UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

 

 

Commission File Number: 0-25434

Brooks Automation, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

978-262-2400

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

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

None

 

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

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Yes o     No þ

 

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 þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to the Form 10-K.  o

 

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of March 31, 2008, was approximately $605,483,000 based on the closing price per share of $9.72 on that date on the Nasdaq Stock Market. As of March 31, 2008, 63,505,047 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding. As of November 14, 2008, 63,574,290 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01, par value, were outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement involving the election of directors, which is expected to be filed within 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Report.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Brooks Automation, Inc. (“Brooks”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), a Delaware Corporation, is a leading provider of automation, vacuum and instrumentation solutions and is a highly valued business partner to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and equipment users throughout the world. We serve markets where equipment productivity and availability is a critical factor for our customers’ success. Our largest served market is the semiconductor manufacturing industry. We also provide unique solutions to customers in data storage, advanced display, analytical instruments and solar markets. We develop and deliver differentiated solutions that range from proprietary products to highly respected manufacturing services.

 

Our company was founded in 1978 initially to develop and market automated substrate handling equipment for semiconductor manufacturing and became a publicly traded company in February 1995. Since that time, we have grown significantly from a niche supplier of wafer handling robot modules for vacuum-based processes into a broader based supplier of products and services most notably through the consolidation with Helix Technology Corporation in 2005.

 

Markets

 

Our primary served market is the global semiconductor industry, which in recent years has experienced significant growth in both the unit volumes and device complexity. This growth is being driven by the increasing demand for high performance electronic products that require semiconductors, which are increasingly fabricated in Asia. The products include computers, telecommunications equipment, consumer electronics and wireless communications devices. In addition to this primary market, we have been increasing our presence in global markets outside of the semiconductor industry, primarily for our vacuum related technologies and services. Much like semiconductors, markets such as data storage; advanced flat panel displays; industrial instruments and solar have begun to experience an increasing need for the technologies and services we provide.

 

Our fiscal 2008 revenues by end market were as follows:

 

 

The production of advanced semiconductor chips is an extremely complex and logistically challenging manufacturing activity. To create the tens of millions of microscopic transistors and connect them both horizontally and in vertical layers in order to produce a functioning integrated circuit, or IC chip, the silicon wafers must go through hundreds of process steps that require complex processing equipment, or tools, to create the integrated circuits. A large production fab may have more than 70 different types of process and metrology tools, totaling as many as 500 tools or more. Up to 40% of these tools perform processes in a vacuum, such as removing, depositing, or measuring material on wafer surfaces. Wafers can go through as many as 400 different process steps before fabrication is complete. These steps, which comprise the initial fabrication of the integrated circuit and are referred to in the industry as front-end processes, are repeated many times to create the desired pattern on the silicon wafer. As the complexity of semiconductors continues to increase, the number of process steps that occur in a vacuum environment also increases, resulting in a greater need for both automation and vacuum technology solutions due to the sensitive handling requirements and increased number of tools. The requirement for efficient, higher throughput and extremely clean manufacturing for semiconductor wafer fabs and other high performance electronic-based products has created a substantial market for substrate handling automation (moving the wafers around and between tools in a semiconductor fab); tool automation (the use of robots and modules used in conjunction with and inside process tools that move wafers from station to station), and vacuum systems technology to create and sustain the environment necessary to fabricate various products.

Products

 

In the semiconductor industry, wafer handling robotics have emerged as a critical technology in determining the efficacy and productivity of the complex tools which process 300mm wafers in the world’s most advanced wafer fabs. A tool is built around a process chamber using automation technology provided by a company such as Brooks, to move wafers into and out of the chamber. Today, OEMs build their tools using a cluster architecture, whereby several process chambers are mounted to one central frame that processes wafers. We specialize in developing and building the handling system, as well as the vacuum technology used in these tools. Our products can be provided as an individual component or as a complete handling system. Automation products are provided to support both atmospheric and vacuum based processes.

 

In order to facilitate the handling and transportation of wafers into a process tool, an equipment front-end module, or EFEM, is utilized. An EFEM serves as an atmospheric interface for wafers being fabricated by tools that use either atmospheric or vacuum processes. In addition to proprietary products, we also provide “Extended Factory” services to build EFEMs and other sub-systems which are based on an OEM specified design. We believe that we are the largest worldwide manufacturer of EFEMs through our Gresham, Oregon and Wuxi, China facilities.

 

We provide the products and technology to create the required vacuum as well as automate these processes. For vacuum-based processes, our automation systems use vacuum robots to transfer wafers into the OEM’s process modules. In addition, high vacuum pumps, which we also provide, are required in certain process steps to remove all potentially contaminating gases and impurities from the processing environment and to optimize that environment by maintaining pressure consistency of the known process gas. In achieving optimal production yields, semiconductor manufacturers must also ensure that each process operates at carefully controlled pressure levels. Impurities or incorrect pressure levels can lower production yields, thereby significantly increasing the cost per useable semiconductor chip produced. We provide various pressure measurement instruments that form part of this pressure control loop on production processing equipment. Some key vacuum processes include: dry etching and dry stripping; chemical vapor deposition, or CVD; physical vapor deposition, or PVD; and ion implantation.

 

Current Trends

 

Our primary served market is the global semiconductor industry. The demand for semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment is highly cyclical. We believe it is both reasonable and prudent to expect that the global semiconductor industry will experience market conditions that fluctuate unpredictably and at times, severely. During fiscal 2006 and continuing into fiscal 2007, Brooks benefited from a cyclical upturn in demand for its products and services, which helped drive revenues and earnings to record levels. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company began to observe a slowdown in the demand for semiconductor capital equipment, the duration of which carried through all of fiscal 2008. During fiscal 2008, we continued to see growth in demand for our products in the other markets we serve. Based on discussions with our customer base, and external market forecasts, we previously had expected an improvement in demand for semiconductor capital equipment during 2009. Our outlook changed dramatically near the end of our fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 based on the impact of major economies moving into recession and the collateral effects of the recent financial crisis which will likely result in an extended and deep downturn into fiscal 2009. It is difficult to accurately predict the length of such downturns. Further, the short lead times for semiconductor capital equipment result in limited visibility to future demand trends. Although the non-semiconductor markets we serve did not reflect weakness during 2008, the recent global economic contraction could impact these markets. The decline of market valuations for public companies in the semiconductor capital equipment industry, and the deterioration in demand within the industry resulted in an impairment to the carrying value of our goodwill, intangible assets and certain buildings and leasehold improvements. We recorded an impairment charge of $200.1 million to our goodwill and intangible assets, and an impairment charge of $3.5 million for certain buildings and leasehold improvements as of September 30, 2008.

 

The major tool manufacturers in the semiconductor capital equipment market have been changing their business models to outsource the manufacturing of key subsystems including wafer handling systems. This

trend of outsourcing has accelerated through the semiconductor industry’s transition to cluster tools, which have increased the need for reliability and performance. Furthermore, our OEM customers believe they generate more value for their customers by leveraging their expertise in process technology, rather than electro-mechanical technology. Since the early 2000s, many of the major OEMs have begun to look outside their captive capabilities to suppliers, like us, who could provide them with fully integrated and tested systems. We continue to benefit from these trends.

 

Our customers serving the global semiconductor industry continue to experience a material shift in the fabrication of wafers from North American and European based facilities to wafer fabs and foundries located in Asia. We have positioned our Extended Factory business in Wuxi, China to become a critical partner of major OEMs as they execute supply chain strategies within this region. In addition to this regional shift, the global semiconductor industry is one that is continuously focused on cost reduction. As such, companies that are a part of, or a supplier to, this industry are expected to support their customers’ focus on reducing the costs of operating and maintaining their manufacturing network. In addition to innovative technology solutions that increase device yields at the wafer and wafer throughput per tool, we are aggressively looking to access markets and resources that enable us to leverage the benefits of lower cost materials and production facilities located in Asia.

 

Segments

 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, following the divestiture of our software division, we made changes to our internal reporting structure and began reporting results in three segments: Automation Systems; Critical Components; and Global Customer Operations. In the second quarter of fiscal 2008 these segment disclosures were refined to reflect the results of a comprehensive review of operations conducted subsequent to the appointment of a new CEO and CFO. These refinements resulted in minor changes to the previously disclosed split of revenues and gross margins among segments and between products and services.

 

The Automation Systems segment consists of a range of wafer handling products and systems that support both atmospheric and vacuum process technology used by our customers.

 

The Critical Components segment includes cryogenic vacuum pumping, thermal management and vacuum measurement solutions used to create, measure and control critical process vacuum applications. The pump, gauge and chiller products serve various markets that use vacuum as a critical enabler to overall system performance.

 

The Global Customer Operations segment consists of our after market activities including an extensive range of service support to our customers to address their on-site needs, spare parts and repair services, and support of legacy product lines.

 

Our fiscal 2008 segment revenues by end market were as follows:

 

 

The Automation Systems segment provides automation products for vacuum and atmospheric equipment, as well as mini-environment products, calibration and alignment products and high-precision airflow controls primarily for the semiconductor industry and high performance electronics industries. These products include wafer transport robots and platforms sold to semiconductor equipment manufacturers, as well as products for lithography that automate storage, inspection and transport of photomasks or reticles sold directly to chip manufacturers. We offer hardware for process and metrology equipment as either modules or systems. The products sold as modules are discrete components such as robots, load ports, and aligners, while those

products sold as systems are pre-integrated assemblies such as the cluster tool platform that may consist of a number of modules provided by us or other suppliers.

 

The Critical Components segment provides products and subsystems designed to create, measure and control vacuum technology solutions such as cryogenic pumps for creating vacuum, product for measuring vacuum, and thermal management products that are used in manufacturing equipment for the semiconductor, data storage, flat panel display and solar industries.

 

The Global Customer Operations segment provides customers worldwide with crucial and timely support of all our hardware offerings. We assist with the installation of hardware products, product training, consulting and sustaining on-site support. Our extensive range of global support and system monitoring services are designed to lower the total cost of ownership for our customers. The objective is to increase our customers’ system uptime through rapid response to potential operating problems. We also develop and deliver enhancements to our customers’ installed base of production tools through upgrades and other services, including the support of legacy product lines. In addition, we maintain spare parts inventories in regional hubs to enable our personnel to serve our customers and to service our products more efficiently.

 

We continuously direct resources to introduce new generations of products and services to replace the current offerings. These products and services are the culmination of an extensive R&D program and extensive customer interactions over the past few years. New products and services are developed using a product life cycle management process designed to meet goals for performance, manufacturability, cost, reliability and support.

 

Customers

 

Within the semiconductor industry, we sell our products and services to nearly every major semiconductor chip manufacturer and OEM in the world, including all of the top ten chip companies and nine of the top ten equipment companies. Our customers outside the semiconductor industry are broadly diversified. We have major customers in North America, Europe and Asia. We expect international revenues to continue to represent a significant percentage of total revenues, as our industry is seeing an increasing business shift to Asia. See Note 16, “Segment and Geographic Information” of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our sales by geographic region and revenue, income and assets by reportable segment. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” for a discussion of the risks related to foreign operations.

 

Relatively few customers account for a substantial portion of our revenues, with the top 10 customers accounting for approximately 52% of our business in fiscal 2008. We have two customers, Applied Materials, Inc. and Lam Research Corporation, that each accounted for more than 10% of our overall revenues for the year.

