $ 26,658  

Property and equipment

     2,807  

Intangible assets

     58,400  

Goodwill

     74,907  
        

Total assets acquired

   $ 162,772  
        

Current liabilities

     (18,830 )
        

Net assets acquired

   $ 143,942  
        

On a preliminary basis pending the receipt of final valuations, the purchase price was allocated to identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values resulting in goodwill of $74,907,000. The intangible assets of $58,400,000 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     Amount    Useful life

Trade names

   $ 2,300    2 years

Customer relationships

     39,000    15 years

Developed technology

     17,100    6 years

The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

Note 6—Investments and Marketable Securities

We classify our investments in marketable debt securities as available-for-sale in accordance with the classifications defined in SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. As of March 29, 2008, all of our investments in marketable debt securities with maturities greater than one year are classified as long-term investments on the balance sheet due to our ability and intent to hold them until maturity.

SFAS No. 115 requires that changes in the market value of available-for-sale securities are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income caption of stockholders’ equity in the balance sheet, until we dispose of the securities. Once these securities are disposed of, either by sale or maturity, the accumulated changes in market

 

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value are transferred to investment income. On the cash flow statements, changes in the balances of available-for-sale securities are shown as purchases, sales and maturities of investments and marketable securities under investing activities.

Changes in market value of trading securities would be recorded in investment income as they occur, and the related cash flow statement would include changes in the balances of trading securities as operating cash flows.

All investments in marketable debt securities except the partnership interests are classified as available-for-sale securities. We account for the partnership interests using the cost method until our ownership percentage reaches 5% of the total partnership portfolio value, because at that point we begin using the equity method to account for the partnership interest. As of March 29, 2008, we were in the process of liquidating all of our interests in these partnerships, which totaled $10,933,000. This liquidation will be complete by July 2008. For the three months ended March 29, 2008, we did not record any activity related to these partnership interests. No other gains or losses on trading securities were recorded in investment income.

Change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in these financial statements as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
     March 29,    March 31,
     2008    2007

Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available- for-sale securities, net of tax, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ 684    $ 188
             

Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity

Share count and par value data related to stockholders’ equity are as follows:

 

     March 29,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Preferred Stock

     

Par value per share

   $ 0.01    $ 0.01

Shares authorized

     10,000,000      10,000,000

Shares outstanding

     —        —  

Common Stock - Class A

     

Par value per share

   $ 0.01    $ 0.01

Shares authorized

     150,000,000      150,000,000

Shares issued

     72,151,857      72,151,857

Shares outstanding

     65,396,514      66,370,248

Treasury stock

     

Shares held

     6,755,343      5,781,609

Note 8—Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Stockholders’ equity includes certain items classified as accumulated other comprehensive income, including:

 

   

Foreign currency translation adjustment relates to our non-U.S. subsidiary companies that have designated a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar. We are required to translate the subsidiary functional currency financial statements to dollars using a combination of historical, month-end, and average foreign exchange rates. This combination of rates creates the foreign currency translation adjustment component of other comprehensive income.

 

   

Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency hedging activities relate to derivative instruments used to hedge the currency exchange rates for forecasted euro sales. These hedges are designated as cash flow hedges, and we have deferred income statement recognition of gains and losses until the hedged transaction occurs. See Note 11 for more details.

 

   

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments classified as available-for-sale are deferred from income statement recognition until the gains or losses are realized. See Note 6 above for more details.

 

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The components of other comprehensive income included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 29,     March 31,  
     2008     2007  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   $ 1,798     $ (179 )
                

Changes in unrealized losses on foreign currency hedging activities:

    

Gross

   $ (6,309 )   $ (130 )

Income tax benefit

     (2,374 )     (49 )
                

Net

   $ (3,935 )   $ (81 )
                

Changes in unrealized gains on investments classified as available-for-sale:

    

Gross

   $ 1,096     $ 302  

Income tax

     412       114  
                

Net

   $ 684     $ 188  
                

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

 

     As of  
     March 29,     December 31,  
     2008     2007  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   $ 12,475     $ 10,677  
                
Unrealized losses on foreign currency hedging activities:     

Gross

   $ (15,561 )   $ (9,252 )

Income tax benefit

     (5,856 )     (3,482 )
                

Net

   $ (9,705 )   $ (5,770 )
                

Unrealized gains on investments classified as available-for-sale:

    

Gross

   $ 1,237     $ 141  

Income tax

     465       53  
                

Net

   $ 772     $ 88  
                

 

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Note 9—Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share after the cumulative effect of the accounting change were computed as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Three Months Ended
     March 29,
2008
   March 31,
2007
Basic earnings per share:      

Net income

   $ 27,644    $ 26,716
             

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     66,134      68,908
             

Per share amount

   $ 0.42    $ 0.39
Diluted earnings per share:      

