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Zebra

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FY2002 Annual Report · Zebra
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Which companies will be around

in  ten  years? Which  will  thrive?

Who will continue to lead into the

future? Who should you invest in?

The answer is black and white.

Zebra Technologies Corporation

 
Desktop label, ticket 
and receipt printers

Connectivity and 
label design software

.

.

.

Zebra Technologies Corporation

Plastic card printers

High performance bar code
label and specialty printers

Industrial and commercial 
bar code printers

Thermal printing supplies

Radio frequency identification
(RFID)

Mobile printing systems

Zebra Technologies Corporation delivers innovative 

and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business

improvement and security applications in nearly 100

countries around the world. A broad range of applications

benefit from Zebra® thermal bar code, “smart” label 

and receipt printers, and Eltron® card printers, resulting

in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved

quality, lower costs, and better customer service.

 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S U M M A R Y

2002

% change

2001

% change

2000

(In thousands, except per share data and percentages)

Operating Results

Net sales

$475,611

5.7%

Gross profit

Operating income

Net income

Diluted earnings per share

230,747

101,805

71,595

2.29

9.9

10.1

16.4

15.1

Capitalization

Cash and cash equivalents
and investments in 
marketable securities

Working capital

Total assets

Total stockholders’ equity

$348,577

427,676

573,088

534,155

$450,008

209,893

92,459

61,529

1.99

$249,349

330,510

479,556

445,007

-6.6%

$481,569

-9.7

-14.9

-14.1

-13.5

232,428

108,670

71,622

2.30

$156,714

256,799

418,896

371,288

Sales (in millions)

Diluted earnings
per share

Free cash flow (in millions)

$500

475

450

425

400

375

350

325

8
9
9
1

9
9
9
1

0
0
0
2

1
0
0
2

2
0
0
2

$2.50

2.25

2.00

1.75

1.50

1.25

8
9
9
1

9
9
9
1

0
0
0
2

1
0
0
2

2
0
0
2

$80

70

60

50

40

30

20

8
9
9
1

9
9
9
1

0
0
0
2

1
0
0
2

2
0
0
2

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
L E T T E R   T O   S T O C K H O L D E R S

At Zebra, we are proud of our accomplishments and the positions of financial

strength and market leadership that we occupy. We are confident in our ability to

achieve our strategic goals for growth and deliver increasing stockholder value.

At this time a year ago, we discussed
with you our strategy of investing
in activities to extend Zebra’s market
leadership, improve its growth
prospects and, fundamentally,
continue to build value for all of
Zebra’s stockholders over the long
term. We made these investments
while many of our competitors
lacked the resources or had busi-
ness models that required them to
pull back on their spending. We
affirmed our confidence in the long-
term prospects for our markets, as
competitive forces drive companies
and organizations worldwide to
increase productivity, enhance
quality, improve customer service,
and ensure more effective security. 
Throughout the U.S. economic
downturn, we leveraged our financial
strength to achieve these goals by
following a growth strategy based on:

Introducing new products, including
wireless and mobile printing systems,

photo ID card printers, and printer/
encoders that incorporate radio
transponder technology (RFID). 

Expanding our international
presence with greater Zebra repre-
sentation in the high-growth, under-
penetrated regions of Asia Pacific,
Eastern Europe, and Latin America. 

Increasing our focus on delivering
business improvement and specialty
printing applications and building
the infrastructure to support them. 

Investing in marketing initiatives
to enter high-growth vertical
markets where we can deliver appli-
cations in routing and tracking,
identification and authentication,
and transactions processing. 

Pursuing acquisitions to deploy
our substantial cash reserves to
strengthen the strategic position of
our current business and diversify
into related specialty printing and
supporting technologies. 

Edward Kaplan

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

2 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

S TO C K H O L D E R  VA L U E

• Zebra
• Nasdaq
• S&P 500

300%

250%

200%

150%

100%

50%

1997: Q4

1998: Q4

1999: Q4

2000: Q4

2001: Q4

2002: Q4

Stockholder wealth in Zebra Technologies increased 40% for

the two years through 2002. For the five-year period, Zebra's

stock appreciated 93%. If you had become a stockholder at

Zebra’s IPO in 1991, the value of your holding would have

increased 639%, compared with 150% for the stock market.

While pursuing these objectives,
we also strengthened our manage-
ment team and took steps to ensure
full compliance with the new
corporate governance regulations
enacted in 2002. At the same time,
we invested in information systems
to support effective corporate gov-
ernance, maintain strong financial
oversight, and improve our ability
to serve our customers. 

Our financial results for 2002

reflect the success of these
investments and validate our
growth strategy. During this
difficult economic environment: 

•

•

•

Quarterly sales increased
throughout the year. 

North American sales, which
had been a source of weakness,
began to rebound. 

All three international geographic
territories achieved record sales,
as well as our Plastic Card
Business Unit. 

Net income advanced 16.4%
to $2.29 per diluted share on 5.7%
sales growth to $475.0 million,
as we leveraged higher sales to
achieve increased gross profit and
operating margins. We improved our
already enviable financial position
with tighter management of working
capital to generate $82.8 million
in free cash flow, a record for
the second consecutive
year. We ended 2002
with $348 million in
cash and investments
and no long-term debt. 
Just as our invest-
ments throughout the
economic downturn helped us
achieve growth in 2002, they will
also have an enduring effect on
Zebra’s business and provide a
foundation for further investment as
we look to 2003 and beyond. As we
discuss in the following pages of
this annual report, this year we
will extend our product leadership

with a stream of new bar code,
specialty, and plastic card printer
products. Our plans also call for
building on our strategy to deliver
applications into high-growth
vertical markets. And, we will make
additional investments in people
and infrastructure to generate fur-
ther international sales growth.
Innovative products.
Industry-leading support.
Unprecedented financial
strength. Leading
industry brand. With
these attributes, Zebra
is attracting new busi-
ness opportunities and new
customers who are assured that
the company will continue to grow
and succeed in delivering printing
solutions for business improvement. 
I believe we are a stronger
company today than at any time in
our company’s history. Because of
our ability to invest, we distanced
ourselves from the competition

We enhanced
our ability to
GROW and DELIVER
s t o c k h o l d e r  
value over the 
long term. 

and improved our ability to serve
our customers better. Zebra’s man-
agement team, product portfolio,
infrastructure, and competitive
position have never been as great.
We have the financial resources to
invest in high-growth areas to
gain share, develop new markets,
and make acquisitions to strengthen
our competitive positions further.
These elements make us confident
that Zebra’s business strategy puts
us firmly on the path to deliver
sustainable long-term growth and
increasing stockholder value. 

Edward Kaplan

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 3

Product

L E A D E R S H I P

Innovation is at the heart of Zebra Technologies.

New products and new ways to connect enable

us to extend our leadership into growing

markets by building on our unmatched

reputation for reliability and durability.

We offer the industry’s broadest product

line and incorporate market-leading wireless

and security technologies to deliver real value

in specialty printing, business improvement

and compliance labeling applications. 

4 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

L I N K I N G   T H E   S U P P L Y   C H A I N

Zebra bar code label printers,

on automated information

software, and connectivity

exchange, facilitated by

technologies enable the

network-addressable bar

delivery of goods and services

code printers, to move

more accurately and with

goods from production 

greater efficiency. Routing

and inventory all the way 

and tracking operations rely

to customer delivery. 

P L A S T I C   C A R D   P R I N T I N G

Personalized identification cards

printed on Zebra plastic card

printers are used for a broad

range of purposes, from simple

membership cards to controlled

access in sophisticated, high-

security environments. Overt

and covert technologies add

new levels of security to Zebra

printing systems and supplies. 

R F I D

The emerging technology of radio frequency identification

(RFID) offers an exciting complement to bar coding. The

ability to “read” labels embedded with RF chips without seeing

them and append information in a record that accompanies

the label is opening new auto-ID opportunities that will work

along side the expanding number of bar coding applications. 

D E L I V E R I N G  

M O B I L E   A N D   W I R E L E S S   P R I N T I N G   S Y S T E M S

Advances in radio technology, with Bluetooth™ and other wireless

protocols, are greatly expanding the opportunities for business

improvement and specialty printing applications. Zebra wireless 

printing systems help mobile workers perform consumer credit 

collections, retail shelf labeling, bus and train ticketing, and other

operations that provide better customer service, increase worker

productivity, and deliver real-time information for improved accuracy.

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG and used by Zebra Technologies under license.

PS2122

105SL

TR220

Cameo 3

S600

2002 Annual Report | 5

Vertical 

M A R K E T   F O C U S

Zebra is expanding its relationships with

channel partners to deliver high-growth

applications more effectively to targeted markets.

The company is enhancing its growth

opportunities by demonstrating the bottom-line

value of implementing printing solutions that

increase productivity, provide better customer

service, and strengthen safety and security.  

6 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

E L E C T R O N I C S
M A N U FA C T U R I N G

Small spaces need small

labels and even smaller bar

codes. Zebra’s 600 dpi

printers produce sharp bar

codes on a wide variety of

durable materials to ensure

accurate product ID during

production, and for subse-

quent warranty and product

authentication purposes. 

S A F E T Y   A N D   S E C U R I T Y

Cards printed on Zebra plastic

card printers incorporating

digital photos, biometric infor-

mation, and other identification

technologies are one of numerous

solutions from Zebra to ensure

increased safety and more

effective security of people,

products, and property.  

H I G H   G R O W T H

L I F E   S C I E N C E S The life sciences supply chain increasingly relies on

the exceptional accuracy bar coding offers to minimize costly errors. With

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration taking positive steps to mandate the

use of bar coding, drug manufacturers are implementing unit-of-use marking

with bar codes, enabling health care facilities to conduct an automated and

reliable bedside match of medication and patient, identified by a bar coded

wristband. Prescription medicines are labeled more clearly with bar codes

to ensure proper dispensing, and bar coded specimen vials are identified,

tracked, and recorded more easily throughout the health care system.

P310

170xiIII Plus

Supplies
and Software

2746e

PA/PT403

2002 Annual Report | 7

Global 

E X P A N S I O N

We continue to pursue international business

opportunities by expanding Zebra’s presence

in high-growth countries and regions. 

In-country Zebra representatives are

successfully working with channel partners

to implement a broad range of solutions,

from important compliance and shipping

applications to emerging applications in retail,

transportation and postal delivery. 

8 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

E

B

O

L

G

E

H

T

G

N

I

N

N

A

P

S

Our success in growing

international sales results from

our commitment to invest in the

scope of our global operations.

International Sales (in millions)
1998 - $134.7           2002 - $205.3

International Employees
1998 - 221          2002 - 290

International Zebra Locations
1998 - 9         2002 - 23

 
 
E X T E N D I N G   O U R

P O S TA L   A P P L I C AT I O N S

Zebra is leveraging its strength 

in bar code label printing for

small package delivery applica-

tions to help postal organizations

around the world become more

efficient in tracking parcels and

important mail. Mobile applica-

tions also are providing new

revenue opportunities for couriers. 

Q U E U E   B U S T I N G

Retailers use mobile

printers equipped with

magnetic stripe readers in

stores and at entertain-

ment venues to speed

sales transactions and

ticketing during peak

times. Shorter checkout

lines increase customer

satisfaction and

minimize lost sales. 

I N T E R N A T I O N A L   O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Global presence makes it attractive for multi-national companies

to do business with Zebra. The company’s financial resources give

it the ability to invest in the people and infrastructure to support

customers outside North America. As companies in developing

countries adopt bar coding, they increasingly turn to Zebra for

expertise in compliance and business improvement applications.

