Business Wire | Feb 2, 2021 06:50AM EST

Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2020 Financial Results

Feb. 02, 2021

MILFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 02, 2021--Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) today announced fourth quarter 2020 sales of $787 million, a 10% increase as reported, compared to sales of $716 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Foreign currency translation benefited sales growth by approximately 3% for the quarter.

On a GAAP basis, diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased to $3.49, compared to $3.12 for the fourth quarter of 2019. On a non-GAAP basis, EPS increased to $3.65, compared to $3.20 for the fourth quarter of 2019. A description and reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results appear in the tables below and can be found on the Company's website www.waters.com in the Investor Relations section.

On a GAAP basis, net cash provided by operating activities was $267 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $192 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted free cash flow for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $240 million versus $158 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.

For fiscal year 2020, the Company's sales were $2,365 million, a decrease of 2% as reported, compared to sales of $2,407 million for fiscal year 2019. Foreign currency translation benefited sales growth by less than 1% during fiscal year 2020.

On a GAAP basis, EPS for fiscal year 2020 decreased to $8.36, compared to $8.69 for fiscal year 2019. On a non-GAAP basis, EPS increased to $9.05, compared to $8.99 in fiscal year 2019. Both GAAP and non-GAAP EPS were impacted by the decline in sales volumes.

On a GAAP basis, net cash provided by operating activities was $791 million for fiscal year 2020, compared to $643 million for fiscal year 2019. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted free cash flow for fiscal year 2020 was $726 million versus $576 million for fiscal year 2019.

"This past year has been one of change and sacrifice, though it has been defined by the incredible resilience of our global team. From navigating the pandemic to a transition in leadership, the Waters team has responded with admirable drive, determination and spirit. And for that I am grateful," said Dr. Udit Batra, President and Chief Executive Officer of Waters Corporation. "We are pleased with our fourth quarter results, driven by pharmaceutical market improvement, growth across all major geographies, contributions from COVID-related sales and early results from our near-term growth initiatives. We have made substantial progress over the last five months, and while it's early days, I remain confident in our product portfolio, competitive position and our team to seize the opportunities for Waters in 2021."

Unless otherwise noted, sales growth and decline percentages are presented on an as-reported basis and are the same as the sales growth and decline percentages presented on a constant-currency basis as compared with the same period in the prior year, each of which is detailed in the reconciliation of sales growth rates to constant-currency growth rates in the tables below.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, sales into the pharmaceutical market increased 17% as reported and 15% in constant currency, sales into the industrial market increased 8% as reported and 5% in constant currency and sales into the academic and governmental markets declined 13% as reported and 15% in constant currency. For fiscal year 2020, sales into the pharmaceutical market increased 2% as reported and 1% in constant currency, sales into the industrial market declined 2% as reported and 3% in constant currency and sales into the academic and governmental markets declined 16% as reported and in constant currency.

During the fourth quarter, recurring revenues, which represent the combination of service and precision chemistries revenues, increased 14% as reported and 11% in constant currency, while instrument system sales increased 6% as reported and 4% in constant currency. For fiscal year 2020, recurring revenues increased 4% as reported and 3% in constant currency, while instrument system sales declined 8% as reported and 9% in constant currency.

Geographically, sales in Asia during the quarter increased 13% as reported and 12% in constant currency, sales in the Americas increased 3% (with U.S. sales growing 4%) and sales in Europe increased 15% as reported and 6% in constant currency. For fiscal year 2020, sales in Asia declined 4% as reported and in constant currency, sales in the Americas declined 4% (with U.S. sales declining 2%) and sales in Europe increased 5% as reported and 2% in constant currency.

First Quarter and Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Outlook

The Company expects full-year 2021 constant-currency sales growth in the range of 5% to 8%. Currency translation is expected to increase full-year sales growth by one to two percentage points. The Company also expects full-year 2021 non-GAAP EPS in the range of $9.32 to $9.57. Please refer to the tables below for a reconciliation of the projected GAAP to non-GAAP financial outlook for the full-year.

The Company expects first quarter 2021 constant-currency sales growth in the range of 7% to 10%. Currency translation is expected to increase first quarter sales growth by approximately three percentage points. The Company also expects first quarter 2021 non-GAAP EPS in the range of $1.50 to $1.60. Please refer to the tables below for a reconciliation of the projected GAAP to non-GAAP financial outlook for the first quarter.

The Board of Directors of the Company has approved an extension of the Company's previously announced share repurchase program through January 21, 2023. As of the date of this press release, $1.5 billion remains available under the program for repurchases.

Conference Call

Waters Corporation will webcast its fourth quarter 2020 financial results conference call today, February 2, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To listen to the call, please visit www.waters.com, select "Investors" under the "About Waters" section, and click on the "Live Webcast." A replay will be available through February 9, 2021 at midnight Eastern Time on the same website by webcast and also by phone at 800-337-6551.