Net income

   $ 27,644    $ 26,716
             

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     66,134      68,908

Add: Effect of dilutive securities – stock options

     384      459
             

Diluted weighted average and equivalent shares outstanding

     66,518      69,367
             

Per share amount

   $ 0.42    $ 0.39

Potentially dilutive securities that were excluded from the earnings per share calculation consist of stock options with an exercise price greater than the average market closing price of the Class A common stock. These options were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
     March 29,
2008
   March 31,
2007

Potentially dilutive shares

   1,858,000    1,107,000

Note 10—Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset Data

Intangible asset data are as follows (in thousands):

 

     March 29, 2008     December 31, 2007  
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 

Amortized intangible assets

          

Current technology

   $ 51,975    $ (15,402 )   $ 51,700    $ (13,526 )

Patent and patent rights

     31,697      (7,440 )     31,697      (6,468 )

Customer relationships

     60,859      (6,402 )     60,685      (4,664 )
                              

Total

   $ 144,531    $ (29,244 )   $ 144,082    $ (24,658 )
                              

Unamortized intangible assets

          

Goodwill

   $ 247,670      $ 246,510   

Aggregate amortization expense

          

For the year ended December 31, 2007

        $ 11,128   

For the three months ended March 29, 2008

   $ 4,514        

Estimated amortization expense

          

For the year ended December 31, 2008

     17,727        

For the year ended December 31, 2009

     17,338        

For the year ended December 31, 2010

     15,469        

For the year ended December 31, 2011

     15,117        

For the year ended December 31, 2012

     14,202        

Thereafter

     39,948        

 

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We test the impairment of goodwill each year or between annual impairment dates whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We completed our last assessment during June 2007. At that time, no adjustment to goodwill was necessary due to impairment.

We evaluate the impairment of identifiable intangibles and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Factors considered that may trigger an impairment review consist of:

 

   

Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results,

 

   

Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business,

 

   

Significant negative industry or economic trends,

 

   

Significant decline in Zebra’s stock price for a sustained period, and

 

   

Significant decline in market capitalization relative to net book value.

If we believe that one or more of the above indicators of impairment have occurred, we compare the carrying value to the undiscounted cash flows of the asset to determine if the carrying value is recoverable. If the carrying value is not determined to be recoverable, we measure impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow using a discount rate that incorporates the risk inherent in the cash flows.

Note 11—Derivative Instruments

In the normal course of business, portions of Zebra’s operations are subject to fluctuations in currency values. We manage these risks using derivative financial instruments.

Hedging of Net Assets

We use forward contracts and options to manage exposure related to our pound and euro denominated net assets. We record gains and losses on these contracts and options in income each quarter along with the transaction gains and losses related to our net euro asset position, which would ordinarily offset each other. Summary financial information related to these activities follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 29,     March 31,  
     2008     2007  

Change in losses from foreign exchange
derivatives

   $ (4,020 )   $ (223 )

Gain on net foreign currency assets

     4,720       398  
                

Net foreign exchange gain

   $ 700     $ 175  
                

 

     As of  
     March 29,
2008
   December 31,
2007
 

Notional balance of outstanding contracts:

     

Pound/US dollar

   £ 3,000    £ 3,000  

Euro/US dollar

   17,000    14,000  

Euro/Pound

   18,000    20,500  

Net fair value of outstanding contracts

   $ 74    $ (104 )

 

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Hedging of Anticipated Sales

We manage the exchange rate risk of anticipated euro denominated sales using forward contracts and option collars. We designate these contracts as cash flow hedges. Gains and losses on these contracts are deferred in other comprehensive income until the contracts are settled and the hedged sales are realized, at which time the deferred gains or losses will be reported as an increase or decrease to sales. Summary financial information related to the cash flow hedges of future revenues follows (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     As of  
     March 29,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

Net unrealized losses deferred in other comprehensive income:

    

Gross

   $ (15,561 )   $ (9,252 )

Income tax benefit

     (5,856 )     (3,482 )
                

Net

   $ (9,705 )   $ (5,770 )
                

Notional balance of outstanding contracts

   79,900     108,500  

Hedge effectiveness

     100 %     100 %

 

     March 29,
2008
    March 31,
2007
 

Net gains and (losses) included in revenue for the:

    

Three months ended

   $ (2,788 )   $ (135 )

Note 12—Segment Information

As a result of the acquisitions of WhereNet Corp., proveo AG, and Navis Holdings, LLC, Zebra now has two reportable segments: Specialty Printing Group (SPG) and Enterprise Solutions Group (ESG).

SPG includes direct thermal and thermal transfer label and receipt printers, passive radio frequency identification (RFID) printer/encoders, dye sublimation card printers and digital photo printers. Also included in this group is a comprehensive range of specialty supplies consisting of self-adhesive labels, thermal transfer ribbons, thermal printheads, batteries and other accessories, including software for label design and printer network management.

ESG has evolved over the last year with the acquisitions of WhereNet Corp., proveo AG, and Navis Holdings, LLC. The solutions that these companies provide are sold on a contract basis and are typically installed over several quarters. These contracts cover a range of services, including design, installation and ongoing maintenance services.

