Form 10-Q Quarterly Report


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarter ended December 31, 2001

Commission file number 0-20165

STERIS Corporation
(exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio
34-1482024
(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

5960 Heisley Road,
440-354-2600
Mentor, Ohio 44060-1834
(Registrant's telephone number,
(Address of principal executive office)
including area code)

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

The number of Common Shares outstanding as of January 31, 2001: 69,421,863


STERIS Corporation
Index

         Page
Part I - Financial Statements
   
         Item 1. Financial Statements 3-10
  
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

11-13

  
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk
14
  
Part II - Other Information
       
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 15
  
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 15
  
Signature 16

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STERIS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)


December 31,
2001

 
March 31,
2001

 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets              
Current assets:              
     Cash and cash equivalents $
17,193
    $
24,710
 
     Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $7,663 and $9,006, respectively)  
179,019
     
201,305
 
     Inventories  
85,046
     
82,239
 
     Current portion of deferred income taxes  
24,025
     
24,025
 
     Prepaid expenses and other assets  
6,683
     
7,920
 
 
   
 
Total current assets  
311,966
     
340,199
 
     
     
 
Property, plant, and equipment  
482,996
     
456,864
 
Accumulated depreciation  
(169,170
)    
(142,722
)
 
   
 
     Net property, plant, and equipment  
313,826
     
314,142
 
Intangibles  
246,152
     
269,326
 
Accumulated amortization  
(54,368
)    
(81,402
)
 
   
 
     Net intangibles  
191,784
     
187,924
 
Other assets  
2,057
     
2,715
 
 
   
 
Total assets $
819,633
    $
844,980
 
 
   
 
       
     
 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity  
     
 
Current liabilities:  
     
 
     Current portion of long-term indebtedness $
1,663
    $
1,263
 
     Accounts payable  
40,611
     
48,494
 
     Accrued expenses and other  
108,955
     
104,557
 
 
   
 
Total current liabilities  
151,229
     
154,314
 
Long-term indebtedness  
145,875
     
205,825
 
Deferred income taxes  
10,529
     
10,529
 
Other long-term liabilities  
51,137
     
49,928
 
 
   
 
Total liabilities  
358,770
     
420,596
 
Shareholders' equity:  
     
 
Serial preferred shares, without par value, 3,000 shares authorized; no shares issued  
     
 
  or outstanding  
     
 
Common Shares, without par value; 300,000 shares authorized;  
     
 
     issued and outstanding shares of 69,415 at December 31, 2001 and 68,665 at
March 31, 2001, respectively
 
213,300
     
203,760
 
Retained earnings  
259,270
     
231,665
 
Cumulative translation adjustment  
(11,707
)    
(11,041
)
 
   
 
Total shareholders' equity  
460,863
     
424,384
 
 
   
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $
819,633
    $
844,980
 
 
   
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

STERIS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended
December 31,

Nine Months Ended
December 31,

2001

  
2000

2001

  
2000

Net revenues    $
218,637
$
204,465
   $
622,104
$
581,456
Cost of products sold
129,792
118,305
367,372
340,095




Gross profit
88,845
86,160
254,732
241,361
     
Costs and expenses:
    Selling, general, and administrative
60,377
59,100
188,142
181,456
    Research and development
4,958
5,752
16,228
17,052




65,335
64,852
204,370
198,508




Income from operations
23,510
21,308
50,362
42,853
Interest expense, net
1,283
4,682
6,544
14,144




Income before income taxes
22,227
16,626
43,818
28,709
Income tax expense
8,224
6,235
16,213
10,766




Net income $
14,003
$
10,391
$
27,605
$
17,943




Net income per share - basic $
0.20
$
0.15
$
0.40
$
0.26




Net income per share - diluted $
0.20
$
0.15
$
0.39
$
0.26




See notes to consolidated financial statements.

