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United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D. C. 20549

Form 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003

Commission file number 0-20165

STERIS Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    x

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the closing price of such stock as of September 30, 2002: $1,716,670,533

The number of Common Shares outstanding as of May 31, 2003: 69,130,240

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting – Part III

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Part I

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

Reference to “STERIS Corporation”, “STERIS”, or the “Company” refers to STERIS Corporation and its subsidiaries, except where the context makes it clear the reference is to STERIS Corporation itself and not to its subsidiaries.

Description of Business

STERIS Corporation, an Ohio corporation organized in 1987 (the “Company” or “STERIS”), develops, manufactures, and markets infection prevention, contamination control, microbial reduction, and surgical and critical care support products and services for healthcare, scientific, research, industrial and government customers throughout the world. STERIS is focused on helping customers address today’s needs primarily in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The healthcare industry is changing rapidly due to the growth of minimally invasive surgical and diagnostic procedures; heightened public and professional awareness and concern for the increasing number of transmittable and antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases; and the overall need to reduce the cost of healthcare delivery. These trends have expanded the demand for rapid, safe, and efficient infection prevention systems for critical tasks such as the sterile processing of devices and the handling, decontamination, destruction, and disposal of potentially infectious biohazardous waste. The pharmaceutical industry is also expanding to meet increased demand for new and generic drugs. Pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and other manufacturers are under increasing pressure to adhere to stricter guidelines for the validation and control of their antimicrobial processes, as well as the trend towards global standardization of protocols.

As of March 31, 2003, the Company had over 5,100 employees worldwide, with over 2,300 involved in direct sales, service, and field support. Customer support and training facilities are located in major global market centers, and production and manufacturing operations are found in the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, Finland, and Sweden.

Through March 31, 2003, the Company has operated in a single business segment. See the accompanying consolidated financial statements beginning on page 27 of this Form 10-K for financial information regarding the Company. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company has repositioned its businesses into three market-focused segments. As a result of this realignment, the Company will operate in and report as three business segments beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2004.

Principal Products and Services

STERIS is a leader in low temperature sterilization, high temperature sterilization, washing and decontamination systems, surgical tables, surgical lights, and associated consumables and service. The Company is a multi-faceted global organization that serves healthcare, scientific, research, industrial, and government customers. Revenues by principal customer group are as follows (in thousands):

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Healthcare.    The Healthcare business is comprised of products and services utilized by healthcare professionals to significantly reduce or eliminate microbial contamination within the healthcare environment. The portfolio includes infection prevention processing systems and specialty chemical products used for cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, drying, and aerating medical and surgical instruments, devices, and hard surfaces. Specialty chemical products are generally employed in material processing systems or used for high risk and routine skin care, hard surface disinfection, and surgical preparation. STERIS is also a supplier of equipment that makes up the basic infrastructure of the hospital critical care and surgical environments, including operating tables, surgical lighting and ceiling mounted equipment management systems. STERIS systems support cost containment, productivity increases, and risk reduction in a wide variety of healthcare settings through process standardization, automatic monitoring and documentation, processing site flexibility, and reduction in processing time.

Among the Company’s Healthcare products is the STERIS SYSTEM 1^® Low Temperature Liquid Sterile Processing System, used for just-in-time sterile processing at or near the site of patient care.  SYSTEM 1^® sterile processors enable healthcare professionals to economically sterilize immersible surgical and diagnostic devices between patient procedures in approximately thirty minutes. The use of SYSTEM 1^® sterile processors eliminates time-consuming transportation to and from central processing sites and allows customers to use delicate, expensive, heat-sensitive devices and instrument sets many times per day.

The Company’s thermal sterilization systems use saturated steam to sterilize items through a combination of heat, moisture, and pressure. Thermal sterilizers are offered in a number of sizes based on customer throughput requirements, and are designed for use in centralized and decentralized processing environments. The product line includes a versatile microprocessor-based control system designed to monitor each phase of the sterilization cycle and provide the customer a permanent record of important cycle information, including type and parameters of sterilization cycle, temperature, pressure, vacuum, and total cycle time.

In addition to thermal sterilization systems, the Company manufactures low temperature ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilizers, which provide customers the ability to sterilize heat sensitive medical devices in a controlled processing environment. Each sterilization system includes a microprocessor-based control system, which monitors cycle parameters and provides the customer a permanent record of each sterilization cycle. The Company’s most popular EO gas sterilization system, the Amsco^® Eagle^® 3017 100% EO Sterilizer, utilizes a proprietary, single-use sterilant cartridge and includes a built-in exhaust system.

A variety of Amsco^® Reliance^® automated washer/disinfector systems are also manufactured by STERIS for Healthcare customers and are typically used in conjunction with thermal sterilization systems. These systems clean, thermally disinfect, and dry everything from rolling instrument carts and other large healthcare equipment to the smallest surgical instruments. The latest system in the line is the compact Reliance 333 Washer/Disinfector, which is the ideal solution for smaller outpatient surgery centers and same-day surgery centers that are prevalent today.

STERIS develops, manufactures, and distributes infection prevention consumables and supplies that are used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and to monitor sterilization and decontamination processes. STERIS consumable products offer quality choices for infection and contamination prevention, including products used in instrument cleaning and decontamination systems, high risk and routine skin care products, hard surface disinfectants, and surgical scrubs. STERIS quality

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assurance products used to monitor sterilization processes include biological monitoring systems, barrier wraps, integrator/indicator monitoring systems, and record-keeping systems.

The Company’s Healthcare product line also includes general and specialty surgical tables, surgical and examination lights, operating room storage cabinets, warming cabinets, scrub sinks, and other complementary products and accessories for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The Company’s versatile surgical table product line includes powered and manual general surgical tables, as well as specialty tables for orthopedics and image guided surgical procedures. A wide variety of general and specialty surgical procedures are accommodated through the use of attachable accessories, which increase the versatility of the tables. The Company produces and sells a line of related accessories and also sells accessories manufactured by outside sources.

The Company’s illumination and space management systems are designed for a wide variety of locations where diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are performed, including the emergency room, general surgery suite, OB/GYN suite, ICU/CCU suite, and ambulatory surgery suite. The lighting products combine optical performance with positioning flexibility that accommodate the surface and cavity illumination needs of virtually all types of surgical procedures. The Company’s SurgiVision^® Surgical Lighting and Video System combines high quality illumination with a technically advanced video system to provide innovative and cost-effective systems for both acute care and non-acute care customers. The Company’s products range from major surgical lights to small examination lights, and include the Harmony^® Equipment Management Systems line of ceiling management products for the hospital operating room, emergency and critical care, and ambulatory surgery markets.

STERIS also provides sterilization management and outsourcing services for healthcare facilities and is developing comprehensive solutions to meet the instrument reprocessing needs of hospitals and healthcare facilities, to capitalize on the current hospital trend of outsourcing non-revenue generating operations such as central sterile processing.

