Edgar Filing: WATERS CORP /DE/

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Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended July 2, 2016

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

For the transition period from to .

Commission File Number: 01-14010

Waters Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

13-3668640

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

34 Maple Street

Milford, Massachusetts 01757

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

(508) 478-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes ¨ No

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of July 29, 2016: 80,573,959

WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

INDEX


		Page
PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015		1
	Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015		2
	Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015		3
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three and six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015		4
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015		5
	Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)		6
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		21
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		29
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		29

PART II	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		30
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		30
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		30
Item 6.	Exhibits		31
	Signature		32

WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

(unaudited)


	July 2, 2016			December 31, 2015
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	463,382		$	487,665
Investments		2,136,404			1,911,598
Accounts receivable, less allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $8,187 and $7,496 at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively		445,953			468,315
Inventories		286,447			263,415
Other current assets		73,750			82,540

Total current assets		3,405,936			3,213,533
Property, plant and equipment, net		330,235			333,355
Intangible assets, net		217,393			218,022
Goodwill		352,987			356,864
Other assets		141,522			146,903

Total assets	$	4,448,073		$	4,268,677


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable and debt	$	125,260		$	175,309
Accounts payable		66,115			70,573
Accrued employee compensation		35,585			54,653
Deferred revenue and customer advances		190,904			141,505
Accrued income taxes		7,296			14,894
Accrued warranty		12,927			13,349
Other current liabilities		84,517			93,793

Total current liabilities		522,604			564,076
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt		1,631,698			1,493,027
Long-term portion of retirement benefits		70,761			77,063
Long-term income tax liabilities		12,298			14,884
Other long-term liabilities		61,368			60,776

Total long-term liabilities		1,776,125			1,645,750

Total liabilities		2,298,729			2,209,826

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5, 6 and 10)

Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015		—			—
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 400,000 shares authorized, 158,098 and 157,677 shares issued, 80,537 and 81,472 shares outstanding at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively		1,581			1,577
Additional paid-in capital		1,541,157			1,490,342
Retained earnings		5,085,835			4,863,566
Treasury stock, at cost, 77,561 and 76,205 shares at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively		(4,322,300	)		(4,149,908	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(156,929	)		(146,726	)

Total stockholders’ equity		2,149,344			2,058,851

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,448,073		$	4,268,677

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

WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended
	July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015

Product sales	$	359,687		$	332,036
Service sales		176,873			162,704

Total net sales		536,560			494,740

Cost of product sales		144,814			138,201
Cost of service sales		75,565			70,506

Total cost of sales		220,379			208,707

Gross profit		316,181			286,033

Selling and administrative expenses		129,581			122,660

Research and development expenses		32,578			30,555

Purchased intangibles amortization		2,411			2,500

Operating income		151,611			130,318

Interest expense		(10,983	)		(9,046	)

Interest income		4,827			2,500

Income from operations before income taxes		145,455			123,772

Provision for income taxes		17,238			18,115

Net income	$	128,217		$	105,657


Net income per basic common share	$	1.59		$	1.28

Weighted-average number of basic common shares		80,804			82,564

Net income per diluted common share	$	1.57		$	1.27

Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents		81,455			83,332

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

WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

(unaudited)


	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015

Product sales	$	667,544		$	634,909
Service sales		344,262			320,235

Total net sales		1,011,806			955,144

Cost of product sales		274,072			260,154
Cost of service sales		147,458			137,799

Total cost of sales		421,530			397,953

Gross profit		590,276			557,191

Selling and administrative expenses		258,932			242,411

Research and development expenses		62,016			59,506

Purchased intangibles amortization		5,055			4,974

Operating income		264,273			250,300

Interest expense		(21,102	)		(18,021	)

Interest income		8,914			4,840

Income from operations before income taxes		252,085			237,119

Provision for income taxes		29,816			35,401

Net income	$	222,269		$	201,718


Net income per basic common share	$	2.74		$	2.44

Weighted-average number of basic common shares		81,043			82,798

Net income per diluted common share	$	2.72		$	2.41

Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents		81,663			83,551

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

WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN THOUSANDS)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015			July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015

Net income	$	128,217		$	105,657		$	222,269		$	201,718

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

Foreign currency translation		(31,485	)		21,957			(15,434	)		(42,391	)

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments before income taxes		1,881			(2,184	)		5,170			583
Income tax (expense) benefit		(76	)		87			(169	)		(29	)

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax		1,805			(2,097	)		5,001			554

Retirement liability adjustment before reclassifications		501			(555	)		(499	)		1,581
Amounts reclassified to selling and administrative expenses		810			921			1,620			1,842

Retirement liability adjustment before income taxes		1,311			366			1,121			3,423
Income tax expense		(613	)		(123	)		(891	)		(1,154	)

Retirement liability adjustment, net of tax		698			243			230			2,269

Other comprehensive (loss) income		(28,982	)		20,103			(10,203	)		(39,568	)

Comprehensive income	$	99,235		$	125,760		$	212,066		$	162,150

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

WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN THOUSANDS)

(unaudited)


	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	222,269		$	201,718
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation		24,237			16,610
Deferred income taxes		637			542
Depreciation		26,055			22,766
Amortization of intangibles		22,022			22,372
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Decrease in accounts receivable		32,318			15,842
Increase in inventories		(25,003	)		(27,678	)
Decrease (increase) in other current assets		2,812			(9,596	)
Increase in other assets		(3,517	)		(9,397	)
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities		(41,100	)		(22,287	)
Increase in deferred revenue and customer advances		46,801			43,352
Increase in other liabilities		9,374			13,305

Net cash provided by operating activities		316,905			267,549
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant, equipment and software capitalization		(49,696	)		(45,293	)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		—			(9,408	)
Purchases of investments		(1,205,035	)		(1,328,292	)
Maturities and sales of investments		987,060			1,118,485

Net cash used in investing activities		(267,671	)		(264,508	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt issuances		400,177			195,073
Payments on debt		(310,239	)		(100,019	)
Payments of debt issuance costs		(1,705	)		(2,309	)
Proceeds from stock plans		23,272			24,777
Purchases of treasury shares		(172,392	)		(170,958	)
Excess tax benefit related to stock option plans		3,517			5,689
Payments for derivative contracts		(7,531	)		(805	)

Net cash used in financing activities		(64,901	)		(48,552	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(8,616	)		(10,791	)

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(24,283	)		(56,302	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		487,665			422,177

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	463,382		$	365,875

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

WATERS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

1 Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Waters Corporation (“Waters^®” or the “Company”) is an analytical instrument manufacturer that primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services high performance liquid chromatography (“HPLC”), ultra performance liquid chromatography (“UPLC^®” and together with HPLC, referred to as “LC”) and mass spectrometry (“MS”) technology systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products and comprehensive post-warranty service plans. These systems are complementary products that are frequently employed together (“LC-MS”) and sold as integrated instrument systems using a common software platform. LC is a standard technique and is utilized in a broad range of industries to detect, identify, monitor and measure the chemical, physical and biological composition of materials, and to purify a full range of compounds. MS instruments are used in drug discovery and development, including clinical trial testing, the analysis of proteins in disease processes (known as “proteomics”), nutritional safety analysis and environmental testing. LC-MS instruments combine a liquid phase sample introduction and separation system with mass spectrometric compound identification and quantification. In addition, the Company designs, manufactures, sells and services thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments through its TA^® product line. These instruments are used in predicting the suitability and stability of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, water, polymers, metals and viscous liquids for various industrial, consumer goods and healthcare products, as well as for pharmaceutical research. The Company is also a developer and supplier of software-based products that interface with the Company’s instruments, as well as other suppliers’ instruments, and are typically purchased by customers as part of the instrument system.

The Company’s interim fiscal quarter typically ends on the thirteenth Saturday of each quarter. Since the Company’s fiscal year end is December 31, the first and fourth fiscal quarters may have more or less than thirteen complete weeks. The Company’s second fiscal quarters for 2016 and 2015 ended on July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015, respectively.