 

Sales, Marketing and Customer Support

 

We market and sell our products and services in Asia, Europe and North America through our direct sales organization. The sales process for our products is often multilevel, involving a team comprised of individuals from sales, marketing, engineering, operations and senior management. In many cases a customer is assigned a team that engages the customer at different levels of its organization to facilitate planning, provide product customization when required, and to ensure open communication and support. Some of our Critical Components products and services for certain international markets are sold through local country distributors. Additionally, we serve the Japanese market for our Automation Systems products and services through our Yasakawa Brooks Automation (YBA) joint venture with Yasakawa Electric Corporation of Japan.

 

Our marketing activities include participation in trade shows, delivery of seminars, participation in industry forums, distribution of sales literature, publication of press releases and articles in business and industry publications. To enhance communication and support, particularly with our international customers, we maintain sales and service centers in Asian, European and North American locations. These facilities, together with our headquarters, maintain local support capability and demonstration equipment for customers to evaluate. Customers are encouraged to discuss features and applications of our demonstration equipment with our engineers located at these facilities.

Competition

 

The semiconductor fab and process equipment manufacturing industries are highly competitive and characterized by continual changes and improvements in technology. The majority of equipment automation is still done in-house by OEMs. Our competitors among external vacuum automation suppliers are primarily Japanese companies such as Daihan, Daikin and Rorze. Also, contract manufacturing companies such as Sanmina, FoxSemicon and Flextronics are offering limited assembly and manufacturing services to OEMs. Our competitors among vacuum subsystems suppliers include Sumitomo Heavy Industries (SHI), Genesis, MKS Instruments and Inficon.

 

Atmospheric tool automation is outsourced to a larger degree and has a larger field of competitors due to the lower barriers to entry. We compete directly with other equipment automation suppliers of atmospheric modules and systems such as Asyst, Hirata, Kawasaki, Rorze, Sankyo, TDK and Shinko. Contract manufacturers are also providing assembly and manufacturing services for atmospheric systems.

 

We have a significant share of the market for vacuum cryogenic pumps and face few competitors. These competitors include SHI and Genesis. The vacuum measurement market for gauges is more fragmented with a variety of competitors that include MKS Instruments and Inficon.

 

We believe our customers will purchase our equipment automation products and vacuum subsystems as long as we continue to provide the necessary throughput, reliability, contamination control and accuracy for their advanced processing tools at an acceptable price point. We believe that we have competitive offerings with respect to all of these factors; however, we cannot guarantee that we will be successful in selling our products to OEMs who currently satisfy their automation needs in-house or from other independent suppliers, regardless of the performance or price of our products.

 

Research and Development

 

Our R&D efforts are principally focused on developing new products and services. Additionally, we invest in the enhancement of the functionality, degree of integration, reliability and performance of our existing products. Our engineering, marketing, operations and management personnel leverage their close collaborative relationships with many of their counterparts in customer organizations in an effort to proactively identify market demands with an ability to refocus our research and development investment to meet those demands as our customers require. With the rapid pace of change that characterizes semiconductor technology it is essential for us to provide high-performance and reliable products in order for us to maintain our leadership position.

 

Manufacturing

 

Our manufacturing operations are used for product assembly, integration and testing. We have adopted quality assurance procedures that include standard design practices, component selection procedures, vendor control procedures and comprehensive reliability testing and analysis to ensure the performance of our products. Our major manufacturing facilities are located in Chelmsford, Massachusetts; Gresham, Oregon; Petaluma, California; and Longmont, Colorado. As part of the Company’s long-term strategy to source products from lower cost Asian regions, we commenced utilizing our recently acquired manufacturing site in Wuxi, China to expand the reach of our Extended Factory strategy. The Wuxi facility conducts final assembly operations and the integration of products using sub-components being sourced from suppliers within a variety of lower cost Asian regions. Additionally, we manufacture certain sub-components for our vacuum products utilizing a third party manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico.

 

We utilize a just-in-time manufacturing strategy, based on the concepts of demand flow technology, for a large portion of our manufacturing process. We believe that this strategy coupled with the outsourcing of non-critical components such as machined parts, wire harnesses and PC boards reduces our fixed operating costs, improves our working capital efficiency, reduces our manufacturing cycle times and improves our flexibility to rapidly adjust production capacities. While we often use single source suppliers for certain key components and common assemblies to achieve quality control and the benefits of economies of scale, we believe that these parts and materials are readily available from other supply sources. We will continue to broaden the sourcing of our components to low cost regions, more specifically Asia.

Patents and Proprietary Rights

 

We rely upon patents, trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures, copyrights, trademarks and licensing agreements to protect our technology. Due to the rapid technological change that characterizes the semiconductor, flat panel display and related process equipment industries, we believe that the improvement of existing technology, reliance upon trade secrets and unpatented proprietary know-how and the development of new products may be as important as patent protection in establishing and maintaining competitive advantage. To protect trade secrets and know-how, it is our policy to require all technical and management personnel to enter into proprietary information and nondisclosure agreements. We cannot guarantee that these efforts will meaningfully protect our trade secrets.

 

We have obtained patents and will continue to make efforts to obtain patents, when available, in connection with our product development programs. We cannot guarantee that any patent obtained will provide protection or be of commercial benefit to us. Despite these efforts, others may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and techniques. As of September 30, 2008, we have 368 United States patents and had 130 United States patent applications pending on our behalf. In addition, we have 392 foreign patents and had 439 foreign patent applications pending on our behalf. Our United States patents expire at various times through March 2027. We cannot guarantee that our pending patent applications or any future applications will be approved, or that any patents will not be challenged by third parties. Others may have filed and in the future may file patent applications that are similar or identical to ours. These patent applications may have priority over patent applications filed by us.

 

We have successfully licensed our FOUP (front-opening unified pod) load port technology to several companies and continue to pursue the licensing of this technology to more companies that we believe are utilizing our intellectual property.

 

There has been substantial litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the semiconductor and related industries. We have in the past been, and may in the future be, notified that we may be infringing intellectual property rights possessed by other third parties. We cannot guarantee that infringement claims by third parties or other claims for indemnification by customers or end users of our products resulting from infringement claims will not be asserted in the future or that such assertions, if proven to be true, will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any such claims are asserted against our intellectual property rights, we may seek to enter into a royalty or licensing arrangement. We cannot guarantee, however, that a license will be available on reasonable terms or at all. We could decide in the alternative to resort to litigation to challenge such claims or to attempt to design around the patented technology. Litigation or an attempted design around could be costly and would divert our management’s attention and resources. In addition, if we do not prevail in such litigation or succeed in an attempted design around, we could be forced to pay significant damages or amounts in settlement. Even if a design around is effective, the functional value of the product in question could be greatly diminished.

 

We acquired certain assets, including a transport system known as IridNet, from the Infab division of Jenoptik AG on September 30, 1999. Asyst Technologies, Inc. had previously filed suit against Jenoptik AG and other defendants, or collectively, the defendants, in the Northern District of California charging that products of the defendants, including IridNet, infringe Asyst’s U.S. Patent Nos. 4,974,166, or the ‘166 patent, and 5,097,421, or the ‘421 patent. Asyst later withdrew its claims related to the ‘166 patent from the case. Summary judgment of noninfringement was granted in that case by the District Court and judgment was issued in favor of Jenoptik on the ground that the product at issue did not infringe the asserted claims of the ’421 patent. Following certain rulings and findings adverse to Jenoptik, on August 3, 2007 the District Court issued final judgment in favor of Jenoptik. Asyst appealed, and on October 10, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit entered an order affirming the District Court’s final judgment in favor of Jenoptik.

 

We had received notice that Asyst might amend its complaint in this Jenoptik litigation to name Brooks as an additional defendant, but no such action was ever taken. Based on our investigation of Asyst’s allegations, we do not believe we are infringing any claims of Asyst’s patents. Asyst may decide to seek to prohibit us from developing, marketing and using the IridNet product without a license. We cannot guarantee

that a license would be available to us on reasonable terms, if at all. In any case, we could face litigation with Asyst. Jenoptik has agreed to indemnify us for any loss we may incur in this action.

 

Backlog

 

Backlog for our products as of September 30, 2008, totaled $63.8 million as compared to $111.2 million at September 30, 2007. This decrease is due to the cyclical semiconductor downturn and the current global economic contraction. Backlog consists of purchase orders for which a customer has scheduled delivery within the next 12 months. Backlog consists of orders principally for hardware and service agreements. Orders included in the backlog may be cancelled or rescheduled by customers without significant penalty. Backlog as of any particular date should not be relied upon as indicative of our revenues for any future period. A substantial percentage of current business generates no backlog because we deliver our products and services in the same period in which the order is received.

 

Employees

 

At September 30, 2008, we had 1,658 full time employees. In addition, the Company utilized 208 part time employees and contractors. We believe our future success will depend in larger part on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled employees. Approximately 55 employees in our facility in Jena, Germany are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relationships with these and all employees to be good.

 

Available Information

 

Our internet website address is http://www.brooks.com. Through our website, we make available, free of charge, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed, or furnished to, the Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These SEC reports can be accessed through the investor relations section of our website. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC.

 

 

Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

You should carefully consider the risks described below and the other information in this report before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock. These are the risks and uncertainties we believe are most important for you to consider. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, which we currently deem immaterial or which are similar to those faced by other companies in our industry or business in general, may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition and operating results would likely suffer. In that event, the market price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

Risks Relating to Our Industry

 

Due in part to the cyclical nature of the semiconductor manufacturing industry and related industries, as well as due to volatility in worldwide capital and equity markets, we have recently incurred operating losses and may have future losses.

 

Our business is largely dependent on capital expenditures in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and other businesses employing similar manufacturing technology. The semiconductor manufacturing industry in turn depends on current and anticipated demand for integrated circuits and the products that use them. In recent years and at present, these businesses have experienced unpredictable and volatile business cycles due in large part to rapid changes in demand and manufacturing capacity for semiconductors, and these cycles have had a negative impact on our business, sometimes causing declining revenues and operation losses. Ongoing volatility in worldwide capital and equity markets is likely to have a similarly negative impact on our

business. Recent economic developments on an international scale could lead to substantially diminished demand for our products and those of our customers which incorporate our products, especially in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. We could continue to experience future operating losses during an industry downturn and any period of uncertain demand. If an industry downturn continues for an extended period of time, our business could be materially harmed. Conversely, if demand improves rapidly, we could have insufficient inventory and manufacturing capacity to meet our customer needs on a timely basis, which could result in the loss of customers and various other expenses that could reduce gross margins and profitability.

 

We face substantial competition which may lead to price pressure and otherwise adversely affect our sales.

 

We face substantial competition throughout the world in each of our product areas. Our primary competitors are Asyst, Genesis, Inficon, Kawasaki, MKS Instruments, Rorze, Sankyo, SHI, Shinko and TDK and other smaller, regional companies. Also, contract manufacturing companies such as Sanmina and Flextronics are offering limited assembly and manufacturing services to the OEMs. We also endeavor to sell products to OEMs, such as Applied Materials, Novellus, KLA-Tencor and TEL, that also satisfy some or all of their semiconductor and flat panel display handling needs internally rather than by purchasing systems or modules from a supplier like us. Many of our competitors have substantial engineering, manufacturing, marketing and customer support capabilities. We expect our competitors to continue to improve the performance of their current products and to introduce new products and technologies that could adversely affect sales of our current and future products and services. New products and technologies developed by our competitors or more efficient production of their products could require us to make significant price reductions or decide not to compete for certain orders. If we fail to respond adequately to pricing pressures or fail to develop products with improved performance or developments with respect to the other factors on which we compete, we could lose customers or orders. If we are unable to compete effectively, our business and prospects could be materially harmed.