STERIS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)


   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
2001

  
2000

Operating activities
      Net income $
27,605
$
17,943
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to
           net cash provided by operating activities:
               Depreciation and amortization
35,357
33,968
               Other
6,607
426
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
           Accounts receivable
22,286
5,520
           Inventories
(2,807
)
23,283
           Other current assets
1,237
(3,222
)
           Accounts payable and accruals, net
1,170
(9,357
)
       


Net cash provided by operating activities
91,455
68,561
      
Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant, equipment, and patents
(40,467
)
(37,329
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
2,164
90
Investment in businesses, net
(5,006
)


Net cash used for investing activities
(43,309
)
(37,239
)
       
Financing activities
Payments on long-term obligations
(850
)
(1,616
)
Payments under the Revolving Credit Facility, net
(60,700
)
(48,000
)
Stock option and other equity transactions
6,350
6,470


Net cash used for financing activities
(55,200
)
(43,146
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(463
)
(2,152
)


Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(7,517
)
(13,976
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
24,710
35,476


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $
17,193
$
21,500


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
      Noncash investing activity:
           Issuance of note payable for business acquisition $
2,000
$



See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

STERIS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
For the Three and Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2001 and 2000
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies

1.  Reporting Entity

            STERIS Corporation (the "Company" or "STERIS") develops, manufactures, and markets infection prevention, contamination prevention, microbial reduction, and therapy support systems, products, services, and technologies for healthcare, scientific, research, food, and industrial customers throughout the world. The Company has approximately 4,500 employees worldwide, with approximately half involved in direct sales, service, and field and customer support. Customer support facilities are located in several major global market centers with production and manufacturing operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, Finland, and Sweden. STERIS operates in a single business segment.

2.  Basis of Presentation

            The Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000 included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001 which were included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 22, 2001, and in management's opinion contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Form 10-K referred to above. The balance sheet at March 31, 2001 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.

            The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

3.  Recently Issued Accounting Standards

            Effective April 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," (as amended by SFAS 138). In accordance with the Statement, the Company will recognize the fair value of its derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in its consolidated balance sheet. The resulting gain or loss will be reflected as other comprehensive income or in earnings, depending upon the achievement of hedge accounting criteria. During fiscal 2002, the Company owned no derivative instruments and consequently the adoption has had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

            In June 2001, SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations," and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," were issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). SFAS No. 141 eliminates the pooling-of-interests method for business combinations and requires use of the purchase method. SFAS No. 142 changes the accounting for goodwill and indefinite life intangibles from an amortization approach to a non-amortization approach requiring periodic tests for impairment of the asset. Upon adoption of the Statement on April 1, 2002, the provisions of SFAS No. 142 require discontinuance of amortization of goodwill and indefinite life intangibles which had been recorded in connection with previous business combinations. The adoption of SFAS No. 142 is expected to add approximately $.05 per share to the Company's fiscal 2003 earnings per share compared to fiscal 2002. A final analysis of the Statement has not been completed to determine if an impairment charge will be required.

            In August 2001, SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," was issued. This Statement requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the associated retirement costs by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. The Company is required to adopt this Statement in fiscal 2004. The Company has determined the impact of adoption on the Company's consolidated financial statements will not be material.

            In October 2001, SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," was issued. This Statement, which supersedes SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," provides a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of. Although retaining many of the fundamental recognition and measurement provisions of SFAS No. 121, the Statement significantly changes the criteria that must be met to classify an asset as held-for-sale. The new rules also will supersede the provisions of the Accounting Principles Board Opinion 30 ("APB 30") with regard to reporting the effects of a disposal of a segment of a business and will require expected future operating losses from discontinued operations to be displayed in discontinued operations in the period(s) in which the losses are incurred (rather than as of the measurement date as presently required by APB 30). In addition, more dispositions will qualify for discontinued operations treatment in the income statement. The Statement is effective for the Company beginning April 1, 2002. Based on current operations, the Company has determined the impact of adoption on the Company's consolidated financial statements will not be material.

4.  Earnings per Share

            The following is a summary of Common Shares and Common Share equivalents outstanding used in the calculations of earnings per share:

  
Three Months Ended
December 31,

Nine Months Ended
December 31,

2001

2000

2001

2000

Weighted average Common Shares
outstanding - basic

69,362
68,118
 
69,073
67,730
Dilutive effect of stock options
1,471
1,311
 
1,480
967


 

Weighted average Common Shares and
equivalents - diluted
70,833
69,429
 
70,553
68,697


 

5.  Comprehensive Income

            Comprehensive income amounted to $13,621 and $9,953 for the quarters ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Comprehensive income amounted to $26,939 and $15,791 for the nine months ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The difference between net income and comprehensive income for the periods resulted from the change in the cumulative translation adjustment.