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, which are wholly owned. All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities at the dates of the financial statements. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

It is management’s opinion that the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (which are normal and recurring) that are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2016.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

For most of the Company’s foreign operations, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The functional currency of each of the Company’s foreign operating subsidiaries is the local currency of that particular country, except for the Company’s subsidiaries in Hong Kong, Singapore and the Cayman Islands, where the underlying transactional cash flows are denominated in currencies other than the respective local currency of domicile. The functional currency of the Hong Kong, Singapore and Cayman Islands subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar, based on the respective entity’s cash flows.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments, with original maturities of 90 days or less, while investments with longer maturities are classified as investments. The Company maintains cash balances in various operating accounts in excess of federally insured limits, and in foreign subsidiary accounts in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. As of July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $2,559 million out of $2,600 million and $2,346 million out of

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

$2,399 million, respectively, of the Company’s total cash, cash equivalents and investments were held by foreign subsidiaries and may be subject to material tax effects on distribution to U.S. legal entities. In addition, $252 million out of $2,600 million and $248 million out of $2,399 million of cash, cash equivalents and investments were held in currencies other than the U.S. dollar at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with the accounting standards for fair value measurements and disclosures, certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize observable data, such as quoted prices in active markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The following table represents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 2, 2016 (in thousands):


	Total at July 2, 2016		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
U.S. Treasury securities	$	585,448	$	—	$	585,448	$	—
Foreign government securities		18,024		—		18,024		—
Corporate debt securities		1,454,719		—		1,454,719		—
Time deposits		166,152		—		166,152		—
Equity securities		147		—		147		—
Other cash equivalents		11,000		—		11,000		—
Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets		30,031		—		30,031		—
Foreign currency exchange contracts		174		—		174		—

Total	$	2,265,695	$	—	$	2,265,695	$	—


Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	$	4,608	$	—	$	—	$	4,608
Foreign currency exchange contracts		952		—		952		—

Total	$	5,560	$	—	$	952	$	4,608

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

The following table represents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 (in thousands):


	Total at December 31, 2015		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
U.S. Treasury securities	$	627,156	$	—	$	627,156	$	—
Foreign government securities		15,199		—		15,199		—
Corporate debt securities		1,324,318		—		1,324,318		—
Time deposits		74,947		—		74,947		—
Equity securities		147		—		147		—
Other cash equivalents		27,000		—		27,000		—
Waters 401(k) Restoration Plan assets		35,823		—		35,823		—
Foreign currency exchange contracts		616		—		616		—

Total	$	2,105,206	$	—	$	2,105,206	$	—


Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	$	4,215	$	—	$	—	$	4,215
Foreign currency exchange contracts		402		—		402		—

Total	$	4,617	$	—	$	402	$	4,215

The fair values of the Company’s cash equivalents, investments, 401(k) restoration plan assets and foreign currency exchange contracts are determined through market and observable sources and have been classified as Level 2. These assets and liabilities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, typically utilizing third-party pricing services. The pricing services use many inputs to determine value, including reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, current spot rates and other industry and economic events. The Company validates the prices provided by third-party pricing services by reviewing their pricing methods and obtaining market values from other pricing sources. After completing these validation procedures, the Company did not adjust or override any fair value measurements provided by third-party pricing services as of July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Fair Value of Contingent Consideration

The fair value of the Company’s liability for contingent consideration relates to the July 2014 acquisition of Medimass Research, Development and Service Kft. and is determined using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model, which uses significant unobservable inputs, and has been classified as Level 3. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability are recorded in the results of operations. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability associated with future earnout payments is based on several factors, including the estimated future results and a discount rate that reflects both the likelihood of achieving the estimated future results and the Company’s creditworthiness. A change in any of these unobservable inputs can significantly change the fair value of the contingent consideration. Although there is no contractual limit, the fair value of future contingent consideration payments was estimated to be $5 million and $4 million at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, based on the Company’s best estimate, as the earnout is based on future sales of certain products through 2034. There have been no changes in significant assumptions since December 31, 2015 and the change in fair value since then is primarily due to change in time value of money.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The Company’s cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and variable interest rate debt are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. The carrying value of the Company’s fixed interest rate debt was $610 million and $450 million at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s fixed interest rate debt was estimated using discounted cash flow models, based on estimated current rates offered for similar debt under current market conditions for the Company. The fair value of the Company’s fixed interest rate debt was estimated to be $623 million and $454 million at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, using Level 2 inputs.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

Derivative Transactions

The Company is a global company that operates in over 35 countries and, as a result, the Company’s net sales, cost of sales, operating expenses and balance sheet amounts are significantly impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company is exposed to currency price risk on foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations when it translates its non-U.S. dollar foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements into U.S. dollars, and when any of the Company’s subsidiaries purchase or sell products or services in a currency other than its own currency.

The Company’s principal strategy in managing exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates is to naturally hedge the foreign-currency-denominated liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet against corresponding assets of the same currency, such that any changes in liabilities due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates are typically offset by corresponding changes in assets.

The Company does not specifically enter into any derivatives that hedge foreign-currency-denominated assets, liabilities or commitments on its balance sheet, other than a portion of certain third-party accounts receivable and accounts payable, and the Company’s net worldwide intercompany receivables and payables, which are eliminated in consolidation. The Company periodically aggregates its net worldwide balances by currency and then enters into foreign currency exchange contracts that mature within 90 days to hedge a portion of the remaining balance to minimize some of the Company’s currency price risk exposure. The foreign currency exchange contracts are not designated for hedge accounting treatment.

Principal hedged currencies include the Euro, Japanese yen, British pound and Brazilian real. At July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company held foreign exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling $128 million and $116 million, respectively.

The Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts included in the consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands):


	July 2, 2016		December 31, 2015
Other current assets	$	174	$	616
Other current liabilities	$	952	$	402

The following is a summary of the activity in the statements of operations related to the foreign exchange contracts (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015			July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015
Realized (losses) gains on closed contracts	$	(5,637	)	$	2,542		$	(7,531	)	$	(805	)
Unrealized (losses) gains on open contracts		(963	)		(280	)		(992	)		62

Cumulative net pre-tax (losses) gains	$	(6,600	)	$	2,262		$	(8,523	)	$	(743	)

Stockholders’ Equity

In May 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $750 million of its outstanding common stock over a three-year period. The Company repurchased 1.3 million shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock during both the six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015 at a cost of $166 million and $165 million, respectively, under the May 2014 authorization and other previously announced programs. The Company has a total of $275 million authorized for future repurchases under the May 2014 plan. In addition, the Company repurchased $6 million of common stock related to the vesting of restricted stock units during both the six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015. The Company believes that it has the financial flexibility to fund these share repurchases given current cash levels and debt borrowing capacity, as well as to invest in research, technology and business acquisitions to further grow the Company’s sales and profits.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

Product Warranty Costs

The Company accrues estimated product warranty costs at the time of sale, which are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of its component suppliers, the Company’s warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. The amount of the accrued warranty liability is based on historical information, such as past experience, product failure rates, number of units repaired and estimated costs of material and labor. The liability is reviewed for reasonableness at least quarterly.

The following is a summary of the activity of the Company’s accrued warranty liability for the six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015 (in thousands):


	Balance at Beginning of Period		Accruals for Warranties		Settlements Made			Balance at End of Period
Accrued warranty liability:
July 2, 2016	$	13,349	$	4,297	$	(4,719	)	$	12,927
July 4, 2015	$	13,266	$	3,744	$	(3,971	)	$	13,039

2 Marketable Securities

The Company’s marketable securities within cash equivalents and investments included in the consolidated balance sheets are detailed as follows (in thousands):


	July 2, 2016
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gain		Loss			Value
U.S. Treasury securities	$	584,156	$	1,293	$	(1	)	$	585,448
Foreign government securities		17,999		25		—			18,024
Corporate debt securities		1,453,165		1,934		(380	)		1,454,719
Time deposits		166,152		—		—			166,152
Equity securities		77		70		—			147

Total	$	2,221,549	$	3,322	$	(381	)	$	2,224,490


Amounts included in:
Cash equivalents	$	88,085	$	1	$	—		$	88,086
Investments		2,133,464		3,321		(381	)		2,136,404

Total	$	2,221,549	$	3,322	$	(381	)	$	2,224,490


	December 31, 2015
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gain		Loss			Value
U.S. Treasury securities	$	628,358	$	16	$	(1,218	)	$	627,156
Foreign government securities		15,216		—		(17	)		15,199
Corporate debt securities		1,325,398		159		(1,239	)		1,324,318
Time deposits		74,947		—		—			74,947
Equity securities		77		70		—			147

Total	$	2,043,996	$	245	$	(2,474	)	$	2,041,767


Amounts included in:
Cash equivalents	$	130,169	$	—	$	—		$	130,169
Investments		1,913,827		245		(2,474	)		1,911,598

Total	$	2,043,996	$	245	$	(2,474	)	$	2,041,767

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

The estimated fair value of marketable debt securities by maturity date is as follows (in thousands):


	July 2, 2016		December 31, 2015
Due in one year or less	$	1,251,708	$	1,137,825
Due after one year through three years		806,483		828,848

Total	$	2,058,191	$	1,966,673

3 Inventories

Inventories are classified as follows (in thousands):


	July 2, 2016		December 31, 2015
Raw materials	$	94,171	$	88,625
Work in progress		18,240		20,901
Finished goods		174,036		153,889

Total inventories	$	286,447	$	263,415

4 Goodwill and Other Intangibles

The carrying amount of goodwill was $353 million and $357 million at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. During the six months ended July 2, 2016, the effect of foreign currency translation decreased goodwill by $4 million.

The Company’s intangible assets included in the consolidated balance sheets are detailed as follows (in thousands):


	July 2, 2016						December 31, 2015
					Weighted-						Weighted-
	Gross				Average		Gross				Average
	Carrying		Accumulated		Amortization		Carrying		Accumulated		Amortization
	Amount		Amortization		Period		Amount		Amortization		Period
Capitalized software	$	359,378	$	221,241		6 years	$	335,949	$	204,267		7 years
Purchased intangibles		163,468		124,872		11 years		163,500		119,505		11 years
Trademarks and IPR&D		13,870		—				14,364		—
Licenses		4,948		3,927		6 years		5,396		4,046		6 years
Patents and other intangibles		60,209		34,440		8 years		58,519		31,888		8 years


Total	$	601,873	$	384,480		7 years	$	577,728	$	359,706		8 years

During the six months ended July 2, 2016, the effect of foreign currency translation increased the gross carrying value of intangible assets and accumulated amortization for intangible assets by $4 million and $2 million, respectively. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $11 million for both the three months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $22 million for both the six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015. Amortization expense for intangible assets is estimated to be approximately $44 million per year for each of the next five years.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

5 Debt

On May 12, 2016, the Company issued and sold the following senior unsecured notes:


Senior Unsecured Notes	Term	Interest Rate	Face Value (in millions)		Maturity Date
Series I	7 years	3.13%	$	50	May 2023
Series J	8 years	Floating Rate*	$	40	May 2024
Series K	10 years	3.44%	$	160	May 2026

*	Series J senior unsecured notes bear interest at 3 month LIBOR for that floating rate interest period plus 1.45%.

Of the $250 million of proceeds received from the issuance of the new senior unsecured notes, $225 million were used to repay outstanding portions of the revolving facilities. Interest on the Series I and K senior unsecured notes is payable semi-annually each year. Interest on Series J senior unsecured notes is payable quarterly. The Company may prepay all or some of the senior unsecured notes at any time in an amount not less than 10% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding, plus the applicable make-whole amount or prepayment premium for Series J senior unsecured notes. Other provisions for these senior unsecured notes are similar to the existing senior unsecured notes, as described below.

In June 2013, the Company entered into a credit agreement that provides for a $1.1 billion revolving facility and a $300 million term loan facility. In April 2015, Waters entered into an amendment to this agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”). The Amended Credit Agreement provides for an increase of the revolving commitments from $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion and extends the maturity of the original credit agreement from June 25, 2018 until April 23, 2020. The Company plans to use future proceeds from the revolving facility for general corporate purposes.

The interest rates applicable to the Amended Credit Agreement are, at the Company’s option, equal to either the alternate base rate calculated daily (which is a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus 1/2% per annum, or (c) the adjusted LIBO rate on such day (or if such day is not a business day, the immediately preceding business day) for a deposit in U.S. dollars with a maturity of one month plus 1% per annum) or the applicable 1, 2, 3 or 6 month adjusted LIBO rate, in each case, plus an interest rate margin based upon the Company’s leverage ratio, which can range between 0 to 12.5 basis points for alternate base rate loans and between 80 basis points and 117.5 basis points for adjusted LIBO rate loans. The facility fee on the Amended Credit Agreement ranges between 7.5 basis points and 20 basis points. The Amended Credit Agreement requires that the Company comply with an interest coverage ratio test of not less than 3.50:1 as of the end of any fiscal quarter for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters and a leverage ratio test of not more than 3.50:1 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. In addition, the Amended Credit Agreement includes negative covenants, affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default that are customary for investment grade credit facilities.

At July 2, 2016, $125 million of the outstanding portion of the revolving facility was classified as short-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet due to the fact that the Company expects to repay this portion of the borrowing under the revolving line of credit within the next twelve months. The remaining $635 million of the outstanding portion of the revolving facility was classified as long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, as this portion is not expected to be repaid within the next twelve months.

As of July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had a total of $700 million and $500 million of outstanding senior unsecured notes, respectively. Interest on the fixed rate senior unsecured notes is payable semi-annually each year. Interest on the floating rate senior unsecured notes is payable quarterly. The Company may prepay all or some of the senior unsecured notes at any time in an amount not less than 10% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding, plus the applicable make-whole amount or prepayment premium for Series H and J senior unsecured notes. In the event of a change in control of the Company (as defined in the note purchase agreement), the Company may be required to prepay the senior unsecured notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. These senior unsecured notes require that the Company comply with an interest coverage ratio test of not less than 3.50:1 for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters and a leverage ratio test of not more than 3.50:1 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. In addition, these senior unsecured notes include customary negative covenants, affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

The Company had the following outstanding debt at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):


	July 2, 2016			December 31, 2015
Foreign subsidiary lines of credit	$	260		$	322
Senior unsecured notes - Series C - 2.50%, due March 2016		—			50,000
Credit agreements		125,000			125,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs		—			(13	)

Total notes payable and debt		125,260			175,309


Senior unsecured notes - Series B - 5.00%, due February 2020		100,000			100,000
Senior unsecured notes - Series D - 3.22%, due March 2018		100,000			100,000
Senior unsecured notes - Series E - 3.97%, due March 2021		50,000			50,000
Senior unsecured notes - Series F - 3.40%, due June 2021		100,000			100,000
Senior unsecured notes - Series G - 3.92%, due June 2024		50,000			50,000
Senior unsecured notes - Series H - floating rate*, due June 2024		50,000			50,000
Senior unsecured notes - Series I - 3.13%, due May 2023		50,000			—
Senior unsecured notes - Series J - floating rate**, due May 2024		40,000			—
Senior unsecured notes - Series K - 3.44%, due May 2026		160,000			—
Credit agreements		935,000			1,045,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs		(3,302	)		(1,973	)

Total long-term debt		1,631,698			1,493,027

Total debt	$	1,756,958		$	1,668,336

*	Series H senior unsecured notes bear interest at a 3-month LIBOR for that floating rate interest period plus 1.25%.

**	Series J senior unsecured notes bear interest at a 3-month LIBOR for that floating rate interest period plus 1.45%.

As of July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had a total amount available to borrow under the existing credit agreements of $538 million and $428 million, respectively, after outstanding letters of credit. The weighted-average interest rates applicable to the senior unsecured notes and credit agreement borrowings collectively were 2.40% and 2.11% at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. As of July 2, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

The Company and its foreign subsidiaries also had available short-term lines of credit totaling $101 million and $97 million at July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, for the purpose of short-term borrowing and issuance of commercial guarantees. At July 2, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the weighted-average interest rates applicable to these short-term borrowings were 1.48% and 1.24%, respectively.

6 Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate was 11.9% and 14.6% for the three months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate was 11.8% and 14.9% for the six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rates for the three and six months ended July 2, 2016 as compared to the three and six months ended July 4, 2015 can be attributed to the release of a valuation allowance on

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

certain net operating loss carryforwards and to differences in the proportionate amounts of pre-tax income recognized in jurisdictions with different effective tax rates. The effective tax rate for the six months ended July 2, 2016 was also impacted by a tax benefit recorded in the first quarter of 2016 associated with modifications to certain stock compensation awards. In addition, the effective tax rate for the three and six months ended July 4, 2015 did not include the U.S. research and development tax credit as it was not enacted by the government or recognized by the Company until the fourth quarter of 2015.

The Company accounts for its uncertain tax return reporting positions in accordance with the accounting standards for income taxes, which require financial statement reporting of the expected future tax consequences of uncertain tax reporting positions on the presumption that all concerned tax authorities possess full knowledge of those tax reporting positions, as well as all of the pertinent facts and circumstances, but prohibit any discounting of unrecognized tax benefits associated with those reporting positions for the time value of money.

The following is a summary of the activity of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for the six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015 (in thousands):


	July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	14,450		$	19,596
Net changes in uncertain tax benefits		(2,563	)		57

Balance at the end of the period	$	11,887		$	19,653

With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to tax audit examinations in significant jurisdictions for the years ended on or before December 31, 2012. However, carryforward tax attributes that were generated in years beginning on or before January 1, 2013 may still be adjusted upon examination by tax authorities if the attributes are utilized. The Company continuously monitors the lapsing of statutes of limitations on potential tax assessments for related changes in the measurement of unrecognized tax benefits, related net interest and penalties, and deferred tax assets and liabilities. As of July 2, 2016, the Company expects to record additional reductions in the measurement of its unrecognized tax benefits and related net interest and penalties of approximately $5 million within the next twelve months due to potential tax audit settlements and the lapsing of statutes of limitations on potential tax assessments. The Company does not expect to record any other material reductions in the measurement of its unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

7 Stock-Based Compensation

The Company maintains various shareholder-approved, stock-based compensation plans which allow for the issuance of incentive or non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or other types of awards (e.g. restricted stock units).

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation costs in accordance with the accounting standards for stock-based compensation, which require that all share-based payments to employees be recognized in the statements of operations based on their grant date fair values. The Company recognizes the expense using the straight-line attribution method. The stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations is based on awards that ultimately are expected to vest; therefore, the amount of expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The stock-based compensation accounting standards require forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and the Company’s results of operations could be materially impacted. In addition, if the Company employs different assumptions in the application of these standards, the compensation expense that the Company records in the future periods may differ significantly from what the Company has recorded in the current period.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

The consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015 include the following stock-based compensation expense related to stock option awards, restricted stock, restricted stock unit awards and the employee stock purchase plan (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016		July 4, 2015		July 2, 2016		July 4, 2015
Cost of sales	$	656	$	648	$	1,327	$	1,322
Selling and administrative expenses		6,613		6,426		20,582		13,060
Research and development expenses		1,127		1,081		2,328		2,228

Total stock-based compensation	$	8,396	$	8,155	$	24,237	$	16,610

During the six months ended July 2, 2016, the Company recognized $7 million of stock compensation expense related to the modification of certain stock awards upon the retirement of senior executives.

Stock Options

In determining the fair value of the stock options, the Company makes a variety of assumptions and estimates, including volatility measures, expected yields and expected stock option lives. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company uses implied volatility on its publicly-traded options as the basis for its estimate of expected volatility. The Company believes that implied volatility is the most appropriate indicator of expected volatility because it is generally reflective of historical volatility and expectations of how future volatility will differ from historical volatility. The expected life assumption for grants is based on historical experience for the population of non-qualified stock option exercises. The risk-free interest rate is the yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term approximating the expected term used as the input to the Black-Scholes model. The relevant data used to determine the value of the stock options granted during the six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015 are as follows:


	Six Months Ended
Options Issued and Significant Assumptions Used to Estimate Option Fair Values	July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015
Options issued (in thousands)		86			37
Risk-free interest rate		1.5	%		1.7	%
Expected life in years		5			4
Expected volatility		0.286			0.262
Expected dividends		—			—

	Six Months Ended
Weighted-Average Exercise Price and Fair Value of Options on the Date of Grant	July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015
Exercise price	$	122.65		$	116.65
Fair value	$	34.63		$	28.17

The following table summarizes stock option activity for the plans for the six months ended July 2, 2016 (in thousands, except per share data):


	Number of Shares			Price per Share	Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2015		3,154		$38.09 to $134.37	$	96.73
Granted		86		$117.68 to $130.35	$	122.65
Exercised		(252	)	$41.20 to $113.36	$	79.21
Canceled		(50	)	$79.15 to $128.93	$	109.16

Outstanding at July 2, 2016		2,938		$38.09 to $134.37	$	98.78

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

Restricted Stock

During the six months ended July 2, 2016, the Company granted eight thousand shares of restricted stock. The fair value of these awards on the grant date was $130.35 per share.

Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes the unvested restricted stock unit award activity for the six months ended July 2, 2016 (in thousands, except for per share data):


	Shares			Weighted-Average Price
Unvested at December 31, 2015		497		$	104.16
Granted		136		$	117.75
Vested		(135	)	$	97.57
Forfeited		(9	)	$	112.25

Unvested at July 2, 2016		489		$	109.61

Restricted stock units are generally granted annually in February and vest in equal annual installments over a five-year period.

8 Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) calculations are detailed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):


	Three Months Ended July 2, 2016
	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted- Average Shares (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
Net income per basic common share	$	128,217		80,804	$	1.59
Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit securities		—		651		(0.02	)

Net income per diluted common share	$	128,217		81,455	$	1.57


	Three Months Ended July 4, 2015
	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted- Average Shares (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
Net income per basic common share	$	105,657		82,564	$	1.28
Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit securities		—		768		(0.01	)

Net income per diluted common share	$	105,657		83,332	$	1.27


	Six Months Ended July 2, 2016
	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted- Average Shares (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
Net income per basic common share	$	222,269		81,043	$	2.74
Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit securities		—		620		(0.02	)

Net income per diluted common share	$	222,269		81,663	$	2.72

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)


	Six Months Ended July 4, 2015
	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted- Average Shares (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
Net income per basic common share	$	201,718		82,798	$	2.44
Effect of dilutive stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit securities		—		753		(0.03	)

Net income per diluted common share	$	201,718		83,551	$	2.41

For the three and six months ended July 2, 2016, the Company had 0.8 million and 1.2 million stock options that were antidilutive, respectively, due to having higher exercise prices than the Company’s average stock price during the period. For the three and six months ended July 4, 2015, the Company had 0.5 million and 0.6 million stock options that were antidilutive, respectively. These securities were not included in the computation of diluted EPS. The effect of dilutive securities was calculated using the treasury stock method.