Scientific and Industrial.    The STERIS Scientific and Industrial offerings include contamination prevention and control systems, products, and services for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, critical research, laboratory research, and industrial customers throughout the world. These products and services assist customers in following the stringent sterility assurance and microbial reduction processes demanded by the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), as well as worldwide regulatory and compliance agencies.

The Scientific offering is a broad range of systems and products with several of the most trusted brand names in the industry: Finn-Aqua^® and Amsco^® sterilizers, Reliance^® and Basil^® washers, Detach^™ automated cage and bedding processing systems, VHP^® (Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide) biodecontamination systems, Finn-Aqua^® high-purity water systems, and Lyovac^® freeze dryers, research and pharmaceutical washing systems, as well as an extensive line of consumable products for contamination prevention, surface cleaning, and sterility assurance.

STERIS also provides contract sterilization and microbial reduction services to manufacturers of pre-packaged healthcare and consumer products. As a result of acquisitions — beginning with STERIS’s 1998 purchase of Isomedix Inc., a leading North American provider of contract sterilization and microbial reduction services — and internal expansion, STERIS now has a network of 16 contract sterilization facilities with available gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide, and electron beam processing technologies. STERIS’s contract sterilization subsidiaries work closely with customers to provide high-quality processing and logistical support to minimize the time it takes to move a product from the factory to its final destination.

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STERIS field service personnel are available worldwide to install, maintain, upgrade, and troubleshoot equipment. Additionally, STERIS offers services such as facility planning, engineering support, device testing, process and cleaner evaluation, education, and preventative maintenance and repair services.

In both the Healthcare and Scientific and Industrial Groups, the products and services of STERIS and its subsidiaries are sold under a variety of brand and product names. As acquired businesses have been integrated and consolidated, the STERIS name is increasingly visible on the product and service offerings.

Manufacturing

The Company, as of March 31, 2003, manufactures, assembles, and packages products in Erie, Pennsylvania; Mentor, Ohio; Montgomery, Alabama; St. Louis, Missouri; Cologne, Germany; Helsinki, Finland; Quebec City, Canada; Stockholm, Sweden; and Sydney, Australia. Each of the production facilities are dedicated facilities with each focusing on particular processes and products. The majority of the Company’s equipment manufacturing facilities throughout the world are ISO 9001 certified. These facilities supply products to both Healthcare and Scientific and Industrial customers.

Raw materials, sub-assemblies, and other components essential to the Company’s business are generally available within the lead times specified to vendors. While some raw materials are sole sourced, the supply of such raw materials has posed no significant problem in the operation of the Company’s business.

International Operations

The Company’s international operations are subject to various risks that are more likely to affect those operations than the Company’s domestic operations. These include, among other things, exchange controls and currency restrictions, currency fluctuations, changes in local economic conditions, unsettled political, regulatory or business conditions, and foreign government-sponsored boycotts of the Company’s products or services for noncommercial reasons. Most of the identifiable assets associated with the Company’s international operations are located in countries where the Company believes such risks are minimal. For certain financial information regarding the Company’s international operations, see Note 11 — Business Segment Information to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Customers and Methods of Distribution

As of March 31, 2003, STERIS employed over 1,110 direct field sales and service representatives in North America. The representatives generally reside in metropolitan market areas throughout the United States and Canada. Sales and service activities are supported by a staff of regionally based clinical specialists, systems planners, corporate account managers, and in-house customer service and field support departments.

The Company has adopted a strategy focused on employing direct sales, service, and support personnel in developed international markets while contracting with distributors in other selected markets. STERIS currently has sales offices in Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. STERIS has distribution agreements with medical supply distributors in Australia, and various countries in North and South America, Asia, and Europe.

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Customer training is an important aspect of STERIS’s business. In addition to training at customer locations, STERIS provides a variety of courses for customers at the Company’s training and education centers and over the internet. The programs enable customer representatives to understand the science, technology, and operation of STERIS products. Many of the Operator Training Programs are approved by professional certifying organizations for continuing education credits to eligible course participants.

Many of the Company’s customers are subject to government payment, reimbursement or funding requirements. Changes in those requirements could adversely impact the Company. STERIS believes, however, that one of its strengths is its broad customer base with no single customer accounting for more five percent of revenue during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. Customers who are part of a buying group generally make independent purchasing decisions and are invoiced directly by the Company.

Competition

STERIS is competitively positioned with its unique combination of capital equipment, consumable products, and value added services. However, a number of competing methodologies and commercial products are available in individual product lines. Getinge AG, Advanced Sterilization Products (Johnson & Johnson), and 3M Corporation are well-known companies offering products for general sterilization and disinfection. Skytron (division of KMW Group, Inc.) and Getinge AG are competitors in providing general surgical tables. Berchtold Corporation, Getinge AG, Heraeus Surgical, Inc., and Skytron are competitors in major surgery operating room light products. Competitors in sterility assurance products include Kimberly-Clark Corporation and 3M Health Care. Competitors in environmental and instrument decontamination products include Getinge AG, Ecolab Inc., and Allegiance. The Company’s high risk and routine skin care products compete against the products of Ecolab, Inc., Gojo (Provon), and Kimberly-Clark (SaniFresh). Allegiance, Becton Dickinson, Ecolab, Inc. and Purdue Frederick are competitors in providing surgical scrubs. Competitors in the original equipment manufacturing service business include local and in-hospital service groups. In contract sterilization, the Company primarily competes with Griffith Micro Science and SteriGenics International, Inc. (business units of Ion Beam Applications), and companies that sterilize products in-house. The primary competitor for the Company’s Scientific and Industrial sterilization systems is Getinge AG.

In 1998, the FDA established 501(k) submission exemptions for many Class I devices, including certain surgical support products, which lessened the regulatory requirements for the introduction of these products. The lower regulatory barriers could accelerate new product introductions for the Company and its domestic competitors, as well as improve the ability of foreign competitors to introduce products into the United States market and, as a result, increase competition.

Competition for the products provided by the Company is based upon product design and quality, product innovation, price, and product serviceability that result in the greatest overall value to the customer. In addition, there is significant price competition among various instrument preparation processes and services provided by STERIS and its competitors.

STERIS anticipates that it may face increased competition in the future as new infection prevention, sterile processing, contamination control, and surgical support products and services enter the market. Numerous organizations, including several smaller early-stage companies, are likely to be working with a variety of technologies and sterilizing agents, including microwave, ozone, plasma, chlorine

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dioxide, peracids, and formaldehyde. In addition, a number of companies have developed disposable medical instruments and other devices designed to address the risk of contamination. There can be no assurance that new products or services developed by the Company’s competitors will not be more commercially successful than those provided or developed by STERIS or that may be developed by STERIS in the future. In addition, some of STERIS’s existing or potential competitors may have greater financial, technical, and human resources than the Company. Accordingly, the Company’s competitors may succeed in developing and commercializing products more rapidly than the Company.