About Waters Corporation

Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), the world's leading specialty measurement company, has pioneered chromatography, mass spectrometry and thermal analysis innovations serving the life, materials and food sciences for more than 60 years. With more than 7,000 employees worldwide, Waters operates directly in 35 countries, including 15 manufacturing facilities, and with products available in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.waters.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains financial measures, such as constant-currency growth rate, adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per diluted share and adjusted free cash flow, among others, which are considered "non-GAAP" financial measures under applicable U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Company's definitions of these non-GAAP measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by others. The non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release adjust for specified items that can be highly variable or difficult to predict. The Company generally uses these non-GAAP financial measures to facilitate management's financial and operational decision-making, including evaluation of the Company's historical operating results, comparison to competitors' operating results and determination of management incentive compensation. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of the Company's operations that, when viewed with GAAP results and the reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures, may provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting the Company's business. Because non-GAAP financial measures exclude the effect of items that will increase or decrease the Company's reported results of operations, management strongly encourages investors to review the Company's consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety. Reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the tables accompanying this release.

Cautionary Statement

This release contains "forward-looking" statements regarding future results and events. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "feels", "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intends", "suggests", "appears", "estimates", "projects" and similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company's actual future results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements within this release for a variety of reasons, including and without limitation, risks related to the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, including: portions of our global workforce being unable to work fully and/or effectively due to working remotely, illness, quarantines, government actions, facility closures or other reasons related to the pandemic, increased risks of cyber-attacks resulting from our temporary remote working model, disruptions in our manufacturing capabilities or to our supply chain, volatility and uncertainty in global capital markets limiting our ability to access capital, customers being unable to make timely payments for purchases and volatility in demand for our products; foreign exchange rate fluctuations potentially affecting translation of the Company's future non-U.S. operating results; the impact on demand for the Company's products among the Company's various market sectors or geographies from economic, sovereign and political uncertainties, particularly regarding the effect of new or proposed tariff or trade regulations or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing regulations; the effect on the Company's financial results from the United Kingdom exiting the European Union; fluctuations in expenditures by the Company's customers, in particular large pharmaceutical companies; introduction of competing products by other companies and loss of market share; pressures on prices from competitors and/or customers; regulatory, economic and competitive obstacles to new product introductions; other changes in demand for the Company's products from the effect of mergers and acquisitions by the Company's customers; increased regulatory burdens as the Company's business evolves, especially with respect to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others; shifts in taxable income in jurisdictions with different effective tax rates; the outcome of tax examinations or changes in respective country legislation affecting the Company's effective tax rate; the effect of the adoption of new accounting standards; the ability to access capital, maintain liquidity and service the Company's debt in volatile market conditions, particularly in the U.S., as a large portion of the Company's cash is held and operating cash flows are generated outside the U.S.; environmental and logistical obstacles affecting the distribution of products and risks associated with lawsuits and other legal actions, particularly involving claims for infringement of patents and other intellectual property rights. Such factors and others are discussed more fully in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as well as in the sections entitled "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 28, 2020, June 27, 2020 and September 26, 2020, each as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which discussions are incorporated by reference in this release, as updated by the Company's future filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this release represent the Company's estimates or views as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates or views as of any date subsequent to the date of this release. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Waters Corporation and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Operations(In thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited) Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December December December 31, December 31, 31, 2020 31, 2019 2020 2019 Net sales $ 786,658 $ 716,294 $ 2,365,365 $ 2,406,596

Costs and operatingexpenses:Cost of sales 320,569 299,068 1,006,689 1,010,700

Selling and 153,084 141,208 553,698 534,791 administrative expensesResearch and development 39,662 37,072 140,777 142,955 expensesPurchased intangibles 2,687 2,529 10,587 9,693 amortizationAsset impairment^(1) 6,945 - 6,945 -

Litigation provision - - 1,180 -

Operating income 263,711 236,417 645,489 708,457

Other income (expense) 374 (2,223 ) (1,775 ) (3,586 )

Interest expense, net (6,834 ) (9,806 ) (32,800 ) (26,632 )

Income from operations 257,251 224,388 610,914 678,239 before income taxes Provision for income 38,940 23,719 89,343 86,041 taxes^(2) Net income $ 218,311 $ 200,669 $ 521,571 $ 592,198