6.  Inventories

            Inventories are stated at cost, which does not exceed market. The Company uses the last-in, first-out (LIFO) and first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost methods. Inventory costs include material, labor, and overhead. Inventories were as follows:

 
December 31,
2001
  
March 31,
2001

Raw material  
$
23,773
$
19,463
 
Work in process  
25,410
22,810
 
Finished goods  
35,863
39,966
   
 
Total Inventories  
$
85,046
$
82,239
 


 

7.  Contingencies

            There are various pending lawsuits and claims arising out of the conduct of STERIS's business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits and claims will not have a material adverse effect on STERIS's consolidated financial position or results of operations. STERIS presently maintains product liability insurance coverage in amounts and with deductibles that it believes are prudent.

8. Non-recurring Transactions

Fiscal 2001 Charge

            During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company concluded its review of manufacturing, service, and support functions and recorded a non-recurring charge of $41,476. This charge primarily related to plans for manufacturing consolidations, up-grading of the Company's service, sales, and distribution organizations, and associated workforce reductions. The complete implementation of these actions will result in a reduction of approximately 350 employees.

            The charge to cost of sales included $10,923 for inventory write-downs and asset disposals relating to the restructuring of the Company's production, distribution, service, and sales activities. The charge to cost of sales also included $10,587 for consolidating manufacturing operations. The Company's production operations in Medina, Ohio were consolidated into the Company's Montgomery, Alabama facility in August 2001. The Company's two St. Louis, Missouri manufacturing facilities are currently scheduled to be consolidated into one facility in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002. The consolidation costs primarily included severance and property abandonment costs.

            The charge to selling, general, and administrative expenses included $10,163 to write-off net goodwill related to purchased product lines that the Company is discontinuing and $9,803 for severance and asset write-offs related to portions of the sales, service, and distribution organizations.

            As of December 31, 2001, these plans have been or are in the process of being implemented with a remaining accrued balance of $3,033. Reserve reductions relate primarily to employee severance cash payments and asset disposals. The reserve was relieved of approximately $1,000 in the third quarter as the final property disposal costs for the Medina, Ohio facility were more favorable than originally anticipated. The actions taken to date have resulted in the elimination of approximately 300 positions. An inventory reserve of $903 remained as of December 31, 2001 for the future disposal of discontinued and restructured inventory.

 

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REVIEW REPORT

Board of Directors and Shareholders
STERIS Corporation

            We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of STERIS Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001, and the related consolidated statements of income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2001 and 2000. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

            We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which will be performed for the full year with the objective of expressing an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

            Based upon our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

            We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the consolidated balance sheet of STERIS Corporation and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2001 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended, not presented herein, and in our report dated April 23, 2001, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2001, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
January 22, 2002

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

            Net revenues increased by 6.9% to $218.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 from $204.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001. The increase in revenues was attributable to growth in both the Healthcare and the Scientific and Industrial Groups. Net revenues for the first nine months of fiscal 2002 increased by 7.0% to $622.1 million from $581.5 million in the comparable prior year period.

            Healthcare Group revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 increased 7.2% to $152.6 million from $142.4 million in the comparable prior year period. Scientific and Industrial Group revenues increased 6.3% to $66.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 as compared to $62.1 million in the prior year period. Healthcare Group revenues in the first nine months of fiscal 2002 were $434.8 million as compared to $411.6 million for the prior year period, an increase of 5.6%. Scientific and Industrial Group revenues were $187.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2002, an increase of 10.2% from $169.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2001.

            Capital equipment revenues for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001 were $88.5 million, or 40.5% of revenues and $243.6 million, or 39.2% of revenues, respectively, compared to $86.7 million, or 42.4% of revenues and $234.5 million, or 40.3% of revenues in the comparable prior year periods. Consumable and service revenues for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001 were $130.1 million, or 59.5% of revenues and $378.5 million, or 60.8% of revenues, respectively, compared to $117.8 million, or 57.6% of revenues and $347.0 million, or 59.7% of revenues in the comparable prior year periods.