Government Regulation

Many of the Company’s products and manufacturing processes are subject to regulation by the FDA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and other governmental authorities. Similar regulatory agencies exist in other countries with a wide variety of regulatory review processes and procedures. Many products offered for sale in Europe must meet the CE marking requirements, and must be manufactured in accordance with the Medical Devices Directive, ISO 9001, and EN 46001 Quality System Standards. The Company’s products are also subject to review or certification by various nongovernmental certification authorities, such as Underwriter’s Laboratories, Canadian Standards Association, British Standards Institute, and TUV (Germany). Compliance with the regulations and certification requirements of domestic and foreign government regulatory and certification authorities may delay or prevent product introductions, require additional studies or tests prior to product introduction, require product modification, reclassification, relabeling or recalls, or mandate cessation of production and marketing of existing products. The cost of compliance with applicable regulations represents a considerable expense, and changes in such regulations or their interpretation or application could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

In the United States, the FDA regulates the introduction, manufacturing, labeling, reclassification, record keeping, and recall requirements for medical devices and drugs. The FDA regulates the majority of the products manufactured by the Company, through marketing clearance, pre-market approvals, new drug approvals, or compliance with established monographs. The process of obtaining marketing clearance from the FDA for new products, new applications for existing products, and changes to existing products can be time-consuming and expensive. In addition, whether separate marketing clearance is required under applicable regulations for any particular product is often a matter of interpretation and judgment. There is no assurance that marketing clearances will be granted, that the FDA will agree or continue to agree with all judgments made from time to time by the Company with respect to whether or not marketing clearance, reclassification or relabeling is required for any particular new or existing product, or that review by the FDA will not involve delays, costs or proceedings that will adversely affect the Company or its ability to commercialize additional products or existing products. Similar approvals and requirements by comparable agencies are present in most countries. Foreign regulatory requirements may vary widely from country to country. The time required to obtain market clearance from a foreign country may be longer or shorter than that required by the FDA or other agencies, and clearance or approval or other product requirements may differ.

Even if regulatory clearances to market a product are obtained from the FDA or comparable foreign agencies, these clearances may entail limitations on the indicated uses of the product. Product clearances granted by the FDA or comparable foreign agencies can also be withdrawn due to failure to comply with regulatory standards or the occurrence of unforeseen problems following initial approval. Regulatory requirements could also limit or prevent the manufacture or distribution of the Company’s

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products and require the post market review, reclassification, relabeling, or recall of such products. The application of these regulations depend heavily on administrative interpretation, and there can be no assurance that future interpretations made by the FDA or other regulatory bodies, with possible retroactive effect, will not adversely affect the Company. Further, additional government regulation may be established that could prevent, delay, revoke, or result in the rejection of regulatory clearance of the Company’s products. The effect of government regulation or interpretation or application thereof, which may arise from current or future legislation or administrative action cannot be predicted.

The FDA, various state agencies, and foreign regulatory agencies also have the right to inspect the Company’s facilities from time to time to determine, among other things, whether the Company is in compliance with various regulations relating to the Quality System Regulation (“QSR”). In complying with the QSR, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money, and effort in the areas of production and quality control to ensure full regulatory compliance.

In addition, the Company is subject to regulation under local, state, federal, and foreign law regarding occupational safety, environmental protection, import/export controls, tax matters, product sales and marketing, hazardous and toxic substance control, and to other present (and possible future) local, state, federal, and foreign regulation. The cost of compliance with these regulations represents a considerable expense to the Company, and changes in such regulations or their interpretations or application could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

Failure to comply with any applicable regulatory requirements could result in sanctions being imposed on the Company, including warning letters, injunctions, civil money penalties, enforcement actions, investigations, cost recovery actions, civil litigation, failure of the FDA or comparable foreign agencies to grant pre-market clearance or pre-market approval of medical devices, product recalls, operating restrictions, and, in extreme cases, criminal sanctions. The Company has previously received warning letters, paid civil penalties, conducted product recalls, and been subject to other regulatory sanctions, none of which the Company believes would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition. The Company believes that it is currently in conformity in all material respects with applicable regulatory requirements. However, there can be no assurance that future regulatory, governmental, or private legal action will not be commenced and concluded in a manner adverse to the Company.

The Company has received all material licenses and permits it believes necessary to conduct its current manufacturing and contract sterilization businesses and believes that it will be able to obtain any permits necessary for the future conduct of its manufacturing and contract sterilization businesses. The Company is committed to maintaining compliance with applicable FDA, EPA, and other governmental laws and regulations and the standards promulgated by applicable nongovernmental certification authorities.

Employees

As of March 31, 2003, the Company had over 5,100 employees. Management considers its relations with employees, including employees covered under collective bargaining agreements, to be good.

Intellectual Property and Research and Development

The Company protects its technology and products by, among other means, filing United States and foreign patent applications that it considers important to its business. There can be no assur -

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ance, however, that any patent will provide adequate protection for the technology, system, product, service, or process it covers. In addition, the process of obtaining and protecting patents can be long and expensive. The Company also relies upon trade secrets, technical know-how, and continuing technological innovation to develop and maintain its competitive position.

Research activities are important to the Company’s business. The costs of the Company’s research activities relating to the discovery and development of new products and the improvement of existing products amounted to $25.5 million, $21.7 million, and $24.0 million, in fiscal years 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. These costs are charged directly to income in the year in which incurred.

As of March 31, 2003, the Company held 220 United States patents and 464 foreign patents (with expiration dates ranging from 2003 to 2020) and had 74 United States patents and 150 foreign patents pending.

The Company also considers its various trademarks to be valuable in the marketing of its products. The Company has a total of 667 trademark registrations in the United States and in various foreign countries in which the Company does business.

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 of the Company’s acquired and consolidated 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. There can be no assurance that such patterns or trends will or will not continue.

Backlog

As of March 31, 2003, the Company maintained backlog orders in the amount of $147.5 million. As of March 31, 2002, the Company maintained backlog orders in the amount of $96.8 million. The majority of orders in both years were expected to ship in the subsequent fiscal year.

Subsequent Events

Effective April, 1, 2003, the Company began operating in three business segments: Healthcare, Life Sciences, and STERIS Isomedix Services. The Company’s new Healthcare segment will encompass surgical support and sterile processing products, including related consumable products and services. It will also include our skincare business, now known as Applied Infection Control. The former Scientific and Industrial group has been split into Life Sciences and STERIS Isomedix Services. The new Life Sciences segment includes pharmaceutical production and research products, including associated services and the Defense and Industrial business (the Company’s Strategic Technology Enterprises subsidiary). The new STERIS Isomedix Services segment is the Company’s industrial contract sterilization business.

STERIS management realigned the Company into three operating segments to focus resources on specific missions and customer groups to achieve the Company’s long term strategic initiatives and capture targeted growth opportunities.