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 9

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

Financial Data

(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 

Consolidated statements 
of earnings data

Net sales  

Cost of sales 

Gross profit  

2002

2001

2000 

1999 

1998 

$ 475,611

$ 450,008

$ 481,569

$ 402,213

$ 339,678

244,864

240,115

249,141

198,942 

183,639

230,747

209,893

232,428

203,271

156,039

Total operating expenses  

128,942(1)(2) 

117,434(2)

123,758(2)

99,487(3) 

94,174(3) 

Operating income 

101,805(1)(2)

92,459(2)

108,670(2)

103,784(3)

61,865(3)

Income before income taxes

110,883(1)(2)

96,139(2)

111,911(2)

108,800(3)

65,021(3)

Net income 

Earnings per share

Basic   

Diluted 

71,595(1)(2)

61,529(2)

71,622(2)

69,632(3)

40,069(3)

$

$

2.31(1)(2)

2.29(1)(2)

$

$

2.01(2)

1.99(2)

$

$

2.33(2)

2.30(2)

$

$

2.23(3)

2.21(3)

$

$

1.30(3)

1.29(3)

Weighted average shares outstanding

Basic   

Diluted 

30,983

31,265

30,645

30,881

30,790

31,155

31,175

31,521

30,919    

31,176       

(In thousands)
December 31, 

Consolidated balance sheet data

Cash and cash equivalents and 

investments and marketable securities

$ 348,577

$ 249,349

$ 156,714

$ 235,568

$ 162,668

Working capital  

Total assets 

Long-term obligations  

Stockholders’ equity 

427,676

330,510

256,799

302,804

229,688  

573,088

479,556

418,896

394,643

310,002  

1,613

408

513

664

36  

534,155

445,007

371,288

349,307

270,884  

(1) Includes $3,300 in operating expenses related to the terminated acquisition of Fargo Electronics, Inc. 

(2) Includes pretax charges for merger costs relating to the acquisition of Comtec Information Systems, Inc., and merger with Eltron International, Inc. of 

$73 in 2002, $1,838 in 2001 and $11,066 in 2000. 

(3) Includes a pretax charge for merger costs of $6,341 in 1999 and $8,080 in 1998 relating to the merger with Eltron International, Inc. 

10 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

DiscussionManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001

During 2001 and 2002, through the downturn in the

Sales by product category, related percent changes and percent of total sales for 2002 and 2001 were as follows:

U.S. economy, the Company implemented its growth

Product Category

Hardware 

Supplies

Service and software

Freight revenue

Years Ended

December 31,
2002

December 31,
2001

Percent
Change

Percent of 
Total Sales 2002

Percent of 
Total Sales 2001

$360,185

$339,895

87,981

23,301

4,144

85,266

19,336

5,511

6.0

3.2

20.5

(24.8)

5.7

75.7

18.5

4.9

0.9

100.0

75.6

18.9

4.3

1.2

100.0

Total sales

$475,611

$450,008

Sales to customers by geographic region, related percent changes, and percent of total sales for 2002 and 2001

were as follows:

Geographic Region

International 

North America

Total sales

Years Ended

December 31,
2002

December 31,
2001

Percent
Change

Percent of 
Total Sales 2002

Percent of 
Total Sales 2001

$205,323

270,288

$475,611

$180,053

269,955

$450,008

14.0

0.1

5.7

43.2

56.8

100.0

40.0

60.0

100.0

strategy by introducing new products, expanding

international coverage, and creating new sales and

marketing programs. The Company’s investments in

product development resulted in a stream of product

introductions throughout this period. The Company

also placed Zebra sales representatives in international

territories deemed to have growth potential, thereby

allowing the Company to work more closely with its

channel partners in those regions. In addition, the

Company organized its sales and marketing efforts to

support a sales strategy that demonstrates the business

benefits associated with implementing bar code

labeling and specialty printing solutions. Management

believes that these investments contributed to the

Company’s sales growth in 2002.

In North America, the Company recorded positive sales

growth in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2002,

compared with the corresponding periods of 2001.

Overall, however, the slow U.S. economy continued

to limit sales growth of bar code label and receipt

printers to rates below the Company’s historical

average. Sales of supplies, specifically ribbons, were

affected by price pressure from increased international

competition particularly from Japan. Sales of supplies

nevertheless benefited from an increase in unit sales.

Management believes that the long-term outlook for

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 11

bar code label and receipt printing in North America

Gross profit was $230,747,000 for 2002, up 9.9% from

selling and marketing expenses in future periods will

remains favorable but is unable to determine at this

$209,893,000 for 2001. In addition, gross profit margin

reflect the higher costs related to generating business

time when growth might return to historical levels

increased to 48.5% from 46.6%. The major contributors

within vertical markets.  

experienced before the 2001 downturn. 

to the margin improvement were higher capacity

All three of the Company’s international regions —

Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America — had record

sales and contributed to the significant growth in

international sales in 2002. The Company’s increase of

the number of Zebra representatives in these regions,

utilization related to the higher sales volume, product

cost reductions, and the effect of foreign exchange

movements. Management estimates that changes in

foreign exchange rates increased gross profit by

$4,377,000 in 2002. 

Research and development expenses for 2002 were

$29,210,000, up 3.6% from $28,184,000 for 2001, and

represented 6.1% of net sales in 2002 versus 6.3% in

2001. Printer products introduced over an 18-month

period that ended December 31, 2002 accounted for

approximately 22% of printer sales for 2002, compared

including the formation of a sales team in Europe for

Selling and marketing expenses increased 13.1% to

with 20% for the comparable period ending

mobile printing solutions in 2001, was an important

$56,176,000, or 11.8% of net sales, from $49,688,000,

December 31, 2001. Higher project and personnel

factor in the growth of international sales. On a dollar-

or 11.0% of net sales. Most of the change can be

expenses were partially offset by lower expenditures for

volume basis, the largest increase occurred in the

attributed to an increase in additional headcount and

consulting services. The Company considers its ability to

Company’s European region. The strength of the British

performance-related payroll expenses, specifically

develop and introduce new products to be a significant

pound and the euro versus the U.S. dollar increased

commissions and bonuses related to the Company’s

competitive factor. Accordingly, management expects

sales for the Company’s European region by approxi-

growth in net sales. Trade show, travel and consulting

to continue high levels of expenditures on the develop-

mately $5,565,000, compared with exchange rates that

expenses were also higher compared with 2001. 

ment of a broad range of printers and related items. 

prevailed during 2001. It is difficult for management to

accurately forecast the direction of foreign exchange

movements, and therefore, to estimate the impact of

foreign exchange rates on future financial results,

either positive or negative. Management believes

that international territories hold significant growth

opportunities for the Company and expects to continue

to invest in personnel and infrastructure to support

sales growth in these regions.

During 2002, the Company identified vertical markets

General and administrative expenses increased

that management believes offer growth opportunities

19.1% to $38,689,000 from $32,491,000. As a percentage

for Zebra’s printing and connectivity technologies. To

of net sales, general and administrative expenses

this end, management expects that a higher level of

increased to 8.1% from 7.2%. The Company had higher

selling and marketing infrastructure will be required

bonus payments related to the growth in net sales. It

to access these markets and achieve the Company’s

also incurred additional consulting expenses for the

growth objectives within them, compared with Zebra’s

development and implementation of growth strategies,

historical business model. Increased staffing occurred

as well as higher expenditures on information systems

in marketing functions in 2002 to enable the Company

and insurance.

to access vertical markets. Management expects that

12 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

During 2002, Zebra recorded $1,494,000 in amortization

Also in the first quarter of 2002, the Company

occurred because the decline in the asset’s value was

of intangible assets, compared with $5,233,000 for

terminated the acquisition agreement and tender offer

viewed as other than temporary. This write-down

2001. During the first quarter of 2002, Zebra imple-

in which the Company would acquire all outstanding

reduced 2001 diluted earnings by $0.05 per share. The

mented SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible

shares of common stock (including associated rights to

Company made an additional write-down of $193,000

Assets, which eliminates the requirements to amortize

purchase preferred stock) of Fargo Electronics, Inc. for

for this investment in 2002.

intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill

$7.25 per share in cash. In connection with the termi-

with a requirement for an annual impairment test.

nation, the Company recorded $3,300,000 in expenses

SFAS No. 142 also establishes requirements for iden-

for acquisition costs that would otherwise have been

tifiable intangible assets. As a result, during the first

capitalized. There was no such expense in 2001. 

quarter Zebra reclassified $21,272,000 of intangible

assets into goodwill, as such assets, which included

assembled workforce and customer lists, did not meet

the criteria for recognition as an asset apart from

goodwill under SFAS No. 142. Operating income for

2001 includes $3,835,000 of amortization of goodwill

and other intangible assets that are not included in the

2002 results in conjunction with the implementation

of SFAS No. 142.

The Company incurred merger costs of $73,000 in

2002 and $1,838,000 in 2001. These costs related to

the acquisition of Comtec Information Systems in

April 2000. Management expects that future periods

will have no further merger costs related to acquisitions

completed prior to the date of this report. In the event

of future acquisitions, management expects to record

Income before income taxes increased 15.3% to

$110,883,000 from $96,139,000. As a percentage of net

sales, income before income taxes increased to 23.3%

from 21.4%. 

The effective income tax rate for 2002 was 35.4%

versus 36.0% in 2001. This change is the result of

implementing tax minimization strategies during the

third quarter of 2002. Management expects that these

strategies will allow the Company to remain at a

35.0% effective tax rate in future periods. 

merger costs related to those acquisitions, the amount

Net income of $71,595,000, or $2.29 per diluted share,

of which cannot be determined at this time. 

for 2002 was up 16.4% from $61,529,000, or $1.99 per

diluted share, for 2001. 

Investment income was $10,004,000 for 2002, an

increase of 84.6% from $5,419,000 for 2001. Favorable

investment income was a result of a $1,953,000 pre-

tax gain on the sale of 585,000 shares of common

stock of Fargo Electronics, in addition to the absence

of a $2,242,000 pre-tax write-down of a long-term

investment that occurred in 2001. The write-down

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 13

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

The decline in sales was primarily related to softness

Sales by product category, related percent changes and percent of total sales for 2001 and 2000 were as follows:

in sales of bar code label and receipt printers in

Product Category

Hardware 

Supplies

Service and software

Freight revenue

Years Ended

December 31,
2001

December 31,
2000

Percent
Change

Percent of 
Total Sales 2001

Percent of 
Total Sales 2000

$339,895

$378,093

85,266

19,336

5,511

81,045

16,659

5,772

(10.1)

5.2

16.1

(4.5)

(6.6)

75.6

18.9

4.3

1.2

100.0

78.5

16.8

3.5

1.2

100.0

Total sales

$450,008

$481,569

Sales to customers by geographic region, related percent changes, and percent of total sales for 2001 and 2000

were as follows:

Geographic Region

International 

North America

Total sales

Years Ended

December 31,
2001

December 31,
2000

$180,053

269,955

$450,008

$179,989

301,580

$481,569

Percent
Change

0.0

(10.5)

(6.6)

Percent of 
Total Sales 2001

Percent of 
Total Sales 2000

40.0

60.0

100.0

37.4

62.6

100.0

14 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

North America from deteriorating economic conditions

in the U. S., specifically in the manufacturing and

technology sectors. A full year’s sales of mobile

printing systems as a result of the Comtec acquisition,

compared with only three quarters in 2000, partially

offset the decline from this weakness. 

The decline in North American sales was a result of

the slowdown in the U.S. economy, which restricted

sales of bar code label and receipt printers in North

America. This slowdown began in 2000 and became

more severe in 2001. 

International sales for 2001 showed virtually no

growth. Growth in the Company’s European region

to a record level resulted from the formation of a

team dedicated to the sale of mobile printing systems

and sales expansion in Eastern Europe. This growth

was offset by sales declines in Latin America and

Asia Pacific. The strength of the U.S. dollar versus

the British pound and the euro reduced sales for

the Company’s European region by approximately

$2,976,000, compared with exchange rates that

prevailed during 2000. 

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

Gross profit was $209,893,000 for 2001, down 9.7%

Amortization of intangible assets totaled $5,233,000,

Investment income was $5,419,000 for 2001, a

from $232,428,000 for 2000. In addition, gross profit

compared with $4,046,000 for 2000. The increase was

decrease of 52.2% from $11,345,000 for 2000. Lower

margin declined to 46.6% from 48.3%. Lower produc-

due to a full year’s amortization of intangible assets

investment returns on invested balances contributed

tion volumes and the resulting decline in manufacturing

related to the Comtec acquisition, compared with

to the decline. In addition, in the third quarter of

capacity utilization had the predominant effect on the

three quarters in 2000. 

