=============================================================================== UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (mark one) /X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1999 OR / / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED) FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-22418 ITRON, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) WASHINGTON 91-1011792 (State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 2818 NORTH SULLIVAN ROAD SPOKANE, WASHINGTON 99216-1897 (509) 924-9900 (Address and telephone number of registrant's principal executive offices) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ----- ----- As of April 30, 1999, there were outstanding 14,806,246 shares of the registrant's common stock, no par value, which is the only class of common or voting stock of the registrant. ===============================================================================
ITRON, INC. INDEX PART 1: FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page ---- Item 1: Financial Statements (Unaudited) Consolidated Statements of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12 PART 2: OTHER INFORMATION Item 1: Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Item 6: Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Signature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
PART 1: FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ITRON, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data) THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, =================================================================================================== 1999 1998 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REVENUES AMR systems $ 30,919 $ 50,356 Handheld systems 16,347 9,680 Outsourcing 4,679 3,672 -------- -------- Total revenues 51,945 63,708 COST OF REVENUES AMR systems 19,671 34,768 Handheld systems 9,140 5,125 Outsourcing 3,833 3,020 -------- -------- Total costs of revenues 32,644 42,913 -------- -------- GROSS PROFIT 19,301 20,795 OPERATING EXPENSES Sales and marketing 6,434 6,595 Product development 6,602 8,923 General and administrative 3,025 3,017 Amortization of intangibles 490 590 Restructuring charges 1,121 - -------- -------- Total operating expenses 17,672 19,125 -------- -------- OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 1,629 1,670 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Equity in affiliates (165) (120) Interest, net (1,855) (1,297) -------- -------- Total other income (expense) (2,020) (1,417) Income (loss) before extraordinary item and income taxes (391) 253 Income tax (provision) benefit 160 (100) -------- -------- NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM (231) 153 Extraordinary gain on extinguishment of debt, net of income taxes of $1,970 3,660 - -------- -------- NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 3,429 $ 153 -------- -------- BASIC NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE: Before extraordinary item $ (0.02) $ 0.01 Extraordinary item .25 - -------- -------- Basic net income per share $ .23 $ 0.01 DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE: Before extraordinary item $ (0.02) $ 0.01 Extraordinary item .24 - -------- -------- Diluted net income per share $ .22 $ 0.01 THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 1
ITRON, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited, in thousands) MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31, ============================================================================================== 1999 1998 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,917 $ 2,743 Accounts receivable, net 53,087 62,253 Current portion of long-term contracts receivable 14,673 13,498 Inventories 20,167 20,654 Deferred income taxes, net 5,132 6,938 Other 3,134 2,306 --------- --------- Total current assets 98,110 108,392 --------- --------- Property, plant and equipment, net 40,794 42,390 Equipment used in outsourcing, net 52,109 50,746 Intangible assets, net 17,374 18,142 Long-term contracts receivable 24,496 23,712 Other 4,144 4,373 --------- --------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 237,027 $ 247,755 --------- --------- --------- --------- LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Short-term borrowings $ 10,370 $ 14,000 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 23,278 25,263 Wages and benefits payable 6,945 6,246 Deferred revenue 5,720 8,653 --------- --------- Total current liabilities 46,313 54,162 --------- --------- Convertible subordinated debt 57,234 63,400 Mortgage notes payable 6,202 6,242 Project financing 7,599 7,722 Warranty and other obligations 1,160 1,207 --------- --------- Total noncurrent liabilities 72,195 78,571 --------- --------- Shareholders' equity Common stock 106,415 106,039 Retained earnings 13,519 10,090 Other (1,415) (1,107) --------- --------- Total shareholders' equity 118,519 115,022 --------- --------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 237,027 $ 247,755 --------- --------- --------- --------- THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 2