Net income per basic $ 3.51 $ 3.15 $ 8.40 $ 8.76 common share Weighted-average number 62,170 63,795 62,094 67,627 of basic common shares Net income per diluted $ 3.49 $ 3.12 $ 8.36 $ 8.69 common share Weighted-average number 62,501 64,348 62,414 68,166 of diluted common sharesand equivalents(1) The asset impairment incurred during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020 included a non-cash impairment charge of $10 million related to certain intangible assets previously acquired. In conjunction with the intangible asset impairment charge, the Company also reduced its liability for contingent consideration of $3 million during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020. The net impact of $7 million is reported as an asset impairment in the consolidated statements of operations.(2) The provision for income taxes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 included a $3 million benefit related to the tax on the change in foreign currency exchange rates on the earnings taxed in December 31, 2017 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the subsequent finalization of the tax regulations during the first quarter of 2019. The difference is due to the change from the foreign currency exchange rates required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on December 31, 2017 to the foreign currency exchange rates on either the date of distribution of assets into the U.S. or the foreign currency exchange rates as of December 31, 2019.(1) The asset impairment incurred during the three and twelve months endedDecember 31, 2020 included a non-cash impairment charge of $10 million relatedto certain intangible assets previously acquired. In conjunction with theintangible asset impairment charge, the Company also reduced its liability forcontingent consideration of $3 million during the three and twelve months endedDecember 31, 2020. The net impact of $7 million is reported as an assetimpairment in the consolidated statements of operations. (2) The provision for income taxes for the twelve months ended December 31,2019 included a $3 million benefit related to the tax on the change in foreigncurrency exchange rates on the earnings taxed in December 31, 2017 under theTax Cuts and Jobs Act and the subsequent finalization of the tax regulationsduring the first quarter of 2019. The difference is due to the change from theforeign currency exchange rates required by the U.S. Department of the Treasuryon December 31, 2017 to the foreign currency exchange rates on either the dateof distribution of assets into the U.S. or the foreign currency exchange ratesas of December 31, 2019.Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP

Net Sales by Operating Segment, Products & Services, Geography and Markets

Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

CurrentPeriodConstant

Three Months EndedPercent

CurrencyCurrency

December 31, 2020December 31, 2019Change

ImpactGrowth Rate (a)

NET SALES - OPERATING SEGMENTWaters$703,738

$634,306

11%

$17,249

8%

TA82,920

81,988

1%

2,156

(1%)

Total$786,658

$716,294

10%

$19,405

7%

NET SALES - PRODUCTS & SERVICESInstruments$400,436

$376,631

6%

$10,482

4%

Service254,667

227,446

12%

5,534

10%

Chemistry131,555

112,217

17%

3,389

14%

Total Recurring386,222

339,663

14%

8,923

11%

Total$786,658

$716,294

10%

$19,405

7%

NET SALES - GEOGRAPHYAsia$295,706

$261,990

13%

$1,058

12%

Americas251,437

245,140

3%

115

3%

Europe239,515

209,164

15%

18,232

6%

Total$786,658

$716,294

10%

$19,405

7%

NET SALES - MARKETSPharmaceutical$460,384

$392,391

17%

$10,808

15%

Industrial233,180

216,698

8%

6,549

5%

Academic & Governmental93,094

107,205

(13%)

2,048

(15%)

Total$786,658

$716,294

10%

$19,405

7%

NET SALES - EXCLUDING CHINATotal Net Sales$786,658

$716,294

10%

$19,405

7%

China Net Sales151,639

125,013

21%

2,644

19%

Total Net Sales Excluding China$635,019

$591,281

7%

$16,761

5%

Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP

Net Sales by Operating Segment, Products & Services, Geography and Markets

Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

(In thousands)



Current

Period Constant

Three Months Ended Percent Currency Currency

December December Change Growth 31, 2020 31, 2019 Impact Rate ^(a)



NET SALES - OPERATING SEGMENT

Waters $ 703,738 $ 634,306 11% $ 17,249 8%

TA 82,920 81,988 1% 2,156 (1%)



Total $ 786,658 $ 716,294 10% $ 19,405 7%





NET SALES - PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Instruments $ 400,436 $ 376,631 6% $ 10,482 4%



Service 254,667 227,446 12% 5,534 10%

Chemistry 131,555 112,217 17% 3,389 14%

Total Recurring 386,222 339,663 14% 8,923 11%



Total $ 786,658 $ 716,294 10% $ 19,405 7%





NET SALES - GEOGRAPHY



Asia $ 295,706 $ 261,990 13% $ 1,058 12%

Americas 251,437 245,140 3% 115 3%

Europe 239,515 209,164 15% 18,232 6%



Total $ 786,658 $ 716,294 10% $ 19,405 7%





NET SALES - MARKETS



Pharmaceutical $ 460,384 $ 392,391 17% $ 10,808 15%

Industrial 233,180 216,698 8% 6,549 5%

Academic & 93,094 107,205 (13%) 2,048 (15%)Governmental

Total $ 786,658 $ 716,294 10% $ 19,405 7%





NET SALES - EXCLUDING CHINA

Total Net Sales $ 786,658 $ 716,294 10% $ 19,405 7%

China Net Sales 151,639 125,013 21% 2,644 19%



Total Net Sales $ 635,019 $ 591,281 7% $ 16,761 5%Excluding China___________________________________________(a)The Company believes that referring to comparable constant-currency growth rates is a useful way to evaluate the underlying performance of Waters Corporation's net sales. Constant-currency growth rate, a non-GAAP financial measure, measures the change in net sales between current and prior year periods, ignoring the impact of foreign currency exchange rates during the current period. See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in this release.___________________________________________ The Company believes that referring to comparable constant-currency growth rates is a useful way to evaluate the underlying performance of Waters Corporation's net sales. Constant-currency growth rate, a(a) non-GAAP financial measure, measures the change in net sales between current and prior year periods, ignoring the impact of foreign currency exchange rates during the current period. See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in this release.Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP

Net Sales by Operating Segment, Products & Services, Geography and Markets

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

CurrentPeriodConstant

Twelve Months EndedPercent

CurrencyCurrency

December 31, 2020December 31, 2019Change

ImpactGrowth Rate (a)

NET SALES - OPERATING SEGMENTWaters$2,117,124

$2,137,483

(1%)

$12,248

(2%)

TA248,241

269,113

(8%)

1,543

(8%)

Total$2,365,365

$2,406,596

(2%)

$13,791

(2%)

NET SALES - PRODUCTS & SERVICESInstruments$1,065,253

$1,155,171

(8%)

$8,295

(9%)

Service868,032

839,407

3%

2,618

3%

Chemistry432,080

412,018

5%

2,878

4%

Total Recurring1,300,112

1,251,425

4%

5,496

3%

Total$2,365,365

$2,406,596

(2%)

$13,791

(2%)

NET SALES - GEOGRAPHYAsia$899,177

$939,112

(4%)

$(5,743)

(4%)

Americas797,842

830,241

(4%)

80

(4%)

Europe668,346

637,243

5%

19,454

2%

Total$2,365,365

$2,406,596

(2%)

$13,791

(2%)

NET SALES - MARKETSPharmaceutical$1,386,966

$1,365,275

2%

$5,871

1%

Industrial707,772

719,377

(2%)

7,959

(3%)

Academic & Governmental270,627

321,944

(16%)

(39)

(16%)

Total$2,365,365

$2,406,596

(2%)

$13,791

(2%)

NET SALES - EXCLUDING CHINATotal Net Sales$2,365,365

$2,406,596

(2%)

$13,791

(2%)

China Net Sales404,352

439,557

(8%)

747

(8%)

Total Net Sales Excluding China$1,961,013

$1,967,039

-

$13,044

(1%)

Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP

Net Sales by Operating Segment, Products & Services, Geography and Markets

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

(In thousands)



Current

Period Constant

Twelve Months Ended Percent Currency Currency

December December Change Growth 31, 2020 31, 2019 Impact Rate ^(a)



NET SALES - OPERATING SEGMENT

Waters $ 2,117,124 $ 2,137,483 (1%) $ 12,248 (2%)

TA 248,241 269,113 (8%) 1,543 (8%)



Total $ 2,365,365 $ 2,406,596 (2%) $ 13,791 (2%)





NET SALES - PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Instruments $ 1,065,253 $ 1,155,171 (8%) $ 8,295 (9%)



Service 868,032 839,407 3% 2,618 3%

Chemistry 432,080 412,018 5% 2,878 4%

Total Recurring 1,300,112 1,251,425 4% 5,496 3%



Total $ 2,365,365 $ 2,406,596 (2%) $ 13,791 (2%)





NET SALES - GEOGRAPHY



Asia $ 899,177 $ 939,112 (4%) $ (5,743) (4%)

Americas 797,842 830,241 (4%) 80 (4%)

Europe 668,346 637,243 5% 19,454 2%



Total $ 2,365,365 $ 2,406,596 (2%) $ 13,791 (2%)





NET SALES - MARKETS



Pharmaceutical $ 1,386,966 $ 1,365,275 2% $ 5,871 1%

Industrial 707,772 719,377 (2%) 7,959 (3%)

Academic & 270,627 321,944 (16%) (39) (16%)Governmental

Total $ 2,365,365 $ 2,406,596 (2%) $ 13,791 (2%)





NET SALES - EXCLUDING CHINA

Total Net Sales $ 2,365,365 $ 2,406,596 (2%) $ 13,791 (2%)

China Net Sales 404,352 439,557 (8%) 747 (8%)



Total Net Sales $ 1,961,013 $ 1,967,039 - $ 13,044 (1%)Excluding China___________________________________________(a)The Company believes that referring to comparable constant-currency growth rates is a useful way to evaluate the underlying performance of Waters Corporation's net sales. Constant-currency growth rate, a non-GAAP financial measure, measures the change in net sales between current and prior year periods, ignoring the impact of foreign currency exchange rates during the current period. See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in this release.___________________________________________ The Company believes that referring to comparable constant-currency growth rates is a useful way to evaluate the underlying performance of Waters Corporation's net sales. Constant-currency growth rate, a(a) non-GAAP financial measure, measures the change in net sales between current and prior year periods, ignoring the impact of foreign currency exchange rates during the current period. See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in this release.Waters Corporation and SubsidiariesReconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP FinancialsThree & Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019(In thousands, except per share data)Income fromOperationsSelling &OperatingOtherbeforeProvision forDilutedAdministrativeOperatingIncomeIncomeIncomeIncomeNetEarningsExpenses(a)IncomePercentage(Expense)TaxesTaxesIncomeper ShareThree Months Ended December 31, 2020GAAP$162,716