            The cost of products sold for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001 increased to $129.8 million and $367.4 million, respectively, from $118.3 million and $340.1 million for the comparable periods last year. The cost of products sold as a percentage of revenues were 59.4% and 59.1%, for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001, respectively, as compared to 57.8% and 58.5% for the comparable periods last year. The corresponding gross margin rates were 40.6% and 40.9%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001 as compared to 42.2% and 41.5%, respectively, for the comparable periods last year. Certain costs (primarily distribution costs) incurred in fiscal 2001 were reclassified from operating expenses into cost of products sold to improve comparability and accountability of expenses company-wide and to conform with the fiscal 2002 presentation. Both for the quarter and year-to-date, the increase in the cost of products sold as a percentage of revenues reflects consolidation costs associated with the Company's Medina, Ohio and St. Louis, Missouri plant closings, as well as costs associated with production capacity constraints. Also, in the current quarter, the Company relieved approximately $1.0 million related to the fiscal 2001 fourth quarter charge because actual costs associated with the finalization of the Medina, Ohio property disposals were more favorable than originally anticipated. This benefit was offset by a comparable charge to write-off inventory related to a product line that was replaced by a newly acquired surgical table product line.

            Reflecting the reclassifications referred to above, selling, general, and administrative expenses were $60.4 million, or 27.6% of revenues and $188.1 million, or 30.2% of revenues for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001, respectively, as compared to $59.1 million, or 28.9% of revenues and $181.5 million, or 31.2% of revenues for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2000, respectively. This decrease as a percentage of revenues reflects the Company's continued efforts to control administrative operating expenses.

            Research and development expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2001 decreased by 13.8% to $5.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 from $5.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 as a result of focused project spending controls. Research and development expenses were $16.2 million and $17.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively.

            Interest expense, net, decreased by 72.3% to $1.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 from $4.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001. Interest expense, net, decreased by 53.9% to $6.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2002 from $14.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2001. The decrease was due to lower average outstanding borrowings under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility (the "Facility") and lower interest rates.

            Income tax expense was 37.0% of pretax income for both the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001. This compares with an effective tax rate of 37.5% for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2000. The reduction in the tax rate resulted from the Company's continued efforts to improve global tax strategies and active tax management programs.

            Net income, as a result of the foregoing factors, was $14.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2002 as compared to $10.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2001. Net income in the first nine months of fiscal 2002 was $27.6 million as compared to $17.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2001.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

            The Company's operating activities generated $91.5 million of cash during the nine months ended December 31, 2001, which was an increase of $22.9 million over the comparable period last year. Accounts receivable reductions continue to have a positive impact on cash flow from operations generating over $22.0 million in cash year-to-date. The continued improvement in accounts receivable management was evidenced by weighted days sales outstanding improvement to 53 days at December 31, 2001 compared to 77 days at December 31, 2000. At December 31, 2001, inventory levels remained comparable to year-end fiscal 2001. In contrast, during the first nine months of fiscal 2001 significant cash flow from operations was generated from reduced inventory levels. Improved net income and accounts payable and receivable management processes combined to more than offset the unfavorable year over year effect of inventory resulting in the $22.9 million year over year increase in cash flow from operations.

            Net cash used for investing activities was $43.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2001 versus $37.2 million in the comparable prior year period. The increase was primarily due to increased capital expenditures in fiscal 2002 and the third quarter small acquisition of a surgical table manufacturer.

            Net cash used for financing activities was $55.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2001 compared with $43.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2000. Current year financing activities primarily represent the repayment of $60.7 million, net on the Facility versus a repayment of $48.0 million, net in the comparable prior year period.

            The Company has a $325.0 million Facility which matures June 29, 2003. The Facility may be used for general corporate purposes and bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.00 to 1.75 percent or KeyBank National Association's prime rate, at the Company's option. The Facility contains covenants that include maintenance of certain financial ratios such as fixed charge coverage, interest coverage, minimum net worth, and leverage ratios. As of December 31, 2001, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $139.3 million under the Facility at an average weighted interest rate of 3.29%.

            The Company has no material commitments for capital expenditures. The Company believes that its available cash, cash flow from operations, and sources of credit will be adequate to satisfy its operating and capital needs for the foreseeable future.

Inflation

            The overall effects of inflation on the Company's business during the periods discussed have not been significant. The Company monitors the prices it charges for its products and services on an ongoing basis and believes that it will be able to adjust those prices to take into account future changes in the rate of inflation.

Market Risk

            The overall effects of foreign currency exchange rates on the Company's business during the periods discussed have not been significant. Movements in foreign currency exchange rates create a degree of risk to the Company's operations. These movements affect the United States dollar value of sales made in foreign currencies, and the United States dollar value of costs incurred in foreign currencies. Changing currency exchange rates also affect the Company's competitive position, as exchange rate changes may affect profitability and business and/or pricing strategies of non-United States based competitors.

Contingencies

            For a discussion of contingencies, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

Seasonality

            The Company's financial results have been subject to recurring seasonal fluctuations. A number of factors have contributed to the seasonal patterns, including sales promotion and compensation programs, customer buying patterns of capital equipment, and international business practices. Sales and profitability of certain product lines have historically been disproportionately weighted toward the latter part of each quarter and generally weighted toward the latter part of each fiscal year.

Euro

            The Company converted its systems to appropriately handle all aspects of Euro processing. The Company did not incur significant costs for this conversion.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

            This Form 10-Q contains statements concerning certain trends and other forward-looking information affecting or relating to the Company and its industry that are intended to qualify for the protections afforded "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "targets," "forecasts," and "seeks" or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. Many important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Many of these important factors are outside STERIS's control. Changes in market conditions, including competitive factors and changes in government regulations, could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations. No assurance can be provided as to any future financial results. Other potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (a) the potential for increased pressure on pricing that leads to erosion of profit margins, (b) the possibility that market demand will not develop for new technologies, products, and applications, (c) the possibility that compliance with the regulations and certification requirements of domestic and foreign authorities may delay or prevent new product introductions or affect the production and marketing of existing products, (d) the potential effects of fluctuations in foreign currencies where the Company does a sizable amount of business, (e) the possibility that implementation of the Company's business improvement initiatives will take longer, cost more, or produce lower benefits than anticipated, and (f) the possibility of reduced demand, or reductions in the rate of growth in demand, for the Company's products and services.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

            A discussion of market risk exposures is included in Part II, Item 7a, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk," of the Company's 2001 Annual Report and Form 10-K. There were no material changes during the nine months ended December 31, 2001.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

            Reference is made to Part I, Item 1., Note 7 of this Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits

             Exhibit Number       Exhibit Description
  15.1   Letter Re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information

(b) Reports on Form 8-K: None

SIGNATURE

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

  STERIS Corporation
  (Registrant)
      
       
  /s/ Laurie Brlas
  Laurie Brlas
  Senior Vice President and
 

Chief Financial Officer

  February 8, 2002

 



EXHIBIT 15.1 LETTER RE:  UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Board of Directors and Shareholders
STERIS Corporation

     We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the following
Registration Statements and related Prospectuses of our report dated January 22,
2002, relating to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of
STERIS Corporation and subsidiaries that are included in its Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended December 31, 2001:

Registration Number Description Filing Date - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 333-63770 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- Nonqualified Stock Option June 25, 2001 Agreement between STERIS Corporation and Charles L. Immel and Restricted Shares Agreement between STERIS Corporation and Charles L. Immel 333-63772 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- Nonqualified Stock Option June 25, 2001 Agreement between STERIS Corporation and Thomas J. Magulski 333-63774 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- Nonqualified Stock Option June 25, 2001 Agreement between STERIS Corporation and Peter A. Burke 333-40082 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- Nonqualified Stock Option June 26, 2000 Agreement between STERIS Corporation and Laurie Brlas and the Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between STERIS Corporation and David L. Crandall 333-40058 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- Nonqualified Stock Option June 23, 2000 Agreement between STERIS Corporation and Les C. Vinney 333-65155 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- STERIS Corporation Long October 1, 1998 Term Incentive Compensation Plan 333-55839 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- Nonqualified Stock Option June 2, 1998 Agreement between STERIS Corporation and John Masefield and the Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between STERIS Corporation and Thomas J. DeAngelo 333-32005 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- STERIS Corporation 1997 July 24, 1997 Stock Option Plan 333-06529 Form S-3 Registration Statement -- STERIS Corporation June 21, 1996 333-01610 Post-effective Amendment to Form S-4 on Form S-8 -- May 16, 1996 STERIS Corporation 33-91444 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- STERIS Corporation 1994 April 24, 1995 Equity Compensation Plan
33-91442 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- STERIS Corporation 1994 April 24, 1995 Nonemployee Directors Equity Compensation Plan 33-55976 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- STERIS Corporation December 21, 1992 401(k) Plan 33-55258 Form S-8 Registration Statement -- STERIS Corporation December 4, 1992 Amended and Restated Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP Cleveland, Ohio February 8, 2002

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