2001, the Company recorded a $2,242,000 pre-tax

gross profit and gross profit margin declines. 

Selling and marketing expenses increased 2.9% to

$49,688,000, or 11.0% of net sales, from $48,306,000,

or 10.0% of net sales. During 2001, the Company

continued to invest in demand-generating activities

to support long-term growth. For 2001, higher

expenditures for personnel, market research and 

co-op activities were partially offset by declines in

travel and entertainment and other expenses. 

Research and development expenses for 2001 were

$28,184,000, up 5.4% from $26,746,000 for 2000, and

represented 6.3% of net sales in 2001 versus 5.6% in

2000. Lower project expenses partially offset higher

expenditures related to engineering personnel and

consulting services. 

As part of the Comtec acquisition, the Company

acquired printer and wireless technology. A portion

of the purchase price was attributed to acquired 

in-process technology, as the development work

associated with the projects had not yet reached

technological feasibility and was believed to have no

alternative future use. The Company assessed the

fair value of the acquired in-process technology

using an income approach. During the second quarter

of 2000, the Company recorded a $5,953,000 charge

to write off this acquired in-process technology.

There was no such charge in 2001. 

write-down of a long-term investment, in which the

decline in value was viewed as other than temporary.

This write-down reduced 2001 diluted earnings by

$0.05 per share.

Interest expense and other expense, net, for 2001

totaled $1,739,000, compared with $8,104,000 in

2000. The 78.5% decline was primarily attributable to

the effectiveness of currency hedging strategies to

minimize the effects of foreign currency transactions,

which the Company implemented during the second

half of 2000. In 2001, losses from foreign currency

transactions on the value of euro-denominated cash

deposits and receivables from customers and pound

The Company incurred merger costs of $1,838,000 in

sterling-denominated receivables from the Company’s

2001 and $5,113,000 in 2000. These costs related to

U.K. subsidiary totaled $896,000, compared with

the merger with Eltron International, Inc. in October

$6,032,000 for 2000.

General and administrative expenses declined 3.3% to

1998, which was accounted for as pooling-of-interests,

$32,491,000 from $33,594,000. As a percentage of net

and the Comtec acquisition. These costs exclude

sales, general and administrative expenses increased

certain direct costs of the Comtec acquisition, which

to 7.2% from 7.0%. Higher expenditures on information

were not included as a portion of the purchase price

systems were partially offset by expense declines for

or recorded at the time of the transaction. In 2001,

Income before income taxes decreased 14.1% to

$96,139,000 from $111,911,000. As a percentage of net

sales, income before income taxes declined to 21.4%

from 23.2%. 

personnel-related expenses from benefits and taxes,

these costs primarily consisted of expenditures on

Net income of $61,529,000, or $1.99 per diluted share,

as well as lower expenditures on outside services for

information technology infrastructure to integrate the

for 2001 was down 14.1% from $71,622,000, or $2.30

recruiting and consulting. 

Comtec and Eltron operations. 

per diluted share, for 2000. 

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 15

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

•  significant changes in the manner of use of the

review of its goodwill in 2002 and an annual impairment

Management prepared the consolidated financial

acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business 

review thereafter. 

•  significant negative industry or economic trends 

The Company completed its initial impairment review

statements of Zebra Technologies Corporation in

conformity with accounting principles generally

accepted in the United States. Accordingly, the

consolidated financial statements require certain

•  significant decline in Zebra’s stock price for a

sustained period

estimates, judgments and assumptions, which are

•  significant decline in market capitalization relative

believed to be reasonable, based upon the information

to net book value 

during the second quarter of 2002. Considering the

share price of the Company’s stock among other

measures of fair value, this impairment test indicated

that the fair value of the Company’s goodwill was sig-

nificantly in excess of the carrying value. Consequently,

available. These estimates and assumptions affect

the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the

date of the financial statements and the reported

amounts of sales and expenses during the periods

presented. The following accounting policies comprise

those that management believes are the most critical

to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the

Company’s reported financial results. 

Valuation of Long-Lived and 

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Management assesses the impairment of identifiable

intangibles, long-lived assets and related goodwill

and enterprise-level goodwill whenever events or

changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying

value may not be recoverable. Factors considered

important to possibly trigger an impairment review

consist of: 

When it is determined that the carrying value of

no impairment charge was recorded.

intangibles, long-lived assets and related goodwill

and enterprise-level goodwill may not be recoverable

based upon the existence of one or more of the above

indicators of impairment, management measures any

impairment based on a projected discounted cash

flow method using a discount rate determined by

management to be commensurate with the risk

inherent in the current business model. Net intangible

assets, long-lived assets, and goodwill amounted to

$97,473,000 as of December 31, 2002. 

Revenue Recognition

Zebra recognizes revenue from product sales at the

time of shipment and passage of title. Certain cus-

tomers have the right to return products that do not

function properly within a limited time after delivery.

The Company regularly monitors and tracks product

returns and records a provision for the estimated

amount of such future returns, based on historical

experience and any notification received of pending

In 2002, SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible

returns. While such returns have historically been

Assets, became effective. As a result, the Company

within expectations and the provisions established,

ceased amortizing approximately $54,455,000 of

the Company cannot guarantee that it will continue to

goodwill, including existing intangible assets that

experience return rates consistent with historical pat-

were not considered identifiable under SFAS No. 142.

terns. Any significant increase in product failure rates

The Company recorded approximately $3,835,000 of

and the resulting credit returns could have a material

amortization on these amounts during 2001 and

adverse effect on operating results for the periods in

•  significant underperformance relative to expected

would have recorded approximately $3,835,000 of

which such returns materialize. A 10% increase (decrease)

historical or projected future operating results 

amortization during 2002. In lieu of amortization, the

in returns above historical levels would decrease

Company was required to perform an initial impairment

(increase) operating income by approximately 0.3%.

16 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

Accounts Receivable

The Company maintains a provision for estimated

Inventories

The Company has established standardized credit

credit losses based upon historical experience and

The Company values its inventories at the lower of

granting and review policies and procedures for all

any specific customer collection issues. Over the last

the actual cost to purchase or manufacture, or the

customer accounts receivable. These policies and

three years, accounts receivable reserves have been in

current estimated market value. Management regularly

procedures include credit reviews of all new customer

the range of 1.7% to 2.9% of total accounts receivable.

reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a

accounts to establish credit limits and payment terms

Accounts receivable reserves as of December 31,

provision for excess and obsolete inventory based

based on available credit information, which may

2002 were $1,236,000, or 1.7% of the balance due.

primarily on estimated forecasts of product demand and

include customer financial statements, bank and trade

Management feels this reserve level is appropriate

production requirements for the subsequent twelve

references, credit rating agency information and other

given the relatively low accounts receivable balances

months. A significant increase in the demand for

credit related information that becomes available.

combined with the quality of the portfolio as of

Zebra’s products could result in a short-term increase

Additionally, the Company performs ongoing credit

December 31, 2002. While credit losses have histori-

in the cost of inventory purchases, while a significant

evaluations of current customers and adjusts credit

cally been within expectations and the provisions

decrease in demand could result in an increase in

limits based upon payment history and the customer’s

established, management cannot guarantee that the

the amount of excess inventory quantities on hand.

current credit worthiness, as determined by a review

Company will continue to experience credit loss

Additionally, the Company’s estimates of future product

of current credit information. The Company has estab-

consistent with historical experience. 

demand may prove to be inaccurate, in which case

lished regional credit functions, reporting directly to

the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory

the corporate financial officers, to manage the credit

Zebra’s accounts receivable portfolio is diversified

may be understated or overstated. In the future, if

granting, review, and collections processes.

among a large number of customers and geographic

inventories are determined to be overvalued, the

markets. No individual customer exceeds 9% of

Company would be required to recognize such costs

Over the last three years, quarter-end accounts

gross accounts receivable balances as of December 31,

in cost of goods sold at the time of such determination.

receivable balances have ranged from 53.0 to 68.5

2002, and only one customer exceeds 5% of gross

Likewise, if inventories are determined to be under-

days sales outstanding. As of December 31, 2002,

accounts receivable as of December 31, 2002.

valued, the Company may have over-reported cost of

accounts receivable before provisions for uncollectible

Included in accounts receivable is an account with a

goods sold in prior periods and would be required to

accounts were $72,535,000, or 53.0 days of sales.

$2,100,000 disputed balance. Although management

recognize such additional operating income at the

Similarly, past due accounts receivable are also at the

believes this account is fully collectible, a $481,000

time of sale. The Company makes every effort to ensure

low end of historical ranges as of December 31, 2002.

accrued liability has been recorded to cover the

the accuracy of its forecasts of future product demand;

The historically low balance, high quality, accounts

estimated cost of collection. If the actual collection,

however any significant unanticipated changes in

receivable portfolio is the result of improvements to

net of costs, is less than $1,619,000, operating income

demand or technological developments could have a

credit and collections policies, procedures, and

would be reduced.

significant impact on the value of inventories and

staffing implemented during 2002.

reported operating results. 

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 17

Over the last three years, the Company’s reserves for

The Illinois Department of Revenue has also examined

Liquidity and Capital Resources

excess and obsolete inventory have ranged from

the Company’s tax returns for the years 1996 and

Internally generated funds from operations are the

9.7% to 12.9% of gross inventory. As of December 31,

1997, and issued an assessment for $3,200,000. The

primary source of liquidity for the Company, largely

2002, reserves for excess and obsolete inventory were

issues involved in this audit are identical to those

as a result of the Company’s sales and profitability,

$5,075,000, or 11.5% of gross inventory. 

involved in the 1993 to 1995 returns being litigated.

control over working capital and relatively low require-

The Company has paid this assessment under protest.

ments for purchases of property and equipment. As

Reserve for Tax Litigation and Tax Audits

Management believes that the ultimate outcome of

of December 31, 2002, the Company had $348,577,000

The Company has recorded the estimated liability

this assessment will be consistent with the 1993 to

in cash and cash equivalents and investments and

related to certain pending tax litigation and tax audits

1995 litigation under appeal.

marketable securities, compared with $249,349,000 at

based on management’s estimates of the probable

range of loss. As additional information becomes

available, management will assess the potential liability

related to pending litigation and tax audits, and revise

estimates. Such revisions in the estimates of potential

future liabilities could materially affect the results of

operations and financial position. 

In addition, the Illinois Department of Revenue has not

yet examined the Company’s income tax returns for 1998

through 2001, but has a right to do so. Management

believes that if such an audit occurred, the Illinois

Department of Revenue would raise issues similar to

those raised during the 1993 through 1997 audits.

the end of 2001. Capital expenditures totaled $8,481,000

in 2002, $9,613,000 in 2001, and $8,947,000 in 2000.

Management believes that existing capital resources

and funds generated from operations are sufficient to

finance anticipated capital requirements. 

For 2002, net cash used in operating activities was

$13,393,000, which included increases in investments

The Company is litigating a dispute over a 1998 tax

The Company recorded tax reserves equal to manage-

and marketable securities of $108,498,000 and

assessment in the amount of approximately $2,000,000,

ment’s estimate of the likely outcome of the Illinois

accounts receivable of $1,629,000, offset by a decline

including penalties and interest, with the Illinois

Department of Revenue litigation for 1993 to 1995, the

in inventories and other assets totaling $6,891,000

Department of Revenue for the years 1993 through

audit assessment for 1996 and 1997, and the unaudited

and an increase in accrued liabilities of $2,564,000.

1995. The case was filed by the Company in the District

1998 through 2001 returns. If the Company loses all

These changes are net of the effect of foreign exchange

Court of Illinois and tried during November 2000.

issues on appeal, the Company would record an

rates on cash. Depreciation and amortization totaled

The decision from the court was unfavorable to the

additional one-time tax expense of $1,300,000. If the

$12,259,000. Net cash used in investing activities

Company but has been appealed. The Company does

Company wins all issues on appeal, the Company

was used exclusively for $8,481,000 in purchases of

not expect to know the result of the appeal until some

would record a reduction to tax expense of $4,400,000.

property and equipment, and $13,032,000 in net cash

time in the second half of 2003.

