SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
[_] REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934; or
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period ________ to ________
Commission File No. 0-30895
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC. /
EXFO INGENIERIE ELECTRO-OPTIQUE INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
CANADA
(JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
465 GODIN AVENUE
VANIER, QUEBEC G1M 3G7, CANADA
(418) 683-0211
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE
NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
OFFICES)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant
to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant
to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Subordinate Voting Shares, no par value
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant
to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
As of December 31, 2002, the registrant had 25,114,410
Subordinate Voting Shares outstanding.
Indicate by check mark whether EXFO (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 EXFO was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days.
Yes [X] No [_]
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item EXFO has
elected to follow:
Item 17 [_] Item 18 [X]
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This annual report contains or incorporates by reference statements
which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U. S.
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and we intend that such
forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby.
Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical information or
statements of current condition that refer to expectations, projections or other
characterizations of future events and circumstances. They are not guarantees of
future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may
differ materially from those in forward-looking statements due to various
factors including continued global economic, competitive and market uncertainty,
capital spending in the telecommunications sector and our ability to execute
successfully in these uncertain conditions; the effects of actions we have taken
in response to such uncertainties; market acceptance of new products and
upcoming new products; limited visibility of customer orders and the timing
thereof; the competitive landscape; successful integration of our acquired and
to-be-acquired companies. Assumptions relating to the foregoing involve
judgments and risks, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict and
many of which are beyond our control. Other risk factors that may affect our
future performance and operations are detailed the factors discussed under "Risk
Factors" set forth in Item 3D of this annual report. We believe that the
expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on
information currently available to us, but we cannot assure you that the
expectations will prove to have been correct. Accordingly, you should not place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements speak only
as of the date of this document and shall not be revised or updated to reflect
events after the date of this document.
PART I.
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The consolidated statements of earnings data for the years ended August
31, 1998 and 1999 and the consolidated balance sheets data as at August 31,
1998, 1999 and 2000 are derived from our audited consolidated financial
statements not included in this annual report. The consolidated statements of
earnings data for each of the three years ended August 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002
and the consolidated balance sheets data as at August 31, 2001 and 2002 are
derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are included
elsewhere in this annual report.
2
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with
Canadian GAAP, which differ in certain respects from U.S. GAAP. For a
description of the significant differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP in
regard to our consolidated financial statements, see note 19 to our consolidated
financial statements. The historical results below are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.
The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our
audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included
elsewhere in this annual report, and "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects" of this annual report.
3
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS,
EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE
DATA)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS DATA:
AMOUNTS UNDER CANADIAN GAAP
Sales.................................................. $ 31,605 $ 42,166 $ 71,639 $ 146,013 $ 68,330
Cost of sales (1)...................................... 11,345 14,998 24,712 54,946 50,801
Gross margin........................................... 20,260 27,168 46,927 91,067 17,529
Operating expenses
Selling and administrative............................. 9,898 13,279 24,304 46,236 35,446
Net research and development........................... 3,014 4,315 6,402 13,601 12,782
Amortization of property, plant and equipment.......... 609 857 1,451 3,559 5,932
Amortization of intangible assets...................... 48 41 47 9,876 11,615
Write-down of intangible assets........................ -- -- -- -- 23,657
Restructuring and other charges........................ -- -- -- 3,288 2,880
Total operating expenses............................... 13,569 18,492 32,204 76,560 92,312
Earnings (loss) from operations........................ 6,691 8,676 14,723 14,507 (74,783)
Interest income - net.................................. 40 136 1,480 6,098 1,456
Foreign exchange gain (loss) .......................... 126 (506) (684) 3,327 (458)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and amortization and
write-down of goodwill........................... 6,857 8,306 15,519 23,932 (73,785)
Income taxes........................................... 2,356 2,492 5,298 8,150 (25,451)
Earnings (loss) before amortization and write-down of
goodwill......................................... 4,501 5,814 10,221 15,782 (48,334)
Amortization of goodwill............................... -- -- 297 31,076 38,021
Write-down of goodwill................................. -- -- -- -- 222,169
Net earnings (loss) for the year....................... $ 4,501 $ 5,814 $ 9,924 $ (15,294) $ (308,524)
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share........ $ 0.12 $ 0.14 $ 0.25 $ (0.2) $ (5.09)
Basic weighted average number of shares used in per
share calculations (000's)....................... 38,000 38,001 39,951 53,014 60,666
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Gross research and development......................... $ 4,406 $ 6,390 $ 9,374 $ 17,601 $ 17,005
Net research and development........................... $ 3,014 $ 4,315 $ 6,402 $ 13,601 $ 12,782
Dividends per share
Class "A" shares................................. $ -- $ 0.08 $ 0.45 $ -- $ --
Class "C" share.................................. $ -- $ 340 $ -- $ -- $ --
Class "E" shares................................. $ 0.005 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Class "F" shares................................. $ -- $ -- $ 0.45 $ -- $ --
AMOUNTS UNDER U.S. GAAP
Net earnings (loss) for the year....................... $ 4,538 $ 5,901 $ 7,922 $ (29,478) $ (385,201)
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share........ $ 0.12 $ 0.15 $ 0.20 $ (0.56) $ (6.35)
Basic weighted average number of shares used in per
share calculations (000's)............................. 38,000 38,001 39,951 53,014 60,666
Dividends per share
Class "A" shares................................. $ -- $ 0.08 $ 0.45 $ -- $ --
Class "C" share.................................. $ -- $ 333 $ -- $ -- $ --
Class "E" shares................................. $ 0.005 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Class "F" shares................................. $ -- $ -- $ 0.45 $ -- $ --
AS AT AUGUST 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DATA:
AMOUNTS UNDER CANADIAN GAAP
Cash and cash equivalents.............................. $ 1,262 $ 423 $ 729 $ 7,729 $ 9,128
Short-term investments................................. 1,338 1,371 162,659 66,861 40,553
Working capital (2) ................................... 9,797 12,745 194,167 130,289 91,374
Total assets........................................... 17,643 22,840 219,723 442,577 177,926
Long-term debt (excluding current portion) ............ -- -- 16 664 564
Share capital.......................................... 1 87 198,459 429,995 489,611
Shareholders' equity................................... $ 12,045 $ 14,679 $ 206,994 $ 414,805 $ 165,406
AMOUNTS UNDER U.S. GAAP
Cash and cash equivalents.............................. $ 1,201 $ 423 $ 729 $ 7,729 $ 9,128
Short-term investments................................. 1,273 1,430 162,719 66,861 40,553
Working capital (2) ................................... 9,179 12,781 194,204 129,987 91,305
Total assets........................................... 16,785 22,899 219,760 499,436 161,314
Long-term debt (excluding current portion) ............ -- -- -- 664 564
Share capital.......................................... 1 132 201,151 498,121 560,943
Shareholders' equity................................... $ 11,318 $ 14,715 $ 207,031 $ 471,117 $ 148,691
-----------------------
(1) Includes inventory write-offs of $18,463,000 for the year ended August 31,
2002.
(2) Includes 19,000,000 mandatorily redeemable preferred shares with a nominal
carrying value as at August 31, 1998 and 800,000 mandatorily redeemable
preferred shares with a carrying value of $543,000 as at August 31, 2000.
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B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
Not Applicable
C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not Applicable
D. RISK FACTORS
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS
IF THE DOWNTURN IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY PERSISTS OR WORSENS, DEMAND
FOR OUR PRODUCTS MAY DECREASE WHICH COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR
BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
The current downturn in the global telecommunications industry has
resulted in significant bankruptcies, reduced purchasing and decreased capital
expenditures in the markets that we serve worldwide. Our sales and orders have
been affected by this downward cycle characterized by diminished product demand,
excess manufacturing capacity and the erosion of average selling prices. Those
conditions have also caused a lack of visibility, which reduces our capacity to
plan. The ultimate severity of the current downturn and how long it will last is
unknown. Continued weak economic conditions, additional bankruptcies and
decreased capital expenditures would likely result in a further reduction in
demand for our products and low visibility and could harm our consolidated
financial position, results of operations, cash flows and stock price.
WE HAVE ADOPTED MEASURES AND MAY CONTINUE TO ADOPT MEASURES THAT ALIGN OUR COST
STRUCTURE TO THE CONTINUING DIFFICULT MARKET CONDITIONS. IF CURRENT DEPRESSED
MARKET CONDITIONS ARE PROLONGED, IT COULD HAVE MATERIAL ADVERSE LONG-TERM
EFFECTS ON OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
In June 2001, we were forced to re-align our cost structure to market
conditions by implementing various measures including postponement of plans to
build a new facility in the Quebec Metro High-Tech Park, termination of non-core
operations at a subsidiary that specialized in manufacturing fiber-optic
temperature sensors, and reduction of our workforce by 15%. Then, on December 5,
2001, we announced the lowering of our operating expenses, a freeze in employee
salaries, and the further reduction of our workforce by 10%.
Again in May 2002, we reduced our global workforce by an additional 20%
and definitively cancelled our plans to build the new facility. These and, if
needed, subsequent measures could have material adverse long-term effects on our
business, results of operations and financial condition if we deplete our pool
of highly qualified personnel or are unable to retain key personnel; if we are
unable to sustain sufficient research and development efforts for the launch of
new products; if we are unable to meet the needs of our customers; and if we are
not capable of ramping up manufacturing when market conditions improve. In
addition, if we fail to adopt and implement adequate and pertinent measures on a
timely basis to align our cost structure to further declining market conditions,
it could have a material adverse long-term effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
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IF THE SUPPLY OF HIGH-BANDWIDTH TRANSMISSION NETWORKS SHOULD CONTINUE TO SURPASS
DEMAND, OR IF OPTICAL FIBER IS REPLACED BY ANOTHER MEDIUM AS THE PRIMARY
SOLUTION FOR BANDWIDTH-INTENSIVE APPLICATIONS, WE COULD EXPERIENCE FURTHER
SIGNIFICANT LONG-TERM LOSS OF SALES.
Fiber-optic deployment and network capacity increases have slowed due
to the current downturn in the telecommunications industry. This has affected
optical component and network equipment manufacturers and operators causing
reduced demand for fiber-optic test, measurement, monitoring and automation
equipment and the erosion of average selling prices. Any further downturn in our
markets or in general economic conditions, or if optical fiber is replaced by a
higher performance medium, would likely result in further reduction in demand
for our products, which would harm our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
IF CUSTOMERS FAIL TO MEET THEIR FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS TO US, IT COULD HAVE A
MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL
CONDITION.
With the continuing economic slowdown, some of our customers are
experiencing, or may possibly experience, serious cash flow problems, As a
result, we have had customers who delayed payment or were not able to meet their
financial commitments to us. Furthermore, they may not order as many products
from us as originally forecasted or any products at all. We attempt to reduce
the possibility of large outstanding bills remaining unpaid by carrying out
credit checks on customers and by having a diversified customer base. For
example, no customer represented more than 10.2% of our sales in fiscal 2002.
However, there is no assurance that such measures will reduce our exposure to
customer credit risks. If customers fail to meet their financial commitments to
us, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition and the failure of our customers to order
products will also result in decreased revenues.
WE MUST CONTINUE TO OVERCOME SIGNIFICANT COMPETITION IN OUR INDUSTRY IN ORDER TO
GAIN MARKET SHARE AND ACHIEVE OUR GROWTH STRATEGY.
The market for fiber-optic test, measurement, monitoring and automation
equipment is rapidly evolving and is marked by intense competition and technical
innovations. We expect the pace of change to accelerate in the future. We expect
new competitors to emerge or current competitors to consolidate as the market
for fiber-optic test, measurement, monitoring and automation equipment evolves
in response to technical innovations and economic conditions, thereby
accelerating the pace of change and the competitive pressures that we face. Our
growth depends in part on our ability to increase our market share by increasing
sales of current products, introducing new products and product enhancements and
exploiting new markets.
In the financial year ended August 31, 2002, we acquired technologies
allowing us to almost double our addressable market by expanding in to the
protocol-layer testing market. This new market brings additional competition.
Moreover, our competitors may have more experience operating in these markets
and be better established with customers in this new market. Some of our current
and potential competitors are global electronic test and measurement
manufacturers who complement their broad range of products with fiber-optic
test, measurement, monitoring and automation equipment. Competitors, such as
Acterna Corporation, Agilent Technologies Inc., ANDO Corporation, Anritsu
Corporation, NetTest and Tektronix, Inc. may have greater financial, technical
and marketing resources. Consequently, these competitors may be able to devote
greater resources to the development, marketing, sale and support of their
products. They may also be better positioned than we are to acquire
6
companies and new technologies that may displace our products or make them
obsolete. We cannot predict whether our current or future competitors will
develop or market products that offer higher performance or more features or are
more cost-effective than our current or future products. To remain competitive
and achieve our growth strategy, we must continue to increase our sales and
develop cost-effective products and product enhancements in current and new
markets, which offer higher performance and more functionality so that we can
increase our market share. Our failure to do so may harm our business, results
of operations and financial condition.
WE HAVE FACED PRICING PRESSURES ON OUR EXISTING PRODUCTS AND EXPECT THAT THIS
PRESSURE WILL CONTINUE. IF WE DO NOT CONTROL OUR MANUFACTURING COSTS OR
INTRODUCE NEW PRODUCTS WITH HIGHER MARGINS, OUR GROSS MARGINS WILL DECLINE AND
OUR OPERATING RESULTS WILL BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
Reduced demand for fiber-optic test, measurement, monitoring and
automation equipment, in addition to competitiveness in our industry will likely
result in a continuing downward pressure on the prices for fiber-optic test,
measurement, monitoring and automation equipment. These price declines result
from factors such as:
o increased competition for business;
o reduced demand;
o limited number of potential customers;
o competition from companies with lower production costs;
o introduction of new products by competitors;
o greater economies of scale for higher-volume competitors;
o resale of used equipment; and
o equipment sales resulting from manufacturing and rental
companies bankruptcies.
As prices of our existing products may experience continuing downward
pressure, we may have to increase our unit volume sold in order to maintain our
existing sales level. If we are unable to increase the level of sales,
continuously monitor our manufacturing costs or introduce new products with
higher margins, our gross margins may decline and our operating results may
suffer.
OUR QUARTERLY REVENUES AND OPERATING RESULTS ARE SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT
FLUCTUATIONS AND YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THEM AS AN INDICATION OF OUR FUTURE
PERFORMANCE.
Our sales and operating results have fluctuated from quarter to quarter
in the past and significant fluctuations may occur in the future. In addition,
our revenue and operating results generally depend on the volume and timing of
the orders we receive from customers as well as our ability to fulfill the
orders received. Our operating expenses, which include research and development,
selling and administrative and amortization expenses, are relatively fixed in
the short term. If our revenue is lower than we expect because we sell fewer
products than we anticipate, if there is a delay in the release of new products
or if prices for our products decline, we may not be able to quickly reduce our
operating expenses in response. Factors that could affect the amount and timing
of our revenue, and cause quarterly fluctuations in our revenue and operating
results include:
o the length of the product sales cycle for certain of our
products, especially those that are higher priced and more
complex;
7
o the timing of introduction and market acceptance of new
products by us, our competitors or our suppliers;
o our ability to sustain product volumes and high levels of
quality across all product lines;
o the timing of shipments for large orders; and
o the effect of potential seasonality in sales.
Our revenue and operating results could also be affected by the
following factors, some of which we have little or no control over:
o fluctuating demand for fiber-optic test, measurement,
monitoring and automation equipment;
o changes in the capital budgets of our customers, which may
cause seasonal or other fluctuations in the product mix,
volume, timing and number of orders we receive from our
customers;
o order cancellations or rescheduled delivery dates; o pricing
changes by our competitors or suppliers;
o customer bankruptcies and difficulties in collecting accounts
receivable;
o the level of used test, measurement and automation equipment
available for resale;
o restructuring charges; and
o general economic conditions.
In addition, we may in the future choose to reduce prices, increase
spending, or add or eliminate products in response to actions by competitors or
as an effort to pursue new market opportunities. These actions may also
adversely affect our business and operating results and may cause our quarterly
results to be lower than the results of previous quarters. Due to these factors,
you should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our results of
operations as an indication of our future performance.
AS OUR CUSTOMERS CONSOLIDATE, THEY MAY REDUCE OR HALT PURCHASES OF OUR
PRODUCTS, WHICH WOULD CAUSE OUR SALES TO DECLINE.
Consolidation in the telecommunications industry could reduce the
number of customers to whom our products could be sold. Some of our customers
have been subject to consolidation and could reduce their orders, demanding more
favorable terms and conditions and obtaining products from a source other than
us, which could cause our sales to decline. As a result, some of our
manufacturer customers may discontinue their relationships with us.
WE DEVOTE CONSIDERABLE TIME AND RESOURCES TO SECURING NEW CUSTOMERS AND
IMPROVING SALES TO EXISTING CUSTOMERS. IF WE ARE UNSUCCESSFUL, OUR FUTURE
OPERATING RESULTS MAY SUFFER.
The long sales cycle for some of our products may cause our sales and
operating results to vary significantly from period to period. Many of our
products are complex, and customers for these products may require substantial
time to make purchase decisions. The period of time between our initial contact
with a customer and the receipt of a purchase order may span a year or more. In
addition, customers perform and require us to perform, extensive product
evaluation and testing of new instruments before purchasing them. If we are
unable to satisfy customer demands, considerable resources would have been
expended without deriving corresponding sales. In addition, some of our
customers and potential customers require that a bidding
8
process be followed or that our products be pre-approved. Both of these
situations involve inherent risks over which we have little control, for
example, missing the approval opportunity or unsuccessful pricing.
OUR CUSTOMERS ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO BUY MATERIAL AMOUNTS OF OUR PRODUCTS AND MAY
CANCEL OR DEFER PURCHASES ON SHORT NOTICE.
Our customers typically purchase our products under individual purchase
orders and may cancel or defer purchases on short notice without significant
penalty. Accordingly, sales in a particular period are difficult to predict.
Decreases in purchases, cancellations of purchase orders, or deferrals of
purchases may have a material adverse effect on our operating results,
particularly if we do not anticipate them.
WE CANNOT ASSURE THAT WE WILL SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE THE BUSINESSES, PRODUCTS,
TECHNOLOGIES OR PERSONNEL OF OUR RECENT AND FUTURE ACQUISITIONS, WHICH MAY HARM
OUR BUSINESS.
We have historically achieved growth through a combination of
internally developed new products and acquisitions. Since December 2000, we have
made four major acquisitions, and as part of our strategy to sustain growth, we
expect to continue to pursue acquisitions of other companies, technologies and
complementary product lines in the future.
However, mergers and acquisitions of high technology businesses are
inherently risky. For our past and future transactions to be successful, we must
appropriately integrate the businesses, products, technologies and personnel
already acquired, as well as those of any future acquisitions, with our own
business, product portfolios and personnel in a manner that anticipates or
responds to new technological developments and customer requirements on a timely
basis. In addition, we must coordinate the operations and product portfolios of
newly acquired companies with our own operations and product portfolios and
manage all aspects of geographically dispersed operations. Integration requires
the dedication of management resources that may distract their attention from
our day-to-day business and operations. If we fail to integrate the companies
quickly and efficiently, we may not be able to realize the benefits we expect
from these transactions.
We cannot assure that any business of our recent or future acquisitions
will achieve anticipated net sales and profits. In May 2002, as part of our
review of financial results and due to the continued downturn in the
telecommunications industry, the persisting unfavourable market conditions
affecting our subsidiaries' industries and the decline in technology valuations,
we performed an assessment of the carrying value of goodwill and intangible
assets recorded in conjunction with the acquisitions of EXFO Burleigh, EXFO
Photonic and EXFO Protocol. As a result, we concluded that the carrying value of
goodwill and certain acquired intangible assets was impaired and we recorded a
US$222.2 million write-down of goodwill and a US$23.7 million write-down of
intangible assets, which had a negative impact on our reported earnings. This
type of assessment is completed annually and further write-downs may become
necessary in the future if market conditions worsen.
All of these factors could materially harm our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
9
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ACQUISITIONS NEEDED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
OF OUR BUSINESS AND ANY ACQUISITIONS WE MAKE COULD DISRUPT OUR BUSINESS AND HARM
OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION.
We intend to seek acquisitions of businesses, products and technologies
that are complementary to ours or that will increase our markets. There can be
no assurance that we will ultimately make any such acquisition. The
consolidation of our competitors may improve their capacity to acquire the same
businesses, products and technologies that we wish to acquire. In addition, our
fluctuating stock price or our cash position at the time of the acquisition may
affect our ability to complete an acquisition.
We have made strategic acquisitions in the past and we intend that in
the future, as part of our growth strategy, we will continue to make strategic
acquisitions of complementary business, products and technologies. In the event
of any future acquisition, we could:
o issue shares that would dilute individual shareholder
percentage ownership;
o incur debt;
o assume liabilities and commitments;
o incur expenses related to amortization of other intangible
assets; or
o incur significant impairment losses of goodwill and intangible
assets related to such acquisitions.
These acquisitions also involve numerous risks, including:
o problems combining the acquired operations, technologies,
products and personnel;
o unanticipated costs or liabilities;
o diversion of management's attention from our core business;
o adverse effects on existing business relationships with
suppliers and customers;
o risks associated with entering markets in which we have no or
limited prior experience; and
o potential loss of key employees, particularly those of
acquired organizations.
WE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIABILITIES ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH OUR
ACQUISITIONS THAT COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
We conduct due diligence in connection with our acquisitions and
incorporate indemnification provisions in our acquisition agreements. To the
extent that prior owners of any acquired businesses failed to comply with or
otherwise violated applicable laws, we may be financially responsible for these
violations or otherwise be adversely affected. The discovery of any material
liabilities after the closing of the transaction could have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In connection with
the acquisitions we have completed since December 2000, there may be liabilities
that we failed to discover at the time of the acquisition or that we
inadequately assessed in our due diligence efforts.
IF WE FAIL TO PREDICT OUR SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS ACCURATELY, WE WILL HAVE EXCESS
INVENTORY OR INSUFFICIENT INVENTORY, EITHER OF WHICH COULD CAUSE US TO INCUR
ADDITIONAL COSTS, EXPERIENCE MANUFACTURING DELAYS OR EXCESS OR OBSOLETE
INVENTORY.
We provide non-binding forecasts of our requirements to some of our
suppliers up to six months prior to scheduled delivery of products to our
customers. If we overestimate our
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forecasted requirements, we may have excess inventory, which could harm our
relationships with our suppliers due to reduced future orders, increase our
costs and require inventory write-offs. In the financial year ended August 31,
2002, we recorded inventory write-offs totaling $18.5 million for excess and
obsolete inventory. If we underestimate our requirements, we may have an
inadequate inventory of parts, which could interrupt manufacturing of our
products and result in delays in shipments. In addition, lead times for
materials and parts that we order may be long and depend on factors such as the
procedures of, or supply terms with, a specific supplier and demand for each
part at a given time.
WE DEPEND ON A SINGLE SUPPLIER OR A LIMITED NUMBER OF
SUPPLIERS FOR SOME OF THE KEY COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS IN OUR PRODUCTS, WHICH
MAKES US SUSCEPTIBLE TO SUPPLY SHORTAGES OR PRICE FLUCTUATIONS THAT COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR OPERATING RESULTS.
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for some of the parts used
to manufacture our products for which alternative sources may not be readily
available. In addition, all our orders are placed through individual purchase
orders and, therefore, our suppliers may stop supplying parts to us at any time.
The reliance on a single source or limited number of suppliers could result in
increased costs, delivery problems and reduced control over product pricing and
quality. Financial difficulties of suppliers could also affect our ability to
obtain necessary parts in a timely manner. Any interruptions or delays in the
supply of any of these parts could significantly harm our ability to meet
scheduled product deliveries to our customers and cause us to lose sales.
Furthermore, the process of qualifying a new manufacturer for complex products,
designed to our specifications, such as our optical and mechanical parts, is
lengthy and would consume a substantial amount of time of our technical
personnel and management. If we were required to change manufacturers in a short
period of time, our business would be disrupted. In addition, we may be
unsuccessful in identifying a new manufacturer capable of and willing to meet
our needs on terms that we would find acceptable. Consolidation involving
suppliers could further reduce the number of alternatives available to us and
affect the cost of parts, which make our products less competitive and result in
lower margins.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO ADAPT TO CURRENT AND FUTURE CHANGES IN TECHNOLOGY OR IF WE
ARE NOT ABLE TO INTRODUCE NEW AND ENHANCED PRODUCTS ON A TIMELY BASIS, OUR
PRODUCTS MAY BECOME OBSOLETE, WHICH COULD PREVENT US FROM ACHIEVING OUR GROWTH
STRATEGY AND ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR OPERATING RESULTS.
The telecommunications industry is characterized by rapidly evolving
technology and industry standards that result in frequent new product
introductions. Any failure by us to anticipate or respond to new technological
developments, customer requirements and evolving standards could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The development of proprietary technologies entails significant technical and
business risks and requires substantial expenditures and lead-time. The success
of our new product offerings will depend on several factors, including our
ability to:
o properly identify customer needs;
o innovate and develop new products;
o gain timely market acceptance for new products;
o manufacture and deliver our new products on time and in
sufficient volume;
o price our products competitively; and
o anticipate competitor's announcements of new products.
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In addition, failure to do so could be exploited by our competitors. If
we lose market share as a result of lapses in our product development, our
business would suffer.
OUR PRODUCTS MAY HAVE UNFORESEEN DEFECTS THAT COULD HARM OUR REPUTATION, IMPEDE
MARKET ACCEPTANCE OF OUR PRODUCTS AND NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS.
As a result of their complexity, our products may contain undetected
software or hardware defects or compatibility problems or regulatory compliance
issues, particularly when they are first introduced or when new versions are
released. There can be no assurance that, despite our testing, defects will not
be found in new products after they have been fully deployed and operated under
peak stress conditions. If we are unable to fix defects or other problems, we
could experience, among other things:
o costly repairs
o product returns or recalls;
o damage to our brand reputation;
o loss of customers, failure to attract new customers or achieve
market acceptance;
o diversion of development and engineering resources;
o legal actions by our customers, including claims for
consequential damages and loss of profits; and
o legal actions by governmental entities, including actions to
impose product recalls and/or forfeitures.
The occurrence of any one or more of the foregoing could seriously harm
our business, results of operations and financial condition.
OUR PRODUCTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO CONFORM TO NEW AND UNFORESEEN REGULATORY
REQUIREMENTS THAT COULD INCREASE OUR COSTS AND REDUCE OUR MARKET SHARE.
Our products are designed to conform to the regulatory requirements of
the countries in which they are marketed. In the event that the technical
regulations applicable in a given country are in any way changed, we may be
required to modify, redesign or recall some or all of our products in order to
continue participating in that market. These changes may prove costly and time
consuming and could create technical advantages for products marketed by our
competitors. We cannot assure that our products will continue to meet evolving
standards in the future. In addition, failure to comply, or delays in compliance
with such regulatory requirements or delays in receipt of certifications could
delay the introduction of new products or cause our existing products to become
obsolete.
OUR SALES WOULD SUFFER IF A KEY SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR DISTRIBUTOR STOPPED
SELLING OR REDUCED SALES OF OUR PRODUCTS.
We sell a large portion of our products through a network of
independent sales representatives and distributors, the majority of whom have
exclusive rights to sell our products in specific territories or markets. Our
sales representatives and distributors may not market our products effectively
or if we are unable to provide competitive sales commissions, maintain an
appropriate sales volume, or offer sufficient channel-support, our independent
sales representatives and distributors may discontinue sales of our products and
switch to representing one or more of our competitors, which would result in
reduced sales for us.
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IF WE FAIL TO ADAPT APPROPRIATELY TO THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH OPERATING
INTERNATIONALLY, THE GROWTH OF OUR BUSINESS MAY BE IMPEDED AND OUR OPERATING
RESULTS MAY BE AFFECTED.
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002, customers outside of the
United States and Canada accounted for 43% of our sales and for the fifteen
months ended November 30, 2002, these customers accounted for 42% of our sales.
Our international sales will be limited if we cannot establish relationships
with international distributors, establish additional foreign operations, expand
international sales channel management, hire additional personnel, develop
relationships with international service providers and operate adequate after
sales support internationally. Even if we are able to successfully continue our
international operations, we may not be able to maintain or increase
international market demand for our products. Our international operations are
subject to a number of risks, including:
o challenges in staffing and managing foreign operations due to
the limited number of qualified candidates, employment laws
and practices in foreign countries, any of which could
increase the cost and reduce the efficiency of operating in
foreign countries;
o technology standards that differ from those on which our
products are based, which could require expensive redesign and
retention of personnel familiar with those standards;
o longer accounts receivable payment cycles and possible
difficulties in collecting payments which may increase our
operating costs and hurt our financial performance; and
o certification requirements.
Any of these factors could harm our international operations and
negatively affect our financial performance. The recurrence of weakness in these
economies or of weakness in other foreign economies could have a significant
negative effect on our future operating results.
ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND OTHER RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL SALES AND
OPERATIONS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We maintain operations in three major geographic areas: the Americas,
Europe and Asia. During the last financial year, approximately half of our
revenues were from international sales. As a result, the business is subject to
the worldwide economic and market conditions risks generally associated with
doing business globally, such as fluctuating exchange rates, the instability of
international monetary conditions, tariff and trade policies, domestic and
foreign tax policies, foreign governmental regulations, political unrest, wars
and other acts of terrorism and changes in other economic or political
conditions. These factors, among others, could influence our ability to succeed
in global markets. A significant downturn in the global economy could adversely
affect our results of business, results of operations and financial condition.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLYING TO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS, AND OUR
FAILURE TO ADDRESS THESE LAWS AND REGULATIONS OR COMPLY WITH GOVERNMENT
CONTRACTS COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS.
We have agreements relating to the sale of our products to government
entities and, as a result, we are subject to various statutes and regulations
that apply to companies doing business with the government. The laws applicable
to government contracts differ from those
13
governing private contracts. For example, many government contracts contain
pricing terms and conditions that are not applicable to private contracts. We
are also subject to investigation for compliance with the regulations applying
to government contracts. Any failure to comply with these laws and regulations
could harm our business.
THE PRICE OF OUR SECURITIES IS VOLATILE AND MAY DECLINE.
The market price of our securities has been, and is likely in the
future to be, subject to wide, rapid fluctuations. Such fluctuations may be due
to factors specific to us, such as changes in operating results, new product
introductions by us or our competitors, competitive activities, changes in
analysts' ratings, or the liquidity of our stock. Fluctuations in stock price
may also be due to factors relating to the global telecommunications industry or
the securities markets in general. These fluctuations have often been unrelated
or disproportionate to the operating performance of the specific companies whose
stocks are traded. These broad market and industry factors may have a material
adverse effect on the market price of our securities, regardless of our actual
operating performance. Shareholders should be willing to incur the risk of such
fluctuations.
WE REQUIRE EMPLOYEES WHO ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE SPECIALIZED NATURE
OF OUR BUSINESS. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN SUFFICIENT NUMBERS OF
HIGHLY SKILLED TECHNICAL, SALES AND MARKETING AND OTHER PERSONNEL, OUR
OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL RESULTS WOULD SUFFER.
Due to the specialized nature of our business, we are highly dependent
on the continued service of and on the ability to attract and retain, qualified
engineering, sales, marketing and senior management personnel. The loss of key
employees or management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our
business and operating results. We may not be able to continue to attract and
retain the qualified personnel necessary for the development of our business.
We must provide significant training for our employee base due to the
highly specialized nature of fiber-optic test, measurement and automation
equipment. Our current engineering personnel may be inadequate and we may fail
to assimilate and train new employees. Highly skilled employees with the
education and training that we require, especially employees with significant
experience and expertise in fiber optics, international business development and
product management, may be difficult to find. Once trained, our employees may be
hired by our competitors.
OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY AND OUR ABILITY TO MAINTAIN OUR COMPETITIVE POSITION
DEPEND ON THE CONTINUED SERVICES OF OUR SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM LED BY GERMAIN
LAMONDE, OUR CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. THE
LOSS OF ANY MEMBER OF THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR
BUSINESS.
Our ability to maintain our competitive position depends to a
significant extent on the efforts and abilities of our senior management,
particularly Germain Lamonde, our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer. The managerial, technical and other services of our senior
management team could be difficult to replace and if we lose the services of one
or more of our executive officers, or if one of them decides to join a
competitor or otherwise compete directly or indirectly against us, our business
could be seriously harmed. Though members of our senior management team have
signed non-competition clauses that we believe are binding, they may not turn
out to be effective in all situations and the loss of such
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personnel could jeopardize our ability to maintain our competitive position. We
do not have "key person" life insurance policies covering any of our employees.
OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY ARE IMPORTANT TO THE
CONTINUED SUCCESS OF OUR BUSINESS. OUR FAILURE TO PROTECT THIS PROPRIETARY
TECHNOLOGY MAY SIGNIFICANTLY IMPAIR OUR COMPETITIVE POSITION.
Our success and ability to compete depend to a significant extent on
out proprietary technology, since that is how we attempt to keep others from
using the innovations that are central to our existing and future products. We
currently hold 22 U.S. and 7 Canadian issued patents and have 28 U.S. and 22
Canadian patent applications pending, along with 5 patent applications pending
under the Patent Cooperation Treaty. We also rely on a combination of copyright
and trademark laws, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures, contractual
provisions and license agreements to protect our proprietary technology. We may
have to engage in litigation in order to protect our patents and other
intellectual property rights, or to determine the validity or scope of the
proprietary rights of others. This kind of litigation can be time-consuming and
expensive, regardless of whether we win or lose. Because it is critical to our
success that we are able to prevent competitors from copying our innovations, we
intend to continue to seek patent and trade secret protection for our
technologies. The process of seeking patent protection can be long and expensive
and we cannot be certain that any currently pending or future applications will
actually result in issued patents, or that, even if patents are issued, they
will be of sufficient scope or strength to provide meaningful protection or any
commercial advantage to us. Furthermore, others may develop technologies that
are similar or superior to our technology, or design around the patents that we
own. We also rely on trade secret protection for our technology, in part through
confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, distributors and
third parties. However, these agreements may be breached or otherwise not
effective and we may not have adequate remedies for any breach or shortfall of
these agreements. In any case, others may come to know about our trade secrets
through a variety of methods. In addition, the laws of some territories in which
we sell our products may not protect our intellectual property rights to the
same extent as do the laws of Canada and the United States.
Despite our efforts, our intellectual property rights, particularly our
existing or future patents, may be invalidated, circumvented, challenged or
required to be licensed to others. Furthermore, others may develop technologies
that are similar or superior to our technology, duplicate or reverse engineer
our technology, or design around the patents owned or licensed by us. We cannot
be sure that the steps that we take to protect our technology will prevent
misappropriation or infringement. If we fail to protect our technology so that
others may copy or use it, we will be less able to differentiate our products
and our sales will decline.
OTHERS MAY CLAIM THAT OUR PRODUCTS INFRINGE UPON THEIR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
RIGHTS, OR THEY MAY INFRINGE OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, AND WE MAY EXPEND
SIGNIFICANT RESOURCES ENFORCING OR DEFENDING OUR RIGHTS OR SUFFER COMPETITIVE
INJURY.
Litigation regarding intellectual property rights is common in the
technology industry and, for this reason, we expect that third-party
infringement claims involving technologies may increase. If an infringement
claim is filed against us, we may be prevented from using some of our
technologies and may incur significant costs to resolve the claim. Conversely,
we may be required to spend significant resources to monitor and police our
intellectual property rights.
15
We could incur substantial costs in defending ourselves and our
customers against infringement claims or in bringing infringement claims against
others. Litigation could also adversely affect sales of the challenged product
or technology and divert the efforts of our management and technical personnel.
In the event of a claim of infringement, we may be required to obtain one or
more licenses from third parties. We cannot assure you that we, or our
customers, could obtain necessary licenses from third parties at a reasonable
cost or at all. If we fail to obtain a license where one is required, we could
incur substantial liabilities and be forced to suspend the marketing of the
challenged products.
OUR INSURANCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER ALL POTENTIAL LIABILITY. A
SUCCESSFUL CLAIM EXCEEDING OUR POLICY LIMITS WILL REDUCE OUR WORKING CAPITAL,
INCREASE OUR EXPENSES AND HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON OUR OPERATING RESULTS.
Our products are designed to help telecommunications carriers and
manufacturers of optical components, value-added optical modules and optical
networking systems ensure network reliability. The failure of our products to
perform to client expectations could give rise to product liability and warranty
claims. We carry insurance for product liability and take accounting reserves
for warranty claims that we consider adequate in view of industry practice. In
addition, we may face other types of claims by third parties in relation to the
conduct of our business and a successful claim against us for an amount
exceeding our policy limits would force us to use our own resources to pay the
claim, which could result in a reduction of our working capital available for
other uses, increase our expenses and have a negative effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
THIS YEAR, WE IMPLEMENTED AN ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP) SYSTEM AT OUR
QUEBEC CITY LOCATION, AND IF THIS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT TOOL PROVES TO BE
UNWIELDY, IF THE SOFTWARE TOOL TURNS OUT TO BE INEFFICIENT OR IF TECHNICAL OR
SECURITY PROBLEMS ARISE, IT COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR
BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
We implemented an ERP system in early December 2001 to help increase
the efficiency of our operations. This required a significant investment in
money, time and resources. More than 400 employees were trained on the software
tool and though we have completed the transition from one system to another,
this information technology project may still prove to be unwieldy or turn out
to be ineffective. If this occurs it could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
WE MAY BECOME INVOLVED IN COSTLY AND TIME-CONSUMING LITIGATION THAT MAY
SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE OUR COSTS AND HARM OUR BUSINESS.
We may from time to time become involved in various lawsuits and legal
proceedings. For example, EXFO is a defendant in a putative securities class
action filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York involving approximately 300 other issuing companies. In addition, we
have instituted a claim against a former employee of one of our subsidiaries, in
relation to a breach of contractual confidentiality obligations. Litigation is
subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other
matters that may arise from time to time could have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations or financial condition.
16
Any litigation to which we are subject could require significant
involvement of our senior management and may divert management attention from
our business and operations. For more information about current legal
proceedings, see "Item 4B - Legal Proceedings".
FLUCTUATIONS IN THE EXCHANGE RATES BETWEEN THE CANADIAN DOLLAR AND OTHER
CURRENCIES MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR OPERATING MARGINS.
The majority of our sales is denominated in currencies other than the
Canadian dollar (principally US dollars and Euros). However, a large portion of
our operating expenses and capital expenditures is denominated in Canadian
dollars. As a result, we are exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rates
between the Canadian dollar on the one hand and the U.S. dollar and the Euro on
the other. An increase in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to either of
these currencies could have a material adverse effect on our operating margins.