Segment information is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 29,
2008
    March 31,
2007
 
Net sales:     

SPG

   $ 224,751     $ 201,895  

ESG

     21,526       6,681  
                

Total

   $ 246,277     $ 208,576  
                
Operating profit (loss):     

SPG

   $ 61,605     $ 51,792  

ESG

     (7,063 )     (3,580 )

Corporate and other

     (15,188 )     (12,879 )
                

Total

   $ 39,354     $ 35,333  
                

 

     March 29,
2008
   December 31,
2007
Identifiable assets:      

SPG

   $ 393,319    $ 370,786

ESG

     324,478      320,689

Corporate and other

     348,809      342,803
             

Total

   $ 1,066,606    $ 1,034,278
             

Corporate and other includes corporate administration costs or assets that support both reporting segments.

 

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Prior period amounts have been restated to conform to requirements of SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of and Enterprise and Related Information.

Note 13—Costs associated with Exit or Disposal Activities

During the first quarter of 2008, we initiated two different plans to close facilities. These plans are being accounted for under SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Cost Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. All exit costs associated with these activities are identified on a separate line of our Consolidated Statement of Earnings, as part of operating expenses. These plans are intended to reduce costs and improve manufacturing efficiency.

In January 2008, we initiated a plan to close our supplies manufacturing plant in Warwick, Rhode Island. This operation is being transferred to a new facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, which is now our East Coast supplies manufacturing facility. This transition is expected to be completed during the second quarter. As of March 29, 2008, we expect to incur the following exit costs (in thousands):

 

Type of Cost

   Cost incurred
to date
   Additional cost
expected
   Total costs
expected to be
incurred

Severance, stay bonuses, and other employee-related expenses

   $ 358    $ 32    $ 390

Other exit costs

     —        238      238
                    

Total

   $ 358    $ 270    $ 628
                    

In February 2008, we announced plans to establish regional distribution and configuration centers, consolidate our supplier base, and transfer final assembly of thermal printers to Jabil Circuit, Inc., a global third-party electronics manufacturer. These actions are intended to optimize our global printer product supply chain by improving responsiveness to customer needs and increasing Zebra’s flexibility to meet emerging business opportunities. As a result, all printer manufacturing in our Vernon Hills, Illinois and Camarillo, California will be transferred to Jabil’s facility in HuangPu, China. This transition is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete. As of March 29, 2008, we expect to incur the following exit costs (in thousands):

 

Type of Cost

   Cost incurred
to date
   Additional cost
expected
   Total costs
expected to be
incurred

Severance, stay bonuses, and other employee-related expenses

   $ 1,081    $ 4,919    $ 6,000

Professional services

     1,051      3,914      4,965

Relocation and transition costs

     744      13,377      14,121
                    

Total

   $ 2,876    $ 22,210    $ 25,086
                    

Liabilities and expenses related to exit activities for the three months ended March 29, 2008, were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Warwick
Closure
    Manufacturing
Transfer
   Total  

Accrued liabilities related to exit activities at December 31, 2007

   $ —       $ —      $ —    

Expenses incurred for the three months ended March 29, 2008

     358       2,876      3,234  

Less: Amounts paid for the three months ended March 29, 2008

     (51 )     —        (51 )
                       

Accrued liabilities related to exit activities at March 29, 2008

   $ 307     $ 2,876    $ 3,183  
                       

All current exit costs are included in operating expenses for the Specialty Printing Group.

 

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Note 14—Contingencies

On January 31, 2003, a Writ of Summons was filed in the Nantes Commercial Court, Nantes, France, by Printherm, a French corporation, and several of its shareholders (collectively, “Printherm”), against Zebra Technologies France (“ZTF”), a French corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Zebra. Printherm seeks damages in the amount of €15,304,000 and additional unspecified damages in connection with ZTF’s termination of negotiations in December 2000 respecting the proposed acquisition by Zebra of the capital stock of Printherm. The negotiation was terminated based on unsatisfactory results of the ongoing due diligence. We believe that Printherm’s claims are without merit and that a loss is not likely to occur. We will vigorously defend the action.

Printherm filed bankruptcy proceedings on August 30, 2004, and the Commercial Court ordered its liquidation on November 30, 2004. The case was put on hold until the Court-appointed liquidator filed a submission in August 2005, which started the proceedings again. ZTF filed its answer on November 19, 2005, in anticipation of a Court-ordered December 19, 2005, hearing date. In response to a request by Printherm’s liquidator, the Court postponed the hearing date until March 27, 2008 to provide time for Printherm to respond to ZTF’s answer. The Printherm liquidator filed its response to ZTF’s answer shortly before the March 27 hearing date. ZTF argued that the filing date provided ZTF with insufficient time to prepare for the hearing, and the Court struck the case from the docket as a sanction against Printherm. Printherm’s liquidator will now be required to reinstate the case before the Court, and the Court has not yet determined the calendar for doing so.