For additional information respecting this matter, see

provided by financing activities was substantially

Note 9 “Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated

generated by proceeds from the exercise of stock

Financial Statements annexed to this report.

options. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by

$7,910,000 for the year. 

18 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting

$14,076,000 in 2001, which included an increase in invest-

In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143,

for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.

ments and marketable securities of $78,874,000 and

Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS 143

This standard requires companies to recognize costs

relatively significant declines of $16,223,000, or 19.3%,

addresses financial accounting and reporting for

associated with exit or disposal activities when they

in accounts receivable and of $17,284,000, or 30.4%, in

obligations associated with the retirement of tangible

are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment

inventories. Both declines exclude the effect of foreign

long-lived assets and for the associated asset retirement

to an exit or disposal plan. Examples of costs covered

exchange rates on cash. Depreciation and amortization

costs. SFAS 143 must be applied starting with fiscal

by the standard include lease termination costs and

totaled $15,691,000. Net cash used in investing activities

years beginning after June 15, 2002. Management does

certain employee severance costs that are associated

was used exclusively for $9,613,000 in purchases of

not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 143 will have a

with a restructuring, discontinued operation, plant

property and equipment, and $8,863,000 in net cash pro-

significant impact on the Company’s consolidated

closing, or other exit or disposal activity. This standard

vided by financing activities was substantially generated

financial statements. 

will be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities

by proceeds from the exercise of stock options. 

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145,

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled

Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64,

$132,565,000 in 2000. During the year, the Company

Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and

reduced its investments and marketable securities by

Technical Corrections. SFAS 145 requires that gains

$60,860,000 as partial funding for the Comtec acquisi-

and losses from extinguishment of debt be classified

tion. The Company also recorded increases of $7,106,000

as extraordinary items only if they meet the criteria

in accounts receivable and $7,179,000 in inventories.

in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30.

Depreciation and amortization totaled $14,383,000.

Applying the provisions of Opinion No. 30 will

Investing activities used $97,423,000 in cash in 2000.

distinguish transactions that are part of an entity’s

In addition to the $8,947,000 used for purchases of

recurring operations from those that are unusual

property and equipment, the Company used $88,476,000

and infrequent and meet the criteria for classification

for the Comtec acquisition, net of cash acquired. For

as an extraordinary item. SFAS No. 145 is effective

2000, the Company used $48,675,000 for financing

beginning January 1, 2003. Management does not

activities, including $55,505,000 for the purchase of

believe the adoption of SFAS No. 145 will have a

treasury stock. Proceeds of $6,653,000 from the exercise

significant impact on the Company’s consolidated

of stock options had a positive effect on net cash

financial statements.

used in financing activities. For 2000, cash and cash

equivalents declined by $15,041,000.

initiated after December 31, 2002. Management does

not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 146 will have a

significant impact on the Company’s consolidated

financial statements.

Risk Factors

Investors should carefully consider the risks,

uncertainties and other factors described below, as

well as other disclosures in Management’s Discussion

and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of

Operations, because they could have a material

adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial

condition, operating results, and growth prospects. 

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 19

The Company could encounter difficulties in any

The Company may not be able to continue to develop

substantial marketing, financial, development and

acquisition it undertakes, including unanticipated

products to address user needs effectively in an

personnel resources. To remain competitive, the

integration problems and business disruption.

industry characterized by rapid technological change.

Company believes it must continue to provide:

Acquisitions could also dilute stockholder value and

To be successful, Zebra must adapt to rapidly changing

•  technologically advanced systems that satisfy the

adversely affect operating results. Proposed acquisitions

technological and application needs by continually

that are not consummated may result in the write-off

improving its products as well as introducing new

of certain acquisition costs.

products and services to address user demands.

user demands;

•  superior customer service;

The Company may acquire or make investments in

other businesses, technologies, services or products.

Zebra’s industry is characterized by:

The process of integrating any acquired business,

technology, service or product into operations may

result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expendi-

•  rapidly changing technology

•  evolving industry standards

tures. Integration of an acquired company also may

•  frequent new product and service introductions

•  evolving distribution channels

•  changing customer demands

•  high levels of quality and reliability, and

•  dependable and efficient distribution networks

Zebra cannot assure it will be able to compete

successfully against current or future competitors.

Increased competition in printers or supplies may

result in price reductions, lower gross profit margins

and loss of market share, and could require increased

spending on research and development, sales and

Future success will depend on the Company’s ability

marketing and customer support. Some competitors

to adapt in this rapidly evolving environment. The

may make strategic acquisitions or establish cooper-

Company could incur substantial costs if it has to

ative relationships with suppliers or companies that

modify its business to adapt to these changes, and

produce complementary products. Any of these

may even be unable to adapt to these changes.

factors could reduce the Company’s earnings.

consume considerable management time and attention,

which could otherwise be available for ongoing devel-

opment of the business. The expected benefits of any

acquisition may not be realized. Moreover, the Company

may be unable to identify, negotiate or finance future

acquisitions successfully. Future acquisitions could

result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity secu-

rities or the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities or

amortization expenses. To the extent that a proposed

acquisition is not consummated, the Company may

be required to write off certain costs associated with

The Company competes in a highly competitive market,

the acquisition, which could be significant.

which is likely to become more competitive. Competitors

may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerg-

ing technology and changes in customer requirements.

Zebra faces significant competition in developing

and selling its systems. Principal competitors have

20 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

The inability to protect intellectual property could

•  Restrictions on the export or import of technology

of a third party’s patent or other intellectual property

harm the Company’s reputation, and its competitive

may reduce or eliminate the ability to sell in or

right, the Company may be prevented from operating

position may be materially damaged.

purchase from certain markets.

its business as planned, and may be required to pay

Zebra’s intellectual property is valuable and provides

the Company with certain competitive advantages.

Copyrights, patents, trade secrets and contracts are

used to protect these proprietary rights. Despite these

precautions, it may be possible for third parties to

copy aspects of the Company’s products or, without

authorization, to obtain and use information which

•  Potentially limited intellectual property protection in

certain countries, such as China, may limit recourse

against infringing products or cause the Company to

refrain from selling in certain geographic territories.

•  Staffing and managing international operations may

be unusually difficult.

damages, to obtain a license, if available, or to use a

non-infringing method, if possible, to accomplish its

objectives. Any of these claims, with or without merit,

could result in costly litigation and divert the attention

of key personnel.

The Company depends on the ongoing service of its

Zebra regards as trade secrets. 

•  The Company may not be able to control

senior management and ability to attract and retain

international distributors working on its behalf.

other key personnel.

Zebra sells a significant portion of its products

internationally and purchases important components

from foreign suppliers. These circumstances create a

number of risks.

Economic factors, which are outside the Company’s

control, could lead to deterioration in the quality of

the Company’s accounts receivables.

The Company sells a significant amount of its products

The Company sells its products to customers in the

Future success of the Company is substantially

dependent on the continued service and continuing

contributions of senior management and other key

personnel. The loss of the service of any of executive

officer or other key employees could adversely affect

to customers outside the United States. Shipments

to international customers are expected to continue

to account for a material portion of net sales. Risks

United States and several other countries around the

business. The Company neither has long-term

world. Sales are typically made on unsecured credit

employment agreements with key personnel, nor

terms, which are generally consistent with the prevailing

maintains key man life insurance policies on any of

associated with sales and purchases outside the

business practices in a given country. A deterioration

its key employees.

United States include:

•  Fluctuating foreign currency rates could restrict

sales, or increase costs of purchasing, in foreign

countries.

•  Foreign governments may impose burdensome

tariffs, quotas and taxes or other trade barriers.

of economic or political conditions in a country could

impair Zebra’s ability to collect on receivables in the

affected country. 

Infringement on the proprietary rights of others could

The ability to attract, retain and motivate highly

skilled employees is important to Zebra’s long-term

success. Competition for personnel in the Company’s

industry is intense, and the Company may be unable

put the company at a competitive disadvantage, and any

to retain key employees or attract, assimilate or

related litigation could be time consuming and costly.

retain other highly qualified employees in the future.

•  Political and economic instability may reduce demand

Third parties may claim that Zebra violated their

for our products, or put our foreign assets at risk.

intellectual property rights. To the extent of a violation

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 21

Continued terrorist attacks or war could lead to

further economic instability and adversely affect the

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure
About Market Risk

Company’s stock price, operations, and profitability.

Interest Rate Risk

Foreign Exchange Risk

The Company conducts business in approximately

100 countries throughout the world and, therefore,

The terrorist attacks that occurred in the United

The Company is exposed to the impact of changes in

is exposed to risk based on movements in foreign

States on September 11, 2001 caused periodic major

interest rates because of its large investment portfolio.

exchange rates. Currency exposures are related to the

instability in the U.S. and other financial markets.

As stated in the Company’s written investment policy,

U.S. dollar/U.K. pound sterling, U.S. dollar/euro, and

Possible further acts of terrorism and current and

the Company’s investment portfolio is viewed as a

the U.K. pound sterling/euro exchange rates arising

future war risks could have a similar impact.  The

strategic resource that will be managed to achieve

from invoicing European customers in pounds sterling

United States continues to take military action

above market rates of return in exchange for accepting

and euros from the Company’s U.K. office. The U.S.

against terrorism and has made strong overtures of

a prudent amount of incremental risk, which includes

dollar/Japanese yen exchange rate arises from invoicing

going to war with Iraq. Terrorist attacks and potential

the risk of interest rate movements. Risk tolerance is

customers in Japanese yen. The yen foreign currency

war in the Middle East may lead to additional armed

constrained by an overriding objective to preserve

exposure averages approximately $125,000. There is

hostilities or to further acts of terrorism and civil

capital across each quarterly reporting cycle.

no foreign exchange risk associated with the Company’s

disturbance in the United States or elsewhere, which

may further contribute to economic instability.  Any

such attacks could, among other things, cause further

instability in financial markets and could directly, or

indirectly through reduced demand, negatively affect

the Company’s facilities and operations or those of

its customers or suppliers.

The Company mitigates interest rate risk with an

investment portfolio. 

investment policy that requires the use of outside

The Company manages its foreign exchange exposure

professional investment managers, investment liquidity

through a policy of selective hedging. This policy

and broad diversification across investment strategies,

involves selling forward up to 120 days projected

and which limits the types of investments that may be

remittances in euros from the Company’s U.K. sub-

made. Moreover, the policy requires due diligence of

sidiary. Currency swaps that are net settled every

each investment manager both before employment

month mitigate the U.S. dollar to U.K. pound sterling

Taxing authority challenges may lead to tax payments

and on an ongoing basis. 

exceeding current reserves.

The following table sets forth the impact of a 1% move-

The Company operates in multiple tax jurisdictions in

ment in interest rates on the value of the Company’s

the United States and worldwide, and uses strategies

investment portfolio as of December 31, 2002. 

to minimize its tax exposure. Local tax authorities

may challenge these tax positions from time to time.

Effect on
Pretax
Income

Effect on
Diluted EPS 
(after tax)

Adverse outcomes in these situations may exceed the

Interest rate sensitive instruments

Company’s reserves for tax payments and may increase

the Company’s effective tax rate.

+1% movement

-1% movement

$(3,428,059)

$(0.07)

$ 3,428,059

$ 0.07

net exposure. This policy mitigates, but does not

eliminate, the impact of exchange movements on the

value of future cash flows. Thus, adverse movements

in either the pound or the euro in relation to the dollar

can directly affect the Company’s financial results. The

corporate treasury department executes all foreign

exchange contracts with major financial institutions

22 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

only. Under no circumstances does the Company

The Company currently employs three investment

enter into any type of foreign exchange contract for

managers, two of which manage portfolios of investment

trading or speculative purposes.

funds (i.e. fund of funds). These investment funds use

The following table sets forth the impact of a 1%

movement in the dollar/pound and dollar/euro rates

measured as if the Company did not engage in the

selective hedging practices described above. It is

based on the dollar/euro and dollar/pound exchange

rates and euro and pound denominated assets and

liabilities as of December 31, 2002. 