$263,711

33.5

%

$374

$257,251

$38,940

$218,311

$3.49

Adjustments:Purchased intangibles amortization (b)(2,687

)

2,687

0.3

%

-

2,687

541

2,146

0.03

Asset Impairment (c)(6,945

)

6,945

0.9

%

-

6,945

1,180

5,765

0.09

Restructuring costs and certain other items (d)(2,142

)

2,142

0.3

%

(1,623

)

519

139

380

0.01

Pension expenses (e)-

-

-

235

235

71

164

-

Certain income tax items (f)-

-

-

-

-

(1,052

)

1,052

0.02

Adjusted Non-GAAP$150,942

$275,485

35.0

%

$(1,014

)

$267,637

$39,819

$227,818

$3.65

Three Months Ended December 31, 2019GAAP$143,737

$236,417

33.0

%

$(2,223

)

$224,388

$23,719

$200,669

$3.12

Adjustments:Purchased intangibles amortization (b)(2,529

)

2,529

0.4

%

-

2,529

512

2,017

0.03

Restructuring costs and certain other items (d)(1,810

)

1,810

0.3

%

-

1,810

483

1,327

0.02

Pension expenses (e)-

-

-

1,602

1,602

385

1,217

0.02

Certain income tax items (f)-

-

-

-

-

(714

)

714

0.01

Adjusted Non-GAAP$139,398

$240,756

33.6

%

$(621

)

$230,329

$24,385

$205,944

$3.20

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020GAAP$572,410

$645,489

27.3

%

$(1,775

)

$610,914

$89,343

$521,571

$8.36

Adjustments:Purchased intangibles amortization (b)(10,587

)

10,587

0.4

%

-

10,587

2,102

8,485

0.14

Asset Impairment (c)(6,945

)

6,945

0.3

%

-

6,945

1,180

5,765

0.09

Restructuring costs and certain other items (d)(35,196

)

35,196

1.5

%

(2,084

)

33,112

7,512

25,600

0.41

Pension expenses (e)-

-

-

235

235

71

164

-

Litigation settlement (g)(1,180

)

1,180

-

-

1,180

283

897

0.01

Certain income tax items (f)-

-

-

-

-

(2,619

)

2,619

0.04

Adjusted Non-GAAP$518,502

$699,397

29.6

%

$(3,624

)

$662,973

$97,872

$565,101

$9.05

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019GAAP$544,484

$708,457

29.4

%

$(3,586

)

$678,239

$86,041

$592,198

$8.69

Adjustments:Purchased intangibles amortization (b)(9,693

)

9,693

0.4

%

-

9,693

2,032

7,661

0.11

Restructuring costs and certain other items (d)(16,192

)

16,192

0.7

%

-

16,192

4,106

12,086

0.18

Pension expenses (e)-

-

-

1,602

1,602

385

1,217

0.02

Tax reform (h)-

-

-

-

-

3,229

(3,229

)

(0.05

)

Certain income tax items (f)-

-

-

-

-

(2,622

)

2,622

0.04

Adjusted Non-GAAP$518,599

$734,342

30.5

%

$(1,984

)

$705,726

$93,171

$612,555

$8.99

Waters Corporation and SubsidiariesReconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP FinancialsThree & Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019(In thousands, except per share data) Income from Operations Selling & Operating Other before Provision Diluted for Administrative Operating Income Income Income Income Net Earnings Expenses^(a) Income Percentage (Expense) Taxes Taxes Income per ShareThree Months EndedDecember 31, 2020GAAP $ 162,716 $ 263,711 33.5 % $ 374 $ 257,251 $ 38,940 $ 218,311 $ 3.49

Adjustments: Purchased intangibles (2,687 ) 2,687 0.3 % - 2,687 541 2,146 0.03 amortization ^(b) Asset Impairment ^(c) (6,945 ) 6,945 0.9 % - 6,945 1,180 5,765 0.09

Restructuring costs and (2,142 ) 2,142 0.3 % (1,623 ) 519 139 380 0.01 certain other items ^ (d) Pension expenses ^(e) - - - 235 235 71 164 -

Certain income tax - - - - - (1,052 ) 1,052 0.02 items ^(f)Adjusted Non-GAAP $ 150,942 $ 275,485 35.0 % $ (1,014 ) $ 267,637 $ 39,819 $ 227,818 $ 3.65

Three Months EndedDecember 31, 2019GAAP $ 143,737 $ 236,417 33.0 % $ (2,223 ) $ 224,388 $ 23,719 $ 200,669 $ 3.12