On April 8, 2003, the Company acquired Hamo Holding AG headquartered in Pieterlen, Switzerland. The purchase price of $49.1 million, including debt assumed, is subject to final settlement of certain

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adjustments to working capital. Hamo is a leading provider of washing/decontamination systems used in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and research industries with annual revenues of approximately $43.0 million. The acquisition provides an established distribution channel to expand the marketing of the Company’s sterilization and washing/decontamination products in Europe and Asia, and adds manufacturing capacity in Switzerland.

Effective April 8, 2003, the Company amended its existing Credit Agreement that provided funds for the acquisition of Hamo Holding AG. The amendment also revised terms and conditions in the agreement which relieves restrictions on foreign investment.

As of June 20, 2003, the Company purchased 0.6 million of its Common Shares during the first quarter of fiscal 2004 at an average price of $22.08 per Common Share leaving 2.4 million Common Shares authorized for purchase.

Availability of Securities and Exchange Commission Filings

The Company files annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The public can obtain copies of these materials by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549, by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330, or by accessing the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, as soon as reasonably practicable, after such materials are filed with or furnished to the SEC, the Company makes copies available to the public, free of charge, on or through its website at http://www.steris.com.

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ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

The following table sets forth the principal plants and other materially important properties of the Company and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2003. The Company believes that its facilities are adequate for operations and are maintained in good condition. The Company is confident that, if needed, it will be able to acquire additional facilities at commercially reasonable rates.

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ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Reference is made to Note 10 — Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The Company is involved in a number of legal proceedings and claims, which the Company believes arise from the ordinary course of its business, given its size, history, complexity, the nature of its business, and the industries in which it participates. These legal proceedings and claims generally involve a variety of legal theories and allegations, including without limitation, personal injury (e.g., slip and falls, automobile accidents, and other accidents), product liability (e.g., based on the operation or claimed malfunction of products), product exposure (e.g., claimed exposure to chemicals, asbestos, contaminants), property damage (e.g., claimed damage due to leaking equipment, fire), economic loss (e.g., breach of contract, other commercial claims), employment (e.g., wrongful termination), and other claims for damage and relief. The Company believes it is adequately reserved for these claims and that the ultimate outcome of its pending lawsuits and claims will not have a material adverse effect on STERIS’s consolidated financial position or results of operations taken as a whole. Due to their inherent uncertainty, however, there can be no assurance of the ultimate outcome of current or future litigation or claims or its effect. STERIS presently maintains product liability insurance coverage in amounts and with deductibles that it believes are prudent.

From time to time, STERIS is also involved in legal proceedings as a plaintiff involving contract, patent protection, and other claims asserted by the Company. Gains, if any, from these proceedings are recognized when they are realized.

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ITEM 4.     SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the Company’s 2003 fiscal year.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive officers of the Company, as of April 1, 2003.

The following is a brief account of the business experience during the past five years of each such executive officer:

Les C. Vinney serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. He assumed this role in July 2000. Mr. Vinney joined the Company’s Board of Directors in March 2000 at the same time as he was appointed to his previous role as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Vinney joined STERIS as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in August 1999. He became Senior Vice President Finance and Operations in October 1999. Immediately before his employment with STERIS, Mr. Vinney served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at The BF Goodrich Company, a manufacturer of advanced aerospace systems, performance materials, and engineered industrial products. During his eight year career with BF Goodrich, Mr. Vinney held a variety of senior operating and financial management positions, including Vice President and Treasurer, President and CEO of the former Tremco subsidiary, and Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration of BF Goodrich Specialty Chemicals.

William L. Aamoth serves as Vice President and Corporate Treasurer. He joined the Company in March 2001. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Aamoth was employed by Hayes Lemmerz International, a manufacturer of automotive wheels, brakes, and related systems, from January 2000 through January 2001, serving as Treasurer. From May 1992 to December 1999, Mr. Aamoth was employed by TRW, Inc., a manufacturer and service provider of automotive, aerospace, and information technology products, serving most recently as Assistant Treasurer, International.

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Laurie Brlas serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. She joined the Company in April 2000. Prior to joining STERIS, Ms. Brlas was employed by OfficeMax, Inc., a retailer of goods and services to business customers and consumers, from September 1995 through April 2000, serving most recently as Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller.

Peter A. Burke serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. He became Senior Vice President in March 2002. Dr. Burke joined the Company in March 2001 as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. Prior to joining STERIS, Dr. Burke was employed by Carter-Wallace, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of consumer and pharmaceutical products, from January 1996 to March 2001, serving most recently as Vice President, Research and Development.

David L. Crandall serves as Vice President and Group President, Applied Infection Control. He joined the Company in April 2000 and served as Vice President, Manufacturing and Distribution until April 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Crandall was employed by United Technologies Group, a manufacturer of high technology products for the aerospace and building systems industries, from December 1968 to April 2000, serving most recently as Director of Manufacturing, North American Operations.

Charles L. Immel serves as Senior Vice President and Group President, Healthcare. He joined the Company in May 2001 and served as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing and President, Commercial Products until April 2003. Prior to joining STERIS, Mr. Immel was employed by Baxter Healthcare Corporation, a medical products and services company specializing in critical care applications, from July 1983 to May 2001, serving most recently as Vice President and General Manager of Baxter’s Therapeutic Commercial Business.

Mark D. McGinley serves as Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary. He joined the Company in March 2002. Prior to joining STERIS, Mr. McGinley was employed by Noveon, Inc., an international specialty chemicals manufacturer. Mr. McGinley also served as Associate General Counsel of The Glidden Company and was employed by the BF Goodrich Company from 1990 to 2000 in various legal capacities, including General Counsel of BF Goodrich Sealants, Coatings and Adhesives Group.

Robert E. Moss serves as Vice President and Group President, STERIS Isomedix Services. He served as Vice President and General Manager of Isomedix Services from 1999 until April 2003. Mr. Moss joined the Company in 1990 serving as Vice President Operations until 1999. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Moss held senior leadership positions with Cardinal Health and Divisions of the American Hospital Supply Corporation.

Morten C. Nielsen serves as Vice President and Group President, Life Sciences. He joined the Company in March 2002 serving as President Commercial Operations Europe until April 2003. Prior to joining the Company he served as Vice President Europe for the Boston Scientific Corporation, a manufacturer of medical devices for less invasive therapies, from 1997 until March 2002, and held senior management positions with American Home Products.

Gerard J. Reis serves as Senior Vice President and Group President, Defense and Industrial. He joined the Company in July 1994 as Vice President, Administration. He served as Senior Vice President, Administration from October 1999 until April 2003.

Michael J. Tokich serves as Vice President and Corporate Controller. He joined the Company in May 2000 as Assistant Corporate Controller. He became Corporate Controller in December 2000. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Tokich was employed by OfficeMax, Inc., a retailer of goods and services to business customers and consumers, from July 1994 to May 2000, serving most recently as Divisional Vice President, Assistant Controller.