Foreign exchange

Dollar/pound

Dollar/euro

Effect on
Pretax
Income

Effect on
Diluted EPS 
(after tax)

$  96,582

$273,000

$0.00

$0.01

a variety of investment strategies, some of which

involve the use of equity securities. Each investment

manager’s portfolio is designed to be market neutral,

although an individual fund within a portfolio may be

exposed to market risk. By policy, management limits

the amount of the Company’s investments in alternative

investment strategies to a maximum of 20% of the

total investment portfolio, with no single investment

exceeding $10,000,000. 

The Company utilizes a “Value-at-Risk” (VaR) model

to determine the maximum potential one-day loss in

the fair value of its interest rate, foreign exchange and

equity price sensitive instruments. 

Equity Price Risk

The following table sets forth the impact of a 1%

From time to time, the Company has taken direct

change in the value of all equity positions held by the

equity positions in companies. These investments

Company’s investment managers. 

relate to potential acquisitions and other strategic

business opportunities. To the extent that it has a direct

Effect on
Pretax
Income

Effect on
Diluted EPS 
(after tax)

investment in the equity securities of another company,

Equity price sensitive instruments

the Company is exposed to the risks associated with

such investments. 

+1% movement

-1% movement

$ 183,112

$ 0.00

$(183,112)

$(0.00)

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 23

Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31, 

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Investments and marketable securities 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,236 in 2002 and $1,975 in 2001
Inventories
Deferred income taxes
Prepaid expenses

Total current assets 

Property and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization

Deferred income taxes

Goodwill

Other intangibles

Other assets 

Total assets

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Short-term note payable
Current portion of obligation under capital lease
Income taxes payable

Total current liabilities 

Obligation under capital lease, less current portion

Deferred rent

Other long-term liability

Total liabilities

Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding

Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 27,660,466  
and 26,018,743 shares issued, and 27,282,087 and 25,256,380 shares outstanding 
in 2002 and 2001, respectively

Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value; 28,358,189 shares authorized, 3,886,050  
and 5,527,773 shares issued and outstanding in 2002 and 2001, respectively

Additional paid-in capital

Treasure stock, at cost (378,379 shares and 762,363 shares, respectively)

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

See accompanying notes to 
consolidated financial statements.

24 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

2002  

2001

$ 18,418

330,159

71,299

38,066

4,107

2,531

464,580

39,462

1,722

54,455

3,556

9,313

$ 26,328  
223,021  
67,160  
39,923  
4,295  
3,611  

364,338  

40,742  

902  

32,735  

26,693  

14,146  

$ 573,088

$479,556

$ 15,447

17,661

275

145

3,376

36,904

605

416

1,008

38,933

—

276

39

56,478

(16,760)

494,150

(28)

534,155

$ 573,088

$ 14,414  
14,993  
221  
79  
4,121  

33,828  

408  

313  

—  

34,549

—  

260  

55  

59,012

(35,482)  

422,555  

(1,393)  

445,007

$479,556

Earnings

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 

Net sales

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Operating expenses:

Selling and marketing

Research and development

General and administrative

Amortization of intangible assets

Acquired in-process technology

Costs related to terminated acquisition

Merger costs

Total operating expenses 

Operating income 

Operating income (expense):

Investment income

Interest expense

Other, net

Total other income 

Income before income taxes

Income taxes

Net income

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share 

See accompanying notes to 
consolidated financial statements.

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

Diluted weighted average and equivalent shares outstanding

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

2002  

2001 

2000

$ 475,611

$ 450,008

$ 481,569

244,864

230,747

56,176

29,210

38,689

1,494

—

3,300

73

128,942

101,805

10,004

(319)

(607)

9,078

110,883

39,288

240,115

209,893

49,688

28,184

32,491

5,233

—

—

1,838

117,434

92,459

5,419

(231)

(1,508)

3,680

96,139

34,610

249,141

232,428  

48,306  

26,746

33,594

4,046

5,953

—

5,113  

123,758 

108,670 

11,345  

(1,120) 

(6,984) 

3,241 

111,911

40,289

$ 71,595

$ 61,529

$ 71,622  

$

$

2.31

2.29

30,983

31,265

$

$

2.01

1.99

30,645

30,881

$

$

2.33  

2.30 

30,790 

31,155

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 25

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Income

(Amounts in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 

Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss):

2002  

2001 

2000

$ 71,595

$ 61,529 

$ 71,622

Foreign currency translation adjustment

2,968

(977)

(1,508)  

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments:

Net change in unrealized holding gains (losses) 

for the period, net of income tax expense (benefit) 
of ($863) for 2002, $1,687 for 2001, and ($801) for 2000

Comprehensive income 

(1,603)

3,000

(1,425)  

$ 72,960

$ 63,552 

$ 68,689  

See accompanying notes to 
consolidated financial statements.

26 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Stockholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Dollars in thousands)

Class A
Common
Stock

Class B
Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Treasury
Stock

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive Income 

Unrealized

Cumulative
Holding Gain (Loss) Translation 
Adjustment

on Investments

Total 

Balance at December 31, 1999

$ 249

$  65

$ 60,072

$ 289,404

$         —

$      —

$    (483)

$ 349,307

Issuance of 128,827 shares of Class A Common Stock

upon exercise of stock options

Conversion of 604,187 shares of Class B Common Stock 

to 604,187 shares of Class A Common Stock

Repurchase of 1,170,500 shares of Class A Common Stock

Reissuance of 111,747 treasury shares upon exercise 

of stock options and purchases under stock purchase plan

Tax benefit resulting from exercise of options

Gains on put options

Net income

Unrealized holding loss on investments (net of income taxes)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Balance at December 31, 2000

Conversion of 408,228 shares of Class B Common Stock 

to 408,228 shares of Class A Common Stock

Reissuance of 296,390 treasury shares upon exercise 

of stock options and purchases under stock purchase plan

Tax benefit resulting from exercise of options

Loss on put options

Net income

Unrealized holding gain on investments (net of income taxes)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Balance at December 31, 2001

Conversion of 1,641,723 shares of Class B Common Stock 

to 1,641,723 shares of Class A Common Stock

Reissuance of 383,984 treasury shares upon exercise 

of stock options and purchases under stock purchase plan

Tax benefit resulting from exercise of options

Net income

Unrealized holding loss on investments (net of income taxes)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

1 

6

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

256

4

—

—

—

—

—

—

260

16

—

—

—

—

—

—

(6)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

59

(4)

—

—

—

—

—

—

55

3,227

—

—

(1,952)

1,505

639

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

71,622

—

—

—

—

(55,505)

5,377

—

—

—

—

—

63,491

361,026

(50,128)

—

(5,751)

1,273

(1)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

61,529

—

—

—

14,646

—

—

—

—

—

59,012

422,555

(35,482)

(16)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(5,616)

3,082

—

—

—

—

—

—

71,595

—

—

—

18,722

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,425)

—

(1,425)

—

—

—

—

—

3,000

—

1,575

—

—

—

—

(1,603)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,508)

(1,991)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(977)

3,228

—

(55,505)

3,425

1,505

639

71,622

(1,425)

(1,508)

371,288

—

8,895

1,273

(1)

61,529

3,000

(977)

(2,968)

445,007

—

—

—

—

—

2,968

—

13,106

3,082

71,595

(1,603)

2,968

Balance at December 31, 2002

$276

$39

$56,478

$494,150

$(16,760)

$    (28)

$      —

$534,155

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 27

Cash Flows

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Amounts in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 

provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Tax benefit from exercise of options 
Acquired in-process technology
Depreciation (appreciation) in market value 
of investments and marketable securities

Write-down of long-term investment 
Deferred income taxes
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:

Accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Other assets
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Income taxes payable
Other operating activities
Investments and marketable securities

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property and equipment
Acquisition of Comtec Information Systems, net of cash acquired

Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:

Purchase of treasury stock
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Proceeds from (cost of) put options
Issuance (repayment) of notes payable
Payments for obligation under capital lease
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

Interest paid
Income taxes paid

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash transactions:

12,259

3,082

—

1,360

193

(616)

(1,629)

2,922

3,969

(939)

2,564

(896)

1,241

(108,498)

(13,393)

(8,481)

—

(8,481)

—
13,106

—

43

(117)

13,032

932

(7,910)

26,328

$ 18,418

$

319

33,840

2002  

2001 

2000

$ 71,595

$ 61,529

$ 71,622

15,691
1,273
—

(1,209)
2,242
2,873

16,223
17,284
(7,895)
(9,424)
3,083
(6,792)
(1,928)
(78,874)
14,076

(9,613)
—
(9,613)

—
8,895
(1)
72
(103)
8,863
(774)
12,552
13,776
$ 26,328

$

231
38,604

4
—

14,383

1,505  
5,953  

2,952  
—  
(6,076)  

(7,106)
(7,179)
(542)
(6,064)
(810)
3,372
(305)
60,860 
132,565

(8,947)
(88,476)  
(97,423) 

(55,505)  
6,653  
639
(140)  
(322) 
(48,675) 
(1,508) 
(15,041) 
28,817 
$ 13,776

$

1,120
44,736

6 
—  

See accompanying notes to 
consolidated financial statements.

Conversion of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock
Assets under capital lease obligation

16

333

28 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

NotesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

Note 1 Description of Business

securities are those securities that the Company has the ability and intent to hold

Zebra Technologies Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company)

until maturity. All securities not included in trading or held-to-maturity are classified

design, manufacture, sell and support a broad line of bar code label and receipt printers

as available-for-sale.

and card printers, self-adhesive labeling materials, card supplies, thermal transfer ribbons

and bar code label design software. These products are used principally in automatic

identification (auto ID), data collection and personal identification applications and are

distributed world-wide through a network of resellers, distributors and end users

representing a wide cross-section of industrial, service and government organizations.

Trading and available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Held-to-maturity

securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion

of discounts or premiums. Unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities

are included in earnings. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax

effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as

a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized. 

Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying financial statements have been

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, and cost is determined

prepared on a consolidated basis to include the accounts of the Company and its

by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. 

wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts, transactions, and

unrealized profit have been eliminated in consolidation.

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and

amortization is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated

Use of Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity

useful lives of the various classes of property and equipment, which are 30 years for

with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management

buildings and range from 3 to 10 years for other property. Property and equipment

to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and

held under capital leases is amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter

liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consoli-

of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset.

dated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during

the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Income Taxes.The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability

method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash consists primarily of deposits with banks. In addition,

tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying

the Company considers highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities

amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax

of less than seven days to be cash equivalents. 

assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable

Investments and Marketable Securities. Investments and marketable securities at

December 31, 2002, consisted of U.S. government securities, state and municipal

bonds, partnership interests and equity securities, which are held indirectly in

income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered

or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is

recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

diversified funds actively managed by investment professionals. The Company

Intangible Assets. Goodwill represents the unamortized excess of the cost of acquiring

classifies its debt and marketable equity securities in one of three categories:

a business over the fair values of the net assets received at the date of acquisition.

trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Trading securities are bought and

Goodwill is no longer being amortized as required by SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and

held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held-to-maturity

Other Intangible Assets. 

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 29

Other intangible assets consist primarily of current technology. These assets are

Stock-based Compensation. At December 31, 2002, the Company has three stock-based

recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over 5 years. Accumulated

compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 16. The Company accounts

amortization for these other intangible assets was $3,865,000 and $5,944,000 at

for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No.

December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. No stock-

Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized at the time of shipping and includes

freight billed to customers.

Research and Development Costs. Research and development costs are expensed 

as incurred.

Advertising. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses for

based compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under those

plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock

on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings

per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB

No. 123, Accounting for Stock-based Compensation, to stock-based compensation.

2002  

2001 

2000

the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 totaled $3,965,000, $4,405,000

Net income, as reported

$ 71,595

$61,529 

$ 71,622

and $4,637,000, respectively.