UNEXPECTED DECLINES IN OUR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER TAX CREDITS AND
GRANTS MAY HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS.
Our historical operating results reflect substantial benefits from
programs sponsored by federal, provincial and state governments for the support
of research and development activities, as well as in relation to other
activities. For example, research and development tax credits and grants
represented 25% of our gross research and development expenses for the year
ended August 31, 2002 and 24% for the fifteen months ended November 30, 2002.
If unexpected changes in the laws or government policies terminate or
adversely modify the Canadian and Quebec government programs, under which we
receive the major part of our research and development and other tax credits and
grants, or if we unexpectedly become unable to participate in or take advantage
of these programs, then our net research and development and other expenses will
materially increase or we may decrease our research and development activities.
In addition, to the extent that we increase our research and development
activities outside Canada or Quebec, which could result from, among other
things, future acquisitions, the increased activities may not be eligible for
these programs. If we were required to decrease our research and development
activities, or were unable to benefit from other tax credits and grants, this
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
OUR CURRENT PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDER HAS EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER OUR BUSINESS.
As of November 30, 2002, Germain Lamonde, our Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer, held approximately 94% of the voting
rights in our stock. By virtue of such stock ownership, Mr. Lamonde has
effective control over all matters submitted to our stockholders, including the
election of our directors, and exercises significant control over our policies
and affairs. Such concentration of voting power could have the effect of
delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control or other business
combinations that might otherwise be beneficial to our stockholders.
17
WE MAY NEED ADDITIONAL CAPITAL, AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL
ON FAVORABLE TERMS OR AT ALL, WHICH COULD LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO GROW AND COULD
INCREASE OUR COSTS.
Our future liquidity and capital requirements are difficult to predict
because they depend on numerous factors, including the success of our existing
and new product offerings as well as competing technological and market
developments. As a result, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash from
our operations to meet additional working capital requirements, support
additional capital expenditures or take advantage of acquisition opportunities.
Accordingly, we may need to raise additional capital in the future.
Our ability to obtain additional financing will be subject to a number
of factors, including market conditions and our operating performance. These
factors may render the timing, amount, terms and conditions of additional
financing unattractive for us. If we raise additional funds by selling equity
securities, the relative ownership of our existing investors could be diluted or
the new investors could obtain terms more favorable than previous investors. If
we raise additional funds through debt financing, we could incur significant
borrowing costs. If we are unable to raise additional funds when needed, our
ability to operate and grow our business could be impeded.
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Item 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
Our legal name and commercial name is EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering
Inc. /EXFO Ingenierie electro-optique Inc. Our head office is located at 465
Godin Avenue, Vanier, Quebec, Canada, G1M 3G7 and our telephone number is (418)
683-0211. Our e-mail address is info@exfo.com and our Web site is www.exfo.com.
Information on our Web site is not incorporated by reference in this annual
report. Our agent for service in the United States is CT Corporation System, 111
Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011. This annual report contains trademarks
and registered trademarks of EXFO and other companies.
We were incorporated on September 18, 1985 pursuant to the CANADA
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT. Since that date, we have amended our articles on
various occasions mainly to modify our corporate name and our share capital.
In 1996, GEXFO Investissements Technologiques inc. ("GEXFO"), a company
controlled by Germain Lamonde, acquired a majority interest in GAP Optique S.A.
("GAP Optique"), a Swiss limited liability company carrying out activities in
the field of fiber-optic testing and measurement technology. In 1996, GEXFO,
EXFO, GAP Optique and the University of Geneva entered into agreements whereby
GAP Optique, EXFO and GEXFO obtained worldwide exclusive rights to commercially
develop, manufacture and market specified technologies relating to fiber-optic
telecommunications testing and measurement instruments developed by the
University of Geneva. This agreement was renegotiated under similar terms and
conditions in 1999 for a five-year term. On June 1, 2000, we acquired the 85%
interest held by GEXFO in GAP Optique for a consideration equal to its book
value of approximately $16,000 and GEXFO transferred all of its rights in the
agreements to us.
In February 2000, we acquired all of the shares of Nortech Fibronic
Inc., a company specializing in fiber-optic testing and temperature-sensing for
a total consideration of $2.8 million of which $2.1 million was paid in cash. We
also issued CA$800,000 (approximately $553,000) of Class "G" shares, which were
converted into 800,000 preferred shares series 1 in June 2000, and a debenture
of $200,000 (approximately $138,000) bearing no interest and payable on November
30, 2000. In November 2000, the former shareholders of Nortech agreed with us to
make a purchase price adjustment, as a result of which we received $104,000 in
cash from a portion of the purchase price previously held in escrow and reduced
the purchase price for the 800,000 preferred shares series 1 from CA$800,000
($543,000) to CA$544,000 ($354,000), which were purchased by us on November 30,
2000 and subsequently cancelled. In June 2001, Nortech ceased operations. The
majority of its assets were sold to a third party and we acquired the remaining
assets.
In connection with and immediately prior to our initial public offering
in July 2000, we modified our authorized share capital to its current status,
which consists of:
o an unlimited number of subordinate voting shares without par
value;
o an unlimited number of multiple voting shares without par
value;
o an unlimited number of preferred shares without par value,
issuable in series; and proceeded with the following
exchanges:
o the 38,000,000 Class "A" shares outstanding at that time were
exchanged into 38,000,000 multiple voting shares;
o the 707,264 Class "F" shares outstanding at that time were
exchanged into 707,264 subordinate voting shares;
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o the 800,000 Class "G" shares outstanding at that time were
exchanged into 800,000 preferred shares series 1.
The exchange of Class "A" shares into multiple voting shares, of Class
"F" shares into subordinate voting shares and of Class "G" shares into preferred
shares series 1 was part of our capital reorganization completed prior to our
initial public offering and did not involve any disbursement of funds.
On July 6, 2000, we completed our initial public offering as a result
of which we issued a total of 8,050,000 subordinate voting shares, including
1,050,000 subordinate voting shares pursuant to the exercise of the
over-allotment by the underwriters. All the 8,050,000 subordinate voting shares
were sold to the public at an offering price of $26.00.
On December 20, 2000, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding
shares of common stock of EXFO Burleigh Products Group Inc. (formerly Burleigh
Instruments, Inc.) ("EXFO Burleigh"), Burleigh Instruments GmBH and Burleigh
Instruments (U.K.) Ltd. for an aggregate purchase price of approximately
US$189.3 million, comprised of 6,488,816 of our subordinate voting shares and
approximately US$42.5 million in cash pursuant to the terms of an Agreement of
Merger and Plan of Reorganization among us, EXFO Sub, Inc. and the selling
shareholders, dated November 4, 2000, as amended on December 20, 2000. In April
2002, the name of Burleigh Instruments, Inc. was changed to EXFO Burleigh
Products Group Inc.
EXFO Burleigh, which has been in operation for 31 years, has received
industry recognition for its high-performance optical wavelength meters and
precision positioning equipment. Its Wavemeter (R) instruments offer one of the
highest wavelength measurement accuracy in the industry. These products are able
to determine the absolute wavelength of a laser under test within 0.3 picometers
at 1500 nm. Its Inchworm (R) precision positioning equipment provides nanometer
accuracy, which is critical for precision alignment in the optical component
manufacturing process. Both of these product lines are supported by a broad
proprietary intellectual property portfolio.
In March 2001, we acquired all of the shares of EXFO Photonic Solutions
Inc. (formerly EFOS Inc.) ("EXFO Photonic"), a privately held company in
Toronto, Canada, for a total consideration of $111 million, of which $25 million
was paid in cash. We also issued 3,700,000 of our subordinate voting shares. In
September 2001, the name EFOS Inc. was changed to EXFO Photonic Solutions Inc.
EXFO Photonic, operating since 1984, is a supplier of precision
light-based adhesive spot curing products as well as curing process control for
the global optical component manufacturing market and other non-telecom markets.
Its products deliver precise doses of the appropriate spectral light into
photo-sensitive and heat-cured adhesives to significantly reduce bonding time
and increase repeatability in optical component and other manufacturing
activities. EXFO Photonic light-based curing technologies are supported by an
extensive understanding of bonding and material sciences and by a broad
intellectual property portfolio, including 15 patents and 25 patents pending.
Also in March 2001, our wholly owned subsidiary, Burleigh Automation
Inc. ("Burleigh Automation"), acquired substantially all the assets of Vanguard,
a wholly owned subsidiary of DT Industries, Inc. for a purchase price of
approximately $600,000 paid in cash. Vanguard, an automation equipment
manufacturer in Tucson, Arizona, specializes in the design and manufacturing of
ultra-precision assembly equipment for sensitive process and critical assembly
20
challenges on the production floor. This acquisition, which complements our
acquisition of Burleigh fits with our overall strategy to provide customers with
a comprehensive solution for the assembly, alignment and testing of optical
components and subsystems. Since September 2001, Burleigh Automation has ceased
operations and we have transferred all material intellectual property assets and
most of the physical assets of EXFO Automation to EXFO Burleigh.
In November 2001, we acquired all of the shares of Avantas Networks
Corporation and simultaneously changed the name of that company to EXFO Protocol
Inc. ("EXFO Protocol"). We paid a total consideration of approximately $69
million (or $95 million for the equity minus $26 million of cash in the hands of
the acquired company) to acquire EXFO Protocol. Consideration paid consisted of
4,374,573 of our subordinate voting shares and $10 million in cash, net of cash
acquired. EXFO Protocol, a company based in Montreal, Canada operating since
1998 is a supplier of fiber-optic testing and optical network performance
management equipment that supports a wide range of protocols and data
transmission rates.
On December 12, 2001, we announced the signing of a strategic alliance
agreement with ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. The agreement facilitates
integration of EXFO's automated manufacturing subsystems and test systems into
ATS' turnkey custom and standard automation solutions to respond to specific
needs of optical component and systems manufacturers. Under terms of
non-exclusive strategic alliance, ATS and EXFO will jointly generate business
leads, establish training programs for end-users, share marketing strategies and
forecasts and validate product development initiatives.
During the past year, we continued our efforts to re-align our cost
structure to market conditions. First, on December 5, 2001, we announced the
lowering of our operating expenses, a freeze in employee salaries, and the
reduction of our workforce by 10%. Then, on May 15, 2002, we announced a further
20% reduction of our global workforce in an effort to lower our cost structure.
In May 2002, we performed an assessment of the carrying value of goodwill and
intangible assets recorded in conjunction with the three acquisitions made
during the last two years. Considering the ongoing unfavourable market
conditions, we recorded a charge of US$222.2 million to write down a significant
portion of goodwill and a charge of US$23.7 million to write down a significant
portion of acquired intangible assets. Also, overall for fiscal 2002, we wrote
off US$18.5 million in excess and obsolete inventories.
In August 2002, EXFO Burleigh received confirmation of the extension of
its contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory into phase 2 of a
project for the development by EXFO Burleigh of new high-precision actuator
system. The contract for phase 2 provides for an additional funding of US$1.7
million and will extend through the first quarter of 2005.
In October 2002, our newly created, wholly owned subsidiary, EXFO Gnubi
Products Group Inc. ("EXFO Gnubi"), acquired substantially all the assets of
gnubi communications L.P., including its technology, expertise, customer base,
inventories and capital assets. Consideration paid consisted of US$1.8 million
in cash and 1,479,290 of our subordinate voting shares. In addition, a further
cash amount up to a maximum of US$2.9 million will be paid one year and 60 days
after closing according to earn out provisions based on sales volumes. With the
acquisition of these assets, EXFO Gnubi, based in Dallas, Texas, continues the
operations of gnubi communications, L.P., as a supplier of multi-channel telecom
and datacom testing solutions serving optical transport equipment manufacturers
and research and development laboratories. At the time of the asset acquisition,
30 employees of gnubi communications transferred to EXFO Gnubi.
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B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
EXFO is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of fiber-optic
test, measurement, monitoring and automation solutions for the global
telecommunications industry. Our field-testing solutions enable
telecommunications carriers and network service providers ("NSPs") to deploy,
upgrade and operate their optical systems with the efficiency and
cost-effectiveness. Our high-end optical testing and manufacturing solutions
support system vendors, component makers and researchers in their quest to lower
costs and increase yield in their respective environments. EXFO's comprehensive
product portfolio extends across the entire life cycle of an optical network
including research and development, manufacturing, installation, maintenance and
telecommunications network monitoring. Altogether, we market more than 90
product families to 2000-plus customers in 70 countries around the world.
We develop products for two main markets. Our Portable and Monitoring
Division provides handheld and modular instruments for the physical-, optical-
and protocol-layer testing needs of carriers and NSPs as well as full-time,
real-time network surveillance. Our Industrial and Scientific Division offers an
extensive line of high-performance instruments, test automation systems and
manufacturing automation equipment for system vendors, component makers as well
as for research and development labs.
EXFO was founded in Quebec City, Canada in 1985. Our original products
were focused primarily on the needs of installers and operators of fiber-optic
networks. These products are marketed in what is known today as our Portable and
Monitoring Division. Customers use Portable and Monitoring products for
installation, maintenance, monitoring and troubleshooting of optical networking
applications. In 1996, we supplemented our product portfolio with an extensive
line of Industrial and Scientific products that are mainly dedicated to research
and development as well as manufacturing activities. Our Industrial and
Scientific products tend to be more complex and higher priced than our Portable
and Monitoring products. In fiscal 1999, we entered the market for remote fiber
test systems. Remote fiber test systems, which are marketed through our Portable
and Monitoring Division, allow carriers to monitor the integrity of their entire
fiber-optic systems by verifying the protocol, optical and physical layers on a
real-time basis, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
One of our strongest competitive advantages is our modular platform
design. EXFO introduced modular test platforms in 1996, and remains the industry
leader with all-in-one test sets that provide added value for customers seeking
enhanced productivity. Our PC-based platforms, which are supported by an
extensive suite of plug-and-play test modules, are widely accepted among major
network service providers and system manufacturers with an established base of
more than 10,000 modular platforms sold.
During the last two years, we have strengthened our competitive
positioning through acquisitions. In fiscal 2001, we completed two acquisitions
to bolster growth in our Industrial and Scientific Division. We acquired EXFO
Burleigh for its wavelength measurement instruments and nanopositioning
alignment systems. We also added EXFO Photonic for its precision light-based,
adhesive spot-curing technology. In fiscal 2002, we expanded into protocol-layer
testing with the closing of the Avantas Networks Corporation acquisition
(renamed EXFO Protocol Inc.), a supplier of fiber-optic testing and
optical-network-performance management equipment. This acquisition was highly
strategic because it enabled us to combine protocol-, optical- and
physical-layer testing inside a single platform -- the FTB-400 Universal Test
System -- to help our customers increase revenues and reduce operational costs
in a fast-changing market.
22
Subsequent to the year-end, we announced that our wholly owned
subsidiary, EXFO Gnubi, had purchased substantially all the assets of gnubi
communications, L.P., a supplier of multi-channel telecom and datacom testing
solutions. EXFO Gnubi's protocol-layer test equipment for system vendors fully
complements EXFO Protocol's offering that is targeted at the network service
provider market. As a result, these latest acquisitions enabled us to double our
addressable market, while offering a complete fiber optic test solution to
customers.
We introduced a record 25 new products in fiscal 2002 including the
FTB-8000 SONET/SDH Analyzer for deployments of 10 Gb/s optical networks; the
FTB-8500 Packet Blazer(TM) to ensure Gigabit Ethernet performance in high-speed
optical networking; the FTB-5800 Chromatic Dispersion Analyzer for high-speed,
dense wavelength division multiplexing ("DWDM"); the next-generation IQS-500
Intelligent Test System and related test modules for automated testing and
manufacturing applications; and the ProAlign(TM) 5000 Component Assembly
Workstation for the automated assembly of array-type devices.
Over our 17 year history, we have received more than 45 industry and
commerce awards. In 2001, we were named one of the top 100 employers in Canada
by Maclean's, a national current affairs magazine. In 2000, we were chosen
winners of the Outstanding Corporate Innovator Award by the U.S.-based Product
Development and Management Association. Prior to becoming a public company in
June 2000, we had been recognized as one of the 50 Best-Managed Private
Companies in Canada by Arthur Andersen Consulting and the Financial Post for
five consecutive years.
THE EXFO SOLUTION
We believe that we offer the most extensive range of products in the
fiber-optic test, measurement, monitoring and automation industry. Our success
has been largely predicated on our exclusive focus on fiber optics. Our solution
is based on the following key attributes:
MODULAR SYSTEM DESIGN. In 1996, we introduced the first products
designed around our modular system design. This system design consists of a
PC-based, Windows-driven platform that can accommodate several data acquisition
test modules. We have since developed products for each division based on the
same modular design. Our modular design provides the following advantages:
o Unlike stand-alone units, new test modules can be rapidly
developed to address the changing requirements of the
industry.
o As customers' testing requirements change, they can purchase
additional modules that are compatible with their previously
purchased platforms, thus protecting their initial
investments.
o Our standard graphical user interface reduces training costs
because customers are familiar with previously acquired
software products.
o The flexibility of our systems allows customers to develop
customized and automated solutions for their specific testing
requirements.
23
HIGH DEGREE OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION. We have established a strong
reputation for technological innovation over the last 17 years. In fact, this
attribute represents a key differentiator for EXFO within a competitive
marketplace. Following are some of our industry firsts in recent years:
o ALL-IN-ONE TEST SOLUTION. In 2002, we launched the first
all-in-one solution for protocol-, optical- and physical-layer
testing to enable customers to increase efficiency and reduce
costs in the field. The added value of this concept means that
field technicians no longer need to carry separate instruments
like bit-error-rate testers ("BERTs"), optical spectrum
analyzers ("OSAs") and optical time-domain reflectometers
("OTDRs") to fulfill their testing requirements. All they need
is the next-generation FTB-400 field-testing platform and
related modules to handle all their testing, storage and
retrieval needs.
o OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE ANALYZER. In 2001, we released our Optical
Waveguide Analyzer, which represents the industry's first
commercial refractive index profiler for planar and arrayed
waveguides. The refractive index profile of next-generation
optical devices like arrayed waveguides is a critical
parameter to measure in order to control and optimize the
manufacturing process.
o HIGH-PERFORMANCE PORTABLE OSA. In 2000, we introduced the
first OSA to provide lab-quality specifications for rugged,
portable use in the field. This instrument is useful for
measuring key parameters of each wavelength in a DWDM system.
HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS. Product quality is an integral part of our
solution. Our Quebec City-based operations have maintained ISO 9001
certification since 1994 and they are now certified to the new 2000 edition of
the standard, as are our Toronto operations. Our subsidiary in Victor, New York
is presently working toward ISO9001/2000 registration. Our subsidiaries in
Montreal and Dallas, Texas, have rigorous quality assurance programs, but they
are not yet certified. All of our products meet required industry standards, and
some of our products meet additional voluntary standards, such as those set by
Telcordia, formerly Bellcore, IEC, and other industry-leading standards bodies.
During manufacturing, each product has a related quality assurance plan, with
rigorous checkpoints, to reduce defects to a minimum. Various tasks in the
quality assurance process in all our facilities include quality control,
conformity testing, product documentation, product improvement, regulatory
compliance, metrology and calibration.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT. We use qualified and specialized internal groups to
offer pre-sales evaluation, installation, channel and customer training,
communications and post-sales support. We believe that this approach provides us
with an advantage over our competitors, who often outsource some of these
functions. Our customer service teams are mainly responsible for supporting our
sales force, recommending instruments that best match our customers' testing,
measurement, monitoring or automation needs, providing detailed quotations,
order management, technical support and training as well as calibration and
repair services.
OUR STRATEGY
We intend to improve our competitive position in the fiber-optic test,
measurement, monitoring and automation industry through the following
initiatives:
24
FOCUS ON QUALITY OF EXECUTION
We plan on returning to profitability without sacrificing innovation.
In fiscal 2002, we took actions to align our cost structure to deteriorating
market conditions. We reduced our workforce by 350 employees, froze employee
salaries and implemented rigorous cost-control measures. We also improved the
efficiency of the organization, in terms of management, manufacturing operations
and supply-chain processes. In terms of innovation, we launched a record 25 new
products in 2002, and revenues from products that have been on the market two
years or less accounted for 48% of our sales. We are working to establish a
balance between becoming profitable in the short-term and ensuring growth in the
long-term.
INCREASE MARKET SHARE AND EXPAND ADDRESSABLE MARKET
We believe that gaining market share and tapping into new revenue
streams will lead to future growth and profitability. EXFO has taken the first
steps in that direction by increasing sales 12% and 5% sequentially during the
last two quarters of fiscal 2002, and by raising our net bookings in the last
three quarters of 2002 with bookings of $13.3 million, $15.5 million and $17.8
million, respectively. Most industry players, meanwhile, witnessed their top
lines drop or remain flat during the same period. In terms of market
development, we entered the protocol-layer test sector in the 2002 financial
year to complement our optical- and physical-layer testing products. The
acquisitions of EXFO Protocol in November 2001 and of the assets of gnubi
communications, L.P. in October 2002 not only enhanced our competitive position
with network service providers and system vendors, but they also allowed us to
double our addressable market and expand our presence in the healthier data
communications test market. We plan to continue increasing our market share by
leveraging competitive advantages, such as our modular platform design, new
product development strategy and global customer base, by building on growth
vehicles like our new product pipeline, protocol-layer testing solutions and
selective acquisition of strategic companies or product lines that further
strengthen our competitive position.
MAINTAIN SOUND FINANCIAL POSITION
Over the years we have maintained a solid balance sheet and presently
have a cash position of approximately $50 million and practically no debt. This
fiscal responsibility, in turn, provides our customers with the assurance that
they can count on EXFO as a reliable vendor. We intend to take full advantage of
our sound financial position by providing customers with the comfort of a solid,
long-term partner.
PRODUCTS
At the core of our test, measurement, monitoring and automation
equipment are our FTB-400 Universal Test System ("UTS") and IQS-500 Intelligent
Test System ("ITS") platforms. Our FTB-400 UTS provides carriers with a simple,
yet efficient way to perform multiple, advanced test operations for
installation, maintenance and troubleshooting applications. Our IQ-500 ITS is a
scalable unit that is suited for manufacturing, laboratory engineering and
research applications. The added benefit of our IQS-500 ITS is that
manufacturers can design their own automated test setup or we can customize a
setup for them. Our FTB-400 UTS and IQ-500 ITS platforms are fully supported by
integrated and highly intuitive graphical user interfaces, enabling the user to
easily store, handle and retrieve a large amount of data.
25
The following table summarizes the principal types of instruments we
provide, their typical applications and the format in which we offer them:
FORMAT
-----------------------------------------------------
INSTRUMENT TYPE TYPICAL APPLICATION PORTABLE SCIENTIFIC
-------------------- ------------------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------
FTB 400 IQS-500
UTS MODULES HANDHELDS ITS MODULES INSTRUMENTS
----------- --------- ----------- -----------
Broadband source Used for testing wavelength
dependent behavior of fiber cables X X
and DWDM optical components.
Channel selectors Selects and isolates any
International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) DWDM channel in the C-Band X X
for bit-error-rate testing and
protocol-layer analysis.
Chromatic dispersion Measures increasing levels of
analyzer chromatic dispersion in
high-capacity optical networks.
Chromatic dispersion is a physical
phenomenon inherent to optical
fiber and optical components that
causes information bits to spread X
along a network. This degrades the
quality of the transmission signal
and, in turn, limits the
transmission speed carried by
optical networks.
Clip-on coupling Clips to an optical fiber and allows X
device non-invasive testing.
Component assembly Semi-automated workstation for
workstation arrayed-type devices that combines
precision alignment, spot-curring X
and optical testing.
Digital frequency Used to automatically or manually
locker lock the frequency of a laser source X
to a reference optical filter.
Femtosecond Measures very small levels of
polarization mode polarization mode dispersion in DWDM
dispersion analyzer and broadband components in the X
simplest, fastest and most
repeatable manner.
Gigabit Ethernet Measures data integrity for
tester high-speed internet protocol
communications in metro and edge X X*
networks.
Light-based curing Technology by which a dose of energy
instrument of a specific wavelength, bandwidth
and irradiance is used to cause an
adhesive, encapsulant or sealant to X
change from a liquid to a solid in a
small area. Used to bond optical
components and sub-components.
Live fiber detector Clips on to a fiber and is used to
detect the presence and direction of
a signal without interrupting the X
traffic.
Loss test sets Integrates a power meter and a light
source to manually or automatically
measure the loss of optical signal X X X X
along a fiber.
Multi-wavelength Measures the power and drift for
meters multiple wavelengths in a DWDM X X X
system.
Nanorobot photonics Offers multi-axis alignment and can
alignment system position optical devices with a
nanometer resolution, which is
essential during the alignment of X
optical components in the
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FORMAT
-----------------------------------------------------
INSTRUMENT TYPE TYPICAL APPLICATION PORTABLE SCIENTIFIC
-------------------- ------------------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------
FTB 400 IQS-500
UTS MODULES HANDHELDS ITS MODULES INSTRUMENTS
----------- --------- ----------- -----------
manufacturing process.
Narrowly tunable A laser that can be precisely tuned
lasers to simulate a DWDM light sources.
Used primarily in testing optical X
amplifiers.
Optical amplifier Boosts the power of laser sources.
Used for the testing and calibration X
of test systems.
Optical couplers Used in test system to combine
sources or signals. Also used as X
splitters to monitor signals.
Optical fiber Measures the geometric and light
parameter analyzer guiding properties of an optical
fiber. Used in new fiber research X
and development and quality control
applications.
Optical power meters Measures the power of an optical
signal. It is the basic tool for
the verification of transmitters, X X X X
amplifiers and optical transmission
path integrity.
Optical power Provides a highly accurate and
reference module traceable measurement of power for
the calibration or verification of X
other power measurement instruments.
Optical return loss Combines a laser and a power meter
meters to measure the amount of potentially X X X X
degrading back reflection.
Optical spectrum Produces a graphical representation
analyzers of power versus wavelength for an
optical signal. Useful for measuring
the drift, power and signal-to-noise X X
ratio for each wavelength in a DWDM
system.
Optical switches Provides switching between fibers.
Used to provide flexible and
automated test setups such as the
measurement of multiple fibers or X X
components with multiple ports with
one instrument.
Optical time domain Like a radar, it measures the time
reflectometers of arrival of reflections of an
(OTDRs) optical signal to determine the X
distance to the breaks or points of
excessive loss in a fiber network.
Optical waveguide Provides the refractive index
analyzer profile of glass and fused
silica-based devices used in next X
generation networks.
Passive component Characterizes passive wavelength-
analyzer selective devices, such as multi-
plexers, demultiplexers and add/drop X
filters, with respect to absolute
wavelength in order to guarantee
their performance within DWDM systems.
Polarization Measures the difference in loss of
dependent loss power for the different states of X
meters polarization.
Polarization mode Measures the dispersion of light
dispersion analyzers that is caused by polarization.
Generally used to determine the X X
speed-distance limitation of fiber
and cables.
27
FORMAT
-----------------------------------------------------
INSTRUMENT TYPE TYPICAL APPLICATION PORTABLE SCIENTIFIC
-------------------- ------------------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------
FTB 400 IQS-500
UTS MODULES HANDHELDS ITS MODULES INSTRUMENTS
----------- --------- ----------- -----------
SONET/ SDH Analyzers Provide accurate bit-error rate and
performance analysis of SONET/SDH
overhead format that reflect the X X*
quality of a transmission system.
Stable light sources Emitting diode or lasers used in
connection with a power meter to X X X X
measure signal loss.
Talk sets A device that attaches to an optical
fiber and serves as a temporary
voice link facilitating coordination X X
of work among installation crews.
Variable optical Used in network simulation setups to
attenuators provide calibrated variable
reduction of the strength of an X X X
optical signal.
Visual fault locators A visible laser that can be
connected to an optical fiber
network to help locate breaks or X X
points of excessive loss.
Widely tunable lasers Can produce laser light across a
broad range of wavelengths. Used to
test DWDM components and value-added X X
optical modules.
* PC-based modular test platform (from EXFO Gnubi)
PORTABLE AND MONITORING PRODUCTS
We offer an extensive range of products for fiber-optic testing,
measurement and monitoring applications. Our test and measurement products are
available as handheld test instruments or as field-portable platforms with
related modules. Our handheld instruments are durable, compact and easy to use.
Our second-generation field-testing platform, the FTB-400 UTS, is available in a
two-slot configuration for basic OTDR and optical loss testing, or a seven-slot
configuration for high-end DWDM testing, Gigabit Ethernet bit-error-rate
testing, protocol-layer analysis, PMD and CD characterization, high fiber-count
testing as well as OTDR and optical loss testing and with a SONET/SDH add-on to
handle rates from 64 Kb/s to 10 Gb/s. We also offer the FTB-100 Mini-OTDR with
an integrated power meter option. This cost-effective platform provides field
technicians with basic OTDR testing capabilities. Our portable platforms are
PC-centric, Windows-based, highly flexible and fully scalable. Their large
environmentally robust touchscreens are very practical for field use.
Our Portable and Monitoring products cover the physical, optical and
protocol layers of an optical network. If you compare a network to a highway,
EXFO products test the road, or the fiber and optical components that make up
the physical layer of a network. Our products also characterize the numerous
lanes along the highway, or the various wavelengths carrying bandwidth within
the optical layer of a network. And our products test the traffic, or the bits
and bytes, streaming through the protocol layer of a network.
We also offer stand-alone, autonomous solutions for physical-, optical-
and protocol-layer monitoring. Our physical-layer monitoring solution, Fiber
Guardian, carries out constant real-time monitoring on up to 32 fibers within an
optical network. This monitoring solution displays a message on its embedded
screen and sends out an alarm if a measurement falls outside a user-defined
threshold. Through state-of-the-art instrumentation, Fiber Guardian can
28
specify the location of a fault to reduce downtime to a minimum, or it can
identify minor degradations to prevent loss of service.
Our optical-layer monitoring product, Optical Guardian, continuously
monitors critical parameters of optical channels within "DWDM" or coarse
wavelength division multiplexing ("CWDM") networks. Likewise, an alarm is
automatically generated when a measurement falls outside user-defined
thresholds.
Finally, our protocol-layer monitoring solution, Network Guardian, is
an optical network performance management system that supports a wide range of
protocols like SONET, T-Carrier, SDH, PDH, 10/100 Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet.
It remotely carries out tests on points of presence, handoff points, co-location
sites and customer premise equipment sites. Our portable and monitoring products
accounted for 57% of our sales in the financial year ended August 31, 2002 and
48% and 69% of our sales in the 2001 and 2000 financial years respectively.
INDUSTRIAL AND SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS
Our Industrial and Scientific product line is mainly built around our
IQS-500 ITS platform and is available as test modules or stand-alone, benchtop
instruments. The IQS-500 ITS is a next-generation scalable platform that enables
system vendors, optical component manufacturers and research labs to reduce
costs and increase efficiency. It efficiently runs as many as 100 test modules
using a single controller unit. These modules can be stacked to produce a
high-performance test station for a number of network elements including DWDM
multiplexers, optical cross-connects, optical transponders, optical patchcords
and VCSEL lasers.
The IQS-500 platform is equipped with the latest in software and
hardware technology to support single-button operation for automated testing.
Its system-based approach--one box, several test modules--combined with an open
architecture (PXI, Windows, LabVIEW(TM), etc.) and ease of programming, produces
a highly flexible test and automation environment.
The IQS-500 also provides backward compatibility with recent
IQ-generation test modules, while delivering all the power and advantages of a
next-generation platform. EXFO's wide selection of high-performance test modules
includes high-speed power meters, light sources, WDM laser sources, tunable
laser sources, variable attenuators, optical spectrum analyzers, polarization
mode dispersion ("PMD") analyzers, multi-wavelength meters, channel selectors,
polarization dependent loss ("PDL'") and optical return loss ("ORL") meters,
polarization controllers and optical switches.
Our Industrial and Scientific Division also addresses testing issues
that cannot be handled by standard test modules or stand-alone benchtop
instruments. We have developed a number of integrated test systems and offered
them as off-the-shelf solutions to suit a wide range of customer needs. In
addition, we have created a software development kit for developers who prefer
writing their own programs for our instruments. Following is list of integrated
test systems that EXFO provides for characterizing optical components,
sub-systems and networks:
29
o Multifiber test system Used for quality-assurance testing
of multifiber patchcords and
interconnect assemblies. These
devices, including hybrid and
fan-out patchcords, are commonly
used in fiber systems.
o Cable assembly test system Used to perform insertion loss and
mandrel-free reflection
measurements with the highest
degree of accuracy and
repeatability on short fiber
assemblies.
o Optical calibration test system Used to calibrate power meters,
light sources, variable
attenuators and optical time
domain reflectometers.
o Environmental test system Allows users to perform long-term
qualification testing of optical
components and sub-systems under
varying environmental conditions
primarily to ensure compliance
with industry standards.
o DWDM passive component Used to automatically characterize
test system all critical specifications,
including spectral insertion loss,
polarization-dependent loss, and
optical return loss, of a DWDM
passive component with a high
degree of accuracy, ease of use,
and speed.
o Multi-wavelength comb Used to adjust the power of a bank
controller of DFB-ITU lasers in order to test
loading conditions of optical
amplifiers.
EXFO Burleigh and EXFO Photonic further enhance our Industrial and
Scientific Division product portfolio by enabling customers to automate critical
steps in the optical component manufacturing process. These critical steps
include automated fiber alignment (EXFO Burleigh) and precision light-based,
adhesive spot-curing (EXFO Photonic). In fiscal 2002, both of these subsidiaries
combined with EXFO to produce the ProAlign(TM) 5000 Component Assembly
Workstation, the industry's first semi-automated solution for arrayed-type
waveguide devices.
Another product from EXFO Burleigh includes the FR-3000 NanoRobot(R)
Alignment System, which provides multi-axis alignment and can position optical
devices with a 0.1 nanometer of mechanical resolution. EXFO Burleigh also offers
test and measurement instruments like optical channel analyzers and passive
component analyzers.
EXFO Photonic provides precision light-based, adhesive spot-curing
technologies as well as curing process control for the optical component,
semiconductor and life science markets. Its products deliver precise doses of
the appropriate spectral light onto photosensitive and heat-cured adhesives to
significantly reduce bonding time and increase repeatability. Key products
include the Novacure(R) IR, which uses infrared spot-curing on conventional
heat-cure adhesives; the Novacure(R), a bonding solution that delivers all the
benefits of ultraviolet and visible spot-curing on photosensitive adhesives; and
the Acticure(R) 4000 Ultraviolet/Visible Spot Cure System, which has an
increased lamp life of 2,000 hours and an optional automated controller that
offers user-programmable profiles for bonding. All of these light-based curing
systems can be adapted to automated or manual assembly environments. In
addition, in October 2002, EXFO Photonic released its X-CiteTM 120 fluorescence
illumination system, a self-contained illumination unit for fluorescence
microscopy applications.
30
Our modular and benchtop instruments are complemented by multi-channel
telecom and datacom test solutions coming from EXFO Gnubi's protocol-layer test
instruments that handle data rates from 64 Kb/s to 10 Gb/s - as well as Gigabit
Ethernet - inside a PC-based modular platform that is highly comparable to
EXFO's. EXFO Gnubi's product offering addresses test requirements for multiple
communication ports in lambda routers, optical switches, cross-connects and DWDM
systems.
Our Industrial and Scientific products accounted for 43% of our sales
in the financial year ended August 31, 2002 and 52% and 31% in the 2001 and 2000
financial years respectively.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
We believe that our future success largely depends on our ability to
maintain and enhance our core technology and product functionality. To keep
developing new products and enhancements, it is important that we recruit and
retain highly skilled engineers, scientists and technicians. As of December 31,
2002, our research and development departments included 244 full-time engineers,
scientists and technicians, of whom 41 hold post-graduate degrees. Gross
research and development expenditures for fiscal 2002 reached $17million
compared to $17.6 million for fiscal 2001.
Despite the addition of the EXFO Protocol research and development
activities further to that acquisition in November 2001, we effectively reduced
our research and development personnel and expenditures during fiscal 2002 as a
result of restructuring and cost reduction efforts. However, through our
market-oriented product portfolio review process we ensure that our investments
in research and development are aligned with our customers' needs and
strategies. This process enables us to maximize our returns on research and
development investments by focusing our resources on prioritized projects.
Quarterly product portfolio review meetings enable us to choose a realistic,
balanced mix of new products and allocate the necessary resources for their
development. All our projects, including those already underway, are reviewed,
given a priority rating and allocated budgets and resources. Our existing
projects can be stopped or substantially redefined if there have been
significant changes in market conditions, or if the project development schedule
or budget has been significantly exceeded.
To manage our research projects once they are underway, we use a
structured management process known as the stage-gate approach. The stage-gate
approach is based on a systematic review of a project's feasibility at various
stages of its life cycle. The following are the key review stages of the
stage-gate approach:
o market study and research feasibility;
o product definition;
o development feasibility;
o development;
o qualification; and
o transfer to production.
At each stage, we review our project risks, costs and estimated
completion time. We compare our design to anticipated market needs and ensure
that our project is synchronized with other internal departments and external
industry events. The inter-related portfolio review and stage-gate processes
enabled us to be named winners of the Outstanding Corporate
31
Innovator Award in 2000 by the U.S.-based Product Development and Management
Association.
CUSTOMERS
More than 2,000 customers in 70 countries around the world rely on our
test instruments and systems in research and development laboratories and
production environments and to enable optical networks to perform impeccably
during their complete lifecycles. Our customers include telecommunications
carriers, cable television companies, public utilities, private network
operators, third-party installers, equipment rental companies as well as optical
component and system manufacturers. During fiscal 2002, only one customer
accounted for more than 10% of our sales and our top three customers represented
15.4% of our sales during this period. With regard to geographic distribution,
North American customers represented 57% of our sales, while international
customers accounted for 43% during fiscal 2002. For the financial years ended
August 31, 2001 and 2000, North American sales accounted for 58% and 62%, and
international sales for 42% and 38% respectively. Our international sales are
largely handled by a network of distributors around the world.
SALES
We sell our fiber-optic test, measurement and automation products
through direct and indirect sales networks in the United States and Canada as
well as around the world. We also have two Customer Service Groups to meet the
needs of existing and new customers in North America and on the international
front. These groups are responsible for providing quotations to customers,
supporting our sales force, managing demonstration units, order management,
technical support and training as well as calibration and repair services.
UNITED STATES AND CANADA SALES
In the United States and Canada, we utilize hybrid (direct and/or
indirect) sales organizations as best-suited for particular market segments to
generate revenue. Higher technology products to sophisticated buyers is
typically a direct sale model. Low to medium technology products to less
stringent technical buying groups is typically done through a manufacturer
representative organization supported by our local regional sales managers. The
team consists of a vice-president supported by a 24-member team of sales
directors and regional sales managers, account managers sales engineers and
application engineers, who are located throughout major metropolitan areas. Our
group of sales professionals has an average of 13 years of experience in the
fields of telecommunications, fiber optics, or test, measurement and monitoring.