On April 9, 2008, a complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by Barcode Informatica, Ltd. (“Barcode”), a former Brazilian reseller, against Zebra. The complaint alleges that Zebra wrongfully terminated Barcode’s reseller status and tortiously interfered with Barcode’s alleged bid for the sale of printers to Brazilian Post. Barcode’s claim seeks an unspecified amount of damages. We believe that Barcode’s claims are without merit and we will vigorously defend the action.

Note 15—Warranty. In general, Zebra provides warranty coverage of one year on printers against defects in material and workmanship. Printheads are warranted for nine months and batteries are warranted for three months. A provision for warranty expense is recorded at the time of shipment and adjusted quarterly based on historical warranty experience. The following is a summary of Zebra’s accrued warranty obligation (in thousands).

 

     Three Months Ended
March 29, 2008
    Three Months Ended
March 31, 2007
 

Balance at the beginning of the year

   $ 3,411     $ 2,250  

Warranty expense year-to-date

     1,711       1,661  

Warranty payments made year-to-date

     (1,299 )     (879 )
                

Balance at the end of the period

   $ 3,823     $ 3,032  
                

During 2005, Zebra began providing for environmental recycling reserves similar to warranty reserves. In the European Union, we have an obligation in the future to recycle printers. This reserve is based on all new printers sold after August 13, 2005, and printers sold prior to that date that are returned to us upon our sale of a new printer to a customer. The following is a summary of Zebra’s accrued recycling obligation (in thousands).

 

     Three Months Ended
March 29, 2008
   Three Months Ended
March 31, 2007
 

Balance at the beginning of the year

   $ 3,706    $ 2,115  

Recycling expense year-to-date

     778      437  

Recycling payments made year-to-date

     —        —    

Exchange rate impact

     8      (6 )
               

Balance at the end of the period

   $ 4,492    $ 2,546  
               

Note 16—Income Taxes

On January 1, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. According to FIN No. 48, we identified, evaluated, and measured the amount of income tax benefits to be recognized for all of our income tax positions. The net income tax assets recognized under FIN No. 48 did not differ from the net assets recognized

 

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before adoption, and, therefore, we did not record an adjustment related to the adoption of FIN No. 48. Zebra did not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of March 29, 2008.

Zebra has concluded all U.S. federal income tax audits for years through 2004. The tax years 2004 through 2007 remain open to examination by multiple state taxing jurisdictions.

Zebra’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense. For the quarter ended March 29, 2008, we did not accrue any interest or penalties into income tax expense.

The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2008 was 34.5% compared with an income tax rate of 34.7% for the first quarter of 2007.

Note 17—New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations, to create greater consistency in the accounting and financial reporting of business combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This statement applies to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and will generally affect acquisitions going forward.

Note 18—Subsequent Events

On April 1, 2008, Zebra acquired all of the outstanding stock of Multispectral Solutions, Inc., (MSSI) for $18,000,000 in cash. MSSI is based in Germantown, Maryland, and is a global provider of ultra wideband (UWB) real-time locating systems and other UWB-based wireless technology. MSSI will become part of the Enterprise Solutions Group.

 

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

Consolidated Results of Operations

Net sales for the first quarter of 2008, compared with the first quarter of 2007, increased 18.1% with strength in all international regions. Sales from recent acquisitions supplemented continued robust sales growth of our established printer and service lines. Gross margin increased because of a richer product mix combined with higher average unit prices on mobile and desktop printers, improved labor efficiency and overhead spending control. Higher operating expenses resulted from increases in payroll costs, outside commissions, project costs, professional service fees, travel and entertainment expenses, recruiting and relocation costs, offsite meetings. Much of the increased payroll and benefit costs was a result of our recent acquisitions. In addition, amortization of intangibles increased $2,191,000, and we incurred exit costs of $3,234,000 related to the transfer of our printer manufacturing to a third-party manufacturer and the closure of our Warwick, Rhode Island, supplies manufacturing facility.

 

     Three Months Ended                
     March 29,
2008
   March 31,
2007
   Percent
Change
    Percent of
Total Sales - 2008
   Percent of
Total Sales - 2007

Net sales

   $ 246,277    $ 208,576    18.1     100.0    100.0

Cost of sales

     123,480      108,786    13.5     50.1    52.2
                     

Gross profit

     122,797      99,790    23.1     49.9    47.8

Operating expenses

     83,443      64,457    29.5     33.9    30.9
                     

Operating income

     39,354      35,333    11.4     16.0    16.9
                 

Other income

     2,851      5,555    (48.7 )   1.1    2.7
                         

Income before income taxes

     42,205      40,888    3.2     17.1    19.6
                 

Income taxes

     14,561      14,172    2.7     5.9    6.8
                         

Net income

   $ 27,644    $ 26,716    3.5     11.2    12.8
                         

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.42    $ 0.39        
                     

Sales by product category, percent change, and percent of total sales for the three months ended March 29, 2008, and March 31, 2007, were (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     Three Months Ended                   

Product Category

   March 29,
2008
    March 31,
2007
    Percent
Change
   Percent of
Total Sales - 2008
    Percent of
Total Sales - 2007
 