ITRON, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited, in thousands) THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, ========================================================================================= 1999 1998 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income (loss) $ 3,429 $ 153 Noncash charges (credits) to income: Depreciation and amortization 4,668 4,657 Deferred income tax provision (benefit) (166) 160 Equity in affiliates, net 165 120 Extraordinary gain on extinguishment of debt (3,660) - Changes in operating accounts: Accounts receivable 9,142 (6,587) Inventories 487 6,214 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (2,242) (4,942) Wages and benefits payable 699 (3,196) Long-term contracts receivable (1,959) (2,334) Deferred revenue (2,933) (255) Other, net (1,533) (1,300) -------- -------- Cash provided (used) by operating activities 6,097 (7,310) -------- -------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (1,543) (2,737) Equipment used in outsourcing (2,109) (4,504) Acquisition of intangibles and patent defense costs (22) (481) Other, net 221 (287) -------- -------- Cash used by investing activities (3,453) (8,009) -------- -------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Change in short-term borrowings, net (3,630) 12,939 Project financing (123) - Issuance of common stock 376 543 Other, net (93) 535 -------- -------- Cash provided (used) by financing activities (3,470) 14,017 -------- -------- Increase in cash and equivalents (826) (1,302) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,743 3,023 -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1,917 $ 1,721 -------- -------- -------- -------- THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 3
ITRON, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 1999 NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION The consolidated financial statements presented in this Form 10-Q are unaudited and reflect, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 1999. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 1999. The results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 1999, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any other fiscal period. NOTE 2: EARNINGS PER SHARE AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, ===================================================================================== (in thousands) 1999 1998 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average shares outstanding 14,757 14,631 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options 555 221 Convertible debt - - ------ ------ Weighted average shares outstanding assuming conversion 15,312 14,852 ------ ------ ------ ------ The Company has granted options to purchase common stock to directors, employees and other key personnel at fair market value on the date of grant. The dilutive effect of these options is included for purposes of calculating dilutive earnings per share ("EPS") using the "treasury stock" method. The Company also has subordinated convertible notes outstanding. These notes are not included in the above calculation as the shares are anti-dilutive in all periods when using the "if converted" method. NOTE 3: RESTRUCTURING In 1998, in connection with management's measures to reduce costs and improve operating efficiencies, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $3.9 million. During the first quarter of 1999 the Company recorded a further restructuring charge of $1.1 million as part of its ongoing efforts to improve operating efficiencies. The restructuring measures primarily involved a workforce reduction, the write-off of certain of the Company's intangible assets and the closure and consolidation of facilities. Cumulative restructuring charges of $5.1 million are as follows: Reserve Cash/ Restructuring Balance (in thousands) Non-Cash Charge Activity 03/31/99 =========================================================================================== Severance and related charges Cash $2,658 $ 1,830 $ 828 Write-down of intangible assets Non-Cash 1,104 1,104 - Consolidation of facilities Cash 1,048 - 1,048 Other Non-Cash 241 241 - ------ ------- ------- Total restructuring charge $5,051 $ 3,175 $ 1,876 ------ ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- 4
NOTE 4: BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31, ========================================================================== (Inventories, in thousands) 1999 1998 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Material $ 7,684 $ 9,041 Work in process 1,704 1,599 Finished goods 6,716 6,947 Field inventories awaiting installation 1,371 - ------- ------- Total manufacturing inventories 17,475 17,587 Service inventories 2,692 3,067 ------- ------- Total inventories $20,167 $20,654 ------- ------- ------- ------- NOTE 5: SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company reviews its operations using a variety of matrices, however, the chief executive officer primarily reviews the Company's manufacturing and sales operations on a domestic vs. international basis and revenues and cost of sales are reviewed based on the Company's major product lines of AMR systems, handheld systems and outsourcing. The Company has outsourcing agreements in which it both owns and operates the system. These agreements require a large amount of capital investment and related project and other debt, and are included in the Company's finance operations. Outsourcing contracts in