In Canada, the direct to customer sales team addresses the carrier,
manufacturing and research and development markets for our test, measurement and
monitoring equipment and our manufacturing automation products. Sales personnel
are located in metropolitan areas throughout the country.
In the United States, we have adopted a market-specific sales strategy.
Different sales organizations have been created to maximize coverage and
penetration of our main markets:
o CARRIER MARKET. This sales team targets customers who own,
operate or install networks as their primary business. This
market includes telecommunications
32
carriers, cable television companies, public utilities,
private network operators, as well as third-party installers
and equipment rental companies.
o MANUFACTURING/R&D MARKET. This sales team specializes in
selling our test, measurement and monitoring equipment and our
manufacturing automation products targeted to customers who
research, develop or manufacture optical networking products
and components. In this market, regional sales managers also
have direct responsibility for serving our larger
manufacturing customers. This organizational structure allows
us to adequately cover the demands of a highly technical
customer base and to identify and penetrate the large
multi-function accounts, diverse and smaller customers,
university researchers, military contractors, contract
manufacturers and other evolving market segments.
Our main sales office in the United States is located in Richardson,
Texas. We also maintain sales personnel in numerous metropolitan areas and rely
on more than 40 sales representatives and distributors situated throughout the
United States.
INTERNATIONAL SALES
Our international sales network includes a vice-president, a general
manager in Europe and two sales directors covering Latin America and Asia, all
supported by a team of 21 sales professionals. Our direct sales network in
Europe is supported by a main office and service center in Paris, France, which
maintains our head of European sales operations and also provides repair and
calibration services for our European, Middle East and African customers. Our
main offices for Asia are in Singapore and Beijing and we have also established
service centers in Singapore and Beijing to better serve our customer base in
the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, we have other sales offices in strategic
locations around the world to support our network of distributors and customers.
Finally, we rely on more than 90 distributors to support our international
sales. We feel that the local presence and cultural attributes of our
distributors allow us to better serve our global markets.
MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
MARKETING
Our Marketing Group consists of over 30 product managers and marketing
analysts who have various degrees in engineering, science and business
administration. Product managers, with the assistance of marketing analysts, are
responsible for all aspects of our marketing program including product strategy,
new product introductions, definition of new features and functions, pricing,
product launches and advertising campaigns. Marketing analysts help product
managers develop marketing programs with tools such as our Web site, CD-ROMs,
advertisements, mail outs and customer presentations. We follow up our marketing
initiatives by attending industry trade shows. Furthermore, we have implemented
a customer relationship management system to compile market and customer
information including forecasts, leads and competitive data. We use this
information to make strategic business decisions. Finally, our strategic
marketing team analyses markets, market trends, compiles competitive information
and identifies macro-trends in our sector.
33
COMMUNICATIONS
Our Communications Group, which mainly consists of commercial writers
and graphic artists, supports our Marketing Group by producing marketing and
corporate documentation. Literature includes specification sheets, application
notes, product catalogues, advertising copy and a bi-monthly corporate
newsletter. Our Communications Group is also responsible for maintaining and
updating our Web site.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
We have developed a Customer Support Group that serves customers and
distributors around the world in English, French, Spanish, Chinese and German.
Our Customer Support Group consists of three distinct units: technical support,
order management and a repair and calibration authorization service centers. A
frequently asked question database is also updated regularly on our Web site.
Through service facilities located in Canada, the United States, Europe
and Asia, we provide full after-sales service to our customers that includes the
following: technical support and software upgrades, application support,
calibration verification, calibration adjustment, repairs (including hardware
upgrades and preventive maintenance), training, and field services (including on
site installation, repairs, calibration verification, preventive maintenance and
training).
MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing operations consist mainly of material planning,
procurement, sub-assembly, final assembly, testing, software loading,
calibration, quality assurance, shipping, billing and customs management.
As of December 31, 2002, we had 256 employees involved in our
manufacturing operations. Our manufacturing operations, which occupy a total of
approximately 97,475 square feet, are spread among six buildings in five cities.
Manufacturing operations occupy 66,225 square feet in Quebec City, Canada,
10,000 square feet in Victor, United States, 16,000 square feet in Toronto,
Canada, 3,300 square feet in Montreal, Canada and 1,950 square feet in Addison,
United States. Our manufacturing operations in Quebec City are handled by three
inter-related departments:
o PRODUCTION. Our production department is responsible for
manufacturing high-quality products on time. Each cell
consists of specialized technicians and has full
responsibility over a product group. Technicians are versatile
enough so that they can perform specific functions within a
cell and they can be transferred to other cells when required
to alleviate bottlenecks. Furthermore, this department is
responsible for manufacturing schedules, finished goods
warehousing, customs management, shipping and billing.
o PRODUCTION ENGINEERING AND QUALITY. This department, which
supports our production cells, acts like a gatekeeper to
ensure the quality of our products and the effectiveness of
our manufacturing processes. It is responsible for the
transfer of products from research and development to
manufacturing, product improvement, documentation, metrology,
repairs and the quality assurance and regulatory
34
compliance process. Quality assurance represents a key element
in our manufacturing operations. Quality is assured through
product testing at numerous stages in the manufacturing
process to ensure that our products meet stringent industry
requirements and our customers performance requirements. Our
quality assurance program in Quebec City has been certified
ISO 9001 since 1994.
o SUPPLY-CHAIN MANAGEMENT. This department is responsible for
parts procurement, raw materials and forecasting. Our products
consist of optical, electronic and mechanical parts.
Approximately one-third of our parts are manufactured to our
specifications. Some parts are obtained from single-source
suppliers. We manage risks associated with single-source
suppliers, as well as parts that are subject to industry
shortages or long delivery lead times, through a strategic
forecasting process that involves procuring excess inventory
where appropriate.
Manufacturing operations at EXFO Burleigh, EXFO Photonic, EXFO Protocol
and EXFO Gnubi follow a similar process with the exception that some
non-critical tasks, such as the stuffing of printed circuit boards, are
outsourced.
COMPETITION
The fiber-optic test, measurement and automation industry is highly
competitive and subject to rapid change as a result of technological
developments and other factors. We compete with many different companies,
depending on product family and geographical market. We believe that the main
competitive factors in the industry include the following:
o product performance and reliability;
o level of technological innovation;
o product lead times;
o breadth of product offering;
o ease of use;
o customer service and technical support;
o strength of sales and distribution relationships;
o financial stability; and
o price.
The fiber-optic test and measurement sector has recently undergone, and
will continue to undergo, significant restructuring and consolidation. We have
seen, and expect to continue to see, some competitors opting for strategic
retreat, redirecting their research and development to other sectors, divesting
or merging.
Generally, our competitors fall into two categories. The first category
consists of global electronic test and measurement manufacturers, who complement
their broad range of products with fiber-optic test, measurement and automation
equipment. These companies include Acterna Corporation, Agilent Technologies,
Inc., Ando Corporation, Anritsu Corporation, NetTest, Spirent plc and Tektronix,
Inc.
The second category refers to niche companies in the fiber-optic test,
measurement and automation industry or those serving that industry as a niche
market. These companies typically have limited product lines and in some cases
may be geographically limited in their customer base. Such companies include
Digital Lightwave, Inc., ILX Lightwave Corporation,
35
JDS Uniphase Corporation, Kingfisher International PTY Ltd., Newport Corporation
and Santec Corporation.
REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
In most countries where our products are sold, our products must comply
with the regulations of one or more governmental entities. These regulations
often are complex and vary from country to country. Depending upon the country
and the relevant product, the applicable regulations may require product
testing, approval, registration, marking and unique design restrictions.
Accordingly, we have appointed a team of engineers who are responsible for
ensuring that our products comply with all applicable regulations.
In the United States, our products must comply with the regulations of
several agencies of the U.S. federal government, including the Federal
Communications Commission, or the FCC, the Food and Drug Administration, or the
FDA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. Under the
FCC's regulations, our products must comply with, among other things, rules
concerning unintentional radio frequency emissions that interfere with protected
radio communications systems. Depending upon the product, compliance with these
rules may necessitate applying for and obtaining an FCC equipment authorization
prior to importing into the United States, or marketing, any units of the
relevant product. Additionally, some of our products must comply with the FDA's
performance standards and related rules concerning light-emitting products, such
as lasers. The FDA's regulations are intended to promote safety by limiting
human exposure to harmful electromagnetic radiation. Similarly, our products
must comply with OSHA's design safety standards for systems that utilize
electricity. These rules are intended to reduce the risk of accidental human
electrocution.
Similar regulations apply in other countries. For example, our products
are subject to the safety standards of Industry Canada and the Canadian
Standards Association with respect to electricity utilization and radio
frequency emissions. Other countries in the world require equipment marking in
accordance with the standards of the European Community, often referred to as CE
marking, testing to ensure compliance with International Electrotechnical
Commission standards and other international product approval. Other significant
types of regulations not described in this annual report also may apply,
depending upon the relevant product and country.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Our success and ability to compete are dependent in part on our ability
to develop and protect our proprietary technology. We file U.S. and Canadian
patent applications to protect technology, inventions and improvements important
to the development of our business. We also rely on a combination of copyright,
trademark, trade secret rights, licensing and confidentiality agreements.
We currently hold 20 U.S.-issued and seven Canadian-issued patents and
we have 28 U.S., 22 Canadian and five Patent Cooperation Treaty patent
applications pending. These issued and pending patents cover various aspects of
our products and processes. The expiration dates of our issued patents range
from January 16, 2010 to March 31, 2021.
We consider six of our inventions for which patents have either been
granted or are pending to be material. These inventions are:
36
o the optical time domain reflectometer with internal reference
reflector for which a patent was granted in the United States
and is pending in Canada. This invention permits the control
of the optical time domain reflectometer detector gain and the
determination of the loss of the initial optical connector and
is used in most of our optical time domain reflectometer-based
products;
o the measurement of attenuation of optical fibers using
bidirectional transmission of information via the fiber for
which patents were granted in the United States and Canada.
This invention forms the basis of our FOT-920 and FTB-3920
products;
o an apparatus and method to determine optical phase delay,
which forms the basis of our new FTB-5800 product for the
measurement of chromatic dispersion in field-installed optical
fibers. A US patent has been granted, and applications have
been submitted in Canada, Europe (pursuant to PCT), and China;
o an optical spectrum analyzer using optical fibers as input and
output "slits". This invention forms the basis of our
FTB-5240, FTB-5240B and IQ -5250 products. This patent
application is in process in the United States, Canada, Europe
(pursuant to PCT) and China;
o the light cure system with closed loop control and work piece
recording which is at the heart of the spot-curing systems
manufactured by EXFO Photonic Solutions for which patents were
granted in the United States and Canada; and
o the portable test gear for TDM and packet based communications
for which patent applications have been filed in Canada, the
United States and pursuant to the Patent Cooperation Treaty
form the basis of the technology used by EXFO Protocol for its
protocol testing products.
Confidentiality and proprietary information agreements with our senior
management, employees and others generally stipulate that all confidential
information developed or made known to these individuals by us during the course
of their relationship is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third
parties, except in specific circumstances. The agreements also generally provide
that all intellectual property developed by the individual in the course of
rendering services to us belongs exclusively to us. These efforts afford only
limited protection.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On November 27, 2001, a class action suit was filed in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York by John Williams,
and others similarly situated, against us, four of the underwriters of our
initial public offering (Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., RBC
Dominion Securities Inc., Wit Soundview Corporation and CIBC World Markets Inc.)
and Messrs. Germain Lamonde and Pierre Plamondon pursuant to the SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 and Rule 106-5 promulgated thereunder and sections 11, 12
and 16 of the SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. This class action, involving more than 300
other public companies, alleges that our registration statement and prospectus
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2000 contained
material misrepresentations and/or omissions resulting from (i) the underwriters
allegedly soliciting and receiving additional, excessive and undisclosed
commissions from certain investors in exchange for which they allocated material
portions of our shares issued in connection with our initial public offering;
and (ii) the underwriters allegedly entering into agreements with customers
whereby our shares issued in connection with our initial public offering would
be allocated to those customers in exchange for which such customers agreed to
purchase additional amounts of our shares in the after market at pre-determined
prices.
37
On April 19, 2002, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint containing
master allegations against all of the underwriters in all of the 310 cases
included in this class action and, also filed an amended complaint containing
allegations specific to four of the company's underwriters, the company and two
of its executive officers. In addition to the allegations mentioned above, the
amended complaint alleges that the underwriters (i) used their analysts to
manipulate the stock market; and (ii) implemented schemes that allowed issuer
insiders to sell their shares rapidly after an initial public offering and
benefit from high market prices. As concerns the company and its two executive
officers in particular, the amended complaint alleges that (i) the company's
registration statement was materially false and misleading because it failed to
disclose the additional commissions and compensation to be received by
underwriters; (ii) the two named executive officers learned of or recklessly
disregarded the alleged misconduct of the underwriters; (iii) the two named
executive officers had motive and opportunity to engage in alleged wrongful
conduct due to personal holdings of the company's stock and the fact that an
alleged artificially inflated stock price could be used as currency for
acquisitions; and (iv) the two named executive officers, by virtue of their
positions with the company, controlled the company and the contents of the
registration statement and had the ability to prevent its issuance or cause it
to be corrected. The plaintiffs in this suit seek an unspecified amount for
damages suffered.
In July 2002, the issuers filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiffs'
amended complaint and on October 8, 2002, the claims against Messrs. Lamonde and
Plamondon were dismissed pursuant to the terms of Reservation of Rights and
Tolling Agreements entered into with the plaintiffs.
We believe that our executive officers and we have fully complied with
all applicable securities laws and that the claims against us are without merit.
We have referred this matter to our insurers and are vigorously defending our
position in this litigation. However, we are unable to predict the outcome of
this case and if it is adversely determined, it could have certain adverse
effects on our business, including potential monetary damages that may exceed
available insurance protections.
On December 12, 2000, GAP Optique instituted legal proceedings with the
Juridiction des Prud'hommes in Geneva, Switzerland against an ex-employee for
breach of a confidentiality obligation as stipulated in his employment contract.
GAP is claiming monetary damages only since Swiss law does not allow injunctive
relief in this case. Mr. Patrick Stamp was hired by our subsidiary, GAP Optique
on May 1, 1998. Mr. Stamp's employment contract contained a confidentiality
clause that prohibits disclosure or use of any confidential information he may
obtain during the course of his work. The contract provides that this obligation
continues for a period of one year following termination of the employment
agreement. Mr. Stamp left GAP Optique in February 2000 to create a start-up
company called LUCIOL Instruments, S.A ("LUCIOL") with the help of two former
employees of the University of Geneva. LUCIOL presently manufactures and sells
fiber optic test instruments, of which two (a chromatic dispersion analyzer and
a photon-counting OTDR) were developed jointly by GAP Optique and the University
of Geneva. Mr. Stamp participated in the development of these instruments during
employment with GAP Optique and the University. Therefore, it is the contention
of GAP Optique that Mr. Stamp is now using illegally, through LUCIOL, the
proprietary and confidential information he obtained during his employment in
order to market the particular test instruments. A preliminary hearing was held
on November 1, 2001 and the proceedings resumed on January 15, 2002, at which
time the court ordered the preparation and filing of an
38
independent expert report. Both parties have submitted to the court a list of
questions and issues to be addressed by the expert. The Court's ruling provided
that the report be filed by November 30, 2002, however, we still have not
received confirmation of the filing.
On November 28, 2002, EXFO, GAP Optique and the University of Geneva
filed a joint motion for provisional measures, with the District Court in the
Canton Vaud, Switzerland, against LUCIOL. The joint plaintiffs are seeking an
order to prohibit LUCIOL from manufacturing and selling the chromatic dispersion
analyzer and the photon-counting OTDR that are both described in the preceding
paragraph. The defendant is expected to appear before the court to file an
answer to the application in early January 2003.
There are no other legal or arbitration proceedings pending or
threatened of which we are aware which may have or have had a significant effect
on our financial position.
C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
As of December 31, 2002, the following chart presents our corporate
structure, the jurisdiction of incorporation of our subsidiaries and the
percentage of shares that we hold in those subsidiaries.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED -- ORGANIZATIONAL CHART]
EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc.
18/09/1985
(Canada)
Operating **
100% 100% 100% 85% 100% 100% 100%
--------------- ------------- -------------- ------------ ---------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
EXFO UK Limited EXFO Photonic GEXFO GAP Optique EXFO Asia Nortech Fibronic EXFO Protocol Burleigh
27/02/2001 Solutions Inc. Distribution SA Pacific Inc. Inc.(formerly) Instruments GmbH
(United Kingdom) (formerly Efos Internationale 17/05/1994 PTE Ltd. 14/08/1991 Avantas Networks (Germany)
Non-operating Inc.) Inc. (Switzerland) 18/01/2001 (Canada) Corporation) Non-operating
20/02/1984 17/12/1992 Operating (Singapore) Non-operating 02/11/2001
(Ontario) (Quebec) Operating (Canada)
Operating Holding Operating
/ /
------------------------------------------ ---------------
100% 100% 100% 100%
----------- ------------- ---------- -------------
EXFO Europe EXFO EXFO USA [Nortech
SARL International Inc. Fibronic Inc.
08/02/1994 Services 07/12/2000 (Texas)
(France) Management LLC (Delaware) Dissolved
Operating 22/11/2000 Holding 07/09/2001]
(Hungary) -
Operating
/
----------------------------------------
100% 100% 100%
------------ --------- ----------
EXFO America EXFO EXFO Gnubi
Inc. Burleigh Products
15/12/1992 Products Group Inc.
(Delaware) Group Inc. 04/09/2002
Operating 25/08/1972 (Delaware)
(New York) Operating
Operating
/ \
-------------------------------------------
71.5% 100%
------------- -------------
** [Burleigh Burleigh
28.5% Instruments Automation
(UK) Ltd. Inc.
(United (Delaware)
Kingdom) Non-operating
Dissolved
12/11/2002]
D. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Our main offices and facilities are located in Quebec City, Canada
where we occupy three buildings. These buildings house our executive and
administrative offices, research and development facilities and production
facilities. In addition, we maintain sales offices in China, France, Germany,
Great Britain, Japan, Singapore and the United States. EXFO Burleigh's
facilities are located in Victor, in the state of New York, EXFO Gnubi is
located near Dallas, Texas, EXFO Photonic is located near Toronto, Canada and
EXFO Protocol is located in Montreal, Canada.
39
In September 2002, we obtained ownership of one of the buildings
housing production facilities in Quebec City that was previously leased from a
company controlled by EXFO's president and chief executive officer.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the main
facilities that we occupy as of December 31, 2002.
LOCATION USE OF SPACE SQUARE FOOTAGE TYPE OF INTEREST
-------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
436 Nolin Street Manufacturing 44,164 Owned
Vanier (Quebec)
400 Godin Avenue Research and Development, Manufacturing 128,800 Owned
Vanier (Quebec) and Administrative
465 Godin Avenue Executive and Administrative 24,000 Leased
Vanier (Quebec)
2260 Argentia Road Research and Development, Manufacturing 36,000 Leased
and Administrative
Mississauga (Ontario)
2650 Marie-Curie Research and Development, Manufacturing 26,000 Leased
St-Laurent (Quebec) and Administrative
7647 Main Street Fishers Research and Development, Manufacturing 40,000 Owned
Victor (New York) and Administrative
4275 Kellway Circle Research and Development, 8,720 Leased
Addison (Texas) Manufacturing and Administrative
40
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial
condition and results of operations of EXFO for the fiscal years ended August
31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated
financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this annual
report. Our consolidated financial statements are reported in US dollars and
have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
in Canada, or Canadian GAAP. To the extent applicable to our consolidated
financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report, these principles
conform in all material respects with generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States, or U.S. GAAP, except as described in Note 19 to our
consolidated financial statements.
CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS
EXFO LAUNCHES 25 PRODUCTS IN 2002
EXFO announced in September 2002 that it had launched 25 new products
in fiscal 2002. Key product launches included the FTB-8000 SONET/SDH Analyzer
for deployments of 10 Gb/s optical networks; the FTB-8500 Packet Blazer(TM) to
ensure Gigabit Ethernet performance in high-speed optical networking; the
FTB-5800 Chromatic Dispersion Analyzer for high-speed, dense wavelength-division
multiplexing; the next-generation IQS-500 Intelligent Test System and related
test modules for automated testing and manufacturing applications; and the
ProAlign(TM) 5000 Component Assembly Workstation for the automated assembly of
array-type devices.
EXFO CARRIES OUT RESTRUCTURING ACTIONS AND REVIEWS ASSETS FOR IMPAIRMENT
As a result of the telecommunications downturn that affected several
markets, EXFO carried out a series of restructuring measures in fiscal 2002 to
accelerate its return to profitability. Several proactive actions were taken to
lower the company's cost structure, including workforce reductions and inventory
write-offs. Overall for fiscal 2002, EXFO reduced its workforce by 350 people
and wrote off $18.5 million in excess and obsolete inventories.
EXFO also performed in May 2002 an assessment of the carrying value of
goodwill and intangible assets recorded in conjunction with the three strategic
acquisitions made during the last two years. Considering the ongoing unfavorable
market conditions, the company recorded a charge of $222.2 million to write down
a significant portion of goodwill and a pre-tax charge of $23.7 million to write
down a significant portion of acquired intangible assets.
EXFO IMPLEMENTS NEW ERP SYSTEM
In December 2001, a new enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system was
implemented at EXFO's headquarters in Quebec City, QC. This ERP system will
enable the company to improve the efficiency of its operations and should
provide customers with better and more prompt service.
41
EXFO COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF AVANTAS NETWORKS
EXFO announced in November 2001 that it had completed its previously
announced acquisition of Avantas Networks Corporation (renamed EXFO Protocol)
for a total consideration of $95.0 million, or $69.4 million net of $25.6
million of cash and cash equivalents acquired. This acquisition was accounted
for using the purchase method and has resulted in goodwill of $58.0 million,
which is not amortized under new accounting rules. In May 2002, as part of the
assessment of the carrying value of goodwill recorded in business combinations,
EXFO Protocol's goodwill was written down to its fair value, resulting in an
impairment loss of $49.3 million. EXFO Protocol is a supplier of leading-edge
fiber-optic testing and optical-network-performance management equipment
supporting a wide range of protocols and data transmission rates.
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Subsequent to the year-end, EXFO announced it had acquired
substantially all the assets of gnubi communications, L.P., including its
technology, expertise, customer base and inventories, in a stock-and-cash deal
that ranged between $4.3 million and $7.2 million. Consideration paid consisted
of $2.5 million in EXFO stock, $1.8 million in cash and a cash earn-out based
upon sales volume up to a maximum of $2.9 million. gnubi, a privately held
company in Dallas, Texas, is a leading supplier of multi-channel telecom and
datacom testing solutions with an established customer base of Tier 1 optical
transport equipment manufacturers and R&D labs.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
OPTICAL NETWORKING MARKET
The past decade has witnessed growth in the volume of data traffic
largely due to the popularity of the Internet and related bandwidth-intensive
applications. According to the Computer Industry Almanac, the number of Internet
users around the world is expected to increase from 530 million in 2001 to 1.12
billion in 2005. In addition, users are continuously seeking applications that
require a great deal of bandwidth such as virtual private networking ("VPN"),
storage area networking ("SAN") and rich media streaming over the Internet.
The increase in Internet users and in bandwidth-intensive applications
created a need for high-capacity communications networks. To meet this
increasing demand for bandwidth, many telecommunications carriers designed and
installed new networks based on optical fiber, deployed additional fiber within
their existing networks or used advances in optical technology such as dense
wavelength-division multiplexing. DWDM involves combining beams of light of
slightly different wavelengths through a single fiber, with each wavelength
carrying its own stream of information. DWDM gained wide market acceptance
because it incorporates technologies that greatly reduce the cost of optical
transmission over long distances and because it provides network flexibility in
access and metropolitan areas.
Following a period of significant growth, the telecommunications
industry is enduring a market correction. Network service providers have lowered
their capital spending to improve short-term financials and reduce debt-loads
which, in turn, have initiated an industry-wide consolidation period. Despite
these challenging market conditions, new bandwidth-hungry applications are
pushing telecom and datacom demand deeper into metropolitan, access and
42
enterprise networks. As a result, NSPs are continuously upgrading their existing
networks with higher transmission rates, newer protocols and additional channels
to meet the latest bandwidth and application requirements. The system and
component manufacturing markets, meanwhile, have been sharply affected by the
reduction in capital spending of NSPs. During the past 18 months, NSPs have
repeatedly downsized their capital spending budgets for deploying new networks,
which has resulted in a slowdown among system and component vendors.
OPTICAL TEST, MEASUREMENT AND AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT MARKET
The fiber-optic test, measurement and automation market has not been
immune to the challenging conditions in the optical networking sector. However,
vendors with extensive product portfolios, which include all-in-one protocol-,
optical- and physical-layer test solutions, marketed their products to NSPs, who
needed to upgrade their networks to higher transmission rates, add DWDM channels
or maintain their existing networks. Likewise, test, measurement and automation
vendors, whose products increase efficiency and reduce costs on the production
floor, still attracted the attention of system and optical component
manufacturers, who kept investing in their R&D programs to stay ahead of the
competition.
Fiber-optic test, measurement and automation equipment is essential for
research and development, manufacturing, installation and maintenance as well as
network monitoring. When light travels along optical fiber and through the
optical components and systems that link optical fibers together, it is subject
to unwanted effects such as reflection, attenuation, noise and various types of
dispersion, all of which degrade signal quality and reduce transmission
performance. Fiber-optic test and measurement equipment is critical for
measuring these effects and helping NSPs and manufacturers of optical
components, sub-systems and optical networking systems ensure performance and
reliability.
Fiber-optic test and measurement equipment like a bit-error-rate tester
is also used to ensure data integrity. Data sent along an optical network must
respect transmission protocols, such as ATM, SONET, SDH, Ethernet and Gigabit
Ethernet, and fall within accepted data transmission rates from 64 Kb/s to 10
Gb/s. Otherwise, the information sent from a transmitter will be
incomprehensible to the receiver.
Automation equipment is necessary to reduce costs and increase
productivity on the manufacturing floor. Optical components and sub-systems,
which make up an optical network, are typically assembled by hand. As a result,
optical component vendors are increasingly looking for ways to increase
efficiency and yield as well as reduce costs by adopting automated manufacturing
solutions. They either build these complex solutions in-house or turn to
equipment manufacturers to help them automate critical steps in the
manufacturing process such as alignment, curing and optical testing. The latter
option enables optical component vendors to devote their technical resources to
developing next-generation products instead of manufacturing tools.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
EXFO was incorporated on September 18, 1985. Our original products were
focused primarily on the needs of installers and operators of fiber-optic
networks. These products are marketed in what is known today as our Portable and
Monitoring Division. This division markets its products mainly to
telecommunications carriers and network service providers around the world.
These customers use Portable and Monitoring Division products for installation
and maintenance, monitoring and troubleshooting applications. In 1996, we
supplemented our
43
product portfolio with an extensive line of Industrial and Scientific products
that are dedicated to the research and development and manufacturing activities
of optical system and component vendors worldwide. Our Industrial and Scientific
products tend to be more complex and higher priced than our Portable and
Monitoring products. In fiscal 1999, we entered the market for remote fiber test
systems. Remote fiber test systems, which are marketed through our Portable and
Monitoring Division, allow carriers to monitor the integrity of their entire
fiber-optic systems by verifying the protocol, optical and physical layers.
One of our strongest competitive advantages is our modular platform
design. EXFO introduced modular test platforms more than six years ago, and
remains the uncontested leader with all-in-one test sets that provide greater
value for customers seeking enhanced productivity. Our PC-based platforms, which
are supported by an extensive suite of plug-and-play test modules, are widely
accepted among Tier 1 carriers and system manufacturers with an established base
of more than 10,000 units on the market today.
During the last two years, we strengthened our competitive positioning
with a string of acquisitions. In fiscal 2001, we completed two key acquisitions
to bolster growth in our Industrial and Scientific Division. We acquired
Burleigh Instruments, Inc. (renamed EXFO Burleigh Products Group Inc.) for its
wavelength measurement instruments and nanopositioning alignment systems. We
also added EFOS Inc. (renamed EXFO Photonic Solutions Inc.) for its precision
light-based, adhesive spot-curing technology.
In fiscal 2002, we expanded into protocol-layer testing with the
closing of the Avantas Networks Corporation acquisition (renamed EXFO Protocol
Inc.), a supplier of leading-edge, fiber-optic testing and
optical-network-performance management equipment. This acquisition was highly
strategic because it enabled us to combine protocol-, optical- and
physical-layer testing inside a single platform--the FTB-400 Universal Test
System--to help our customers increase revenues and reduce operational costs in
a fast-changing market.
Subsequent to the year-end, we also announced that our wholly-owned
subsidiary, EXFO Gnubi Products Group Inc. had purchased substantially all the
assets of gnubi communications, L.P., a leading supplier of multi-channel
telecom and datacom testing solutions. EXFO Gnubi's protocol-layer test
equipment for optical transport equipment manufacturers fully complements EXFO
Protocol's offering that is targeted at the network service provider market. As
a result, these latest acquisitions enabled us to double our addressable market,
while offering a complete test solution for the entire lifecycle of an optical
network: R&D, manufacturing, installation and maintenance, as well as network
monitoring.
SALES
We sell our products to more than 2000 customers in 70 countries around
the world through our direct sales force and, indirectly, through distribution
channels. North America accounted for 57% of our sales in fiscal 2002 compared
to 43% for the rest of the world. With regard to sales distribution, it was a
57-43% split in favor of our Portable and Monitoring products in 2002. In terms
of customer breakdown, we had one 10%-customer in 2002 with our top three
customers representing 15.4% of sales for the year.
44
COST OF SALES
Cost of sales includes raw materials, salaries and related expenses for
direct and indirect manufacturing personnel and manufacturing overhead. We
expense cost of sales as the related revenue is recognized. Excess, obsolete or
scrapped materials are included in cost of sales.
OPERATING EXPENSES
We classify our operating expenses into three general categories:
selling and administrative expenses, research and development expenses and
amortization expenses.
Selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and
related expenses for personnel, sales commissions, travel expenses, marketing
programs, professional services, management information systems, human resources
and other corporate expenses.
Gross research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries
and related expenses for engineers and other technical personnel, material
component costs as well as fees paid to third-party consultants. We expense our
research and development costs as they are incurred. We are eligible to receive
research and development tax credits and government grants on research and
development carried out in Canada. Related research and development tax credits
and government grants are recorded as a reduction of gross research and
development expenses.
Operating expenses related to our restructuring plans have been
recorded as a separate component of operating expenses. These expenses consist
primarily of severance expenses, costs to exit leased facilities, a write-off of
property, plant and equipment, as well as a write-down of intangible assets.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Management's discussion and analysis of financial conditions and
results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this annual report. They have been prepared in accordance with
Canadian GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we
evaluate these estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue
recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, allowance for excess and obsolete
inventories, research and development tax credits and government grants,
impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, future income taxes, warranty
obligations, restructuring charges, contingencies and other obligations. We base
our estimates on historical experience and on other factors that we believe to
be reasonable under the circumstances, the result of which form the basis for
making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are
not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
The following summarizes our critical accounting policies and those
that require the most significant judgment and estimates in the preparation of
our consolidated financial statements.
45
REVENUE RECOGNITION. For products in which software is incidental, we
recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the product
has been delivered, the price is fixed and determinable and collection of the
resulting receivable is reasonably assured. In addition, provisions are made for
estimated returns, warranties and support obligations.
For products in which software is not incidental, revenues are
separated into two categories: product and customer support revenues based upon
vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value. Product revenues for these
sales are recognized as described above. Customer support revenues are deferred
and recognized ratably over the years of the support arrangement. Except when
provided within one year of delivery, costs of providing this support are
insignificant and accrued at the time of delivery and no software upgrades are
provided.
For all sales, we use a binding purchase order as evidence that a sales
arrangement exists.
Delivery generally occurs when the product is shipped to a common
carrier.
At the time of the transaction, we assess whether the price associated
with our revenue transactions is fixed and determinable and whether or not
collection is reasonably assured. We assess whether the price is fixed and
determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction. We
assess collection based on a number of factors, including past transaction
history and the creditworthiness of the customer. Generally, collateral or other
security is not requested from customers.
Most sales arrangements do not generally include acceptance clauses.
However, if a sales arrangement includes an acceptance provision, acceptance
occurs upon the earliest of receipt of a written customer acceptance or
expiration of the acceptance period. For these sales arrangements, the sale is
recognized when acceptance occurs.
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS. We estimate collectibility of accounts
receivable on an ongoing basis by periodically reviewing balances outstanding
over a certain period of time. We determine our allowance for doubtful accounts
receivable based on our historical accounts receivable collection experience and
on the information that we have about the status of our accounts receivable
balances. If the financial conditions of our customers deteriorate, resulting in
an impairment of their ability to make required payments, additional allowance
may be required, which could adversely affect our future results.
ALLOWANCE FOR EXCESS AND OBSOLETE INVENTORIES. We state our inventories
at the lower of cost and net realizable value and provide reserves for excess
and obsolete inventories. We determine our reserves for excess and obsolete
inventories considering our quantities on hand and our expected needs for these
inventories to support future sales of our products. It is possible that
additional inventory reserves may occur if future sales are less than our
forecasts, which could adversely affect our future results.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDITS AND GOVERNMENT GRANTS. We record
research and development tax credits and government grants based on our
interpretation of tax laws and grant programs, especially regarding related
eligible projects and expenses, and when there is a reasonable assurance that we
have complied and will continue to comply with all conditions and laws. Also,
our judgment and estimates are based on historical experience. It is possible,
however, that the tax authorities have a different interpretation of laws and
application of
46
conditions related to the programs or that we will not comply with all
conditions related to grants in the future, which could adversely affect our
future results.
IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS. We assess impairment of
goodwill and intangible assets when events or circumstances indicate that costs
may not be recoverable. Impairment exists when the carrying value of the asset
is greater than the pre-tax undiscounted future cash flows expected to be
provided by the asset. The amount of impairment loss, if any, is the excess of
the carrying value over the estimated pre-tax undiscounted future cash flows.
Intangible assets and goodwill are written down for any permanent impairment
value of the unamortized portion. In fiscal 2002, we incurred significant
impairment losses on goodwill and intangible assets recorded in conjunction with
our three strategic acquisitions made during the last two years.
On September 1, 2002, upon the adoption of section 3062 of the Canadian
Institute of Chartered Accountants Handbook (CICA), we performed an initial
impairment test of goodwill based on a fair value method. Based on that initial
test, goodwill was not considered impaired. Moving forward, this test will be
performed on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances occur
that more likely than not trigger an impairment.
FUTURE INCOME TAX ASSETS. We account for income taxes using the
liability method of tax allocation. Under this method, future income tax assets
and liabilities are determined based on deductible or taxable temporary
differences between financial statement values and tax values of assets and
liabilities using enacted income tax rates for the years in which the
differences are expected to reverse. In assessing the recoverability of our
future income tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that
some or all of the future income tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate
realization of certain future income tax assets is dependent upon the generation
of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences
will become deductible. If we obtain information that causes our forecast of
future taxable income to change or if actual future taxable income differs from
our forecast, we may have to revise the carrying value of our future income tax
assets, which would affect our net earnings in the period in which the change
was made. We review the recoverability of our future income tax assets on a
quarterly basis.
47
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth certain Canadian GAAP consolidated
statements of earnings data in thousands of US dollars, except per share data,
and as a percentage of sales for the years indicated:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 2001 2002 2000 2001 2002
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
Sales $ 71,639 $ 146,013 $ 68,330 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales 24,712 54,946 50,801 34.5 37.6 74.3
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
Gross margin* 46,927 91,067 17,529 65.5 62.4 25.7
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
Operating expenses
Selling and administrative 24,304 46,236 35,446 33.9 31.7 51.9
Net research and development 6,402 13,601 12,782 8.9 9.3 18.7
Amortization of property, plant
and equipment 1,451 3,559 5,932 2.0 2.4 8.7
Amortization of intangible assets 47 9,876 11,615 0.1 6.8 17.0
Write-down of intangible assets -- -- 23,657 -- -- 34.6
Restructuring and other charges -- 3,288 2,880 -- 2.3 4.2
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
Total operating expenses 32,204 76,560 92,312 44.9 52.5 135.1
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
Earnings (loss) from operations 14,723 14,507 (74,783) 20.6 9.9 (109.4)
Interest income, net 1,480 6,098 1,456 2.1 4.2 2.1
Foreign exchange gain (loss) (684) 3,327 (458) (1.0) 2.3 (0.7)
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
and amortization and write-down
of goodwill 15,519 23,932 (73,785) 21.7 16.4 (108.0)
Income taxes 5,298 8,150 (25,451) 7.4 5.6 (37.2)
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
Earnings (loss) before amortization
and write-down of goodwill 10,221 15,782 (48,334) 14.3 10.8 (70.8)
Amortization of goodwill 297 31,076 38,021 0.4 21.3 55.6
Write-down of goodwill -- -- 222,169 -- -- 325.1
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) for the year $ 9,924 $ (15,294) $(308,524) 13.9% (10.5)% (451.5)%
==================================== ===============================
Basic and diluted net earnings
(loss) per share $ 0.25 $ (0.29) $ (5.09)
Research and development data:
Gross research and development $ 9,374 $ 17,601 $ 17,005 13.1% 12.1% 24.9%
Net research and development $ 6,402 $ 13,601 $ 12,782 8.9% 9.3% 18.7%
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
OTHER DATA (UNAUDITED):**
Pro forma net earnings (loss) $ 10,252 $ 24,500 $ (11,248) 14.3% 16.8% (16.5)%
Basic and diluted pro forma net
earnings (loss) per share $ 0.26 $ 0.46 $ (0.19)
* Including inventory write-offs of nil, nil and $18,463 for the years ended
August 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. Excluding inventory
write-offs of $18,463 for the year ended August 31, 2002, gross margin
would have reached 52.7% for that year. This latter information is
unaudited and is a non-GAAP measure.
** Net earnings (loss) excluding amortization and write-down of goodwill and
the after-tax effect of amortization and write-down of intangible assets,
restructuring and other charges as well as inventory write-offs. This
information may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by
other companies because it is non-GAAP information. Please refer to page 55
of this annual report for a detailed quantitative reconciliation.