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Part II

ITEM 5.     MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

Market Information and Dividends

The Company’s Common Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “STE.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices for the Company’s Common Shares.

The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Shares since its inception and does not anticipate paying any such dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company currently intends to retain its earnings for the operation and expansion of its businesses. At May 29, 2003, there were 1,723 shareholders of record of the Company’s Common Shares.

Information concerning the Company’s equity compensation plans is contained in “Item 12 — Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

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ITEM 6.     SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

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ITEM 7.     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Fiscal Year 2003 Compared to Fiscal Year 2002

Overview

During fiscal 2003, the Company continued to strengthen financially due to the successful execution of the Company’s operational and strategic initiatives. Revenues for fiscal 2003 increased $105.4 million or 12.2% to $972.1 million, compared to $866.7 million in fiscal 2002. Year over year revenue growth was driven by increased demand in both the Company’s Healthcare and Scientific and Industrial Groups. The most predominate revenue growth was realized from the sale of capital equipment and services with moderate revenue growth from consumable products.

Gross margins increased 15.1% or $53.6 million to $408.8 million, which was 42.1% of revenue during fiscal 2003 compared to $355.2 million or 41.0% of revenue in fiscal 2002. The gross margin improvement realized in fiscal 2003 was due to effective price improvement initiatives, cost savings generated from the deployment of more efficient distribution strategies, and benefits of plant consolidations. Gross margins in fiscal 2002 were negatively impacted by plant consolidation costs and inefficiencies caused by capacity constraints.

Operating expenses decreased as a percentage of revenues to 29.1% in fiscal 2003, as compared to 31.7% in fiscal 2002. The improvement in fiscal 2003 was due to the Company’s successful efforts to effectively leverage its selling, general, and administrative resources to generate additional revenue during fiscal 2003. While the Company held selling, general, and administrative expenses relatively flat year over year, the Company increased investment in research and development in an effort to stimulate new product development.

Net income increased $33.2 million or 71.9% to $79.4 million, or $1.12 per diluted share in fiscal 2003, compared with fiscal 2002 net income of $46.2 million, or $0.65 per diluted share. The Company’s development and successful execution of strategies to improve earnings and strengthen its financial position resulted in increased earnings. Increased revenues combined with effective efforts to control costs and create efficiencies, including lowering interest costs by reducing debt levels, generated the year over year net income improvement. In addition, the effective tax rate declined 1.0% to 36.0% in fiscal 2003 from 37.0% in fiscal 2002.

The Company produced cash flows from operations of $133.3 million in fiscal 2003, a decrease of 6.1% compared with fiscal 2002 operating cash flows of $142.0. The Company used the cash flows primarily to reduce its outstanding debt by $58.1 million and to purchase $16.1 million of the Company’s Common Shares. The reduction of the Company’s debt levels reduced its debt-to-capital ratio (defined as total long-term debt divided by total long-term debt plus total capital) to 9.5% at March 31, 2003 as compared to 19.1% at March 31, 2002. The Company also utilized these cash flows to invest in $58.6 million of property, plant, and equipment as the Company continued to increase its production capacity and began the implementation of a new ERP system.

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Results of Operations

Net Revenues and Cost of Revenues

The increase in Healthcare revenues for fiscal 2003 reflected a higher level of capital spending among U.S. hospitals. The increase in Scientific and Industrial revenues reflected strong demand primarily from pharmaceutical producers and from capacity expansions. Both groups benefited in fiscal 2003 from the successful introduction of new products.

Net revenues for fiscal 2003 from capital goods were $467.6 million, or 48.1% of consolidated revenues, as compared to $405.3 million, or 46.8%, in fiscal 2002. Revenues from capital goods increased $62.3 million, or 15.4% in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. Fiscal 2003 revenues from consumables and services contributed $504.5 million, or 51.9% of consolidated revenues, as compared to $461.4 million, or 53.2%, in fiscal 2002. Revenues from consumables and services increased $43.1 million, or 9.3% in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002.

United States revenues for fiscal 2003 were $786.2 million, or 80.9% of consolidated revenues, with $185.9 million, or 19.1% from international markets. United States revenues for fiscal 2002 were $733.6 million, or 84.6% of total revenues, with $133.1 million, or 15.4% from international markets.

Cost of revenues increased 10.1% in fiscal 2003 to $563.3 million from $511.5 million in fiscal 2002. The cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues was 57.9% in fiscal 2003 compared to 59.0% in fiscal 2002. The corresponding gross profit percentage for fiscal 2003 was 42.1% compared to 41.0% in fiscal 2002. Gross profit increased in fiscal 2003 due to successful pricing improvements and cost savings from distribution efficiencies. These margin improvements were offset by an increase in sales of lower gross profit scientific and industrial capital equipment. In fiscal 2002, gross profit was negatively impacted by inefficiencies related to the Company’s capacity expansion efforts and continuing plant consolidation costs associated with selected product lines. These continuing plant consolidation costs consisted primarily of moving costs for inventory and machinery and equipment that will be utilized at other locations, as well as continuing employee relocation and retraining costs. Most plant consolidation efforts were completed by March 2002.

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Operating Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses, as a percent of revenues, were 26.5% and 29.2% in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively, as management continued its focus on controlling costs while supporting revenue growth.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $4.6 million, or 1.8%, to $257.5 million in fiscal 2003 compared to $252.9 million in fiscal 2002. Compensation increased $6.3 million as a result of merit increases as well as increased benefit costs and a redesigned commission plan. Professional fees increased $7.5 million as a result of increased consulting hours related to the Company’s system implementation project. Travel and entertainment expenses increased $1.3 million in fiscal 2003 due to additional travel resulting from increased revenue growth, as well as lower expenses in fiscal 2002 due to a period of time following September 11, 2001 when all nonessential travel was cut. Insurance and tax expenses increased $5.0 million as a result of an increase in casualty and property premiums and self-insurance loss experience. These increases were offset by decreased commission expenses of $3.8 million due to the redesigned commission plan, decreased marketing expenses of $3.4 million as a result of the Company’s cost control efforts, decreased administrative expenses of $4.9 million reflecting the benefit of a legal settlement, and decreased depreciation and amortization expenses of $3.2 million resulting from the adoption of SFAS 142 and the elimination of goodwill amortization.

Research and development expenses increased 17.6% to $25.5 million in fiscal 2003 compared to $21.7 million in fiscal 2002. Research and development expenses as a percent of revenues were 2.6% in fiscal 2003 compared to 2.5% in fiscal 2002. The increase is related to an increased emphasis on product development, as well as increased salary and facility expansion expenses.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, net, decreased 76.7% to $1.7 million in fiscal 2003 compared to $7.3 million in fiscal 2002. The decrease was due primarily to the effects of lower interest rates and the reduction in the amount of debt outstanding. The weighted average interest rate applicable to the Company’s outstanding debt was 2.07% in fiscal 2003, compared to 2.97% in fiscal 2002. Additionally, the Company reduced its outstanding debt $58.1 million in fiscal 2003 to $61.7 million at March 31, 2003.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was 36.0% of pretax income in fiscal 2003, compared to 37.0% in fiscal 2002. The comparable effective tax rates for both years are different from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate primarily because of state and local income taxes, goodwill amortization (in 2002), and a favorable change in the method in which research and development credits are calculated.