which the Company operates, but does not own, the equipment are included in the Company's normal manufacturing and sales operations. The chief executive officer reviews financing operations separately from manufacturing and sales operations because they are essentially different businesses with significantly different operating and leverage characteristics. Segment debt and interest expense related to the Company's finance and international operations includes both direct and allocated debt and interest expense. Segment debt and related interest expense are allocated based on each segment's funding requirements for capital or operations. Intersegment revenues include shipments to various Company-owned subsidiaries and are eliminated in consolidation. EBITDA includes earnings for each segment before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and is used to allow a comparison of each segment's operating results. Segment Debt/EBITDA is a ratio that is used to compare segment leverage ratios to comparable industry ratios. The Company does not allocate income taxes to its operating segments. THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999 ====================================================================================================================== MANUFACTURING AND SALES -------------------------------------- (in thousands, except ratios) DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL TOTAL FINANCE ELIMINATED CONSOLIDATED Revenues from external customers: AMR systems $ 30,525 $ 394 $ 30,919 $ - $ - $ 30,919 Handheld systems 13,666 2,681 16,347 - - 16,347 Outsourcing 300 - 300 4,379 - 4,679 Intersegment revenues 379 7 386 - (386) - ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Total revenues $ 44,870 $ 3,082 $ 47,952 $ 4,379 $ (386) $ 51,945 Segment income (loss) (1) 2,501 (2,264) 237 4,897 105 5,239 Segment assets 171,366 10,655 182,021 91,622 (36,616) 237,027 Segment debt 6,966 20,212 27,178 72,860 (17,843) 82,195 Cash flows: Operating activities $ 10,989 $ (427) $ 10,562 $ (4,465) $ - $ 6,097 Investing activities (2) (1,426) - (1,426) (2,027) - (3,453) ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net operating and investing $ 9,563 $ (427) $ 9,136 $ (6,492) $ 2,644 EBITDA (3) $ 6,023 $ (1,368) $ 4,655 $ 7,107 $ - $ 11,762 Segment debt/annual EBITDA(4) 0.29 * 1.46 2.56 * 1.75 5
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 ====================================================================================================================== MANUFACTURING AND SALES -------------------------------------- (in thousands, except ratios) DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL TOTAL FINANCE ELIMINATED CONSOLIDATED Revenues from external customers: AMR systems $ 48,121 $ 2,235 $ 50,356 $ - $ - $ 50,356 Handheld systems 7,216 2,464 9,680 - - 9,680 Outsourcing 41 - 41 3,631 - 3,672 Intersegment revenues 729 102 831 - (831) - --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total revenues $ 56,107 $ 4,801 $ 60,908 $ 3,631 $ (831) $ 63,708 Segment income (loss) (1) 1,808 (895) 913 (392) (268) 253 Segment assets 184,106 11,509 195,615 69,135 (18,773) 245,977 Segment debt 16,190 16,720 32,910 54,695 - 87,605 Cash flows: Operating activities $ (3,986) $ (1,281) $ (5,267) $ (2,043) $ - $ (7,310) Investing activities (2) (3,354) (166) (3,520) (4,489) - (8,009) --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net operating and investing $ (7,340) $ (1,447) $ (8,787) $ (6,532) - $(15,319) EBITDA (3) $ 5,092 $ (217) $ 4,875 $ 1,332 $ - $ 6,207 Segment debt/annual EBITDA (4) 0.79 * 1.69 10.27 * 3.53 (1) SEGMENT INCOME (LOSS) INCLUDES $5.6 MILLION PRE-TAX GAIN ON DEBT EXTINGUISHMENT IN 1999. ITRON DOES NOT ALLOCATE INCOME TAXES TO ITS SEGMENTS. (2) INVESTING ACTIVITIES PRIMARILY CONSIST OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURES FOR EACH SEGMENT. (3) EBITDA IS CALCULATED BY ADDING NET INTEREST, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE TO PRE-TAX INCOME OR LOSS AFTER EXTRAORDINARY ITEM AND IS PRESENTED BECAUSE THE COMPANY BELIEVES THAT IT ALLOWS FOR A MORE COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF THE COMPANY'S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS AN INDICATOR OF THE COMPANY'S OVERALL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE. ADDITIONALLY, EBITDA AS REPORTED HEREIN MAY NOT BE COMPARABLE TO SIMILARLY TITLED MEASURES REPORTED BY OTHER COMPANIES. (4) TOTAL DEBT TO ANNUALIZED EBITDA IS CALCULATED BY DIVIDING TOTAL SEGMENT DEBT BY THE PRODUCT OF EBITDA MULTIPLIED BY 4. * NOT MEANINGFUL. NOTE 6: CONTINGENCIES The Company, together with Johnny M. Humphreys, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, is a defendant in a class action filed by certain former shareholders in federal court, alleging violations of the federal securities laws arising out of alleged misleading disclosures or omissions made by the Company regarding its business and technology. The Company believes this action is without merit and intends to vigorously defend against it. At this time, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of the proceedings. 6
ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW Itron is a leading global provider of integrated systems solutions for collecting, communicating, analyzing, and managing information about electric, gas and water usage. The Company designs, develops, manufactures, markets, installs and services hardware, software and integrated systems that enable customers to obtain, analyze and use meter data. The Company's major product lines include Automatic Meter Reading ("AMR") systems and Electronic Meter Reading ("EMR") or Handheld systems. The Company both sells its products and provides outsourcing services. The Company's AMR solutions primarily utilize radio and telephone technology to collect meter data and include Off-Site AMR, Mobile AMR and Network AMR technology reading options. Off-Site AMR utilizes a radio device attached to an Itron handheld computer that collects data from meters equipped with the Company's radio meter modules. Mobile AMR uses a transceiver in a vehicle to collect data from meters equipped with the Company's radio meter modules as the vehicle passes by. The Company offers a number of Network AMR solutions that utilize radio, telephone, cellular or a combination of these technologies to collect and transmit meter information from a variety of fixed locations. The Company's EMR systems product line includes the sale and service of ruggedized handheld computers and supporting products that record visually obtained meter data. Outsourcing services typically involve the installation, operation and/or maintenance of meter reading systems to provide meter information for billing and management purposes. Outsourcing contracts usually cover long timeframes and typically involve contracts in which either a customer owns the equipment and the Company provides meter information for a specified fee, or the Company both owns and operates the system. The Company currently derives substantially all of its revenues from sales of its products and services to utilities, however, the Company's business may increasingly consist of sales to other utility industry participants such as energy service providers, end user customers and others. The Company has experienced variability of operating results on both an annual and a quarterly basis due primarily to utility purchasing patterns and delays of purchasing decisions. In recent years these delays have generally been a result of changes or potential changes to the federal and state regulatory frameworks within which the electric utility industry operates and mergers and acquisitions in the utility industry. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS REVENUES Total Company revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 1999 decreased $11.8 million, or 18%, from the comparable quarter in 1998. THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, =============================================================================== INCREASE Revenues (in millions) 1999 (DECREASE) 1998 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AMR systems $ 30.9 (39%) $ 50.4 Handheld systems 16.3 69% 9.7 Outsourcing 4.7 27% 3.7 ------ ------ Total revenues $ 51.9 (18%) $ 63.7 ------ ------ ------ ------ AMR systems revenues decreased $19.4 million, or 39%, in the quarter ended March 31, 1999 from the comparable quarter one year ago. AMR systems revenues were lower in 1999 because the Company shipped approximately 35% fewer meter modules in the current quarter than the same quarter in 1998. The decreased shipments were largely due to the near completion in 1998 of meter module and fixed network product shipments under a large contract that the Company had with Virginia Power Company. Average selling prices increased during the three months ended March 31, 1999 compared to the comparable period one year ago, primarily because of a shift in mix from electric meter modules to water meter modules. The Company expects that AMR systems revenue will grow over the longer term. However, this growth continues to depend on the timing and resolution of electric utility industry regulatory reform issues in the United States, mergers and acquisitions in the utility industry, acceptance of new products, development of international markets and 7
other factors. Revenue growth in the near term is expected to depend on continued penetration and growth of the AMR water market. Handheld systems revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1999 increased $6.7 million, or 69%, from the same three month period in 1998. The largest increase was due to shipments of the Company's newest Portable Network ("PN") card, which was released in late 1998, and upgrades to Year 2000 compliant systems. The Company expects handheld systems revenue to increase somewhat in 1999 over the previous year, however, handheld systems revenues are expected to decline as a percentage of total revenues over time. Future handheld systems revenues are expected to be derived primarily from upgrade and replacement business domestically and penetration into international markets. Outsourcing revenues increased $1.0 million, or 27%, in the first quarter of 1999 over the comparable quarter of 1998. The higher revenues were due to increased installation of multi-function meters in connection with the Company's contract with the Duquesne Light Company ("Duquesne"). The Company is now in the operations phase of its contract with Duquesne, which allows for increased billings, according to the terms of the contract. While