Hardware

   $ 180,181     $ 159,588     12.9    73.2     76.5  

Supplies

     41,902       38,081     10.0    17.0     18.3  

Service and software

     25,180       9,394     168.0    10.2     4.5  

Shipping and handling

     1,802       1,648     9.3    0.7     0.8  

Cash flow hedging activities

     (2,788 )     (135 )   NM    (1.1 )   (0.1 )
                               

Total sales

   $ 246,277     $ 208,576     18.1    100.0     100.0  
                               

Sales to customers by geographic region, percent changes and percent of total sales for the three months ended March 29, 2008, and March 31, 2007, were (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     Three Months Ended               

Geographic Region

   March 29,
2008
   March 31,
2007
   Percent
Change
   Percent of
Total Sales - 2008
   Percent of
Total Sales - 2007

Europe, Middle East and Africa

   $ 97,370    $ 75,985    28.1    39.5    36.4

Latin America

     15,983      12,523    27.6    6.5    6.0

Asia-Pacific

     23,778      15,562    52.8    9.7    7.5
                          

Total International

     137,131      104,070    31.8    55.7    49.9

North America

     109,146      104,506    4.4    44.3    50.1
                          

Total sales

   $ 246,277    $ 208,576    18.1    100.0    100.0
                          

 

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Zebra’s non-operating income and expense items are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 29,
2008
    March 31,
2007
 

Investment income

   $ 2,405     $ 5,304  

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     700       175  

Other, net

     (254 )     76  
                

Total other income

   $ 2,851     $ 5,555  
                

Rate of Return Analysis:

    

Average cash and marketable securities balances

   $ 293,732     $ 505,837  

Annualized rate of return

     3.3 %     4.2 %

Cash and marketable securities balances and resulting investment income for the first quarter of 2008 have decreased substantially compared to the first quarter of 2007 due to payments for recent acquisitions.

Specialty Printing Group

 

     Three Months Ended               
     March 29,
2008
   March 31,
2007
   Percent
Change
   Percent of
Total Sales - 2008
   Percent of
Total Sales - 2007

Net sales

   $ 224,751    $ 201,895    11.3    100.0    100.0

Cost of sales

     112,812      104,266    8.2    50.2    51.6
                          

Gross profit

     111,939      97,629    14.7    49.8    48.4

Operating expenses

     50,334      45,837    9.8    22.4    22.7
                          

Operating income

     61,605      51,792    18.9    27.4    25.7
                          

Net sales in our Specialty Printing Group (SPG) increased 11.3% during the first quarter of 2008, with virtually all growth outside of North America. New printer products (defined as printers released within 18 months prior to the end of the applicable fiscal period) accounted for 19.1% of printer sales in the first quarter of 2008, compared with 12.2% of printer sales in the first quarter of 2007 and 16.6% for the fourth quarter of 2007.

Our international sales are denominated in multiple currencies, primarily the dollar, pound and euro. This directly causes our reported sales to be subject to fluctuations based on changes in currency rates. We estimate that favorable foreign exchange movements of the euro and the pound versus the dollar had a positive impact of $9,315,000 on sales during the first quarter.

We currently hedge a portion of anticipated euro-denominated sales to partially protect Zebra against exchange rate movements. For the first quarter, this program resulted in a loss of $2,788,000. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for a more detailed discussion of this hedging program.

Printer unit volumes and average selling price information is summarized below:

 

     Three Months Ended
     March 29,
2008
   March 31,
2007
   Percent
Change

Total printers shipped

     242,401      229,787    5.5

Average selling price of printers shipped

   $ 614    $ 566    8.5

For the first quarter of 2008, unit volumes increased in nearly all printer product lines compared to the first quarter of 2007 with notable volume increases in high-performance tabletop and mobile printers.

Gross profit margin for SPG was affected by favorable foreign currency movements, which increased first quarter gross profit by $8,494,000. A rich product mix combined with higher mobile and desktop average unit selling prices,

 

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improved labor efficiency and overhead spending control also contributed to the improvement in gross margin for SPG during the first quarter of 2008.

Operating expenses increased primarily due to increases in payroll and benefit costs of $920,000. We also incurred $3,234,000 of costs related to the transfer of our printer manufacturing to a third-party manufacturer and the closure of our Warwick, Rhode Island, supplies manufacturing facility. In addition, we incurred costs in the amount of $577,000 to move our High Wycombe, UK location into a new facility.