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Fiscal Year 2002 Compared to Fiscal Year 2001

Overview

During fiscal 2002, the Company made substantial progress financially, operationally, and strategically. Demand improved for the Company’s Healthcare products and services throughout the year, and continued strength in the Scientific and Industrial markets contributed to a strong fourth quarter. Revenues for fiscal 2002 increased 8.3% to $866.7 million as compared to fiscal 2001 revenues of $800.1 million.

Gross margins increased to 41.0% for fiscal 2002 from 38.9% in fiscal 2001. However, fiscal 2001 results included a charge of $21.5 million that was included in cost of products sold. Excluding the impact of this charge, gross margins would have been 41.6% in fiscal 2001. Gross margins in fiscal 2002 were negatively impacted by costs associated with the Company’s plant consolidation efforts and inefficiencies caused by capacity constraints.

Gross Margins Adjusted for Pre Tax Charges as a Percentage of Revenues

Operating expenses decreased as a percentage of revenues to 31.7% as compared to 35.9% in fiscal 2001. Fiscal 2001 operating expenses included $20.0 million of the fourth quarter charge. Excluding the impact of this charge, fiscal 2001 operating expenses as a percentage of revenues were 33.4%.

Operating Expenses Adjusted for Pre Tax Charges as a Percentage of Revenues

Net income for fiscal 2002 increased to $46.2 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, compared with fiscal year 2001 net income of $1.3 million, or $0.02 per diluted share. The prior fiscal year’s results

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included a pre-tax charge of $41.5 million ($28.2 million net of tax, or $0.41 per diluted share) recorded in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. Excluding the charge, net income for fiscal 2001 was $29.5 million, or $0.43 per diluted share. On a comparable basis, net income increased 56.6% for fiscal 2002 as compared to fiscal 2001.

Net Income Adjusted for After Tax Charges

The Company produced cash flows from operations of $142.0 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of 38.8% compared with fiscal 2001 operating cash flows of $102.3 million. The Company used these cash flows primarily to reduce its outstanding debt by $92.2 million during fiscal 2002. The reduction in the Company’s debt levels reduced its debt-to-capital ratio (defined as total long-term debt divided by total long-term debt plus total capital) to 19.1% at March 31, 2002 as compared to 32.7% at March 31, 2001.  The Company also utilized these cash flows to invest $65.7 million in property, plant, and equipment as the Company continued to increase its production capacity and invest in its management information systems.

Results of Operations

Net Revenues and Cost of Revenues

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The increase in Healthcare revenues for fiscal 2002 reflected a second half upturn in demand from U.S. hospitals, particularly for capital equipment. The increase in Scientific and Industrial revenues reflected strong demand primarily from pharmaceutical production and lab research customers. The Company’s response to this demand, however, was curbed by capacity constraints in certain manufacturing facilities of the Company.

Net revenues for fiscal 2002 from capital goods were $405.3 million, or 46.8% of consolidated revenues, as compared to $380.6, or 47.6%, in fiscal 2001. Revenues from capital goods increased $24.7 million, or 6.5%, for fiscal 2002 as compared to fiscal 2001. Fiscal 2002 revenues from consumables and services contributed $461.4 million, or 53.2% of total revenues, for fiscal 2002 compared to $419.5 million, or 52.4% of total revenues, in the prior year. Revenues from consumables and services increased $41.9 million, or 10.0%, for fiscal 2002 as compared to fiscal 2001 due to the increase in the installed base of capital equipment as well as a newly acquired long-term contract to service infection prevention and decontamination equipment for a division of a Fortune 500 Company.

United States revenues for fiscal 2002 were $733.6 million, or 84.6% of total revenues, with $133.1 million, or 15.4%, from international markets. United States revenues for fiscal 2001 were $675.3 million, or 84.4% of total revenues, with $124.8 million, or 15.6%, from international markets.

A pre-tax charge of $41.5 million ($28.2 million net of tax, or $.41 per diluted share) was recorded in the fiscal 2001 fourth quarter after the Company completed a review of certain manufacturing and support functions. The charge to cost of products sold included $10.9 million for inventory write-downs and disposals, and also included $10.6 million principally for the consolidation of certain of the Company’s manufacturing operations. Costs to consolidate the operations primarily included severance and property abandonment. In addition, certain costs (primarily distribution costs) incurred in fiscal 2001 were reclassified from operating expenses to cost of products sold to improve accountability of expenses company-wide and to conform to the fiscal 2002 presentation.

Excluding the charge incurred during fiscal 2001, the fiscal 2002 cost of products sold increased by 9.5% to $511.5 million compared to $467.1 million in fiscal 2001. The cost of products sold as a percentage of revenues was 59.0% in fiscal 2002 compared to 58.4% in fiscal 2001, excluding the charge. The corresponding gross margin percentages were 41.0% and 41.6% for fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001, respectively.

Cost of Revenues Adjusted for Pre Tax Charges as a Percentage of Revenues

Gross margins were negatively impacted by inefficiencies related to the Company’s capacity expansion efforts and continuing plant consolidation costs associated with selected product lines. On

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going plant consolidation costs consist primarily of moving costs for inventory and machinery and equipment that will be utilized, as well as continuing employee relocation and retraining costs. Most plant consolidation efforts were completed by March 2002. The increase in revenues from lower gross margin scientific and industrial capital equipment products was also a contributor to the decrease in the gross margin percentage. During fiscal 2002, the Company relieved $1.0 million from the restructuring reserves related to the fiscal 2001 fourth quarter charge because actual costs associated with the finalization of the Medina, Ohio facility closing were less than 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 line.

Operating Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percent of revenues, excluding the fiscal 2001 charge, were 29.2% and 30.4% in fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001, respectively, as management continued its focus on controlling costs while supporting revenue growth.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses adjusted for pre-tax charges as a percentage of revenues

The following comparisons and discussion exclude the $20.0 million of selling, general, and administrative expenses included in the fiscal 2001 charge. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased in fiscal 2002 by 3.9% to $252.9 million from $243.3 million in fiscal 2001. Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased as a result of lower depreciation expense of $1.2 million driven by the absence of depreciation related to assets charged-off as part of the fiscal 2001 charge. Additionally, compensation savings of approximately $6.4 million resulted from the reductions in force reflected in the fiscal 2001 charge. Marketing and administrative expenses decreased by $1.1 million. These decreases in selling, general, and administrative expenses were offset by increased incentive compensation due to

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overall Company profitability and cost of living and merit wage increases aggregating $9.9 million, asset write-offs of $1.9 million related to equity investments, notes receivable and other receivables, and increases in professional fees, occupancy, insurance, and franchise and property tax costs of $3.9 million. Also during fiscal 2002, additional severance costs of $2.6 million were recorded.