such increased billings will not affect the Company's reported revenues, increased cash payments from Duquesne should continue to improve the Company's cash flows. Outsourcing revenues are expected to decrease somewhat in 1999 from the level experienced in 1998 unless the Company signs additional outsourcing contracts. GROSS MARGIN Overall gross margins for the quarter ended March 31, 1999 of 37% of revenues were four percentage points higher than the 33% in the same period in 1998. The percentages for 1999 and 1998 in the table below reflect gross margins as a percentage of corresponding revenues and the percentage point change from the prior year. THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, ================================================================= INCREASE Gross Margin 1999 (DECREASE) 1998 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- AMR systems 36% 5% 31% Handheld systems 44% (3%) 47% Outsourcing 18% 0% 18% Total gross margin 37% 4% 33% AMR systems gross margin of 36% increased five percentage points in the first quarter of 1999 over the comparable quarter in 1998. The margin improvement reflects the substantial completion of shipments and installation of meter modules and fixed network products relating to the Company's lower margin contract with Virginia Power in the fourth quarter of 1998. This contract had a low margin due to the early life cycle status of the Company's network products and related installation activities. Additional improvements in 1999 margin result from a lower proportion of installation activities, which tend to have lower margins, in 1999 than in 1998. The Company expects AMR systems margins to be higher in 1999 than 1998 primarily because of a higher proportion of water meter module shipments than electric meter modules. Handheld systems margin decreased slightly in the first three months of 1999 compared to the first three months of 1998. The lower margin in the current period was primarily due to somewhat lower service margins caused by new warranty periods (during which the Company does not receive service revenues) that the Company provides for customer upgrades. The Company expects that handheld systems margin may decrease somewhat in 1999 from the level experienced in 1998 due to the large number of system upgrades expected in the 1999 period as a result of Year 2000 system upgrade requirements. Outsourcing margin was level at 18% of revenues in both the 1999 and 1998 periods. The low margin in both periods is a result of the Company's contract with Duquesne. The gross margin on the Duquesne contract is low because it was the Company's first large sale Network AMR system. The Company expects outsourcing costs as a percentage of revenues in 1999 to be comparable to those in 1998, unless the Company signs additional outsourcing agreements. 8
OPERATING EXPENSES Total operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 1999 were $17.7 million, significantly lower than the $19.1 million of operating expenses in the first quarter of 1998. Additionally, the 1999 period included $1.1 million of restructuring charges principally for severance and other expenses related to the closure of the Company's Saratoga, California product development office. The development activities from this office will be consolidated into the Company's other product development locations. Without this restructuring charge, the Company would have had total operating expenses of $16.6 million, which reflects a $2.6 million, or 13%, decrease from the comparable quarter in 1998. THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, =============================================================================== INCREASE Operating expenses (in millions) 1999 (DECREASE) 1998 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales and marketing $ 6.5 (2%) $ 6.6 Product development 6.6 (26%) 8.9 General and administrative 3.0 0% 3.0 Amortization of intangibles 0.5 (17%) 0.6 Restructuring charge 1.1 N/A - ------ ------ Total operating expenses $ 17.7 (8%) $ 19.1 ------ ------ ------ ------ Sales and marketing expenses of $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999 remained fairly level with the $6.6 million in the same period in 1998. Sales and marketing expenses are expected to remain at approximately 12% to 13% of total revenues for the remainder of the year. Product development expenses of $6.6 million in the current quarter are significantly lower than the $8.9 million in the same quarter last year. The lower expenses are primarily the result of management's restructuring measures, which the Company began to implement in the third quarter of 1998 (see restructuring charge discussed below). Product development expenses are expected to remain at approximately 12% to 14% of total revenues for the remainder of the year. General and administrative expenses of $3.0 million in the first quarter of 1999 were level with the comparable three months of 1998. General and administrative expenses are expected to remain at approximately 5% to 6% of total revenues for the remainder of the year. Amortization of intangibles decreased slightly in the first three months of 1999 over the first three months of 1998, yet remained at 1% of total revenues. Amortization expenses are lower in the current period because