Enterprise Solutions Group

 

     Three Months Ended                   
     March 29,
2008
    March 31,
2007
    Percent
Change
   Percent of
Total Sales - 2008
    Percent of
Total Sales - 2007
 

Net sales

   $ 21,526     $ 6,681     222.2    100.0     100.0  

Cost of sales

     10,668       4,520     136.0    49.6     67.7  
                               

Gross profit

     10,858       2,161     402.5    50.4     32.3  

Operating expenses

     17,921       5,741     212.2    83.2     85.9  
                               

Operating loss

     (7,063 )     (3,580 )   NM    (32.8 )   (53.6 )
                               

During 2007, Zebra acquired three companies which are being combined to make up our Enterprise Solutions Group (ESG). On January 25, 2007, we acquired WhereNet Corp., a provider of active radio frequency identification (RFID) based wireless solutions used to track and manage enterprise assets. On July 2, 2007, we acquired proveo AG, a provider of complete hardware and software systems for tracking motorized vehicles using global positioning systems (GPS). On December 14, 2007, we acquired Navis Holdings, LLC., a provider of software solutions to optimize the flow of goods through marine terminals and other operations managing cargo movement through ports and intermodal facilities. Together, these companies give Zebra the ability to deliver more high-value applications that help our customers identify, track and manage assets, transactions and people.

Sales and gross margins for both 2007 and 2008 are being affected by deferred revenue adjustments mandated by the purchase accounting requirements. Only a portion of the deferred revenue is allowed to be recognized on contracts that were in process at the acquisition dates. In addition, due to the timing of these acquisitions throughout 2007, the first quarter revenue and expense amounts for 2007 only reflect a portion of the operating expenses for ESG.

ESG operating expenses for the first quarter of 2008 reflect normal spending rates and should continue at this rate going forward. Operating expenses for ESG include amortization expense of $3,039,000 for the first quarter of 2008, and $932,000 for the first quarter of 2007. A charge for acquired in process technology $1,853,000 was also included in the first quarter of 2007.

On April 1, 2008, Zebra acquired all of the outstanding stock of Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI). MSSI is a global provider of ultra wideband (UWB) real-time locating systems and other UWB-based wireless technology. MSSI will become part of the Enterprise Solutions Group.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 29, 2008, Zebra had $306,284,000 in cash and investment and marketable securities, compared with $281,179,000 at December 31, 2007. Factors affecting cash and investment balances during the first three months of 2008 include (note that changes discussed below include the impact of foreign currency):

 

   

Operations provided cash in the amount of $32,204,000, primarily from net income.

 

   

Accounts receivable increased $21,393,000 year-to-date because of higher sales. Days sales outstanding increased to 64 days in the first quarter of 2008 compared to 59 days at the end of 2007.

 

   

Inventories increased $3,834,000. Inventory turns remained at 5.6 during the first quarter of 2008 compared to the end of 2007.

 

   

Accounts payable increased $2,901,000, due to timing of vendor payments.

 

   

Taxes payable increased $12,534,000 because of the timing of tax payments.

 

   

Purchases of property and equipment totaled $5,909,000.

 

   

Net purchases of investments totaled $16,349,000.

 

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Purchases of treasury shares totaled $24,600,000. Zebra made open market repurchases of our shares under authorizations of the Board of Directors dated July 30, 2007 and February 25, 2008. An additional 277,187 shares had been repurchased for $9,153,000 as of March 29, 2008, but the cash had not yet been transferred.

 

   

Stock option exercises and purchases under the stock purchase plan contributed $667,000.

In February 2008, we announced that printer manufacturing is being transferred to a third-party manufacturer. This transition is expected to occur over the next 18 to 24 months. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for further information.

Management believes that existing capital resources and funds generated from operations are sufficient to finance anticipated capital requirements. It is our intention to actively pursue opportunities to acquire other businesses.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management prepared the consolidated financial statements of Zebra Technologies Corporation under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions we used are reasonable, based upon the information available.

Our estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts in our financial statements. The following accounting policies comprise those that we believe are the most critical in understanding and evaluating Zebra’s reported financial results.

Revenue Recognition

Product revenue is recognized once four criteria are met: (1) we have persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred and title has passed to the customer, which happens at the point of shipment provided that no significant obligations remain; (3) the price is fixed and determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. Other items that affect our revenue recognition include:

Customer Returns

Customers have the right to return products that do not function properly within a limited time after delivery. We monitor and track product returns and record a provision for the estimated future returns based on historical experience and any notification received of pending returns. Returns have historically been within expectations and the provisions established, but Zebra cannot guarantee that it will continue to experience return rates consistent with historical patterns. Historically, our product returns have not been significant. However, if a significant issue should arise, it could have a material impact on our financial statements.

Growth Rebates

Some of our channel program partners are offered incentive rebates based on the attainment of specific growth targets related to products they purchase from us over a quarter or year. These rebates are recorded as a reduction to revenue. Each quarter, we estimate the amount of outstanding growth rebates and establish a reserve for them based on shipment history. Historically, actual growth rebates have been in line with our estimates.

Price Protection

Some of our customers are offered price protection by Zebra as an incentive to carry inventory of our product. These price protection plans provide that if we lower prices, we will credit them for the price decrease on inventory they hold. We estimate future payments under price protection programs quarterly and establish a reserve, which is charged against revenue. Our customers typically carry limited amounts of inventory, and Zebra infrequently lowers prices on current products. As a result, the amounts paid under these plans have been minimal.