Change in selling, general, and administrative expenses adjusted for pre-tax charges

Research and development expenses decreased in both gross dollars and as a percentage of revenues in fiscal 2002 as compared to fiscal 2001. Research and development expenses as a percentage of revenues were 2.5% in fiscal 2002 compared to 3.0% in fiscal 2001. The decrease is primarily attributable to the increased capitalization of engineering costs of $1.7 million for products that have passed the development stage as described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 2, “Accounting for Research and Development Costs.” Additionally, the Company reduced the number of projects it focused on, which reduced expenditures in fiscal 2002. Direct project expenses and outside fees related to development projects decreased $1.2 million. These decreases in costs were partially offset by increased depreciation and occupancy costs of $0.7 million as the Company re-affirmed its commitment to development efforts with expanded research facilities and equipment.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, net, decreased by 60.3% to $7.3 million in fiscal 2002 from $18.4 million in fiscal 2001. The decrease was due principally to the effects of lower interest rates and the reduction in the amount of debt outstanding. The weighted average interest rate applicable to the Company’s outstanding debt was 2.97% as of March 31, 2002 compared to 7.74% as of March 31, 2001. Additionally, the Company paid down its long-term debt by approximately $92.2 million during fiscal 2002.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was 37.0% of pretax earnings in fiscal 2002. In fiscal 2001, excluding the impact of the fourth quarter charge, the comparable income tax rate was 37.5%. The reported effective  tax rate for fiscal 2001 was 77.1%. The comparable effective tax rates for both fiscal years are  different from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate primarily because of state and local income taxes, goodwill amortization, and a favorable change in the method in which research and development credits are calculated.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

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The decrease in operating cash flows for fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002 was due to unfavorable working capital changes consisting of a decrease in cash provided from deferred income taxes totaling $8.9 million and the year over year unfavorable cash flow impact of accounts receivable and inventory fluctuations totaling $18.8 million and $16.5 million, respectively. These decreases in operating cash flows were offset by an increase in net income, which increased $33.2 million in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002.

The decrease in cash used in investing activities resulted from a decrease in purchases of property, plant, equipment, and patents of $7.1 million. This decrease is due to reduced spending upon the completion of the Company’s capacity expansion projects. The Company also experienced lower activity relating to investments in businesses and cash proceeds from the sale of assets, which reduced cash used for investing activities $2.8 million as compared to the prior year.

Net cash used for financing activities was $62.8 million in fiscal 2003. Fiscal 2003 financing activities include the repayment of $55.8 million to reduce the outstanding balance on the unsecured $325.0 million Revolving Credit Facility (the “Facility”). The Company also repurchased $16.1 million of STERIS’s shares in fiscal 2003, pursuant to a stock repurchase program announced on July 24, 2002.  These uses of cash were offset by increased proceeds from the exercise of Company stock options  of $11.3 million.

Working Capital

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During fiscal 2003, the Company’s investment in working capital increased. The increase in working capital as of March 31, 2003 compared to March 31, 2002 was primarily attributable to increases in cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and inventories, which offset increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other.

However, the Company was able to maintain financial flexibility, and as of March 31, 2003, had $271.8 million available on its Facility. This is a substantial increase over the unused revolving line of credit facility of $216.0 million as of March 31, 2002, and it allows the Company to reduce its need to maintain a large cash and cash equivalent balance.

As described further in the cash flows discussion, cash increased by $13.5 million to $25.9 million at March 31, 2003 compared to $12.4 million at March 31, 2002.

Accounts receivable increased $15.1 million to $211.7 million at March 31, 2003 compared to $196.7 million at March 31, 2002 attributable to increased revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002.

Inventories increased $12.2 million to $90.1 million at March 31, 2003 compared to $77.9 million at March 31, 2002. This increase was due to inventory level loading at some of the Company’s manufacturing facilities.

Accounts payable increased, and therefore decreased working capital, by $16.2 million at March 31, 2003 compared to March 31, 2002. This increase is primarily due to the increase in inventory receipts in the fourth quarter.

Accrued expenses and other liabilities increased, and therefore decreased working capital, by $9.4 million at March 31, 2003 compared to March 31, 2002. Accrued vacation increased $2.5 million due to increased compensation levels. Accrued insurance increased $3.0 million due to the increase of estimated incurred but not reported claims as actuarially determined. Accrued warranty increased $1.6 million based on the shift in product mix toward capital equipment in 2003. Deferred service contract revenue increased $1.3 million also due to the increase in capital equipment sales during the fiscal year.

Financing Activities

On March 28, 2002, STERIS entered into an unsecured $325.0 million credit facility with a consortium of banks (the “Facility”) which replaced a prior credit facility. The Facility provides a multi-currency borrowing option, may be used for general corporate purposes, and bears interest at the Company’s option at either LIBOR plus 0.68% to 1.60% or the lending agent’s prime rate plus 0.00% to 0.75%. The Facility also requires the payment of a facility fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.40% of the total facility commitment amount. The interest rate and facility fee are determined based on the Company’s leverage ratio. The Facility requires the maintenance of certain financial covenants including minimum net worth, leverage, and interest coverage. At March 31, 2003, the weighted average interest rate on the Company’s outstanding borrowings under the Facility was 2.07%. At March 31, 2002, the weighted average interest rate was 2.97%. At March 31, 2003, the Company was in compliance with the Facility covenants and as of March 31, 2003 had $53.2 million outstanding under the Facility.

Other debt consisted mainly of industrial development revenue bonds which bear interest at a variable rate based on the bank/marketing agent’s demand note index. The bond agreements contain various covenants relating to minimum net worth, leverage, and interest coverage. At March 31, 2003 and

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2002, outstanding obligations under the industrial development revenue bonds were $4.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.55% and 1.70%, respectively. The Company was in compliance with the industrial development revenue bond covenants as of March 31, 2003. Other debt also includes a $2.0 million note related to an acquisition. At March 31, 2003 and 2002, outstanding obligations under this note were $1.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, with an annual interest rate of 5.25%.

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.

Contingencies and Commitments

As of March 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company was contingently liable in the amount of $53.8 million and $37.8 million, respectively, under standby letters of credit and guarantees. Approximately $8.4 million and $11.3 million, respectively, of the totals at March 31, 2003 and 2002 relate to letters of credit required as security under the Company’s self-insured risk retention policies. The remaining balance in each year relates to performance bonds on long-term contracts.

The Company has no material commitments for capital expenditures as of March 31, 2003. At March 31, 2003, the Company had commitments under non-cancelable operating leases aggregating $52.6 million.

The following tables reflect the Company’s contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of March 31, 2003. Commercial commitments include standby letters of credit, guarantees, and other potential cash outflows resulting from a contingent event that requires performance by the Company. Open purchase orders for raw materials and supplies used in the normal course of business have been excluded from the following tables.