 

Risks Relating to Brooks

 

Our operating results could fluctuate significantly, which could negatively impact our business.

 

Our revenues, operating margins and other operating results could fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter depending upon a variety of factors, including:

 

 

As a result of these risks, we believe that quarter to quarter comparisons of our revenue and operating results may not be meaningful, and that these comparisons may not be an accurate indicator of our future performance.

 

Delays and technical difficulties in our products and operations may result in lost revenue, lost profit, delayed or limited market acceptance or product liability claims.

 

As the technology in our systems and manufacturing operations has become more complex and customized, it has become increasingly difficult to design and integrate these technologies into our newly-introduced systems, procure adequate supplies of specialized components, train technical and manufacturing personnel and make timely transitions to volume manufacturing. Due to the complexity of our manufacturing processes, we have on occasion failed to meet our customers’ delivery or performance criteria, and as a result we have deferred revenue recognition, incurred late delivery penalties and had higher warranty and service costs. We may experience these problems again in the future. We may be unable to recover expenses we incur due to changes or cancellations of customized orders. There are also substantial unanticipated costs associated with ensuring that new products function properly and reliably in the early stages of their life cycle. These costs have been and could in the future be greater than expected as a result of these complexities. Our failure to control these costs could materially harm our business and profitability.

 

Because many of our customers use our products for business-critical applications, any errors, defects or other performance or technical problems could result in financial or other damage to our customers and could significantly impair their operations. Our customers could seek to recover damages from us for losses related to any of these issues. A product liability claim brought against us, even if not successful, would likely be time-consuming and costly to defend and could adversely affect our marketing efforts.

 

If we do not continue to introduce new products and services that reflect advances in technology in a timely and effective manner, our products and services will become obsolete and our operating results will suffer.

 

Our success is dependent on our ability to respond to the technological change present in the markets we serve. The success of our product development and introduction depends on our ability to:

 

 

If we cannot succeed in responding in a timely manner to technological and/or market changes or if the new products that we introduce do not achieve market acceptance, we could lose our competitive position which could materially harm our business and our prospects.

 

Restructuring activities could adversely affect our ability to execute our business strategy.

 

Should it become necessary for us to restructure our business, including reducing our work force, due to worldwide market conditions or other factors that reduce the demand for our products and services, our ability to execute our business strategy could be adversely affected in a number of ways, including the loss of key employees; diversion of management’s attention from normal daily operations of the business; diminished

ability to respond to customer requirements, both as to products and services; disruption of our engineering and manufacturing processes, which could adversely affect our ability to introduce new products and to deliver products both on a timely basis and in accordance with the highest quality standards; and a reduced ability to execute effectively internal administrative processes, including the implementation of key information technology programs.

 

We face risks associated with the implementation of our new Enterprise Resource Planning System.

 

We are in the process of installing a third party enterprise resource planning system, or ERP System, across our facilities, which will enable the sharing of customer, supplier and other data across our company. The installation and integration of the ERP System may divert the attention of our information technology professionals and certain members of management from the management of daily operations to the integration of the ERP System. Further, we may experience unanticipated delays in the implementation of the ERP System, increased costs from what we had anticipated to implement the ERP System, difficulties in the integration of the ERP System across our facilities or interruptions in service due to failures of the ERP System. Continuing and uninterrupted performance of our ERP System is critical to the success of our business strategy. Any damage or failure that interrupts or delays operations may dissatisfy customers and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

 

The global nature of our business exposes us to multiple risks.

 

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, approximately 36% and 33%, respectively, of our revenues were derived from sales outside North America. We expect that international sales, including increased sales in Asia, will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenues. As a result of our international operations, we are exposed to many risks and uncertainties, including:

 

 

Negative developments in any of these areas in one or more countries could result in a reduction in demand for our products, the cancellation or delay of orders already placed, threats to our intellectual property, difficulty in collecting receivables, and a higher cost of doing business, any of which could materially harm our business and profitability.

 

Our business could be materially harmed if we fail to adequately integrate the operations of the businesses that we may acquire.

 

In the future, we may make acquisitions or significant investments in businesses with complementary products, services and/or technologies. Acquisitions present numerous risks, including:

 

 

 

If we acquire a new business, we may be required to expend significant funds, incur additional debt or issue additional securities, which may negatively affect our operations and be dilutive to our stockholders. In periods following an acquisition, we will be required to evaluate goodwill and acquisition-related intangible assets for impairment. When such assets are found to be impaired, they will be written down to estimated fair value, with a charge against earnings. The failure to adequately address these risks could materially harm our business and financial results.

 

Failure to retain key personnel could impair our ability to execute our business strategy.

 

The continuing service of our executive officers and essential engineering, technical and management personnel, together with our ability to attract and retain such personnel, is an important factor in our continuing ability to execute our strategy. There is substantial competition to attract such employees and the loss of any such key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results. The same could be true if we were to experience a high turnover rate among engineering and technical personnel and we were unable to replace them.

 

We face litigation risks relating to our past practices with respect to equity incentives that could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Several lawsuits, including both putative securities class actions and shareholder derivative actions, have been filed against us, our directors and officers and certain of our former directors and officers relating to our past practices with respect to equity incentives. See Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” for a more detailed description of these proceedings. Although all matters brought against us have been resolved or withdrawn, future actions could be taken. Litigation may be time-consuming, expensive and disruptive to normal business operations, and the outcome of litigation is difficult to predict. The defense of such lawsuits would result in significant expense and the continued diversion of our management’s time and attention from the operation of our business, which could impede our ability to achieve our business objectives. Some or all of the amount we may be required to pay to satisfy a judgment or settlement of any or all of these claims may not be covered by insurance.

 

Under indemnification agreements we have entered into with our officers and directors, we are required to indemnify them, and advance expenses to them, in connection with their participation in proceedings arising out of their service to us. These payments may be material, in particular since one of our former officers has been charged in connection with the United States Attorney’s investigation into our past practices with respect to equity incentives.

 

Risks Relating to Our Customers

 

Because we rely on a limited number of customers for a large portion of our revenues, the loss of one or more of these customers could materially harm our business.

 

We receive a significant portion of our revenues in each fiscal period from a relatively limited number of customers, and that trend is likely to continue. Sales to our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 52%, 54% and 50% of our total revenues in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. As the semiconductor manufacturing industry continues to consolidate and a difficult cyclical downturn takes hold, the number of our potential customers could decrease, which would increase our

dependence on our limited number of customers. The loss of one or more of these major customers, a decrease in orders from one of these customers, or the inability of one or more customers to make payments to us when they are due could materially affect our revenue, business and reputation.

 

Because of the lengthy sales cycles of many of our products, we may incur significant expenses before we generate any revenues related to those products.

 

Our customers may need several months to test and evaluate our products. This increases the possibility that a customer may decide to cancel or change plans, which could reduce or eliminate our sales to that customer. The impact of this risk can be magnified during the periods in which we introduce a number of new products, as has been the case during fiscal 2007 and 2008. As a result of this lengthy sales cycle, we may incur significant research and development expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses before we generate the related revenues for these products, and we may never generate the anticipated revenues if our customer cancels or changes its plans.

 

In addition, many of our products will not be sold directly to the end-user but will be components of other products. As a result, we rely on OEMs to select our products from among alternative offerings to be incorporated into their equipment at the design stage; so-called design-ins. The OEMs’ decisions often precede the generation of volume sales, if any, by a year or more. Moreover, if we are unable to achieve these design-ins from an OEM, we would have difficulty selling our products to that OEM because changing suppliers involves significant cost, time, effort and risk on the part of that OEM.

 

Customers generally do not make long term commitments to purchase our products and our customers may cease purchasing our products at any time.

 

Sales of our products are often made pursuant to individual purchase orders and not under long-term commitments and contracts. Our customers frequently do not provide any assurance of minimum or future sales and are not prohibited from purchasing products from our competitors at any time. Accordingly, we are exposed to competitive pricing pressures on each order. Our customers also engage in the practice of purchasing products from more than one manufacturer to avoid dependence on sole-source suppliers for certain of their needs. The existence of these practices makes it more difficult for us to increase price, gain new customers and win repeat business from existing customers.

 

Other Risks

 

We may be subject to claims of infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, or demands that we license third-party technology, which could result in significant expense and prevent us from using our technology.

 

We rely upon patents, trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures, copyrights, trademarks and licensing agreements to protect our technology. Due to the rapid technological change that characterizes the semiconductor- and flat panel display process equipment industries, we believe that the improvement of existing technology, reliance upon trade secrets and unpatented proprietary know-how and the development of new products may be as important as patent protection in establishing and maintaining competitive advantage. To protect trade secrets and know-how, it is our policy to require all technical and management personnel to enter into nondisclosure agreements. We cannot guarantee that these efforts will meaningfully protect our trade secrets.

 

There has been substantial litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the semiconductor related industries. We have in the past been, and may in the future be, notified that we may be infringing intellectual property rights possessed by other third parties. We cannot guarantee that infringement claims by third parties or other claims for indemnification by customers or end users of our products resulting from infringement claims will not be asserted in the future or that such assertions, if proven to be true, will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Particular elements of our technology could be found to infringe on the intellectual property rights or patents of others. Other companies may hold or obtain patents on inventions or otherwise claim proprietary rights to technology necessary to our business. For example, twice in 1992 and once in 1994 we received notice from General Signal Corporation that it believed that certain of our tool automation products infringed General Signal’s patent rights. We believe the matters identified in the notice from General Signal were also the subject of a dispute between General Signal and Applied Materials, Inc., which was settled in November 1997. There are also claims that have been made by Asyst Technologies Inc. that certain products we acquired through acquisition embody intellectual property owned by Asyst. To date no action has been instituted against us directly by General Signal, Applied Materials or Asyst.

 

We cannot predict the extent to which we might be required to seek licenses or alter our products so that they no longer infringe the rights of others. We also cannot guarantee that licenses will be available or the terms of any licenses we may be required to obtain will be reasonable. Similarly, changing our products or processes to avoid infringing the rights of others may be costly or impractical and could detract from the value of our products. If a judgment of infringement were obtained against us, we could be required to pay substantial damages and a court could issue an order preventing us from selling one or more of our products. Further the cost and diversion of management attention brought about by such litigation could be substantial, even if we were to prevail. Any of these events could result in significant expense to us and may materially harm our business and our prospects.

 

Our failure to protect our intellectual property could adversely affect our future operations.

 

Our ability to compete is significantly affected by our ability to protect our intellectual property. Existing trade secret, trademark and copyright laws offer only limited protection, and certain of our patents could be invalidated or circumvented. In addition, the laws of some countries in which our products are or may be developed, manufactured or sold may not fully protect our products. We cannot guarantee that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property will be adequate to prevent the misappropriation of our technology. Other companies could independently develop similar or superior technology without violating our intellectual property rights. In the future, it may be necessary to engage in litigation or like activities to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights of others, including our customers. This could require us to incur significant expenses and to divert the efforts and attention of our management and technical personnel from our business operations.