Software Revenue

We sell four types of software and record revenue as follows:

 

   

Our Enterprise Solutions Group has fixed fee software implementation projects, for which we use the percentage of completion method for revenue recognition. Under this method of accounting,

 

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we recognize revenue based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs. If increases in projected costs-to-complete are sufficient to create a loss contract, the entire estimated loss is charged to operations in the period the loss first becomes known.

 

   

Our printers contain embedded firmware, which is part of the hardware purchase. We consider the sale of this firmware to be incidental to the sale of the printer and do not attribute any revenue to it.

 

   

We sell a limited amount of prepackaged, or off-the-shelf, software for the creation of bar code labels using our printers. There is no customization required to use this software, and we have no post-shipment obligations on the software. Revenue is recognized at the time this prepackaged software is shipped.

 

   

We sometimes provide custom software as part of a printer installation project. We bill custom software development services separate from the related hardware. Revenue related to custom software is recognized once the custom software development services have been completed and accepted by the customer.

Shipping and Handling

We charge our customers for shipping and handling services based upon our internal price list for these items. The amounts billed to customers are recorded as revenue when the product ships. Any costs incurred related to these services are included in cost of sales.

From time to time, Zebra will enter into sales transactions that include more than one product type. This bundle of products might include printers, current or future supplies, and services. When this type of transaction occurs, we allocate the purchase price to each product type based on the fair value of the individual products. The revenue for each individual product is then recognized when the recognition criteria for that product is fully met.

Investments and Marketable Securities

Investments and marketable securities at March 29, 2008, consisted of the following:

 

U.S. government securities    19.3 %
State and municipal bonds    75.1 %
Corporate bonds    1.2 %
Partnership interests    4.4 %

We classify our debt and marketable equity securities in one of three categories: trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held-to-maturity securities are those debt securities that Zebra has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. All securities not included in trading or held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale except for partnership interests described below.

Trading and available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of discounts or premiums. Unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized. As of March 29, 2008, Zebra’s investments in marketable debt securities are classified as available-for-sale. In addition, as of March 29, 2008, all of our investments in marketable debt securities with maturities greater than one year are classified as long-term in the balance sheet due to our ability and intent to hold them until maturity.

All investments in marketable securities except the partnership interests are classified as available-for-sale securities. We account for the partnership interests using the costs method until our ownership percentage in a partnership reaches 5% of the total partnership portfolio value. At that time, we begin using the equity method to account for the partnership. During 2006, we reached the 5% threshold on one of our partnership interests. During 2007, we liquidated this partnership. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we also liquidated 95% of two other partnership interests, with the balances in all remaining partnership interests to be liquidated in 2008.

Accounts Receivable

We have standardized credit granting and review policies and procedures for all customer accounts, including:

 

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Credit reviews of all new customer accounts,

 

   

Ongoing credit evaluations of current customers,

 

   

Credit limits and payment terms based on available credit information,

 

   

Adjustments to credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current credit worthiness, and

 

   

An active collection effort by regional credit functions, reporting directly to the corporate financial officers.

We reserve for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and specific customer collection issues. Over the last three years, accounts receivable reserves varied from 0.6% to 3.3% of total accounts receivable. Accounts receivable reserves as of March 29, 2008, were $5,384,000, or 3.0% of the balance due. We feel this reserve level is appropriate considering the quality of the portfolio as of March 29, 2008. While credit losses have historically been within expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that our credit loss experience will continue to be consistent with historical experience.

Inventories

We value our inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase or manufacture using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or the current estimated market value. We review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on forecasts of product demand and production requirements for the subsequent twelve months.

Over the last three years, our reserves for excess and obsolete inventories have ranged from 8.2% to 14.2% of gross inventory. As of March 29, 2008, inventory reserves were $7,967,000, or 8.2% of gross inventory. We feel this reserve level is appropriate considering the quantities and quality of the inventories as of March 29, 2008.

Valuation of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets and Goodwill

We test the impairment of goodwill each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We completed our last assessment during June 2007. At that time, no adjustment to goodwill was necessary due to impairment.

We evaluate the impairment of identifiable intangibles and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Factors considered that may trigger an impairment review consist of:

 

   

Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results,

 

   

Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business,

 

   

Significant negative industry or economic trends,

 

   

Significant decline in Zebra’s stock price for a sustained period, and

 

   

Significant decline in market capitalization relative to net book value.

If we believe that one or more of the above indicators of impairment have occurred and the undiscounted cash flow test is failed in the case of amortizable assets, we measure impairment based on projected discounted cash flows using a discount rate that incorporates the risk inherent in the cash flows. Net intangible assets, long-lived assets and goodwill amounted to $432,673,000 as of March 29, 2008.

 

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Income Taxes

On January 1, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”. According to FIN No. 48, we identified, evaluated, and measured the amount of income tax benefits to be recognized for all of our income tax positions. The net income tax assets recognized under FIN No. 48 did not differ from the net assets recognized before adoption, and, therefore, we did not record an adjustment related to the adoption of FIN No. 48. Zebra did not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of March 29, 2008.