Warranty. The Company provides warranty coverage of up to one year on printers

Deduct: Total stock-based employee 

compensation expense determined 
under fair value method for all 
awards, net of related tax effects

against defects in material and workmanship. A provision for warranty expense is

Pro forma net income

recorded at the time of shipment and adjusted quarterly based on historical warranty

Basic earnings per share:

experience. The following is a summary of the Company’s accrued warranty obligation

during the year ended December 31, 2002.

Accrued warranty — beginning balance

Add: warranty expense

Deduct: warranty payments

Accrued warranty — ending balance

2002

$ 1,021

3,080

2,426

$ 1,675

As reported

Pro forma

Diluted earnings per share:

As reported

Pro forma

(5,102)

$ 66,493

$

2.31

2.15

$

2.29

2.13

(3,558)

$ 57,971 

$

2.01 

1.89 

$

1.99 

1.88 

(4,009)

$ 67,613  

$

2.33  

2.20  

$

2.30  

2.17  

Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company has a deferred compensation plan that

permits management and highly compensated employees to defer portions of their

compensation and to select a method of investing these funds. The salaries that have

Financial instruments. The reported amounts of the Company’s financial instruments,

been deferred since the plan’s inception have been accrued and the only charges,

which include investments and marketable securities, trade accounts receivable,

other than additional deferred salaries, related to this plan are the unrealized gain/loss

accounts payable, accrued liabilities, income taxes payable and short-term notes

on the deferred amounts. 

payable, approximate their fair values because of the contractual maturities and 

short-term nature of these instruments.

30 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

Foreign Currency Translation. The consolidated balance sheets of the Company’s

Acquisition Costs. The Company periodically invests in potential acquisitions. Any

foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the year-end exchange

external costs incurred are recorded as prepaid expenses until such time as the

rate, and statement of earnings items are translated using the average exchange rate

Company either completes the transaction or abandons the transaction. If the

for the year. The resulting translation gains or losses are recorded in stockholders’

transaction is completed, the costs are treated as part of the cost of the acquisition.

equity as a cumulative translation adjustment, which is a component of accumulated

If the transaction is abandoned, the costs are expensed during the period in which it

other comprehensive loss.

Capitalized Software. The Company’s investment in software development consists

primarily of enhancements to its existing E-commerce web-based application, which

is abandoned. During 2002, operating expenses include $3,300,000 of costs related

to such an abandonment. As of December 31, 2002, the balance sheet includes

$35,000 in prepaid expenses related to acquisitions.

will include the automation of current business activities. Specifically, the activities

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of. The

include the processing of customer orders; the acknowledgement of customer orders

Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of SFAS

and delivery; and the financial invoicing for all of Zebra’s products and will aid in

No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.The statement

enabling the Company to create new business efficiencies.

requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for

Costs associated with the planning and design phases of web-based development,

including coding and testing activities necessary to establish technological feasibility

of the functionality of the website, are charged to research and development as

incurred. Once technological feasibility has been determined, costs incurred in the

construction phase of software development including coding, testing, and product

quality assurance are capitalized. 

impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying

amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and

used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the sum

of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual

disposition of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment

to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the

assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at

Funded Engineering Arrangement. The Company was part of an arrangement with a

the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. 

third party, whereby the Company was reimbursed for certain engineering services

performed on behalf of the third party. The arrangement had a term of three years. The

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS

arrangement also provided that the Company would be the exclusive manufacturer

No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS No. 143 addresses

of the products resulting from the engineering agreement. The products would be

financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of

distributed under the third party’s brand name. During 2000 and 2001, the Company

tangible long-lived assets and for the associated asset retirement costs. SFAS No. 143

incurred approximately $2,800,000 of reimbursable expenses under the agreement.

must be applied starting with fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. Management

As of December 31, 2002, the Company had an accounts receivable of approximately

is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 143 will have on the

$2,100,000 related to this arrangement. A provision of $481,000 has been established

consolidated financial statements.

to cover estimated collection costs, which is included in accrued liabilities. The

arrangement was terminated in 2002.

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 31

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44,

At the time of acquisition, the purchase price allocation for Comtec was as follows:

and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections. SFAS 145

requires that gains and losses from extinguishment of debt be classified as extraordi-

nary items only if they meet the criteria in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30.

Applying the provisions of Opinion No. 30 will distinguish transactions that are part of

an entity’s recurring operations from those that are unusual and infrequent and meet

the criteria for classification as an extraordinary item. SFAS No. 145 is effective beginning

January 1, 2003. Management is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of

Net tangible assets

Acquired in-process technology

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Purchase price

Amount (in thousands)

$15,235

5,953

31,786

35,502

$88,476

SFAS No. 145 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The following summary presents information concerning the purchase price allocation

for the Comtec acquisition after the Company’s implementation of SFAS No. 142,

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, during the first quarter of 2002:

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit

or Disposal Activities. This standard requires companies to recognize costs associated

with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a

commitment to an exit or disposal plan. Examples of costs covered by the standard

include lease termination costs and certain employee severance costs that are associated

Net tangible assets

Acquired in-process technology

with a restructuring, discontinued operation, plant closing, or other exit or disposal

activity. This standard will be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated

after December 31, 2002. Management does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 146

Current technology

Goodwill

Purchase price

will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Amount (in thousands)

$15,235

5,953

6,494

60,794

$88,476

Note 3 Business Combinations

Comtec Information Systems, Inc. On April 3, 2000, the Company acquired Comtec

Information Systems, Inc. (Comtec), by acquiring all of the outstanding capital stock

of Comtec for approximately $88,476,000 in cash. Located in Warwick, Rhode Island,

Comtec had been a privately held company. Comtec designs, manufactures and sup-

ports mobile printing systems. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase

method. At the time of the acquisition, the purchase price was allocated to identifiable

tangible assets and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their

Prior to the implementation of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was amortized on a straight-line

basis over the expected period of 20 years and other intangible assets were amortized

over periods up to 15 years. These amortization periods are reflective of the expense

amounts recorded in the Company’s 2001 and 2000 income statements. Subsequent

to the implementation of SFAS No. 142, the amount allocated to current technology

related to the Comtec acquisition is amortized over a period of five years and is included

as a component of other intangible assets on the balance sheet as of December 31,

2002. See Note 10 for a further discussion of the Company’s implementation of

SFAS No. 142.

estimated fair values. Estimated amounts allocated to acquired in-process technology

Acquisition Termination Costs and Sale of Investment. In the first quarter of 2002, the

were expensed at the time of the acquisition. The consolidated statements of earnings

Company terminated the acquisition agreement and tender offer in which the Company

reflect the results of operations of Comtec since the effective date of the acquisition.

would acquire all outstanding shares of common stock (including associated rights

32 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

to purchase preferred stock) of Fargo Electronics, Inc. for $7.25 per share in cash. In

Note 5 Investments and Marketable Securities

connection with the termination, the Company recorded $3,300,000 in expenses for

The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses

capitalized acquisition costs and other acquisition costs that would otherwise have

and aggregate fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2002, were as 

been capitalized. Also during the quarter ended March 30, 2002, the Company sold

follows (in thousands):

its investment in common stock of Fargo and realized a pre-tax gain of $1,953,000,

which is included in investment income.

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized

Gross
Unrealized

Holding Gains Holding Losses

Fair Value

Note 4 Earnings Per Share  

For the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, earnings per share were

computed as follows (in thousands, except per-share amounts):

Year Ended December 31,2000  

2002 

2001

2000

Basic earnings per share:

Net income

Weighted average common 

shares outstanding

Per share amount

Diluted earnings per share:

$71,595

$61,529

$71,622

30,983

$ 2.31

30,645

$

2.01

30,790

$    2.33  

Net income

$71,595

$61,529

$71,622

Available for sale 

(included in other assets):

Equity securities 

$

365

$ —

$

(42)

$

323

Trading securities:

U.S. government and 
agency securities 

96,195

State and municipal bonds

174,508

Corporate bonds

Partnership interests

Other

34,316

15,676

7,607

328,302

207

275

149

3,139

28

3,798

(152)

(1,565)

(196)

(12)

(16)

96,250

173,218

34,269

18,803

7,619

(1,941)

330,159

$ 328,667

$3,798

$ (1,983)

$ 330,482

The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses

and aggregate fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2001, were as 

Weighted average common 

shares outstanding

Add: Effect of dilutive securities – 

stock options

Diluted weighted average and  
equivalent shares outstanding

Per share amount

282

236

365

31,265

$ 2.29

30,881

$ 1.99

31,155

$ 2.30 

30,983

30,645

30,790

follows (in thousands):  

The potentially dilutive securities, which were excluded from the earnings per share

calculation, consisted of stock options for which the exercise price was greater than

the average market price of the Class A Common Stock. For the years ended

December 31, the shares amounted to 194,875 in 2002, 436,325 in 2001, and 267,500

in 2000. 

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized

Gross
Unrealized

Holding Gains Holding Losses

Fair Value

Available for sale 

(included in other assets):

Equity securities 

$

1,804

$2,462

$ —

$

4,266

Trading securities:

U.S. government and 
agency securities 

State and municipal bonds

Corporate bonds

Partnership interests

Other

118,825

76,576

5,077

17,326

2,000

219,804

42

286

89

3,104

—

3,521

(53)

(222)

—

(29)

—

(304)

118,814

76,640

5,166

20,401

2,000

223,021

$ 221,608

$5,983

$ (304)

$ 227,287

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 33

The Company is a limited partner in two non-registered partnerships. The partnerships

Note 6 Related-Party Transactions

seek to provide returns to its partners by making strategic investments in a diversified

Unique Building Corporation (Unique), an entity controlled by certain officers and

portfolio of investment funds. Zebra’s investment as a limited partner allows it to

stockholders of the Company, leases a facility and equipment to the Company under

have liability protection limited to the amount of its investments in the funds.

a lease described in Note 12. Management believes that the lease payments are

The contractual maturities of debt securities at December 31, 2002, were as follows

(in thousands): 

Due within one year 

Due after one year through five years

Due after five years

Fair Value

$142,829

138,508

30,019

$ 311,356

substantially consistent with amounts that could be negotiated with third parties on

an arm’s-length basis and represent conditions at the time of the negotiations.

Lease payments related to the leases, and recorded as a component of all functional

areas, were included in the consolidated financial statements as follows (in thousands):

2002

2001

2000

Unique Operating
Lease Payments

$2,085

2,085

2,085

Using the specific identification method, the proceeds and realized gains on the sales

of available-for-sale securities were as follows (in thousands): 

Future minimum lease payments related to this lease as of December 31, 2002, are

Proceeds

Realized gains (losses)

2002  

2001 

$3,499

$1,760

$ — 

$(2,242) 

2000

$ —

$ —  

The realized gain of $1,760,000 in 2002 includes a gain on the sale of an available-

for-sale stock offset by an additional write-down of an available-for-sale security

whose decline in value was determined to be other than temporary. The realized loss

of $2,242,000 in 2001 is the result of a write-down of an available-for-sale security

whose decline in value was determined to be other than temporary. 

as follows (in thousands):

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Thereafter

Total minimum lease payments

Operating Leases

$ 2,195

2,284

2,336

2,336

2,336

17,341

$28,828  

Note 7 Inventories

The components of inventories, net of allowances, are as follows (in thousands):

December 31,

Raw material

Work in process

Finished goods

Total inventories

2002  

2001 

$ 21,404

1,104

15,558

$ 25,410

1,360

13,153

$ 38,066

$ 39,923  

34 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

Note 8 Property and Equipment

The Company does not provide for deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings

Property and equipment, which includes assets under capital leases, is comprised of

of foreign subsidiaries, which totaled approximately $11,600,000 at December 31,

the following (in thousands):

December 31,

Buildings

Land

Machinery, equipment and tooling

Machinery and equipment under capital leases

Furniture and office equipment

Computers and software

Automobiles

Leasehold improvements

Projects in progress

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

2002  

2001 

$ 11,499

$ 12,029

1,910

38,941

2,757

6,164

33,899

153

4,012

1,274

100,609

(61,147)

1,910

35,507

1,670

5,681

28,951

183

2,997

2,705

91,633

(50,891)

Net property and equipment

$ 39,462

$ 40,742 

2002 and $8,700,000 at December 31, 2001. Management expects such earnings to

be permanently reinvested in these companies. Should such earnings be remitted to

the Company, foreign tax credits would be available to substantially offset the U.S.

income taxes due upon repatriation. 