the Company wrote off certain intangible assets as part of its restructuring measures in the third quarter of 1998. In the third quarter of 1998 the Company announced, and began the implementation of, restructuring measures to reduce costs and improve operating efficiencies. These measures resulted in a $3.9 million restructuring charge in 1998. Additionally, in the first quarter of 1999 the Company announced the closure of its product development facility in Saratoga, California, resulting in an additional restructuring charge of $1.1 million. Restructuring measures involved a workforce reduction - primarily in product development, the write-off of certain intangible assets due to a reduction in the scope of planned technology development, closure of some of the Company's facilities and discontinuation of a jointly owned entity. (See Note 3 of the accompanying financial statements.) The Company believes that its comparatively high product development spending in the prior years has expanded the number of meter modules produced, enhanced module functionality, and expanded network capabilities and products. As a result of product expansion and lower bookings than had been anticipated, the Company scaled back its product development spending to lower levels. The Company expects that operating expenses will be reduced in 1999 because of the restructuring measures. Although the Company has expensed all known restructuring charges as of March 31, 1999, additional charges may be incurred in the future if other measures to increase operating efficiencies are identified. INTEREST AND OTHER, NET 9
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, ==================================================================================== INCREASE Other income (expense) (in millions) 1999 (DECREASE) 1998 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Equity in affiliates loss $ (0.2) 38% $ (0.1) Net interest income (expense) (1.8) 43% (1.3) ------ ------ Total other income (expense) $ (2.0) 43% $ (1.4) ------ ------ ------ ------ The Company had net interest expense of $1.8 million for the first quarter of 1999 compared to net interest expense of $1.3 million in the same period of 1998. The Company capitalized interest related to outsourcing installations of $260,000 in the first quarter of 1998. No interest was capitalized in the 1999 period. Interest expense was higher in the 1999 period due to a higher level of borrowing for both project financing and line of credit during the 1999 period. INCOME TAXES The Company had an income tax benefit of approximately 42% of pre-tax earnings from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 1999 compared to a benefit of 38% for the full year 1998. The higher comparative tax rate in 1999 primarily results from a concentration of state tax obligations and lower expected R&D tax credits. To the extent pre-tax earnings from continuing operations, or the components of those earnings, differ from expectations, the effective tax rate for the year could change. EXTRAORDINARY ITEM - GAIN ON EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT In March 1999 the Company completed its offer ("Exchange Offer") to exchange up to $15.8 million principal amount of its 6 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004 ("Exchange Notes"), for up to $22.0 million principal amount of its 6 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004 ("Original Notes"). The Exchange Offer was made on the basis of $720 principal amount of Exchange Notes for $1,000 principal amount of Original Notes. A total of $15.8 million aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes was issued as of March 12, 1999, with $6,000 in cash paid in lieu of fractional interests to tendering noteholders pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Notes have the same terms and conditions as the Original Notes except for a reduction in the conversion price for converting the Exchange Notes into Common Stock to $9.65, an extension of the date before which the Company may not call the Exchange Notes to March 12, 2002, and the removal of the redemption premium. The principal purpose of the exchange was to reduce the Company's long-term debt and debt service obligations by taking advantage of market discounts. The Company generated a pre-tax gain on extinguishment of debt, net of debt issuance expenses, of $5.6 million in the first quarter of 1999 related to the exchange. The after-tax effect of the gain on extinguishment was $3.7 million. 10