Adjustments: Purchased intangibles (2,529 ) 2,529 0.4 % - 2,529 512 2,017 0.03 amortization ^(b) Restructuring costs and (1,810 ) 1,810 0.3 % - 1,810 483 1,327 0.02 certain other items ^ (d) Pension expenses ^(e) - - - 1,602 1,602 385 1,217 0.02

Certain income tax - - - - - (714 ) 714 0.01 items ^(f)Adjusted Non-GAAP $ 139,398 $ 240,756 33.6 % $ (621 ) $ 230,329 $ 24,385 $ 205,944 $ 3.20

Twelve Months EndedDecember 31, 2020GAAP $ 572,410 $ 645,489 27.3 % $ (1,775 ) $ 610,914 $ 89,343 $ 521,571 $ 8.36

Adjustments: Purchased intangibles (10,587 ) 10,587 0.4 % - 10,587 2,102 8,485 0.14 amortization ^(b) Asset Impairment ^(c) (6,945 ) 6,945 0.3 % - 6,945 1,180 5,765 0.09

Restructuring costs and (35,196 ) 35,196 1.5 % (2,084 ) 33,112 7,512 25,600 0.41 certain other items ^ (d) Pension expenses ^(e) - - - 235 235 71 164 -

Litigation settlement ^ (1,180 ) 1,180 - - 1,180 283 897 0.01 (g) Certain income tax - - - - - (2,619 ) 2,619 0.04 items ^(f)Adjusted Non-GAAP $ 518,502 $ 699,397 29.6 % $ (3,624 ) $ 662,973 $ 97,872 $ 565,101 $ 9.05

Twelve Months EndedDecember 31, 2019GAAP $ 544,484 $ 708,457 29.4 % $ (3,586 ) $ 678,239 $ 86,041 $ 592,198 $ 8.69

Adjustments: Purchased intangibles (9,693 ) 9,693 0.4 % - 9,693 2,032 7,661 0.11 amortization ^(b) Restructuring costs and (16,192 ) 16,192 0.7 % - 16,192 4,106 12,086 0.18 certain other items ^ (d) Pension expenses ^(e) - - - 1,602 1,602 385 1,217 0.02

Tax reform ^(h) - - - - - 3,229 (3,229 ) (0.05 )

Certain income tax - - - - - (2,622 ) 2,622 0.04 items ^(f)Adjusted Non-GAAP $ 518,599 $ 734,342 30.5 % $ (1,984 ) $ 705,726 $ 93,171 $ 612,555 $ 8.99

___________________________________________(a)Selling & administrative expenses include purchased intangibles amortization, litigation provisions and settlements and asset impairments.(b)The purchased intangibles amortization, a non-cash expense, was excluded to be consistent with how management evaluates the performance of its core business against historical operating results and the operating results of competitors over periods of time.(c)The asset impairment, a non-cash expense, is a one-time charge related to the write-off of certain intangible assets and a contingent consideration liability that were both associated with a previous acquisition. The asset impairment was excluded as the Company does not believe these expenses are indicative of normal operating costs.(d)Restructuring costs, mergers and acquisition costs and certain other items were excluded as the Company believes that the cost to consolidate operations, reduce overhead, acquire companies and certain other income or expense items are not normal and do not represent future ongoing business expenses of a specific function or geographic location of the Company.(e)The pension settlement and curtailment expenses associated with certain defined benefit pension plans were excluded as the Company believes these expenses are not indicative of normal operating costs.(f)Certain income tax items were excluded as these non-cash expenses and benefits represent updates in management's assessment of ongoing examinations or other tax items that are not indicative of the Company's normal or future income tax expense.(g)Litigation provisions and settlement gains were excluded as these items are isolated, unpredictable and not expected to recur regularly.(h)The provision for income taxes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 included a $3 million benefit related to the tax on the change in foreign currency exchange rates on the earnings taxed in December 31, 2017 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the subsequent finalization of the tax regulations during the first quarter of 2019. The difference is due to the change from the foreign currency exchange rates required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on December 31, 2017 to the foreign currency exchange rates on either the date of distribution of assets into the U.S. or the foreign currency exchange rates as of December 31, 2019.___________________________________________ Selling & administrative expenses include purchased intangibles(a) amortization, litigation provisions and settlements and asset impairments. The purchased intangibles amortization, a non-cash expense, was(b) excluded to be consistent with how management evaluates the performance of its core business against historical operating results and the operating results of competitors over periods of time. The asset impairment, a non-cash expense, is a one-time charge related to the write-off of certain intangible assets and a(c) contingent consideration liability that were both associated with a previous acquisition. The asset impairment was excluded as the Company does not believe these expenses are indicative of normal operating costs. Restructuring costs, mergers and acquisition costs and certain other items were excluded as the Company believes that the cost to(d) consolidate operations, reduce overhead, acquire companies and certain other income or expense items are not normal and do not represent future ongoing business expenses of a specific function or geographic location of the Company. The pension settlement and curtailment expenses associated with(e) certain defined benefit pension plans were excluded as the Company believes these expenses are not indicative of normal operating costs. Certain income tax items were excluded as these non-cash expenses and(f) benefits represent updates in management's assessment of ongoing examinations or other tax items that are not indicative of the Company's normal or future income tax expense. Litigation provisions and settlement gains were excluded as these(g) items are isolated, unpredictable and not expected to recur regularly. The provision for income taxes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 included a $3 million benefit related to the tax on the change in foreign currency exchange rates on the earnings taxed in December 31, 2017 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the subsequent(h) finalization of the tax regulations during the first quarter of 2019. The difference is due to the change from the foreign currency exchange rates required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on December 31, 2017 to the foreign currency exchange rates on either the date of distribution of assets into the U.S. or the foreign currency exchange rates as of December 31, 2019.Waters Corporation and SubsidiariesPreliminary Condensed Unclassified Consolidated Balance Sheets(In thousands and unaudited)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019Cash, cash equivalents and investments$