9 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income are detailed as follows (in thousands):


	Currency Translation			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Benefit Plans			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(103,570	)	$	(40,946	)	$	(2,210	)	$	(146,726	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax		(15,434	)		230			5,001			(10,203	)

Balance at July 2, 2016	$	(119,004	)	$	(40,716	)	$	2,791		$	(156,929	)

10 Retirement Plans

The Company sponsors various retirement plans. The summary of the components of net periodic pension costs for the plans for the three and six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015 is as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended
	July 2, 2016									July 4, 2015
	U.S. Pension Plans			U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan			Non-U.S. Pension Plans			U.S. Pension Plans			U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan			Non-U.S. Pension Plans
Service cost	$	94		$	116		$	1,250		$	—		$	262		$	1,337
Interest cost		1,745			135			429			1,513			118			402
Expected return on plan assets		(2,417	)		(130	)		(406	)		(2,318	)		(122	)		(410	)
Net amortization:
Prior service (credit) cost		—			—			(49	)		—			—			14
Net actuarial loss		667			—			192			679			—			273

Net periodic pension cost (benefit)	$	89		$	121		$	1,416		$	(126	)	$	258		$	1,616

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)


	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016									July 4, 2015
	U.S. Pension Plans			U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan			Non-U.S. Pension Plans			U.S. Pension Plans			U.S. Retiree Healthcare Plan			Non-U.S. Pension Plans
Service cost	$	188		$	232		$	2,468		$	—		$	524		$	2,674
Interest cost		3,490			270			850			3,026			236			804
Expected return on plan assets		(4,834	)		(260	)		(805	)		(4,636	)		(244	)		(820	)
Net amortization:
Prior service (credit) cost		—			—			(94	)		—			—			28
Net actuarial loss		1,334			—			380			1,358			—			546

Net periodic pension cost (benefit)	$	178		$	242		$	2,799		$	(252	)	$	516		$	3,232

During fiscal year 2016, the Company expects to contribute a total of approximately $5 million to $10 million to the Company’s defined benefit plans.

11 Business Segment Information

The Company’s business activities, for which discrete financial information is available, are regularly reviewed and evaluated by the chief operating decision maker. As a result of this evaluation, the Company determined that it has two operating segments: Waters and TA.

The Waters operating segment is primarily in the business of designing, manufacturing, distributing and servicing LC and MS instruments, columns and other chemistry consumables that can be integrated and used along with other analytical instruments. The TA operating segment is primarily in the business of designing, manufacturing, distributing and servicing thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments. The Company’s two operating segments have similar economic characteristics; product processes; products and services; types and classes of customers; methods of distribution and regulatory environments. Because of these similarities, the two segments have been aggregated into one reporting segment for financial statement purposes. Please refer to the consolidated financial statements for financial information regarding the one reportable segment of the Company.

Net sales for the Company’s products and services are as follows for the three and six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015 (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016		July 4, 2015		July 2, 2016		July 4, 2015
Product net sales:
Waters instrument systems	$	231,908	$	217,576	$	420,437	$	406,080
Chemistry		87,048		77,739		171,198		155,922
TA instrument systems		40,731		36,721		75,909		72,907

Total product sales		359,687		332,036		667,544		634,909


Service net sales:
Waters service		159,775		146,917		311,289		289,898
TA service		17,098		15,787		32,973		30,337

Total service sales		176,873		162,704		344,262		320,235


Total net sales	$	536,560	$	494,740	$	1,011,806	$	955,144

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

12 Recent Accounting Standard Changes and Developments

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, amended accounting guidance was issued regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The objective of this guidance is to significantly enhance comparability and clarify principles of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets. This guidance was originally effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016; however, the Financial Accounting Standards Board has amended the standard in August 2015 to delay the effective period date by one year to annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Adoption prior to December 15, 2016 is not permitted. In March 2016, the FASB clarified the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations and, in April 2016, clarification was made regarding certain aspects of identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, additional guidance was issued related to disclosure of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to guidance on collectibility, non-cash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes collected from customers. The Company is currently evaluating its adoption method and the potential impact that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In July 2015, accounting guidance was issued which clarifies the measurement of inventory. The new guidance requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In January 2016, accounting guidance was issued which primarily affects the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments, principally equity investments and certain financial liabilities. Under the new guidance, there will no longer be an available-for-sale classification for equity securities with readily determinable fair values. Changes to the fair value of equity investments will be recognized through earnings. Equity investments carried at cost should be adjusted for changes in observable prices, as applicable, and qualitatively assessed for impairment annually. Changes to the fair value of financial liabilities under the fair value option due to instrument specific credit risk will be recognized separately in other comprehensive income. The new guidance also requires financial assets and financial liabilities to be presented separately and grouped by measurement category in the notes to the financial statements. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption of certain provisions of this guidance is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In February 2016, accounting guidance was issued regarding the accounting for leases. This new comprehensive lease standard amends various aspects of existing accounting guidance for leases. The core principle of the new guidance will require lessees to present the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on their balance sheets. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2016, accounting guidance was issued which simplifies the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In June 2016, accounting guidance was issued that modifies the recognition of credit losses related to financial assets, such as debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance sheet credit exposures, and other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. Current guidance requires the recognition of a credit loss when it is considered probable that a loss event was incurred. The new guidance requires the measurement of expected credit losses to be based upon relevant information, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the asset. As such, expected credit losses may be recognized sooner under the new guidance due to the broader range of information that will be required to determine credit loss estimates. The new guidance also amends the current other-than-

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) – (Continued)

temporary impairment model used for debt securities classified as available-for-sale. When the fair value of an available-for-sale debt security is below its amortized cost, the new guidance requires the total unrealized loss to be bifurcated into its credit and non-credit components. Any expected credit losses or subsequent recoveries will be recognized in earnings and any changes not considered credit related will continue to be recognized within other comprehensive income. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

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

Business and Financial Overview

The Company has two operating segments: Waters^® and TA^®. Waters products and services primarily consist of high performance liquid chromatography (“HPLC”), ultra performance liquid chromatography (“UPLC^®” and together with HPLC, referred to as “LC”), mass spectrometry (“MS”) and chemistry consumable products and related services. TA products and services primarily consist of thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instrument systems and service sales. The Company’s products are used by pharmaceutical, biochemical, industrial, nutritional safety, environmental, academic and governmental customers. These customers use the Company’s products to detect, identify, monitor and measure the chemical, physical and biological composition of materials and to predict the suitability and stability of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, water, polymers, metals and viscous liquids in various industrial, consumer goods and healthcare products.

The Company’s operating results are as follows for the three and six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015 (in thousands, except per share data):


	Three Months Ended									Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015			*% Change*			July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015			*% Change*

Product sales	$	359,687		$	332,036			8	%	$	667,544		$	634,909			5	%
Service sales		176,873			162,704			9	%		344,262			320,235			8	%


Total net sales		536,560			494,740			8	%		1,011,806			955,144			6	%
Total cost of sales		220,379			208,707			6	%		421,530			397,953			6	%

Gross profit		316,181			286,033			11	%		590,276			557,191			6	%
Gross profit as a % of sales		58.9	%		57.8	%					58.3	%		58.3	%

Selling and administrative expenses		129,581			122,660			6	%		258,932			242,411			7	%
Research and development expenses		32,578			30,555			7	%		62,016			59,506			4	%
Purchased intangibles amortization		2,411			2,500			(4	%)		5,055			4,974			2	%

Operating income		151,611			130,318			16	%		264,273			250,300			6	%
Operating income as a % of sales		28.3	%		26.3	%					26.1	%		26.2	%

Interest expense, net		(6,156	)		(6,546	)		(6	%)		(12,188	)		(13,181	)		(8	%)

Income from operations before income taxes		145,455			123,772			18	%		252,085			237,119			6	%
Provision for income tax expense		17,238			18,115			(5	%)		29,816			35,401			(16	%)

Net income	$	128,217		$	105,657			21	%	$	222,269		$	201,718			10	%


Net income per diluted common share	$	1.57		$	1.27			24	%	$	2.72		$	2.41			13	%

Sales in the second quarter of 2016 grew 8% for the quarter and 6% year-to-date, with strong demand for the Company’s products and services coming from pharmaceutical, fine chemical and nutritional safety customers. Instrument system sales increased 7% and 4% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively, driven by the recently introduced ACQUITY^® Arc systems and TA Discovery DSC systems. Recurring revenues (combined sales of chemistry consumables and services) increased 10% and 8% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively, resulting from product introductions and a larger installed customer base. Recent acquisitions and foreign currency translation had a minimal impact on sales growth during the quarter. Year-to-date, recent acquisitions added 1% to sales and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1%.

During the second quarter of 2016, sales in Europe, China and Japan grew at a double-digit rate over the prior year quarter and sales in China and Japan grew at a double-digit rate as compared to the first half of 2015. The sales growth in Europe and China was broad-based across all product lines, while the increase in Japan’s sales growth is primarily attributable to the favorable effect of foreign currency translation. Sales in the rest of Asia during the

second quarter declined on lower sales to industrial customers and the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation. Sales in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2016 grew at a mid-single digit growth rate for both the quarter and year-to-date. Sales in the rest of the world also grew at a mid-single digit growth rate for the quarter, bringing these year-to-date sales flat with the first half of 2015.

For the second quarter of 2016, sales to pharmaceutical customers increased 12% and 10% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively, with double-digit sales growth in Europe, China, Japan and the rest of Asia for the quarter and in China and Japan year-to-date. Combined sales to industrial chemical, nutritional safety and environmental customers increased 8% and 3% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively. Europe and Japan drove the increase in sales to industrial chemical, nutritional safety and environmental customers with double-digit sales growth in both the quarter and year-to-date. Combined sales to governmental and academic customers decreased 4% and 3% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively, with sales decreases in the U.S., Europe and Japan offset by modest increases in China, the rest of Asia and the rest of the world.

The increase in gross profit for both the quarter and year-to-date was primarily a result of higher sales volumes. In addition, gross profit and gross profit margin percentage increased slightly in the quarter due to a favorable effect of foreign currency translation, particularly on sales in Japan and on operating costs at the Company’s manufacturing facility in the U.K. Based on current foreign currency exchange rates and forecasts, the Company estimates that the full year impact of foreign currency translation on gross profit will be slightly favorable as compared to the prior year.

Selling and administrative expenses increased 6% and 7% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively, primarily as a result of headcount additions and higher merit compensation. In addition, foreign currency translation reduced selling and administrative expenses by 1% and 2% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively. Year-to-date, selling and administrative expenses include $7 million of stock compensation expense incurred in the first quarter of 2016 related to the modification of certain stock awards upon the retirement of senior executives.

Research and development expenses increased 7% and 4% in the quarter and year-to-date, respectively, and were primarily a result of increased spending on new products and the development of new technology initiatives, which was somewhat offset by a 3% decrease in expenses for both the quarter and year-to-date due to a favorable effect of foreign currency translation, resulting from the weakening of the British pound against the U.S. dollar.

Net income per diluted share for both the quarter and year-to-date benefited from an increase in sales and fewer shares outstanding due to additional share repurchases. Foreign currency translation increased net income per diluted share by approximately $0.06 in the quarter and decreased net income per diluted share by approximately $0.02 year-to-date.

Year-to-date, net cash provided by operating activities was $317 million and $268 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The $49 million increase was primarily a result of higher sales volumes and the timing of payments to vendors and collection of receivables from customers. Within cash flows used in investing activities, capital expenditures related to property, plant, equipment and software capitalization were $50 million and $45 million for the first half of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Within cash flows used in financing activities, the Company issued and sold senior unsecured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $250 million on May 12, 2016. The proceeds from the issuance of these senior unsecured notes were used to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes. In addition, the Company received $23 million and $25 million of proceeds from stock plans in the first half of 2016 and 2015, respectively. Fluctuations in these amounts were primarily attributable to changes in the Company’s stock price. In May 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $750 million of its outstanding common stock over a three-year period. The Company repurchased $166 million and $165 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock in the first half of 2016 and 2015, respectively, under the May 2014 authorization and other previously announced programs. The Company believes that it has the financial flexibility to fund these share repurchases given current cash levels and debt borrowing capacity, as well as to invest in research, technology and business acquisitions to further grow the Company’s sales and profits.

Results of Operations

Sales by Geography

Geographic sales information is presented below for the three and six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015 (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016		July 4, 2015		*% change*			July 2, 2016		July 4, 2015		*% change*
Net Sales:
United States	$	168,377	$	159,696		5	%	$	317,331	$	306,071		4	%
Europe		143,317		127,414		12	%		268,349		251,815		7	%
Asia:
China		79,760		66,942		19	%		150,581		129,116		17	%
Japan		39,691		33,488		19	%		84,114		72,679		16	%
Asia Other		70,897		74,244		(5	%)		127,126		131,302		(3	%)

Total Asia		190,348		174,674		9	%		361,821		333,097		9	%
Other		34,518		32,956		5	%		64,305		64,161		—

Total net sales	$	536,560	$	494,740		8	%	$	1,011,806	$	955,144		6	%

The increase in sales in the U.S. for the quarter was driven by recurring revenues, while the year-to-date increase in sales was primarily driven by overall pharmaceutical customer demand. Sales growth in Europe and Japan was broad-based across all product lines and primarily related to pharmaceutical, industrial chemical, nutritional safety and environmental customers. The effect of foreign currency translation increased Japan’s sales by 16% and 10% in the quarter and year-to-date, respectively. China’s sales growth was broad-based across all product lines and customer classes. Sales declined in both the quarter and year-to-date in the rest of Asia as a result of lower sales to combined industrial chemical, nutritional safety and environmental customers and were negatively affected by foreign currency translation, which decreased sales by 8% and 9%, respectively. For the quarter, the increase in sales in the rest of the world was broad-based across all product lines and primarily related to non-pharmaceutical customers.

Waters Net Sales

Net sales for Waters products and services are as follows for the three and six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015 (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended
	July 2, 2016		% of Total			July 4, 2015		% of Total			*% change*
Waters instrument systems	$	231,908		48	%	$	217,576		49	%		7	%
Chemistry		87,048		19	%		77,739		18	%		12	%

Total Waters product sales		318,956		67	%		295,315		67	%		8	%
Waters service		159,775		33	%		146,917		33	%		9	%

Total Waters net sales	$	478,731		100	%	$	442,232		100	%		8	%


	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016		% of Total			July 4, 2015		% of Total			*% change*
Waters instrument systems	$	420,437		47	%	$	406,080		48	%		4	%
Chemistry		171,198		19	%		155,922		18	%		10	%

Total Waters product sales		591,635		66	%		562,002		66	%		5	%
Waters service		311,289		34	%		289,898		34	%		7	%

Total Waters net sales	$	902,924		100	%	$	851,900		100	%		6	%

Waters instrument system sales (LC and LC-MS) increased in the quarter and year-to-date, primarily due to stronger demand for instrument systems from pharmaceutical customers and sales from the recently introduced ACQUITY

Arc system. The increase in recurring revenues for both the quarter and year-to-date primarily resulted from a combination of a higher utilization rate of installed instrument systems and a higher base of installed instruments. The effect of foreign currency translation was neutral for Waters in the quarter and decreased sales for Waters by 1% year-to-date.

Waters sales increased 4% and 3% in the U.S. for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively. Europe sales increased 12% and 7% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively. Waters sales in China increased 21% and 17%, respectively. Waters Japan sales increased 17% and 14%, respectively, with foreign currency translation increasing sales by 16% and 10%, respectively. Waters sales in the rest of Asia decreased 4% and 2% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively, on lower sales to the combination of industrial chemical, nutritional safety and environmental customers, with the effect of foreign currency translation negatively impacting sales by 9% and 10%, respectively. Sales in the rest of the world increased 4% for the quarter and decreased 1% year-to-date.

TA Net Sales

Net sales for TA products and services are as follows for the three and six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015 (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended
	July 2, 2016		% of Total			July 4, 2015		% of Total			*% change*
TA instrument systems	$	40,731		70	%	$	36,721		70	%		11	%
TA service		17,098		30	%		15,787		30	%		8	%

Total TA net sales	$	57,829		100	%	$	52,508		100	%		10	%


	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016		% of Total			July 4, 2015		% of Total			*% change*
TA instrument systems	$	75,909		70	%	$	72,907		71	%		4	%
TA service		32,973		30	%		30,337		29	%		9	%

Total TA net sales	$	108,882		100	%	$	103,244		100	%		5	%

TA instrument system sales increased in the quarter and year-to-date as a result of increased demand for thermal product lines and additional sales from the recently launched Discovery DSC instrument system. TA service sales increased in the quarter and year-to-date due to sales of service plans and billings to a higher installed base of customers. The effect of foreign currency translation had a minimal impact on TA’s sales growth for the quarter and decreased TA’s total sales by 1% year-to-date. In addition, recent acquisitions added 3% to TA’s sales year-to-date.

Geographically, TA had strong sales growth in each region throughout the world in the second quarter, with the exception of Asia outside of China, India and Japan, which was negatively impacted by foreign currency translation. TA had double-digit sales growth in the U.S., Europe, India and Japan for the quarter and in India, China and Japan year-to-date.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased 11% and 6% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively, primarily as a result of higher sales volumes. In addition, gross profit and gross profit margin percentage increased slightly in the quarter due to a favorable effect of foreign currency translation, particularly on sales in Japan and on operating costs at the Company’s manufacturing facility in the U.K.

Gross profit as a percentage of sales is affected by many factors, including, but not limited to, foreign currency translation, product mix, price, product costs of instrument systems and amortization of software platforms. The Company expects that the impact of foreign currency translation will have a slightly positive effect on gross profit for the remainder of 2016, based on current exchange rates.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses increased 7% and 4% for the quarter and year-to-date, respectively, as an increase in the Company’s research and development initiatives in the U.K. were offset by a 3% decrease in expenses for both the quarter and year-to-date due to a favorable effect of foreign currency translation, resulting from the weakening of the British pound against the U.S. dollar.

Interest Expense, Net

The decrease in net interest expense for both the quarter and year-to-date was primarily attributable to higher income earned on increased cash, cash equivalents and investment balances.

Provision for Income Taxes

The four principal jurisdictions in which the Company manufactures are the U.S., Ireland, the United Kingdom and Singapore, where the marginal effective tax rates were approximately 37.5%, 12.5%, 20% and 0%, respectively, as of July 2, 2016. The Company has a contractual tax rate in Singapore of 0% through March 2021, based upon the achievement of certain contractual milestones, which the Company expects to continue to meet. The current statutory tax rate in Singapore is 17%. For the first half of 2016, the effect of applying the contractual tax rate in Singapore, as compared with applying the statutory tax rate, increased net income by $10 million and increased net income per diluted share by $0.12. The Company’s effective tax rate is influenced by many significant factors, including, but not limited to, the wide range of income tax rates in jurisdictions in which the Company operates; sales volumes and profit levels in each tax jurisdiction; changes in tax laws, tax rates and policies; the outcome of various ongoing tax audit examinations; and the impact of foreign currency transactions and translation. As a result of variability in these factors, the Company’s effective tax rates in the future may not be similar to the effective tax rates for the current or prior year.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the quarter was 11.9% and 14.6% for 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate year-to-date was 11.8% and 14.9% for 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rates for 2016 as compared to 2015 can be attributed to the release of a valuation allowance on certain net operating loss carryforwards and to differences in the proportionate amounts of pre-tax income recognized in jurisdictions with different effective tax rates. The year-to-date effective tax rate for 2016 was also impacted by a tax benefit recorded in the first quarter of 2016 associated with modifications to certain stock compensation awards. In addition, the 2015 effective tax rate for both the quarter and year-to-date did not include the U.S. research and development tax credit as it was not enacted by the government or recognized by the Company until the fourth quarter of 2015.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):


	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2016			July 4, 2015
Net income	$	222,269		$	201,718
Depreciation and amortization		48,077			45,138
Stock-based compensation		24,237			16,610
Deferred income taxes		637			542
Change in accounts receivable		32,318			15,842
Change in inventories		(25,003	)		(27,678	)
Change in accounts payable and other current liabilities		(41,100	)		(22,287	)
Change in deferred revenue and customer advances		46,801			43,352
Other changes		8,669			(5,688	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		316,905			267,549
Net cash used in investing activities		(267,671	)		(264,508	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(64,901	)		(48,552	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(8,616	)		(10,791	)

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	$	(24,283	)	$	(56,302	)

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $317 million and $268 million in the six months ended July 2, 2016 and July 4, 2015, respectively. The changes within net cash provided by operating activities in 2016 as compared to 2015 include the following significant changes in the sources and uses of net cash provided by operating activities, aside from the increase in net income:

•

The change in accounts receivable in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily attributable to timing of payments made by customers and timing of sales. Days-sales-outstanding increased to 76 days at July 2, 2016 from 75 days at July 4, 2015.

•

The change in inventory in both 2016 and 2015 is primarily attributable to anticipated annual increases in sales volumes.

•

The 2016 and 2015 change in accounts payable and other current liabilities was a result of timing of payments to vendors, as well as the annual payment of management incentive compensation.

•

Net cash provided from deferred revenue and customer advances in both 2016 and 2015 was a result of increases in service contracts as a higher installed base of customers renewed annual service contracts.

•

Other changes were attributable to variation in the timing of various provisions, expenditures, prepaid income taxes and accruals in other current assets, other assets and other liabilities.

Cash Used in Investing Activities

Year-to-date, net cash used in investing activities totaled $268 million and $265 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Additions to fixed assets and capitalized software were $50 million and $45 million year-to-date in 2016 and 2015, respectively. During 2016 and 2015, the Company purchased $1,205 million and $1,328 million of investments year-to-date, while $987 million and $1,118 million of investments matured, respectively. Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired, were $9 million year-to-date in 2015. There were no acquisitions in the first half of 2016.

Cash Used in Financing Activities

In May 2016, the Company issued and sold senior unsecured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $250 million. The proceeds from the issuance of these senior unsecured notes were used to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes. Year-to-date, the Company’s net debt borrowings increased by $90 million and $95 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of July 2, 2016, the Company had a total of $1,757 million in outstanding debt, which consisted of $700 million in outstanding senior unsecured notes, $300 million borrowed under a term

loan facility under the Company’s credit agreement, $760 million borrowed under a revolving credit facility under the Company’s credit agreement and less than $1 million borrowed under various other short-term lines of credit, offset by $3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs. At July 2, 2016, $125 million of the outstanding portion of the revolving facility was classified as short-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet due to the fact that the Company expects to repay this portion of the borrowing under the revolving line of credit within the next twelve months. The remaining $635 million of the outstanding portion of the revolving facility was classified as long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, as this portion is not expected to be repaid within the next twelve months. As of July 2, 2016, the Company had a total amount available to borrow under its credit agreement of $538 million after outstanding letters of credit. As of July 2, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

The Company received $23 million and $25 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the purchase of shares pursuant to the Company’s employee stock purchase plan in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company had cash, cash equivalents and investments of $2,600 million as of July 2, 2016. The majority of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and investments are generated from foreign operations, with $2,559 million held by foreign subsidiaries at July 2, 2016, of which $252 million were held in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Due to the fact that most of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and investments are held outside of the U.S., the Company must manage and maintain sufficient levels of cash flow in the U.S. to fund operations and capital expenditures, service debt interest, finance potential U.S. acquisitions and continue the authorized stock repurchase program in the U.S. These U.S. cash requirements are managed by the Company’s cash flow from U.S. operations and the use of the Company’s revolving credit facility.

Management believes, as of the date of this report, that its financial position, particularly in the U.S., along with expected future cash flows from earnings based on historical trends and the ability to raise funds from external sources and the borrowing capacity from existing, committed credit facilities, will be sufficient to service debt and fund working capital and capital spending requirements, authorized share repurchase amounts and potential acquisitions. In addition, there have been no recent significant changes to the Company’s financial position, nor are there any anticipated changes, to warrant a material adjustment related to indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings.

Contractual Obligations, Commercial Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Dividends

A summary of the Company’s contractual obligations and commercial commitments is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 26, 2016. The Company reviewed its contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of July 2, 2016 and determined that there were no material changes from the information set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, with the exception of the recently issued senior unsecured notes as described in Note 5, “Debt.”

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that it has meritorious arguments in its current litigation matters and that any outcome, either individually or in the aggregate, will not be material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

During fiscal year 2016, the Company expects to contribute a total of approximately $5 million to $10 million to the Company’s defined benefit plans.

The Company has not paid any dividends and has no plans, at this time, to pay any dividends in the future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has not created, and is not party to, any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating parts of its business that are not consolidated (to the extent of the

Company’s ownership interest therein) into the consolidated financial statements. The Company has not entered into any transactions with unconsolidated entities whereby it has subordinated retained interests, derivative instruments or other contingent arrangements that expose the Company to material continuing risks, contingent liabilities or any other obligation under a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company.

The Company enters into standard indemnification agreements in its ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company indemnifies, holds harmless and agrees to reimburse the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, generally the Company’s business partners or customers, in connection with patent, copyright or other intellectual property infringement claims by any third party with respect to its current products, as well as claims relating to property damage or personal injury resulting from the performance of services by the Company or its subcontractors. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. Historically, the Company’s costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims relating to such indemnity agreements have been minimal and management accordingly believes the estimated fair value of these agreements is immaterial.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2016, the Company’s most critical accounting policies and estimates upon which its financial status depends were identified as those relating to revenue recognition, loss provisions on accounts receivable and inventory, valuation of long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill, warranty, income taxes, pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, litigation, business combinations and asset acquisitions, valuation of contingent consideration and stock-based compensation. The Company reviewed its policies and determined that those policies remain the Company’s most critical accounting policies for the six months ended July 2, 2016. The Company did not make any changes in those policies during the six months ended July 2, 2016.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Please refer to Note 12, Recent Accounting Standards Changes and Developments, in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the information incorporated by reference herein, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), with respect to future results and events, including any statements regarding, among other items, anticipated trends or growth in the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, the impact of foreign currency translation on financial results; development of products by acquired businesses; the growth rate of sales and research and development expenses; the impact of costs associated with developing new technologies and bringing these new technologies to market; the impact of new product launches and the associated costs, such as the amortization expense related to software platforms; geographic sales mix of business; development of products by acquired businesses and the amount of contingent payments to the sellers of an acquired business; anticipated expenses, including interest expense, capitalized software costs and effective tax rates; the impact and outcome of the Company’s various ongoing tax audit examinations; the achievement of contractual milestones to preserve foreign tax rates; the impact and outcome of litigation matters; the impact of the loss of intellectual property protection; the impact of new accounting standards and pronouncements; the adequacy of the Company’s supply chain and manufacturing capabilities and facilities; the impact of regulatory compliance; the Company’s expected cash flow, borrowing capacity, debt repayment and refinancing; the Company’s ability to fund working capital, capital expenditures, service debt, repay outstanding lines of credit, make authorized share repurchases, fund potential acquisitions and pay any adverse litigation or tax audit liabilities, particularly in the U.S.; future impairment charges; the Company’s contributions to defined benefit plans; the Company’s expectations regarding changes to its financial position; compliance with applicable environmental laws; and the impact of recent acquisitions on sales and earnings.

Many of these statements appear, in particular, under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part I, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. You can identify these

forward-looking statements by the use of the words “feels”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “intends”, “suggests”, “appears”, “estimates”, “projects”, “should” and similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the Company, including, and without limitation:

•

Foreign exchange rate fluctuations that could adversely affect translation of the Company’s future sales, financial operating results and the condition of its non-U.S. operations, especially when a currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.

•

Current global economic, sovereign and political conditions and uncertainties, particularly regarding the effect of the United Kingdom voting to exit the European Union as well as the Chinese government’s ongoing tightening of restrictions on procurement by government-funded customers; the Company’s ability to access capital and maintain liquidity in volatile market conditions of customers; changes in timing and demand by the Company’s customers and various market sectors, particularly if they should reduce capital expenditures or are unable to obtain funding, as in the cases of governmental, academic and research institutions; the effect of mergers and acquisitions on customer demand; and the Company’s ability to sustain and enhance service.

•

Negative industry trends; changes in the competitive landscape as a result of changes in ownership, mergers and continued consolidation among the Company’s competitors; introduction of competing products by other companies and loss of market share; pressures on prices from customers or resulting from competition; regulatory, economic and competitive obstacles to new product introductions; lack of acceptance of new products; expansion of our business in developing markets; spending by certain end-markets; ability to obtain alternative sources for components and modules; and the possibility that future sales of new products related to acquisitions, which trigger contingent purchase payments, may exceed the Company’s expectations.

•

Increased regulatory burdens as the Company’s business evolves, especially with respect to the Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency, among others, as well as regulatory, environmental and logistical obstacles affecting the distribution of the Company’s products, completion of purchase order documentation by our customers and ability of customers to obtain letters of credit or other financing alternatives.

•

Risks associated with lawsuits, particularly involving claims for infringement of patents and other intellectual property rights.

•

The impact and costs incurred from changes in accounting principles and practices; the impact and costs of changes in statutory or contractual tax rates; shifts in taxable income among jurisdictions with different effective tax rates; and the outcome of and costs associated with ongoing and future tax audit examinations or changes in respective country legislation affecting the Company’s effective rates.

Certain of these and other factors are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2016. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements, whether because of these factors or for other reasons. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this report. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Item 3:

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in the Company’s market risk during the six months ended July 2, 2016. For information regarding the Company’s market risk, refer to Item 7A of Part II of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2016.

Item 4:

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer (principal executive and principal financial officers), with the participation of management, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period

covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of July 2, 2016 (1) to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure and (2) to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

No change was identified in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended July 2, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II:

Other Information

Item 1:

Legal Proceedings

There have been no material changes in the Company’s legal proceedings during the six months ended July 2, 2016 as described in Item 3 of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2016.

Item 1A:

Risk Factors

Information regarding risk factors of the Company is set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2016. The Company reviewed its risk factors as of July 2, 2016 and determined that there were no material changes from the ones set forth in the Form 10-K. Note, however, the discussion under the subheading “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I, Item 2 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. These risks are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and operating results.

Item 2:

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

The following table provides information about purchases by the Company during the three months ended July 2, 2016 of equity securities registered by the Company under the Exchange Act (in thousands, except per share data):


Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)		Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
April 3 to April 30, 2016		—	$	—		—	$	351,523
May 1 to May 28, 2016		365	$	134.64		365	$	302,387
May 29 to July 2, 2016		200	$	138.79		200	$	274,675

Total		565	$	136.11		565	$	274,675

(1)	In May 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $750 million of its outstanding common stock in open market transactions over a three-year period.

Item 6:

Exhibits


Exhibit Number		Description of Document

10.1		Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 12, 2016, between Waters Corporation and the purchasers named therein.

31.1		Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2		Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 *		Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 *		Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101		The following materials from Waters Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2016, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited), (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited), (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited), and (v) Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filing, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.

SIGNATURE

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

WATERS CORPORATION

/s/ EUGENE G. CASSIS

Eugene G. Cassis

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Date: August 5, 2016

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