FINANCIAL CONDITION THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, =========================================================================== INCREASE Cash flows information (in millions) 1999 (DECREASE) 1998 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating activities $ 6.1 183% $ (7.3) Investing activities (3.4) 57% (8.0) Financing activities (3.5) (125%) 14.0 ------ ------- Net increase (decrease) in cash $ (0.8) (37%) $ (1.3) ------ ------- ------ ------- Operating activities generated $6.1 million of cash in the first quarter of 1999 compared to a usage of $7.3 million in cash in the first quarter of 1998. The $13.4 million improvement of cash flow for the first quarter of 1999 compared to the first quarter of 1998 was primarily driven by increased collections of accounts receivable and a reduction in the Company's unbilled receivables. Unbilled receivables were higher in the 1998 period because of a high level of turnkey installations, which typically have deferred billing terms. The 1998 quarter also included cash used for payment of 1997 performance incentives. Investments totaled $3.4 million during the 1999 quarter, down from $8.0 million in the prior year's quarter due primarily to a slowing of equipment needed for outsourcing installations and lower capital acquisitions for internal use. Unless the Company enters into additional outsourcing agreements, the Company expects to spend less in 1999 on equipment used for outsourcing installations than it did in 1998 because outsourcing installations are nearing completion. The Company expects to spend somewhat more on capital assets for internal use during 1999 than it did in 1998. Financing activities used $3.5 million in the first three months of 1999 compared to generating $14.0 million during the first three months of 1998. Financing activities in the 1999 quarter primarily consisted of paying down the Company's bank line of credit. During the 1998 quarter the Company primarily generated cash from financing activities by borrowing against the bank line of credit. Existing sources of liquidity at March 31, 1999 include approximately $1.9 million of existing cash and cash equivalents and $24 million of available borrowings under the revolving credit facility. The Company believes that existing cash, together with available borrowings and cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to fund operations, exclusive of any new outsourcing arrangements, for the remainder of 1999 and into 2000. The Company expects to fund the majority of future outsourcing contracts with project financing. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE In general, the "Year 2000 problem" concerns software programs that contain only a two-digit year value (99 to 00) rather than a four-digit year value (1999 to 2000) to indicate a change from 1999 to 2000. The issue is whether computer systems and non-information technology systems, such as embedded micro-controllers, will properly recognize date sensitive information when the year changes to 2000. Systems that do not properly recognize such information could generate erroneous data or cause a system to fail. The Company instituted a Year 2000 program in 1997 to identify potential risks and to develop solutions to mitigate those risks. The Company believes that it will be successful in implementing the identified solutions in a timely manner in order to mitigate potential Year 2000 problems. The Company has potential risks related to the Year 2000 problem in three areas: 1) suppliers, 2) internally developed software and hardware the Company sells, and 3) internal software and hardware systems. The following discussion addresses each of these potential risk areas. SUPPLIERS: The Company identified its key suppliers from which it purchases the majority of its materials and has received confirmation that approximately 90% of such suppliers expected to be Year 2000 compliant by April 1999. The Company is pursuing the issue with suppliers who have not yet responded. INTERNALLY DEVELOPED SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE FOR SALE TO CUSTOMERS: The Company has completed the process of identifying which of its products available for sale to customers were not Year 2000 compliant. The Company began the process of upgrading software and hardware in late 1997 and completed all major standard applications updates by December 1998. A small number of hardware and software 11
platforms will not be upgraded and all customers affected have been notified. Alternatives, including upgrading systems, have been developed for them. Substantially all of the customers with maintenance contracts with the Company have had their systems upgraded. INTERNAL SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE SYSTEMS: The Company upgraded its financial software including general ledger, manufacturing and sales order processing to be Year 2000 compliant during the second quarter of 1998 for domestic and Australian operations and during the fourth quarter of 1998 for the Company's United Kingdom operations. The Company's subsidiary in France is schedule to be upgraded by the end of the second quarter of 1999. The Company also has a variety of other software and hardware, including personal computer software and software used in engineering functions, whose Year 2000 compliance is in the process of being ensured. All internal software is expected to be compliant by mid-1999. The Company believes that the reasonably most likely worst-case scenario it might confront with respect to Year 2000 issues has to do with the possible failure of third party systems over which the Company has no control. These systems may include, but are not limited to, power and telecommunications services. The Company is in the process of developing contingency plans for any unforeseen critical business systems issues arising from the Year 2000 problem. Some problems, however, may remain uncorrected, and could materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and operating results. The Company may also experience reduced sales of its products as potential current customers reduce their budgets for meter-reading and data management solutions because of increased expenditures on their own Year 2000 compliance efforts. The Company does not anticipate that it will incur further significant operating expenses or be required to invest heavily in computer systems improvements to be Year 2000 compliant. Total costs for the Year 2000 issue are estimated to be approximately $1.5 million, of which approximately $1.2 million has been spent to date. However, as the compliance process is not yet complete, uncertainty exists concerning total costs associated with Year 2000 compliance. Any Year 2000 compliance problem of either the Company or its collaborative partners could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WHEN INCLUDED IN THIS DISCUSSION, THE WORDS "EXPECTS," "INTENDS," "ANTICIPATES," "PLANS," "PROJECTS" AND "ESTIMATES," AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH STATEMENTS, ARE INHERENTLY SUBJECT TO A VARIETY OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE REFLECTED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, CHANGES IN THE UTILITY REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT, DELAYS OR DIFFICULTIES IN INTRODUCING NEW PRODUCTS AND ACCEPTANCE OF THOSE PRODUCTS, ABILITY TO OBTAIN PROJECT FINANCING IN AMOUNTS NECESSARY TO FUND FUTURE OUTSOURCING AGREEMENTS, INCREASED COMPETITION AND VARIOUS OTHER MATTERS, MANY OF WHICH ARE BEYOND THE COMPANY'S CONTROL. FOR A MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THESE AND OTHER RISKS, SEE "CERTAIN RISK FACTORS" INCLUDED IN THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT OF FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS REPORT. THE COMPANY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION OR UNDERTAKING TO RELEASE PUBLICLY ANY UPDATES OR REVISIONS TO ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT CONTAINED HEREIN TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE ON THE COMPANY'S EXPECTATIONS WITH REGARD THERETO OR ANY CHANGE IN EVENTS, CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES ON WHICH ANY SUCH STATEMENT IS BASED. 12
PART 2: OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS On May 29, 1997, Itron and its President and Chief Executive Officer, Johnny M. Humphreys, were served with a complaint alleging securities fraud filed by Mark G. Epstein (EPSTEIN V ITRON, ET AL.) on his own behalf and alleged to be on behalf of a class of all others similarly situated, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington (Civil Action No. CS-97-214 RHW). The complaint alleges, among other matters, that Itron and Mr. Humphreys violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder by making allegedly false statements regarding the development status, performance and technological capabilities of Itron's Fixed Network AMR system and regarding the suitability of Itron's encoder receiver transmitter devices for use with an advanced Fixed Network AMR system. The complaint seeks monetary damages, costs and attorneys' fees and unspecified equitable or injunctive relief. On March 10, 1999, the Court certified this action as a class action on behalf of all purchasers of Itron Common Stock between September 11, 1995 and October 22, 1996 except for the Defendants and persons or entities having a relationship with the Defendants. The discovery phase of this lawsuit is continuing and the case is set for trial on November 1, 1999. The Company believes it has good defenses to the claims alleged and intends to defend itself vigorously against this action. ITEM 6: EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K a) EXHIBITS Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K A report on Form 8-K, dated January 28, 1999, was filed during the quarter ended March 31, 1999, pursuant to Item 5 of that form. The report related to a decision by the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota granting the Company's motion on the issue of validity of its Patent and granting CellNet's motion on the issue of non-infringement of the patent. A report on Form 8-K, dated February 11, 1999, was filed during the quarter ended March 31, 1999, pursuant to Item 5 of that form. The report was filed in connection with the commencement of the Company's exchange offer relating to its 6 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes. A report on Form 8-K, dated March 18, 1999, was filed during the quarter ended March 31, 1999, pursuant to Item 5 of that form. The report stated that the Exchange Offer terminated on Friday, March 12, 1999, and that the Company accepted $22,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its original its 6 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes for exchange, and issued $15,834,000 aggregate principal amount of exchange notes. 13
SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. ITRON, INC. (Registrant) By: /s/ DAVID G. REMINGTON ------------------------------------- David G. Remington Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer) Date: May 11, 1999 14
5 1,000 3-MOS DEC-31-1999 JAN-01-1999 MAR-31-1999 1,917 0 54,575 (1,488) 20,167 98,110 151,660 (58,757) 237,027 46,313 0 0 0 106,415 12,104 237,027 51,945 51,945 32,644 32,644 17,672 0 (2,020) (391) 160 (231) 0 3,660 0 3,429 .23 .22