 

If the site of the majority of our manufacturing operations were to experience a significant disruption in operations, our business could be materially harmed.

 

The majority of our manufacturing facilities are concentrated in one location. If the operations of these facilities were disrupted as a result of a natural disaster, fire, power or other utility outage, work stoppage or other similar event, our business could be seriously harmed because we may be unable to manufacture and ship products and parts to our customers in a timely fashion.

 

Our business could be materially harmed if one or more key suppliers fail to deliver key components.

 

We currently obtain many of our key components on an as-needed, purchase order basis from numerous suppliers. Further, we are increasing our sourcing of products in Asia, and particularly in China, and we do not have a previous course of dealing with many of these suppliers. We do not generally have long-term supply contracts with any of these suppliers, and many of them have undertaken cost-containment measures in light of the recent downturn in the semiconductor industry. In the event of an industry upturn, these suppliers could face significant challenges in delivering components on a timely basis. Our inability to obtain components in required quantities or of acceptable quality could result in delays or reductions in product shipments to our customers. In addition, if a supplier or sub-supplier alters their manufacturing processes and suffers a production stoppage for any reason or modifies or discontinues their products, this could result in a delay or reduction in product shipments to our customers. Any of these contingencies could cause us to lose customers, result in delayed or lost revenue and otherwise materially harm our business.

Our stock price is volatile.

 

The market price of our common stock has fluctuated widely. From the beginning of fiscal year 2007 through the end of fiscal year 2008, our stock price fluctuated between a high of $19.96 per share and a low of $7.68 per share. Consequently, the current market price of our common stock may not be indicative of future market prices, and we may be unable to sustain or increase the value of an investment in our common stock. Factors affecting our stock price may include:

 

 

In addition, the stock market has recently experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations have particularly affected the market prices of the securities of high technology companies like ours. These market fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

A material amount of our assets represents goodwill and intangible assets, and our net income will be reduced if our goodwill or intangible assets become impaired.

 

As of September 30, 2008, our goodwill and intangible assets, net, represented approximately $178.4 million, or 26.9%, of our total assets. Goodwill is generated in our acquisitions when the cost of an acquisition exceeds the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets we acquire. Goodwill is subject to an impairment analysis at least annually based on the fair value of the reporting unit. Intangible assets, which relate primarily to the customer relationships and technologies acquired by us as part of our acquisitions of other companies, are subject to an impairment analysis whenever events or changes in circumstances exist that indicate that the carrying value of the intangible asset might not be recoverable. During the year ended September 30, 2008, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $200.1 million related to goodwill and intangible assets. We could be required to recognize additional reductions in our net income caused by the write-down of goodwill or intangible assets, which if significantly impaired, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. See Note 6, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of goodwill and intangible assets.

 

Provisions in our organizational documents and contracts may make it difficult for someone to acquire control of us.

 

Our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and contracts contain provisions that would make more difficult an acquisition of control of us and could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay for our securities, including:

 

 

 

We have not received written comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding our periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that were received 180 days or more before September 30, 2008 and remain unresolved.

 

 

Our corporate headquarters and primary manufacturing/research and development facilities are currently located in three buildings in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, which we purchased in January 2001. We have a lease on a fourth building in Chelmsford adjacent to the three that we own. In summary, we maintain the following active principal facilities:

 

 

Our Automation Systems segment utilizes the facilities in Massachusetts, Oregon, South Korea and China. Our Critical Components segment utilizes the facilities in Massachusetts, California and Colorado. Our Global Customer Operations segment utilizes the facilities in Massachusetts, Germany and South Korea.

 

We maintain additional sales & support and training offices in California and Texas and overseas in Europe (France and Germany), as well as in Asia (Japan, China, Singapore and Taiwan) and the Middle East (Israel).

 

We currently sublease a total of 236,500 square feet of space previously exited as a result of our various restructuring activities. Another 141,800 square feet of mixed office and manufacturing/research and development space located in Massachusetts and Arizona is not in use and unoccupied at this time. We are actively exploring options to sublease, sell or negotiate an early termination agreement on this vacant property.

 

 

There has been substantial litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the semiconductor and related industries. We have in the past been, and may in the future be, notified that we may be infringing intellectual property rights possessed by other third parties. We cannot guarantee that infringement claims by third parties or other claims for indemnification by customers or end users of our products resulting from infringement claims will not be asserted in the future or that such assertions, if proven to be true, will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any such claims are asserted against our intellectual property rights, we may seek to enter into a royalty or licensing arrangement. We cannot guarantee, however, that a license will be available on reasonable terms or at all. We could decide in the alternative to resort to litigation to challenge such claims or to attempt to design around the patented technology. Litigation or an attempted design around could be costly and would divert our management’s attention and resources. In addition, if we do not prevail in such litigation or succeed in an

attempted design around, we could be forced to pay significant damages or amounts in settlement. Even if a design around is effective, the functional value of the product in question could be greatly diminished.

 

In addition to the material set forth below, please see “Patents and Proprietary Rights” in Part 1, Item 1, “Business” for a description of certain potential patent disputes.

 

Regulatory Proceedings Relating to Equity Incentive Practices and the Restatement

 

All pending inquiries and investigations of the Company by agencies of the United States Government pertaining to our past equity incentive-related practices have now been concluded, as described more fully below.

 

On May 12, 2006, we announced that Brooks had received notice that the Boston Office of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) was conducting an informal inquiry concerning stock option grant practices to determine whether violations of the securities laws had occurred. On June 2, 2006, the SEC issued a voluntary request for information to us in connection with an informal inquiry by that office regarding a loan we previously reported had been made to former Chairman and CEO Robert Therrien in connection with the exercise by him of stock options in 1999. On June 23, 2006, we were informed that the SEC had opened a formal investigation into this matter and on the general topic of the timing of stock option grants. On June 28, 2006, the SEC issued subpoenas to Brooks and to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors, which had previously been formed on March 8, 2006, requesting documents related to Brooks’ stock option grant practices and to the loan to Mr. Therrien.

 

On May 19, 2006, we received a grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney (the “DOJ”) for the Eastern District of New York requesting documents relating to stock option grants. Responsibility for the DOJ’s investigation was subsequently assumed by the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. On June 22, 2006 the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts issued a grand jury subpoena to us in connection with an investigation by that office into the timing of stock option grants by us and the loan to Mr. Therrien mentioned above. On May 9, 2007, we received a follow-up grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts in connection with the same matters.

 

On July 25, 2007, a criminal indictment was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts charging Robert J. Therrien, our former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, with income tax evasion. A separate civil complaint was filed by the SEC on July 25, 2007 against Mr. Therrien in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts charging him with violations of federal securities laws.

 

On May 19, 2008, we entered into a settlement with the SEC relating to our historical stock option granting processes. We agreed to settle with the SEC, without admitting or denying the allegations in the Commission’s complaint, by consenting to the entry of a judgment enjoining future violations of the reporting, books and records, and internal controls provisions of the federal securities laws. We were not charged by the SEC with fraud nor were we required to pay any civil penalty or other money damages as part of the settlement. The option grants to which the SEC refers in its complaint were made between 1999 and 2001. The settlement completely resolves the previously disclosed SEC investigation into our historical stock option granting practices. As we disclosed previously, we were not charged in the criminal indictment against Mr. Therrien, and the United States Attorney’s Office has informed us that it has closed this matter as it relates to Brooks.

 

Private Litigation

 

All private class action and derivative action matters commenced against the Company relating to past equity incentive-related practices have been concluded or dismissed, as described more fully below.

 

On May 22, 2006, a derivative action was filed nominally on our behalf in the Superior Court for Middlesex County, Massachusetts, captioned as Mollie Gedell, Derivatively on Behalf of Nominal Defendant Brooks Automation, Inc. v. A. Clinton Allen, et al.

On May 26, 2006, another derivative action was filed in the Superior Court for Middlesex County, Massachusetts nominally on our behalf, captioned as Ralph Gorgone, Derivatively on Behalf of Nominal Defendant Brooks Automation, Inc. v. Edward C. Grady, et al.

 

On August 4, 2006 the Superior Court for Middlesex County, Massachusetts, entered an order consolidating the above state derivative actions under docket number 06-1808 and the caption In re Brooks Automation, Inc. Derivative Litigation. On September 5, 2006, the plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Shareholder Derivative Complaint, which named several of our current and former directors, officers, and employees as defendants. The Consolidated Shareholder Derivative Complaint alleged that certain current and former directors and officers breached fiduciary duties owed to Brooks by backdating stock option grants, issuing inaccurate financial results and false or misleading public filings, and that Messrs. Therrien, Emerick and Khoury breached their fiduciary duties, and Mr. Therrien was unjustly enriched, as a result of the loan to and stock option exercise by Mr. Therrien mentioned above, and sought, on our behalf, damages for breaches of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment, disgorgement to Brooks of all profits from allegedly backdated stock option grants, equitable relief, and plaintiffs’ costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees, accountants’ and experts’ fees, costs, and expenses. The defendants served motions to dismiss and, in response, plaintiffs moved for leave to amend their complaint. The Proposed Amended Complaint made allegations substantially similar to those in the Consolidated Shareholder Derivative Complaint, and named additional directors and officers as defendants. On May 4, 2007, the court granted plaintiffs leave to file an amended complaint. On June 22, 2007, the defendants served plaintiffs with motions to dismiss the amended complaint. The parties completed briefing the motions to dismiss on September 27, 2007, and oral argument was heard on December 4, 2007. On August 1, 2008, the court granted our motion to dismiss the case, and entered an order dismissing the amended consolidated shareholder derivative complaint in its entirety.

 

On May 30, 2006, a derivative action was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, captioned as Mark Collins, Derivatively on Behalf of Nominal Defendant Brooks Automation, Inc. v. Robert J. Therrien, et al. On June 7, 2006, a derivative action was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, captioned as City of Pontiac General Employees’ Retirement System, Derivatively on Behalf of Brooks Automation, Inc. v. Robert J. Therrien, et al.

 

The District Court issued an order consolidating the above federal derivative actions on August 15, 2006, and a Consolidated Verified Shareholder Derivative Complaint was filed on October 6, 2006, which named several of our current and former directors, officers, and employees as defendants. The Consolidated Verified Shareholder Derivative Complaint alleged violations of Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange act; Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act; Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act; breach of fiduciary duty; corporate waste; and unjust enrichment, and sought, on behalf of Brooks, damages, extraordinary equitable relief including disgorgement and a constructive trust for improvidently granted stock options or proceeds from alleged insider trading by certain defendants, plaintiffs’ costs and disbursements including attorneys’ fees, accountants’ and experts’ fees, costs and expenses. The court held a hearing on defendants’ motions to dismiss on August 6, 2008. On September 26, 2008, the court entered an order approving the plaintiffs’ voluntary dismissal of the action without prejudice.

 

On June 19, 2006, a putative class action was filed in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts, captioned as Charles E. G. Leech Sr. v. Brooks Automation, Inc., et al.