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

Current:

Federal

State

Foreign

Deferred:

Federal

State

Foreign

2002 

2001 

2000

$ 30,660

$ 25,998

$ 35,362

5,247

3,254

296

40

(209)

5,319

2,107

1,132

152

(98)

6,441

3,761

(4,922)

(472)

119

Amortization of capitalized software was $2,042,000 in 2002, $1,834,000 in 2001, and

Total

$ 39,288

$ 34,610

$ 40,289  

$1,797,000 in 2000. 

Note 9 Income Taxes

The geographical sources of earnings before income taxes were as follows 

(in thousands):

United States

Outside United States

Total

2002  

2001 

2000

$ 101,454

9,429

$ 90,272

5,867

$ 101,532

10,379

$ 110,883

$ 96,139

$ 111,911  

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the

U.S. statutory Federal income tax rate of 35%. The reconciliation of statutory and

effective income taxes is presented below (in thousands):

2002  

2001 

2000

Provision computed at statutory rate

$ 38,809

$ 33,649

$ 39,169

State income tax 

(net of Federal tax benefit)

Tax-exempt interest and dividend income

Tax benefit of exempt foreign 

trade income

Other

3,634

(2,422)

(1,575)

842

3,556

(1,524)

(1,438)

367

3,880

(1,588)

(1,035)

(137)

Provision for income taxes

$ 39,288

$ 34,610

$ 40,289

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 35

Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the

Tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities

amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts

are as follows (in thousands):

as measured by tax laws. Based on management’s assessment, it is more likely than

not that the deferred tax assets will be realized through future taxable earnings.

The Company is litigating a dispute over a 1998 tax assessment in the amount of

approximately $2,000,000, including penalties and interest, with the Illinois Department

of Revenue for the years 1993 through 1995. The case was filed by the Company in

the District Court of Illinois and tried during November 2000. The decision from the

court was unfavorable to the Company but has been appealed. The Company does

not expect to know the result of the appeal until some time in the second half of 2003.

The Illinois Department of Revenue has also examined the Company’s tax returns

for the years 1996 and 1997 and issued an assessment for $3,200,000. The issues

involved in this audit are identical to those involved in the 1993 through 1995 returns

December 31,

Deferred tax assets:

Deferred rent — building

Capital equipment lease

Accrued vacation

Inventory items

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Other accruals

Acquisition related items

Unrealized loss on securities

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

being litigated. The Company has paid this assessment under protest. The Company

Unrealized gain on securities

believes that the ultimate outcome of this assessment will be consistent with the

1993 to 1995 litigation under appeal. 

In addition, the Illinois Department of Revenue has not yet examined the Company’s

income tax returns for 1998 through 2001, but has a right to do so. Management

believes that if such an audit occurred, the Illinois Department of Revenue would

raise issues similar to those raised during the 1993 through 1997 audits.

Depreciation

Total deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax asset

2002 

2001 

$

165

$

124

114

647

2,008

19

3,424

2,114

189

8,680

—

(2,851)

(2,851)

11

576

2,193

259

3,102

2,321

—

8,586

(1,717)

(1,672)

(3,389)

$ 5,829

$ 5,197  

Note 10 Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset Data

During the first quarter of 2002, Zebra implemented SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and

The Company recorded tax reserves equal to management’s estimate of the likely

Other Intangible Assets, which replaces the requirements to amortize intangible

outcome of the Illinois Department of Revenue litigation for 1993 to 1995, the audit

assets with indefinite lives and goodwill with a requirement for an annual impairment

assessment for 1996 and 1997, and the unaudited 1998 through 2001 returns. If the

test. SFAS No. 142 also establishes requirements for identifiable intangible assets.

Company loses all issues on appeal, the Company would record an additional one-time

As a result, during the first quarter Zebra reclassified $21,720,000 of intangible assets

tax expense of $1,300,000. If the Company wins all issues on appeal, the Company

into goodwill, as such assets, which included assembled workforce and customer

would record a reduction to tax expense of $4,400,000.

lists, did not meet the criteria for recognition as an asset apart from goodwill under

SFAS No. 142. 

36 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

Intangible asset data are as follows (in thousands):

Note 11 401(k) Savings and Profit Sharing Plans

Amortized intangible assets

Current technology

Unamortized intangible assets

Goodwill

Aggregate amortization expense

For the year ended December 31, 2002

Estimated amortization expense

For the year ended December 31, 2003

For the year ended December 31, 2004

For the year ended December 31, 2005

As of December 31, 2002

Gross Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization 

The Company has a Retirement Savings and Investment Plan (the 401(k) Plan), which

is intended to qualify under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Qualified

employees may participate in the Company’s 401(k) Plan by contributing up to 15% of

their gross earnings to the plan subject to certain Internal Revenue Service restrictions.

$ 7,421

$ (3,865)

The Company matches each participant’s contribution of up to 6% of gross eligible

$ 54,455

$ 1,494

1,494

1,494

568

earnings at the rate of 50%. The Company may contribute additional amounts to the

401(k) Plan at the discretion of the Board of Directors, subject to certain legal limits.

The Company has a discretionary profit-sharing plan for qualified employees, to which

it contributed 1.9% of eligible earnings for 2002, 1.9% for 2001 and 3.1% for 2000.

Participants are not permitted to make contributions under the profit-sharing plan. 

Company contributions to these plans, which were charged to operations, approximated

the following (in thousands):

Operating income for 2001 and 2000 includes $3,835,000 and $2,876,000 respectively,

of amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets that are not included in 2002

results, because of the implementation of SFAS No. 142. If adjusted for the impact of

the implementation of SFAS No. 142 (i.e., if goodwill had not been amortized), net

income, basic earnings per share, and diluted earnings per share would have been

401(k)

Profit sharing

Total

2002  

2001 

2000

$ 1,452

1,146

$ 2,598

$ 1,374 

1,178 

$ 2,552 

$ 1,287

877

$ 2,164  

as follows:

Years Ended December 31,

Net income

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earning per share

2001

2000 

$ 63,983

$

$

2.09

2.07

$ 73,463

$

$

2.39

2.36  

Note 12 Commitments and Contingencies

Leases. In September 1989, the Company entered into a lease agreement for its

Vernon Hills facility and certain machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures with

Unique Building Corporation. The facility portion of the lease is the only remaining

portion in existence as of December 31, 2002, and is treated as an operating lease.

An amendment to the lease dated July 1997 added 59,150 square feet and extended

the term of the existing lease through June 30, 2014. The lease agreement includes a

modification to the base monthly rental, which goes into effect if the prescribed rent

payment is less than the aggregate principal and interest payments required to be

made by Unique under an Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB). 

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 37

Minimum future obligations under noncancelable operating leases and future minimum

capital lease payments as of December 31, 2002, are as follows (in thousands):

The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage exposure to

fluctuations in foreign exchange rates to the funding of its United Kingdom operations.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Thereafter

Total minimum lease payments 

Less amount representing interest

Present value of minimum payments

Less current portion of obligation under capital lease

Capital
Lease

Operating
Leases 

The Company accounts for such contracts by recording any unrealized gains or

losses in income each reporting period. The notional principal amounts of outstanding

$ 184

$ 4,198

forward contracts were €26,000,000 and £3,293,000 at December 31, 2002, and

3,839

3,331

3,096

3,031

21,352

$ 38,847

169

169

228

28

97

$ 875

(125)

750

(145)

€16,391,000 and £6,019,000 at December 31, 2001. The realized losses, included in

other, net expense, were $1,432,000 in 2002 and $661,000 in 2001. 

Legal proceedings. On January 31, 2003, a Writ of Summons was filed in the Nantes

Commercial Court, Nantes, France, by Printherm, a French corporation, and several

of its shareholders (collectively, “Printherm”), against Zebra Technologies France, a

French corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Printherm seeks

damages in the amount €15,004,000 and additional unspecified damages in connection

Long-term portion of obligation under capital lease

$  605

with Zebra France’s termination of negotiations in December 2000 with respect to

Rent expense for operating leases charged to operations for the years ended December

Company believes that Printherm’s claims are without merit, and the Company will

31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 was $5,699,000, $4,917,000, and $4,833,000, respectively.

vigorously defend the action.

the proposed acquisition by the Company of the capital stock of Printherm. The

Letter of credit. In connection with the lease agreements described above, the

Company has guaranteed Unique’s full and prompt payment under Unique’s letter

of credit agreement with a bank. The contingent liability of the Company under this

guaranty as of December 31, 2002, is $700,000, which is the limit of the Company’s

guaranty throughout the term of the IRB.

Derivative Instruments. In the normal course of business, portions of the Company’s

operations are subject to fluctuations in currency values. The Company addresses

these risks through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use

of derivative financial instruments. 

Note 13 Segment Data and Export Sales

The Company operates in one industry segment. Information regarding the Company’s

operations by geographic area for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and

2000 is contained in the following table. These amounts (in thousands) are reported

in the geographic area where the final sale originates. 

United States United Kingdom

Other

Total

2002

2001

2000

Net sales 
Long-lived assets

Net sales 
Long-lived assets

Net sales 
Long-lived assets

$ 341,941
90,873

$325,003
93,345

$ 357,412
97,637

$ 133,670
5,707

$ 111,577
5,755

$ 100,988
6,526

$

—
893

$13,428
1,070

$23,169
1,234

$ 475,611
97,473

$450,008
100,170

$ 481,569
105,397

38 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

Note 14 Stockholders’ Equity 

2002 to reflect its liability under this plan. To fund this plan, the Company purchases

Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. Holders of

corporate-owned whole-life insurance contracts on the related employees, of which the

Class B Common Stock are entitled to 10 votes per share. Holders of Class A and

Company is the beneficiary. Investments and marketable securities include the cash

Class B Common Stock vote together as a single class on all actions submitted to a

surrender value of these policies aggregating $914,000 as of December 31, 2002.

vote of stockholders, except in certain circumstances. If at any time the number of

outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represents less than 10% of the total

number of outstanding shares of both classes of common stock, then at that time

Note 16 Stock Option and Purchase Plans

such outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock will automatically convert into an

As of December 31, 2002, the Company had three active stock option and stock

equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock. 

purchase plans, described below. 

Class A Common Stock has no conversion rights. A holder of Class B Common Stock

may convert the Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock, in whole or in

part, at any time and from time to time. Shares of Class B Common Stock convert

into shares of Class A Common stock on a share-for-share basis. 

Holders of Class A and Class B Common Stock are entitled to receive cash dividends

equally on a per-share basis, if and when the Company’s Board of Directors declares

such dividends. In the case of any stock dividend paid, holders of Class A Common

Stock are entitled to receive the same percentage dividend (payable in shares of

Class A Common Stock) as the holders of Class B Common Stock receive (payable

in shares of Class B Common Stock). 

Holders of Class A and Class B Common Stock share with each other on a ratable

basis as a single class in the net assets of the Company in the event of liquidation. 

Note 15 Deferred Compensation Plan

The Board of Directors adopted the 1997 Stock Option Plan, effective February 11, 1997,

and 4,250,000 shares of Class A Common Stock were reserved for issuance under the

plan. The 1997 Stock Option Plan is a flexible plan that provides the committee that

administers the Plan broad discretion to fashion the terms of the awards to provide eligi-

ble participants with stock-based incentives, including: (i) nonqualified and incentive

stock options for the purchase of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and (ii) dividend

equivalents. The persons eligible to participate in the 1997 Stock Option Plan are direc-

tors, officers, and employees of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company who,

in the opinion of the committee administering the plan, are in a position to make contri-

butions to the growth, management, protection and success of the Company or its

subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2002, 1,377,587 shares were available under the plan. 

The options granted under the 1997 Stock Option Plan have an exercise price equal

to the closing market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The options

generally vest over two- to five-year periods and have a legal life of ten years from

the date of grant. The Board of Directors administers the plan. 

Beginning January 1, 2002, the Company offered a deferred compensation plan that

The Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 1997 Director Plan, effective February 11,

permits management and highly compensated employees to defer portions of their

1997. The 1997 Director Plan provides for the issuance of options to purchase up to

compensation and to select a method of investing these funds. The salaries that have

77,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, which shares are reserved and available for

been deferred since the plan’s inception have been accrued and the only expense, other

purchase upon the exercise of options granted under the 1997 Director Plan. Only

than salaries, related to this plan is the unrealized gain/loss on the deferred amounts.

directors who are not employees or officers of the Company are eligible to participate

Investment income includes an unrealized loss of $16,000 for 2002 related to this plan.

in the 1997 Director Plan. Under the 1997 Director Plan, each non-employee director

The Company has included $1,008,000 in other long-term liabilities at December 31,

was granted, on the effective date of the plan, an option to purchase 15,000 shares

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 39

of Class A Common Stock, and each non-employee director subsequently elected to

the Board will be granted an option to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock on

the date of his or her election. Options granted under the 1997 Director Plan provide

for the purchase of Class A Common Stock at a price equal to the fair market value on

the date of grant. If there are not sufficient shares remaining and available to all non-

employee directors eligible for an automatic grant at the time at which an automatic

grant would otherwise be made, then each eligible non-employee director shall

receive an option to purchase a pro rata number of shares. Unless otherwise provided

in an option agreement, options granted under the 1997 Director Plan shall become

exercisable in five equal increments beginning on the date of the grant and on each

of the first four anniversaries thereof. All options expire on the earlier of (a) ten years

following the grant date or (b) the second anniversary of the termination of the non-

employee director’s directorship for any reason other than due to death or disability

(as defined in the 1997 Director Plan). A total of 52,500 shares were issued under this

plan, which was terminated February 1, 2002. At December 31, 2002, 9,000 options

issued under the 1997 Director Plan remained outstanding and unexercised.

The Board of Directors and stockholders adopted the 2001 Stock Purchase Plan and

reserved 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock for issuance thereunder. Under this

plan, employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week may elect to withhold

up to 10% of their cash compensation through regular payroll deductions to purchase

shares of Class A Common Stock from the Company over a period not to exceed 12

months at a purchase price per share equal to the lesser of: (1) 85% of the fair market

value of the shares as of the date of the grant, or (2) 85% of the fair market value of

the shares as of the date of purchase. As of December 31, 2002, 68,905 shares have

been purchased under the plan.

was granted, on the effective date of the plan, an option to purchase 20,000 shares of

Class A Common Stock, and each non-employee director subsequently elected to the

Board will be granted an option to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock on the

date of his or her election. Options granted under the 2002 Director Plan provide for

the purchase of Class A Common Stock at a price equal to the fair market value on

the date of grant. If there are not sufficient shares remaining and available to all non-

employee directors eligible for an automatic grant at the time at which an automatic

grant would otherwise be made, then each eligible non-employee director shall

receive an option to purchase a pro rata number of shares. As of December 31, 2002,

100,000 shares were available under the plan. Unless otherwise provided in an option

agreement, options granted under the 2002 Director Plan shall become exercisable in

five equal increments beginning on the date of the grant and on each of the first four

anniversaries thereof. All options expire on the earlier of (a) ten years following the

grant date, (b) the first anniversary of the termination of the non-employee director’s

directorship for any reason other than those listed in clause (c) below, or (c) the termi-

nation of the non-employee director’s directorship by the Company’s stockholders for

cause, or resignation for cause, in each case as defined in the option agreement.

For purposes of calculating the compensation cost consistent with SFAS No. 123, the

fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-

Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used

for stock option grants in 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively: expected dividend yield

of 0% for each period; expected volatility of 53%, 59%, and 58%; risk free interest rate

of 4.55%, 4.38%, and 5.05%; and expected weighted-average life of six years, five

years, and five years. The fair value of options granted was $35,234,000 in 2002,

$11,930,000 in 2001 and $24,290,000 in 2000. 

The fair value of the employees’ purchase rights pursuant to the Stock Purchase Plan

The Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2002 Director Plan, effective February 1,

are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following

2002. The 2002 Director Plan provides for the issuance of options to purchase up to

weighted-average assumptions used for purchase rights granted in 2002, 2001, and

160,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, which shares are reserved and available for

2000, respectively: fair market value of $51.14, $38.18, and $44.62; option price of

purchase upon the exercise of options granted under the 2002 Director Plan. Only

$43.47, $32.45, and $37.92; expected dividend yield of 0% for each period; expected

directors who are not employees or officers of the Company are eligible to participate

volatility of 40%, 54%, and 71%; risk-free interest rate of 1.32%, 2.17%, and 5.85%;

in the 2002 Director Plan. Under the 2002 Director Plan, each non-employee director

and expected lives of three months to one year.

40 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 was as follows:

2002

2001

2000

Fixed Options

Shares

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Shares

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding at beginning of year

1,413,385

$38.38

1,487,277

$36.08 

Granted

Exercised

Canceled

Outstanding at end of year

Options exercisable at end of year

718,750

(342,001)

(124,739)

1,665,395

385,201

49.02

32.09

48.45

43.51

34.87

287,500

(247,838)

(113,554)

1,413,385

477,385

41.49 

28.38 

38.02 

38.38 

31.22

Shares

1,390,588

440,000

(195,369)

(147,942)

1,487,277

417,570 

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

$27.88

55.29

23.76

31.57

36.10

27.82

The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options outstanding at December 31, 2002:

Range of Exercise Prices

$ 4.31

$17.38 – $26.56

$29.25 – $40.88

$43.13 – $54.69

$60.63

Options Outstanding  

Options Exercisable

Number
of Shares

Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual Life

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Number
of Shares

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

4,500

350,198

298,959

816,863

194,875

1,665,395

1.52 years

5.63 years

7.46 years

8.82 years

7.13 years

$  4.31

$26.02

$39.39

$48.64

$60.63

4,500

214,567

73,510

30,397

62,227

385,201

$ 4.31

$ 25.68

$ 36.47

$ 47.68

$ 60.63

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 41

Note 17 Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)

Note 18 Major Customers

(Amounts in thousands, 
except per share data)

First

Quarter(1)(2)

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

accounted for 10% or more of net sales in 2001 or 2000. 

Sales to ScanSource, Inc., accounted for 13.6% of net sales in 2002. No customer

2002

Net sales

Gross profit

Operating expenses

Operating income

Net income

$ 110,185

$ 115,951

$ 123,151

$ 126,324

52,012

32,474

19,538

14,940

55,749

30,783

24,966

16,460

60,422

31,538

28,884

19,867

62,564

34,147

28,417

20,328

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

$

$

0.49

0.48

$

$

0.53

0.53

$

$

0.64

0.64

$

$

0.65

0.65

(Amounts in thousands, 
except per share data)

First

Quarter(2)

Second
Quarter(2)

Third
Quarter(2)

Fourth
Quarter(2)

2001

Net sales

Gross profit

Operating expenses

Operating income

Net income

$ 115,144

$ 112,935

$ 110,318

$ 111,611

54,022

29,339

24,683

16,930

52,334

31,069

21,265

14,471

52,037

28,317

23,720

14,882

51,500

28,709

22,791

15,246

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

$

$

0.55

0.55

$

$

0.47

0.47

$

$

0.49

0.48

$

$

0.50

0.49

(1) First quarter 2002 includes $3,300 in operating expenses related to the terminated acquisition of

Fargo Electronics, Inc.

(2) Reflects pretax charges for merger costs and acquired in-process technology relating to the Company’s
merger with Eltron International, Inc. and acquisition of Comtec Information Systems, Inc. as follows:

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter 

2002 

2001 

$  73

$832

$    0

$532

$    0

$305

$    0  

$169  

42 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

Auditors’ Report

Independent Auditors’ Report

The Board of Directors and Stockholders 

Zebra Technologies Corporation:

Z E B R A   T E C H N O L O G I E S   C O R P O R A T I O N

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Zebra Technologies

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted

Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related

in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform

consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity,

the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are

and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,

free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence

2002. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also

supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also

have audited the consolidated financial statement schedule of valuation and qualifying

includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by

accounts. These consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial

management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We

statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our

believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements

and the consolidated financial statement schedule based on our audits.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly,

in all material respects, the financial position of Zebra Technologies Corporation and

Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of their operations and

their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,

2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States

of America. Also, in our opinion, the related consolidated financial statement schedule,

when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as

a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

Chicago, Illinois

February 11, 2003

Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report | 43

Stockholder

Stockholder Information

Corporate Headquarters
Zebra Technologies Corporation

333 Corporate Woods Parkway

Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061-3109 U.S.A.

Phone: 847-634-6700

Fax: 847-913-8766

Annual Meeting
Zebra’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on May 20, 2003, 10:30 A.M.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action
It is the policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation to provide equal opportunity and

affirmative action in all areas of its employment practices without regard to race,

religion, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran status,

marital status, sexual orientation or any other reason prohibited by law. 

Stock Information: Price Range and Common Stock
The Company’s Class A Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under

the symbol ZBRA. The following table shows the high and low trade prices for each

(Central Time), at the Hilton Northbrook, 2855 North Milwaukee Avenue,

quarter in 2002 and 2001, as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market. No market exists

Northbrook, Illinois. 

Independent Auditors
KPMG LLP

Chicago, Illinois

Corporate Counsel
Katten Muchin Zavis Rosenman

Chicago, Illinois

Transfer Agent and Registrar
Mellon Investor Services

85 Challenger Road

Ridgefield, New Jersey 07660

Phone: 877-870-2368

www.mellon-investor.com

Investor Relations
For corporate or product information, please contact the Corporate Headquarters.

Form 10-K Report
You may receive a free copy of the Zebra Technologies Corporation Form 10-K Report

filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by contacting the Investor

Relations Department at the Corporate Headquarters.

Web Site
Investors are invited to learn more about Zebra Technologies Corporation by
accessing the Company’s web site at www.zebra.com

44 | Zebra Technologies Corporation 2002 Annual Report 

for the Company’s Class B Common Stock. The shares of Class B Common Stock are

convertible on a one-for-one basis into shares of Class A Common Stock at the

option of the holder.

2002

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

2001

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

High

$58.99
60.15
57.94
68.60

High

$57.00
52.06
49.95
56.50

Low 

$47.27
47.37
45.12
48.50

Low 

$35.50
34.13
35.15
36.00

Source: The Nasdaq Stock Market

At February 25, 2003, the last reported price for the Class A Common Stock was
$62.01 per share, and there were 412 registered stockholders of record for the
Company’s Class A Common Stock and 31 registered stockholders of record for
the Company’s Class B Common Stock.

Dividend Policy
Since the Company’s initial public offering in 1991, the Company has not declared
any cash dividends or distributions on its capital stock. The Company intends to
retain its earnings to finance future growth and therefore does not anticipate paying
any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

Number of Employees
The Company had approximately 2,000 associates as of February 28, 2003.

Board of Directors

Officers

Edward Kaplan
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Zebra Technologies Corporation

Gerhard Cless
Executive Vice President and Secretary
Zebra Technologies Corporation

Christopher Knowles (1)(2)(3)
Retired Chief Executive Officer
Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc.

John Paxton
President, Bar Code Business Unit
Zebra Technologies Corporation

Edward Kaplan
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Gerhard Cless
Executive Vice President and Secretary

Veraje Anjargolian
Vice President, General Manager
Card Printer Business Unit

Michael Edicola
Vice President, Human Resources

Noel Elfant
Vice President and General Counsel

David Riley (1)(2)(3)
Retired President and Chief Executive Officer
The Middleby Corporation

John Kindsvater
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development

Michael Smith (1)(3)
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
FireVision, L.L.C.

(1) Member of Audit Committee
(2) Member of Compensation Committee
(3) Member of Nominating Committee

Todd Naughton
Vice President, Controller

John Paxton
President, Bar Code Business Unit

Charles Whitchurch
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Zebra Technologies Corporation

International Headquarters

333 Corporate Woods Parkway  |  Vernon Hills, IL  |  60061-3109 U.S.A.

847-634-6700  |  www.zebra.com