443,146

$

337,144

Accounts receivable573,316

587,734

Inventories304,281

320,551

Property, plant and equipment, net494,003

417,342

Intangible assets, net258,645

240,203

Goodwill444,362

356,128

Other assets322,167

297,953

Total assets$

2,839,920

$

2,557,055

Notes payable and debt$

1,356,515

$

1,681,163

Other liabilities1,251,261

1,092,173

Total liabilities2,607,776

2,773,336

Total stockholders' equity (deficit)232,144

(216,281

)

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)$

2,839,920

$

2,557,055

Waters Corporation and SubsidiariesPreliminary Condensed Unclassified Consolidated Balance Sheets(In thousands and unaudited) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Cash, cash equivalents and investments $ 443,146 $ 337,144

Accounts receivable 573,316 587,734

Inventories 304,281 320,551

Property, plant and equipment, net 494,003 417,342

Intangible assets, net 258,645 240,203

Goodwill 444,362 356,128

Other assets 322,167 297,953

Total assets $ 2,839,920 $ 2,557,055

Notes payable and debt $ 1,356,515 $ 1,681,163

Other 1,251,261 1,092,173 liabilitiesTotal liabilities 2,607,776 2,773,336

Total stockholders' equity (deficit) 232,144 (216,281 )

Total liabilities and stockholders' $ 2,839,920 $ 2,557,055 equity (deficit)Waters Corporation and SubsidiariesPreliminary Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsThree and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019(In thousands and unaudited)Three Months EndedTwelve Months EndedDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019December 31, 2020December 31, 2019Cash flows from operating activities:Net income$

218,311

$

200,669

$

521,571

$

592,198

Adjustments to reconcile net income to netcash provided by operating activities:Stock-based compensation9,150

9,660

36,865

38,577

Depreciation and amortization44,260

24,977

135,351

105,296

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net(4,239

)

(43,411

)

96,720

(92,984

)

Net cash provided by operating activities267,482

191,895

790,507

643,087

Cash flows from investing activities:Additions to property, plant, equipmentand software capitalization(47,044

)

(53,618

)

(172,384

)

(163,823

)

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired(3,881

)

-

(80,545

)

-

Investment in unaffiliated companies(2,293

)

(1,593

)

(6,143

)

(8,843

)

Net change in investments15,685

(1,428

)

(5,022

)

941,468

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(37,533

)

(56,639

)

(264,094

)

768,802

Cash flows from financing activities:Net change in debt(215,000

)

325,308

(325,366

)

532,256

Proceeds from stock plans37,612

19,404

66,033

53,715

Purchases of treasury shares(56

)

(559,558

)

(196,409

)

(2,469,258

)

Other cash flow from financing activities, net4,910

3,709

15,240

10,609

Net cash used in financing activities(172,534

)

(211,137

)

(440,502

)

(1,872,678

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents4,346

6,947

15,069

224

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents61,761

(68,934

)

100,980

(460,565

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period374,934

404,649

335,715

796,280

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$

436,695

$

335,715

$

436,695

$

335,715

Reconciliation of GAAP Cash Flows from Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow (a)Net cash provided by operating activities - GAAP$

267,482

$

191,895

$

790,507

$

643,087

Adjustments:Additions to property, plant, equipmentand software capitalization(47,044

)

(53,618

)

(172,384

)

(163,823

)

Tax reform payments-

-

38,454

29,109

Major facility renovations19,486

19,276

69,806

67,624

Free Cash Flow - Adjusted Non-GAAP$

239,924

$

157,553

$

726,383

$

575,997

Waters Corporation and SubsidiariesPreliminary Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsThree and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019(In thousands and unaudited) Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Cash flows fromoperating activities: Net income $ 218,311 $ 200,669 $ 521,571 $ 592,198