Contractual Obligations

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Commercial Commitments

Restructuring Reserves

Reductions to the fiscal 2001 restructuring reserves during fiscal 2003 related to employee severance payments of $1.5 million and other payments and adjustments. The Company paid $0.5 million in settlement of pension liabilities for terminated employees. The restructuring reserves were reduced by approximately $1.0 million during fiscal 2003 as the Company received favorable rulings regarding certain salary continuation and severance benefits under a collective bargaining agreement. These adjustments were recorded as reductions of costs of revenues on the accompanying consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2003. Restructuring reserves of $1.2 million and $4.2 million remained as of March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and related primarily to severance obligations. These remaining severance payments at March 31, 2003, which relate to 7 former employees, will continue until December 2004.

Reductions to the fiscal 2000 restructuring reserves during fiscal 2003 related primarily to employee severance and lease payments of $0.4 million. Restructuring reserves of $0.4 million remained as of March 31, 2002.

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.

Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates, and Assumptions

This discussion and analysis of the Company’s results of operations and financial condition is based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs, and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingencies. Management believes that the estimates, judgments, and assumptions made in preparing the consolidated financial statements are reasonable. However, due to the inherent nature of estimates, actual results will likely be different from the estimates made.

The critical accounting policies that affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements and which rely on judgments and assumptions are discussed below.

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Revenue Recognition

Revenues earned on product sales and consumables to unaffiliated customers are generally recognized upon shipment and title transfer to the customer. After-sales and service revenues are recognized upon completion of the work. Revenues related to long-term service contracts are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the related contract.

Revenues on long-term construction contracts are recognized under the cost-to-cost type of percentage-of-completion method, resulting in revenue being recorded as costs are incurred. Revenues recognized under the percentage-of-completion method aggregated approximately 4% of revenues for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This method requires the use of estimates of costs to be incurred for the manufacture of complex products and systems. Such costs are typically incurred over a period of several months and require substantial judgment. The cost estimation process is based upon the professional knowledge and experience of the Company’s employees. The cost estimates are updated on a quarterly basis. Adjustments to projected costs are recognized in net earnings when determinable.

The Company records amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling as revenue. All outbound shipping and handling expenses are included in cost of products sold.

Accounts Receivable

The Company records estimated allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable based upon the number of days the accounts are past due, the current business environment, and specific information such as bankruptcy or liquidity issues of customers. Historically, losses for uncollectible accounts receivable have been within management’s estimates. However, if actual losses exceed management’s expectations, additional allowances may be required.

The Company maintains an allowance for sales returns and allowances on product sales. Management estimates the related allowance for sales returns and allowances based upon known returns granted and estimated returns of both capital equipment and consumables. The estimated returns of capital equipment are based upon recent historical experience and include estimates for the recoverability of the inventory value of the returned goods. The Company estimates that returned consumables do not carry any value due to the limited shelf life of such products.

Inventories

Management continually reviews inventories for excess and obsolete goods based upon a combination of historical and forecasted usage. Additionally, discrete provisions are made when facts and circumstances indicate that particular inventories will not be utilized. If future market conditions are different than those estimated, changes to inventory valuation reserves may be required and would be reflected in the period the revision is made.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company uses the last-in, first-out (LIFO) and first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost methods. Inventories utilizing LIFO represent approximately 74.3% and 68.7% of total inventories at March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Inventory costs include material, labor, and overhead. If the FIFO method of inventory costing had been used exclusively, inventories would have been $10.0 million and $10.8 million higher than those reported at March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

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Asset Impairment

The Company continually evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of any long-lived or intangible asset may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of the asset may not be recoverable. If factors indicate that the long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company uses an estimate of the related asset’s net undiscounted cash flows from operations over the remaining life to determine recoverability; the measurement of the impairment would be based on the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value.

The Company performs annual valuations for impairment of goodwill and indefinite life intangibles. Goodwill and indefinite life intangibles are allocated to reporting units, which are either the operating segment or one reporting level below the operating segment. The Company’s reporting units for purposes of applying the provisions of SFAS 142 are STERIS and Isomedix. SFAS 142 requires the Company to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount on an annual basis to determine if there is potential impairment. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill and indefinite life intangibles within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. Fair values for goodwill and indefinite life intangibles are determined based on the discounted cash flows, market multiples or appraised values as appropriate.

Deferred Tax Assets

The Company has deferred tax assets, which are subject to assessments for recoverability. Realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is dependent upon the achievement of projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies. While management believes that it is more likely than not that the net assets will be realized, there can be no assurance that the Company will meet management’s expectations for future taxable income and tax planning strategies. The Company evaluates the realizability of deferred tax assets on an annual basis and assesses the need for valuation allowances.

Self-Insurance Liabilities

The Company records a liability for self-insured risk retention for general and product liability, workers compensation, and automobile losses. The Company maintains a captive insurance company, Global Risk Insurance Company (“GRIC”), to fund such losses. The Company employs an outside actuary that utilizes GRIC’s historical loss experience and actuarial judgment to determine the estimated liability. Such liability includes estimated provisions for both loss reserves and incurred but not reported claims. GRIC funds the Company’s losses up to the following limits per occurrence: general and product liability — $0.5 million, workers’ compensation — $0.5 million, and automobile — $0.5 million. The Company pays a monthly premium to GRIC. Losses greater than these limits are covered by third party insurance. The Company’s accrual for the self-insurance risk retention as of March 31, 2003 and 2002 was $11.1 million and $8.1 million, respectively.

The Company is also self-insured for employee medical claims. The Company estimates a liability for incurred but not reported claims based upon recent claims experience and an analysis of the average period of time between the occurrence of a claim and the time it is reported to and paid by the Company. The Company’s accrual for medical claims as of March 31, 2003 and 2002 was $4.4 million and $3.7 million, respectively.

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There can be no guarantee that the Company’s insurance coverages will continue to be adequate and actual loss experience may exceed the amounts provided for incurred but not reported claims. Any excess of the actual claims over the amounts estimated for loss reserves and incurred but not reported claims will result in increased insurance costs in subsequent periods.

Warranties

The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. While the Company engages in extensive quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of suppliers, warranty experience could differ from management’s estimates. If actual product failure rates, material usage, or service costs differ from management’s estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability will be required. As of March 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had accrued $4.9 million and $3.3 million, respectively for warranty exposures.

Contingencies

The Company is subject to various claims and lawsuits as well as unasserted claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. Liabilities, costs, and disclosures associated with these matters require estimates and judgment based on professional knowledge and experience of management and its legal counsel. Management has made estimates as to the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes and the amounts of such potential losses. When estimates of the Company’s exposure for claims or pending or threatened litigation matters meet the criteria of Statement of Financial Account Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” amounts are recorded as charges to net earnings. The ultimate resolution of any exposure to the Company may change as further facts and circumstances are made available.