 

On July 19, 2006, a second putative class action was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, captioned as James R. Shaw v. Brooks Automation, Inc. et al., No. 06-11239-RWZ. On December 13, 2006, the court issued an order consolidating the Shaw action with the Leech action described above and appointing a lead plaintiff and lead counsel. The lead plaintiff filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint, which named as defendants current and former directors and officers of Brooks, as well as PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our auditor. The Consolidated Amended Complaint alleged violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 and Sections 11, 12(a)(2), and 15 of the Securities Act.

 

Motions to dismiss were filed by all defendants in the case. In partial response to defendants’ motions to dismiss, the lead plaintiff filed a motion to amend the complaint to add a named plaintiff on May 10, 2007. Defendants filed an opposition to this motion. On June 26, 2007, the court heard argument on defendants’

motions to dismiss and lead plaintiff’s motion to amend the complaint. On November 6, 2007, the court granted in part and denied in part defendants’ motions to dismiss, and allowed lead plaintiff’s motion to add a named plaintiff. The claims against PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were dismissed. On June 24, 2008, a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement Between All Parties was filed, pursuant to which the parties proposed a final settlement. The terms of the settlement, which includes no admission of liability or wrong doing by Brooks, provide for a full and complete release of all claims in the litigation, a bar order against claims in the nature of contribution, and a payment of $7.75 million to be paid directly by our insurance carrier into a settlement fund, pending final documentation and approval by the court of a plan of distribution. As of September 30, 2008, we recorded a receivable from our liability insurers of $8.8 million within current assets on our audited consolidated balance sheets which includes the settlement fund obligation of $7.75 million and a reimbursement of professional fees of $1.0 million. On October 3, 2008, the court entered orders granting the parties’ motion for settlement and closed the case.

 

On August 22, 2006, an action captioned as Mark Levy v. Robert J. Therrien and Brooks Automation, Inc., was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, seeking recovery, on behalf of Brooks, from Mr. Therrien under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for alleged “short-swing” profits earned by Mr. Therrien due to the loan and stock option exercise in November 1999 referenced above, and a sale by Mr. Therrien of Brooks stock in March 2000. The complaint seeks disgorgement of all profits earned by Mr. Therrien on the transactions, attorneys’ fees and other expenses. On February 20, 2007, a second Section 16(b) action, concerning the same loan and stock option exercise in November 1999 discussed above and seeking the same remedy, was filed in the United States District Court of the District of Delaware, captioned Aron Rosenberg v. Robert J. Therrien and Brooks Automation, Inc. On April 4, 2007, the court issued an order consolidating the Levy and Rosenberg actions. Brooks is a nominal defendant in the consolidated action and any recovery in this action, less attorneys’ fees, would go to the Company. On July 14, 2008, the court denied Mr. Therrien’s motion to dismiss this action.

 

On August 15, 2007, two actions were filed in Massachusetts Superior Court for Middlesex County, nominally on Brooks’ behalf, captioned Darr v. Grady et al. and Milton v. Grady et al. The two plaintiffs in these actions purported to be shareholders who had previously demanded that Brooks take action against individuals who allegedly had involvement with backdated stock options, and to which Brooks had responded. The defendants in these actions were several of our current and former officers, directors, and employees. These actions alleged several claims against the defendants based on granting or receiving backdated stock options, including breach of fiduciary duties, corporate waste, and unjust enrichment. The complaint sought on our behalf, inter alia, damages, extraordinary equitable and/or injunctive relief, an accounting, a constructive trust, disgorgement, and plaintiff’s costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees, accountants’ and experts’ fees, costs, and expenses. On September 20, 2007, the court granted defendants’ motion to consolidate the two matters. On June 5, 2008, the court granted plaintiffs’ motion for appointment as lead counsel, and on July 3, 2008, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint. On September 9, 2008, plaintiffs moved for voluntary dismissal, and on September 16, 2008, the court entered an order approving the plaintiffs’ motion for voluntary dismissal.

 

Matter to which the Company is Not a Party

 

Jenoptik-Asyst Litigation

 

We acquired certain assets, including a transport system known as IridNet, from the Infab division of Jenoptik AG on September 30, 1999. Asyst Technologies, Inc. had previously filed suit against Jenoptik AG and other defendants, or collectively, the defendants, in the Northern District of California charging that products of the defendants, including IridNet, infringe Asyst’s U.S. Patent Nos. 4,974,166, or the ’166 patent, and 5,097,421, or the ’421 patent. Asyst later withdrew its claims related to the ’166 patent from the case. Summary judgment of noninfringement was granted in that case by the District Court and judgment was issued in favor of Jenoptik on the ground that the product at issue did not infringe the asserted claims of the ’421 patent. Following certain rulings and findings adverse to Jenoptik, on August 3, 2007 the District Court issued final judgment in favor of Jenoptik. Asyst appealed, and on October 10, 2008, the United States Court

of Appeals for the Federal Circuit entered an order affirming the District Court’s final judgment in favor of Jenoptik.

 

We had received notice that Asyst might amend its complaint in this Jenoptik litigation to name Brooks as an additional defendant, but no such action was ever taken. Based on our investigation of Asyst’s allegations, we do not believe we are infringing any claims of Asyst’s patents. Asyst may decide to seek to prohibit us from developing, marketing and using the IridNet product without a license. We cannot guarantee that a license would be available to us on reasonable terms, if at all. In any case, we could face litigation with Asyst. Jenoptik has agreed to indemnify us for any loss we may incur in this action.

 

Litigation is inherently unpredictable and we cannot predict the outcome of the legal proceedings described above with any certainty. Should there be an adverse judgment against us, it may have a material adverse impact on our financial statements. Because of uncertainties related to both the amount and range of losses in the event of an unfavorable outcome in the lawsuits listed above or in certain other pending proceedings for which loss estimates have not been recorded, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of the losses that could result from these matters and hence have recorded no accrual in our financial statements as of September 30, 2008.

 

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, no matters were submitted to a vote of security holders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

 

 

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

 

 

Number of Holders

 

As of October 31, 2008, there were 1,211 holders of record of our common stock.

 

Dividend Policy

 

We have never declared or paid a cash dividend on our capital stock. The Board of Directors periodically reviews the strategic use of cash in excess of business needs.

Issuance of Unregistered Common Stock

 

Not applicable.

 

Issuer’s Purchases of Equity Securities

 

On November 9, 2007, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan to buy up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock. We did not repurchase any of our stock pursuant to this plan during the three months ended September 30, 2008. At each of July 31, August 31 and September 30, 2008, approximately $109.8 million of our common stock remained available for repurchase under the plan. There is no expiration date for the plan.

 

The following table provides information concerning shares of the Company’s Common Stock $0.01 par value purchased in connection with the forfeiture of shares to satisfy the employees’ obligations with respect to withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of certain shares of restricted stock during the three months ended September 30, 2008. Upon purchase, these shares are immediately retired.

 

 

 

The selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” appearing elsewhere in this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certain statements in this Form 10-K constitute “forward-looking statements” which involve known risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, our performance or our achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements such as estimates of future revenue, gross margin, and expense levels as well as the performance of the semiconductor industry as a whole. Such factors include the “Risk Factors” set forth in Part I, Item 1A. Precautionary statements made herein should be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements whenever they appear in this report.

 

Overview

 

We are a leading provider of automation, vacuum and instrumentation solutions and are a highly valued business partner to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and equipment users throughout the world. We serve markets where equipment productivity and availability is a critical factor for our customers’ success. Our largest served market is the semiconductor manufacturing industry. We also provide unique solutions to customers in data storage, advanced display, analytical instruments and solar markets. We develop and deliver differentiated solutions that range from proprietary products to highly respected manufacturing services.

 

On March 30, 2007, we completed the sale of our software division, Brooks Software, to Applied Materials, Inc. (“Applied”) for cash consideration and the assumption of certain liabilities related to Brooks Software. Brooks Software provided real-time applications for greater efficiency and productivity in collaborative, complex manufacturing environments. We transferred to Applied substantially all of our assets primarily related to Brooks Software, including the stock of several subsidiaries engaged only in the business of Brooks Software, and Applied assumed certain liabilities related to Brooks Software. We sold our software division in order to focus on our core semiconductor-related hardware businesses. We recognized a gain on disposal of the software division. Effective October 1, 2006, our consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified to reflect this business as a discontinued operation in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”

 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we made changes to our internal reporting structure and began reporting results in three segments: Automation Systems, Critical Components and Global Customer Operations. In the second quarter of fiscal 2008 these segment disclosures were refined to reflect the results of a comprehensive review of operations conducted subsequent to the appointment of a new CEO and CFO. These refinements resulted in minor changes to the previously disclosed split of revenues and gross margins among segments and between products and services. Our Automation Systems segment provides a range of wafer handling products and systems that support both atmospheric and vacuum process technology used by our customers. Our Critical Components Operations segment includes cryogenic vacuum pumping, thermal management and vacuum measurement products used to create, measure and control critical process vacuum applications. Our Global Customer Operations segment consists of our after market activities including an extensive range of service support to our customers to address their on-site needs, spare parts and repair services, and support of legacy product lines. Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2007 and 2006 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2008 presentation.

 

The demand for semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment is cyclical, resulting in periodic expansions and contractions. Demand for our products has been impacted by these cyclical industry conditions. During fiscal 2006 and throughout most of fiscal 2007, we benefited from an industry expansion. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we began to observe a contraction in the demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The length and severity of these downturns can be difficult to predict.

 

Recent Developments

 

We have experienced changes in our senior management team during fiscal year 2008 including the appointment of a new President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert J. Lepofsky, on October 1, 2007, and the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer, Martin S. Headley, on January 28, 2008. Our new management

team embarked on a review of our organizational structure and resource requirements, which resulted in restructuring charges during fiscal year 2008.

 

In fiscal 2008, our total revenues decreased from fiscal 2007 by 29.2% to $526.4 million. Our revenue by segment for fiscal 2008 and 2007 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we began to observe a slowdown in the demand for semiconductor capital equipment. This slowdown continued throughout fiscal year 2008. Based on discussions with our customer base, and external market forecasts, we had expected a material improvement in demand for semiconductor capital equipment during 2009. Based on recent communications with our semiconductor customers, and revised external market forecasts, we now believe that demand for our products will decline further as a result of the global economic slowdown. This abrupt change in our outlook has resulted in an expectation of lower cash flows from all three of our operating segments, which has led to an impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets of $200.1 million as of September 30, 2008. In addition, we recorded an impairment charge of $3.5 million to write-down certain buildings and leasehold improvements to fair value as of September 30, 2008.

 

In response to the weakness in demand, we have begun an analysis of our cost structure and expect to make further significant cost reductions during 2009. Due to the preliminary stage of this analysis, we cannot yet predict the cost or benefit of this restructuring effort.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, intangible assets, goodwill, income taxes, warranty obligations and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, including current and anticipated worldwide economic conditions both in general and specifically in relation to the semiconductor industry, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. As discussed in the year over year comparisons below, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Revenues

 

Product revenues are associated with the sale of hardware systems, components and spare parts as well as product license revenue. Service revenues are associated with service contracts, repairs, upgrades and field service.

 

Revenue from product sales that do not include significant customization is recorded upon delivery and transfer of risk of loss to the customer provided there is evidence of an arrangement, fees are fixed or determinable, collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured and, if applicable, customer acceptance criteria have been successfully demonstrated. Customer acceptance provisions include final testing and acceptance carried out prior to shipment. These pre-shipment testing and acceptance procedures ensure that the product meets the published specification requirements before the product is shipped. In the limited

situations where the arrangement contains extended payment terms, revenue is recognized as the payments become due. When significant on site customer acceptance provisions are present in the arrangement, revenue is recognized upon completion of customer acceptance testing.