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Stock-based 9,150 9,660 36,865 38,577 compensation Depreciation and 44,260 24,977 135,351 105,296 amortization Change in operating (4,239 ) (43,411 ) 96,720 (92,984 ) assets and liabilities, net Net cash provided 267,482 191,895 790,507 643,087 by operating activities Cash flows frominvesting activities: Additions to property, plant, equipment and software (47,044 ) (53,618 ) (172,384 ) (163,823 ) capitalization Business (3,881 ) - (80,545 ) - acquisitions, net of cash acquired Investment in (2,293 ) (1,593 ) (6,143 ) (8,843 ) unaffiliated companies Net change in 15,685 (1,428 ) (5,022 ) 941,468 investments Net cash (used in) provided by (37,533 ) (56,639 ) (264,094 ) 768,802 investing activities Cash flows fromfinancing activities: Net change in debt (215,000 ) 325,308 (325,366 ) 532,256

Proceeds from stock 37,612 19,404 66,033 53,715 plans Purchases of treasury (56 ) (559,558 ) (196,409 ) (2,469,258 ) shares Other cash flow from 4,910 3,709 15,240 10,609 financing activities, net Net cash used in (172,534 ) (211,137 ) (440,502 ) (1,872,678 ) financing activities Effect of exchange 4,346 6,947 15,069 224 rate changes on cashand cash equivalents Increase (decrease) 61,761 (68,934 ) 100,980 (460,565 ) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash 374,934 404,649 335,715 796,280 equivalents atbeginning of period Cash and cash $ 436,695 $ 335,715 $ 436,695 $ 335,715 equivalents at end of period Reconciliation of GAAP Cash Flows from Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow ^(a) Net cash provided by $ 267,482 $ 191,895 $ 790,507 $ 643,087 operating activities -GAAP Adjustments: Additions to property, plant, equipment and software (47,044 ) (53,618 ) (172,384 ) (163,823 ) capitalization Tax reform payments - - 38,454 29,109

Major facility 19,486 19,276 69,806 67,624 renovationsFree Cash Flow - $ 239,924 $ 157,553 $ 726,383 $ 575,997 Adjusted Non-GAAP (a) The Company defines free cash flow as net cash flow from operations accounted for under GAAP less capital expenditures and software capitalizations plus or minus any unusual and non recurring items. Free cash flow is not a GAAP measurement and may not be comparable to free cash flow reported by other companies.(a) The Company defines free cash flow as net cash flow from operationsaccounted for under GAAP less capital expenditures and softwarecapitalizations plus or minus any unusual and non recurring items. Free cashflow is not a GAAP measurement and may not be comparable to free cash flowreported by other companies.Waters Corporation and SubsidiariesReconciliation of Projected GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Financial OutlookThree Months EndedTwelve Months EndedApril 3, 2021December 31, 2021Range

Range

Projected SalesProjected constant-currency sales growth rate (a)7

%

-

10

%

5

%

-

8

%

Projected currency impact3

%

-

3

%

1

%

-

2

%

Projected sales growth rate as reported10

%

-

13

%

6

%

-

10

%

Projected Earnings Per Diluted ShareRange

Range

Projected GAAP earnings per diluted share$

1.45

-

$

1.55

$

9.12

-

$

9.37

Adjustments:Purchased intangibles amortization$

0.04

-

$

0.04

$

0.16

-

$

0.16

Certain income tax items$

0.01

-

$

0.01

$

0.04

-

$

0.04

Projected adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share$

1.50

-

$

1.60

$

9.32

-

$

9.57

Waters Corporation and SubsidiariesReconciliation of Projected GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Financial Outlook



Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended April 3, 2021 December 31, 2021 Range Range

Projected Sales



Projected constant-currency 7 % - 10 % 5 % - 8 %sales growth rate ^(a)

Projected currency impact 3 % - 3 % 1 % - 2 %



Projected sales growth rate 10 % - 13 % 6 % - 10 %as reported



Projected Earnings Per Range RangeDiluted Share



Projected GAAP earnings per $ 1.45 - $ 1.55 $ 9.12 - $ 9.37 diluted shareAdjustments:

Purchased intangibles $ 0.04 - $ 0.04 $ 0.16 - $ 0.16 amortization Certain income tax items $ 0.01 - $ 0.01 $ 0.04 - $ 0.04

Projected adjusted non-GAAP $ 1.50 - $ 1.60 $ 9.32 - $ 9.57 earnings per diluted share(a) Constant-currency growth rates are a non-GAAP financial measure that measures the change in net sales between current and prior year periods, ignoring the impact of foreign currency exchange rates during the current period. These amounts are estimated at the current foreign currency exchange rates and based on the forecasted geographical sales in local currency, as well as an assessment of market conditions as of today, and may differ significantly from actual results.These forward-looking adjustment estimates do not reflect future gains and charges that are inherently difficult to predict and estimate due to their unknown timing, effect and/or significance. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210202005216/en/

CONTACT: Bryan Brokmeier, CFA, Senior Director, Investor Relations, 508-482-3448