Zebra has concluded all U.S. federal income tax audits for years through 2003. The tax years 2002 through 2006 remain open to examination by multiple state taxing jurisdictions.

Zebra’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense. For the quarter ended March 29, 2008, we did not accrue any interest or penalties into income tax expense.

Contingencies

We record estimated liabilities related to contingencies based on our estimates of the probable outcomes. Quarterly, we assess the potential liability related to pending litigation, tax audits and other contingencies and confirm or revise estimates and reserves as appropriate.

For a discussion of open legal matters, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stock-based Compensation

As of March 29, 2008, Zebra had an active stock option plan and a stock purchase plan available for future grants. We accounted for these plans in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payments. Zebra recognizes compensation costs over the vesting period of 1 month to 5 years. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for further information.

Significant Customer

ScanSource, Inc. is our most significant customer. Our net sales to ScanSource, Inc., an international distributor of Zebra products, as a percentage of total net sales, were as follows:

 

     March 29,
2008
    March 31,
2007
 

For the three months ended

   15.6 %   16.0 %

No other customer accounted for 10% or more of total net sales during these time periods.

Safe Harbor

Forward-looking statements contained in this filing are subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are highly dependent upon a variety of important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such forward looking statements. These factors include:

 

   

Market acceptance of Zebra’s printer and software products and competitors’ product offerings and the potential effects of technological changes,

 

   

The effect of market conditions in North America and other geographic regions,

 

   

Our ability to control manufacturing and operating costs, including the success of migrating final printer product assembly offshore to a third-party manufacturer,

 

   

Success of integrating acquisitions,

 

   

Interest rate and financial market conditions because of our large investment portfolio,

 

   

Foreign exchange rates due to the large percentage of our international sales and operations, and

 

   

The outcome of litigation in which Zebra is involved, particularly litigation or claims related to infringement of third-party intellectual property rights.

When used in this document and documents referenced, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “will” and “expect” and similar expressions as they relate to Zebra or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. We encourage readers of this report to review Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, for a further discussion of issues that could affect Zebra’s future

 

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results. Zebra undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason after the date of this report.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There were no material changes in Zebra’s market risk during the quarter ended March 29, 2008. For additional information on market risk, refer to the “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for further discussion of investments and marketable securities.

In the normal course of business, portions of Zebra’s operations are subject to fluctuations in currency values. We manage these risks using derivative financial instruments.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q. The controls evaluation was conducted under the supervision of our Disclosure Committee, and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Office and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that (i) the information required to be disclosed by us in this report on Form 10-Q was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Zebra completed acquisitions of WhereNet Corp., and Navis Holding, LLC during 2007. In our report on internal controls included in our Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007, we excluded these acquisitions from the scope. For our report on internal controls to be included in Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008, these acquisitions will be included in the scope. Management is currently in the process of documenting and evaluating the internal controls for these acquisitions.

In January 2008, Zebra began a program to update substantially all of its key financial systems over a three year period. As pieces of these systems are completed, they will be subject to the requirements related to internal controls over financial reporting. The requirements for internal controls over financial reporting will be a fundamental element of the design and implementation of these systems.

During 2008, we made additional changes to our controls and procedures as part of our ongoing monitoring of our controls. However, none of these changes has materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including our Chief Executive Office and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Zebra have been detected.

These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information included in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and the factors identified under “Safe Harbor” at the end of Item 2 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing Zebra. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and/or operating results.

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

Treasury Shares

During the first quarter of 2008, Zebra purchased 1,029,187 shares of Zebra’s Class A Common Stock as follows:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period

   Total number
of shares
purchased
   Average
price paid
per share
   Total number of
shares purchased as
part of publicly
announced
program
   Maximum number
of shares that may

yet be purchased
under the
program

January 2008 (January 1 – January 26)

   —        —      —      380,700

February 2008 (January 27 – February 23)

   —        —      —      380,700

March 2008 (February 24 – March 29)

   1,029,187    $ 32.80    1,029,187    2,351,513

(1) On August 1, 2007, Zebra announced that the Board authorized the purchase of 3,000,000 shares of Zebra common stock at prices to be determined at management’s discretion. The authorization did not have an expiration. On February 25, 2008, Zebra announced that the Board authorized the purchase of an additional 3,000,000 shares under the same terms. The final shares authorized by the Board in 2007 were purchased during the quarter ended March 29, 2008, and all shares remaining authorized for purchase at March 29, 2008 were authorized under the Board’s 2008 authorization.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

10.1    Employment Agreement by and between Joanne Townsend and the Company dated March 17, 2008.
10.2    2008 Management Bonus Plan.
10.3    Manufacturing Services Agreement between Jabil Circuit, Inc. and the Company dated May 30, 2007.
10.4    2005 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan as amended.
31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
32.1    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

    ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Date: April 30, 2008   By:  

/s/ Anders Gustafsson

      Anders Gustafsson
      Chief Executive Officer
Date: April 30, 2008   By:  

/s/ Charles R. Whitchurch

      Charles R. Whitchurch
      Chief Financial Officer

 

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