 

Revenue associated with service agreements is generally recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Revenue from repair services or upgrades of customer-owned equipment is recognized upon completion of the repair effort and upon the shipment of the repaired item back to the customer. In instances where the repair or upgrade includes installation, revenue is recognized when the installation is completed.

 

Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets

 

As a result of our acquisitions, we have identified intangible assets and generated significant goodwill. Intangible assets are valued based on estimates of future cash flows and amortized over their estimated useful life. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing as well as testing upon the occurrence of any event that indicates a potential impairment. Intangible assets and other long-lived assets are subject to an impairment test if there is an indicator of impairment. The carrying value and ultimate realization of these assets is dependent upon estimates of future earnings and benefits that we expect to generate from their use. If our expectations of future results and cash flows are significantly diminished, intangible assets and goodwill may be impaired and the resulting charge to operations may be material. When we determine that the carrying value of intangibles or other long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more indicators of impairment, we use the projected undiscounted cash flow method to determine whether an impairment exists, and then measure the impairment using discounted cash flows. For goodwill, we compare the fair value of our reporting units by measuring discounted cash flows to the book value of the reporting units and measure impairment, if any, as the difference between the resulting implied fair value of goodwill and the recorded book value of the goodwill.

 

The estimation of useful lives and expected cash flows require us to make significant judgments regarding future periods that are subject to some factors outside of our control. Changes in these estimates can result in significant revisions to the carrying value of these assets and may result in material charges to the results of operations.

 

We have elected to perform our annual goodwill impairment testing as required under FAS 142 on September 30 of each fiscal year. During this process, estimates of revenue and expense were developed for each of our reporting units based on internal as well as external market forecasts. Our analyses indicated no impairment of the goodwill in fiscal 2006 and 2007. Although we experienced a cyclical slowdown in demand during fiscal 2008, external market forecasts available to us throughout this period indicated that demand would improve in 2009. These external market forecasts changed abruptly toward the end of fiscal 2008 and again into early fiscal 2009. The downturn experienced in the semiconductor capital equipment market during 2008 has been worsened by the global economic slowdown. We do not expect a recovery in demand for semiconductor capital equipment in the near term. This abrupt change in our outlook has resulted in an expectation of lower cash flows from all three of our operating segments, which has led to an impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets of $200.1 million as of September 30, 2008. The determination of the amount of an impairment includes a number of judgments including the determination of peer companies, which are used to determine discount rates and terminal value factors. We also construct multi-year cash flow forecasts for each segment, which are discounted to present value using the predetermined discount rate.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

We record trade accounts receivable at the invoiced amount. Trade accounts receivables do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on historical write-off experience by customer. We review our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Past due balances over 90 days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility. All other balances are reviewed on a pooled basis by type of receivable. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we feel it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers.

Warranty

 

We provide for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. While we engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers, our warranty obligation is estimated by assessing product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Should actual product failure rates, material usage or service delivery costs differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required and may result in additional benefits or charges to operations.

 

Inventory

 

We provide reserves for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. We fully reserve for inventories and noncancelable purchase orders for inventory deemed obsolete. We perform periodic reviews of all inventory items to identify excess inventories on hand by comparing on-hand balances to anticipated usage using recent historical activity as well as anticipated or forecasted demand, based upon sales and marketing inputs through our planning systems. If estimates of demand diminish further or actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

Deferred Taxes

 

We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. In the event we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should we subsequently determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

 

In accordance with SFAS 109, management has considered the weight of all available evidence in determining whether a valuation allowance remains to be required against its deferred tax assets at September 30, 2008. Given the losses incurred in fiscal 2008 combined with the near term uncertainty with regard to the outlook of the semiconductor sector, we have determined that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable is subject to change based on future events, including generating taxable income in future periods. We continue to assess the need for the valuation allowance at each balance sheet date based on all available evidence.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

As of October 1, 2005, we adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective method, which requires measurement of compensation cost for all stock awards at fair value on date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the number of shares granted and the excess of the quoted price of our common stock over the exercise price of the restricted stock on the date of grant, and the fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model, which is consistent with our valuation techniques previously utilized for options in footnote disclosures required under SFAS 123, as amended by SFAS 148. Such value is recognized as expense over the service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The estimation of stock awards that will ultimately vest requires significant judgment. We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class, and historical experience. Actual results, and future changes in estimates, may differ substantially from our current estimates. Restricted stock with market-based vesting criteria is valued using a lattice model.

Year Ended September 30, 2008, Compared to Year Ended September 30, 2007

 

Revenues

 

We reported revenues of $526.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2008, compared to $743.3 million in the previous year, a 29.2% decrease. The total decrease in revenues of $216.9 million impacted all of our operating segments. Our Automation Systems segment revenues decreased by $170.2 million, our Critical Components segment revenues decreased by $38.2 million and our Global Customer Operations segment revenues decreased by $8.5 million. These decreases were the result of lower volume shipments in response to declining demand for semiconductor capital equipment. We expect the volume of shipments to further decline in the near term in response to the global economic slowdown.

 

Our Automation Systems segment reported revenues of $273.3 million in the year ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of 38.4% from $443.5 million in the prior year. This decrease is attributable to weaker demand for semiconductor capital equipment and impacted all product lines within this segment.

 

Our Critical Components segment reported revenues of $127.0 million, a 23.1% decrease from $165.2 million in the prior year. This decrease principally reflects lower revenues of $30.7 million for cryogenic vacuum pumping, including a one-time royalty license of $8.5 million recorded in the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by $4.9 million of increased revenue from non-semiconductor industry related customers.

 

Our Global Customer Operations segment reported revenues of $126.0 million, a 6.3% decrease from $134.5 million in the prior year. This decrease is attributable to lower legacy product revenue of $5.3 million, lower service contract and repair revenues of $2.5 million and lower spare part revenue of $0.6 million. Service contract and repair revenues, which include spare parts, were $114.7 million, a 2.7% decrease from $117.9 million in the prior year. All service revenues are related to our Global Customer Operations segment.

 

Revenues outside the United States were $189.5 million, or 36.0% of total revenues, and $248.8 million, or 33.5% of total revenues, in the years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We expect that foreign revenues will continue to account for a significant portion of total revenues.

 

Gross Margin

 

Gross margin dollars decreased to $126.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of 42.3% from $219.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2007. Gross margin for both periods included $9.3 million of completed technology amortization related to the acquisitions of Helix Technology Corporation in October 2005 and Synetics Solutions Inc. in June 2006. Gross margin percentage decreased to 24.1% for the year ended September 30, 2008, compared to 29.5% for the prior year, primarily due to the lower absorption of indirect factory overhead on lower revenues.

 

Gross margin of our Automation Systems segment decreased to $54.7 million in the year ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of 54.2% from $119.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2007. Gross margin included $0.6 million in both years for completed technology amortization related to the Synetics acquisition. Gross margin percentage decreased to 20.0% for the year ended September 30, 2008 as compared to 26.9% in the prior year, primarily due to lower absorption of indirect factory overhead on lower revenues.

 

Gross margin of our Critical Components segment decreased to $47.9 million in the year ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of 27.6% from $66.2 million in the prior year. Gross margin for both periods included $3.9 million of completed technology amortization related to the Helix acquisition. Gross margin for the prior year includes an $8.5 million one-time royalty license. Gross margin percentage was 37.7% for the year ended September 30, 2008 as compared to 40.1% in the prior year. This decrease is the result of the one-time royalty license in the prior year which increased the prior year gross margin percentage by 3.2%. Effective cost containment efforts for this segment offset the impact of lower absorption of factory overhead on lower revenues.

 

Gross margin of our Global Customer Operations segment decreased to $24.2 million in the year ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of 28.6% from the $33.9 million in the prior year. Gross margin for both periods included $4.8 million of completed technology amortization related to the Helix acquisition. Gross

margin percentage was 19.2% for the year ended September 30, 2008 as compared to 25.2% in the prior year. The decrease in gross margin percentage was attributable to reduced margin on legacy product sales caused primarily by charges to write-down legacy product inventory to net realizable value, and an under utilization of our service infrastructure. In response to these declining gross margins, we have reduced the size of our service infrastructure, and expect to make additional cost reductions.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development expenses for the year ended September 30, 2008, were $42.9 million, a decrease of $8.8 million, compared to $51.7 million in the previous year. While there is continued support for high priority projects, we did experience lower spending of $6.6 million associated with automation systems product development with certain development cycles coming to completion.

 

Selling, General and Administrative

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $110.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of $9.9 million compared to $120.4 million in the prior year. The decrease is primarily attributable to a $6.2 million decrease in management incentive costs, a $2.5 million decrease in legal fees primarily as a result of the settlement of stockholder litigation and a $1.3 million reduction in stock-based compensation expense mainly due to the departure of certain executives. In connection with our implementation of the Oracle ERP system, we treat certain internal labor costs as part of the cost to implement this system. These costs, along with third party consulting fees and software licenses are treated as capital expenditures, and will be depreciated over the useful life of this system. During fiscal 2008, we increased the amount of labor costs capitalized for our Oracle project by $1.2 million, with an offsetting reduction to our selling, general and administrative expenses. These decreases were partially offset by $1.1 million of higher intangible asset amortization.

 

Impairment Charges

 

We recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $203.6 million in the year ended September 30, 2008. We experienced a cyclical slowdown in demand during fiscal 2008. Throughout most of fiscal 2008, external market forecasts indicated that demand would improve in 2009. These external market forecasts changed abruptly at the end of fiscal 2008 and into early fiscal 2009. The downturn experienced in the semiconductor capital equipment market during 2008 has been worsened by the global economic slowdown. We do not expect a recovery in demand for semiconductor capital equipment in the near term. This abrupt change in our outlook has resulted in an expectation of lower cash flows from all three of our operating segments, which has led to a non-cash impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets of $200.1 million as of September 30, 2008. In addition, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $3.5 million to write-down certain buildings and leasehold improvements to fair value as of September 30, 2008.

 

Restructuring Charges

 

We recorded a charge to continuing operations of $7.3 million in the year ended September 30, 2008. This charge consists of $6.8 million of severance costs associated with workforce reductions of 230 employees in operations, service and administrative functions across all the main geographies in which we operate. We also incurred $0.5 million of costs to vacate excess facilities in San Jose, California and South Korea. Our restructuring charges by segment for fiscal 2008 were: Global Customer Operations — $2.7 million, Automated Systems — $2.2 million and Critical Components - $0.4 million. In addition, we incurred $2.0 million of restructuring charges in fiscal 2008 that were related to general corporate functions that support all of our segments. The accruals for workforce reductions are expected to be paid over the next twelve months. We expect the annual salary and benefit savings as a result of these actions will be approximately $14.0 million. The cost savings resulting from these restructuring actions are expected to yield actual cash savings, net of the related costs, within twelve months. We are expanding our cost reduction efforts in response to the global economic slowdown and expect to take further restructuring charges during fiscal 2009.