48
SALES
Sales totaled $68.3 million, $146.0 million and $71.6 million in fiscal
2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Sales decreased 53% in fiscal 2002 compared
to 2001 due to a reduced demand for our products and pricing pressure
attributable to the severe downturn in the telecommunications industry. The
fiber-optic telecommunications industry has not rebounded as quickly as many
industry experts forecasted. Established telecommunications carriers have
decreased their capital expenditures to improve short-term financials and reduce
debt loads, while a number of others have filed for bankruptcy. Lower spending
levels have produced a trickle-down effect throughout the fiber-optic industry,
including in research and development, manufacturing, installation and
maintenance, as well as network monitoring companies. Test, measurement,
monitoring and automation equipment vendors, in turn, have been negatively
affected due to the dramatic reduction in the deployment of optical networks.
Consequently, both our Portable and Monitoring products and our Industrial and
Scientific products suffered from this lack of demand and pricing pressure. Our
Industrial and Scientific products, however, were more severely affected by the
downturn. With regard to sales distribution, it was a 57%-43% split in favor of
our Portable and Monitoring products in fiscal 2002 compared to 52%-48% in favor
of our Industrial and Scientific products in 2001.
Net accepted orders decreased 56% to $58.3 million in fiscal 2002 from
$132.1 million in 2001. Our book-to-bill ratio decreased to 0.85 in fiscal 2002
compared to 0.90 in 2001. However, our book-to-bill ratio, which began
decreasing in the third quarter of 2001, has been steadily increasing since the
second quarter of 2002. Our book-to-bill ratio for the last quarter of fiscal
2002 was 1.03.
Sales increased 104% in fiscal 2001 compared to 2000 due to increased
demand for our Industrial and Scientific products as well as our Portable and
Monitoring products, market acceptance of several products launched in 2001 and
the impact of the EXFO Burleigh Products Group ("EXFO Burleigh") and EXFO
Photonic Solutions acquisitions completed during the year. In addition, the
increase in sales of our Industrial and Scientific products significantly
increased our top line because these products have a higher average selling
price than Portable and Monitoring products. Altogether, our Industrial and
Scientific products accounted for 52% of sales in fiscal 2001 compared to 31% in
2000.
Net accepted orders increased 53% to $132.1 million in fiscal 2001 from
$86.2 million for 2000. Our book-to-bill ratio, however, decreased to 0.90 in
fiscal 2001 compared to 1.20 in 2000. The decrease in our book-to-bill ratio
reflects the downturn in the telecommunications industry, which began affecting
our bookings in the third quarter of 2001.
North American sales accounted for 57%, 58% and 62% of global sales in
fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. International sales represented 43%,
42% and 38% of global sales in fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Despite
the relative stability in our international sales between fiscal 2002 and 2001
as a percentage of total sales, sales to the Asian market reached 19% of global
sales in fiscal 2002 compared to 13% in 2001 as a result of our sustained
efforts to develop this market. On the other hand, sales to the European market
decreased to 14% of global sales in fiscal 2002 compared to 21% of sales in
2001, mainly because this market has been the most affected by the downturn in
the telecommunications industry.
49
The increase in international sales in fiscal 2001 compared to 2000
mainly reflects our sustained efforts to develop the Asian market. We almost
tripled our sales in this region and added service centers in Beijing and
Singapore to better serve our customers.
We sell our products to a broad range of customers including
telecommunications carriers, network service providers, optical component and
system manufacturers, as well as research and development laboratories. No
customer accounted for more than 10.2%, 6.4% and 5.8% of sales in fiscal 2002,
2001 and 2000, respectively. In fiscal 2002, our three most significant
customers represented 15.4% of sales.
GROSS MARGIN
Gross margin amounted to 25.7%, 62.4% and 65.5% of sales for fiscal
2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
In fiscal 2002, we recorded inventory write-offs of $18.5 million for
obsolete and excess inventories. These special charges were recorded due to
weaker demand for our products and our expected needs for the upcoming 24 months
at the time of the write-offs. Excluding these special charges, our gross margin
would have reached 52.7% of sales. Even excluding these special charges, our
gross margin decreased 9.7% in fiscal 2002 from 62.4% in 2001, mainly because of
the significant decrease in our sales in 2002. Weaker demand for our products
and pricing pressure prevented us from a better absorption of our fixed
manufacturing costs. Our manufacturing capacity in Quebec City, Quebec and
Victor, New York almost doubled in fiscal 2001, while sales decreased
significantly in 2002.
Despite the increase in sales of Industrial and Scientific products in
fiscal 2001, which tend to be slightly higher-margin products, gross margin
decreased in fiscal 2001 compared to 2000 due to a number of reasons. First of
all, we significantly increased our manufacturing capacity in 2001 as well as
hired and trained related manufacturing employees to face then and expected
demand for our products. Secondly, we re-engineered our manufacturing processes
to be more cost-effective and to better mitigate the impact of potential pricing
pressure in the future. Thirdly, we acquired EXFO Photonic, which operates in a
market that has relatively lower-margin products. Finally, the slowdown in the
telecommunications industry, which affected us mostly in the last quarter of
fiscal 2001, prevented us from a better absorption of our fixed manufacturing
costs.
Gross margin can be negatively affected by competitive pricing
pressure, increase in obsolescence costs, shifts in product mix, reductions in
government grants, under-absorption of fixed manufacturing costs and increases
in product offerings by other suppliers in the fiber-optic test, measurement,
monitoring and automation industry.
SELLING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
Selling and administrative expenses reached $35.4 million, $46.2
million and $24.3 million for fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. As a
percentage of sales, selling and administrative expenses amounted to 51.9%,
31.7% and 33.9% for fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The dollar
decrease in fiscal 2002 compared to 2001 is directly related to lower expenses
resulting from our restructuring plans implemented since June 2001 and lower
commission expenses since our sales decreased significantly in fiscal 2002.
However, this decrease was offset in part by the impact of the acquisition of
EXFO Protocol in November 2001. On the other hand, the significant drop in sales
in fiscal 2002 caused the selling and
50
administrative expenses percentage to increase since these expenses tend to be
fixed and because sales decreased at a faster rate than selling and
administrative expenses.
The dollar increase in fiscal 2001 compared to 2000 is directly related
to higher commissions resulting from increased sales activity, increased
promotional and marketing expenses, expenses to consolidate our sales force in
Asia, expenses related to running a public company and the impact of the EXFO
Burleigh and EXFO Photonic acquisitions. The percentage decrease is mainly due
to a better absorption of these expenses because sales increased at a faster
rate than selling and administrative expenses.
Considering the challenging market conditions, we will continue to
maintain our selling and administrative expenses at an acceptable level without
impeding our efforts to strategically position our company, improve our sales,
as well as provide quality service to customers and integrate our acquired
companies.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Gross research and development expenses totaled $17.0 million, $17.6
million and $9.4 million for fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. As a
percentage of sales, gross research and development expenses amounted to 24.9%,
12.1% and 13.1% for fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
The slight decrease in gross research and development dollars in fiscal
2002 compared to 2001 is mainly due to the mix and timing of research and
development projects and the effect of our restructuring plans implemented in
2002; these factors were partially offset by the impact of the acquisition of
EXFO Protocol. The percentage increase reflects our strong focus on innovation
despite the significant decrease in sales. We firmly believe that innovation and
new product introductions are the key to gaining market share in this current
economic environment and ensuring the long-term growth and profitability of the
company. In fiscal 2002, 48% of sales originated from products that have been on
the market for two years or less. This is a slight improvement compared to 46%
of our sales in fiscal 2001. In fiscal 2002, we released 25 new products
compared to 20 in 2001. These figures confirm our dedication to innovation and
our anticipation of customer needs and expectations.
The increase in gross research and development dollars in fiscal 2001
compared to 2000 reflects the hiring of additional research and development
personnel, as well as the acquisitions of EXFO Burleigh and EXFO Photonic. The
decrease, as a percentage of sales, in fiscal 2001 compared to 2000 is mainly
due to the fact that sales increased at a faster rate than research and
development expenses during that period.
Tax credits and grants from federal, provincial and state governments
for research and development activities were $4.2 million, $4.0 million and $3.0
million for fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Our tax credits and grants
remained relatively flat between fiscal 2002 and 2001 since our gross research
and development expenses were relatively unchanged year-over-year. The increase
in our tax credits and grants in fiscal 2001 compared to 2000 is directly
related to the hiring of additional research and development personnel as well
as the impact of the EXFO Photonic Solutions acquisition.
Tax credits and grants, as a percentage of gross research and
development expenses, were 24.8%, 22.7% and 31.7% for fiscal 2002, 2001 and
2000, respectively. Tax credits and grants, as a percentage of gross research
and development expenses, increased slightly
51
between 2001 and 2002 since more research and development activities were
carried out in Canada, where such activities are entitled to research and
development tax credits, following the acquisition of EXFO Protocol. The
decrease in fiscal 2001 compared to 2000 is related to a reduction in the
effective tax credit rate and grants on research and development carried out in
Canada. It should be noted that research and development carried out by
U.S.-based EXFO Burleigh is not eligible for tax credits. As a result, tax
credits and grants, as a percentage of gross research and development expenses,
was further reduced in fiscal 2001.
In terms of net research and development expenses, they amounted to
18.7%, 9.3% and 8.9% of sales for fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
Although we intend to reduce our research and development expenses as a
percentage of sales, we expect to continue investing heavily in research and
development in the upcoming year, reflecting our focus on innovation, our desire
to gain market share and our goal to exceed customer needs and expectations.
AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS
In conjunction with the acquisitions of EXFO Burleigh, EXFO Photonic
and EXFO Protocol during the last two years, we recorded $61.1 million in
intangible assets, primarily consisting of core technology. These intangible
assets, which are amortized over periods from five months to five years from the
date of acquisitions, resulted in amortization expenses of $11.6 million and
$9.9 million in fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Intangible assets related to these acquisitions have been reviewed for
impairment as described below and this resulted in a pre-tax write-down charge
of $23.7 million in the third quarter of 2002. Considering this write-down, the
amortization of intangible assets will decrease by approximately $6.5 million in
the upcoming fiscal year.
WRITE-DOWN OF GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
In May 2002, as part of our review of financial results, we performed
an assessment of the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets recorded
in conjunction with the acquisitions of EXFO Burleigh, EXFO Photonic and EXFO
Protocol. The assessment was performed because of the severe and continued
downturn in the telecommunications industry, the persisting unfavorable market
conditions affecting our subsidiaries' industries and the decline in technology
valuations. The growth prospects for our subsidiaries were significantly lower
than previously expected and less than those of historical periods. In addition,
the decline in market conditions affecting the subsidiaries is significant and
other than temporary. As a result, we concluded that the carrying value of
goodwill and certain acquired intangible assets was impaired and we recorded a
charge of $222.2 million to write down a significant portion of goodwill and a
pre-tax charge of $23.7 million to write down a significant portion of acquired
core technology. Of the total impairment loss of $245.8 million, $125.0 million
relates to EXFO Burleigh, $71.5 million relates to EXFO Photonic and $49.3
million relates to EXFO Protocol.
The impairment loss was calculated as the excess of the carrying value
of the assets over the pre-tax undiscounted future cash flows. The pre-tax
undiscounted future cash flows were estimated at the subsidiaries' level since
we had distinct cash flows for each of them and because they are not fully
integrated into our activities. The cash flow periods used ranged from three to
five years, using annual growth rates between 15% and 30%.
The assumptions supporting the estimated undiscounted future cash
flows, including the annual growth rates, reflect our best estimates.
52
On September 1, 2002, upon the adoption of section 3062 of the CICA and
under its transitional provisions, we performed an initial impairment test to
identify potential goodwill impairment using a fair value-based method. Under
the new section, a goodwill impairment loss exists when the carrying value of a
reporting unit exceeds its fair value. For the purposes of the impairment test,
we allocated our existing goodwill to our reporting units and completed an
evaluation of the fair value of such reporting units. Based upon the comparison
of the fair value of the reporting units to their carrying value, goodwill of
the reporting units was not considered impaired.
For a more complete description of this new accounting standard, please
refer to the "New Accounting Standards" section further in this item.
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
In fiscal 2001, we implemented a structured plan to reduce our costs
and increase our efficiency. Under that plan, we recorded charges of $3.3
million, including $0.8 million in severance expenses for the 245 employees who
were terminated, $1.5 million for unused assets and $1.0 million for future
payments on exited leased facilities.
In fiscal 2002, we incurred additional charges of $2.9 million to
further reduce our costs. Under additional structured plans, we recorded $2.0
million in severance expenses for the additional 350 employees who were
terminated and $0.9 million for the write-off of property, plant and equipment.
Our cost-cutting measures represent our best efforts to respond to the
difficult market conditions. However, these efforts may be inappropriate or
insufficient. Our actions in this regard may not be successful in achieving the
cost reductions or other benefits expected, may be insufficient to align our
cost structure to market conditions, or may be more costly or extensive than
anticipated.
INTEREST INCOME, NET
Net interest income amounted to $1.5 million, $6.1 million and $1.5
million for fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The decrease in our net
interest income in fiscal 2002 compared to 2001 is directly related to the use
of short-term investments to finance our strategic acquisitions, our operating
activities and the purchases of property, plant and equipment, as well as a
general decrease in interest rates.
The increase in our net interest income in fiscal 2001 compared to 2000
results solely from short-term investments of the remaining net proceeds of our
Initial Public Offering on June 29, 2000.
We expect our net interest income to decrease in the upcoming fiscal
year because of the aforementioned reasons.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE GAIN (LOSS)
Foreign exchange loss amounted to $0.5 million in fiscal 2002 compared
to a foreign exchange gain of $3.3 million in fiscal 2001 and a foreign exchange
loss of $0.7 million in 2000.
53
The foreign exchange loss in fiscal 2002 is the result of the
translation of operating activities denominated in currencies other than the
Canadian dollar.
The foreign exchange gain in fiscal 2001 can be mostly attributed to
the disposal of short-term investments denominated in US dollars and the
translation of operating activities denominated in currencies other than the
Canadian dollar.
We manage our exposure to currency risk with forward exchange contracts
and operating activities of Canadian entities denominated in currencies other
than the Canadian dollar.
INCOME TAXES
Our effective income tax recovery rate was 34.5% in fiscal 2002
compared to income tax rates of 34.1% for both fiscal 2001 and 2000.
As at August 31, 2002, future income tax assets were $10.0 million and
mainly relate to tax losses, provisions and accruals as well as research and
development expenses, as described in note 15 to our consolidated financial
statements. Our current forecasts demonstrate that most of the future income tax
assets should be recovered over the next three fiscal years. However, if we
obtain information that causes our forecast of future taxable income to change
or if actual future taxable income differs from our forecast, we may have to
revise the carrying value of our future income tax assets, which would affect
our net earnings in the period in which the change was made. We review the
recoverability of our future income tax assets on a quarterly basis.
Research and development expenses and most of the provisions and
accruals can be carried forward indefinitely against future years taxable
income. The Canadian tax losses, which represent $3.5 million in future income
tax assets, expire over the next seven years while U.S. tax losses, which
represent $3.4 million in future income tax assets, expire in 20 years.
AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL
In conjunction with the acquisitions of EXFO Burleigh and EXFO
Photonic, we recorded $248.5 million in goodwill, which is amortized over five
years. These acquisitions resulted in amortization expenses of $38.0 million and
$31.1 million for fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively. The acquisition of EXFO
Protocol has been accounted for using new accounting standards contained in
sections 1581 and 3062 of the CICA and, consequently, goodwill resulting from
this acquisition was not amortized.
Goodwill related to these acquisitions has been reviewed for
impairment, as described above, and this resulted in a write-down charge of
$222.2 million in the third quarter of 2002. Starting on September 1, 2002,
goodwill will no longer be amortized under new accounting standard.
NET EARNINGS (LOSS)
Net loss amounted to $308.5 million and $15.3 million in fiscal 2002
and 2001, respectively, compared to net earnings of $9.9 million in 2000. In
terms of per share amounts, we recorded a net loss of $5.09 and $0.29 in fiscal
2002 and 2001, respectively, compared to net earnings of $0.25 in 2000.
54
PRO FORMA NET EARNINGS (LOSS)
As a measure to assess financial performance, we use pro forma net
earnings (loss) and pro forma net earnings (loss) per share. Pro forma net
earnings (loss) represent net earnings (loss) excluding amortization and
write-down of goodwill and the after-tax effect of amortization and write-down
of intangible assets, restructuring and other charges as well as inventory
write-offs.
Pro forma net loss amounted to $11.2 million in fiscal 2002 compared to
pro forma net earnings of $24.5 million and $10.3 million in fiscal 2001 and
2000, respectively. In terms of pro forma per share amounts, we recorded a loss
of $0.19 in fiscal 2002 compared to net earnings of $0.46 and $0.26 in fiscal
2001 and 2000, respectively.
Pro forma net earnings (loss) is reconciled as follows:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
---------- ---------- ----------
(unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
Net earnings (loss) in accordance with GAAP $ 9,924 $ (15,294) $(308,524)
Pro forma adjustments:
Amortization of goodwill
297 31,076 38,021
Write-down of goodwill
-- -- 222,169
Amortization of intangible assets
47 9,876 11,615
Tax effect of amortization of intangible assets
(16) (3,363) (4,007)
Write-down of intangible assets
-- -- 23,657
Tax effect of write-down of intangible assets
-- -- (8,160)
Restructuring and other charges and inventory
write-offs -- 3,288 21,343
Tax effect of restructuring and other charges and
inventory write-offs -- (1,083) (7,362)
---------- ---------- ----------
Pro forma net earnings (loss) $ 10,252 $ 24,500 $ (11,248)
========== ========== ==========
Net earnings (loss) per share $ 0.25 $ (0.29) $ (5.09)
Basic and diluted pro forma net earnings (loss) per
share $ 0.26 $ 0.46 $ (0.19)
We provide pro forma financial information to help the investor better
understand our operating results. This information is not in accordance with, or
an alternative for, generally accepted accounting principles and may not be
comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We finance our operations and major investments and meet our capital
expenditure requirements mainly through the use of cash and cash equivalents,
short-term investments and the issuance of subordinate voting shares.
55
CASH POSITION AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
As at August 31, 2002, cash and cash equivalents as well as short-term
investments consisted of $49.7 million. Our working capital was at $91.4
million. Our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments decreased by
$24.9 million in fiscal 2002 mainly due to $8.7 million for financing of
operating activities as well as cash payments of $9.8 million and $5.2 million,
respectively, for the acquisition of EXFO Protocol and the purchases of
property, plant and equipment.
The acquisition of substantially all the assets of gnubi
communications, L.P. will be partially financed with $1.8 million of cash on
hand. In fiscal 2003, however, we expect to recover $13.5 million in income
taxes mainly due to the carry-back of current tax losses and tax credits on our
research and development activities. As at August 31, 2002, total commitments
under operating leases and long-term debt for fiscal 2003 amounted to $1.4
million.
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash flows used by operating activities were $8.7 million in fiscal
2002 compared to cash flows provided of $3.9 million in fiscal 2001 and cash
flows used of $4.0 million in 2000. Cash flows used by operating activities in
fiscal 2002 were primarily due to the net loss after items not affecting cash
and cash equivalents of $1.1 million combined with the increase of income taxes
receivable of $19.7 million and the decrease in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities of $7.5 million. These figures were partially offset by the result
of the net decrease in accounts receivable and inventories of $19.7 million. The
increase in our income taxes receivable is related to income tax recovery
following the carry-back to previous years' taxable income of our consolidated
tax loss, while the decrease in our accounts payable and accrued liabilities is
due to the reduction in our purchases following the slowdown in our industry.
The decrease in our accounts receivable is due to the reduction in our sales
level and the improvement in our days of sales outstanding ("DSOs"), while the
decrease in our inventories is due to our efforts to maintain them at the lowest
acceptable level considering the decrease in sales.
Cash flows provided by operating activities in fiscal 2001 were
primarily due to net earnings after items not affecting cash and cash
equivalents of $25.3 million. This figure was mainly offset by the increase of
$20.3 million in inventories required to ensure minimal manufacturing and
delivery lead times.
In fiscal 2002, the major items not affecting cash and cash equivalents
consisted of inventory write-offs of $18.5 million, write-down of goodwill and
intangible assets of $245.8 million, amortization expenses of $55.6 million and
future income tax recovery of $13.4 million. In fiscal 2001, the major items not
affecting cash and cash equivalents consisted of amortization expenses of $44.5
million and realized foreign exchange gains on disposal of short-term
investments of $3.4 million.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash flows used by financing activities were $90,000 and $4.6 million
in fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively, compared to cash flows provided of $172.8
million in 2000. Cash flows used by financing activities in fiscal 2002 were due
to the repayment of our long-term debt. Cash
56
flows used in financing activities in fiscal 2001 were mainly due to the
repayment of our bank advances and our long-term debt of $5.4 million.
As at August 31, 2002, we had credit facilities that provide for
advances of up to CA$10 million (US$6.4 million) under a line of credit. This
line of credit bears interest at prime rate.
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash flows provided by investing activities were $10.5 million and $8.4
million in fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively, compared to cash flows used of
$169.0 million in 2000.
In fiscal 2002, we disposed of $25.5 million in short-term investments
to finance our operating activities of $8.7 million as well as the respective
cash payments of $9.8 million and $5.2 million for the acquisition of EXFO
Protocol and the purchases of property, plant and equipment.
In fiscal 2001, we disposed of $92.6 million in short-term investments
to finance the cash payments of $68.3 million and $15.9 million for the
acquisitions of EXFO Burleigh and EXFO Photonic and the purchases of property,
plant and equipment, respectively. Despite these investments and purchases, the
disposal of short-term investments generated net cash flows of $8.4 million in
fiscal 2001.
OUTLOOK
As described above, we incurred an operating loss of $74.8 million in
fiscal 2002 and operating activities used $8.7 million in cash flows. There can
be no assurance as to whether and when we will return to profitability or that
our sales will return to prior levels. However, we believe that our cash
balances and short-term investments, combined with available credit facilities,
will be sufficient to meet our expected liquidity and capital requirements for
at least the next 12 months. On the other hand, possible additional operating
losses and/or possible investments in or acquisitions of complementary
businesses, products or technologies may require additional financing prior to
such time. There can be no assurance that additional debt or equity financing
will be available when required or, if available, it can be secured on
satisfactory terms.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
The aggregate number of subordinate voting shares covered by options
granted under the stock option plan was 2,597,574 as at August 31, 2002. The
weighted average exercise price of those stock options was $22 compared to the
market price of $2.13 per share as at August 31, 2002. The maximum number of
subordinate voting shares issuable under the plan cannot exceed 4,470,961
shares. The following table summarizes information about stock options granted
to the members of the Board of Directors and to Management and Corporate
Officers of the company and its subsidiaries as at August 31, 2002:
57
WEIGHTED
% OF ISSUED AVERAGE
AND EXERCISE
NUMBER OUTSTANDING PRICE
------- ----------- ------------
Chairman of the Board, President and CEO
(one individual) 100,482 3.87% $ 14.06
Board of Directors (four individuals) 80,838 3.11% $ 10.95
Management and Corporate Officers
(ten individuals) 429,155 16.52% $ 21.82
------- ------ ------------
610,475 23.50% $ 19.10
======= ====== ============
In November 2001, the CICA issued section 3870, "Stock-Based
Compensation and Other Stock-Based Payments", which is effective for fiscal
years beginning on or after January 1, 2002. As described in the "New Accounting
Standards" section below, we will adopt this new standard prospectively on
September 1, 2002, and as permitted by the CICA, we will not account for the
stock-based compensation costs arising from awards to employees, but we will
comply with the required pro forma disclosures with respect to net earnings and
net earnings per share.
Like many other companies, we do not believe that the use of the
Black-Scholes option valuation model provides a reliable single measure of the
fair value of our employees' stock options and stock awards. For example, using
of the Black-Scholes model as required under U.S. GAAP, our 2,597,574
outstanding options with an average exercise price of $22 would have generated
aggregate stock-based compensation costs of $26,589,000. None of the options
issued by EXFO have been exercised because the market price of the company's
common shares as at August 31, 2002, is well below the exercise price.
Please refer to note 19 to our consolidated financial statements for
further explanation of stock-based compensation costs.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In November 2001, the CICA revised section 1650, "Foreign Currency
Translation", which is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January
1, 2002. The revised standard, which we will adopt retroactively on September 1,
2002, no longer permits the deferral and amortization of unrealized exchange
gains and losses that arise on the translation of long-term foreign currency
denominated monetary assets and liabilities. Under the new rules, such gains and
losses must be reported in earnings as they arise. Adopting this revised
standard will not have a significant impact on our financial statements since we
currently have no such long-term monetary items.
In November 2001, the CICA issued Accounting Guideline No. 13, "Hedging
Relationships", which shall be applied to hedging relationships in effect in
fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2003. This new accounting guideline,
which we will adopt prospectively on September 1, 2003, establishes basic
criteria that must be met before hedge accounting can be used. It also describes
the types of exposures that can be hedged and the types of instruments that
qualify as hedges, sets detailed designation and documentation requirements and
requires
58
formal effectiveness testing. We have not yet assessed the impact of the
adoption of this new guideline.
In November 2001, the CICA issued section 3870, "Stock-Based
Compensation and Other Stock-Based Payments", which is effective for fiscal
years beginning on or after January 1, 2002. The new section applies to awards
granted on or after the date of adoption, and requires that stock-based payments
to non-employees and direct awards of stock to employees be accounted for using
a fair value-based method. The new section also encourages, but does not
require, the use of a fair value-based method to account for stock-based
compensation costs arising from awards to employees. The new section requires
pro forma disclosures with respect to net earnings and net earnings per share if
a fair value-based method of accounting is not adopted for awards granted to
employees. We will adopt this new standard prospectively on September 1, 2002.
We will not account for the stock-based compensation costs arising from awards
to employees. However, we will provide the required pro forma disclosures with
respect to net earnings and net earnings per share. Consequently, the adoption
of this new standard will not have a significant impact on our financial
results.
In August 2001, the CICA issued section 1581 "Business Combinations"
and section 3062 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". Section 1581 requires
business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, or business combinations
accounted for by the purchase method with a date of acquisition after June 30,
2001, to be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. This section
also broadens criteria for recording intangible assets separately from goodwill.
Upon the adoption of section 3062, recorded goodwill and intangible assets will
be evaluated against those new criteria and may result in certain intangible
assets being reclassified into goodwill or, alternatively, amounts initially
recorded as goodwill being separately identified and recognized apart from
goodwill as intangible assets. Section 3062 requires the use of a
non-amortization approach to account for purchased goodwill and indefinite-lived
intangibles.
Under transitional provisions of section 3062, we did not amortize the
goodwill resulting from the acquisition of EXFO Protocol, for which the
acquisition date was November 2, 2001.
We adopted section 3062 prospectively on September 1, 2002. Upon the
adoption of this new section, goodwill recorded prior to July 1, 2001, is no
longer subject to amortization. Also, under the transitional provisions of the
section, we performed an initial impairment test to identify goodwill impairment
using a fair value-based method. Under the new section, a goodwill impairment
exists when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. For
the purposes of the impairment test, we allocated our existing goodwill to our
reporting units and completed an evaluation of the fair value of such reporting
units. Based on the comparison of the fair value of the reporting units to their
carrying value, goodwill of the reporting units was not considered impaired.
Goodwill will also be tested for impairment on an annual basis or more
frequently if events or circumstances occur that more likely than not reduce the
fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Any impairment loss
arising from this test will be charged to earnings in the period in which it is
incurred.
For details on new U.S. accounting standards, please refer to note 19
to our consolidated financial statements.
59
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Over the past few years, we have been able to manage our activities,
focus on research and development of new and innovative products, penetrate
international markets and close important strategic acquisitions. However, we
operate in a highly competitive field that is in constant evolution and, as a
result, we encounter various risks and uncertainties that must be given
appropriate consideration in our strategic management policies.
The main risks and uncertainties related to the fiber-optic test,
measurement, monitoring and automation industry involve the rapid development of
new products that have short life cycles and require extensive research and
development; the difficulty of retaining highly skilled employees as well as
offering them effective training programs; and the ability to quickly adapt our
cost structure to changing market conditions in order to achieve profitability.
In addition, given our strategic goals for growth and competitive
positioning in our industry, we are expanding into international markets. This
exposes us to certain risks and uncertainties related to changes in local laws
and regulations, multiple technological standards, protective legislation and
pricing pressure.
Furthermore, while the important strategic acquisitions we have made
are essential to our long-term growth, they also expose us to certain risks and
uncertainties related to the rapid and effective integration of these companies
as well as their products, technologies and personnel.
We are also exposed to currency risks as a result of the export of our
products manufactured in Canada, substantially all of which are denominated in
US dollars. These risks are partially hedged by the operating expenses of
certain international subsidiaries, the purchase of raw materials in US dollars
and forward exchange contracts.
The economic slowdown in our industry could also result in some of our
customers experiencing difficulties and, consequently, this could have a
negative effect on our results especially in terms of future sales and
recoverability of accounts receivable. However, the sectorial and geographic
diversity of our customer base provides us with a reasonable level of protection
in this area. Finally, other financial instruments, which potentially subject us
to credit risks, consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents, short-term
investments and forward exchange contracts. Our short-term investments consist
of debt instruments issued by high-credit quality corporations. Our cash and
cash equivalents and forward exchange contracts are held with or issued by
high-credit quality financial institutions; therefore, we consider the risk of
non-performance on these instruments to be remote.
For a more complete understanding of risk factors that may affect us,
please refer to the risk factors set forth in Item 3D of this annual report.
60
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information about our executive
officers, senior managers and directors as of December 31, 2002.
NAME AND MUNICIPALITY OF RESIDENCE POSITIONS WITH EXFO
----------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
JEAN-FRANCOIS BOULET Vice-President, Customer Service and Human Resources
Montmagny, Quebec
BRUCE BONINI Vice-President, North American Sales
Fairview, Texas
STEPHEN BULL Vice-President, Research and Development
Lac-Beauport, Quebec
DAVID J. FARRELL President, EXFO Burleigh Products Group Inc.
Victor, New York
ALLAN FIRHOJ General Manager, EXFO Photonic Solutions Inc.
Mississauga, Ontario
JUAN-FELIPE GONZALEZ Vice-President, International Sales
Singapore
GERMAIN LAMONDE Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Cap-Rouge, Quebec Officer
PIERRE MARCOUILLER Director
Magog, Quebec
KIMBERLEY ANN OKELL Secretary and Legal Counsel
Quebec City, Quebec
PIERRE PLAMONDON, CA Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Quebec City, Quebec
GREGORY SCHINN Chief Technology Officer
Quebec City, Quebec
DAVID A. THOMPSON Director
Newton, North Carolina
ANDRE TREMBLAY Director
Outremont, Quebec
MICHAEL UNGER Director
Woodbridge, Ontario
SAMI YAZDI President, EXFO Protocol Inc.
Beaconsfield, Quebec
The address of each of our executive officers, senior managers and
directors is c/o EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc., 465 Godin Avenue,
Vanier, Quebec, Canada. The following is a brief biography of each of our
executive officers, senior managers and directors.
JEAN-FRANCOIS BOULET joined us in March 2000 as Vice-President, Human
Resources. In September 2002, Mr. Boulet also assumed responsibility for
customer service. Mr. Boulet was formerly employed by Societe de portefeuille du
Groupe Desjardins -- Assurances Generales
61
since 1996 where he had been successively Senior Vice-President, Human Resources
and Senior Vice-President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications. From
1992 to 1996, Mr. Boulet held different senior management positions related to
human resources, customer service and organizational development for Inglis
Limited, a leading manufacturer of home appliances. Mr. Boulet holds a
bachelor's degree in Industrial Relations from Laval University in Canada.
BRUCE BONINI has been our Vice-President, North American Sales since
December 1998. Prior to joining us, Mr. Bonini held the position of
Vice-President Sales-Eastern Region for Wandel & Golterman, now Acterna, a
company specializing in communications test solutions, from September 1997 to
December 1998. Mr. Bonini was successively Sales Director and Vice-President of
Sales for Digital Lightwave Inc., a synchronous optical network test equipment
manufacturer, from August 1996 to January 1997. From August 1987 to August 1996,
Mr. Bonini held different sales and senior management positions for Laser
Precision Corporation, an optical test equipment manufacturer. Following the
acquisition of Laser Precision by GN Nettest, Mr. Bonini was named Global
Vice-President of Sales for GN Nettest/Fiber-Optics Division. Mr. Bonini holds a
bachelor's degree in Business Administration (Industrial Marketing) from Western
Michigan University in the United States and is a member of the Optical Society
of America.
STEPHEN BULL was appointed our Vice-President, Research and Development
in December 1999. He joined us in July 1995 and held the positions of Assistant
Director-Engineering from September 1997 to December 1999 and Group Leader
(Engineering Management) from July 1995 to September 1997. From June 1990 to
March 1995, Mr. Bull held the position of General Manager and Managing Director
for Space Research Corporation, a military engineering company in Belgium. Mr.
Bull holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Laval University
in Canada.
DAVID FARRELL has been President of EXFO Burleigh since 1987.
Mr. Farrell has more than 24 years of industry experience at Burleigh, a wholly
owned subsidiary of EXFO since December 2000. Before joining Burleigh as a Sales
Engineer in 1977, Mr. Farrell was a member of the Department of Radiation
Biology and Biophysics at the University of Rochester Graduate School of
Medicine. In 1979, he was appointed Marketing Manager at Burleigh and, in 1983,
he was named Vice-President and General Manager, positions he held until
becoming President. Mr. Farrell has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State
University of Oswego and a master's degree in Physics from Kent State
University. Mr. Farrell is a member of several organizations including the
American Association for the Advancement of Science, Optical Society of America,
Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineering and Sigma Xi Research
Society.
ALLAN FIRHOJ has been General Manager of EXFO Photonic Solutions Inc.
since November 2001. He is responsible for the overall strategic direction and
management of EXFO Photonic Solutions. When Mr. Firhoj joined EFOS in 1996, he
was responsible for Sales, Marketing and Business Development of the Dental
Curing-Products Division. Following the sale of this division to Dentsply
International in 1997, he was appointed Director of Marketing and Business
Development. Mr. Firhoj continued in this capacity until being appointed to the
position of General Manager of EXFO Photonic Solutions. Prior to joining the
company, Mr. Firhoj spent six years with The Horn Group, a plastics business
involved in medical devices/instrumentation and office communication equipment.
He successively held the positions of ISO 9000 Implementation Manager, Technical
Sales Manager as well as Marketing and Business Development Manager. In this
latter role, he successfully contributed to
62
increasing sales in their medical market by an annual average of 60% during a
three-year period. Mr. Firhoj holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science
from Bishop's University in Lennoxville, Quebec.
JUAN-FELIPE GONZALEZ has been our Vice-President, International Sales
since September 1998. From January 1997 to September 1998, he was our
International Sales Director and, from September 1993 to January 1997, our Sales
Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to joining us in September
1993, Mr. Gonzalez was Marketing and Sales Director at Reyde, Barcelona, a
plastics technical product corporation in Spain. Mr. Gonzalez holds a bachelor's
degree in Industrial Chemistry from Complutense University of Madrid in Spain
and a master's degree in Business Administration from the School of Industrial
Organization in Spain.
GERMAIN LAMONDE is one of our founders. Germain Lamonde has been our
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer since our inception
in 1985. Mr. Lamonde holds a bachelor's degree in Physics Engineering from Ecole
Polytechnique, University of Montreal in Canada and a master's degree in Optics
from Laval University in Canada.
PIERRE MARCOUILLER has served as our director since May 2000. Mr.
Marcouiller is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Camoplast
Inc., a supplier of components to the recreational and motorized vehicle and
automotive parts markets. He is the founder and has been sole shareholder of
Nexcap Inc., an investment company in the manufacturing sector, since December
1996. Mr. Marcouiller worked with Venmar Ventilation Inc., a private ventilation
equipment manufacturer, from January 1983 to December 1996. Mr. Marcouiller was
the controlling shareholder of Venmar from 1991 to 1996 and held the position of
President and General Manager of Venmar from December 1986 to December 1996. Mr.
Marcouiller is also a director of Heroux-Devtek Inc., a publicly traded company
that manufactures aerospace and industrial turbines, and holds directorships in
other privately held companies. Mr. Marcouiller holds a bachelor's degree in
Business Administration from Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres in Canada and
a Master in Business Administration from Sherbrooke University in Canada.
KIMBERLEY ANN OKELL has been our in-house legal counsel since February
2000 and our Secretary since May 2000. Prior to joining us, Ms. Okell was
Vice-President Legal Affairs and Secretary with Groupe Equiconcept Inc. from
October 1999 to February 2000 and Director of Legal Services and Secretary with
Informission Group Inc., now nurun Inc., an information technology company, from
December 1997 to October 1999. Prior to that, Ms. Okell was an associate with
the law firm McCarthy Tetrault from August 1994 to December 1997. Ms. Okell has
been a member of the Quebec Bar since September 1993. Ms. Okell holds a
bachelor's degree in Civil Law from Laval University in Canada, a bachelor's
degree in Common Law from The University of Western Ontario in Canada and an
Honors bachelor of Arts degree from York University in Canada.
PIERRE PLAMONDON has been our Vice-President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer since January 1996 and was a director from December 1999 to
May 2000. Prior to joining us, Mr. Plamondon served as senior manager for Price
Waterhouse, now PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, from September 1981 to December 1995
in Canada and France. Mr. Plamondon holds a bachelor's degree in Business
Administration and a license in Accounting, both from Laval University in
Canada. Mr. Plamondon has been a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants since 1983 and a member of the Board of Directors of SOVAR Inc.
(Societe de valorisation des applications de la recherche de l'Universite Laval)
since December 2000.
63
GREGORY SCHINN was appointed our Chief Technology Officer in November
1999, after simultaneously holding the positions of Scientific Director and Head
of the Research Group since joining us in April 1996. Prior to joining us, Dr.
Schinn led the research and development team responsible for optical amplifier
and fiber laser development at MPB Technologies, Inc., a diversified technology
company, in Montreal from 1990 to 1996. Dr. Schinn holds a bachelor's degree in
Engineering Science and a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the
University of Toronto. He also holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of
Colorado at Boulder and has spent two years as a post-doctoral research
associate at the University of Virginia. Dr. Schinn has been published in
numerous scientific journals and he has served on the technical organizing
committees of several international scientific conferences. He is currently the
Director of the Division of Applied Physics of the Canadian Association of
Physicists.
DAVID A. THOMPSON has served as our director since June 2000. He has
held various positions with Corning Inc., a manufacturer of optical fiber and
other products for the telecommunications, television and other
communications-related industries, since 1976. Mr. Thompson was the Director --
Technology and Strategy of Corning's Components Business-Photonic Technologies
since March 1995, after which he acted as Director, Operations and Project
Management for the Optical Physics Technology Directorate and in February 2001,
he was named Division Vice President Strategy and Innovation. Mr. Thompson holds
a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the Ohio State University, in the United
States, and a doctorate in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Michigan,
in the United States.
ANDRE TREMBLAY has served as our director since May 2000. He has been
President and Chief Executive Officer of Microcell Telecommunications Inc., a
wireless telecommunications provider, since May 1995. Mr. Tremblay has been a
member of the board of directors of Microcell since November 1995. In addition,
Mr. Tremblay is a member of the executive committee and a member of the board of
directors of Telesystem Ltd. and, since 1992, Executive Vice-President of
Telesystem Ltd. Prior to joining Telesystem Ltd., a privately-held holding
company, Mr. Tremblay was a tax partner and member of the management committee
of Raymond, Chabot, Martin, Pare, a Canadian accounting firm. Mr. Tremblay is
also a member of the Boards of Directors of Telesystem International Wireless
Inc., a global mobile communications company; Boomerang Tracking Inc., a
publicly traded company that assembles, markets and distributes a cellular-based
asset tracking system; and SignalGene Inc., a genomics-based drug discovery
company. Mr. Tremblay holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a
license in Accounting from Laval University in Canada, as well as a master's
degree in taxation from Sherbrooke University in Canada. He also completed the
Advanced Management Program offered by the Harvard Business School in the United
States.
MICHAEL UNGER has served as our director since May 2000. He worked with
Nortel Networks Limited, now Nortel Networks Corporation, from 1962 to 2000. Mr.
Unger's most recent position was President of Nortel's Optical Networks Business
Unit, a position he held from May 1998 to April 2000. Prior to this appointment,
Mr. Unger was Nortel's Group Vice-President, Transport Networks from March 1990
to May 1998. Mr. Unger also serves on the board of Tundra Semiconductor
Corporation a publicly traded company with its shares listed on The Toronto
Stock Exchange that designs, develops and markets networking and network access
technology for use by communications infrastructure equipment companies. He is
also a member of the boards of a number of privately-held companies active in
the areas of photonic and optical components, optical network systems and
solutions for cable operators and other communications service providers. Mr.
Unger holds a bachelor's degree in Science from Concordia University in Canada.
64
SAMI YAZDI co-founded Avantas Networks Corporation (now EXFO Protocol
Inc.) and served as President and Chief Executive Officer until the company was
acquired by EXFO in November 2001. He is responsible for the overall strategic
direction and management of EXFO Protocol. Prior to launching Avantas Networks,
Mr. Yazdi was a co-founder of Positron Fiber Systems, a Montreal-based
fiber-optic company that went public in 1997 and was acquired by Reltec
Corporation in 1998. In his capacity at Positron Fiber Systems, Mr. Yazdi served
as Vice-President of Product Management and built a product portfolio to grow
the company from product inception to annual sales of over US$60 million. Prior
to joining Positron Fiber Systems, Mr. Yazdi spent more than 10 years at Nortel
Networks, holding various management positions in the Optical Networking product
division. Mr. Yazdi graduated with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
from Concordia University in 1982.
TERM OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Executive officers are appointed annually by the board of directors and
serve until their successors are appointed and qualified or until earlier
resignation or removal.
B. COMPENSATION
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
In the financial year terminated August 31, 2002, our directors who are
not officers or employees received annual compensation of CA$25,000 comprised of
cash, the equivalent value of our subordinate voting shares under our directors'
compensation plan or options to purchase some of our subordinate voting shares
under our stock option plan. In addition, such directors each received 12,500
options under our stock option plan as partial compensation for the financial
year commencing September 1, 2002. Directors who are also committee members
received additional annual compensation of CA$3,000 per committee and committee
chairpersons received CA$5,000 annually comprised of cash, the equivalent value
of our subordinate voting shares under our directors' compensation plan or
options to purchase some of our subordinate voting shares under our stock option
plan. Fees of CA$1,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors or of a
Committee attended by them in person and fees of CA$500 if such participation
was made by telephone were also paid. If more than one meeting occurs on the
same day, only one fee is paid. All directors will be reimbursed for traveling
and other expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings.
As partial remuneration for the financial year ended August 31, 2001, a
total of 20,359 options were granted under our Stock Option Plan in October 2001
to directors who are not employees. Then in January 2002, 2,479 options were
granted to one director who chose to receive a portion of his remuneration in
the form of stock options.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The table below shows certain compensation information for Mr. Germain
Lamonde, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, and the
four other most highly compensated executive officers of the Corporation and its
subsidiaries during the financial year ended August 31, 2002 (collectively, the
"Named Executive Officers"). This information includes the US dollar value of
base salaries, bonus awards and long term incentive plan payments, the number of
options granted, and certain other compensation, if any, whether paid or
deferred.
65
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES
OTHER ANNUAL UNDER ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL SALARY BONUS(1) COMPENSATION OPTIONS(2) COMPENSATION
POSITION YEAR (US$) (US$) (US$) (#) (US$)(3)
------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------------- -------------- -----------------
Germain Lamonde, President 2002 174,758 21,329 - 70,000 -
and Chief Executive Officer
2001 180,044 99,024 - 5,080 -
2000 134,932 63,566 - 25,402 -
Bruce Bonini, 2002 217,500 - - 20,000 7,042
Vice-President,
North American Sales 2001 272,678(4) 33,450 - 82,780 4,565
2000 309,801 20,000 - 3,900 6,768
David J. Farrell, 2002 184,500 - - 10,000 3,193
President, EXFO Burleigh
Products Group Inc. 2001 184,500(5) 16,326(8) - 40,000 4,513(8)
Juan-Felipe Gonzalez, 2002 158,193 - - 30,000 -
Vice-President,
International Sales 2001 204,781(6) 129,629(9) - 45,630 -
2000 153,502 15,879 - 6,900 -
Sami Yazdi, President, EXFO 2002 111,210(7) 5,550 - 50,000 -
Protocol Inc.
------------------------
(1) A portion of the bonus amounts is paid in cash in the year for which they
are awarded and the balance is paid in cash in the year following the
financial year for which they are awarded.
(2) Indicates the number of Subordinate Voting Shares underlying the options
granted under the Stock Option Plan during the financial year indicated.
(3) Indicates the amount contributed by the Corporation during the financial
year indicated to the Deferred Profit Sharing Plan or the 401K plans, as
applicable, for the benefit of the Named Executive Officer. Mr. Lamonde is
not eligible to participate in the Deferred Profit Sharing Plan and Mr.
Gonzalez did not participate.
(4) This amount includes an amount of US$28,654 paid as a retroactive adjustment
to salary for the financial year ended August 31, 2000.
(5) This amount represents Mr. Farrell's base annual salary. Since he joined the
Corporation on December 20, 2000, the base salary paid to him for the
financial year ended August 31, 2001 amounted to US$134,097.
(6) This amount includes an amount of US$4,935 paid as a retroactive adjustment
to salary for the financial year ended August 31, 2000.
(7) This amount represents Mr. Yazdi's base annual salary. Since he joined the
Corporation on November 2, 2001, the base salary paid to him for the
financial year ended August 31, 2002 amounted to US$90,959.
(8) This is the amount paid or payable for the financial year ended August 31,
2001 to Mr. Farrell, as applicable, since December 20, 2000, the date that
he joined the Corporation.
(9) This amount includes an amount of US$2,771 paid as a retroactive adjustment
to bonus for the financial year ended August 31, 2000.
66
The following table indicates additional information on the options
granted to our Named Executive Officers during the 2002 fiscal year.
PERCENTAGE OF NET MARKET VALUE OF
TOTAL OF OPTIONS SECURITIES
SECURITIES UNDER GRANTED TO UNDERLYING
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE OR BASE OPTIONS ON THE
GRANTED(1) FINANCIAL YEAR PRICE (2) (US$/ DATE OF GRANT
NAME (#) (%) SECURITY) (US$/SECURITY)(3) EXPIRATION DATE
---------------------- ----------------- ------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------
Germain Lamonde 70,000 7.8% 9.13 9.01 October 10, 2011
Bruce Bonini 5,000 0.6% 12.22 12.42 January 3, 2012
15,000 2.3% 9.13 9.01 October 10, 2011
David J. Farrell 10,000 1.2% 9.13 9.01 October 10, 2011
Juan-Felipe Gonzalez 15,000 1.7% 12.22 12.42 January 3, 2012
15,000 1.7% 9.13 9.01 October 10, 2011
Sami Yazdi 50,000 5.6% 10.86 10.68 November 2, 2011
----------------------
(1) Underlying securities: Subordinate Voting Shares.
(2) The exercise price of options granted is determined based on the highest of
the closing prices of the Subordinate Voting Shares on The Toronto Stock
Exchange and the NASDAQ National Market on the last trading day preceding
the grant date, using the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York on the grant date to convert the NASDAQ National Market closing
price to Canadian dollars, as required. Options vest at a rate of 25%
annually commencing on the first anniversary date of the grant.
(3) Based on the closing price on the NASDAQ National Market on the date of the
grant.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
We have an employment agreement with Germain Lamonde. The agreement
provides for Mr. Lamonde's employment as President and Chief Executive Officer
at a base salary applicable from September 1, 2001 to August 31, 2002 of
CA$275,000 (US$174,758) per year. In addition, an annual bonus of CA$137,500
(US$87,429) will be payable if the Corporation's performance-based objectives
are met. If the Corporation's performance objectives are not met or are
exceeded, such bonus will be lesser or greater in a proportional amount, as
applicable. The agreement is for an indeterminate period and the salary is
reviewed annually. In the event of the termination of Mr. Lamonde's employment
without cause, Mr. Lamonde will be entitled to severance payments (in no case
exceeding 24 months of remuneration) and the vesting of all stock options. In
addition, in the event that Mr. Lamonde's employment is terminated following a
merger or an acquisition by a third party of substantially all of our assets or
of the majority of our share capital or if Mr. Lamonde voluntarily resigns, he
will be entitled to the vesting of all stock options.
We also have employment agreements with Mr. Bruce Bonini and Mr.
Juan-Felipe Gonzalez, and our subsidiaries, EXFO Burleigh and EXFO Protocol,
have employment agreements with Mr. David J. Farrell and Mr. Sami Yazdi,
respectively.
The agreement with Mr. Bonini provides for Mr. Bonini's employment as
Vice-President, North American Sales at a base salary of US$145,000, plus
commissions of US$145,000 if sales objectives are met, for the period from
September 1, 2001 to August 31, 2002. If sales objectives are not attained or
are exceeded, commissions will vary accordingly. The agreement is for an
indeterminate period and salary is reviewed annually. In addition, bonuses
totaling US$16,000 will be payable if various performance-based objectives are
met. If performance
67
objectives are exceeded, such bonus will be greater in a proportional amount. In
the event Mr. Bonini's employment terminates for any reason whatsoever and he is
unable to accept new employment due to his non-competition obligations to us,
Mr. Bonini may receive compensation for a period of 18 months following the date
of termination in amounts varying from 5% to 125% of his base monthly salary at
the time of termination depending on the cause of the termination.
The agreement between EXFO Burleigh and Mr. Farrell provides for Mr.
Farrell's employment as President of EXFO Burleigh at an annual base salary of
US$184,500. The agreement is for an indeterminate period and salary is reviewed
annually. In the event of termination of Mr. Farrell's employment other than for
cause, Mr. Farrell will be entitled to severance payments equivalent to 6 months
of remuneration. In the event of Mr. Farrell's termination due to a merger or
acquisition by a third party of substantially all of EXFO Burleigh's assets or
of the majority of its share capital, Mr. Farrell shall be entitled to severance
benefits ranging from 6 to 12 months of remuneration, based on his length of
service with EXFO Burleigh from the time it was acquired by us.
The agreement with Mr. Gonzalez provides for Mr. Gonzalez's employment
as Vice-President, International Sales at a base salary of US$120,753, plus
commissions on sales of US$74,952, for the period from September 1, 2001 to
August 31, 2002. If sales objectives are not attained or are exceeded,
commissions will vary accordingly. The agreement is for an indeterminate period
and salary is reviewed annually. In addition, bonuses totaling US$32,000 will be
payable if various performance-based objectives are met. If performance
objectives are exceeded, such bonus will be greater in a proportional amount. In
addition Mr. Gonzalez shall be paid a bonus of CA$750,000 if he has not
voluntarily resigned or been dismissed with cause prior to September 2003. In
the event Mr. Gonzalez's employment terminates for any reason whatsoever and he
is unable to accept new employment due to his non-competition obligations to us,
Mr. Gonzalez may receive compensation for a period of 18 months following the
date of termination in amounts varying from 5% to 50% of his base monthly salary
at the time of termination depending on the cause of the termination.
The agreement between EXFO Protocol and Mr. Yazdi provides for Mr.
Yazdi's employment as President of EXFO Protocol at an annual base salary of
CA$175,000 (US$111,210). In addition, an annual bonus of CA$43,750 (US$27,818)
will be payable if performance-based objectives are met. If such performance
objectives are not met or are exceeded, such bonus will be lesser or greater in
a proportional amount, as applicable. The agreement is for an indeterminate
period and salary is reviewed annually. In the event of termination of Mr.
Yazdi's employment other than for cause, Mr. Yazdi will be entitled to severance
payments equivalent to 6 months of remuneration.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
We have a stock option plan for our directors, executive officers,
employees and consultants and those of our subsidiaries as determined by our
board of directors, to attract and retain competent directors, executive
officers, employees and consultants motivated to work toward ensuring our
success and to encourage them to acquire our shares.
All of the options that will be granted under the plan must be
exercised within a maximum period of ten years following the grant date of the
options or they will be forfeited. The board of directors will designate the
recipients of options and determine the number of subordinate voting shares
covered by each of these options, the date of vesting of each option,
68
the exercise price of each option, the expiry date and any other conditions
relating to these options, in each case in accordance with the applicable
legislation of the securities regulatory authorities. The price at which the
subordinate voting shares may be purchased under the plan will not be lower than
the highest of the closing prices of the subordinate voting shares on the stock
exchanges where the subordinate voting shares are listed at the date preceding
the date of grant.
The maximum number of subordinate voting shares that is issuable under
the plan may not exceed 4,470,961 shares, which represents 7.1 % of our issued
and outstanding share capital as at November 30, 2002. The maximum number of
subordinate voting shares that may be granted to any individual may not exceed
5% of the outstanding subordinate voting shares. The board of directors may
accelerate the vesting of any or all outstanding options of any or all options
upon the occurrence of a change of control.
The aggregate number of subordinate voting shares covered by options
granted during the financial year ended August 31, 2002 was 896,975 (net of
cancelled options due to employment terminations) at a weighted average exercise
price of $10 (CA$15.73) per subordinate voting share. At the end of the
financial year ended August 31, 2002, there were 2,597,574 subordinate voting
shares covered by options granted and outstanding pursuant to the stock option
plan having a weighted average exercise price of US$22 per option. Following
these grants, and net of cancelled options for departures, as of August 31,
2002, there were 1,873,387 options available for future grants under the plan.
Since August 31, 2002 we have made the following grants to directors and
employees: September 1, 2002: 10,500 options and September 25, 2002: 1,013,500
options.
Except for certain options granted to independent directors of the
Corporation, all options granted prior to September 1, 2002 vest on a cumulative
basis at a rate of 25 % annually commencing on the first anniversary date of
their grant and may be exercised in whole or in part once vested. Some options
granted to non-employee directors vest on the first anniversary date of their
grant and may be exercised in whole or in part once vested and options granted
after September 1, 2002 vest on a cumulative basis at a rate of 12.5% six months
and twelve months after the date of grant and subsequently at a rate of 25%
annually and may be exercised in whole or in part once vested.
SHARE PLAN
In September 1998, we established a stock purchase plan for officers,
directors and key employees as amended in April 2000. A total of 707,264
subordinate voting shares were issued and fully paid under the 1998 Stock
Purchase Plan, having a weighted average cash consideration of $0.67 (CA$0.98)
per share. The plan provides that all shares issued under the plan are
restricted as to sale and transferability for a minimum period of five years
upon the date of acquisition.
On April 3, 2000, we adopted a new share plan that replaced the 1998
Stock Purchase Plan. No additional shares will be issued under the new share
plan. The new share plan established restrictions on the rights of the holders
of subordinate voting shares who hold those shares as a result of the conversion
of the Class "F" shares issued under the 1998 Stock Purchase Plan. The new share
plan also requires the subordinate voting shares to be held in trust by a
trustee until August 31, 2004, except for 256,017 subordinate voting shares that
will be released between October 21, 2003 and January 20, 2004. The new share
plan also provides for the earlier release of shares in the event that the
employment of a holder of shares
69
is terminated or upon the occurrence of a change of control. The new share plan
does not permit any transfer, except within the trust to a registered retirement
savings plan or a registered retirement income fund or to a trustee in
bankruptcy. The new share plan also established the conditions pursuant to which
the shares of a shareholder are to be sold by the trustee on the public market.
As of August 31, 2002, 654,683 subordinate voting shares were being held in
trust under the new share plan.
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD PLAN
The EXFO Electrical-Optical Engineering Restricted Stock Award Plan
(the "Plan") was established to provide a means through which employees of EXFO
Burleigh can be granted awards of restricted shares ("Restricted Shares") of our
subordinate voting shares to promote retention and foster identity of interest
between our stockholders and employees of EXFO Burleigh.
The effective date of the Plan is December 20, 2000. The expiration
date of the Plan is the business day next following the final grant of
Restricted Shares under the Plan. However, the administration of the Plan shall
continue until all awards of Restricted Shares have been forfeited or settled.
The aggregate number of shares subject to the Plan is 360,000. Grants of
Restricted Shares are to be made in accordance with a pre-determined schedule.
The Plan is administered by the committee that is designated to administer our
Stock Option Plan.
Awards of Restricted Shares are subject to forfeiture and restrictions
on transfer until the Restricted Shares become vested at which point a stock
certificate will be issued to a participant with respect to the number of vested
shares, which are then freely transferable. Restricted Shares become vested,
subject to a participant's continued employment with the Company or its
affiliates, on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant of an
award of Restricted Shares. On December 20, 2001 and on December 20, 2002, we
issued an aggregate of 83,657 subordinate voting shares and 69,935 subordinate
voting shares respectively in accordance with the vesting schedule under the
Plan.
Upon a participant's termination of employment with us, or any of our
affiliates due to the participant's death, disability or retirement on or after
age 60, the participant's award of restricted shares becomes fully vested and is
no longer subject to forfeiture. However, the transfer restrictions remain in
place until the occurrence of the vesting dates originally contemplated by the
award.
Upon the voluntary resignation of a participant, the termination of a
participant's employment for cause, the termination of a participant who is not
designated a member of EXFO Burleigh's "Management Team" without cause prior to
a change in control of EXFO or a termination without cause of a participant who
is designated a member of EXFO Burleigh's Management Team that is initiated by
EXFO Burleigh prior to a change in control of EXFO, the unvested portion of the
participant's award of Restricted Shares will be forfeited. However, the Plan
provides for discretion in the application of the forfeiture provisions where a
change in circumstances renders such action appropriate. During the financial
year ended August 31, 2002, we were required to lay-off 42 participants as a
result of restructuring. At that time, we decided that the awards of the Plan
participants affected by the lay-offs would not be subject to forfeiture, though
the transfer restrictions would remain in place until the occurrence of the
vesting dates originally contemplated by the award.
70
Upon the termination without cause of a participant who is designated a
member of EXFO Burleigh's Management Team that is initiated by us or a
termination of a participant's employment without cause following a change in
control of EXFO, a participant's award of Restricted Stock will become fully
vested and all restrictions will lapse.
In the event of a change in control, the committee administering the
Plan may in its discretion remove restrictions on Restricted Shares or provide
for the cancellation of awards in exchange for payment in respect of the
Restricted Shares subject to an award.
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS PLAN
On August 4, 2001, the Corporation established a Stock Appreciation
Rights Plan ("SAR Plan") for the benefit of certain employees residing in
countries where the granting of options under the Stock Option Plan is not
feasible in the opinion of the Corporation. The Board has full and complete
authority to interpret the SAR Plan and to establish the rules and regulations
applying to it and to make all other determinations it deems necessary or useful
for the administration of the SAR Plan.
Under the SAR Plan, eligible employees are entitled to receive a cash
amount equivalent to the difference between the market price of the subordinate
voting shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price determined on the
date of grant. No subordinate voting shares are issuable under the SAR Plan.
The Board of Directors has delegated to Management the task of
designating the recipients of stock appreciation rights, the date of vesting,
the expiry date and other conditions. Under the terms of the SAR Plan, the
exercise price of the stock appreciation rights may not be lower than the
highest of the closing prices of the subordinate voting shares on The Toronto
Stock Exchange and on the NASDAQ National Market on the last trading day
preceding the grant date, using the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York on the grant date to convert the NASDAQ National Market closing
price to Canadian dollars. Stock appreciation rights are non-transferable.
The stock appreciation rights vest over a four-year period, with 25%
vesting annually commencing on the first anniversary date of the date of grant.
Once vested, stock appreciation rights may be exercised between the second and
the fifteenth business day following each release of the Corporation's quarterly
financial results. All of the stock appreciation rights that are granted under
the SAR Plan may be exercised within a maximum period of 10 years following the
date of their grant. Any stock appreciation rights granted under the SAR Plan
will lapse immediately upon the termination of the relationship with the
Corporation or one of its subsidiaries for a good and sufficient cause or at the
date on which an employee resigns or leaves his employment with the Corporation
or one of its subsidiaries (or within 30 days if the holder is dismissed without
cause). In the event of retirement or disability, any stock appreciation right
held by an employee lapses 30 days after the date of any such disability or
retirement. In the event of death, any stock appreciation right lapses 6 months
after the date of death.
As of December 31, 2002, there were 13,000 SAR's outstanding.
71
DEFERRED PROFIT SHARING PLAN
We maintain a deferred profit sharing plan for certain eligible
Canadian resident employees. Under the plan, we may contribute an amount equal
to 1% of each employee's gross salary to that employee's individual deferred
profit sharing plan to the extent that such employee contributes at least 2% of
his or her gross salary to his or her individual tax-deferred registered
retirement savings plan. Since June 2002, we have suspended our contributions to
the plan as part of our cost reduction efforts. In the year ended August 31,
2002, the aggregate amount of contributions under the plan was $88,000
(CA$136,000).
401(K) PLAN
We maintain a 401(k) plan for eligible United States resident employees
of our subsidiaries. Employees become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan
on the first day of the month following the completion of three months of
continuous service. Employees may elect to defer their current compensation up
to the lesser of 1% of eligible compensation or the statutorily prescribed
annual limit and have the deferral contributed to the 401(k) plan. The 401(k)
plan permit, but do not require, us to make additional matching contributions to
the 401(k) plan on behalf of the eligible participants, subject to a maximum of
50% of the first 6% of the participant's current compensation subject to certain
legislated maximum contribution limits. In the year ended August 31, 2002, we
made an aggregate of $317,000 in matching contributions to the 401(k) plan.
Contributions by employees or by us to the 401(k) plan and income earned on plan
contributions are generally not taxable to the employees until withdrawn and
contributions by us are generally deductible by us when made. At the direction
of each participant, the trustees of the 401(k) plan invest the assets of the
401(k) plan in selected investment options.
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Our by-laws require us, subject to the limitations provided by law, to
indemnify our present or former directors and officers or any persons who act or
acted at our request as directors or officers of a body corporate of which we
are or were a shareholder and for all costs, losses, charges and expenses that
arose or may arise by reason of their status as directors or officers of EXFO or
such body corporate. A policy of directors' and officers' liability insurance is
maintained by us which insures our directors and officers and those of our
subsidiaries against liability incurred by, arising from or against them for
certain of their acts, errors or omissions.
C. BOARD PRACTICES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our directors are elected at the annual meeting of shareholders for
one-year terms and serve until their successors are elected or appointed, unless
they resign or are removed earlier. Our articles of incorporation provide for a
board of directors of a minimum of three and a maximum of 12 directors. Our
board presently consists of five directors. Under the CANADA BUSINESS
CORPORATIONS ACT, twenty-five percent of the directors and of the members of any
committee of the board of directors must be resident Canadians. We have no
arrangements with any of our directors providing for the payment of benefits
upon their termination of service as director.
72
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a human
resources committee and a disclosure committee.
Our audit committee will recommend a firm to be appointed as
independent auditors to audit financial statements and to perform services
related to the audit, review the scope and results of the audit with the
independent auditors, review with management and the independent auditors our
annual operating results and consider the adequacy of the internal accounting
procedures and the effect of the procedures relating to the auditors'
independence. Further to proposed changes to Nasdaq corporate governance rules
and new Securities and Exchange rules flowing from the adoption of the
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT, our audit committee charter will be revised during the
current financial year to ensure that we comply with all new requirements. The
audit committee is composed of three independent directors: Andre Tremblay,
Michael Unger and Pierre Marcouiller. The chairperson of the audit committee is
Andre Tremblay.
Our human resources committee will evaluate, review and supervise our
procedures with regards to human resources and will assess the performance of
our executive officers and the chief executive officer. This committee will also
review annually the remuneration of the directors and will recommend to the
board of directors general remuneration policies regarding salaries, bonuses and
other forms of remuneration for our directors, executive officers and employees
as a whole. In addition, the human resources committee will monitor the board's
corporate governance practices and generally review the functioning of the board
and the powers, mandates and performance of the committees. Finally, the human
resources committee will review our organizational structure annually and the
development and maintenance of a succession plan. The human resources committee
is composed of four independent directors: Pierre Marcouiller, David A.
Thompson, Andre Tremblay and Michael Unger. The chairperson of the human
resources committee is Michael Unger.
The disclosure committee is responsible for overseeing our disclosure
practices. This committee consists of the chief executive officer, the chief
financial officer, investor relations and corporate development director,
communications director, manager of financial reporting and accounting as well
as legal counsel and corporate secretary.
In addition, in order to deal with issues arising from our implication
in the IPO class action suit, in October 2002, the Board of Directors appointed
a litigation committee composed of our four independent directors.
D. EMPLOYEES
We have fostered a corporate culture where growth and change are
strongly encouraged. In fact, employees are constantly evolving with the rapid
pace of technology to meet new challenges and realities. We believe that we
possess a good cross-section of experience and youth to handle these inevitable
changes in the industry.
As of December 31, 2002, we had a total of 805 employees, down from a
total of 1,099 on December 31, 2001. We have 645 employees in Canada, primarily
based in Quebec, and 160 employees based outside of Canada. Two hundred and
forty-four are involved in research and development, 256 in manufacturing, 144
in sales and marketing, 94 in general administrative positions and 67 in
communications and customer support. In the financial year ended August 31,
2002, we were forced to lay off a total of 350 employees as part of our efforts
73
to reduce costs in response to a general slowdown in the telecommunications
industry. We have agreements with almost all of our employees covering
confidentiality and non-competition. Only manufacturing employees are
represented by a collective bargaining agreement, which expires in 2004. In
December 2002, we implemented a temporary work sharing program for these
employees as a further cost reduction measure that is expected to terminate no
later than May 31, 2003. We have never experienced a work stoppage. We believe
that relations with our employees are good.
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table presents information regarding the beneficial
ownership of our share capital as of December 31, 2002 by our directors, our
Chief Executive Officer and our four highest compensated executive officers; and
all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
Each multiple voting share is convertible at the option of the holder
into one subordinate voting share. Holders of our subordinate voting shares are
entitled to one vote per share and holders of our multiple voting shares are
entitled to ten votes per share.
TOTAL
MULTIPLE VOTING SHARES SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES PERCENTAGE OF
BENEFICIALLY OWNED (1) BENEFICIALLY OWNED (1) VOTING POWER
--------------------------- ------------------------- -------------
NAME NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT PERCENT
---- ------ ------- ------ ------- -------
Germain Lamonde (2) 37,900,000 100 93,000 * 93.83
Bruce Bonini ....... -- -- 54,824 * *
David J. Farrell ... 619,749 2.48 *
Juan Felipe Gonzalez -- -- 51,452 * *
Sami Yazdi (3) ..... -- -- 1,089,040 4.35 *
Pierre Marcouiller . -- -- 5,000 * *
David A. Thompson .. -- -- 2,100 * *
Andre Tremblay (4) -- -- 7,000 * *
---------- --- --------- ---- -----
TOTAL .............. 37,900,000 100 1,922,165 7.70 94.32
--------------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC
and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to
securities. Options that are currently exercisable are deemed to be
outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding such options
for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such person, but
are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
ownership of any other person.
(2) The number of shares held by Germain Lamonde includes 1,900,000 multiple
voting shares held of record by Fiducie Germain Lamonde, 36,000,000
multiple voting shares held of record by G. Lamonde Investissements
Financiers inc. and 93,000 subordinate voting shares held of record by
Placements Lamonde SENC.
(3) The number of shares held by Sami Yazdi includes 945,267 subordinate voting
shares held of record by Sami Yazdi and 143,773 subordinate voting shares
held of record by Yazdi Family Trust.
(4) The number of subordinate voting shares held of record by Andre Tremblay
includes 6,650 subordinate voting shares held of record by 9044-6451 Quebec
Inc. and 350 subordinate voting shares held of record by 9089-3082 Quebec
Inc., companies controlled by Mr. Tremblay.
74
The following table presents information regarding stock options held
as of December 31, 2002 by our directors, our Chief Executive Officer and our
four highest compensated executive officers.
SECURITIES UNDER OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE (2)
NAME GRANTED (1) (#) (US$/SECURITY) EXPIRATION DATE
---- --------------- -------------- ---------------
Germain Lamonde............ 25,402 $26.00 June 29, 2010
5,080 $22.25 January 10, 2011
70,000 $ 9.13 October 10, 2011
50,000 $ 1.58 September 25, 2012
Bruce Bonini............... 3,900 $26.00 June 29, 2010
20,000 $45.94 September 13, 2010
30,000 $34.07 October 11, 2010
32,780 $22.25 January 10, 2011
15,000 $9.13 October 10, 2011
5,000 $12.22 January 3, 2012
40,000 $1.58 September 25, 2012
David J. Farrell........... 40,000 $22.62 December 20, 2010
10,000 $9.13 October 10, 2011
15,000 $1.58 September 25, 2012
Juan Felipe Gonzalez....... 6,900 $26.00 June 29, 2010
15,000 $45.94 September 13, 2010
15,000 $34.07 October 11, 2010
15,630 $22.25 January 10, 2011
15,000 $9.13 October 10, 2011
15,000 $12.22 January 3, 2012
30,000 $1.58 September 25, 2012
Sami Yazdi................. 50,000 $10.86 November 2, 2011
25,000 $1.58 September 25, 2012
Pierre Marcouiller......... 2,000 $26.00 June 29, 2010
400 $22.25 January 10, 2011
17,966 $9.13 October 10, 2011
12,500 $1.58 September 25, 2012
David A. Thompson.......... 2,000 $26.00 June 29, 2010
400 $22.25 January 10, 2011
15,334 $9.13 October 10, 2011
12,500 $1.58 September 25, 2012
Andre Tremblay............. 2,000 $26.00 June 29, 2010
400 $22.25 January 10, 2011
17,291 $9.13 October 10, 2011
12,500 $1.58 September 25, 2012
Michael Unger.............. 2,000 $26.00 June 29, 2010
400 $22.25 January 10, 2011
18,168 $9.13 October 10, 2011
12,500 $1.58 September 25, 2012
---------------------------
(1) Underlying securities: subordinate voting shares
(2) The exercise price of options granted is determined based on the highest of
the closing prices of the subordinate voting shares on the Toronto Stock
Exchange and the NASDAQ National Market on the last trading day preceding
the grant date, using the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York on the grant date to convert the NASDAQ National Market closing
price to Canadian dollars, as required.
75
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
The following table presents information regarding the beneficial
ownership of our share capital as of December 31, 2002 by persons or groups of
affiliated persons known by us to own more than 5% of our voting shares.
MULTIPLE VOTING SHARES SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES TOTAL PERCENTAGE OF
BENEFICIALLY OWNED (1) BENEFICIALLY OWNED (1) VOTING POWER
---------------------- ---------------------- ------------
NAME NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT PERCENT
---- ------ ------- ------ ------- -------
Germain Lamonde (2) 37,900,000 100% 106,791 * 93.83 %
Fiducie Germain Lamonde (3) 1,900,000 5% Nil Nil 4.71 %
G. Lamonde Investissements
Financiers inc. (4) 36,000,000 95% Nil Nil 89.1 %
Placements Lamonde, SENC Nil Nil 93,000 * *
---------------------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC
and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to
securities. Options that are currently exercisable are deemed to be
outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding such options
for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such person, but
are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
ownership of any other person.
(2) The number of shares held by Germain Lamonde includes 1,900,000 multiple
voting shares held of record by Fiducie Germain Lamonde and 36,000,000
multiple voting shares held of record by G. Lamonde Investissements
Financiers inc. and 93,000 subordinate voting shares held of record by
Placements Lamonde, SENC.
(3) Fiducie Germain Lamonde is a family trust for the benefit of Mr. Lamonde
and members of his family.
(4) G. Lamonde Investissements Financiers inc. is a company controlled by Mr.
Lamonde.
(5) Placements Lamonde, SENC is a parternship controlled by Mr. Lamonde.
Each multiple voting share is convertible at the option of the holder
into one subordinate voting share. Holders of our subordinate voting shares are
entitled to one vote per share and holders of our multiple voting shares are
entitled to ten votes per share.
Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person who beneficially
owns 5% or more of our subordinate voting shares or multiple voting shares is
c/o EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc., 465 Godin Avenue, Vanier, Quebec,
Canada.
As of December 31, 2002, approximately 66% of our subordinate voting
shares were held in bearer form and the remainder (8,609,490 subordinate voting
shares) were held by 290 record holders. As of December 31, 2002, we believe
approximately 67% of our outstanding subordinate voting shares were held in the
United States.
B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
We have guaranteed the repayment of loans granted to employees by a
financial institution for the purchase of our Class "F" shares that were
converted into subordinate voting
76
shares immediately prior to our initial public offering. As of August 31, 2002,
the total principal amount guaranteed by us is CA$125,899 (approximately
$80,052) and $56,200. We have outstanding loans to some of our employees up to
$7,900 to finance the acquisition of our Class "F" shares. These loans are to be
reimbursed no later than five years from the date of the loans. These loans
accrue interest at prime rate and are secured by a pledge of the employees'
shares to us. Except as disclosed in this section, none of our directors,
executive officers, associates or affiliates had any material interest in any
transaction with us during the past three years or in any proposed transaction
which has materially affected or could materially affect us.
LEASES
We have a lease agreement with G. Lamonde Investissements financiers
inc., a company controlled by Mr. Germain Lamonde, for the executive and
administrative offices located at 465 Godin Avenue in Vanier, Quebec. This lease
was renewed in December 2001, with all terms and conditions remaining the same.
The table below sets forth the leased space and annual rent:
LOCATION SQUARE FOOTAGE ANNUAL RENT EXPIRY DATE
-------- -------------- ----------- -----------
465 Godin 24,000 CA$144,000 November 30, 2006
Based on third-party valuations of the property values, we believe this
lease agreement is at prevailing market terms.
In September 2002, we acquired from G. Lamonde Investissements
financiers inc. the building located at 436 Nolin Street that houses some of our
manufacturing activities. Previous to this acquisition, we had a lease agreement
with this company for these premises. We paid CA$1,450,000 for the building and
this purchase price is based on an independent third party valuation and the
transaction was approved by our audit committee and the board of directors with
Mr. Lamonde abstaining.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENTS
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT WITH MR. LAMONDE
In July 2000, we entered into a registration rights agreement with
Germain Lamonde, under which Mr. Lamonde and entities affiliated with him were
granted demand registration rights in the United States in respect of the
subordinate voting shares, including the subordinate voting shares issued upon
conversion of the multiple voting shares held by him or entities affiliated with
him. With respect to the demand registration rights of Mr. Lamonde, subject to
minimum dollar amounts, Mr. Lamonde may make a demand once every 12 consecutive
month period. Mr. Lamonde also has an unlimited number of piggyback registration
rights in respect of the subordinate voting shares issued upon conversion of the
multiple voting shares held by him or entities affiliated with him. The
piggyback registration rights generally will allow Mr. Lamonde to include all or
a portion of the subordinate voting shares issuable upon conversion of the
multiple voting shares under any registration statement filed by us.
We will pay all expenses, other than underwriting discounts and
commissions and taxes, in connection with the exercise of any demand
registration rights or piggyback registration rights. We also will agree to
indemnify any sellers and underwriters against some liabilities, including
liabilities arising under applicable securities laws.
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REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT WITH EXFO BURLEIGH SHAREHOLDERS
In December 2000 in connection with the acquisition of EXFO Burleigh,
we issued registration rights to the former shareholders of EXFO Burleigh. In
July 2001, we fulfilled our obligations to the former shareholders of EXFO
Burleigh by filing a registration statement on Form F-3 relating to the resale
of the subordinate voting shares held by the former shareholders of EXFO
Burleigh. The EXFO Burleigh shareholders also have an unlimited number of
piggyback registration rights in respect of their subordinate voting shares. The
piggyback registration rights generally will allow the EXFO Burleigh
shareholders to include all or a portion of their subordinate voting shares
under any registration statement filed by us. The piggyback registration rights
cease to apply on June 1, 2002.
We paid all expenses, other than underwriting commissions or discounts,
taxes and fees and expenses of counsel and advisors to the EXFO Burleigh
shareholders, in connection with the preparation and filing of the foregoing
registration statement. We also agreed to indemnify any sellers and underwriters
against some liabilities, including liabilities arising under applicable
securities laws, incurred in connection with the registration statement on Form
F-3.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT WITH AVANTAS SHAREHOLDERS
In November 2001, in connection with the acquisition of EXFO Protocol
(formerly Avantas Networks Corporation), we issued registration rights to the
former shareholders of EXFO Protocol. In March 2002, we fulfilled our
obligations to the former shareholders of EXFO Protocol by filing a registration
statement on Form F-3 relating to the resale of the subordinate voting shares
held by the former shareholders of EXFO Protocol.
We paid all expenses, other than underwriting commissions or discounts,
taxes and fees and expenses of counsel and advisors to the EXFO Protocol
shareholders, in connection with the preparation and filing of the foregoing
registration statement. We also agreed to indemnify any sellers against some
liabilities, including liabilities arising under applicable securities laws,
incurred in connection with any of the foregoing registration statements.
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Item 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated financial statements: pages F-1 to F-45
Valuation and qualifying accounts are as follows (in thousands of US dollars):
Allowance for doubtful accounts
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
-----------------------------
2000 2001 2002
------- ------- -------
Balance - Beginning of year $ 30 $ 149 $ 893
------- ------- -------
Addition charged to earnings 147 1,134 1,097
Write-off of uncollectible accounts (41) (184) (925)
Reversal of collectible accounts (3) (268) (538)
Foreign currency translation adjustment 16 62 (7)
------- ------- -------
Balance - End of year $ 149 $ 893 $ 520
======= ======= =======
For information regarding our valuation allowance on future income tax assets,
refer to Note 15 in our financial statements.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
A description of legal proceedings is set forth in Item 4 of this
annual report.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We do not currently anticipate paying dividends for at least the three
next years. Our current intention is to reinvest our earnings in our business
long-term growth. Any future determination by us to pay dividends will be at the
discretion of our board of directors and in accordance with the terms and
conditions of any outstanding indebtedness and will depend on our financial
condition, results of operations, capital requirements and such other functions
as our board of directors considers relevant.
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Item 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
Not Applicable, except for Item 9A (4) and Item 9C.
Our subordinate voting shares have been quoted on the NASDAQ National
Market under the symbol "EXFO" and listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange under
the symbol "EXF" since our initial public offering on June 29, 2000. Prior to
that time, there was no public market for our subordinate voting shares. The
following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing
sales prices per subordinate voting share as reported on the NASDAQ National
Market and The Toronto Stock Exchange.
On January 10, 2003, the last reported sale price for our subordinate
voting shares on the NASDAQ National Market was $2.96 per share and the last
reported sale price for our subordinate voting shares on The Toronto Stock
Exchange was CA$4.50 per share.
NASDAQ TSE
PERIOD HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
------------- --------------
June 29, 2000 to August 31, 2000 92.50 26.00 134.00 51.00
September 1, 2000 to August 31, 2001 57.75 11.80 85.00 17.82
September 1, 2001 to August 31, 2002 15.00 1.35 23.80 2.05
2002 1st Quarter 15.00 8.51 23.80 13.49
2002 2nd Quarter 14.00 5.58 22.10 9.02
2002 3rd Quarter 8.54 2.59 13.55 3.85
2002 4th Quarter 2.83 1.35 4.20 2.05
2003 1st Quarter 3.53 1.40 5.40 2.30
2002 July 2.48 1.85 4.00 2.98
2002 August 2.51 1.95 3.95 3.18
2002 September 2.06 1.47 3.26 2.30
2002 October 2.16 1.40 3.39 2.30
2002 November 3.53 2.13 5.40 3.37
2002 December 3.63 2.51 5.60 3.99
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ITEM 10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. SHARE CAPITAL
Not Applicable
B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
Incorporated by reference to our registration statement on Form F-1
(Reg. No. 333-38956).
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Except as otherwise disclosed in this annual report and our financial
statements and notes included elsewhere in this annual report, we have no other
material contracts.
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS
Subject to the following paragraph, there is no law or governmental
decree or regulation in Canada that restricts the export or import of capital,
or affects the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to
non-resident holders of our subordinate voting shares, other than withholding
tax requirements.
There is no limitation imposed by Canadian law or by our articles of
incorporation or our other charter documents on the right of a non-resident to
hold or vote subordinate voting shares, other than as provided by the INVESTMENT
CANADA ACT, the NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT (Canada)
and the WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT. The INVESTMENT
CANADA ACT requires notification and, in certain cases, advance review and
approval by the Government of Canada of an investment to establish a new
Canadian business by a non-Canadian or of the acquisition by a "non-Canadian" of
"control" of a "Canadian business", all as defined in the INVESTMENT CANADA ACT.
Generally, the threshold for review will be higher in monetary terms for a
member of the World Trade Organization or North American Free Trade Agreement.
E. TAXATION
UNITED STATES TAXATION
The information set forth below under the caption "United States
Taxation" is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of
the ownership and disposition of subordinate voting shares by a U.S. Holder, as
defined below. These discussions are not a complete analysis or listing of all
of the possible tax consequences of such transactions and do not address all tax
considerations that may be relevant to particular holders in light of their
personal circumstances or to persons that are subject to special tax rules. In
particular, the information set forth under the caption "United States Taxation"
deals only with U.S. Holders that will hold subordinate voting shares as capital
assets within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
who do not at any time own individually, nor are treated as owning 10% or more
of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote.
In addition, this description of U.S. tax consequences does not address the tax
treatment of special classes of U.S. Holders, such as banks, tax-exempt
entities, insurance companies, persons holding subordinate voting shares as part
of a hedging or conversion
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transaction or as part of a "straddle," U.S. expatriates, persons subject to the
alternative minimum tax, dealers or traders in securities or currencies and
holders whose "functional currency" is not the U.S. dollar. This summary does
not address estate and gift tax consequences or tax consequences under any
foreign, state or local laws other than as provided in the section entitled
"Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations" provided below.
As used in this section, the term "U.S. Holder" means:
(a) an individual citizen or resident of the United States;
(b) a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United
States or any state thereof including the District of Columbia;
(c) an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal
income taxation regardless of its source;
(d) a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise
primary jurisdiction over its administration and one or more U.S.
persons have authority to control all substantial decisions of the
trust; or
(e) a partnership to the extent the interests therein are owned by any
of the persons described in clauses (a), (b), (c) or (d) above.
Holders of subordinate voting shares who are not U.S. Holders,
sometimes referred to as "Non-U.S. Holders", should also consult their own tax
advisors, particularly as to the applicability of any tax treaty.
The following discussion is based upon:
o the Internal Revenue Code;
o U.S. judicial decisions;
o administrative pronouncements;
o existing and proposed Treasury regulations; and
o the Canada--U.S. Income Tax Treaty.
Any of the above is subject to change, possibly with retroactive
effect. We have not requested, and will not request, a ruling from the U.S.
Internal Revenue Service with respect to any of the U.S. federal income tax
consequences described below, and as a result, there can be no assurance that
the U.S. Internal Revenue Service will not disagree with or challenge any of the
conclusions we have reached and describe here.
HOLDERS OF SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS
TO THE PARTICULAR CONSEQUENCES TO THEM UNDER U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND
APPLICABLE FOREIGN TAX LAWS OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF
SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES.
DIVIDENDS
Subject to the discussion of passive foreign investment companies
below, the gross amount of any distribution paid by us to a U.S. Holder will
generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax as foreign source dividend
income to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and
profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. The amount of
any distribution of property other than cash will be the fair market value of
such property on the date of the distribution. Dividends received by a U.S.
Holder will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to
corporations. To the extent that an amount
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received by a U.S. Holder exceeds such holder's allocable share of our current
and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will be applied first to
reduce such U.S. Holder's tax basis in his subordinate voting shares, thereby
increasing the amount of gain or decreasing the amount of loss recognized on a
subsequent disposition of the subordinate voting shares. Then, to the extent
such distribution exceeds such U.S. Holder's tax basis, it will be treated as
capital gain. We do not currently maintain calculations of our earnings and
profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The gross amount of distributions paid in Canadian dollars, or any
successor or other foreign currency, will be included in the income of such U.S.
Holder in a dollar amount calculated by reference to the spot exchange rate in
effect on the day the distributions are paid regardless of whether the payment
is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If the Canadian dollars, or any
successor or other foreign currency, are converted into U.S. dollars on the date
of the payment, the U.S. Holder should not be required to recognize any foreign
currency gain or loss with respect to the receipt of Canadian dollars as
distributions. If, instead, the Canadian dollars are converted at a later date,
any currency gains or losses resulting from the conversion of the Canadian
dollars will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss. Any amounts
recognized as dividends will generally constitute foreign source "passive
income" or, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, "financial services income" for
U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. A U.S. Holder will have a basis in any
Canadian dollars distributed equal to their dollar value on the payment date.
A Non-U.S. Holder of subordinate voting shares generally will not be
subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on dividends received on
subordinate voting shares unless such income is effectively connected with the
conduct by such Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States.
SALE OR EXCHANGE
A U.S. Holder's initial tax basis in the subordinate voting shares will
generally be cost to the holder. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the
subordinate voting shares will generally be the same as cost, but may differ for
various reasons including the receipt by such holder of a distribution that was
not made up wholly of earnings and profits as described above under the heading
"Dividends." Subject to the discussion of passive foreign investment companies
below, gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition
of subordinate voting shares will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as
capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S.
Holder's adjusted tax basis in the subordinate voting shares and the amount
realized on the disposition. In the case of a non-corporate U.S. Holder, the
federal tax rate applicable to capital gains will depend upon:
o the holder's holding period for the subordinate voting shares,
with a preferential rate available for subordinate voting
shares held for more than one year; and
o the holder's marginal tax rate for ordinary income.
Any gain realized will generally be treated as U.S. source gain and
loss realized by a U.S. Holder generally also will be treated as from sources
within the United States.
The ability of a U.S. Holder to utilize foreign taxes as a credit to
offset U.S. taxes is subject to complex limitations and conditions. The
consequences of the separate limitation calculation will depend upon the nature
and sources of each U.S. Holder's income and the deductions allocable thereto.
Alternatively, a U.S. Holder may elect to claim all foreign taxes
83
paid as an itemized deduction in lieu of claiming a foreign tax credit. A
deduction does not reduce U.S. tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis like a tax
credit, but the availability of the deduction is not subject to the same
conditions and limitations applicable to foreign tax credits.
If a U.S. Holder receives any foreign currency on the sale of
subordinate voting shares, such U.S. Holder may recognize ordinary income or
loss as a result of currency fluctuations between the date of the sale of
subordinate voting shares and the date the sale proceeds are converted into U.S.
dollars.
A Non-U.S. Holder of subordinate voting shares generally will not be
subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized on the
sale or exchange of such subordinate voting shares unless:
o such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by such
Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States;
or
o in the case of any gain realized by an individual Non-U.S.
Holder, such Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States
for 183 days or more in the taxable year of such sale and
certain other conditions are met.
Personal Holding Company
We could be classified as a personal holding company for U.S. federal
income tax purposes if both of the following tests are satisfied:
o if at any time during the last half of our taxable year, five
or fewer individuals own or are deemed to own more than 50% of
the total value of our shares; and
o we receive 60% or more of our U.S. related gross income from
specified passive sources, such as royalty payments.
A personal holding company is taxed on a portion of its undistributed
U.S. source income, including specific types of foreign source income which are
connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, to the extent this
income is not distributed to shareholders. We do not believe we are a personal
holding company presently and we do not expect to become one. However, we can
not assure you that we will not qualify as a personal holding company in the
future.
FOREIGN PERSONAL HOLDING COMPANY
We could be classified as a foreign personal holding company if in any
taxable year both of the following tests are satisfied:
o five or fewer individuals who are United States citizens or
residents own or are deemed to own more than 50% of the total
voting power of all classes of our shares entitled to vote or
the total value of our shares; and
o at least 60%, 50% in some cases, of our gross income, as
adjusted, consists of "foreign personal holding company
income", which generally includes passive income such as
dividends, interests, gains from the sale or exchange of
shares or securities, rent and royalties.
84
If we are classified as a foreign personal holding company and if you
hold shares in us, you may have to include in your gross income as a dividend
your pro rata portion of our undistributed foreign personal holding company
income. If you dispose of your shares prior to such date, you will not be
subject to tax under these rules. We do not believe we are a foreign personal
holding company presently and we do not expect to become one. However, we can
not assure you that we will not qualify as a foreign personal holding company in
the future.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANY
We believe that our subordinate voting shares should not currently be
treated as stock of a passive foreign investment company for United States
federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a factual determination made
annually and thus may be subject to change based on future operations and
composition and valuation of our assets. In general, we will be a passive
foreign investment company with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable
year in which the U.S. Holder holds our subordinate voting shares, either:
o at least 75% of our gross income for the taxable year is
passive income; or
o at least 50% of the average value of our assets is
attributable to assets that produce or are held for the
production of passive income.
For this purpose, passive income includes income such as:
o dividends;
o interest;
o rents or royalties, other than certain rents or royalties
derived from the active conduct of trade or business;
o annuities; or
o gains from assets that produce passive income.
If a foreign corporation owns at least 25% by value of the stock of
another corporation, the foreign corporation is treated for purposes of the
passive foreign investment company tests as owning its proportionate share of
the assets of the other corporation and as receiving directly its proportionate
share of the other corporation's income.
If we are treated as a passive foreign investment company, a U.S.
Holder that did not make a qualified electing fund election or, if available, a
mark-to-market election, as described below, would be subject to special rules
with respect to:
o any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of
subordinate voting shares; and
o any "excess distribution" by us to the U.S. Holder.
Generally, "excess distributions" are any distributions to the U.S.
Holder in respect of the subordinate voting shares during a single taxable year
that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by the
U.S. Holder in respect of the subordinate voting shares during the three
preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder's holding period for the
subordinate voting shares.
85
Under the passive foreign investment company rules,
o the gain or excess distribution would be allocated ratably
over the U.S. Holder's holding period for the subordinate
voting shares;
o the amount allocated to the taxable year in which the gain or
excess distribution was realized would be taxable as ordinary
income;
o the amount allocated to each prior year, with certain
exceptions, would be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in
effect for that year; and
o the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of
tax would be imposed in respect of the tax attributable to
each such year.
A U.S. Holder owning actually or constructively "marketable stock" of a
passive foreign investment company may be able to avoid the imposition of the
passive foreign investment company tax rules described above by making a
mark-to-market election. Generally, pursuant to this election, such holder would
include in ordinary income, for each taxable year during which such stock is
held, an amount equal to the increase in value of the stock, which increase will
be determined by reference to the value of such stock at the end of the current
taxable year compared with their value as of the end of the prior taxable year.
Holders desiring to make the mark-to-market election should consult their tax
advisors with respect to the application and effect of making such election.
In the case of a U.S. Holder who does not make a mark-to-market
election, the special passive foreign investment company tax rules described
above will not apply to such U.S. Holder if the U.S. Holder makes an election to
have us treated as a qualified electing fund and we provide certain required
information to holders. For a U.S. Holder to make a qualified electing fund
election, we would have to satisfy certain reporting requirements. We have not
determined whether we will undertake the necessary measures to be able to
satisfy such requirements in the event that we were treated as a passive foreign
investment company.
A U.S. Holder that makes a qualified electing fund election will be
currently taxable on its pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital
gain, at ordinary income and capital gains rates, respectively, for each of our
taxable years, regardless of whether or not distributions were received. The
U.S. Holder's basis in the subordinate voting shares will be increased to
reflect taxed but undistributed income. Distributions of income that had
previously been taxed will result in a corresponding reduction of basis in the
subordinate voting shares and will not be taxed again as a distribution to the
U.S. Holder. U.S. Holders desiring to make a qualified electing fund election
should consult their tax advisors with respect to the advisability of making
such election.
UNITED STATES BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
A U.S. Holder will generally be subject to information reporting with
respect to dividends paid on, or proceeds of the sale or other disposition of,
our subordinate voting shares, unless the U.S. Holder is a corporation or comes
within certain other categories of exempt recipients. A U.S. Holder that is not
an exempt recipient will generally be subject to backup withholding with respect
to the proceeds from the sale or the disposition of, or with respect to
dividends on, subordinate voting shares unless the U.S. Holder provides a
taxpayer identification number and otherwise complies with applicable
requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amount withheld under these
rules will be creditable against the U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax
liability or refundable to the extent that it exceeds such liability. A U.S
Holder who does not
86
provide a correct taxpayer identification number may be subject to penalties
imposed by the United States Internal Revenue Service.
Non-U.S. Holders will generally be subject to information reporting and
possible backup withholding with respect to the proceeds of the sale or other
disposition of subordinate voting shares effected within the United States,
unless the holder certifies to its foreign status or otherwise establishes an
exemption if the broker does not have actual knowledge that the holder is a U.S.
holder. Payments of dividends on or proceeds from the sale of subordinate voting
shares within the United States by a payor within the United States to a
non-exempt U.S. or Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to backup withholding if such
holder fails to provide appropriate certification. In the case of such payments
by a payor within the United States to a foreign partnership other than a
foreign partnership that qualifies as a "withholding foreign partnership" within
the meaning of such Treasury regulations, the partners of such partnership will
be required to provide the certification discussed above in order to establish
an exemption from backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements.
CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of the material Canadian federal income tax
considerations generally applicable to a U.S. person who holds subordinate
voting shares and who, for the purposes of the INCOME TAX ACT (Canada), or the
ITA, and the CANADA-UNITED STATES INCOME TAX CONVENTION (1980), or the
Convention, as applicable and at all relevant times:
o is resident in the United States and not resident in Canada,
o holds the subordinate voting shares as capital property,
o does not have a "permanent establishment" or "fixed base" in
Canada, as defined in the Convention; and
o deals at arm's length with us. Special rules, which are not
discussed below, may apply to "financial institutions", as
defined in the ITA, and to non-resident insurers carrying on
an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere.
This discussion is based on the current provisions of the ITA and the
Convention and on the regulations promulgated under the ITA, all specific
proposals to amend the ITA or the regulations promulgated under the ITA
announced by or on behalf of the Canadian Minister of Finance prior to the date
of this annual report and the current published administrative practices of the
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, or the Agency. It does not otherwise take
into account or anticipate any changes in law or administrative practice nor any
income tax laws or considerations of any province or territory of Canada or any
jurisdiction other than Canada, which may differ from the Canadian federal
income tax consequences described in this document.
Under the ITA and the Convention, dividends paid or credited, or deemed
to be paid or credited, on the subordinate voting shares to a U.S. person who
owns less than 10% of the voting shares will be subject to Canadian withholding
tax at the rate of 15% of the gross amount of those dividends or deemed
dividends. If a U.S. person is a corporation and owns 10% or more of the voting
shares, the rate is reduced from 15% to 5%. As described above and subject to
specified limitations, a U.S. person may be entitled to credit against U.S.
federal income tax liability for the amount of tax withheld by Canada.
87
Under the Convention, dividends paid to specified religious,
scientific, charitable and similar tax exempt organizations and specified
organizations that are resident and exempt from tax in the United States and
that have complied with specified administrative procedures are exempt from this
Canadian withholding tax.
A capital gain realized by a U.S. person on a disposition or deemed
disposition of the subordinate voting shares will not be subject to tax under
the ITA unless the subordinate voting shares constitute taxable Canadian
property within the meaning of the ITA at the time of the disposition or deemed
disposition. In general, the subordinate voting shares will not be "taxable
Canadian property" to a U.S. person if they are listed on a prescribed stock
exchange, which includes The Toronto Stock Exchange, unless, at any time within
the five-year period immediately preceding the dispositions, the U.S. person,
persons with whom the U.S. person did not deal at arm's length, or the U.S.
person together with those persons, owned or had an interest in or a right to
acquire more than 25% of any class or series of our shares.
If the subordinate voting shares are taxable Canadian property to a
U.S. person, any capital gain realized on a disposition or deemed disposition of
those subordinate voting shares will generally be exempt from tax under the ITA
by virtue of the Convention if the value of the subordinate voting shares at the
time of the disposition or deemed disposition is not derived principally from
real property, as defined by the Convention, situated in Canada. The
determination as to whether Canadian tax would be applicable on a disposition or
deemed disposition of the subordinate voting shares must be made at the time of
the disposition or deemed disposition.
HOLDERS OF SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS TO DETERMINE THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM, INCLUDING THE
APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS,
OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES.
F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS
Not Applicable
G. STATEMENT BY EXPERTS
Not Applicable
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
Any statement in this annual report about any of our contracts or other
documents is not necessarily complete. If the contract or document is filed as
an exhibit to the registration statement, the contract or document is deemed to
modify the description contained in this annual report. You must review the
exhibits themselves for a complete description of the contract or document.
You may review a copy of our filings with the SEC, including exhibits
and schedules filed with it, at the SEC's public reference facilities in Room
1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the
regional offices of the SEC located at 233 Broadway, New York, New York 10279
and at the Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661. You may also obtain copies of such materials from the
Public Reference Section of the SEC, Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W.,
88
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. The SEC
maintains a Web site (HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV) that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding registrants that file
electronically with the SEC . Although we make many of our filings with the SEC
electronically as a foreign private issuer, we are not obligated to do so.
You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information that
we file with the SEC at the addresses indicated above and you may also access
them electronically at the Web site set forth above. These SEC filings are also
available to the public from commercial document retrieval services.
WE ARE REQUIRED TO FILE REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH THE SEC
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION FILED
BY US WITH THE SEC MAY BE INSPECTED AND COPIED AT THE SEC'S PUBLIC REFERENCE
FACILITIES DESCRIBED ABOVE. AS A FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER, WE ARE EXEMPT FROM THE
RULES UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT PRESCRIBING THE FURNISHING AND CONTENT OF PROXY
STATEMENTS AND OUR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS ARE EXEMPT
FROM THE REPORTING AND SHORT-SWING PROFIT RECOVERY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN
SECTION 16 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT. UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT, AS A FOREIGN PRIVATE
ISSUER, WE ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PUBLISH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS FREQUENTLY OR AS
PROMPTLY AS UNITED STATES COMPANIES.
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
See Item 4.C. of this annual report.
89
Item 11. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
MARKET RISK
CURRENCY RISK
We are exposed to currency risk as a result of the export of our
products manufactured in Canada, substantially all of which are denominated in
US dollars. Our exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations is partially
hedged by operating expenses of certain international subsidiaries and the
purchase of raw materials in US dollars. In addition, we frequently enter into
forward exchange contracts to sell US dollars at fixed forward rates in exchange
for Canadian dollars. We enter into such contracts to manage the risk of
exchange rate fluctuations between the Canadian and US dollars on cash flows
related to anticipated future revenue streams denominated in US dollars. We do
not enter into forward exchange contracts for trading purposes.
The following table summarizes the forward exchange contracts in effect
as at August 31, 2002, classified by expected transaction dates, none of which
exceed two years, as well as the notional amounts of such contracts (in
thousands of US dollars) along with the weighted average contractual forward
rates under such contracts. The notional amounts of such contracts are used to
calculate the contractual payments to be made under these contracts.
YEARS ENDING AUGUST 31,
--------------------------
2003 2004
---- ----
Forward exchange contracts to sell US dollars
in exchange for Canadian dollars
Contractual amounts................................. $ 6,400 $ 2,200
Weighted average contractual exchange rates......... 1.5464 1.5679
FAIR VALUE
The fair value of these contracts as at August 31, 2002, based on the
prevailing exchange rate at that date of $1.00 = CA$1.5589, amounted to
CA$13,406,540 compared to a contractual value of CA$13,346,340, resulting in a
deferred unrealized loss of CA$60,200 (approximately $39,000).
INTEREST RATE RISK
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and changes in the market
values of our available-for-sale securities. We do not use derivative financial
instruments for our available-for-sale securities. Our available-for-sale
securities consist of debt instruments issued by high-credit quality
corporations.The debt instruments bear interest at fixed rate and may have their
fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rate. However,
due to their very short-term maturity, we consider this risk to be
insignificant.
90
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES.
Not Applicable
PART II.
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDENDS ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not Applicable
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not Applicable
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Prior to the adoption of the SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002, we maintained
formal and informal procedures that were designed to ensure that we comply with
disclosure obligations and that there is a flow of important information to the
appropriate collection and disclosure points in a timely manner.
The evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, which
occurred on December 20, 2002, was supervised and reviewed by our senior
management. In doing so, they considered the controls and procedures that we
have implemented, and evaluated the existence of any material weaknesses or
deficiencies that would significantly and adversely affect our ability to
collect, process or disclose required information on a timely basis, all in the
context of our relatively small size (805 employees as of December 31, 2002),
and the hands-on role that is played by our chief executive officer and our
chief financial officer in our day-to-day operations. As a result, our chief
executive officer and our chief financial officer have concluded that the
procedures and controls that we have implemented ensure timely collection and
evaluation of information potentially subject to disclosure under applicable
securities laws, and that such procedures and controls capture information that
is relevant to an assessment of the need to disclose developments and risks that
pertain to our business.
Finally, we confirm that there were no significant changes in our
internal controls or in other factors that would significantly affect these
controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.
ITEM 16. [RESERVED]
91
PART III.
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See pages F-1 to F-45
92
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
NUMBER EXHIBIT
------ -------
1.1 Amended Articles of Incorporation of EXFO (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form
F-1, File No. 333-38956).
1.2 Amended By-laws of EXFO.
1.3 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of EXFO
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.3 of EXFO's annual
report on Form 20-F dated January 18, 2001).
2.1 Form of Subordinate Voting Share Certificate (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form
F-1, File No. 333-38956).
2.2 Form of Registration Rights Agreement between EXFO and Germain
Lamonde dated July 6, 2000 ) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.13 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1,
File No. 333-38956).
3.1 Form of Trust Agreement among EXFO, Germain Lamonde, GEXFO
Investissements Technologiques inc., Fiducie Germain Lamonde and G.
Lamonde Investissements Financiers inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.2 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File
No. 333-38956).
4.1 Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of
November 4, 2000, by and among EXFO, EXFO Sub, Inc., EXFO Burleigh
Instruments, Inc., Robert G. Klimasewki, William G. May, Jr., David
J. Farrell and William S. Gornall (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F dated January 18,
2001)
4.2 Amendment No. 1 to Agreement of Merger and Plan of Agreement, dated
as of December 20, 2000, by and among EXFO, EXFO Sub, Inc., EXFO
Burleigh Instruments, Inc., Robert G. Klimasewski, William G. May,
Jr., David J. Farrell and William S. Gornall (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F dated
January 18, 2001).
4.3 Agreement of Merger, dated as of August 20, 2001, by and among
EXFO, Buyer Sub, and Avantas Networks Corporation and
Shareholders of Avantas Networks corporation (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.3 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F
dated January 18, 2002).
4.4 Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 1, 2002 to Agreement of
Merger, dated as of August 20, 2001, by and among EXFO,
3905268 Canada Inc., Avantas Networks Corporation and
Shareholders of Avantas Networks (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.4 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F dated January
18, 2002).
4.5 Offer to purchase shares of Nortech Fibronic Inc., dated
February 6, 2000 among EXFO, Claude Adrien Noel, 9086-9314
Quebec inc., Michel Bedard, Christine Bergeron and Societe en
Commandite Capidem Quebec Enr. and Certificate of Closing,
dated February 7, 2000 among the same parties (including
summary in English) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.6 Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2001, among
EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering, Inc., John Kennedy, Glenn
Harvey and EFOS Corporation (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-3, File
No. 333-65122).
4.7 Amendment Number One, dated as of March 15, 2001, to Share
Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2001, among EXFO
Electro-Optical Engineering, Inc., John Kennedy, Glenn Harvey
and EFOS Corporation. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.2 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-3, File No.
333-65122).
4.8 Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2001 between
JDS Uniphase Inc. and 3905268 Canada Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.8 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F
dated January 18, 2002).
4.9 Intellectual Property Assignment and Sale Agreement between EFOS
Inc., EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering, Inc., John Kennedy, Glenn
Harvey and EFOS Corporation. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.3 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-3, File No.
333-65122).
4.10 Offer to acquire a building, dated February 23, 2000, between EXFO
and Groupe Mirabau inc. and as accepted by Groupe Mirabau inc. on
February 24, 2000 (including summary in English) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form
F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.11 Lease Agreement, dated December 1, 1996, between EXFO and GEXFO
Investissements Technologiques inc., as assigned to 9080-9823
Quebec inc. on September 1, 1999 (including summary in English)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of EXFO's Registration
Statement on Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.12 Lease Agreement, dated March 1, 1996, between EXFO and GEXFO
Investissements Technologiques inc., as assigned to 9080-9823
Quebec inc. on September 1, 1999 (including summary in English)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit10.5 of EXFO's Registration
Statement on Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
93
4.13 Lease renewal of the existing leases between 9080-9823 Quebec
inc. and EXFO, dated November 30, 2001(incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.13 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F
dated January 18, 2002).
4.14 Loan Agreement between EXFO and GEXFO Investissements
Technologiques inc., dated May 11, 1993, as assigned to
9080-9823 Quebec inc. on September 1, 1999 (including summary
in English) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of
EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.15 Resolution of the board of directors of EXFO, dated September
1, 1999, authorizing EXFO to acquire GEXFO Distribution
Internationale inc. from GEXFO Investissements Technologiques
inc. (including summary in English) (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.10 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1,
File No. 333-38956).
4.16 Form of Promissory Note of EXFO issued to GEXFO
Investissements Technologiques inc. dated June 27, 2000 )
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of EXFO's
Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.17 Credit Agreement, dated July 6, 1995, among EXFO, National
Bank of Canada and Banque Nationale de Paris(Canada), as
amended on December 22, 1999 and on March 28, 2000 (including
summary in English) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.18 Term Loan Offer, dated March 28, 2000, among EXFO and National
Bank of Canada as accepted by EXFO on April 3, 2000 (including
summary in English) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.11 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.19 Sale Agreement, dated September 1, 1999, between EXFO and
GEXFO Investissements Technologiques inc. (including summary
in English) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of
EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.20 Purchase Agreement to acquire a building dated June 7, 2000,
between EXFO and Groupe Mirabau inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.16 of EXFO's Registration Statement on
Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.21 Employment Agreement of Germain Lamonde dated May 29, 2000
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of EXFO's
Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.22 Employment Agreement of Bruce Bonini dated as of September 1,
2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.24 of EXFO's
annual report on Form 20-F dated January 18, 2002).
4.23 Employment Agreement of Juan-Felipe Gonzalez dated as of
September 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.25
of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F dated January 18, 2002).
4.24 Employment Agreement of David J. Farrell dated as of December
20, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.26 of EXFO's
annual report on Form 20-F dated January 18, 2002).
4.25 Deferred Profit Sharing Plan, dated September 1, 1998 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of EXFO's Registration Statement on
Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.26 Stock Option Plan, dated May 25, 2000 (incorporated by Reference to
Exhibit 10.7 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.27 Share Plan, dated April 3, 2000 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.8 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.28 Directors' Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.17 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.29 Restricted Stock Award Plan, dated December 20, 2000
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 of EXFO's annual
report on Form 20-F dated January 18, 2001).
4.30 Asset Purchase Agreement by and Among EXFO Electro-Optical
Engineering Inc., EXFO Gnubi Products Group Inc., gnubi
communications, L.P., gnubi communications General Partner,
LLC, gnubi communications Limited Partner, LLC, gnubi
communications, Inc., Voting Trust created by The Irrevocable
Voting Trust Agreement Among Carol Abraham Bolton, Paul
Abraham and James Ray Stevens, James Ray Stevens and Daniel J.
Ernst dated September 5, 2002.
4.31 EXFO Protocol Inc. Executive Employment Agreement with Sami Yazdi
signed November 2, 2001.
4.32 First Amending Agreement to the Employment Agreement of Bruce
Bonini dated as of September 1, 2001.
8.1 Subsidiaries of EXFO (list included in Item 4C of this annual
report).
94
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing
on Form 20 -F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign
this annual report on its behalf.
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
By: /s/ Germain Lamonde
----------------------------------
Name: Germain Lamonde
Title: Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Date: January 15, 2003.
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Germain Lamonde, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of EXFO
Electro-Optical Engineering Inc.
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
to make the statement made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrants' other certifying officers and I have responsible
for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
annual report (the "Evaluation date"); and
c) Presented in this annual report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation
as of the Evaluation Date;
95
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed,
based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function);
a) All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the
registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in
this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls
subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective
actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date January 15, 2003
/s/ Germain Lamonde
-------------------------------------
Germain Lamonde
Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer
96
I, Pierre Plamondon, Vice-President Finance and Chief Financial
Officer, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of EXFO
Electro-Optical Engineering Inc.
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
to make the statement made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrants' other certifying officers and I have responsible
for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
annual report (the "Evaluation date"); and
c) Presented in this annual report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation
as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed,
based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function);
a) All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the
registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
97
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in
this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls
subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective
actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date January 15, 2003
/s/ Pierre Plamondon
--------------------------
Pierre Plamondon, C.A.
Vice-President Finance
and Chief Financial Officer
98
AUDITORS' REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL
ENGINEERING INC. as at August 31, 2001 and 2002 and the consolidated statements
of earnings, retained earnings (deficit) contributed surplus and cash flows for
the years in the three-year period ended August 31, 2002. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing
standards and with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.
Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable
assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well
as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the company as at August 31, 2001
and 2002 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended August 31, 2002 in accordance with Canadian
generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion, the
financial report statement schedule on the variation in the allowance for
doubtful accounts included in Form 20-F presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the
related consolidated financial statements.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
------------------------------
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Quebec, Quebec, Canada
September 23, 2002
F-1
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share data)
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands of US dollars)
AS AT AUGUST 31,
----------------------
2001 2002
--------- ---------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,729 $ 9,128
--------- ---------
Short-term investments (notes 8 and 18) 66,861 40,553
Accounts receivable (notes 8 and 18)
Trade 24,531 9,881
Other 3,660 3,267
Income taxes receivable (note 8) -- 13,473
Inventories (notes 4, 5 and 8) 44,345 23,822
Prepaid expenses 1,265 1,280
Future income taxes (note 15) 1,423 1,272
--------- ---------
149,814 102,676
INCOME TAXES RECEIVABLE (note 8) -- 6,234
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (notes 6 and 8) 27,140 26,246
INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (notes 4, 7 and 8) 264,242 34,040
FUTURE INCOME TAXES (note 15) 1,381 8,730
--------- ---------
$ 442,577 $ 177,926
========= =========
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 9) $ 16,180 $ 10,699
Income taxes payable 2,623 --
Deferred revenue 616 503
Current portion of long-term debt 106 100
--------- ---------
19,525 11,302
DEFERRED GRANTS (note 14) 1,002 654
LONG-TERM DEBT (note 10) 664 564
FUTURE INCOME TAXES (note 15) 6,581 --
--------- ---------
27,772 12,520
--------- ---------
COMMITMENTS (note 11)
CONTINGENCIES (note 12)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
SHARE CAPITAL (note 13) 429,995 489,611
CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS 1,457 1,487
CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT (8,333) (8,854)
DEFICIT (8,314) (316,838)
--------- ---------
414,805 165,406
--------- ---------
$ 442,577 $ 177,926
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements
F-2
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share data)
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
-----------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
--------- --------- ---------
SALES (note 16) $ 71,639 $ 146,013 $ 68,330
COST OF SALES* 24,712 54,946 50,801
--------- --------- ---------
GROSS MARGIN 46,927 91,067 17,529
--------- --------- ---------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Selling and administrative 24,304 46,236 35,446
Net research and development (note 14) 6,402 13,601 12,782
Amortization of property, plant and equipment 1,451 3,559 5,932
Amortization of intangible assets 47 9,876 11,615
Write-down of intangible assets (note 4) -- -- 23,657
Restructuring and other charges (note 4) -- 3,288 2,880
--------- --------- ---------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 32,204 76,560 92,312
--------- --------- ---------
EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS 14,723 14,507 (74,783)
Interest income, net 1,480 6,098 1,456
Foreign exchange gain (loss) (684) 3,327 (458)
--------- --------- ---------
EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND AMORTIZATION AND WRITE-DOWN OF
GOODWILL (note 15) 15,519 23,932 (73,785)
INCOME TAXES (note 15) 5,298 8,150 (25,451)
--------- --------- ---------
EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE AMORTIZATION AND WRITE-DOWN OF GOODWILL 10,221 15,782 (48,334)
AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL 297 31,076 38,021
WRITE-DOWN OF GOODWILL (note 4) -- -- 222,169
--------- --------- ---------
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR $ 9,924 $ (15,294) $(308,524)
--------- --------- ---------
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Earnings (loss) before amortization and write-down of goodwill $ 0.26 $ 0.30 $ (0.80)
Net earnings (loss) $ 0.25 $ (0.29) $ (5.09)
BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING (000'S) 39,951 53,014 60,666
DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING (000'S) 40,086 53,495 60,966
(note 17)
* Including inventory write-offs of nil, nil and $18,463 for the years ended August 31, 2000, 2001
and 2002, respectively (see note 4).
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements
F-3
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings (Deficit) and
Contributed Surplus
(in thousands of US dollars, except per share data)
RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
--------- --------- ---------
BALANCE - BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 14,592 $ 6,980 $ (8,314)
ADD
Net earnings (loss) for the year 9,924 (15,294) (308,524)
--------- --------- ---------
24,516 (8,314) (316,838)
--------- --------- ---------
DEDUCT
Dividends
Class A shares 17,216 -- --
Class F shares 320 -- --
--------- --------- ---------
17,536 -- --
--------- --------- ---------
BALANCE - END OF YEAR $ 6,980 $ (8,314) $(316,838)
========= ========= =========
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
Class A shares $ 0.45 $ -- $ --
Class F shares $ 0.45 $ -- $ --
CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
-----------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
--------- --------- ---------
BALANCE - BEGINNING OF YEAR $ -- $ -- $ 1,457
ADD
Premium on resale of share capital -- 1,457 30
--------- --------- ---------
BALANCE - END OF YEAR $ -- $ 1,457 $ 1,487
========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements
F-4
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of US dollars)
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings (loss) for the year $ 9,924 $ (15,294) $(308,524)
Add (deduct) items not affecting cash and cash equivalents
Discount on short-term investments (807) 191 271
Inventory write-offs -- -- 18,463
Amortization 1,795 44,511 55,568
Write-down of goodwill and intangible assets -- -- 245,826
Foreign exchange gains on disposal of short-term investments -- (3,437) (74)
Restructuring and other charges -- 1,083 741
Future income taxes (33) (1,779) (13,397)
Change in non-cash operating working capital items
Accounts receivable (10,476) 447 15,406
Income taxes 2,149 2,237 (19,736)
Inventories (10,732) (20,308) 4,332
Prepaid expenses (519) (67) 356
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 3,917 (3,736) (7,470)
Deferred revenue 215 100 (106)
Deferred grants 567 (57) (335)
--------- --------- ---------
(4,000) 3,891 (8,679)
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Bank advances (357) (2,046) --
Repayment of mandatorily redeemable preferred shares -- (354) --
Repayment of loan from a company under common control (1,349) -- --
Repayment of long-term debt (812) (3,355) (106)
Issuance of share capital 209,690 -- --
Redemption of share capital -- (33) (6)
Resale of share capital -- 1,490 36
Share issue expenses (16,743) (331) (14)
Dividends paid (17,587) -- --
--------- --------- ---------
172,842 (4,629) (90)
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to short-term investments (519,645) (772,808) (506,228)
Proceeds from disposal of short-term investments 359,886 865,373 531,733
Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (7,180) (15,911) (5,245)
Business combinations (note 3) (2,108) (68,255) (9,756)
--------- --------- ---------
(169,047) 8,399 10,504
--------- --------- ---------
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (205) 7,661 1,735
EFFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 511 (661) (336)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF YEAR 423 729 7,729
--------- --------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS- END OF YEAR $ 729 $ 7,729 $ 9,128
========= ========= =========
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Interest paid $ 480 $ 377 $ 269
Income taxes paid $ 3,761 $ 8,171 $ 4,172
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements
F-5
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
1 INCORPORATION AND NATURE OF ACTIVITIES
The company, incorporated in 1985 under the Canada Business Corporations Act,
designs, manufactures and markets a full line of fiber-optic test, measurement,
monitoring and automation solutions for the global telecommunications industry.
These solutions measure the physical-, optical- and protocol-layers of optical
fiber and related hardware and help automate manufacturing processes. The
company derives substantially all of its revenue from customers located in the
United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. The company's customers consist
primarily of telecommunications carriers, network service providers, optical
component and system manufacturers, as well as research and development
laboratories.
2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in Canada. These principles conform, in
all material respects, with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States, except for the differences and additional disclosures provided in
note 19. The principal accounting policies of the company, which have been
consistently applied, are summarized as follows:
ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting years. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
CONSOLIDATION
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and
its domestic and international subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.
REPORTING CURRENCY
The functional currency of the company is the Canadian dollar. However, the
company has adopted the US dollar as its reporting currency. The financial
statements are translated into the reporting currency using the current rate
method. Under this method, the financial statements are translated into the
reporting currency as follows: assets and liabilities are translated at the
exchange rate in effect at the date of the balance sheet and revenues and
expenses are translated at the monthly average exchange rates. All gains and
losses resulting from the translation of the financial statements into the
reporting currency are included in the cumulative translation adjustment in
shareholders' equity.
In the event that management decides to declare dividends, such dividends would
be declared in Canadian dollars.
F-6
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are
translated into the functional currency as follows: monetary assets and
liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet
date and revenues and expenses are translated at the exchange rate in effect on
the date of the transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated
at historical rates. Gains and losses arising from such translation are
reflected in the statements of earnings.
FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES
The financial statements of integrated foreign operations are remeasured into
the functional currency using the temporal method. Under this method, monetary
assets and liabilities are remeasured at the exchange rate in effect at the
balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at
historical rates. Revenues and expenses are remeasured at the monthly average
exchange rates. Gains and losses resulting from remeasurement are reflected in
the statements of earnings.
FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
The company enters into forward exchange contracts in order to hedge against
potential exchange rate fluctuations on cash flows related to anticipated future
revenue streams denominated in foreign currencies. Unrealized gains and losses
on these forward exchange contracts are deferred and recognized upon settlement
of the related transactions. Accordingly, cash flows resulting from forward
exchange contract settlements are classified as cash flows from operating
activities along with the corresponding cash flows being hedged.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and balances with banks and
highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or
less.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
Short-term investments are valued at the lower of cost and market value. Cost is
composed of acquisition cost plus amortization of discount or less amortization
of premium.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost
of raw materials and work in progress is determined using the first-in,
first-out method. The cost of finished goods is determined using the average
cost method.
F-7
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND AMORTIZATION
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less related government
grants and research and development tax credits. Amortization is provided on a
straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:
TERM
Buildings 15 and 25 years
Equipment 2 to 10 years
Leasehold improvements Remaining lease term
The carrying value of property, plant and equipment is evaluated for impairment
whenever significant events or circumstances occur which may indicate an
impairment in value, based upon a comparison of the carrying value to the net
recoverable amount.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, GOODWILL AND AMORTIZATION
Intangible assets include the cost of acquired in-process research and
development, core technology, workforce and trademark, net of accumulated
amortization. Core technology represents the existing technology acquired in
business combinations that has reached technological feasibility while acquired
in-process research and development represents the existing technology that has
not reached technological feasibility and has no future alternative use.
Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated
useful lives ranging from five to ten months for in-process research and
development, five years for core technology, one year for workforce and two
years for trademark.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over
the estimated fair value of net identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill related
to business combinations with a date of acquisition prior to July 1, 2001, is
amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of five years
until August 31, 2002. Goodwill related to business combinations with a date of
acquisition after June 30, 2001, is not amortized but is reviewed for
impairment.
Intangible assets and goodwill are reviewed for impairment when events or
circumstances indicate that costs may not be recoverable. Impairment exists when
the carrying value of the asset is greater than the pre-tax undiscounted future
cash flows expected to be provided by the asset. The amount of impairment loss,
if any, is the excess of the carrying value over the estimated pre-tax
undiscounted future cash flows. Intangible assets and goodwill are written down
for any permanent impairment in value of the unamortized portion.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
For products in which software is incidental, the company recognizes revenue
when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the product has been
delivered, the price is fixed and determinable and collection of the resulting
receivable is reasonably assured. In addition, provisions are made for estimated
returns, warranties and support obligations.
For products in which software is not incidental, revenues are separated into
two categories: product and customer support revenues, based upon
vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value. Product revenues for these
sales are recognized as described above. Customer support revenues are deferred
and recognized ratably over the years of the support arrangement. Except when
F-8
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
provided within one year of delivery, costs of providing this support are
insignificant and accrued at the time of delivery and no software upgrades are
provided.
For all sales, the company uses a binding purchase order as evidence that a
sales arrangement exists.
Delivery generally occurs when the product is shipped to a common carrier.
At the time of the transaction, the company assesses whether the price
associated with its revenue transactions is fixed and determinable and whether
or not collection is reasonably assured. The company assesses whether the price
is fixed and determinable based on the payment terms associated with the
transaction. The company assesses collection based on a number of factors,
including past transaction history and the creditworthiness of the customer.
Generally, collateral or other security is not requested from customers.
Most sales arrangements do not generally include acceptance clauses. However, if
a sales arrangement includes an acceptance provision, acceptance occurs upon the
earliest receipt of a written customer acceptance or expiration of the
acceptance period. For these sales arrangements, the sale is recognized when
acceptance occurs.
ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
GOVERNMENT GRANTS
Government grants are accrued as a receivable when there is reasonable assurance
that the company has complied and will continue to comply with all the
conditions related to the grant. Grants related to operating expenses are
included in earnings when the related expenses are incurred. Grants related to
capital expenditures are deducted from the related assets. Grants related to job
creation and training programs for extended periods are deferred and amortized
on a straight-line basis over the minimum period for which the created job must
be maintained or training provided.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
All expenses related to development activities, which do not meet generally
accepted criteria for deferral, and research, are expensed as incurred, net of
related tax credits and government grants. Development expenses which meet
generally accepted criteria for deferral are capitalized, net of related tax
credits and government grants, and amortized against earnings over the estimated
period of benefit.
As at August 31, 2002, the company had not deferred any development costs.
INCOME TAXES
The company provides for income taxes using the liability method of tax
allocation. Under this method, future income tax assets and liabilities are
determined based on deductible or taxable temporary differences between
financial statement values and tax values of assets and liabilities using
enacted income tax rates for the years in which the differences are expected to
reverse.
F-9
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
The company establishes a valuation allowance against future income tax
assets if, based on available information, it is more likely than not that some
or all of the future income tax assets will not be realized.
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic earnings (loss) and dividends per share are determined using the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted earnings per share are determined using the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during the year, plus the effects of dilutive
potential common shares outstanding during the year. This method requires that
diluted earnings per share be calculated, using the treasury stock method, as if
all dilutive potential common shares had been exercised at the later of the
beginning of the year or the date of issuance, as the case may be, and that the
funds obtained thereby be used to purchase common shares of the company at the
average fair value of the common shares during the year.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
The company maintains stock-based compensation plans, which are described in
note 13. Under accounting principles generally accepted in Canada, no
compensation cost is recognized when stocks, stock options or stock awards are
issued to plan participants. Any consideration received from plan participants
upon the purchase of stock or the exercise of stock options or stock awards is
credited to share capital. The costs related to the stock appreciation rights
are accrued and charged to earnings.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In November 2001, The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) revised
section 1650, "Foreign Currency Translation", which is effective for fiscal
years beginning on or after January 1, 2002. The revised standard, which the
company will adopt retroactively on September 1, 2002, no longer permits the
deferral and amortization of unrealized exchange gains and losses that arise on
the translation of long-term foreign currency denominated monetary assets and
liabilities. Under the new rules, such gains and losses must be reported in
earnings as they arise. Adopting this revised standard will not have a
significant impact on the company's financial statements since the company
currently has no such long-term monetary items.
In November 2001, the CICA issued Accounting Guideline No. 13, "Hedging
Relationships", which shall be applied to hedging relationships in effect in
fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2003. This new accounting guideline,
which the company will adopt prospectively on September 1, 2003, establishes
basic criteria that must be met before hedge accounting can be used. It also
describes the types of exposures that can be hedged and the types of instruments
that qualify as hedges, sets detailed designation and documentation requirements
and requires formal effectiveness testing. The company has not yet assessed the
impact of the adoption of this new guideline.
In November 2001, the CICA issued section 3870, "Stock-Based Compensation and
Other Stock-Based Payments", which is effective for fiscal years beginning on or
after January 1, 2002. The new section applies to awards granted on or after the
date of adoption, and requires that stock-based payments to non-employees and
direct awards of stock to employees be accounted for using a fair
F-10
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
value-based method. The new section also encourages, but does not require, the
use of a fair value-based method to account for stock-based compensation costs
arising from awards to employees. The new section requires pro forma disclosures
with respect to net earnings and net earnings per share if a fair value-based
method of accounting is not adopted for awards granted to employees. The company
will adopt this new standard prospectively on September 1, 2002. The company
will not account for the stock-based compensation costs arising from awards to
employees. However, it will provide the required pro forma disclosures with
respect to net earnings and net earnings per share. Consequently, the adoption
of this new standard will not have a significant impact on the company's
financial results.
In August 2001, the CICA issued section 1581 "Business Combinations" and section
3062 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". Section 1581 requires business
combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 or business combinations accounted
for by the purchase method with a date of acquisition after June 30, 2001, to be
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. This section also
broadens criteria for recording intangible assets separately from goodwill. Upon
the adoption of section 3062, recorded goodwill and intangible assets will be
evaluated against those new criteria and may result in certain intangible assets
being reclassified into goodwill or, alternatively, amounts initially recorded
as goodwill being separately identified and recognized apart from goodwill as
intangible assets. Section 3062 requires the use of a non-amortization approach
to account for purchased goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles.
Under the transitional provisions of section 3062, the company did not amortize
the goodwill resulting from the acquisition of EXFO Protocol Inc., for which the
acquisition date was November 2, 2001.
The company adopted section 3062 prospectively from September 1, 2002. Upon the
adoption of this new section, goodwill recorded prior to July 1, 2001, is no
longer subject to amortization. Also, under the transitional provisions of the
section, the company performed an initial impairment test to identify goodwill
impairment using a fair value-based method. Under the new section, a goodwill
impairment exists when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair
value. For the purposes of the impairment test, the company allocated its
existing goodwill to its reporting units and completed an evaluation of the fair
value of such reporting units. Based on the comparison of the fair value of the
reporting units to their carrying value, goodwill of the reporting units was not
considered impaired.
Goodwill will also be tested for impairment on an annual basis or more
frequently if events or circumstances occur that more likely than not reduce the
fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Any impairment loss
arising from this test will be charged to earnings in the period in which it is
incurred.
3 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
The company made a number of business combinations in 2000, 2001 and 2002. The
fair value allocated to intangible assets acquired was based upon independent
valuations performed in conjunction with the business combinations. Also,
acquired goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.
F-11
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
BUSINESS COMBINATION DURING 2002
AVANTAS NETWORKS CORPORATION (RENAMED EXFO PROTOCOL INC.)
On November 2, 2001, the company acquired a 100% interest in EXFO Protocol Inc.
("EXFO Protocol"), a Canadian company specializing in fiber-optic protocol
testing, in exchange for a total consideration valued at $94,952,000 or
$69,381,000 net of $25,571,000 of cash and cash equivalents acquired. The total
consideration includes acquisition-related costs of $1,272,000.
The consideration paid consisted of $9,756,000 in cash, net of cash and cash
equivalents acquired of $25,571,000 and the issuance of 4,374,573 subordinate
voting shares valued at $59,625,000. The fair value of the subordinate voting
shares issued was determined based on the market price of the shares beginning
three days before and ending three days after the terms of the acquisition were
agreed upon and announced, being August 20, 2001.
This acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method and,
consequently, the results of operations of EXFO Protocol have been included in
the consolidated statement of earnings of the company since November 2, 2001,
being the date of acquisition.
The purchase price, including acquisition-related costs, has been allocated
based on the estimated fair value of net assets at the date of acquisition as
follows:
Assets acquired
Current assets $ 6,040
Property, plant and equipment 2,003
In-process research and development 1,400
Core technology 5,050
Future income tax assets 476
Current liabilities assumed (3,575)
--------
Net identifiable assets acquired 11,394
Goodwill (note 4) 57,987
--------
Purchase price 69,381
Less: Subordinate voting shares issued 59,625
--------
Cash paid, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 9,756
========
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS DURING 2001
BURLEIGH INSTRUMENTS, INC. (RENAMED EXFO BURLEIGH PRODUCTS GROUP INC.)
On December 20, 2000, the company acquired a 100% interest in EXFO Burleigh
Products Group Inc. ("EXFO Burleigh"), a U.S. company which manufactures
precision scientific instruments used in basic and applied research, engineering
and production test applications in a variety of fields, in exchange for a total
consideration valued at $189,270,000, including acquisition-related costs of
$2,461,000.
F-12
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
The consideration paid consisted of $42,461,000 in cash and the
issuance of 6,488,816 subordinate voting shares valued at $146,809,000.
Furthermore, as part of this acquisition, the company established a restricted
stock award plan for employees of EXFO Burleigh (note 13). This plan provides
that in the event of an employee's departure, shares to be issued to this
employee under the plan will be issued to EXFO Burleigh's former shareholders.
In such circumstances, this issuance of shares will be recorded as additional
goodwill.
EFOS INC. (RENAMED EXFO PHOTONIC SOLUTIONS INC.)
On March 15, 2001, the company acquired a 100% interest in EXFO Photonic
Solutions Inc. ("EXFO Photonic Solutions"), a Canadian company specializing in
precision light-based adhesive spot-curing technologies as well as curing
process control for the global optical component manufacturing market. This
acquisition was settled for a total consideration valued at $110,146,000,
including acquisition-related costs of $194,000. The consideration paid
consisted of $25,194,000 in cash and the issuance of 3,700,000 subordinate
voting shares valued at $84,952,000.
These two acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method and,
consequently, the net earnings of EXFO Burleigh and EXFO Photonic Solutions have
been included in the consolidated statement of earnings of the company from the
date of acquisition of these subsidiaries, being December 20, 2000, for EXFO
Burleigh and March 15, 2001, for EXFO Photonic Solutions.
The fair value of subordinate voting shares issued as part of these business
combinations was determined based on the market price of the shares beginning
three days before and ending three days after the dates of acquisition of the
subsidiaries.
The purchase price, including acquisition-related costs, has been allocated
based on the estimated fair value of net assets at the dates of acquisition as
follows:
EXFO EXFO PHOTONIC
BURLEIGH SOLUTIONS
-------- ------------
Assets acquired
Current assets $ 7,092 $ 9,195
Property, plant and equipment 4,457 1,054
In-process research and development 1,800 972
Core technology (note 4) 24,000 25,324
Work force 1,250 907
Trademark -- 421
Liabilities assumed (9,068) (7,169)
Future income tax liabilities (8,342) (983)
--------- ---------
Net identifiable assets acquired 21,189 29,721
Goodwill (note 4) 168,081 80,425
--------- ---------
Purchase price 189,270 110,146
Less: Subordinate voting shares issued 146,809 84,952
--------- ---------
Cash paid, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 42,461 $ 25,194
========= =========
F-13
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
VANGUARD TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
On March 16, 2001, the company, through one of its subsidiaries, Burleigh
Automation Inc., acquired substantially all the assets of Vanguard Technical
Solutions, Inc., a U.S. company specializing in the design and manufacturing of
ultra-precision assembly equipment for sensitive process and critical assembly
challenges on the production floor. This acquisition, which was settled for a
total cash consideration of $600,000 allocated to property and equipment, has
been accounted for using the purchase method.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS DURING 2000
NORTECH FIBRONIC INC.
On February 4, 2000, the company acquired a 100% interest in Nortech Fibronic
Inc. ("Nortech"), a Canadian company specializing in fiber-optic testing and
temperature sensing, in exchange for total consideration valued at $2,799,000.
The consideration paid consisted of $2,108,000 in cash, the issuance of 800,000
Class G shares which, were mandatorily redeemable, for cash or subordinate
voting shares at the option of the company, for an amount of $553,000, and a
non-interest-bearing debenture in the amount of $138,000, repaid in 2001.
This acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method. The estimated
fair value of assets and liabilities acquired amounted to $2,488,000 and
$2,231,000, respectively, resulting in goodwill of $2,542,000 related to the
telecommunication core business.
The net earnings of Nortech have been included in the consolidated statement of
earnings of the company from the date of acquisition, being February 4, 2000.
The mandatorily redeemable preferred shares were settled in 2001 for $354,000,
resulting in a purchase price adjustment of $189,000, which has been applied
against goodwill.
GAP OPTIQUE S.A.
On June 1, 2000, the company acquired the 85% interest in GAP Optique S.A. held
by its parent company for a cash consideration of $16,000. The carrying value of
the net assets of GAP Optique S.A. was $19,000 as at December 31, 1999. Since
the exchange occurred between entities under common control, the exchange has
been accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. The assets,
liabilities and shareholders' equity of the company and GAP Optique S.A. have
been combined using their respective carrying amounts, and financial statements
of prior years have been restated as if the companies had always been combined.
4 SPECIAL CHARGES
WRITE-DOWN OF GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
In May 2002, as part of its review of financial results, the company performed
an assessment of the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets recorded
in conjunction with the acquisitions of EXFO Burleigh, EXFO Photonic Solutions
and EXFO Protocol. The assessment was performed because of the severe and
continued downturn in the telecommunications industry, the persisting
F-14
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
unfavorable market conditions affecting the subsidiaries' industries and the
decline in technology valuations. The growth prospects for those subsidiaries
were significantly lower than previously expected and less than those of
historical periods and the decline in market conditions affecting the
subsidiaries is significant and other than temporary. As a result, the company
concluded that the carrying value of goodwill and certain acquired intangible
assets was impaired and it recorded a charge of $222,169,000 to write down a
significant portion of goodwill and a pre-tax charge of $23,657,000 to write
down a significant portion of acquired core technology. Of the total impairment
loss of $245,826,000, $125,017,000 relates to EXFO Burleigh, $71,508,000 relates
to EXFO Photonic Solutions and $49,301,000 relates to EXFO Protocol.
The impairment loss was calculated as the excess of the carrying value of the
assets over the pre-tax undiscounted future cash flows. The pre-tax undiscounted
future cash flows were estimated at the subsidiaries' level since the company
had distinct cash flows for each of them and because they are not fully
integrated into the company's activities. The cash flow periods used ranged from
three to five years, using annual growth rates between 15% and 30%.
The assumptions supporting the estimated undiscounted future cash flows,
including the annual growth rates, reflect management's best estimates.
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES AND INVENTORY WRITE-OFFS
During 2001, the company implemented a structured plan to reduce costs and
increase efficiency. Under that plan, the company recorded charges of
$3,288,000, including $844,000 in severance expenses for the 245 employees who
were terminated, $1,476,000 for unused assets and $968,000 for future payments
on exited leased facilities. These charges have been included in the
restructuring and other charges in the statement of earnings for the year ended
August 31, 2001. As at August 31, 2002, the accrued liabilities related to this
restructuring plan amounted to $483,000 and consisted of future payments on
exited leased facilities.
During 2002, the company incurred additional charges of $21,343,000 to further
reduce its costs. Under additional structured plans, the company recorded
$2,012,000 in severance expenses for the additional 350 employees who were
terminated and $868,000 for the write-off of property, plant and equipment.
These charges are included in the restructuring and other charges in the
statement of earnings for the year ended August 31, 2002. Also, the company
recorded $18,463,000 in inventory write-offs for excess and obsolete
inventories, which are included in the cost of sales in the statement of
earnings for the year ended August 31, 2002. As at August 31, 2002, the accrued
liabilities related to the severance expenses incurred in 2002 amounted to
$299,000.
5 INVENTORIES
AS AT AUGUST 31,
--------------------------------
2001 2002
--------------- -------------
Raw materials $ 29,891 $ 13,507
Work in progress 3,507 1,382
Finished goods 10,947 8,933
--------------- -------------
$ 44,345 $ 23,822
=============== =============
F-15
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
6 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
AS AT AUGUST 31,
-------------------------------------------------
2001 2002
----------------------- -----------------------
ACCUMULATED ACCUMULATED
COST AMORTIZATION COST AMORTIZATION
------- ------------ ------- ------------
Land $ 2,735 $ -- $ 2,124 $ --
Buildings 9,077 326 8,043 695
Equipment 23,906 9,286 29,177 14,662
Leasehold improvements 2,390 1,356 4,121 1,862
------- ------------ ------- ------------
38,108 $10,968 43,465 $17,219
============ ============
Less:
Accumulated amortization 10,968 17,219
------- -------
$27,140 $26,246
======= =======
7 INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL
AS AT AUGUST 31,
-------------------
2001 2002
-------- --------
In-process research and development, net of accumulated amortization of
$4,195 ($2,769 in 2001) $ -- $ --
Core technology, net of accumulated amortization of $14,815 ($5,678 in 2001) 43,805 16,270
Work force, net of accumulated amortization of $2,148 ($1,281 in 2001) 874 --
AS AT AUGUST 31,
-------------------
2001 2002
-------- --------
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $305 ($246 in 2001) 391 194
-------- --------
45,070 16,464
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $69,449 ($31,325 in 2001) 219,172 17,576
-------- --------
$264,242 $ 34,040
======== ========
In 2002, the company recorded charges of $23,657,000 and $222,169,000 to write
down intangible assets and goodwill, respectively (note 4).
F-16
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
8 CREDIT FACILITIES
The company has available credit facilities under a line of credit which provide
for advances of up to Cdn$10,000,000 (US$6,415,000). These facilities, which are
renewable annually, bear interest at prime rate (prime rate in 2001). Short-term
investments, accounts receivable, inventories and all tangible and intangible
assets of the company have been pledged as collateral against these facilities.
As at August 31, 2001 and 2002, these credit facilities were unused.
9 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
AS AT AUGUST 31,
------------------
2001 2002
------- -------
Trade $ 7,732 $ 4,738
Salaries and social benefits 3,917 2,638
Commissions 1,307 283
Tax on capital 463 856
Warranty 901 849
Restructuring charges (note 4) 1,230 782
Other 630 553
------- -------
$16,180 $10,699
======= =======
10 LONG-TERM DEBT
AS AT AUGUST 31,
-----------------
2001 2002
---- ----
Loans collateralized by equipment, bearing interest
at 9.6%, repayable in monthly installments of
$13,000 including principal and interest, maturing in 2008 $754 $664
Unsecured non-interest-bearing loan, repaid during the year 16 --
---- ----
770 664
Less: Current portion 106 100
---- ----
$664 $564
==== ====
As at August 31, 2002, minimum principal repayments required in each of the next
five years are $100,000 in 2003, $110,000 in 2004, $122,000 in 2005, $136,000 in
2006 and $146,000 in 2007.
11 COMMITMENTS
The company has entered into operating leases for certain of its premises and
equipment, which expire at various dates through May 2011. Minimum rentals
payable under these operating leases amount to $6,800,000 as at August 31, 2002.
F-17
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
For the years ended August 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, rental expense amounted to
$579,000, $1,580,000 and $1,936,000, respectively, of which $163,000, $238,000
and $234,000, respectively, were paid to a company owned by the President of the
company.
12 CONTINGENCIES
On November 27, 2001, a class action suit was filed in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York against the company, four
of the underwriters of its Initial Public Offering and some of its executive
officers pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5
promulgated thereunder and sections 11, 12 and 16 of the Securities Act of 1933.
This class action alleges that the company's registration statement and
prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2000,
contained material misrepresentations and/or omissions resulting from (i) the
underwriters allegedly soliciting and receiving additional, excessive and
undisclosed commissions from certain investors in exchange for which they
allocated material portions of the shares issued in connection with the
company's Initial Public Offering; and (ii) the underwriters allegedly entering
into agreements with customers whereby shares issued in connection with the
company's Initial Public Offering would be allocated to those customers in
exchange for which customers agreed to purchase additional amounts of shares in
the after market at pre-determined prices.
On April 19, 2002, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint containing master
allegations against all of the underwriters in all of the 310 cases included in
this class action and, also filed an amended complaint containing allegations
specific to four of the company's underwriters, the company and two of its
executive officers. In addition to the allegations mentioned above, the amended
complaint alleges that the underwriters (i) used their analysts to manipulate
the stock market; and (ii) implemented schemes that allowed issuer insiders to
sell their shares rapidly after an initial public offering and benefit from high
market prices. As concerns the company and its two executive officers in
particular, the amended complaint alleges that (i) the company's registration
statement was materially false and misleading because it failed to disclose the
additional commissions and compensation to be received by underwriters; (ii) the
two named executive officers learned of or recklessly disregarded the alleged
misconduct of the underwriters; (iii) the two named executive officers had
motive and opportunity to engage in alleged wrongful conduct due to personal
holdings of the company's stock and the fact that an alleged artificially
inflated stock price could be used as currency for acquisitions; and (iv) the
two named executive officers, by virtue of their positions with the company,
controlled the company and the contents of the registration statement and had
the ability to prevent its issuance or cause it to be corrected. The plaintiffs
in this suit seek an unspecified amount for damages suffered.
In July 2002, the issuers filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiffs' amended
complaint.
Management believes that the company and its executive officers have fully
complied with all applicable securities laws and that the claims against it and
its officers are without merit. The company has referred this matter to its
insurers and is vigorously defending its position in this litigation. However,
at this time, it is not possible to predict the outcome of this case, nor
determine the amount of possible losses. Accordingly, no provision for this case
has been made in the consolidated financial statements as of August 31, 2002.
F-18
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
As at August 31, 2002, the company has outstanding letters of guarantee of
Cdn$741,000 (US$475,000), which expire at various dates through 2011.
As at August 31, 2002, the company has guaranteed the repayment of third-party
loans totalling Cdn$214,000 (US$137,000) detained by certain employees with
respect to the purchase of Class F shares under the stock purchase plan (note
13).
13 SHARE CAPITAL
Authorized - unlimited as to number, without par value
Subordinate voting and participating, bearing a non-cumulative
dividend to be determined by the Board of Directors, ranking
pari passu with multiple voting shares
Multiple voting and participating, entitling to ten votes each,
bearing a non-cumulative dividend to be determined by the Board
of Directors, convertible at the holder's option into
subordinate voting shares on a one-for-one basis, ranking pari
passu with subordinate voting shares
Prior to June 29, 2000, the company's authorized share capital consisted of
Class A, D and F shares.
On June 29, 2000, the company filed articles of amendment pursuant to which
subordinate and multiple voting shares were created, the 38,000,000 issued and
outstanding Class A shares were converted into 38,000,000 multiple voting
shares, the 707,264 issued and outstanding Class F shares were converted into
707,264 subordinate voting shares and the Class A, D and F shares were canceled.
The following tables summarize the share capital activity since August 31, 1999:
CLASS A SHARES CLASS F SHARES
---------------------------------- -------------------------------- TOTAL
NUMBER AMOUNT NUMBER AMOUNT AMOUNT
Balance as at August 31, 1999 38,000,000 $ 1 197,588 $ 86 $ 87
Issued for cash under stock
purchase plan - - 509,676 390 390
Conversion of Class F shares
into subordinate voting
shares - - (707,264) (476) (476)
Conversion of Class A shares
into multiple voting shares (38,000,000) (1) - - (1)
---------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------
Balance as at August 31, 2000, 2001
and 2002 - $ - - $ - $ -
================================== ================================ ===============
F-19
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
MULTIPLE VOTING SHARES SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES
-------------------------------- ------------------------------- TOTAL
NUMBER AMOUNT NUMBER AMOUNT AMOUNT
Balance as at August 31, 1999 - $ - - $ - $ -
Conversion of Class F shares
into subordinate voting
shares - - 707,264 476 476
Conversion of Class A shares
into multiple voting shares 38,000,000 1 - - 1
Issued pursuant to the initial
public offering - - 8,050,000 209,300 209,300
Share issue expenses, net of
related income taxes of
$5,425,000 - - - (11,318) (11,318)
-------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------
Balance as at August 31, 2000 38,000,000 1 8,757,264 198,458 198,459
Business combinations (note 3) - - 10,188,816 231,761 231,761
Conversion of multiple voting
shares into subordinate
voting shares (100,000) - 100,000 - -
Redemption - - (43,999) (33) (33)
Resale - - 43,999 33 33
Share issue expenses, net of
related income taxes of
$106,000 - - - (225) (225)
-------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------
Balance as at August 31, 2001 37,900,000 1 19,046,080 429,994 429,995
Business combination
(note 3) - - 4,374,573 59,625 59,625
Exercise of stock awards - - 144,532 - -
Redemption - - (7,022) (6) (6)
Resale - - 7,022 6 6
Share issue expenses, net of
related income taxes of
$5,000 - - - (9) (9)
-------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------
Balance as at August 31, 2002 37,900,000 $ 1 23,565,185 $ 489,610 $ 489,611
================================ =============================== ===============
STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The company's stock purchase plan terminated at the time of the initial public
offering, being June 29, 2000. In accordance with that plan, officers, directors
and key employees could purchase Class F shares up to a maximum of 5% of all
participating, issued and outstanding shares of the company. The purchase price
of shares under that plan was determined as a multiple of the company's equity
as at the end of the preceding fiscal year. Shares issued under that plan are
restricted as to sale and transferability for a period of at least five years
from the date of acquisition.
F-20
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
Prior to its initial public offering, the company issued 707,264 Class F shares
in exchange for a weighted average cash consideration of Cdn$0.98 (US$0.67) per
share.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
In May 2000, the company established a stock option plan for directors,
executive officers, employees and consultants and those of the company's
subsidiaries, as determined by the Board of Directors.
The maximum number of subordinate voting shares issuable under the plan cannot
exceed 4,470,961 shares. The maximum number of subordinate voting shares that
may be granted to any individual cannot exceed 5% of the number of outstanding
subordinate voting shares. The exercise price is the market price of the common
shares on the date of grant. Options granted under the plan generally expire ten
years from the date of grant. Options granted under the plan generally vest over
a four-year period, with 25% vesting on an annual basis commencing on the first
anniversary of the date of grant. Up to October 10, 2000, the number of options,
which ultimately would become exercisable in any given year, and in aggregate,
was dependent on the degree to which the company's financial performance
objectives were met. Nevertheless, on October 10, 2000, the Board of Directors
of the company amended the vesting terms for options granted pursuant to the
option plan to remove the financial performance criterion. Accordingly, options
granted vest over the four-year period. The Board of Directors may accelerate
the vesting of any or all outstanding options upon the occurrence of a change of
control.
The following table summarizes the stock option activity since May 2000:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
NUMBER PRICE NUMBER PRICE NUMBER PRICE
Outstanding - Beginning of year - $ - 609,734 $ 26 2,414,231 $ 28
Granted 609,734 26 2,153,352 29 1,039,805 10
Forfeited - - (348,855) (29) (856,462) (25)
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------------------
Outstanding - End of year 609,734 $ 26 2,414,231 $ 28 2,597,574 $ 22
============= ============= ============= ============= ============= ==============
Exercisable - End of year - $ - 127,561 $ 26 512,161 $ 28
============= ============= ============= ============= ============= ==============
F-21
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
The following table summarizes information about stock options as at August 31,
2002:
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AS AT AUGUST OPTIONS EXERCISABLE AS AT AUGUST
31, 2002 31, 2002
------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
REMAINING REMAINING
EXERCISE PRICE NUMBER CONTRACTUAL LIFE NUMBER CONTRACTUAL LIFE
$2.59 5,550 3.8 years - -
$5.65 53,479 3.5 years - -
$9.13 to $12.69 849,746 3.2 years - -
$19.19 to $27.80 1,325,170 2.3 years 421,253 2.2 years
$34.07 to $45.94 303,079 2.1 years 75,770 2.1 years
$56.75 60,550 2.0 years 15,138 2.0 years
------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
2,597,574 2.6 years 512,161 2.1 years
===================================== ======================================
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD PLAN
On December 20, 2000, the company established a restricted stock award plan for
employees of EXFO Burleigh. Each stock award entitles employees to receive one
subordinate voting share at a purchase price of nil. Stock awards granted under
the plan vest over a four-year period, with 25% vesting on an annual basis
commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. According to the plan,
upon the involuntary termination of a member of the defined management team, all
outstanding restricted stock awards granted to such employees automatically
vest. The plan will expire on December 20, 2004.
The following table summarizes the restricted stock award activity since
December 2000:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
-----------------------------------------
2001 2002
------------------ -------------------
Outstanding - Beginning of year - 359,781
Granted 359,781 -
Exercised - (144,532)
------------------ -------------------
Outstanding - End of year 359,781 215,249
================== ===================
Exercisable - End of year - -
================== ===================
As of August 31, 2002, the weighted average remaining contractual life of
the outstanding restricted stock awards was 2.3 years.
F-22
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS PLAN
On August 4, 2001, the company established a stock appreciation rights plan for
certain of its employees. Under that plan, eligible employees are entitled to
receive a cash amount equivalent to the difference between the market price of
the common shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price determined on
the date of grant. Stock appreciation rights granted under the plan generally
expire ten years from the date of grant. Stock appreciation rights generally
vest over a four-year period, with 25% vesting on an annual basis commencing on
the first anniversary of the date of grant.
Considering the market price of the common shares of US$2.13 as at August 31,
2002, no compensation expense has been recorded in 2002 under that plan.
The following table summarizes the stock appreciation rights activity since
August 2001:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2002
------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
NUMBER EXERCISE PRICE NUMBER EXERCISE PRICE
Outstanding - Beginning of year - $ - 22,400 $ 30
Granted 22,400 30 1,000 12
Forfeited - - (13,400) (31)
---------------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------------
Outstanding - End of year 22,400 $ 30 10,000 $ 26
================ ==================== ================= ===================
Exercisable - End of year - $ - 2,250 $ 27
================ ==================== ================= ===================
The following table summarizes information about stock appreciation rights
as at August 31, 2002:
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
OUTSTANDING AS AT EXERCISABLE AS AT
AUGUST 31, 2002 AUGUST 31, 2002
------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
REMAINING REMAINING
EXERCISE PRICE NUMBER CONTRACTUAL LIFE NUMBER CONTRACTUAL LIFE
$12.22 1,000 3.3 years - -
$19.19 to $22.25 6,500 2.3 years 1,625 2.3 years
$45.94 2,500 2.1 years 625 2.1 years
---------------- -------------------- ----------------- --------------------
10,000 2.3 years 2,250 2.2 years
================ ==================== ================= ====================
F-23
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
14 OTHER DISCLOSURES
NET RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
Net research and development expenses comprise the following:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Gross research and development expenses $ 9,374 $ 17,601 $ 17,005
Research and development tax credits (2,436) (3,369) (3,890)
Government grants (536) (631) (333)
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
$ 6,402 $ 13,601 $ 12,782
================= ================ =================
OTHER GRANTS AND TAX CREDITS
During 1998, the company entered into an agreement with the Quebec Minister of
Industry, Commerce, Science and Technology (the "Minister"). Pursuant to this
agreement, the Minister agreed to contribute, in the form of grants, up to a
maximum of Cdn$600,000 (US$385,000) toward interest costs incurred over the
period from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2002. In addition, the
Minister agreed to provide grants up to a maximum of Cdn$2,220,000
(US$1,424,000) over the period from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2002,
payable based on the number of full-time jobs created during the period.
The above grants are subject to the condition that the company maintains its
Canadian principal place of business within the Province of Quebec until at
least December 31, 2002 and that jobs created pursuant to the agreement be
maintained for a period of at least five years from the date of creation. Should
these conditions not be met by the company, the Minister may enforce various
recourse options, which include suspension or cancellation of the agreement or
requiring the repayment of amounts received by the company. During the period
from January 1, 1998 to August 31, 2002, the company recognized a total of
Cdn$2,820,000 (US$1,809,000) under this program, of which Cdn$1,801,000
(US$1,155,000) have been credited to earnings with the balance of Cdn$1,019,000
(US$654,000) having been included in deferred grants in the balance sheet.
Furthermore, in 1999, the company entered into another agreement with the
Minister. Pursuant to this agreement, the Minister agreed to provide grants over
the period from February 1998 to June 2002, payable based on the number of jobs
created and certain specific training expenses related to such jobs. The above
grant is subject to the condition that the new employees continue to participate
in the specific training program for a period of at least ten consecutive
months. Should this condition not be met by the company, the Minister may
enforce various recourse, which include suspension or cancellation of the
agreement or requiring the repayment of amounts received by the company. Since
1998, the company has recognized a total of Cdn$2,965,000 (US$1,902,000) under
this program, which has been credited to earnings.
Should any repayments of amounts received pursuant to these agreements be
required, such repayments will be charged to earnings as the amounts of any
repayments become known.
F-24
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
Finally, since 2000, companies operating in the Quebec City area are eligible
for a refundable tax credit granted by the Province of Quebec government. This
credit is earned on the increase of production and marketing salaries incurred
in the Quebec City area at a rate of 40%. Since 2000, the company has recognized
a total of Cdn$3,911,000 (US$2,509,000) under this program, which has been
credited to earnings.
The reduction in the company's work force described in note 4 had no effect on
amounts already recognized in the statements of earnings under these programs.
Following is a summary of the classification of these and certain other grants
and tax credits (government grants) in the statements of earnings.
Interest income for the years ended August 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, is net of
related government grants of $196,000, $15,000 and nil, respectively.
Cost of sales for the years ended August 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, is net of
government grants of $915,000, $1,742,000 and $546,000, respectively.
Selling and administrative expenses for the years ended August 31, 2000, 2001
and 2002, are net of government grants of $386,000, $260,000 and $213,000,
respectively.
Research and development expenses for the years ended August 31, 2000, 2001 and
2002, are net of government grants of $536,000, $631,000 and $333,000,
respectively.
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS
The company maintains separate defined contribution plans for certain eligible
employees. These plans, which are accounted for on an accrual basis, are
summarized as follows:
o Deferred profit-sharing plan
The company maintains a plan for certain eligible Canadian resident
employees, under which the company may elect to contribute an amount
equal to 1% of an employee's gross salary, provided that the employee
has contributed at least 2% of gross salary to a tax-deferred
registered retirement savings plan. Since June 2002, the company has
suspended its contributions to the plan as part of its cost-reduction
efforts. Contributions to this plan during the years ended August 31,
2000, 2001 and 2002, amounted to Cdn$202,000 (US$137,000),
Cdn$407,000 (US$266,000) and Cdn$136,000 (US$88,000), respectively.
o 401K plan
The company maintains a 401K plan for eligible U.S. resident
employees. Under this plan, the company may elect to contribute an
amount of up to 50% of the first 6% of an employee's
current compensation, subject to certain legislated maximum
contribution limits. During the years ended August 31, 2000, 2001 and
2002, the company recorded contributions totaling $23,000, $285,000 and
$317,000, respectively.
F-25
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
15 INCOME TAXES
The reconciliation of the income tax provision calculated using the combined
Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rate to the provision for
income taxes per the financial statements is as follows:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
------------------ --------------- ----------------
Income taxes at combined Canadian federal and provincial $ 5,897 $ 8,855 $ (26,563)
statutory tax rate (38% in 2000, 37% in 2001 and 36%
in 2002)
Increase (decrease) due to:
Manufacturing and processing deduction (645) (1,201) 525
Non-taxable income - (144) (143)
Non-deductible expenses 57 274 334
Higher rate on interest income 133 480 -
Lower rate on foreign exchange gain - (283) -
Difference between combined Canadian federal and provincial
statutory tax rate and foreign subsidiaries statutory tax
rates - 60 (1,101)
Reduction of Canadian federal statutory tax rate - - 168
Effect of consolidation of subsidiaries - (276) 1,325
Tax deductions - (136) (518)
Other (144) 159 522
Change in valuation allowance - 362 -
----------------- --------------- ----------------
$ 5,298 $ 8,150 $ (25,451)
================= =============== ================
The provision for income taxes consist of the following:
Current
Canadian $ 5,227 $ 8,416 $ (10,816)
United States 61 1,305 (1,232)
Other 43 208 (6)
----------------- --------------- ----------------
5,331 9,929 (12,054)
Future
Canadian (16) 940 (4,475)
United States (17) (2,719) (8,694)
Other - - (228)
----------------- --------------- ----------------
(33) (1,779) (13,397)
----------------- --------------- ----------------
$ 5,298 $ 8,150 $ (25,451)
================= =============== ================
Details of the company's income taxes:
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and amortization and
write-down of goodwill
Canadian $ 15,317 $ 28,202 $ (47,431)
United States 115 (5,356) (28,228)
Other 87 1,086 1,874
----------------- --------------- ----------------
$ 15,519 $ 23,932 $ (73,785)
================= =============== =================
F-26
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
Significant components of the company's future income tax assets and liabilities
are as follows:
AS AT AUGUST 31,
-----------------------------------------
2001 2002
------------------ ------------------
Future income tax assets
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets $ 107 $ 3,725
Provisions and accruals 1,208 1,339
Government grants 247 206
Deferred revenue 198 -
Share issue expenses 3,128 1,069
Restructuring charges 930 715
Research and development expenses 86 1,178
Losses carried forward 272 6,904
Other 39 7
------------------ ------------------
6,215 15,143
Valuation allowance (362) (359)
------------------ ------------------
$ 5,853 $ 14,784
================== ==================
Future income tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets $ (8,640) $ (4,566)
Research and development tax credits (680) (150)
Provisions and accruals - (66)
Government grants (310) -
------------------ ------------------
(9,630) (4,782)
------------------ ------------------
Future income tax assets (liabilities), net $ (3,777) $ 10,002
================== ==================
As at August 31, 2002, a company's subsidiary has accumulated losses for income
tax purposes of approximately $896,000 and research and development expenses of
approximately $955,000 at the provincial level for which a valuation allowance
of $359,000 has been established. These losses can be carried forward against
the subsidiary's future years' taxable income until 2008. These accumulated
research and development expenses can be carried forward indefinitely against
the subsidiary's future years' provincial taxable income.
F-27
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
16 SEGMENT INFORMATION
Management has organized the company under one operating segment, being the
development, manufacturing and marketing of fiber-optic test, measurement,
monitoring and automation solutions. This operating segment is composed of
Portable and Monitoring products and the Industrial and Scientific products.
Product sales are detailed as follows:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Portable and Monitoring products $ 49,075 $ 69,399 $ 38,887
Industrial and Scientific products 22,564 76,614 29,443
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
$ 71,639 $ 146,013 $ 68,330
================= ================= =================
Sales to external customers by geographic region are detailed as follows:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
United States $ 36,139 $ 72,604 $ 35,129
Canada 8,006 12,531 3,971
Europe 14,503 30,568 9,539
Asia 6,486 19,059 12,971
South America 2,221 5,838 2,581
Other 4,284 5,413 4,139
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
$ 71,639 $ 146,013 $ 68,330
================= ================= =================
Sales have been allocated to geographic regions based on the country of
residence of the related customers. During 2002, the company derived 10.2% of
its sales ($6,965,000) from one customer. The three most significant customers
represented 15.4% of sales for that same year. During 2000 and 2001, there were
no customers from which 10% or more of total sales were derived.
Long-lived assets by geographic region are detailed as follows:
AS AT AUGUST 31,
-----------------------------------------
2001 2002
------------------ ------------------
United States $ 171,450 $ 16,141
Canada 119,932 44,145
------------------ ------------------
$ 291,382 $ 60,286
================== ==================
Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets
and goodwill.
F-28
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
17 EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following table summarizes the reconciliation of the basic weighted average
number of shares outstanding and the diluted weighted average number of shares
outstanding used in the diluted earnings per share calculations:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Basic weighted average number of shares
outstanding (000's) 39,951 53,014 60,666
Conversion of preferred shares Series I 26 - -
Stock options 109 231 31
Restricted stock awards - 250 269
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Diluted weighted average number of shares
outstanding (000's) 40,086 53,495 60,966
================= ================= =================
Stock options excluded from the calculation of
diluted earnings per share because the
exercise price was greater than the average
market price of the common shares (000's) - 953 2,734
================= ================= =================
The diluted loss per share for the years ended August 31, 2001 and 2002, was the
same as the basic loss per share since the dilutive effect of stock options and
restricted stock awards was not included in the calculation; otherwise, the
effect would be anti-dilutive. Accordingly, diluted loss per share for those
years was calculated using the basic weighted average number of shares
outstanding.
18 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
Short-term investments consist of the following:
AS AT AUGUST 31,
-----------------------------------------
2001 2002
------------------ ------------------
Commercial paper denominated in Canadian dollars, bearing interest at 52,000 40,553
annual rates of 4.35% to 4.60% in 2001 and 2.61% to 2.93% in 2002,
maturing on different dates between September 2001 and November
2001 in 2001 and September 2002 and November 2002 in 2002 $ $
Mutual fund denominated in Canadian dollars 14,861 -
------------------ ------------------
$ 66,861 $ 40,553
================== ==================
F-29
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
FAIR VALUE
Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued
liabilities and long-term debt are financial instruments whose fair values
approximate their carrying values.
The fair value of short-term investments, determined based on market value,
amounted to $66,861,000 and $40,553,000 as at August 31, 2001 and 2002,
respectively.
CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments which potentially subject the company to credit risk
consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments,
accounts receivable and forward exchange contracts. The company's short-term
investments consist of debt instruments issued by high-credit quality
corporations. The company's cash and cash equivalents and forward exchange
contracts are held with or issued by high-credit quality financial institutions;
therefore, the company considers the risk of non-performance on these
instruments to be remote.
Due to the geographic distribution of the company's customers, there is no
particular concentration of credit risk. Generally, the company does not require
collateral or other security from customers for trade accounts receivable;
however, credit is extended to customers following an evaluation of
creditworthiness. In addition, the company performs ongoing credit reviews of
all its customers and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
when accounts are determined to be uncollectible. Allowance for doubtful
accounts amounted to $893,000 and $520,000 as at August 31, 2001 and 2002,
respectively.
INTEREST RATE RISK
As at August 31, 2002, the company's exposure to interest rate risk is
summarized as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents Non-interest bearing
Short-term investments As described above
Accounts receivable Non-interest bearing
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Non-interest bearing
Long-term debt As described in note 10
F-30
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
The company is exposed to currency risks as a result of its export sales of
products manufactured in Canada, substantially all of which are denominated in
US dollars. These risks are partially hedged by forward exchange contracts and
certain operating expenses. As at August 31, 2001 and 2002, the company held
contracts to sell US dollars at various forward rates, which are summarized as
follows:
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
CONTRACTUAL CONTRACTUAL
AMOUNTS FORWARD RATES
---------------- ---------------
As at August 31, 2001
September 2001 to August 2002 $ 15,200 1.4969
September 2002 to February 2003 1,800 1.5184
As at August 31, 2002
September 2002 to August 2003 $ 6,400 1.5464
September 2003 to June 2004 2,200 1.5679
As at August 31, 2001 and 2002, these contracts generated deferred unrealized
losses of US$533,000 and US$39,000, respectively, which have not been reflected
in the statements of earnings.
19 UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
As a registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United
States, the company is required to reconcile its financial results for
significant differences between generally accepted accounting principles as
applied in Canada (Canadian GAAP) and those applied in the United States (U.S.
GAAP). Additional significant disclosures required under U.S. GAAP have also
been provided in the accompanying financial statements and notes. The following
summarizes the significant differences between Canadian and U.S. GAAP and other
required disclosures under U.S. GAAP not already provided in the accompanying
financial statements.
F-31
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS (LOSS) TO CONFORM WITH U.S. GAAP
The following summary sets out the significant differences betwen the company's
reported net earnings (loss) and net earnings (loss) per share under Canadian
GAAP and as compared to U.S. GAAP:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net earnings (loss) for the year in accordance with
Canadian GAAP $ 9,924 $ (15,294) $ (308,524)
Non-cash stock-based compensation costs related to stock
option plan a) (1,464) (954) 49
Non-cash stock-based compensation costs related to stock
purchase plan a) (538) (477) (661)
Non-cash stock-based compensation costs related to
restricted stock award plan a) - (3,481) (3,038)
Unrealized gains on forward exchange contracts c) - 97 444
Future income taxes on forward exchange contracts c) - 20 (212)
Future income taxes on acquired in-process research and
development d) - (936) (444)
Amortization of intangible assets e) - - 239
Future income taxes on amortization of intangible assets e) - - (80)
Amortization of goodwill d), e) - (8,453) (9,263)
Write-down of goodwill and intangible assets e) - - (62,557)
Future income taxes on write-down of intangible assets e) - - (1,154)
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net earnings (loss) for the year in accordance with U.S.
GAAP 7,922 (29,478) (385,201)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments b) 1,555 (9,888) (521)
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities,
net of related future income taxes f) 37 - -
Reclassification of holding gains on available-for-sale
securities included in net earnings (loss), net of
related future income taxes f) (36) (37) -
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 9,478 $ (39,403) $ (385,722)
================= ================= =================
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share in
accordance with U.S. GAAP g) $ 0.20 $ (0.56) $ (6.35)
F-32
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
As a result of the aforementioned adjustments to net earnings (loss),
significant differences with respect to shareholders' equity under U.S. GAAP are
as follows:
SHARE CAPITAL
AS AT AUGUST 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Share capital in accordance with Canadian GAAP $ 198,459 $ 429,995 $ 489,611
Stock-based compensation costs related to stock
purchase plan a), h)
Current year 2,647 (150) (64)
Cumulative effect of prior years 45 2,692 2,542
Reclassification from other capital upon exercise of
restricted stock awards - - 3,270
Shares issued upon business combinations d) - 65,584 65,584
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Share capital in accordance with U.S. GAAP $ 201,151 $ 498,121 $ 560,943
================= ================ =================
DEFERRED STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION COSTS
AS AT AUGUST 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Deferred stock-based compensation costs in accordance -
with Canadian GAAP $ - $ - $
Stock-based compensation costs related to stock-based
compensation plans a), h)
Current year (21,396) (8,145) -
Cumulative effect of prior years (35) (19,429) (7,968)
Amortization for the year 2,002 4,912 4,698
Reduction of stock-based compensation costs - 14,694 403
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Deferred stock-based compensation costs in accordance
with U.S. GAAP $ (19,429) $ (7,968) $ (2,867)
================= ================ =================
F-33
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
OTHER CAPITAL
AS AT AUGUST 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Other capital in accordance with Canadian GAAP $ - $ - $ -
Stock-based compensation costs related to stock-based
compensation plans a), h)
Current year 18,749 8,145 -
Cumulative effect of prior years - 18,749 12,350
Reduction of stock-based compensation costs - (14,544) (1,387)
Reclassification to share capital upon exercise of
restricted stock awards - - (3,270)
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Other capital in accordance with U.S. GAAP $ 18,749 $ 12,350 $ 7,693
================= ================ =================
F-34
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)
AS AT AUGUST 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Retained earnings (deficit) in accordance with
Canadian GAAP $ 6,980 $ (8,314) $ (316,838)
Stock-based compensation costs related to stock-based
compensation plans a)
Current year (2,002) (4,912) (3,650)
Cumulative effect of prior years (10) (2,012) (6,924)
Unrealized gains on forward exchange contracts, net
of related future income taxes c)
Current year - 117 232
Cumulative effect of prior years - - 117
Future income taxes on acquired in-process research
and development d)
Current year - (936) (444)
Cumulative effect of prior years - - (936)
Write-down of goodwill and intangible assets e)
Current year - - (62,557)
Future income taxes on write-down of intangible assetse)
Current year - - (1,154)
Amortization of intangible assets e)
Current year - - 239
Future income taxes on amortization of intangible
assets e)
Current year - - (80)
Amortization of goodwill d), e)
Current year - (8,453) (9,263)
Cumulative effect of prior years - - (8,453)
Change in reporting currency b)
Cumulative effect of prior years 1,016 1,016 1,016
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Retained earnings (deficit) in accordance with
U.S. GAAP $ 5,984 $ (23,494) $ (408,695)
================= ================ =================
F-35
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Foreign currency translation adjustments b)
Balance - Beginning of year $ (1,016) $ 539 $ (9,349)
Change during the year 1,555 (9,888) (521)
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Balance - End of year 539 (9,349) (9,870)
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale
securities, net of future income taxes f)
Balance - Beginning of year 36 37 -
Unrealized gains arising during the year, net
of related future income taxes 37 - -
Reclassification adjustment for amounts
included in net earnings (loss), net of
related future income taxes (36) (37) -
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Balance - End of year 37 - -
----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ 576 $ (9,349) $ (9,870)
================= ================ =================
F-36
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
BALANCE SHEETS
The following table summarizes the significant differences in balance sheet
items between Canadian GAAP and U.S. GAAP:
AS AT AUGUST 31, 2001 AS AT AUGUST 31, 2002
--------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
AS REPORTED U.S. GAAP AS REPORTED U.S. GAAP
Intangible assets e)
Cost $ 55,044 $ 55,044 $ 37,927 $ 30,301
Accumulated amortization (9,974) (9,974) (21,463) (17,030)
------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------
$ 45,070 $ 45,070 $ 16,464 $ 13,271
------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------
Goodwill d), e)
Cost $ 250,497 $ 315,547 $ 87,025 $ 92,747
Accumulated amortization (31,325) (39,762) (69,449) (87,251)
------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------
$ 219,172 $ 275,785 $ 17,576 $ 5,496
================== ==================== ==================== ===================
Shareholders' equity
Share capital a), d), $ 429,995 $ 498,121 $ 489,611 $ 560,943
h)
Contributed surplus 1,457 1,457 1,487 1,487
Cumulative translation
adjustment b) (8,333) - (8,854) -
Deferred stock-based
compensation costs a), h) - (7,968) - (2,867)
Other capital a) - 12,350 - 7,693
Deficit a), b), (8,314) (23,494) (316,838) (408,695)
c), d),
e)
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss b), f) - (9,349) - (9,870)
------------------ -------------------- -------------------- -------------------
$ 414,805 $ 471,117 $ 165,406 $ 148,691
================== ==================== ==================== ===================
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the years ended August 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, there are no significant
differences between the statements of cash flows under Canadian GAAP as compared
to U.S. GAAP.
RECONCILIATION ITEMS
a) ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
To conform with U.S. GAAP, the company measures stock-based compensation costs
using the intrinsic value method (APB 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees").
F-37
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Under APB 25, compensation cost related to the stock purchase plan is measured
as the difference between the fair value of the purchased stock and the purchase
price paid by plan participants. Compensation cost is amortized to expense over
a period of five years, being the restriction period. This plan terminated at
the time of the Initial Public Offering on June 29, 2000.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
In accordance with APB 25, the company's stock option plan was considered to be
a variable plan until October 10, 2000. As a result of the amendment to the
stock option plan described in note 13, the performance criterion was removed
and the number of shares to be issued under the plan was fixed and the company
recorded, in 2001, a net reduction of the compensation cost and deferred
compensation cost previously recognized of $467,000 and $14,544,000,
respectively. Compensation cost under this plan is measured as the difference
between the fair value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and the
exercise price of the option. Compensation cost is amortized to expense over the
estimated vesting period up to a maximum of four years.
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD PLAN
Under APB 25, compensation cost related to the restricted stock award plan is
measured as the difference between the fair value of the underlying stock at the
date of grant and the exercise price, which is nil. Compensation cost is
amortized to expense over the estimated vesting period up to a maximum of four
years, being the acquisition period.
Under Canadian GAAP, no compensation cost is recognized for these stock-based
compensation plans.
b) CHANGE IN REPORTING CURRENCY
On September 1, 1999, the company adopted the US dollar as its reporting
currency. Under U.S. GAAP, the financial statements, including prior years, are
translated according to the current rate method. Under Canadian GAAP, at the
time of change in reporting currency, the historical financial statements are
presented using a translation of convenience.
Under Canadian GAAP, the statement of earnings for the year ended August 31,
1999, was translated into US dollars using an exchange rate of US$1.00 =
Cdn$1.4958. Under U.S. GAAP, revenues and expenses would be translated at
exchange rates prevailing at the respective transaction dates. Average exchange
rate for the year ended August 31, 1999, was US$1.00 = Cdn$1.5068. The exchange
rate as at August 31, 1999, was US$1.00 = Cdn$1.4958.
As a result, a permanent difference of $1,016,000 has been created on September
1, 1999, affecting the cumulative translation adjustment and the retained
earnings under both Canadian GAAP and U.S. GAAP.
F-38
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
c) FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
On September 1, 2000, the company prospectively adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities" (SFAS 133) and its amendments (SFAS 138), which require all
derivatives to be carried on the balance sheet at fair value. The forward
exchange contracts used by the company have not qualified for hedging accounting
treatment during the years ended August 31, 2001 and 2002; accordingly, changes
in the fair value of the derivatives have been charged to earnings during these
years.
Under Canadian GAAP, the company's forward exchange contracts held for the
purpose of hedging anticipated sales qualified for hedge accounting and any
unrealized gains or losses were deferred and recognized in the statement of
earnings upon settlement of the related transactions.
d) BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Under Canadian GAAP, until June 30, 2001, the value of shares issued upon a
business combination was determined based on the market price of the shares over
a reasonable period of time before and after the date of acquisition while under
U.S. GAAP, the value of shares was determined based on the market price of the
shares over a reasonable period of time before and after the companies have
reached an agreement on the purchase price, the significant terms of the
agreement are known and the proposed transaction is announced.
Consequently, the measurement dates of the acquisitions of EXFO Burleigh and
EXFO Photonic Solutions for U.S. GAAP purposes occurred on December 14, 2000 and
on March 6, 2001, respectively, the dates on which all significant terms of the
agreements were known. The average market price of the shares a few days before
and after those dates was $31.09 and $25.84, respectively. Considering the
number of shares issued upon those acquisitions, the total consideration for
U.S. GAAP purposes amounts to $244,198,000 ($189,270,000 under Canadian GAAP)
for EXFO Burleigh and $120,802,000 ($110,146,000 under Canadian GAAP) for EXFO
Photonic Solutions, thus increasing share capital and goodwill under U.S. GAAP.
However, since July 1, 2001, the shares issued upon a business combination are
valued under Canadian GAAP using the same method as used under U.S. GAAP.
Furthermore, under U.S. GAAP, in-process research and development acquired in a
business combination is written off at the time of acquisition and no future
income taxes are recognized on this asset in the purchase price allocation
process. Under Canadian GAAP, in-process research and development acquired in a
business combination is capitalized and amortized over its estimated useful
life. Future income taxes are recognized on the acquisition date on that asset
in the purchase price allocation process. As at August 31, 2001 and 2002,
in-process research and development recorded under Canadian GAAP was fully
amortized.
e) WRITE-DOWN OF GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Under U.S. GAAP, when assets being tested for recoverability were acquired in
business combinations accounted for by the purchase method, the goodwill that
arose in that transaction shall be included as part of the assets grouping in
determining recoverability. The intangible
F-39
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
assets tested for recoverability in 2002 were acquired in business combinations
accounted for using the purchase method and, consequently, the company allocated
goodwill to those assets on a pro rata basis using the relative fair values of
the long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired as determined
at the date of acquisition. The carrying value of goodwill identified with the
impaired intangible assets was written down before any reduction was made to the
impaired intangible assets. Intangible assets were then written down to their
fair value.
The fair value of intangible assets was determined based on discounted future
cash flows. The cash flows periods used were ten and eleven years, using annual
growth rates ranging between 10% and 30% and discount rates between 15% and 18%.
The assumptions supporting discounted cash flows, including the cash flow
periods, the annual growth rates and the discount rates, reflect management's
best estimates. The discount rates were based upon the company's weighted
average cost of capital as adjusted for the risks associated with operations.
The unallocated portion of goodwill was tested for recoverability at the
subsidiaries' level based on the related pre-tax undiscounted future cash flows
using the same assumptions and methodology as used for Canadian GAAP purposes.
Under U.S. GAAP, the company recorded a charge of $281,278,000 to write down a
significant portion of goodwill and a pre-tax charge of $27,105,000 to write
down a significant portion of acquired core technology. Of the total charge of
$308,383,000, $170,079,000 relates to EXFO Burleigh, $83,637,000 relates to EXFO
Photonic Solutions and $54,667,000 relates to EXFO Protocol.
Under Canadian GAAP, no allocation of goodwill is required and each asset is
tested for recoverability separately based on its pre-tax undiscounted cash
flows over its expected period of use.
Also, under Canadian GAAP, the impairment loss for intangible assets is measured
as the difference between the carrying value and the pre-tax undiscounted future
cash flows.
Finally, under U.S. GAAP, the carrying value of goodwill reviewed for impairment
was $46,380,000 higher than the carrying value of the same goodwill tested under
Canadian GAAP because the measurement dates used to account for the business
combinations were different between Canadian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as explained in
item d).
f) SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
Under U.S. GAAP, the short-term investments would be classified as
"available-for-sale" securities. Consequently, these securities would be carried
at fair value, with any unrealized holding gains or losses at each balance sheet
date being reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) on a net-of-tax basis.
Under Canadian GAAP, short-term investments are carried at the lower of cost and
market value and cost is composed of acquisition cost plus amortization of
discount or less amortization of premium.
F-40
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
g) EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Under U.S. GAAP, the presentation of per share figures for earnings (loss)
before amortization and write-down of goodwill is not permitted. In addition,
under U.S. GAAP, amortization and write down of goodwill would be included in
the computation of earnings from operations.
h) SHARE CAPITAL
Under Canadian GAAP, restricted shares reacquired from employees under the stock
purchase plan are treated as arm's length repurchases of shares whereas under
U.S. GAAP, the reacquisition of shares would be accounted for as a forfeiture by
the employee, resulting in any difference between the amount originally credited
to share capital and the remaining deferred compensation cost being credited to
compensation expense in the current period. The subsequent resale of the shares
would be treated as an issuance of shares for the proceeds received.
i) NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS 141
"Business Combinations" and SFAS 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets".
SFAS 141 requires business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, or
business combinations accounted for by the purchase method with a date of
acquisition after June 30, 2001, to be accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting. SFAS 141 also broadens criteria for recording intangible assets
separately from goodwill. Upon the adoption of SFAS 142, recorded goodwill and
intangible assets will be evaluated against those new criteria and may result in
certain intangible assets being reclassified into goodwill or, alternatively,
amounts initially recorded as goodwill being separately identified and
recognized apart from goodwill as intangible assets. SFAS 142 requires the use
of a non-amortization approach to account for purchased goodwill and
indefinite-lived intangibles.
Under transitional provisions of SFAS 142, the company did not amortize the
goodwill resulting from the acquisition of EXFO Protocol Inc., for which the
acquisition date was November 2, 2001.
The company adopted SFAS 142 prospectively on September 1, 2002. Upon the
adoption of this new section, goodwill recorded prior to July 1, 2001, is no
longer subject to amortization. Also, under the transitional provisions of the
SFAS 142, the company performed an initial impairment test to identify goodwill
impairment using a fair value-based method. Under SFAS 142, a goodwill
impairment exists when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair
value. For the purposes of the impairment test, the company allocated its
existing goodwill to its reporting units and completed an evaluation of the fair
value of such reporting units. Based on the comparison of the fair value of the
reporting units to their carrying value, goodwill of the reporting units was not
considered impaired.
Goodwill will also be tested for impairment on an annual basis or more
frequently if events or circumstances occur that more likely than not reduce the
fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Any impairment loss
arising from this test will be charged to earnings in the period in which it is
incurred.
F-41
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 143 "Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligation", which is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15,
2002. This standard requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset
retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a
reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The company will adopt this new
standard prospectively on September 1, 2002 and its adoption will not have a
significant impact on the company's financial statements.
In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 144 "Accounting for Impairment or Disposal
of Long-Lived Assets", which supersedes SFAS 121 and the provisions of APB 30,
"Reporting the Results of Operations - Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a
Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring
Events and Transactions" with regard to reporting the effects of a disposal of a
segment of a business. SFAS 144 retains many of the provisions of SFAS 121, but
significantly changes the criteria that would have to be met to classify an
asset as held for disposal such that long-lived assets to be disposed of other
than by sale are considered held and used until disposed of. In addition, SFAS
144 retains the basic provisions of APB 30 for presentation of discontinued
operations in the statement of earnings but broadens that presentation to a
component of an entity. This new standard is effective for fiscal years
beginning on or after December 15, 2001. The company will adopt this new
standard prospectively on September 1, 2002, and its adoption will not have a
significant impact on the company's financial statements.
In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 145 "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44
and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 and Technical Corrections". This new
standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after May 15, 2002, or
for transactions occurring after May 15, 2002 related to SFAS 13, paragraph 8
and 9 (c). This statement rescinds SFAS 4 "Reporting Gains and Losses from
Extinguishment of Debt" and an amendment of that Statement, SFAS 64
"Extinguishments of Debt Made to Satisfy Sinking-Funds Requirements". This
Statement also rescinds SFAS 44 "Accounting for Intangible Assets of Motor
Carriers". This Statement amends SFAS 13 "Accounting for Leases" to eliminate an
inconsistency between the required accounting for sale-leaseback transactions.
This Statement also amends other existing authoritative pronouncements to make
various technical corrections, clarify meanings, or describe their applicability
under changed conditions. The company will adopt this new standard prospectively
on September 1, 2002, and its adoption will not have a significant impact on the
company's financial statements.
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 146 "Accounting for Costs Associated with
Exit or Disposal Activities". This Statement addresses financial accounting and
reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies
EITF No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition of Certain Employee Termination Benefits
and Other Costs to Exit an Activity". This Statement improves financial
reporting by requiring that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or
disposal activity be recognized and measured initially at fair value only when
the liability is incurred. This Statement specifies that a liability for a cost
associated with an exit or disposal activity is incurred when the definition of
a liability in SFAS 6 is met. This Statement is effective for exit or disposal
activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The company will adopt
this new standard prospectively on January 1, 2003, and has not yet assessed the
impact of its adoption.
F-42
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA INFORMATION ON BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Under U.S. GAAP, pro forma information must be provided as though the business
combinations had occurred at the beginning of the reported periods.
The following unaudited pro forma information reflects the results of operations
as if the 2002 acquisition had been completed on September 1, 2001 and 2000; the
2001 acquisitions had been completed on September 1, 2000.
Such information is not necessarily indicative of the actual results which would
have been achieved, nor is it necessarily indicative of future consolidated
results of the company.
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
--------------------------
2001 2002
----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
Sales $ 166,083 $ 683,371
Net loss $ (63,203) $ (385,870)
Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (1.03) $ (6.29)
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Under U.S. GAAP, the company has elected to measure compensation costs related
to grants of stock options and stock awards using the intrinsic value method of
accounting. In this instance, however, under SFAS 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation", the company is required to make pro forma disclosures
of net earnings (loss), basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share as if
the fair value-based method of accounting had been applied.
The fair value of options or awards granted was estimated using the
Black-Scholes options pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
--------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
-------------- ---------------- ----------
Risk-free interest rate 6.04% 5.36% 4.50%
Expected volatility 75% 75% 80%
Dividend yield Nil Nil Nil
Weighted average expected life 32 months 33 months 40 months
The Black-Scholes options valuation model was developed for use in estimating
the fair value of traded options and awards which have no vesting restrictions,
and are fully transferable. In addition, option and award valuation models
require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock
price volatility. Because the company's employee stock options and stock awards
have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and
awards, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially
affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do
not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its
employee stock options and stock awards.
F-43
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
If the fair value-based method had been used to account for stock-based
compensation costs related to stock options and stock awards issued to
employees, the net earnings (loss) and related net earnings (loss) per share
figures under U.S. GAAP would be as follows:
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
---------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Pro forma net earnings (loss) for the year $ 8,939 $ (39,109) $ (390,831)
Pro forma basic and diluted net earnings
(loss) per share $ 0.22 $ (0.74) $ (6.44)
The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation costs for options
outstanding based on the fair value-based method:
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION COSTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED
AUGUST 31,
--------------------------------------------------
2000 2001 2002
--------------- --------------- -------------
EXERCISE PRICE
$2.59 $ - $ - $ 1
$5.65 - - 54
$9.13 to $12.69 - - 2,631
$19.19 to $27.80 447 6,636 1,815
$34.07 to $45.94 - 2,902 1,076
$56.75 - 1,047 4
--------------- --------------- -------------
$ 447 $ 10,585 $ 5,581
=============== =============== =============
These options will generate aggregate stock-based compensation costs of
$26,589,000 over their vesting periods. As at August 31, 2002, the deferred
stock-based compensation costs amount to $9,976,000 and will be charged to
expense over the next four years. For the years ended August 31, 2000, 2001 and
2002, the weighted average fair value of options amounted to $15.07, $14.64 and
$9.19, respectively.
As of August 31, 2002, none of the vested options has been exercised. As of
August 31, 2002, the market price of the company's common shares was $2.13.
20 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On September 3, 2002, EXFO acquired a building from a company owned by the
President of the company for a cash consideration of $930,000. This transaction
was measured at the exchange amount since it was not in the normal course of
operations, the change in ownership interest in the building was substantive and
the exchange amount was supported by independent evidence.
F-44
EXFO ELECTRO-OPTICAL ENGINEERING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in thousands of US dollars,
except share and per share data and as otherwise noted)
On September 5, 2002, the company entered into an agreement to acquire
substantially all the assets of gnubi communications, L.P., a U.S. company which
supplies multi-channel telecom and datacom testing solutions for optical
transport equipment manufacturers and research and development laboratories.
This acquisition is expected to be settled for a total consideration ranging
between $4,300,000 and $7,200,000. The consideration paid will consist of
$1,800,000 in cash, $2,500,000 by the issuance of subordinate voting shares and
a cash contingent consideration based on sales volume for 2003. This acquisition
will be accounted for using the purchase method. This acquisition is expected to
be closed in the first quarter of 2003.
F-45
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
NUMBER EXHIBIT
------ -------
1.1 Amended Articles of Incorporation of EXFO (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form
F-1, File No. 333-38956).
1.2 Amended By-laws of EXFO.
1.3 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of EXFO
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.3 of EXFO's annual
report on Form 20-F dated January 18, 2001).
2.1 Form of Subordinate Voting Share Certificate (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form
F-1, File No. 333-38956).
2.2 Form of Registration Rights Agreement between EXFO and Germain
Lamonde dated July 6, 2000 ) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.13 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1,
File No. 333-38956).
3.1 Form of Trust Agreement among EXFO, Germain Lamonde, GEXFO
Investissements Technologiques inc., Fiducie Germain Lamonde and G.
Lamonde Investissements Financiers inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.2 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File
No. 333-38956).
4.1 Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of
November 4, 2000, by and among EXFO, EXFO Sub, Inc., EXFO Burleigh
Instruments, Inc., Robert G. Klimasewki, William G. May, Jr., David
J. Farrell and William S. Gornall (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F dated January 18,
2001)
4.2 Amendment No. 1 to Agreement of Merger and Plan of Agreement, dated
as of December 20, 2000, by and among EXFO, EXFO Sub, Inc., EXFO
Burleigh Instruments, Inc., Robert G. Klimasewski, William G. May,
Jr., David J. Farrell and William S. Gornall (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F dated
January 18, 2001).
4.3 Agreement of Merger, dated as of August 20, 2001, by and among
EXFO, Buyer Sub, and Avantas Networks Corporation and
Shareholders of Avantas Networks corporation (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.3 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F
dated January 18, 2002).
4.4 Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 1, 2002 to Agreement of
Merger, dated as of August 20, 2001, by and among EXFO,
3905268 Canada Inc., Avantas Networks Corporation and
Shareholders of Avantas Networks (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.4 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F dated January
18, 2002).
4.5 Offer to purchase shares of Nortech Fibronic Inc., dated
February 6, 2000 among EXFO, Claude Adrien Noel, 9086-9314
Quebec inc., Michel Bedard, Christine Bergeron and Societe en
Commandite Capidem Quebec Enr. and Certificate of Closing,
dated February 7, 2000 among the same parties (including
summary in English) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.6 Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2001, among
EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering, Inc., John Kennedy, Glenn
Harvey and EFOS Corporation (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-3, File
No. 333-65122).
4.7 Amendment Number One, dated as of March 15, 2001, to Share
Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2001, among EXFO
Electro-Optical Engineering, Inc., John Kennedy, Glenn Harvey
and EFOS Corporation. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.2 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-3, File No.
333-65122).
4.8 Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2001 between
JDS Uniphase Inc. and 3905268 Canada Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.8 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F
dated January 18, 2002).
4.9 Intellectual Property Assignment and Sale Agreement between EFOS
Inc., EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering, Inc., John Kennedy, Glenn
Harvey and EFOS Corporation. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.3 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-3, File No.
333-65122).
4.10 Offer to acquire a building, dated February 23, 2000, between EXFO
and Groupe Mirabau inc. and as accepted by Groupe Mirabau inc. on
February 24, 2000 (including summary in English) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form
F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.11 Lease Agreement, dated December 1, 1996, between EXFO and GEXFO
Investissements Technologiques inc., as assigned to 9080-9823
Quebec inc. on September 1, 1999 (including summary in English)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of EXFO's Registration
Statement on Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.12 Lease Agreement, dated March 1, 1996, between EXFO and GEXFO
Investissements Technologiques inc., as assigned to 9080-9823
Quebec inc. on September 1, 1999 (including summary in English)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit10.5 of EXFO's Registration
Statement on Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.13 Lease renewal of the existing leases between 9080-9823 Quebec
inc. and EXFO, dated November 30, 2001(incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.13 of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F
dated January 18, 2002).
4.14 Loan Agreement between EXFO and GEXFO Investissements
Technologiques inc., dated May 11, 1993, as assigned to
9080-9823 Quebec inc. on September 1, 1999 (including summary
in English) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of
EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.15 Resolution of the board of directors of EXFO, dated September
1, 1999, authorizing EXFO to acquire GEXFO Distribution
Internationale inc. from GEXFO Investissements Technologiques
inc. (including summary in English) (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.10 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1,
File No. 333-38956).
4.16 Form of Promissory Note of EXFO issued to GEXFO
Investissements Technologiques inc. dated June 27, 2000 )
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of EXFO's
Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.17 Credit Agreement, dated July 6, 1995, among EXFO, National
Bank of Canada and Banque Nationale de Paris(Canada), as
amended on December 22, 1999 and on March 28, 2000 (including
summary in English) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.18 Term Loan Offer, dated March 28, 2000, among EXFO and National
Bank of Canada as accepted by EXFO on April 3, 2000 (including
summary in English) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.11 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.19 Sale Agreement, dated September 1, 1999, between EXFO and
GEXFO Investissements Technologiques inc. (including summary
in English) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of
EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.20 Purchase Agreement to acquire a building dated June 7, 2000,
between EXFO and Groupe Mirabau inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.16 of EXFO's Registration Statement on
Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.21 Employment Agreement of Germain Lamonde dated May 29, 2000
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of EXFO's
Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.22 Employment Agreement of Bruce Bonini dated as of September 1,
2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.24 of EXFO's
annual report on Form 20-F dated January 18, 2002).
4.23 Employment Agreement of Juan-Felipe Gonzalez dated as of
September 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.25
of EXFO's annual report on Form 20-F dated January 18, 2002).
4.24 Employment Agreement of David J. Farrell dated as of December
20, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.26 of EXFO's
annual report on Form 20-F dated January 18, 2002).
4.25 Deferred Profit Sharing Plan, dated September 1, 1998 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of EXFO's Registration Statement on
Form F-1, File No. 333-38956).
4.26 Stock Option Plan, dated May 25, 2000 (incorporated by Reference to
Exhibit 10.7 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.27 Share Plan, dated April 3, 2000 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.8 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.28 Directors' Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.17 of EXFO's Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No.
333-38956).
4.29 Restricted Stock Award Plan, dated December 20, 2000
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 of EXFO's annual
report on Form 20-F dated January 18, 2001).
4.30 Asset Purchase Agreement by and Among EXFO Electro-Optical
Engineering Inc., EXFO Gnubi Products Group Inc., gnubi
communications, L.P., gnubi communications General Partner,
LLC, gnubi communications Limited Partner, LLC, gnubi
communications, Inc., Voting Trust created by The Irrevocable
Voting Trust Agreement Among Carol Abraham Bolton, Paul
Abraham and James Ray Stevens, James Ray Stevens and Daniel J.
Ernst dated September 5, 2002.
4.31 EXFO Protocol Inc. Executive Employment Agreement with Sami Yazdi
signed November 2, 2001.
4.32 First Amending Agreement to the Employment Agreement of Bruce
Bonini dated as of September 1, 2001.
8.1 Subsidiaries of EXFO (list included in Item 4C of this annual
report).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I. ...............................................................2
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors..........2
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable........................2
Item 3. Key Information................................................2
Item 4. Information on the Company....................................19
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects..................40
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees....................61
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.............76
Item 8. Financial Information.........................................78
Item 9. The Offer and Listing.........................................80
Item 10. Additional Information........................................80
Item 11. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Risk...........90
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities........91
PART II. ..............................................................91
Item 13. Defaults, Dividends Arrearages and Delinquencies..............91
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders
and Use of Proceeds.......................................91
Item 15. [Reserved]....................................................91
Item 16. [Reserved]....................................................91
PART III. ..............................................................91
Item 17. Financial Statements..........................................92
Item 18. Financial Statements..........................................92
Item 19. Exhibits......................................................93