We recorded a restructuring charge to continuing operations of $7.1 million in the year ended September 30, 2007. This charge consists of $3.1 million to fully recognize our remaining obligation on the lease associated with our vacant facility in Billerica, Massachusetts, along with $4.0 million of severance costs associated with workforce reductions of approximately 90 employees in operations, service and administrative functions principally in the U.S., Germany and Korea.

 

Interest Income and Expense

 

Interest income decreased by $4.5 million, to $7.4 million, in the year ended September 30, 2008, from $11.9 million for the prior year. Approximately $2.6 million of this decrease is due to lower investment balances as a result of repurchases of our common stock during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008, with the balance of the decrease attributable to lower interest rates on our investments. Interest expense decreased to $0.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2008 as compared to $0.6 million in the prior year. Interest expense relates primarily to discounting of multi-year restructuring costs.

 

Gain (Loss) on Investment

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2007, a company in which Brooks held a minority equity interest was acquired by a closely-held Swiss public company. Our minority equity investment had been previously written down to zero in 2003. As a result, we received shares of common stock from the acquirer in exchange for our minority equity interest and recorded a gain of $5.1 million.

 

During the year ended September 30, 2008, we recorded a charge of $3.9 million to write-down our minority equity investment in the Swiss public company to its fair value based on our determination that the decline in fair value was other than temporary. The remaining balance of this investment at September 30, 2008 after giving effect to foreign exchange was $1.7 million.

 

Other (Income) Expense

 

Other expense, net of $1.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2008 consists of foreign exchange losses of $3.5 million, which was partially offset by royalty income of $0.9 million, the receipt of $0.8 million of principal repayments on notes that had been previously written off and other income of $0.1 million. Other expense, net of $1.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2007 consisted of foreign exchanges losses of $3.2 million, offset by the receipt of $2.1 million of principal repayment on two notes that had been previously written off.

 

Income Tax Provision

 

We recorded an income tax provision of $1.2 million in the year ended September 30, 2008 and an income tax provision of $2.3 million in the year ended September 30, 2007. The tax provision recorded in fiscal 2008 and 2007 is principally attributable to alternative minimum tax and taxes on foreign income. We continued to provide a full valuation allowance for our net deferred tax assets at September 30, 2008 and 2007, as we believe it is more likely than not that the future tax benefits from accumulated net operating losses and deferred taxes will not be realized.

 

We adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48 on October 1, 2007. The implementation of FIN No. 48 did not materially affect our financial position or results of operations. Of the unrecognized tax benefits of $11.9 million at September 30, 2008, we currently anticipate that approximately $1.0 million will be paid in settlement during the next twelve months as a result of finalizing certain non-U.S. audits.

 

Equity in Earnings of Joint Ventures

 

Income associated with our 50% interest in ULVAC Cryogenics, Inc., a joint venture with ULVAC Corporation of Japan, was $0.2 million in the year ended September 30, 2008, compared to $0.9 million in the prior year. Income associated with our 50% interest in Yaskawa Brooks Automation, Inc., a joint venture with

Yaskawa Electric Corporation of Japan was $0.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2008 as compared to $0.1 million in the prior year.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

We completed the sale of our software division to Applied Materials on March 30, 2007. During the year ended September 30, 2008, we settled all remaining escrow items resulting in an additional gain of $0.7 million. We recorded income from the operation of our discontinued software business of $13.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2007. We recorded a gain of $83.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 on the sale of our discontinued software business. This gain reflects the proceeds of $132.5 million of cash consideration, offset by expenses of $7.7 million, a tax provision of $1.9 million, and the write-off of net assets totaling $39.0 million.

 

Year Ended September 30, 2007, Compared to Year Ended September 30, 2006

 

Revenues

 

We reported revenues of $743.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to $607.5 million in the previous year, a 22.4% increase. The increase reflects higher revenues related to our Automation Systems segment of $106.6 million, higher revenues associated with our Critical Components segment of $21.7 million, and higher revenues associated with our Global Customer Operations segment of $7.5 million due primarily to higher demand for semiconductor capital equipment experienced in fiscal 2007.

 

Our Automation Systems segment reported revenues of $443.5 million in the year ended September 30, 2007, an increase of 31.6% from $336.9 million in the prior year. This increase reflects the additional revenues of $75.5 million related to the Synetics acquisition, along with higher revenues related to our legacy Brooks automation products due to higher demand for semiconductor capital equipment experienced in fiscal 2007.

 

Our Critical Components segment reported revenues of $165.2 million, a 15.1% increase from $143.5 million in the prior year. This increase reflects higher revenues of $17.0 million for cryogenic vacuum pumping including incremental product license revenues of $8.5 million experienced in the third quarter of fiscal 2007, higher revenues of $3.4 million associated with thermal measurement products, and $1.3 million of additional revenues for vacuum measurement and air flow control products.

 

Our Global Customer Operations segment reported revenues of $134.5 million, a 5.9% increase from $127.0 million in the prior year. This increase is primarily attributed to higher revenues of $4.6 million related to repairs, higher revenues of $3.2 million for hardware maintenance and field services, offset by lower revenues for hardware spares of $0.3 million. The increase in hardware maintenance and field services revenue is due in part to the Synetics acquisition, which increased service revenue by $2.7 million.

 

Revenues outside the United States were $248.8 million, or 33.5% of total revenues, and $230.7 million, or 38.0% of total revenues, in the years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Gross Margin

 

Gross margin dollars increased to $219.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to $186.7 million for the prior year. Gross margin for the year ended September 30, 2007 includes $9.3 million of completed technology amortization related to the Helix and Synetics acquisitions. The prior year gross margin includes $11.7 million of charges to write-off the step-up in inventory related to the Helix and Synetics acquisitions and $8.1 million of completed technology amortization. Gross margin percentage decreased to 29.5% for the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to 30.7% for the year ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to the lower margin on the additional Synetics revenues. Excluding the $11.7 million inventory write-off taken in fiscal year 2006 and the amortization of completed technology, the overall increase in gross margin primarily reflects the additional margin associated with our Automation Systems segment of $14.9 million, higher margin associated with our Critical Components segment of $7.3 million, and higher margin associated with our Global Customer Operations segment of $0.3 million due primarily to higher demand for semiconductor capital equipment experienced in fiscal 2007.

Gross margin of our Automation Systems segment increased to $119.5 million in the year ended September 30, 2007, and included $0.6 million of completed technology amortization related to the Synetics acquisition, compared to $104.6 million in the prior year which included $0.4 million of charges to write-off the step-up in inventory and $0.2 million of completed technology amortization related to the Synetics acquisition. Excluding the inventory write-off taken in fiscal year 2006 and the amortization of completed technology, this increase reflects the additional margin of $9.3 million related to the Synetics acquisition, along with additional margin on higher revenues related to our legacy Brooks automation products of $5.6 million.

 

Gross margin of our Critical Components segment increased to $66.2 million in the year ended September 30, 2007, and included $3.9 million of completed technology amortization related to the Helix acquisition, compared to $55.4 million in the prior year, which included $3.8 million of charges to write-off the step-up in inventory and $3.6 million of completed technology amortization related to the Helix acquisition. Excluding the inventory write-off taken in fiscal year 2006 and the amortization of completed technology, this increase primarily reflects the incremental margin of $8.5 million from product license revenue, additional margin of $2.1 million on higher revenues of thermal measurement and air flow control products, offset by lower margins of $3.3 million on cryogenic pumping and vacuum measurement products.

 

Gross margin of our Global Customer Operations segment increased to $33.9 million in the year ended September 30, 2007, which included $4.8 million of completed technology amortization related to the Helix acquisition, compared to $26.6 million in the prior year, which included $7.4 million of charges to write-off the step-up in inventory and $4.4 million of completed technology amortization related to the Helix acquisition. Excluding the inventory write-off taken in fiscal year 2006 and the amortization of completed technology, this increase reflects additional margin on higher revenues of hardware support services.

 

Gross margin on product revenues increased to $193.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to $165.1 million for the prior year. The increase in product margins is primarily attributable to additional margin of $9.3 million related to the Synetics acquisition, along with higher margin of $5.6 million related to our legacy automation products, higher margin of $10.8 million associated with our critical components products, and higher margin of $3.0 million related to end-user factory hardware products. Gross margin percentage on product revenues decreased to 31.0% for the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to 33.4% for the year ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to the lower margin on the additional Synetics revenues.

 

Gross margin on service revenues was $25.8 million or 21.9% for the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to $21.5 million or 19.1% in the previous year. The increase in service margins is primarily attributable to incremental margin on higher global customer support service revenue.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development expenses for the year ended September 30, 2007, were $51.7 million, an increase of $6.1 million, compared to $45.6 million in the previous year. The increase is primarily attributable to the additional spending of $3.5 million related to the Synetics acquisition, plus additional spending associated with our critical components and global customer support segments of $2.2 million and $2.3 million respectively, offset by lower spending in our legacy automation systems business. The decrease in absolute legacy Brooks spending and the overall decrease in R&D spending as a percentage of revenue is the result of our continued efforts to control costs and focus our development activities.

 

Selling, General and Administrative

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $120.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $3.2 million, compared to $117.2 million in the prior year. The increase is primarily attributable to the additional spending of $5.3 million related to the Synetics acquisition, additional amortization of various intangible assets of $1.7 million primarily related to the Synetics acquisition, offset by lower management incentive costs of $3.0 million. A total of $5.2 million was incurred in fiscal year 2007 on legal expenses

arising out of matters described more fully in Note 19, “Commitments and Contingencies” of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, compared to $4.8 million in fiscal 2006.

 

Restructuring Charges

 

We recorded a charge to continuing operations of $7.1 million in the year ended September 30, 2007. This charge consists of $3.1 million to fully recognize our remaining obligation on the lease associated with our vacant facility in Billerica, Massachusetts, along with $4.0 million of severance costs associated with workforce reductions of approximately 90 employees in operations, service and administrative functions principally in the U.S., Germany and Korea.

 

We recorded a charge to continuing operation of $4.3 million in the year ended September 30, 2006. This charge consisted of $2.0 million of excess facilities charges primarily related to a vacant facility in Billerica Massachusetts due to a longer period than initially estimated to sub-lease the facility, $2.5 million for costs incurred related to the termination of approximately 30 employees worldwide whose positions were made redundant as a result of the Helix acquisition, offset by the $0.2 million reversal of previously accrued termination costs to employees who will no longer be terminated or whose termination was settled at a reduced cost.

 

We recorded a charge of $1.0 million in fiscal year 2006 for workforce reductions related to our discontinued software division which is included in the loss from discontinued operations.

 

Interest Income and Expense

 

Interest income decreased by $1.8 million, to $11.9 million, in the year ended September 30, 2007, from $13.7 million the previous year. This decrease is due primarily to lower investment balances following the repayment of $175.0 million of the Convertible Subordinated Notes in the quarter ended September 30, 2006, and the purchase of 6,060,000 shares of our common stock in the quarter ended September 30, 2007 for a total cost of approximately $110.8 million. We recorded interest expense of $0.6 million in fiscal year 2007 compared to $9.4 million in the previous year. The interest expense incurred in the prior year related primarily to the Convertible Subordinated Notes that were paid off in the quarter ended September 30, 2006.

 

Gain on Investment

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2007, a company in which Brooks held a minority equity interest was acquired by a closely-held Swiss public company. Our minority equity investment had been previously written down to zero in 2003. As a result, we received shares of common stock from the acquirer in exchange for our minority equity interest and recorded a gain of $5.1 million.

 

Other (Income) Expense

 

Other expense, net of $1.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2007 consisted of foreign exchanges losses of $3.2 million, offset by the receipt of $2.1 million of principal repayment on two notes that had been previously written off. Other income, net of $0.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2006 consisted of the receipt of $2.0 million of principal repayment on a note that had been previously written off and a gain of $0.3 million on the sale of other assets offset by an accrual of $1.6 million related to various legal contingencies and foreign exchanges losses of $0.5 million.

 

Income Tax Provision

 

We recorded an income tax provision of $2.3 million in the year ended September 30, 2007 and an income tax provision of $3.4 million in the year ended September 30, 2006. The tax provision recorded in fiscal 2007 and 2006 is principally attributable to alternative minimum tax and taxes on foreign income. We continued to provide a full valuation allowance for our net deferred tax assets at September 30, 2007 and 2006, as we believe it is more likely than not that the future tax benefits from accumulated net operating losses and deferred taxes will not be realized.

Equity in Earnings of Joint Ventures

 

Income associated with our 50% interest in ULVAC Cryogenics, Inc., a joint venture with ULVAC Corporation of Japan, was $0.9 million in the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to $1.0 million in the prior year. We also recorded income of $0.1 million associated with our 50% interest in Yaskawa Brooks Automation, Inc., a joint venture with Yaskawa Electric Corporation of Japan that began operations on September 21, 2006.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

We completed the sale of our software division to Applied Materials on March 30, 2007. We recorded income from the operation of our discontinued software business of $13.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to income of $3.5 million associated with this business for the year ended September 30, 2006. This favorable change is primarily the result of reduced research and development and SG&A spending, lower amortization of completed technology and the recognition of a tax benefit resulting from the reversal of tax reserves due to an audit settlement, offset by lower margin on lower revenues for six months of operations in fiscal 2007 vs. twelve months in fiscal 2006.

 

We recorded a gain of $83.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 on the sale of our discontinued software business. This gain reflects the proceeds of $132.5 million of cash consideration, offset by expenses of $7.7 million, a tax provision of $1.9 million, and the write-off of net assets totaling $39.0 million.

 

We recorded income from operations for our discontinued Specialty Equipment and Life Sciences (“SELS”) business of $0.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2006. The income in fiscal year 2006 relates to maintenance revenues earned during the year that had previously been deferred. There was no activity associated with this discontinued business in fiscal year 2007.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our business is significantly dependent on capital expenditures by semiconductor manufacturers and OEMs that are, in turn, dependent on the current and anticipated market demand for semiconductors. Demand for semiconductors is cyclical and has historically experienced periodic downturns. In response to these downturns, we have and are continuing to implement cost reduction programs aimed at aligning our ongoing operating costs with our currently expected revenues over the near term. These cost management initiatives include consolidating facilities, reductions to headcount and reduced spending. The cyclical nature of the industry make estimates of future revenues, results of operations and net cash flows inherently uncertain.

 

At September 30, 2008, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities aggregating $177.3 million. This amount was comprised of $110.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, $33.1 million of investments in short-term marketable securities and $33.9 million of investments in long-term marketable securities.

 

Cash and cash equivalents were $110.3 million at September 30, 2008, a decrease of $57.9 million from the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to $90.2 million for treasury share purchases and $23.4 million of capital equipment expenditures, which were partially offset by $13.7 million in cash provided by operations and $39.4 million of net sales and maturities of marketable securities.

 

Cash provided by operations was $13.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2008, and was primarily attributable to $11.8 million of income after adjusting our net loss for non-cash expenses, including depreciation and amortization of $34.5 million, asset impairment of $203.6 million, stock-based compensation of $6.9 million, and other non-cash items of $2.7 million. Cash provided by operations was further increased by $1.8 million of changes in working capital which was primarily due to decreased accounts receivable balances of $38.6 million and lower prepaid expenses of $5.8 million which was partially offset by lower accounts payable levels of $20.6 million and decreased accrued expenses of $19.5 million due to the decreased level of our business. Our change in working capital was partially offset by an increased investment of $4.9 million in field service inventory in order to improve customer response time for service transactions.

Cash provided by investing activities was $16.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2008, and is principally comprised of net sales and maturities of marketable securities of $39.4 million, the final escrow proceeds of $1.9 million from Applied Materials for the sale of our software division, which have been partially offset by $23.4 million in capital expenditures, including $13.4 million in expenditures related to our Oracle ERP implementation, and the final contingent payment of $1.0 million in connection with our Keystone Wuxi acquisition. Our Oracle ERP implementation is expected to cost approximately $26.5 million when fully implemented, of which $20.7 million has been incurred from inception through September 30, 2008. We completed the financial module portion of the Oracle ERP implementation during fiscal 2008, and placed in service $8.0 million of Oracle ERP costs. The remaining $12.7 million of costs incurred to date is included in construction in progress within property, plant and equipment. We will continue to make capital expenditures to support and maintain our operations, and may also use our resources to acquire companies, technologies or products that complement our business.

 

Cash used in financing activities were $87.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to $90.2 million for treasury share purchases.

 

At September 30, 2007, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities aggregating $274.6 million. This amount was comprised of $168.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, $80.1 million of investments in short-term marketable securities and $26.3 million of investments in long-term marketable securities.

 

Cash and cash equivalents were $168.2 million at September 30, 2007, an increase of $52.4 million from September 30, 2006. This increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to proceeds received from the sale of the software division of $130.4 million and cash provided by operations of $72.9 million, partially offset by $110.8 million for treasury share purchases, $28.9 million of net purchases of marketable securities and the $20.6 million used for capital additions.

 

Cash provided by operations was $72.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2007, and was primarily attributable to our net income of $151.5 million, adjustments for non-cash depreciation and amortization of $32.8 million and stock-based compensation of $8.7 million, partially offset by the gain on sale of the software division of $81.8 million, a non-cash gain on investment of $5.1 million and changes in our net working capital of $32.7 million. The $32.7 million decrease in working capital was primarily the result of decreased accounts payable levels of $14.8 million primarily as a result of lower inventory purchases, and decreased accrued expenses of $10.8 million.

 

Cash provided by investing activities was $81.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2007, and is principally comprised of proceeds on the sale of the software division of $130.4 million, partially offset by net purchases of marketable securities of $28.9 million and $20.6 million used for capital additions.

 

Cash used in financing activities was $103.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2007 from the treasury share repurchases of $110.8 million, partially offset by $9.3 million due to proceeds from the issuance of stock under our employee stock purchase plan and the exercise of options to purchase our common stock.

 

At September 30, 2008, we had approximately $0.7 million of letters of credit outstanding.

 

Our contractual obligations consist of the following at September 30, 2008 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

We adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, as of October 1, 2007. As of September 30, 2008, the total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions and the accrual for the related interest was $11.9 million. Although we anticipate that we will settle approximately $1.0 million of the $11.9 million within the next twelve months, we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate for the remaining $10.9 million as to when cash settlement, if any, will occur with a tax authority as the timing of examinations and ultimate resolution of those examinations is uncertain.

 

In addition, we are a guarantor on a lease in Mexico that expires in January 2013 for approximately $1.6 million.

 

On November 9, 2007 we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan to buy up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock. During the year ended September 30, 2008, we purchased 7,401,869 shares of our common stock for a total of $90.2 million in connection with the stock repurchase plan. Management and the Board of Directors will exercise discretion with respect to the timing and amount of any future shares repurchased, if any, based on their evaluation of a variety of factors, including current market conditions. Repurchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without prior notice. The repurchase program has been funded using our available cash resources. Any future repurchases would come from our available cash resources.

 

We believe that we have adequate resources to fund our currently planned working capital and capital expenditure requirements for both the short and long-term. However, the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the current global economic downturn makes it difficult for us to predict future liquidity requirements with certainty. During the current capital market crisis, some companies have experienced difficulties accessing their cash equivalents and marketable securities. We invest our cash in highly rated marketable securities, and to date, we have not experienced any material issues accessing our funds. Further deterioration in the capital markets could impact our ability to access some of our cash resources. We may be unable to obtain any required additional financing on terms favorable to us, if at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to successfully develop or enhance products, respond to competitive pressure or take advantage of acquisition opportunities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we are subject to indemnification obligations in connection with our stock-based compensation restatement with certain former executives which could have an adverse affect on our existing resources.

 

Recently Enacted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN No. 48”). FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. We adopted FIN No. 48 on October 1, 2007. The effect of the adoption did not materially affect our financial position or results of operations.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13” (FSP 157-1) and FSP 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (FSP 157-2). FSP 157-1 amends SFAS 157 to remove certain leasing transactions from its scope. FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until the beginning of

our first quarter of fiscal 2010. The measurement and disclosure requirements related to financial assets and financial liabilities are effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS 157 will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and is effective as of the beginning of the Company’s fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS 159 will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R significantly changes the accounting for business combinations in a number of areas including the treatment of contingent consideration, pre-acquisition contingencies, transaction costs, restructuring costs and income taxes. SFAS 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008. SFAS 141R will be effective for the Company on October 1, 2009, and will be applied to any business combination with an acquisition date, as defined therein, that is subsequent to the effective date.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — An amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. Statement 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this Statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. At this point in time, we believe that there will not be a material impact in connection with SFAS 160 on our financial position or results of operations.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — An amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS 133 with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS 161 will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP SFAS 142-3”). FSP SFAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”). FSP SFAS 142-3 improves the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141R and other applicable accounting literature. FSP SFAS 142-3 will be effective for us on October 1, 2009. We do not believe that the adoption of FSP SFAS 142-3 will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including changes in interest rates affecting the return on our cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Interest Rate Exposure

 

As our cash and cash equivalents consist principally of money market securities, which are short-term in nature, our exposure to market risk related to interest rate fluctuations for these investments is not significant. Our short-term and long-term investments consist mostly of highly rated corporate debt securities, and as such, market risk to these investments is not significant. During the year ended September 30, 2008, the unrealized loss on marketable securities, excluding our investment in a Swiss public company, was $1.1 million. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates would result in an annual change of approximately $1.9 million in interest income earned.

 

Currency Rate Exposure

 

We have transactions and balances denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Most of these transactions or balances are denominated in Euros and a variety of Asian currencies. Sales in currencies other than the U.S. dollar were 15.7% of our total sales for year ended September 30, 2008. We also purchase materials from some suppliers outside of the United States that is transacted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. In the year ended September 30, 2008, we recorded foreign exchange losses related to receivables of $0.7 million, and foreign exchange losses of $2.8 million related to payables due to the general weakening of the U.S. dollar in this period. If currency exchange rates had been 10% different throughout the year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the currency exchange rates actually experienced, the impact on our loss for the year would have been approximately $2.9 million. The changes in currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar during the year ended September 30, 2008 compared to the currency exchange rates at September 30, 2007 resulted in a decrease in net assets of $0.1 million that we reported as a separate component of comprehensive income. The impact of a hypothetical 10% change in foreign exchange rates at September 30, 2008 is not considered material.

 

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

of Brooks Automation, Inc.:

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Brooks Automation, Inc. and its subsidiaries at September 30, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for share-based compensation in fiscal 2006.

 

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.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

Boston, Massachusetts

November 26, 2008

BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY