UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-K10-K/A

(Amendment No. 1)

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

or

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

For the transition period from                     to                     .

Commission File Number: 0-19961

 

ORTHOFIX INTERNATIONAL N.V.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Curaçao

 

98-1340767

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

7 Abraham de Veerstraat

Curaçao

 

N/A

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

599-9-4658525

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

 

Common Stock, $0.10 par value

 

Nasdaq Global Select Market

(Title of Class)

 

(Name of Exchange on Which Registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes      No  

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      No  

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter)  is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 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.  

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

 

Large accelerated filer

 

  

Accelerated filer

 

 

Emerging Growth Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  

Smaller reporting company

 

 

 

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    

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

The aggregate market value of registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates, based upon the closing price of the common stock on the last business day of the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2017, as reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market, was approximately $842.2 million.

As of February 23, 2018, 18,405,344 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain sections of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission in connection with the Orthofix International N.V. 2018 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report.

 

 

 


 

Orthofix International N.V.

Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2017

Table of Contents

 

 

  

 

  

Page

PART I

Item 1.

Business

4

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

19

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

29

Item 2.

Properties

29

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

30

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosure

30

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

31

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

32

Item 7.

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

34

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

47

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

47

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

47

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

48

Item 9B.

Other Information

50

PART III

  

 

  

 

Item 10.

  

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

  

504

Item 11.

  

Executive Compensation

  

5013

Item 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

  

5034

Item 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

  

5037

Item 14.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

  

5037

PART IV

  

 

  

 

Item 15.

  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

  

5139

Item 16.

  

Form 10-K Summary

  

5539

 

 

 

 


 

Forward-Looking StatementsEXPLANATORY NOTE

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the Exchange Act”), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to our business and financial outlook, which are based on our current beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue” or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including the risks described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors”. Therefore, our actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date hereof, unless it is specifically otherwise stated to be made as of a different date. We undertake no obligation to further update any such statement, to reflect new information, the occurrence of future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Trademarks

Solely for convenience, our trademarks and trade names in this Annual Report are referred to without the ® and ™ symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights thereto.


PART I

Item 1.

Business

In this Annual Report,Amendment, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Orthofix,”“we”, “us”, “our”, “Orthofix” “the Company” and “our Company” refer to the combined operations of all of Orthofix International N.V. and its respective consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, unless the context requires otherwise.

Company Overview

We are a global medical device company focused on musculoskeletal healing products and value-added services. Headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, we have four strategic business units (“SBUs”This Amendment No. 1 (this “Amendment”): BioStim, Extremity Fixation, Spine Fixation, and Biologics. Our products are widely distributed by our sales representatives, distributors and subsidiaries.

We have administrative and training facilities in the United States (“U.S.”), Italy, Brazil, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), France, and Germany, and manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Italy. We directly distribute products in the U.S., Italy, the U.K., Germany, France, and Brazil. In several of these and other markets, we also distribute our products through independent distributors.

amends Orthofix International N.V. was formed in 1987 and is a limited liability company operating under’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the laws of Curaçao. Our executive offices in Curaçao are located at 7 Abraham de Veerstraat, Curaçao.

Available Information and Orthofix Website

Our filingsyear ended December 31, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”“Commission”) on February 26, 2018 (the “Original Form 10-K”). The sole purpose of this Amendment is to amend Part III, Items 10 through 14 of the Original Form 10-K to include information previously omitted from the Original Form 10-K in reliance on General Instruction G to Form 10-K, which provides that registrants may incorporate by reference certain information from a definitive proxy statement filed with the Commission within 120 days of the fiscal year end, which involves the election of directors. The Company’s definitive proxy statement will not be filed before April 30, 2018 (i.e., including ourwithin 120 days after end of the Company’s 2017 fiscal year) pursuant to Regulation 14A. The reference on the cover of the Original Form 10-K to the incorporation by reference of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement into Part III of the Annual Report onis hereby deleted.

In addition, as required by Rule 12b-15 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), new certifications by our principal executive officer and principal financial officer are filed as exhibits to this Amendment under Item 15 of Part IV hereof.

For purposes of this Amendment, and in accordance with Rule 12b-15 under the Exchange Act, Items 10 through 14 of the Original Form 10-K Quarterly Reportshave been amended and restated in their entirety. Except as stated herein, this Amendment does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the Original Form 10-K and no attempt has been made in this Amendment to modify or update other disclosures as presented in the Original Form 10-K.


PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Executive Officers

Our current executive officers are listed and described below.  Messrs. Mason, Rice, Bianchi and Finegan and Ms. Elting are referred to collectively throughout this Amendment as our “named executive officers.”

  Name

Age

Position

  Bradley R. Mason

64

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

  Douglas C. Rice

52

Chief Financial Officer

  Davide Bianchi

53

President, Global Extremity Fixation

  Kimberley A. Elting

53

Chief Legal and Administrative Officer

  Michael M. Finegan

54

Chief Strategy Officer

  Raymond S. Fujikawa

61

President, Spine Fixation

  Robert A. Goodwin II

47

President, Biologics

  Bradley V. Niemann

48

President, BioStim

Bradley R. Mason. Mr. Mason has served as a director since the Company’s 2013 annual general meeting of shareholders. Mr. Mason rejoined Orthofix in March 2013 as our President and Chief Executive Officer after previously serving as Group President, North America from June 2008 through October 2009, and as a Strategic Advisor from November 2009 through October 2010. Prior to being appointed as Group President, North America, he had served as a Vice President of the Company since December 2003, when the Company acquired Breg, Inc. Prior to its acquisition by Orthofix, Mr. Mason had served as President and Chairman of Breg, a company he principally founded in 1989 with five other shareholders. Mr. Mason has over 30 years of experience in the medical device industry, some of which were spent with dj Orthopedics (formally DonJoy) where he became an owner and executive in its early development stage and held the position of Executive Vice President. Following his retirement from Orthofix in 2010, he served in a variety of part-time consulting and advisory roles, including as a consultant to Orthofix since October 2012, which consulting relationship terminated as of March 13, 2013 when he rejoined Orthofix. Mr. Mason is the named inventor on Form 10-Q, 38 issued patents in the orthopedic product arena. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree from MiraCosta College.

Douglas C. Rice. Mr. Rice became the Company’s Chief Financial Officer in April 2015.  He joined Orthofix as Chief Accounting Officer in September 2014 and was appointed to the position of Interim Chief Financial Officer later that month. Mr. Rice joined the Company from Vision Source, an international optometric network provider, where he had served since 2012 as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Rice served as the Vice President Finance, Treasurer of McAfee, a security technology company, from 2007 to 2012, when it was acquired by Intel. From 2000 to 2007, he served as the Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller of Concentra, Inc., a national healthcare service provider. Mr. Rice’s over 25 years of finance experience also included finance leadership positions with la Madeleine, Allied Marketing Group as well as PricewaterhouseCoopers (formerly Coopers & Lybrand). He is a certified public accountant, and holds an MBA and BBA, with honors, from Southern Methodist University.

Davide Bianchi. Mr. Bianchi joined Orthofix as President, International Extremity Fixation in July 2013 and was named as the Company’s President, Global Extremity Fixation in December 2013. From February 2009 through June 2013, Mr. Bianchi served as President of the Heart Valve Global Business Unit at Sorin Group. Earlier in his career, he spent 10 years with Edwards Lifesciences, where he served as the European Marketing Manager; the Business Director, Emerging Markets; the Managing Director, Germany; the Vice President, Sales; and, most recently, the Vice President, Marketing, EMEA. Mr. Bianchi received his Master in Business Management from ISTUD Milano.

Kimberley A. Elting. Ms. Elting joined Orthofix as Chief Legal Officer in September 2016 and was named Chief Legal and Administrative Officer in 2017. Before joining the Company, she had served since 2013 as General Counsel and Vice President Corporate Affairs at TriVascular Technologies, Inc. In this role, she led the legal, compliance, human resources (HR) and government affairs functions. Between 2007 and 2012, she served in various roles of increasing responsibility with St. Jude Medical, including General Counsel and Vice President of HR and Health Policy for the Neuromodulation Division. She also previously was a partner at the Jones Day law firm where she counseled clients in the health care sector on mergers and acquisitions and regulatory matters. A graduate of Ithaca College, Ms. Elting earned her Law Degree from the University of Denver and an LL.M. in Health Law from Loyola University Chicago.

Michael M. Finegan. Mr. Finegan joined Orthofix in June 2006 as Vice President of Corporate Development, and became the President, Biologics in March 2009. In October 2011, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Business Development, and President, Biologics, and in June 2013, to his current position as Chief Strategy Officer. Prior to joining Orthofix, Mr. Finegan spent 16 years as an executive with Boston Scientific in a number of different operating and strategic roles, most recently as Vice President of Corporate Sales. Earlier in his career, Mr. Finegan held sales and marketing roles with Marion Laboratories and spent three years in banking with First Union Corporation (Wachovia). Mr. Finegan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wake Forest University.


Raymond S. Fujikawa. Mr. Fujikawa joined the Orthofix team in August 2013 as Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy. With more than 33 years of experience in medical device sales, Mr. Fujikawa was directly responsible for establishing sales forces at Mitek, Surgiquip and Li Medical Technologies while serving as their Vice President of Sales. Additionally, he was Vice President of Sales at Breg, Inc. where he was one of the creators of their business solution program. Mr. Fujikawa is the author of the sales training program “Student of the Game” which is used by companies to enhance their sales results. He frequently lectures on this program at major university business schools. Mr. Fujikawa began his career as a medical device salesman, which led him to increasing responsibilities in successive management roles. ​ 

Robert A. Goodwin II. Mr. Goodwin was appointed President of the Biologics strategic business unit in July 2013. Mr. Goodwin joined Orthofix in 2006 as Director of Business Development before being promoted to Vice President of Finance in 2008, Vice President of Business Development in 2009 and the role of Vice President of Marketing for Biologics in 2012. He has more than 23 years of medical device experience, including escalating levels of responsibility in functional areas of finance, sales, new product development, I/T, business development and marketing. Prior to joining Orthofix, Mr. Goodwin was with U.S. Endoscopy, Aspect Medical Systems, and CR Bard. Mr. Goodwin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Maine.​

Bradley V. Niemann. Mr. Niemann was appointed President of the BioStim strategic business unit in June 2013. He joined Orthofix in March 2012 as Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Orthofix's Global Spine Business. Mr. Niemann has more than 15 years of experience in the medical devices industry, with a particularly strong track record in expanding the utilization of bone growth stimulation technology. From 2004-2012, Mr. Niemann worked in a variety of management roles at DJO Global, Inc. before joining Orthofix. Mr. Niemann holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from DePaul University.

The Board and Committees of the Board

Our Board

Our Articles of Association provides that the Board shall consist of not less than six and no more than fifteen directors, the exact number to be determined from time-to-time by resolution of the Board. The Board is currently comprised of nine seats. Directors are elected at each annual general meeting of shareholders (the “Annual General Meeting”) by a plurality of the votes cast, in person or by proxy by the shareholders. Directors are elected to serve until the following year’s Annual General Meeting or until a successor is elected and qualified. Because we are required by Curaçao law to hold the Annual General Meeting in Curaçao, we do not have a policy regarding director attendance at the Annual General Meeting, and no directors were present at our 2017 Annual General Meeting. However, in the event that our pending domestication to Delaware is consummated, such that future annual meetings of shareholders may be held in the U.S., we expect that some or all directors will attend such annual meetings in the future.

The Board meets at least four times per year in person at regularly scheduled meetings, but will meet more often in person if necessary. In addition, the Board typically holds several additional meetings each year by telephone conference as events require. The Board met six times during 2017, four of which were in-person meetings.  The Board has four standing committees: the Audit and Finance Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Compliance and Ethics Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. During 2017 every director attended more than 75% of the aggregate of all meetings of the Board and the Committees on which he or she served held during the period for which he or she was a director or Committee member, as applicable.

Of our nine current directors, the Board has determined that each of Mr. Faulstick, Mr. Hinrichs, Mr. Lukianov, Ms. Marks, Mr. Matricaria, Mr. Paolucci, Ms. Sainz and Mr. Sicard are independent under the current Nasdaq listing standards. Mr. Mason is not considered independent, as he also serves as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Name

Age

 

Director Since

Independent

Audit and Finance Committee

 

Compensation Committee

Compliance and Ethics Committee

 

 Nominating and Governance Committee

 

Luke Faulstick

 

55

 

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chair

 

James Hinrichs

 

50

 

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexis V. Lukianov

 

62

 

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lilly Marks

 

70

 

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley R. Mason

 

64

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronald Matricaria (Chairman)

 

75

 

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael E. Paolucci

 

58

 

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maria Sainz

 

52

 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chair

 

 

 

 

John Sicard

 

54

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Current ReportsDirectors (and Directors Standing for Election at the 2018 Annual General Meeting)

Luke Faulstick

Director (Nominated to Stand for Re-Election as Director at the 2018 Annual General Meeting)

Mr. Faulstick, 55, joined the Board in September 2014. He has over 25 years of experience as a manufacturing executive and is a recognized expert on Lean Manufacturing and work culture. Since 2012, Mr. Faulstick has been co-owner, President and Chief Executive Officer of PPI Inc., a company operating several manufacturing-focused businesses. Prior to forming PPI, he was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of DJO Global. He previously held senior operating management roles at Tyco Healthcare, Graphic Controls, Mitsubishi Consumer Electronics and Eastman Kodak. Under his leadership, DJO Global’s operations teams and manufacturing plants won numerous awards including the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence, Industry Week’s Best Plants, and the Association of Manufacturing Excellence Operational Excellence Award. Mr. Faulstick received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Michigan State University and a Master of Science Degree in Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology. He previously served on the boards of Alphatec Spine and Microdental, as well as Chairman of the Board of the Association of Manufacturing Excellence. Currently he is a member of the Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees and a Certified Board of Director through the UCLA Anderson School of Business.

The Board believes that Mr. Faulstick’s extensive experience as a manufacturing executive, operational knowledge and industry expertise, as well as his previous and current board memberships, brings unique and valuable insight to the Board.

James F. Hinrichs

Director (Nominated to Stand for Re-Election as Director at the 2018 Annual General Meeting)

Mr. Hinrichs, 50, was appointed to the Board in April 2014. From April 2015 to October 2017, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alere Inc, a publicly traded diagnostic company, prior to its sale to Abbott Labs. From December 2010 through March 2015, he served as Chief Financial Officer of CareFusion Corporation, a publicly traded medical technology company, prior to its sale to Becton Dickinson. He previously served as CareFusion’s Senior Vice President, Global Customer Support, from January 2010 to December 2010, and as its Senior Vice President, Controller, from January 2009 to January 2010. Prior to joining CareFusion when it was spun off from Cardinal Health, Inc., he worked since 2004 at Cardinal Health in various positions including Executive Vice President and Corporate Controller of Cardinal Health, and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of its Healthcare Supply Chain Services segment. He joined Cardinal Health following over a decade of finance and marketing roles at Merck & Co. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in business from Carnegie Mellon University.

The Board believes that Mr. Hinrichs’ financial and accounting experience gained through the foregoing roles, including in particular his experience as a public company chief financial officer, provide important expertise to the Board and enable him to provide service and leadership as the Chair of the Company’s Audit and Finance Committee.

Alexis V. Lukianov

Director (Nominated to Stand for Re-Election as Re-Director at the 2018 Annual General Meeting)


Mr. Lukianov, 62, became a director in December 2016, bringing to the Board his more than 30 years of experience in the orthopedic industry. From July 1999 to March 2015, he served as Chief Executive Officer and a director of NuVasive, Inc., a publicly-traded medical device company focused on the design, development and marketing of products for the surgical treatment of spine disorders, including serving as Chairman of the Board between 2004 and 2015.  From April 1996 to April 1997, Mr. Lukianov was a founder of and served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of BackCare Group, Inc., a spine physician practice management company.  From January 1990 to October 1995, Mr. Lukianov held a variety of senior executive positions, including President, with Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of medical devices to treat disorders of the cranium and spine and a subsidiary of Medtronic, Inc., a publicly-traded medical technology company. Between 1987 and 1990, he was

the director of a business unit at Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics that brought limb lengthening technology to the United States from Russia.  From 2007 until its acquisition in 2015 by Royal Philips, he served on the Board of Directors of Volcano Corporation, a Nasdaq-listed medical technology company. He has previously served on the boards and the executive committees of BIOCOM, a regional life sciences trade association, the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), a national trade association, and the California Health Institute (CHI). Mr. Lukianov also serves on a number of private and non-profit boards.

The Board believes that Mr. Lukianov’s experience leading medical device and orthopedic companies brings valuable industry experience to the Board.

Lilly Marks

Director (Nominated to Stand for Re-Election as Director at the 2018 Annual General Meeting)

Ms. Marks, 70, was appointed to the Board in June 2015. She currently serves as the Vice President for Health Affairs for the University of Colorado and has led the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Ms. Marks has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the University of Colorado Health System, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the Advisory Board for Clinical Research of the National Institutes of Health. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority, the Association of Academic Health Centers (AAHC), the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Rose Community Foundation. Additionally, she is a member of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Advisory Panel on Research and is a trustee of the University of Colorado Foundation. Ms. Marks is a graduate of the University of Colorado.

The Board believes that Ms. Marks’ extensive experience from her previous and current board memberships, as well as her accomplished academic background, brings unique and valuable insight to the Board.


Bradley R. Mason

Director President and Chief Executive Officer (Nominated to Stand for Re-Election as Director at the 2018 Annual General Meeting)

Mr. Mason, 64, has served as a director since the 2013 Annual General Meeting. Mr. Mason rejoined Orthofix in March 2013 as our President and Chief Executive Officer after previously serving as Group President, North America from June 2008 through October 2009, and as a Strategic Advisor from November 2009 through October 2010. Prior to being appointed as Group President, North America, he had served as a Vice President of the Company since December 2003, when the Company acquired Breg, Inc. Prior to its acquisition by Orthofix, Mr. Mason had served as President and Chairman of Breg, a company he principally founded in 1989 with five other shareholders. Mr. Mason has over 30 years of experience in the medical device industry, some of which were spent with dj Orthopedics (formerly DonJoy) where he became an owner and executive in its early development stage and held the position of Executive Vice President. Since his retirement from Orthofix in 2010, he has served in a variety of part-time consulting and advisory roles, including as a consultant to Orthofix since October 2012 (which consulting relationship has been terminated as of March 13, 2013). Mr. Mason is the named inventor on 38 issued patents in the orthopedic product arena. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree from MiraCosta College.

The Board believes that Mr. Mason’s leadership skills, operational knowledge and industry expertise, and his perspective as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, brings unique and valuable insight to the Board.

Ronald Matricaria

Chairman of the Board (Nominated to Stand for Re-Election as Director at the 2018 Annual General Meeting)

Mr. Matricaria, 75, was appointed to the Board in March 2014. He has more than 35 years of medical device and pharmaceutical experience at St. Jude Medical, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company, Inc. From April 1993 to May 1999, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Jude Medical, Inc. and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from January 1995 to May 2002. Prior to joining St. Jude Medical, Mr. Matricaria spent 23 years with Eli Lilly and Company, Inc., where his last position was Executive Vice President of the Pharmaceutical Division of Eli Lilly and Company and President of its North American operations. He also served as President of Eli Lilly International Corporation, as well as President of its Medical Device Division. He currently serves as a director of Kinaxis Inc. a SaaS based software company traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Until recently, he served as Chairman of the Board at Volcano Corporation and as a member of the Boards of Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Life Technologies Corporation. Additionally, Mr. Matricaria previously has served on the board of a number of other public and private companies including Home Depot Inc., Diametric Medical Inc., Ceridian Inc., Centocor Inc., Haemonetics Inc., Kinetic Concepts, Inc., Hospira Inc., Cyberonics Inc., Vistacare Inc., Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association International Section, the American Diabetes Association, the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, the National Retiree Volunteer Center and the Indiana Repertory Theatre as well as a trustee on the board of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Science. He also chaired the BioMedical Engineering Institute campaign, which raised an operating endowment for the Institute at the University of Minnesota. He remains a Trustee emeritus of the University of Minnesota Foundation. Mr. Matricaria holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree in pharmacy, as well as an honorary PharmD degree, in recognition of his contributions to the practice of pharmacy.

The Board believes that Mr. Matricaria’s wealth of experience as both an executive and director in the medical device industry brings invaluable experience and leadership qualities to the Board.


Michael E. Paolucci

Director (Nominated to Stand for Re-Election as Director at the 2018 Annual General Meeting)

Mr. Paolucci, 58, was named to the Board and appointed to the Compensation Committee in March 2016. A seasoned Human Resource (HR) executive, Mr. Paolucci has more than 20 years of global experience working directly with Boards of Directors and C-level executives to improve organizational capabilities and HR programs that result in sustained improvements in business performance. He currently serves as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Halozyme Therapeutics Inc., a late stage oncology and biopharmaceutical company on the forefront of cancer research. Prior to Halozyme, Mr. Paolucci served as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer for CareFusion. He also served as Executive Vice President of Human Resources at NuVasive, and spent five years at Life Technologies. He was head of Human Resources for the services division of Hewlett Packard and served in several leadership roles with EDS, which was acquired by Hewlett Packard. Prior to HP/EDS, he was a partner with the HR consulting firm Towers Perrin. Mr. Paolucci is a graduate of Ohio State University.

The Board believes that Mr. Paolucci’s extensive experience as a HR executive and relevant knowledge and understanding of public company compensation issues brings unique and valuable insight to the Board.

 Maria Sainz

Director (Nominated to Stand for Re-Election as Director at the 2018 Annual General Meeting)

Ms. Sainz, 52, became a director of Orthofix in November 2012, after previously having served on the Board from June 2008 to September 2011. From April 2012 to June 2017, she was the President and Chief Executive Officer, and a director, of CardioKinetix Inc., a heart failure related medical device company. From April 2008 to October 2011, she was President and Chief Executive Officer of Concentric Medical, Inc., a company developing and commercializing devices to perform mechanical clot removal post-stroke, which was sold to Stryker Corporate in October 2011. Upon this acquisition, she served as General Manager of the Stryker Neurovascular business unit until April 2012. From 2003 to 2006, she was the President of the Cardiac Surgery division of Guidant Corporation. After Boston Scientific acquired Guidant, Ms. Sainz led the integration process for both the Cardiac Surgery and European Cardiac Rhythm Management business of Guidant into Boston Scientific. Between 2001 and 2003, Ms. Sainz was the Vice President of Global Marketing – Vascular Intervention of Guidant. Ms. Sainz earned a Bachelor and Masters of Arts from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and a Master’s Degree in International Management from American Graduate School of International Management. Ms. Sainz has served as a director of publicly-traded medical device companies The Spectranetics Corporation and MRI Interventions, Inc. since November 2010 and January 2014, respectively. Ms. Sainz has also been serving on the Board of Directors of Halyard Health, Inc. since February 2015.

Ms. Sainz provides the Board with significant experience in the medical device industry, as well as insight into international markets. The Board also values the perspective she brings from her current position as a chief executive officer.

John Sicard

Director (Nominated to Stand for Election as Director at the 2018 Annual General Meeting)

Mr. Sicard, 54, became a director of Orthofix in March 2018. Mr. Sicard joined the Board in March 2018. He currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer, and Board Member of Kinaxis, a global supply chain management software company that delivers cloud-based solutions to some of the world’s largest manufacturing companies, including many in the life science sector. Mr. Sicard joined Kinaxis in 1994 where he has held a number of senior management roles including Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President of Marketing Development and Service Operations and Vice President of Customer Services. Mr. Sicard assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinaxis in January 2016. Prior to Kinaxis, Mr. Sicard held positions at FastMAN Software Systems, and Monenco Agra.

The Board believes that Mr. Sicard’s extensive experience as a strategic supply chain management executive, as well as his current board membership, brings unique and valuable insight to the Board.


Board Leadership Structure

Mr. Matricaria, who is an independent director, serves as the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Mason, who is also a director, serves as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes that the separation of these two critical roles best serves the Company’s shareholders at this time because it allows our President and Chief Executive Officer to focus on Form 8-K,providing leadership over our day-to-day operations while our independent Chairman focuses on leadership of the Board.

The Audit and Annual Proxy StatementFinance Committee

Our Audit and Finance Committee is a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on Schedule 14Abehalf of the Board. The committee is responsible for the selection, compensation, and amendmentsoversight of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The committee reviews matters relating to those reports, arethe Company’s internal controls, as well as other matters warranting committee attention. The committee also meets privately, outside the presence of Orthofix management, with our independent registered public accounting firm.

The Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit and Finance Committee, a copy of which is available free of chargefor review on our website at www.orthofix.com.

The Audit and Finance Committee met ten times during 2017 (four of which were in-person meetings). 

Mr. Faulstick, Mr. Hinrichs and Mr. Matricaria currently serve as soonmembers of the Audit and Finance Committee, with Mr. Hinrichs serving as reasonably practicable after theyChair. Under the current rules of Nasdaq and pursuant to Rule 10A-3 of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act, all of the committee members are filedindependent. The Board has determined that Mr. Hinrichs is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K.

The Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing compensation policies and determining, approving and overseeing the total compensation packages for our executive officers, including all elements of compensation. The committee administers our 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 LTIP”), the primary equity incentive plan under which we make equity-related awards, together with or furnishedits predecessor, the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (under which some grants made prior to 2013 remain outstanding) (the “2004 LTIP”). In addition, the SEC. Informationcommittee administers our Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Plan (the “SPP”), an equity plan under which most of our employees and directors are eligible to purchase common shares of the Company.

The Compensation Committee met nine times during 2017 (four of which were in-person meetings). 

The Board has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee, a copy of which is available for review on our website at www.orthofix.com.

As of the beginning of 2017, Mr. Paolucci, together with Drs. Guy Jordan and Anthony Martin, served as the members of the Compensation Committee, with Dr. Jordan serving as Chair. Drs. Jordan and Martin each retired from the Board as of last year’s annual meeting. To fill the committee seats vacated by Drs. Jordan and Martin, and as part of the Board’s normal committee rotation process, Ms. Sainz and Mr. Lukianov replaced Drs. Jordan and Martin on the committee as of the date of last year’s annual meeting (at which time Mr. Paolucci became Chair). All of these members (i) are non-employee, non-affiliated, outside directors who have been determined by the Board to be independent under the current rules of Nasdaq and (ii) satisfy the qualification standards of Section 162(m) of the Code, and Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

No interlocking relationship, as defined in the Exchange Act, currently exists, nor existed during 2017, between the Board or connectedCompensation Committee and the board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity.

The Compliance and Ethics Committee

The Compliance and Ethics Committee assists the Board in overseeing the Company’s Corporate Compliance and Ethics Program and the Company’s global compliance with various international and domestic laws and regulations, including those related to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and requirements of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other applicable global anti-corruption laws. The committee also assists the Board in overseeing the Company’s compliance with the Company’s own Corporate Code of Conduct, policies and procedures.

The Compliance and Ethics Committee met five times in 2017 (four of which were in-person meetings).

The Board has adopted a written charter for the Compliance and Ethics Committee, a copy of which is available for review on our website at www.orthofix.com.


As of the beginning of 2017, Ms. Sainz, Ms. Marks and Dr. Jordan served as members of the Compliance and Ethics Committee, with Ms. Sainz serving as Chair. To fill the committee seat vacated by Dr. Jordan, in connection with his retirement from the Board and as part of the Board’s normal committee rotation process, Mr. Paolucci replaced Dr. Jordan on the committee as of the date of last year’s annual meeting. All of these members have been determined by the Board to be independent under the current rules of the Nasdaq Global Select Market and the SEC.

The Nominating and Governance Committee

The Nominating and Governance Committee assists the Board in identifying qualified individuals to become Board members, recommends to the Board nominees for election at each Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, develops and recommends to the Board the Company’s corporate governance principles and guidelines, and evaluates potential candidates for executive positions as appropriate. In connection with this role, the committee periodically reviews the composition of the Board in light of the characteristics of independence, skills, experience and availability of service, with an emphasis on the particular areas of skill and experience needed by the Board at any given time. The committee periodically reviews with the Chairman of the Board and the President and Chief Executive Officer succession planning, and makes recommendations to the Board in connection with succession planning. The committee also oversees the Board’s annual evaluation process, which includes the completion of questionnaires covering the Board, each committee and individual director performance.

The Nominating and Governance Committee met six times in 2017 (five of which were in-person meetings). 

The Board has adopted a written charter for the Nominating and Governance Committee, a copy of which is available for review on our website at www.orthofix.com.

As of the beginning of 2017, Mr. Faulstick, Mr. Hinrichs and Dr. Martin served as members of the Nominating and Governance Committee, with Mr. Faulstick serving as Chair.  To fill the seat vacated by Dr. Martin, in connection with his retirement from the Board and as part of the Board’s normal committee rotation process, Mr. Lukianov replaced Dr. Martin on the committee as of the date of last year’s annual meeting. All of these members have been determined by the Board to be independent under the current rules of Nasdaq and the SEC.

Corporate Code of Conduct

Our Corporate Code of Conduct is the Company’s code of ethics applicable to all directors, officers and employees worldwide. The goals of our Corporate Code of Conduct, as well as our general corporate compliance and ethics program (which we have branded the Integrity Advantage™ Program), are to deter wrongdoing and to promote (i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships, (ii) the full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by us, (iii) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations, (iv) the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Corporate Code of Conduct, and (v) accountability for adherence to the Corporate Code of Conduct. Our Corporate Code of Conduct applies to all areas of professional conduct, including customer relationships, conflicts of interest, financial reporting, use of company assets, insider trading, intellectual property, confidential information and workplace conduct. Under the Corporate Code of Conduct, employees, directors and executive officers are responsible for promptly reporting potential violations of any law, regulation or the Corporate Code of Conduct to appropriate personnel or a hotline we have established.

Our Corporate Code of Conduct is available for review on our website at www.orthofix.com under the Corporate Governance caption in the Investors section.

Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

The Board plays an important role in overseeing various risks that we may face from time to time. While the full Board has primary responsibility for risk oversight, it utilizes its committees, as appropriate, to monitor and address the risks that may be within the scope of a particular committee’s expertise or charter. For example, the Audit and Finance Committee oversees our financial statements and the Compliance and Ethics Committee assists in the Board’s oversight of compliance with certain legal and regulatory requirements. The Board believes the composition of its committees, and the distribution of the particular expertise of each committee’s members, makes this an appropriate structure to more effectively monitor these risks.

An important feature of the Board’s risk oversight function is to receive updates from its committees and management, as appropriate. In that regard, the Board regularly receives updates from the President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, including in connection with material litigation and legal compliance matters. The Board also receives updates at quarterly in-person Board meetings on committee activities from each committee Chair. In addition, the president or other senior executive of each Company division or business unit periodically reviews and assesses the most significant risks associated with his or her division or unit. These assessments are then aggregated by our


management team and presented to the Board. The Board regularly discusses with management these risk assessments and includes risk management and risk mitigation as part of its oversight of the enterprise risk management program and its ongoing strategic planning process.

Shareholder Communication with the Board

To facilitate the ability of shareholders to communicate with the Board, we have established an electronic mailing address and a physical mailing address to which communications may be sent: boardofdirectors@orthofix.com, or c/o Orthofix Holdings Inc., Mr. Ronald A. Matricaria, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Orthofix International N.V., 3451 Plano Parkway, Lewisville, TX 75056.

Mr. Matricaria reviews all correspondence addressed to the Board and presents to the Board a summary of all such correspondence and forwards to the Board or individual directors, as the case may be, copies of all correspondence that, in the opinion of Mr. Matricaria, deals with the functions of the Board or committees thereof or that he otherwise determines requires their attention. Examples of communications that would be logged, but not automatically forwarded, include solicitations for products and services or items of a personal nature not relevant to us or our shareholders. Directors may at any time review the log of all correspondence received by Orthofix that is addressed to members of the Board and request copies of any such correspondence.

Nomination of Directors

As provided in its charter, the Nominating and Governance Committee identifies and recommends to the Board nominees for election or re-election to the Board and will consider nominations submitted by shareholders. The Nominating and Governance Committee Charter is available for review on our website at www.orthofix.com.

The Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to create a Board that is strong in its collective diversity of skills and experience with respect to finance, research and development, commercialization, sales, distribution, leadership, technologies and industry knowledge. The Nominating and Governance Committee reviews with the Board, on an annual basis, the current composition of the Board in light of the characteristics of independence, skills, experience and availability of service to Orthofix of its members and of anticipated needs. If necessary, we will retain a third party to assist us in identifying or evaluating any potential nominees for director. When the Nominating and Governance Committee reviews a potential new candidate, it looks specifically at the candidate’s qualifications in light of the needs of the Board at that time given the then current mix of director attributes.

As provided for in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, in nominating director candidates, the Nominating and Governance Committee strives to nominate directors that exhibit high standards of ethics, integrity, commitment and accountability. In addition, our Corporate Governance Guidelines state that all nominations should attempt to ensure that the Board shall encompass a range of talent, skills and expertise sufficient to provide sound guidance with respect to our website isoperations and activities. Other than as set forth in the Corporate Governance Guidelines with respect to the Board’s objective in seeking directors with a range of talent, skills and expertise, the Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee do not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. Our Internet website is located at www.orthofix.com. Our SEC filings are also availablehave a formal policy with respect to the diversity of directors.

Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, directors must inform the Chairman of the Board and the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee in advance of accepting an invitation to serve on another company’s board of directors. In addition, no director may sit on the board of directors of, or beneficially own a significant financial interest in, any business that is a material competitor of Orthofix. The Nominating and Governance Committee reviews any applicable facts and circumstances relating to any such potential conflict of interest and determines in its reasonable discretion whether a conflict exists.

To recommend a nominee, a shareholder shall send notice to the Board c/o Orthofix Holdings Inc., Mr. Luke Faulstick, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee of Orthofix International N.V., 3451 Plano Parkway, Lewisville, TX 75056. This notice should include the candidate’s brief biographical description, a statement of the qualifications of the candidate, taking into account the qualification requirements set forth above and the candidate’s signed consent to be named in the proxy statement and to serve as a director if elected. The notice must be given not later than 180 days before the first anniversary of the last Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Once we receive the recommendation, the Nominating and Governance Committee will determine whether to contact the candidate to request that he or she provide us with additional information about the candidate’s independence, qualifications and other information that would assist the Nominating and Governance Committee in evaluating the candidate, as well as certain information that must be disclosed about the candidate in our proxy statement, if nominated. Candidates must respond to our inquiries within the time frame provided in order to be considered for nomination by the Nominating and Governance Committee.

The Nominating and Governance Committee has not received any nominations for director from shareholders for the 2018 Annual General Meeting.


Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers and directors, and holders of more than 10% of our common shares (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”) to file with the SEC websiteinitial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common shares. Such persons are required by regulations of the SEC to furnish us with copies of all such filings. Based on our review of these reports and related representations by the Reporting Persons, we believe that all Section 16(a) reports were filed timely in 2017, except that due to an internal administrative error at www.sec.gov.the Company, the Form 4 relating to the Company’s annual equity grant to directors and executive officers on July 3, 2017 was filed two business days late for each of the directors and executive officers serving at such time.

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Business SegmentsThe Compensation Committee, comprised entirely of independent, non-management directors, is responsible for establishing and administering the Company’s policies involving the compensation of its executive officers. No employee of the Company serves on the Compensation Committee. The Committee members have no interlocking relationships as defined by the SEC.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Executive Overview

We focus our compensation program for our named executive officers and other executives on financial, strategic and operational goals established by the Board of Directors to create value for our shareholders. Our guiding compensation principle is to pay for performance. Our compensation program is designed to motivate, measure and reward the successful achievement of our strategic and operating goals without promoting excessive or unnecessary risk taking.

In 2017, our primary business strategy was to accelerate our organic topline growth rate while maintaining Adjusted EBITDA margins. We believe that this strategy proved effective and resulted in us exceeding our growth expectations for the year. We are currently focused on continuing our organic growth momentum, expanding margins and actively pursuing value-accretive inorganic opportunities to further accelerate growth. We believe that we remain well-positioned to execute on both organic and inorganic strategic opportunities focused on accelerating shareholder value creation. Notable highlights and accomplishments in 2017 include the following:

Net sales were $433.8 million, an increase of 5.9% on a reported basis and 5.5% on a constant currency basis; as net sales increased for each of our SBUs.

Net income from continuing operations was $7.3 million, an increase of 108.5% from the prior year.

Non-GAAP Net margin, an internal metric that we define as gross profit less sales and marketing expense, was $142.4 million, an increase of 1.3% from the prior year.


We manage our business by our four SBUs: BioStim, Extremity Fixation, Spine Fixation and Biologics, which accounted for 43%, 24%, 19%, and 14%, respectively, of our total net sales in 2017. The chart below presents net sales, which includes product sales and marketing service fees, by SBU for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

Over the three-year period ending December 31, 2017, Orthofix has delivered total shareholder return of 82%, with an annual compound shareholder return of 22% during that same period. A $100 investment in Orthofix’s common stock at the beginning of 2015 would have grown to $182 at the end of 2017, more than doubling the return of the S&P 500 over the same period.

Financial information regardingConsistent with shareholder interests and market best practices, our reportable business segmentsexecutive compensation program includes the following sound governance features:

What we do:

Align pay and performance

Emphasize variable and performance-based compensation, with cash-based and equity-based performance targets approved by the Compensation Committee based on budgeted levels reviewed and approved in advance by the Board

Discourage unnecessary and inappropriate risk taking, including obtaining an annual independent risk assessment analysis

Regularly monitor our share utilization from equity compensation awards and the potential dilutive impact

Maintain robust stock ownership guidelines for our executive officers and directors (including 5x salary for CEO)

Maintain an incentive compensation clawback policy

Provide for “double-trigger” change in control vesting on all new equity grants since 2016, and no “single-trigger” cash or similar payment rights upon a change in control

Retain an independent compensation consultant who conducts an annual benchmarking of our compensation against industry peer group

Include caps on annual incentive plan payments and shares earned under PSUs

What we don’t do:

X

Pay dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned performance stock units

X

Maintain employment agreements with executive officers (unless required by law)

X

Pay excise tax gross-ups for change in control payments

X

Reprice stock options

X

Pay cash severance under our current agreements and policies (including to CEO) in excess of 1.5x salary and bonus (2.0x in the case of a change in control)

X

Permit hedging or pledging of our securities by directors or executive officers


Compensation Guiding Principles and certain geographic information is included in Part II, Item 7 ofPhilosophy

The Compensation Committee (referred to throughout this Annual Report under the heading “Management’sCompensation Discussion and Analysis as the “Committee”) is comprised solely of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Note 14independent directors.  The Committee recommends to the Consolidated Financial StatementsBoard for determination by the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, and discharges the responsibilities of the Board relating to all compensation of the Company’s other executive officers (including equity-based compensation for both executive officers and other key employees). The Committee guides itself in Item 8large part by our executive compensation philosophy. The compensation program for executive officers reflects the Committee’s “pay-for-performance” outlook, which seeks to align compensation with the goals of this Annual Report.


BioStim  growing our business and increasing shareholder value.

The BioStim SBU manufactures, distributes,Committee is guided by a set of overall compensation guiding principles.  In September 2017, the Committee adopted the Orthofix Executive Compensation Guiding Principles (the “Executive Compensation Guiding Principles”), which update the Company’s prior Executive Compensation Guiding Principles and provides support servicesCompensation Philosophy for market-leading bone growth stimulation devicesSenior Executives with a combined set of guidelines. These guiding principles are as follows:

Each compensation element should be competitive within the medical device industry but also tailored to Orthofix’s business needs, supporting the Company’s business strategy and hiring objectives of attracting, retaining and motivating top talent.

Variable compensation should provide significant leverage (upside and downside) so that enhance bone fusion.payouts are commensurate with performance and replicate the shareholder-experience.

The Compensation Committee will have responsibility for all compensation decisions related to the executive officers, who are Section 16 reporting persons (referred to collectively as the Section 16 executive officers).

Management will have responsibility for compensation decisions related to all executives of the Company who are not Section 16 executive officers, subject to limits established by the Compensation Committee (i.e., long-term incentive awards and change in control agreement participation).

The Company’s executive compensation program should be easily understood by employees. Management is responsible for effectively communicating the design and administration of the program to employees. Consistent with these principles, the Committee’s compensation philosophy is to fairly compensate executive officers with an emphasis on providing incentives that balance our short- and long-term objectives. As described in more detail below, achievement of short-term objectives is rewarded through base salary and annual cash incentive awards, while grants of performance share units, and time-based vesting stock options and restricted stock, encourage executive officers to focus on our long-term goals. These class III medical devicescore components remain the basis for our executive compensation philosophy as we seek to achieve profitable growth.  The Compensation Committee retains full discretion to set compensation (including salary and bonus amounts) and make long-term incentive awards that differ from the Executive Compensation Guiding Principles, especially when special retention, recruitment or other factors suggest that such changes are indicated as an adjunctive, noninvasive treatmentbelieved to improve fusion success ratesbe in the cervicalbest interests of the Company and lumbar spineits stockholders.  The Executive Compensation Guiding Principles are reviewed and updated from time to time by the Compensation Committee.

In implementing this overall “pay-for-performance” compensation philosophy for the Company’s executive officers, the Committee places considerable emphasis on variable elements of pay within the executive compensation program. These elements consist of the Company’s annual incentive plan, which is intended to reward executive officers for achieving specific operating and financial objectives during the fiscal year, as well as a therapeutic treatmentlong-term incentive plan that consists of stock options, balanced with both performance-based and time-based vesting stock awards The Committee seeks to provide rewards through the annual incentive plan by measuring performance based on key pre-established measures reflecting positive financial performance by the Company and its business units. The Committee also seeks to provide strong linkage between executives and shareholders with grants of equity, as the value of these awards appreciates in accordance with the market value of the Company’s common stock. In addition to variable compensation programs, executives also receive health and welfare benefits (including our 401(k) plan) that are generally consistent with those provided by our peer group and with the level of health and welfare benefits provided to all Company employees.

Governance of Executive Compensation

As described further below, executive compensation for non-spine fractures that have not healed (nonunions). These devices utilize Orthofix’s patented pulsed electromagnetic field (“PEMF”) technology,our executive officers is reviewed and established annually by the safety and efficacyCommittee, which consists solely of independent directors. The Committee’s compensation decisions are intended to reflect its ongoing commitment to strong compensation governance, which the Committee believes is supported by basic mechanism of action datareflected in the scientific literature as well as published data from level one randomized controlled clinical trials. The devices are compatible with the STIM onTrack mobile application, which includes a first-to-market feature that enables physicians to remotely view patient adherence to treatment protocols. We currently have research and clinical studies underway to identify potential clinical indications for treating rotator cuff tears, odontoid fractures and osteoarthritis of the knee. This SBU sells almost exclusively in the U.S. using distributors and direct sales representatives to sell and deliver its devices to hospitals, healthcare providers, and patients.

BioStim Strategy

Our strategy for the BioStim SBU is to expand patient access to bone growth therapy devices that deliver noninvasive treatment for promoting healing in fractured bones and spinal fusions. Our key strategies are:

Promote competitive advantagesfollowing elements of our recently launched products and STIM onTrack mobile appexecutive compensation:

Pay At Risk Based on Performance — As our programs are designed using a “pay-for-performance” philosophy, actual pay realized (earned) by our executives is predominantly at risk through our performance-based annual incentive program and through our long-term incentive grants that consist of both stock options (which will only provide value to executives if our

Support adoption and reimbursement with:


 

o

North American Spine Society’s (NASS) Coverage Policy Recommendationstock price appreciates) and both time-based and performance-based vesting stock awards.  For example, 50% of the total annual equity awards made through our long-term incentive grants only vest based on certain total shareholder return (“TSR”) criteria being met. In structuring this mix of compensatory elements, the Committee seeks to deliver pay in a way that reinforces focus on balancing short- and long-term financial performance objectives, while supporting performance with policies that focus on prudent risk taking and the balance between risk and reward.

Stock Ownership Guidelines Align Our Executive Officers and Directors with Shareholders — The Committee believes that a significant portion of each executive’s and director’s compensation should be tied to the Company’s financial performance and share price. We seek to award stock options and stock awards pursuant to our long-term incentive plan so that over a period of time, a significant portion of actual compensation is provided in the form of share-based compensation. In this regard, we have adopted stock ownership guidelines that apply to all of our executive officers and directors. The guidelines provide that the President and Chief Executive Officer should have an ownership in the Company’s common stock equal to five times his or her annual base salary, while all other executive officers (including executive officers who are not “named executive officers” in the Company’s annual proxy statement) should have ownership equal to two times his or her annual base salary.  The guidelines provide that each director should have ownership equal to three times his or her annual director fee compensation. Full credit is given under the guidelines for common stock owned, while 50% credit is provided for (i) unvested time-based vesting restricted stock and (ii) the unrealized gain on vested and in-the-money stock options. No credit is given for unvested stock options, out-of-the-money stock options or unvested performance vesting restricted stock or units.  The guidelines include a 5 year phase-in period from the date of appointment or election, as applicable, and progress towards meeting and maintaining these amounts is measured annually as of February 28.  Subject to phase-in periods for recent appointments, all executive officers and directors are in compliance with the policy at the present time.

Clawback Policy Promotes Long-Term Performance — In 2012, we adopted a clawback policy that applies to each of our executive officers, and applies to both cash-based and equity-based compensation. This policy is more fully described below on page 24.

No Repricing of Stock Options — Stock options are never issued with below-market exercise prices, and the repricing of stock options without shareholder approval is expressly prohibited under the terms of our long-term incentive plans. The Committee believes that the issuance of discount stock options and authorization of post-grant date repricings are each not performance-based pay practices, and therefore inconsistent with the Committee’s commitment to “pay-for-performance”.

Independent Report Supports Committee’s Risk Assessment — The Committee annually assesses the relationship between the Company’s compensation policies and practices for all employees and risk, including whether such policies and practices encourage imprudent risk taking, and/or would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. At the Committee’s request, Willis Towers Watson delivered a report in 2017, assessing potential risk that may be present in the design or administration of the Company’s compensation program. Consistent with Willis Towers Watson’s findings, the Committee believes that the Company’s employee compensation programs (executive and broad-based) provide multiple and effective safeguards to protect against undue risk.

No Hedging Policy — Our corporate governance guidelines prohibit all executive officers and directors from engaging in any hedging or monetization transactions involving the Company’s securities, including through the use of financial instruments such as prepaid variable forwards, equity swaps, collars and exchange funds.  No executive officers or directors currently are parties to a hedge with respect to any shares of Common Stock of the Company.  

No Pledging Policy — Our corporate governance guidelines prohibit all executive officers and directors from pledging the Company’s securities as collateral for a loan.  Acquiring Company shares on margin, or holding Company shares in a margin account, is also prohibited.  No executive officers or directors currently are parties to a pledge of any shares of Common Stock of the Company.    

Double-Trigger Change in Control Vesting — Since July 2016, equity grants are made using forms of award agreement featuring “double trigger” vesting, whereby awards will only accelerate vesting following an involuntary termination of employment if such involuntary termination occurs within 24 months of a change in control (or if such involuntary termination otherwise results from death or disability). In addition we do not provide for any “single-trigger” cash or similar payment rights upon a change in control.

Use of Independently Prepared Competitive Assessments — The practice of the Compensation Committee is to engage the Company’s compensation consultant to prepare an independent executive compensation competitive assessment to measure our program against peer companies and other survey data.  The Committee takes these results into consideration in approving our executive compensation program.  


Compensation Process

The Committee is responsible for establishing and evaluating compensation policies and determining, approving and evaluating executive compensation, including the total compensation packages for our Section 16 executive officers. The Committee is also responsible for administering the Company’s equity incentive plans and other executive compensation policies and programs. The Committee specifically considers and approves the compensation for the executive officers and recommends for approval of the Board the compensation for the Chief Executive Officer. (The Chief Executive Officer is prohibited from being present during Committee or Board voting or deliberations with respect to his own compensation arrangements.) The Committee also is responsible for making recommendations to the Board regarding the compensation of directors. The Committee relies on the President and Chief Executive Officer to make recommendations on certain aspects of compensation as discussed below. The Committee acts under a written charter adopted by the Board. The Committee reviews its charter annually and recommends any changes to the Board. The charter is available on our website at www.orthofix.com.  As of the beginning of 2017, Mr. Paolucci, together with Drs. Jordan and Martin, served as the members of the Compensation Committee, with Dr. Jordan serving as Chair. Drs. Jordan and Martin each retired from the Board as of last year’s annual meeting. To fill the committee seats vacated by Drs. Jordan and Martin, and as part of the Board’s normal committee rotation process, Ms. Sainz and Mr. Lukianov replaced Drs. Jordan and Martin on the committee as of the date of last year’s annual meeting (at which time Mr. Paolucci became Chair).

During 2017, each member of the Board who served on the Committee was an independent, non-employee, non-affiliated, outside director while he or she served on the Committee. The Committee has furnished its report below.

Role of Executive Officers

At the Committee’s request, from time to time certain of our senior management present compensation-related initiatives to the Committee. For instance, while the Committee approves all elements of compensation for executive officers, the Committee requests on an annual basis that senior management aid the Committee in fulfilling its duties by facilitating the gathering of information relating to potential targets and goals under our annual incentive program as well as possible equity incentive grants.  The Committee then reviews this information in connection with it setting annual incentive targets and goals, or making equity grants. Under the Executive Compensation Guiding Principles, management is responsible for compensation decisions related to all executives who are non-Section 16 officers, subject to limits established by the Compensation Committee (e.g., long-term incentive awards and change in control agreement participation). In this context, the President and Chief Executive Officer has general oversight for the non-executive officer employee compensation process within the Company, and provides input to the Committee in such capacity. The President and Chief Executive Officer also provides the Committee with additional input, perspective, and recommendations in connection with the Committee’s salary determinations for executive officers. The President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, and Vice President of Human Resources frequently attend meetings of the Committee in these respective capacities. These individuals are excluded from any Committee or Board deliberations or votes regarding their own compensation.  

Compensation Consultant

The Committee has the authority under its charter to retain, at the Company’s expense, outside compensation consultants to assist in evaluating compensation. The Committee also has the authority to terminate those engagements. In accordance with this authority and to aid the Committee in fulfilling its duties, the Committee engaged Mercer LLC (“Mercer”), as its outside compensation consultant in September 2017.  Prior to the engagement of Mercer, Willis Towers Watson served as the Committee’s compensation consultant.

In its role as compensation consultant, Mercer, at the Committee’s request, periodically conducts reviews and recommends updates to our executive officer and director compensation programs and long-term incentive practices.  

In connection with their engagement, Mercer reported to the Committee regarding its independence based on the six factors outlined in SEC regulations issued under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. The Committee considered these factors and concluded that Mercer is independent and that its engagement by the Committee raised no conflicts of interest.

Peer Group Benchmarking

Decisions related to executive compensation program design and pay levels are informed, in part, by the practices and pay levels of comparable peer organizations. During 2017, the Committee engaged Mercer to conduct an executive compensation analysis that provided market competitive levels of total compensation. This assessment, which was completed and presented in December 2017, compared Orthofix executive officer compensation levels in comparison with market data to determine whether compensation levels for our executive officers remain consistent with market practice and our compensation philosophy.  In conducting the assessment, Mercer made comparisons to our peer group and survey data including companies in the life sciences/medical devices industries and technology companies.


In conducting the 2017 benchmarking, Mercer utilized a selection of 19 peer companies. This selection of peer companies, or “peer group,” reflects revisions to the Company’s 2016 peer group, which revisions were approved by the Committee in November 2017. The revisions to the peer group for 2017 consisted of the addition of Cardiovascular Systems, Inc., CryoLife Inc., Halyard Health, Inc., LivaNova PLC and Nevro Corp., and the deletion of Exactech, Inc., Globus Medical, Inc. and The Spectranetics Corporation. The members of the peer group were selected for inclusion principally because of their overall similarity to Orthofix in terms of annual revenue, industry sector/sub-sector, medical technology product lines and international penetration. The revised peer group consists of the following medical technology and device manufacturers and distributors, some of which we compete against for executive talent.

 

oABIOMED, Inc.

Post-market clinical research

Continue to invest in expanding our sales force

Bring to market new PEMF products addressing unmet clinical needs

BioStim Products

The following table and discussion identify our principal BioStim products by trade name and describe their primary applications:

Product

Primary ApplicationK2M Group Holdings, Inc.

 

CervicalStim Spinal Fusion TherapyAngiodynamics, Inc.

PEMF non-invasive cervical spinal fusion therapy used to enhance bone growthLivaNova PLC

 

SpinalStim Spinal Fusion TherapyCardiovascular Systems, Inc.

PEMF non-invasive lumbar spinal fusion therapy used to enhance bone growthMerit Medical Systems, Inc.

 

PhysioStim Bone Healing TherapyCONMED Corporation

PEMF non-invasive appendicular skeleton healing therapy used to enhance bone growth in nonunion fractures

Spinal Therapy

Our bone growth therapy devices used in spinal applications are designed to enhance bone growth and the success rate of certain spinal fusions by stimulating the body’s own natural healing mechanism post-surgically. These non-invasive portable devices are intended to be used as part of a home treatment program prescribed by a physician.

We offer two spinal fusion therapy devices: the SpinalStim and CervicalStim devices. Our stimulation products use a PEMF technology designed to enhance the growth of bone tissue following surgery and are placed externally over the site to be healed. Research data shows that our PEMF signal induces mineralization and results in a process that stimulates new regeneration at the spinal fusion site. Some spine fusion patients are at greater risk of not achieving a solid fusion of new bone around the fusion site. These patients typically have one or more risk factors such as smoking, obesity or diabetes, or their surgery involves the revision of a failed fusion or the fusion of multiple levels of vertebrae in one procedure. For these patients, post-surgical bone growth therapy has been shown to significantly increase the probability of fusion success.

The SpinalStim device is a non-invasive spinal fusion stimulator system that has been commercially available in the U.S. since 1990. It is designed for the treatment of the lumbar region of the spine. The device uses proprietary technology and a wavelength to generate a PEMF signal. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) has approved the SpinalStim system as a spinal fusion adjunct to increase the probability of fusion success and as a non-operative treatment for salvage of failed spinal fusion at least nine months post-operatively.


Our CervicalStim product remains the only FDA-approved bone growth stimulator on the market indicated for use as an adjunct to cervical spine fusion surgery in patients at high-risk for non-fusion. The FDA approved this device in 2004, and it has been commercially available in the U.S. since 2005.

In late 2016, the North American Spine Society (“NASS”) issued first-of-its-kind coverage recommendations for electrical bone growth stimulators. These evidence-based coverage policy recommendations support the use of PEMF devices as an adjunct to spinal fusion surgery. The NASS coverage policy recommends the use of electrical stimulation for spinal fusion healing in all regions of the spine, including cervical and lumbar regions. Currently, Orthofix is the only company with a bone growth stimulator approved by the FDA as a noninvasive, adjunctive treatment option for cervical fusion. The validation of PEMF electrical stimulation from this leading surgical society has and is expected to continue to further support our efforts to expand the availability and use of the therapy to the many patients who can benefit from it.

In January 2017, we announced the FDA and European Commission CE mark approval for our next-generation SpinalStim and CervicalStim bone growth stimulators. The CervicalStim and SpinalStim systems available in the U.S. are accompanied by a new application for mobile devices called STIM onTrack. The mobile app includes a first-to-market feature that enables physicians to receive real-time data on how their patients are adhering to prescribed treatment protocols. Designed for use with smartphones and other mobile devices, the STIM onTrack tool helps patients follow their prescription with daily treatment reminders and a device usage calendar. The app is free and available through the iTunes App Store. In addition to the app, the next-generation bone growth stimulators include patient enhancements aimed at improving fit, comfort and ease of use.

Orthopedic Therapy

Our PhysioStim bone healing therapy products use PEMF technology similar to that used in our spine stimulators. The primary difference is that the PhysioStim devices are designed for use on the appendicular skeleton.

A bone’s regenerative power results in most fractures healing naturally within a few months. In the presence of certain risk factors, however, some fractures do not heal or heal slowly, resulting in “nonunions.” Traditionally, orthopedists have treated such fracture conditions surgically, often by means of a bone graft with fracture fixation devices, such as bone plates, screws or intramedullary rods. These are examples of “invasive” treatments. Our patented PhysioStim bone healing therapy products are designed to use a low level of PEMF signals to noninvasively activate the body’s natural healing process. The devices are anatomically designed, allowing ease of placement, patient mobility, and the ability to cover a large treatment area.

Future Applications

We have sponsored research at Cleveland Clinic, New York University and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where scientists conducted animal and cellular studies to identify the mechanisms of action of our PEMF signals on bone and efficacy of healing. From this effort, a total of six studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Among other insights, the studies illustrate positive effects of PEMF on callus formation and bone strength as well as proliferation and differentiation of cells involved in regeneration and healing. Furthermore, we believe that the research work with Cleveland Clinic, allowing for characterization and visualization of the Orthofix PEMF waveform, is paving the way for signal optimization for a variety of new applications and indications. This collection of pre-clinical data, along with additional clinical data, could represent new clinical indication opportunities for our regenerative stimulation solutions.

Extremity Fixation

The Extremity Fixation SBU offers products and solutions that allow physicians to successfully treat a variety of orthopedic conditions unrelated to the spine. This SBU specializes in the design, development, and marketing of the Company’s orthopedic products used in fracture repair, deformity correction and bone reconstruction procedures. Extremity Fixation distributes its products through a global network of distributors and sales representatives to sell its orthopedic products to hospitals and healthcare providers.


Extremity Fixation Strategy

Our strategy for the Extremity Fixation SBU is to continue to provide highly valued external and internal temporary to definitive fixation devices used in fracture repair, deformity correction and bone reconstruction. Our key strategies are:

Geographic market & product focus on:

o

Pediatrics & deformity correction worldwide

o

Foot & ankle in the U.S.

o

Trauma in selected geographies

Promote the advantages of our JuniOrtho pediatric portfolio and support tools

Leverage the market acceptance of TL-Hex

Continue the strong pace of new product launches

Acquire or license products, technologies and companies to support these market opportunities.

Extremity Fixation Products

The following table and discussion identify our principal Extremity Fixation products by trade name and describe their primary applications:

Product

Primary ApplicationNevro Corp.

 

External FixatorCryoLife, Inc.

External fixation and internal fixation, including the Sheffield Ring, limb-lengthening systems, DAF, ProCallus, XCaliber and Gotfried P.C.C.PNatus Medical Inc.

 

Eight-Plate + Guided Growth SystemHaemonetics Corporation

The 2nd generation plate for treatment for bowed legs or knock knees of childrenNuVasive, Inc.

 

LRS Advanced Limb Reconstruction SystemHalyard Health, Inc.

External fixation for limb lengthening and corrections of deformityNxStage Medical, Inc.

 

TrueLokICU Medical Inc.

Ring fixation system for trauma, limb lengthening, and deformity correctionRTI Surgical Inc.

 

TL-HEX TrueLok Hexapod System (“TL-HEX”)Integer Holdings Corporation

Hexapod external fixation system for trauma and deformity correction with associated softwareWright Medical Group N.V.

 

HEX RAYIntegra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation

 

An innovative software to manage pre-operation and post-operation planning in connection with the TL-HEX system

Galaxy Fixation System

External fixation system for temporary and definitive fracture fixation, including anatomical specific clamps

VeroNail Trochanteric Nailing System

Trochanteric titanium nailing system for hip fractures

Centronail Titanium Nailing System

Complete range of intramedullary nails including the Humeral Nail

Ankle Hind Foot Nailing System (“AHN”)

An extension of the Centronail range of intramedullary nails

Chimaera Hip Fracture System

A strong, versatile hip nail that allows fixation to be adapted to the type of fracture being treated

Agile Nail

A small rigid intramedullary nail to treat adolescent patients

MJ FLEX

An innovative elastic nail with a unique design to be used in pediatric patients

OSCAR

Ultrasonic bone cement removal

 

 

 

Ankle Hindfoot Nail (“AHN”)

A differentiated solution for hindfoot fusions


Product

Primary Application

Contours Lapidus Plating System (“LPS”)

A plate design contoured specifically for a tarsometatarsal (“TMT”) fusion

Contours VPS Volar Plating System III

The 3rd generation of plates to treat distal radius fractures

We provide internal and external fixation solutions for extremity repair and deformity correction, both for adults and children. Our fracture repair products consist of fixation devices designed to stabilize a broken bone until it can heal. With these devices, we can treat simple and complex fracture patterns along with achieving deformity corrections.

External Fixation

External fixation devices are used to stabilize fractures and offer an ideal treatment for complex fractures, fractures near the joints and in patients with known risk factors or co-morbidities. The treatment method entails the use of bone screws and/or wires which are inserted percutaneously into the bone and stabilized with an external device. The treatment is minimally invasive and allows external manipulation of the bone to obtain and maintain final bone alignment (reduction). The bone is fixed in this way until healing. External fixation devices may also be used temporarily in complex trauma cases to stabilize the fracture prior to treating it definitively. In these situations, the device offers rapid fracture stabilization, which is important in life saving as well as limb salvage procedures.

The Galaxy Fixation System is a modular external fixation system indicated for fracture treatment in the upper and lower limbs. The system incorporates a streamlined combination of clamps, with both pin-to-bar and bar-to-bar coupling capabilities, offering a complete range of applications, including specific anatomic units for the elbow, shoulder and wrist. It is designed both for temporary as well as definitive fracture fixation. It is also available in sterile kits for convenience and ease of use.

The XCaliber external fixator, made of lightweight radiolucent material, offers improved X-ray visualization of the fracture and alignment. It is available in three configurations for the treatment of long bone fractures, fractures near joints, and ankle fractures. XCaliber fixators are supplied pre-assembled, ready to use, in sterile kits to decrease time in the operating room.

The LRS Advanced Limb Reconstruction System uses callus distraction to lengthen bone in a variety of procedures, including monofocal lengthening and corrections of deformity. Its multifocal procedures include bone transport, simultaneous compression and distraction at different sites, bifocal lengthening, and correction of deformities with shortening.

The TrueLok Ring Fixation System is a surgeon-designed, lightweight external fixation system for limb lengthening and deformity correction. In essence, a ring fixation construct consists of circular rings and semi-circular external supports centered on the patient’s limb and secured to the bone by crossed, tensioned wires and half pins. The rings are connected externally to provide stable bone fixation. The main external connecting elements are threaded rods, linear distractors, or hinges and angular distractors, which allow the surgeon to adjust the relative position of rings to each other. The ring positions are manipulated either acutely or gradually in precise increments to perform the correction of the deformity, limb lengthening, or bone segment transportation as required by the surgeon. Created with pre-assembled function blocks, the TrueLok products are a simple, stable, versatile ring fixation system.

Building on the TrueLok brand, the TL-HEX TrueLok Hexapod System was released in 2012 in international markets and in 2015 in the U.S. TL-HEX is a hexapod-based system designed at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children as a three-dimensional bone segment reposition module to augment the previously developed TrueLok frame. The system consists of circular and semi-circular external supports secured to the bones by wires and half pins and interconnected by six struts. This allows multi-planar adjustment of the external supports. The rings’ position is adjusted either rapidly or gradually in precise increments to perform bone segment repositioning in three-dimensional space. All the basic components from the TrueLok Ring Fixation System (wire and half pin fixation bolts, posts, threaded rods, plates as well as other assembly components and instrumentation) can be utilized with the TL-HEX system; therefore, external supports from both systems can be connected to each other when building fixation blocks.

The new addition of HEX-Ray software to the TL-HEX platform allows a unique and realistic representation of the case using real x-rays and providing more accurate and user-friendly management of the surgery. The software is intended to help the surgeon save time by avoiding undesired corrections and mistakes related to software management.


Linked to the TL and TL-HEX line, the Company has also developed a patient app to support the patient in the TL-HEX fixator daily management. The patient is an active part in the healing process and the app is designed to improve the communication and connection with the hospital staff by saving time, optimizing the number of visits to the clinic, and supporting the patient with motivational messages and an online tutorial to sort out the most common issues. Also related to the TL and TL-HEX line, but specifically developed for younger patients, the Company created the Edugame, an online app to help patient learn by playing a virtual game. It has been developed with psychologist involvement in order to deliver useful information in an effective way.

Our proprietary XCaliber bone screws are designed to be compatible with our external fixators and reduce inventory for our customers. Some of these screws are covered with hydroxyapatite, a mineral component of bone that reduces superficial inflammation of soft tissue and improves bone grip. Other screws in this proprietary line do not include the hydroxyapatite coating, but offer different advantages such as patented thread designs for better adherence in hard or poor quality bone. Adding to the XCaliber bone screw product line are our cylindrical screws, which are geared towards the trauma applications of the Galaxy Fixation System. We believe we have a full line of bone screws to meet the demands of the market.

In 2017, Orthofix introduced JuniOrtho, a new brand identity for extremity fixation pediatric products. JuniOrtho is a range of products and resources, dedicated to pediatrics and young adults with bone fractures and deformities. With a long history of developing innovative and leading-edge solutions, Orthofix has brought all of its pediatric expertise and products under the JuniOrtho banner.

Internal Fixation

Internal fixation devices come in various sizes, depending on the bone that requires treatment, and consist of either long rods, commonly referred to as nails, or plates that are attached with the use of screws. A nail is inserted into the medullary canal of a fractured long bone of the human arm or leg (e.g., humerus, femur or tibia). Alternatively, a plate is attached by screws to an area such as a broken wrist, hip or foot. Examples of our internal fixation devices include:

The Chimaera Hip Nailing System indicated for the treatment of hip fractures. The Chimaera hip nail is designed to offer improvements over currently available nails by taking advantage of decades of knowledge in hip nailing. The result is a strong, versatile nail that allows fixation to be adapted to the type of fracture being treated.  An all-in-one dedicated instrument tray contains a color-coded instrument set designed for increased precision during the surgical steps as well as intuitive instrument selection.

The VeroNail is indicated for the treatment of hip fractures. The nail design is minimally-invasive to reduce surgical trauma and allow patients to begin walking again shortly after the operation. It uses a dual screw configuration that we believe provides more stability than previous single screw designs.

The Centronail Titanium Nailing System comprises a range of titanium nails to stabilize fractures in the femur, tibia and humerus. The system offers improved mechanical distal targeting and minimal instrumentation to optimize inventory.

The Ankle Hindfoot Nail, which is an arthrodesis nailing system designed to improve upon the stability, simplicity, and flexibility of current hindfoot nails.

The Agile Nail, which is designed to treat femoral fractures in patients where a small rigid nail is needed. Its unique design requires less inventory, and the Agile nail is the smallest titanium nail currently available in the market. This provides further benefits such as reduced invasiveness and lightness.

The MJ Flex is an elastic nail system that innovates a technique considered to be the gold standard in the treatment of pediatric fractures. The unique shape of the nail offers improved strength, better visibility, more rigidity, and potentially a reduced usage of x-rays. The system is available in different sizes, both in titanium and stainless steel.

In addition to treating bone fractures, we also design, manufacture and distribute devices intended to treat congenital bone conditions, such as angular deformities (e.g., bowed legs in children), or degenerative diseases, as well as conditions resulting from a previous trauma. An example of a product offered in this area is the Eight-Plate Guided Growth System.

Spine Fixation

The Spine Fixation SBU designs, develops and markets a portfolio of implant products used in surgical procedures of the spine. Spine Fixation distributes its products globally through a network of distributors and sales representatives to sell spine products to hospitals and healthcare providers.


Spine Fixation Strategy

Our vision for the Spine Fixation SBU is to become the clear first choice for our distributors and surgeons by demonstrating strength in partnership. Our key strategies are:  

Continue to engage and expand global sales force

Cultivate independent sales force vs. direct reps in U.S.

Continue the strong pace of new product launches

Provide exceptional training and education programs for reps and surgeons

Acquire or license products, technologies and companies to increase the scale of this business.

Spine Fixation Products

The following table and discussion identify our key Spine Fixation products by trade name and describe their primary applications:

Product

Primary Application

FORZA XP Expandable Spacer System

A titanium expandable spacer system for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (“PLIF”) and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (“TLIF”) procedures featuring a large graft window with the ability to pack post expansion in situ

CETRA Anterior Cervical Plate System

An anterior cervical plate system offering a low profile plate with an intuitive locking mechanism, large graft windows, a high degree of screw angulation and simplified instrumentation

CONSTRUX Mini PEEK / Titanium Composite (“PTC”) Spacer System

A cervical interbody with 3D printed porous titanium end plates that may promote bone ingrowth and a Polyetheretherketones (“PEEK”) core to maintain imaging characteristics

FORZA PTC Spacer System

A posterior lumbar  interbody with 3D printed porous titanium end plates that may promote bone ingrowth and a PEEK core to maintain imaging characteristics

PILLAR SA PTC PEEK Spacer System

A standalone Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (“ALIF”) lumbar interbody with 3D printed porous titanium end plates that may promote bone ingrowth and a PEEK core to maintain imaging characteristics

FIREBIRD / FIREBIRD NXG Spinal Fixation System

A system of rods, crossbars and modular pedicle screws designed to be implanted during a posterior lumbar spine fusion procedure

JANUS Midline Fixation Screw

An addition to the Firebird Spinal Fixation System designed to achieve more cortical bone purchase in the medial to lateral trajectory when compared to traditional pedicle screws and provides surgeons with the option of a midline approach

Connector System for revisions

A comprehensive system to reduce the complexity of revising and extending existing spinal constructs; this eliminates the need to remove existing hardware while providing stability at adjacent levels

CENTURION Posterior Occipital Cervico-Thoracic (“POCT”) System

A multiple component system comprised of a variety of non-sterile, single use components made of titanium alloy or cobalt chrome that allow the surgeon to build a spinal implant construct

SAMBA-SCREW System

A minimally invasive screw system that is intended for fixation of sacroiliac joint disruptions in skeletally mature patients

FIREBIRD Deformity Correction System

An extension to the Firebird Spinal Fixation System that provides additional instrument and implant options for complex thoracolumbar spine procedures

 

 

 

Mercer’s 2017 assessment of compensation levels for the Company’s executive officers found that, on average, target total direct compensation (base salary, target cash bonus and target long-term incentive compensation) for the group as a whole was near the market median based on data for our peer group and survey data (as described above). Specifically, Mercer reported that each of base salary and target bonus were 4% above the market median, on average, and target long-term incentive compensation was 3% above the market median, on average.

The Role of Shareholder Say-on-Pay Votes and Shareholder Engagement

The Company provides its shareholders with the opportunity to cast an annual advisory, non-binding vote on executive compensation (a “say-on-pay proposal”), and subsequently evaluates these results. At the 2017 annual meeting, the Company’s say-on-pay proposal was supported by 92% of the votes cast, which we believe supports the Company’s “pay-for-performance” approach to executive compensation. The Committee evaluated the results of the vote in the fall of 2017.  

The Committee believes that the voting results over the course of the last several years (which has included 90% or greater approval votes at five of the Company’s last six Annual General Meetings) affirm shareholders’ overall support of the Company’s approach to executive compensation, including continuing efforts by the Committee during that time to evolve the Company’s compensation programs towards policies viewed by institutional and other shareholders as aligning executive compensation with the interests of shareholders and good corporate governance. In addition to responding to the input of shareholders, the Committee also has considered many other factors in evaluating and setting the Company’s executive compensation programs, including the Committee’s assessment of the interaction of our compensation programs with our corporate business objectives, periodic analysis of our programs by our compensation consultant, and annual review of data versus a comparator group of peer companies, each of which is evaluated in the context of the Committee members’ fiduciary duty to act as the directors determine to be in shareholders’ best interests. Each of these factors informed the Compensation Committee’s decisions regarding named executive officers’ compensation for 2017. The Committee will continue to consider feedback from shareholders, including the outcome of the Company’s say-on-pay votes, when making future compensation decisions for its named executive officers.

Elements of Executive Compensation

Overview

Our compensation program for executive officers and other key employees consists of three primary elements:

annual salary;

performance-based incentives in the form of annual cash bonuses; and

long-term equity-based incentives under our long-term incentive plan.


The Committee reviews annually what portion of an executive officer’s compensation should be in the form of salary, potential annual performance-based cash bonuses and long-term equity-based incentive compensation. The Committee believes an appropriate mix of these elements, commensurate with our compensation philosophy, will assist the Committee in meeting its compensation objectives. See below for more information on the Committee’s guidelines for each element of executive compensation. As part of its decision making process, the Committee reviews information setting forth all components of the compensation and benefits received by our named executive officers. This information includes a specific review of dollar amounts for salary, bonus and long-term equity-based incentive compensation. In addition, as further described below, we sometimes grant one-time bonuses and stock awards in connection with new hires and promotions, or for retention or special recognition purposes.

The charts below show the annual total target compensation (full-year base salary, target annual cash incentive compensation and long-term equity incentive compensation received) for our President and Chief Executive Officer and our other named executive officers for 2017. These charts illustrate that a significant portion of our named executive officer total target compensation was performance-based (53% for our President and Chief Executive Officer).

* All other compensation value not displayed as it represents less than 1% of total direct compensation.

Annual Salary

The Committee makes annual determinations with respect to the salaries of executive officers. In making these decisions, the Committee considers each executive officer’s performance, experience, contribution to the Company’s success, the market compensation levels for comparable positions within and outside our peer group, performance goals and objectives and other relevant information, including recommendations of the President and Chief Executive Officer. Under the Executive Compensation Guiding Principles, we target a base salary range between the 25th and 75th percentile of peer group and/or market data. The Committee also makes annual recommendations to the Board for the salary of the President and Chief Executive Officer.


The range of increase for 2018 was determined based on the individual executive officer’s positioning within the peer group study, as well as individual performance and contribution to Company performance. The annual base salary amounts for our currently employed named executive officers are as follows:

  Name

Title

2017 Annual

Base Salary

2018 Annual

Base Salary

 

Percentage

Increase

 

  Bradley R. Mason

President and Chief Executive Officer

$ 710,800

$ 740,000

 

4.1%

 

  Douglas C. Rice

Chief Financial Officer

$ 390,000

 

$ 420,000

 

7.7%

 

  Michael M. Finegan

Chief Strategy Officer

$ 412,000

 

$ 418,000

 

1.5%

 

  Kimberley A. Elting

Chief Legal and Administrative Officer

$ 382,000

 

$ 410,000

 

7.3%

 

  Davide Bianchi(1)

President, Global Extremity Fixation

CHF 364,984

CHF 379,911

 

4.1%

 

(1) Mr. Bianchi is paid in Swiss Francs (CHF). Based on the average exchange rate to U.S. Dollars applicable during the 2017 fiscal year (1.0159), the amounts shown in the table above would be $370,780 and $385,944, respectively.

Cash Performance-Based Incentives – Annual Incentive Program

The Committee believes that a significant portion of the compensation for each executive officer should be in the form of annual performance-based cash bonuses.  These bonuses are provided through our annual incentive program, which seeks to tie an executive officer’s total cash compensation to our immediate, one-year financial performance.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for approving the annual bonus plan design every year. At the outset of each year the Committee establishes target performance goals and a range of performance around the target performance goals for which a bonus would be paid as described below.   The plan design, metrics, and metric incentive zones should support the annual corporate goals and objectives for the year.

For 2017, performance goals for Messrs. Mason, Rice and Finegan and Ms. Elting were based on Company-wide net sales and adjusted EBITDA performance, each weighted at 50%. (Adjusted EBITDA consists of EBITDA (defined as GAAP-derived income from continuing operations less net interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization)  net of credits or charges that were considered by the Committee at the time bonus targets were set to be outside of the normal ongoing operations of the Company.)  For Mr. Bianchi, these two metrics were each weighted at 25%, while sales and adjusted EBITDA for Mr. Bianchi’s Extremity Fixation strategic business unit were each weighted at 25%.

The Committee set the performance goals with the intent that it will be challenging for a participant to receive 100% of his or her incentive opportunity target award. However, an executive officer can earn up to 150% of his or her targeted bonus based upon actual performance measured against the range of established performance goals. No payouts are made for performance below the 50% achievement threshold on any specific goal.

The proposed goals and related matrix were reviewed and approved by the Committee in March 2017, and performance was then subsequently assessed by the Committee in February 2018. Each of the Committee members at the time of the applicable action participated in and approved these respective determinations.

The table below describes the target goals and actual achievement for the categories described above in 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

Achievement

 

Weighting

Achievement Level (in millions)

 

% of Target

Category of 2017 Goals (1)

Other NEOs

Mr. Bianchi

Threshold 50%

Target 100%

Maximum 150%

Actual

Achievement  % of Target

Other NEOs

Mr. Bianchi

Company-wide Net Sales

50.0%

25.0%

$403.3

$411.5

$423.9

$429.0

150.0%

75.0%

37.5%

Company-wide Adjusted EBITDA

50.0%

25.0%

$85.4

$89.0

$95.2

$90.2

108.9%

54.5%

27.2%

Extremity Fixation SBU Net Sales

0.0%

25.0%

$95.2

$97.2

$101.1

$98.6

117.8%

0.0%

29.4%

Extremity Fixation SBU Adjusted EBITDA

0.0%

25.0%

$13.4

$15.8

$15.8

$15.2

130.0%

0.0%

32.5%

Total

100.0%

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

129.5%

126.7%

(1) Committee approval of targets in March 2017 provided that targeted amounts would be adjusted to eliminate the effect of subsequent currency fluctuations.  The targeted amounts shown in the table reflect the original targets as adjusted to reflect such pre-approved constant currency adjustments.  


Aggregate Payouts

To calculate the bonus amount payable, the aggregate weighted achievement percentage for each named executive officer was multiplied by the target amount of bonus for which that participant was eligible.  These results are described in the tables below.

  Name

Company-wide Net

Sales Percent

Achievement

 

SBU Net Sales

Percent Achievement

 

Company-wide

Adjusted EBITDA Percent

Achievement

 

SBU Adjusted

EBITDA

Percent Achievement

 

Weighted Percent

Achievement

 

  Bradley R. Mason

150.0%

 

N/A

 

108.9%

 

N/A

 

129.5%

 

  Douglas C. Rice

150.0%

 

N/A

 

108.9%

 

N/A

 

129.5%

 

  Michael M. Finegan

150.0%

 

N/A

 

108.9%

 

N/A

 

129.5%

 

  Kimberley A. Elting 

150.0%

 

N/A

 

108.9%

 

N/A

 

129.5%

 

  Davide Bianchi

150.0%

 

117.8%

 

108.9%

 

130.0%

 

126.7%

 

  Name

2017 Base Salary

Amount

Target Bonus

Percentage

of Salary

Weighted

Percent

Achievement

Total Annual

Incentive Plan

Bonus

  Bradley R. Mason

$ 710,800

100.0%

129.5%

$920,486

  Douglas C. Rice

$ 390,000

60.0%

129.5%

$303,030

  Michael M. Finegan

$ 412,000

60.0%

129.5%

$320,124

  Kimberley A. Elting 

$ 382,000

60.0%

129.5%

$296,814

  Davide Bianchi (1)

CHF 364,984

60.0%

126.7%

CHF 277,461

(1) Mr. Bianchi is paid in Swiss Francs (CHF). Based on the average exchange rate to U.S. Dollars applicable during the 2017 fiscal year (1.0159), the amounts shown in the table would be $370,780 and $281,867, respectively.

Payouts to the named executive officers under the annual incentive program are reflected in column (g) of the “Summary Compensation Table.”

Other Bonus Payments

From time-to-time, the Committee uses its discretion to grant bonuses for performance or for other circumstances, such as in the cases of new hires and promotions. (See column (d) of the “Summary Compensation Table.”) The Committee has not granted any bonuses of this nature to named executive officers since 2014.

Long-Term Equity-Based Incentives

Overview and Long-Term Incentive Plan – 2012 LTIP

In accordance with the Executive Compensation Guiding Principles, the creation of sustainable shareholder value by means of equity incentive awards is a very important element of the total compensation provided to executive officers.  

Our primary equity compensation plan is the 2012 LTIP, which our shareholders approved in June 2012. 

Some current and former executive officers continue to hold outstanding awards under our 2004 LTIP, although we no longer grant awards under this plan.  The Committee administers each of these plans and only the Committee makes long-term incentive plan grants to named executive officers. In addition, the Committee has in rare instances made inducement grants (in accordance with applicable Nasdaq rules) to newly hired executives outside of shareholder approved plans, as it did in 2013 in connection with the hiring of Mr. Mason. These inducement grants have been made on terms that are substantially the same as grants made under the 2012 LTIP or 2004 LTIP. The Company has not made any such non-shareholder approved plan inducement grants since 2013; however the Company has entered into a merger agreement to acquire Spinal Kinetics, Inc., a privately held developer and manufacturer of artificial cervical and lumbar discs, and expects to make equity awards to employees of Spinal Kinetics at or shortly following closing in reliance on the Nasdaq inducement grant exception.


At the present time, the Committee grants three types of equity incentive awards to executive officers: (i) time-based vesting stock options, (ii) time-based vesting restricted stock, and (iii) performance-based vesting stock units.

 

Stock Options

Restricted Stock

Performance Stock Units

Value Weighting

25%

25%

50%

Performance Conditions

N/A

N/A

TSR relative to the S&P Healthcare Select Index

Term

Ten years

Four years

Three-year performance period with additional one-year holding period

Vesting

Vest in four equal installments on the first, second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the grant date

Vest in four equal installments on the first, second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the grant date

Cliff vest after three years upon certification of results. Subject to additional one-year holding period

Payout

Upon exercise, participant acquires common shares at the previously defined exercise price

Participant acquires unrestricted shares of common stock upon vesting

Payment made in unrestricted shares of common stock at the end of the holding period

Payouts at 50% of target for relative TSR performance at the 25th percentile

Maximum performance capped at 200% of target for relative TSR performance at or above the 75th percentile; overall payouts (i.e., including both performance results and stock price appreciation) capped at 500% of target

Vesting may not exceed 100% if actual TSR is negative during the performance period

In accordance with the Executive Compensation Guiding Principles, equity incentive awards currently follow the following principles:

Annual long-term incentive awards are delivered in a mix of the types of equity awards described in the preceding paragraph.

Annual long-term incentive awards are made to all Section 16 executive officers.

Annual long-term incentive award values are competitively positioned based on market data for comparable positions and individual performance.

Time-Based Vesting Grants

Under the Company’s operative agreements with executive officers, the unvested portion of any time-based grant is forfeited if an employee voluntarily ceases employment prior to vesting. In the event that an employee is terminated by the Company without cause any remaining unvested portion of the grant is forfeited. In the event an employee dies, suffers a long-term disability, or retires within certain age and service tenure parameters, the full grant vests. In all of the foregoing circumstances, vested stock options are subject to a limited post-employment exercise period, which ranges from 3 to 18 months depending on the circumstance. In the case of stock options held by employees who remain continuously employed, the options expire and are no longer exercisable 10 years from the grant date. Should a change in control occur while a grantee remains employed, unvested portions of the grant will accelerate only if the employee separates from employment in specific circumstances within 24 months of the change in control.

Performance-Based Vesting Grants

In recent years, the Committee has actively worked with its compensation consultant to implement performance-based vesting equity grants. The Committee first made such a grant in 2013 at the time Mr. Mason joined the Company. Rather than receiving a time-based grant, Mr. Mason agreed that his initial inducement grant of stock options would be subject to a vesting criteria based on sustained performance of the Company’s common stock. Specifically, 50% of this grant vested upon the Company’s common stock having a sustained average closing price of $45 or greater, while 50% of this grant vests upon the common stock having a sustained average closing price of $50 or greater. This award ultimately did not fully vest until approximately five years after the grant date.


2016 and 2017 Performance Stock Unit Grants

For 2016 and 2017, the Committee granted 50% of  executive officer(s) total annual equity award value in the form of performance stock units (“PSUs”) that vest based on the total shareholder return (“TSR”) of the Company’s common stock relative to other companies in the S&P Healthcare Select Index during a three-year performance period following the date of grant, with the change in share price during the performance period measured using the average closing price during the 20 days preceding each of the beginning and the end of the performance period. Achieved vesting percentages will be as follows:

Product  Company's TSR Percentile Rank

Vesting Percentage

  Below 25th Percentile

0%

  25th Percentile

50% (threshold)

  50th Percentile

100% (target)

  75th Percentile or Above

200% (maximum)

In the event that the Company’s TSR percentile rank for the performance period falls between any of the amounts set forth above (to the extent greater than the threshold and lower than the maximum), the vesting percentage will be determined by linear interpolation between such amounts.

The PSU award agreement provides that the vesting percentage may not exceed 100% if the Company’s absolute TSR during the performance period is negative. In addition, the vesting percentage is capped such that the PSU award will never trigger the issuance of shares with a vesting date fair market value of more than five times the fair market value of the target award on the date of grant. Following the end of the three-year performance period, the shares that vest are subject to a one-year holding period requirement. Generally, if an executive voluntarily ceases employment prior to the end of the three-year performance period, the entire award is forfeited.

2015 Performance Grants

For 2015, the Committee made grants to executive officers under a form of performance-based vesting restricted stock and performance share unit agreement covering a three-year performance period. The performance criteria for these awards used two equally-weighted metrics, Adjusted EBITDA and return on invested capital (“ROIC”). Under these grants, recipients received performance-based vesting restricted stock in an amount equal to 100% of the target performance criteria and performance stock units that provide for additional shares to be issued if performance criteria is achieved between 100% and 150% of targets for the 2018 fiscal year.  The aggregate award potential is illustrated in the table below:

Metric

Weighting

Threshold

(50% vesting)

Target

(100% vesting)

Maximum Achievement

(150% vesting)

Adjusted EBITDA

50%

$74.6M for 2018 FY

$78.5M for 2016, 2017 or 2018 FY

$86.4M for 2018 FY

ROIC

50%

11.6% for 2018 FY

12.2% for 2016, 2017 or 2018 FY

13.4% for 2018 FY

Results between points will be linearly interpolated.

In March 2017, the Committee determined that the vesting criteria for the Adjusted EBITDA 100% vesting performance target had been achieved based on the Company’s financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. The performance-based vesting restricted stock related to the ROIC metric and the performance stock units remain unvested, while both metrics remain eligible for maximum vesting based on 2018 performance.

Equity Award Approval Process

The Committee currently reviews and approves dollar values for executive officer equity incentive grants at its March meeting, with the grant effective date being the first business day of April, and the number of shares/units underlying each award (and the exercise price for stock options) based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such effective date.  In prior years, the Committee reviewed and approved annual grants in June, with grant dates occurring on or around July 1.

Generally, the Committee’s approval of annual equity incentive grants occurs at a time when the Company’s insider trading window for executives is open. However, in the event that grants are approved when such window is closed, the Committee does not seek to affect the value of grants by timing them in relation to the release or non-release of material public information.

Stock Purchase Plan

Our SPP, as amended, provides for the issuance of shares of our common stock to eligible employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries that elect to participate in the plan and acquire shares of our common stock through payroll deductions (including executive officers). During each purchase period, eligible individuals may designate between 1% and 25% (or any other percentage as


determined by the Compensation Committee) of their cash compensation to be deducted from that compensation for the purchase of common stock under the plan. Under the plan, the purchase price for shares is equal to the lower of: (i) 85% of the fair market value per share on the first day of the plan year, or (ii) 85% of the fair market value of such shares on the last day of the plan year. The plan year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. Elections must be made prior to the beginning of each plan year, except in the case of newly appointed directors, who may elect to contribute within 30 days after becoming a director. As amended, up to a total of 1,850,000 shares may be issued under the SPP. As of April 24, 2018, 221,955 shares remain available to be issued under the SPP.

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

Our executive officers are entitled to or may otherwise be the beneficiaries of certain limited perquisites including reimbursement for tax preparation expenses, estate planning expenses and an annual physical exam up to a maximum aggregate amount of $5,000 per executive officer per year. In addition, our executive officers and directors are entitled to reimbursement of expenses relating to their spouse’s travel in connection with no more than one Board meeting per year. We do not consider any of these significant or out of the ordinary course for similarly situated companies.  Under our Executive Compensation Guiding Principles, the payment of any perquisite will generally require the approval of the Compensation Committee.

Other Plans

Executive officers participate in our health and welfare benefits (including our 401(k) plan) on the same basis as other similarly situated employees. 

Compensation Recoupment (Clawback) Policy

In December 2012, we adopted a compensation recoupment, or “clawback” policy, which applies to all of our executive officers. Under this policy, if we are required to prepare an accounting restatement due to material noncompliance by Orthofix, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, each executive officer is required to reimburse Orthofix for (i) any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation received by such executive officer during the 12-month period following the first public issuance or filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (whichever first occurs) of the financial document embodying such financial reporting requirement, and (ii) any profits realized from the sale of our securities of during that 12-month period.

Accounting and Tax Effects

The impact of accounting treatment is considered in developing and implementing our compensation programs, including the accounting treatment as it applies to amounts awarded or paid to our executive officers.

The impact of federal tax laws on our compensation programs is also considered, including the deductibility of compensation paid to the named executive officers, as limited by Section 162(m) of the Code. Our compensation program historically has been designed with the intention that compensation paid in various forms may be eligible to qualify for deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Code, but there have been and may be other exceptions for administrative or other reasons. However, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 recently eliminated the exception under Section 162(m) for performance-based compensation and expanded the number of employees who may be covered by these deductibility limitations, which may have an effect on how we design future compensation programs and may affect the financial statement impact of executive compensation payments.

Report of the Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with the members of management of the Company and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Amendment.

The Compensation Committee

Michael E. Paolucci, Committee Chair

Alexis V. Lukianov

Maria Sainz


Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the compensation earned by or paid to our named executive officers for each of the last three fiscal years during which the officer was a named executive officer.

Name and Principal Position

(a)

Year

(b)

Salary

($)(1)

(c)

 

Bonus

($)

(d)

 

Stock

Awards

($)(2)

(e)

 

Option

Awards

($)(2)

(f)

 

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)(3)

(g)

 

All Other

Compensation

($)

(h)

Total

($)

(i)

 

Bradley R. Mason – President and  Chief Executive Officer

2017

 

710,800

 

 

 

 

2,354,789

 

 

705,975

 

 

920,486

 

 

13,708

 

(4)

 

4,705,758

 

  

2016

 

705,576

 

 

 

 

2,583,953

 

 

762,136

 

 

763,000

 

 

19,180

 

(5)

 

4,833,845

 

 

2015

 

689,192

 

 

 

 

1,659,312

 

 

473,680

 

 

710,656

 

 

26,825

 

(6)

 

3,559,665

 

Douglas C. Rice – Chief Financial Officer

2017

 

390,000

 

 

 

 

588,684

 

 

176,501

 

 

303,030

 

 

11,859

 

(7)

 

1,470,074

 

 

2016

 

350,519

 

 

 

 

560,551

 

 

165,335

 

 

225,630

 

 

17,178

 

(8)

 

1,319,213

 

 

2015

 

337,500

 

 

 

 

795,153

 

 

226,407

 

 

172,368

 

 

22,520

 

(9)

 

1,553,948

 

Kimberley A. Elting – Chief Legal and Administrative Officer

2017

 

382,000

 

 

 

 

546,657

 

 

163,882

 

 

296,814

 

 

10,861

 

(10)

 

1,399,935

 

Michael M. Finegan – Chief  Strategy Officer

2017

 

412,000

 

 

 

 

504,630

 

 

151,279

 

 

320,124

 

 

11,902

 

(11)

 

1,400,324

 

 

2016

 

401,972

 

 

 

 

516,100

 

 

152,224

 

 

259,311

 

 

19,036

 

(12)

 

1,348,643

 

 

2015

 

403,412

 

 

 

 

402,408

 

 

114,872

 

 

206,151

 

 

24,382

 

(13)

 

1,151,225

 

Davide Bianchi – President, Global Extremity Fixation(14)

2017

 

370,780

 

 

 

 

462,549

 

 

138,675

 

 

281,867

 

 

69,314

 

(15)

 

1,323,185

 

        

2016

 

357,487

 

 

 

 

474,093

 

 

139,828

 

 

249,025

 

 

71,056

 

(16)

 

1,291,489

 

 

2015

 

359,506

 

 

 

 

402,408

 

 

114,872

 

 

147,145

 

 

73,581

 

(17)

 

1,097,512

 

(1) Amounts include salary deferred and further described in “—Deferred Compensation.”

(2) Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received. Instead, the amounts shown are the aggregate grant date fair value of equity awards, as computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (formerly known as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R)), or ASC 718.

(3) Amounts shown reflect cash bonuses paid in 2018, 2017 and 2016 for performance in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, pursuant to our annual incentive program. Our annual incentive program with respect to the 2017 fiscal year , including the Committee’s criteria for determining the amounts awarded with respect to the 2018 fiscal year, are described above under “Compensation Discussion and AnalysisElements of Executive CompensationCash Performance-Based Incentives - Annual Incentive Program.”

(4) Reflects $10,600 for 401k matching and $2,772 and $336 for insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the Company with respect to group term and term life insurance, respectively.

(5) Reflects $5,400 for car allowance, $10,600 for 401k matching and $2,772 and $408 for insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the Company with respect to group term and term life insurance, respectively.

(6) Reflects $10,800 for car allowance, $10,600 for 401k matching and $5,017 and $408 for insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the Company with respect to group term and term life insurance, respectively.

(7) Reflects $10,600 for 401k matching and $931 and $328 for insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the Company with respect to group term and term life insurance, respectively.

(8) Reflects $5,400 for car allowance, $10,600 for 401k matching and $826 and $352 for insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the Company with respect to group term and term life insurance, respectively.

(9) Reflects $10,800 for car allowance, $10,600 for 401k matching and $788 and $332 for insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the Company with respect to group term and term life insurance, respectively.

(10) Reflects $9,625 for 401k matching and $915 and $321 for insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the Company with respect to group term and term life insurance, respectively.

(11) Reflects $10,600 for 401k matching and $966 and $336 for insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the Company with respect to group term and term life insurance, respectively.

(12) Reflects $5,400 for car allowance, $10,600 for 401k matching, $1,663 in disability benefits, and $968 and $405 for insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the Company with respect to group term and term life insurance, respectively.

(13) Reflects $10,800 for car allowance, $10,600 for 401k matching, $1,663 in disability benefits, and $968 and $351 for insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the Company with respect to group term and term life insurance, respectively.

(14) Mr. Bianchi is compensated in Swiss Francs. Amounts shown in table reflect compensation amounts as converted to U.S. Dollars using the average exchange rate in effect during the 2017 calendar year of 1.0159.


(15) Reflects $24,381 for car and travel allowance and $44,933 for retirement matching.

(15) Reflects $24,261 for car and travel allowance and $46,795 for retirement matching.

(16) Reflects $27,330 for car and travel allowance and $46,251 for retirement matching.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table provides information regarding plan-based awards that were granted to our named executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Non-Equity Incentive

Plan Awards

 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity Incentive

Plan Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Name

Grant Date

Threshold

($)(1)

 

Target

($)(1)

 

Maximum

($)(1)

 

Threshold

(#)(2)

 

Target

(#)(3)

 

Maximum

(#)(2)

 

All

Other

Stock

Awards

(#)(4)

 

All

Other

Option

Awards

(#)(5)

 

Equity

Exercise

or Base

Price of

Option

Awards

($/Sh)(6)

 

Grant Date

Fair Value

of Stock

and Option

Awards

($)(7)

 

  Bradley R.

 

 

355,400

 

 

710,800

 

 

1,066,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Mason

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,185

 

 

30,369

 

 

60,738

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,654,807

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,184

 

 

 

 

 

 

699,982

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52,990

 

 

46.10

 

 

705,975

 

  Douglas C.

 

 

117,000

 

 

234,000

 

 

351,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Rice

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,796

 

 

7,592

 

 

15,184

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

413,688

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,796

 

 

 

 

 

 

174,996

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,248

 

 

46.10

 

 

176,501

 

  Kimberley

 

 

114,600

 

 

229,200

 

 

343,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  A. Elting

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,525

 

 

7,050

 

 

14,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

384,155

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,525

 

 

 

 

 

 

162,503

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,301

 

 

46.10

 

 

163,882

 

  Michael M.

 

 

123,600

 

 

247,200

 

 

370,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Finegan

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,254

 

 

6,508

 

 

13,016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

354,621

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

150,009

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,355

 

 

46.10

 

 

151,279

 

  Davide

 

 

111,234

 

 

222,468

 

 

333,702

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Bianchi

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,983

 

 

5,965

 

 

11,930

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

325,033

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,983

 

 

 

 

 

 

137,516

 

 

07/03/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,409

 

 

46.10

 

 

138,675

 

(1) Amounts shown represent the threshold, target and maximum amounts that could have been earned for fiscal year 2017 by each Named Executive Officer under our annual performance-based incentive compensation program. The actual amounts earned by each Named Executive Officer are included in the fiscal year 2017 “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table above and discussed under “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation—Cash Performance-Based Incentives - Annual Incentive Program” above.

(2) Amounts shown represent the minimum and maximum threshold amounts in shares earned based on performance if the minimum or maximum performance goals are achieved over the three-year performance period beginning on July 3, 2017.  No shares will be issued for performance below the minimum target level.  

(3) Amounts shown represent the target amount in shares earned if the target performance goal is achieved with respect to the three-year performance period beginning on July 3, 2017.

(4) Amounts shown include awards of time-based restricted stock granted in 2017 under the 2012 LTIP. Such shares will vest ratably over four years (subject to certain acceleration provisions, as discussed under “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” below).

(5) Amounts shown include awards of stock options granted in 2017 under the 2012 LTIP. Such options will vest ratably over four years (subject to certain acceleration provisions, as discussed under “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” below).

(6) The exercise price of the stock options is equal to the closing price of the common stock on the grant date.

(7) Amounts shown reflect the grant date fair value of equity awards, as computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (formerly known as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R)), or ASC 718.


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table provides information about the number of outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers at December 31, 2017.

 

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards

 

  Name

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#)

Exercisable(1)

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#)

Unexercisable(2)

Option

Exercise

Price

($)

 

Option

Expiration

Date

 

Number

of Shares

or Units of

Stock that

have not

Vested (#)

Market

Value

of Shares

or Units of

Stock that

have not

Vested ($)

 

Number

of Shares

or Units of

Stock that

have not

Vested (#)

Market

Value

of Shares

or Units of

Stock that

have not

Vested ($)

 

  Bradley R.

 

75,000

 

 

 

 

 

38.82

 

3/13/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Mason

 

75,000

 

 

 

 

 

38.82

 

3/13/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,950

 

 

10,650

 

(3)

 

36.25

 

6/30/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,050

 

 

25,050

 

(4)

 

33.12

 

6/30/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,882

 

 

47,643

 

(5)

 

44.39

 

7/01/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52,990

 

(6)

 

46.10

 

7/03/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,950

 

(7)

 

216,065

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,350

 

(8)

 

456,745

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,280

 

(9)

 

726,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,184

 

(10)

 

830,565

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,700

 

(11)

 

913,490

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,700

 

(11)

 

913,490

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36,300

 

(12)

 

1,985,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,369

 

(13)

 

1,661,184

 

Douglas C.   Rice

 

7,500

 

 

2,500

 

(14)

 

32.28

 

9/04/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,876

 

 

4,874

 

(15)

 

36.46

 

4/24/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,638

 

 

6,637

 

(4)

 

33.12

 

6/30/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,446

 

 

10,335

 

(5)

 

44.39

 

7/01/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,248

 

(6)

 

46.10

 

7/03/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

625

 

(16)

 

34,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,500

 

(17)

 

82,050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,874

 

(18)

 

266,608

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,212

 

(8)

 

120,996

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,880

 

(9)

 

157,536

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,796

 

(10)

 

207,641

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,425

 

(11)

 

242,048

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,425

 

(11)

 

242,048

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,875

 

(12)

 

430,763

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,592

 

(13)

 

415,282

 

  Kimberley

 

5,500

 

 

16,500

 

(19)

 

42.89

 

9/26/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  A. Elting

 

 

 

12,301

 

(6)

 

46.10

 

7/03/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,200

 

(20)

 

229,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,525

 

(10)

 

192,818

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,050

 

(13)

 

385,635

 

  Michael M.

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

28.95

 

6/30/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Finegan

 

20,000

 

 

 

 

 

25.01

 

7/25/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,000

 

 

 

 

 

29.23

 

2/15/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,500

 

 

 

 

 

41.37

 

2/15/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,000

 

 

 

 

 

39.66

 

6/25/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,750

 

 

 

 

 

21.78

 

9/26/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,325

 

 

2,775

 

(3)

 

36.25

 

6/30/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,076

 

 

6,074

 

(4)

 

33.12

 

6/30/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,172

 

 

9,516

 

(5)

 

44.39

 

7/01/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,355

 

(6)

 

46.10

 

7/03/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

925

 

(7)

 

50,598

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,024

 

(8)

 

110,713

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,652

 

(9)

 

145,064

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,254

 

(10)

 

177,994

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards

 

  Name

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#)

Exercisable(1)

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#)

Unexercisable(2)

Option

Exercise

Price

($)

 

Option

Expiration

Date

 

Number

of Shares

or Units of

Stock that

have not

Vested (#)

Market

Value

of Shares

or Units of

Stock that

have not

Vested ($)

 

Number

of Shares

or Units of

Stock that

have not

Vested (#)

Market

Value

of Shares

or Units of

Stock that

have not

Vested ($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,050

 

(11)

 

221,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,050

 

(11)

 

221,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,250

 

(12)

 

396,575

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,508

 

(13)

 

355,988

 

  Davide

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

28.49

 

7/22/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Bianchi

 

6,250

 

 

 

 

 

21.78

 

9/26/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,325

 

 

2,775

 

(3)

 

36.25

 

6/30/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,076

 

 

6,074

 

(4)

 

33.12

 

6/30/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,914

 

 

8,741

 

(5)

 

44.39

 

7/01/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,409

 

(6)

 

46.10

 

7/03/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

925

 

(7)

 

50,598

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,024

 

(8)

 

110,713

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,436

 

(9)

 

133,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,983

 

(10)

 

163,170

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,050

 

(11)

 

221,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,050

 

(11)

 

221,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,660

 

(12)

 

364,302

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,965

 

(13)

 

326,286

 

(1) All options listed in this column were exercisable as of December 31, 2017.

(2) All options listed in this column were not exercisable as of December 31, 2017.

(3) All of these remaining unvested options are subject to vesting on June 30, 2018.

(4) One-half of these remaining unvested options are subject to vesting on each of June 30, 2018 and 2019.

(5) One-third of these remaining unvested options are subject to vesting on each of July 1, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

(6) One-fourth of these remaining unvested options are subject to vesting on each of July 3, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

(7) All of these remaining unvested shares of restricted stock are subject to vesting on June 30, 2018.

(8) One-half of these remaining unvested shares of restricted stock are subject to vesting on each of June 30, 2018 and 2019.

(9) One-third of these remaining unvested shares of restricted stock are subject to vesting on each of July 1, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

(10) One-fourth of these remaining unvested shares of restricted stock are subject to vesting on each of July 3, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

(11) These remaining unvested shares of performance-based restricted stock and performance-based stock units are subject to vesting upon meeting certain EBITDA or ROIC based performance targets in the year ended December 31, 2018.

(12) These remaining unvested market-based performance stock units are subject to vesting upon meeting certain total shareholder return targets in relation to specified index companies over a three-year performance period beginning on July 1, 2016.

(13)  These remaining unvested market-based performance stock units are subject to vesting upon meeting certain total shareholder return targets in relation to specified index companies over a three-year performance period beginning on July 3, 2017.

(14)  All of these remaining options are subject to vesting on September 4, 2018.

(15) One-half of these remaining unvested options are subject to vesting on each of April 24, 2018 and 2019.

(16) All of these remaining unvested shares of restricted stock are subject to vesting on September 4, 2018.

(17) All of these remaining unvested shares of restricted stock are subject to vesting on October 3, 2018.

(18) One-half of these remaining unvested shares of restricted stock are subject to vesting on each of April 24, 2018 and 2019.

(19) One-third of these remaining unvested options are subject to vesting on each of September 26, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

(20) One-third of these remaining unvested shares of restricted stock are subject to vesting on each of September 26, 2018, 2019 and 2020.


For a summary of our standard option agreements, see “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation—Long-Term Equity-Based Incentives” beginning on page 21.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table provides information about the number of shares issued upon option exercises, and the value realized on exercise, by our named executive officers during fiscal 2017.

 

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards or Units

 

  Name

  (a)

Number

of Shares

Acquired on

Exercise (#)

(b)

 

Value

Realized

on Exercise

($)(1)

(c)

 

Number

of Shares

Acquired

on Vesting

(#)

(d)

 

Value

Realized on

Vesting

($)(2)

(e)

 

  Bradley R. Mason

 

6,667

 

 

9,000

 

 

60,752

 

 

2,320,063

 

  Douglas C. Rice

 

 

 

 

 

11,055

 

 

454,615

 

  Kimberley A. Elting

 

 

 

 

 

1,400

 

 

66,668

 

  Michael M. Finegan

 

22,300

 

 

30,105

 

 

18,960

 

 

766,951

 

  Davide Bianchi

 

 

 

 

 

16,513

 

 

649,432

 

(1) Value realized on exercise calculated based on the difference between the closing price of our common stock on the date of exercise and the option exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares exercised.

(2) Value determined by multiplying the number of vested shares by the closing price of our common stock on the vesting date.

Deferred Compensation

The following table provides information about the amount of compensation deferred by our named executive officers at December 31, 2017. For any named executive officer not listed on the following table, no information was applicable.

  Name

  (a)

Executive

Contributions

in 2017 ($)(1)

(b)

 

Primary ApplicationExecutive

PHOENIX Minimally Invasive Spinal Fixation SystemDistributions

in 2017 ($)

(b)

 

A multi-axial extended reduction screw body used with the Firebird Spinal Fixation System designed to be implanted during a posterior thoracolumbar spine fusion procedureAggregate

Earnings

in 2017 ($)

(d)

Aggregate

Balance at

December 31,

2017 ($)(2)

(f)

  Michael M. Finegan

 

 

49,651

LONESTAR Cervical Stand Alone (“CSA”)

A stand-alone spacer system designed to provide the biomechanical strength to a traditional or minimal invasive Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (“ACDF”) procedure with less disruption of patient anatomy and to preserve the anatomical profile

 

 

SKYHAWK Lateral Interbody Fusion System & Lateral Plate System

Provides a complete solution for the surgeon to perform a Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion, an approach to spinal fusion in which the surgeon accesses the intervertebral disc space using a surgical approach from the patient’s side that disturbs fewer structures and tissues

 

 

FORZA Spacer System

PEEK interbody devices for PLIF and TLIF procedures

 

PILLAR PL & TL PEEK Vertebral Body Replacement (“VBR”) System

PEEK interbody devices for PLIF and TLIF procedures

Spinal Repair Solutions

We provide a wide array(1) Represents the dollar amount of implants designed for use primarily in cervical, thoracic and lumbar fusion surgeries. These implants are made of either metal or a thermoplastic compound called PEEK. The majority of the implants that we offer are made of titanium metal. This includes the Cetra, 3°, Reliant and Hallmark cervical plates. Additionally, the Spinal Fixation System, the Firebird Spinal Fixation System, the Phoenix Minimally Invasive Spinal Fixation System, the Ascent, Ascent LE, and the Centurion POCT Systems are sets of rods, cross connectors and screws that are implanted during posterior fusion procedures. The Firebird Modular and pre-assembled Spinal Fixation Systems are designed to be used in either open or minimally-invasive posterior lumbar fusion procedures with our product ProView MAP System. To complement our plates, rods and screw fixation options we offer an entire portfolio of cervical and thoracolumbar PEEK interbody devices within our Pillar and Forza product lines.  This interbody portfolio includes two stand-alone devices, Lonestar and Pillar SA, as well as the Construx Mini PTC system, a novel titanium composite spacer which offers a superior alternative to other plasma spray coated options currently availablesalary set forth on the market.  We also offer specialty plates and screws that are used in less common procedures, and as such, are not manufactured by many device makers. These specialty implants includeSummary Compensation Table, which the New Bridge Laminoplasty Fixation System that is designed to expand the cervical vertebrae and relieve pressure on the spinal canal, the Samba-Screw System used in sacroiliac joint fixation, as well as the Unity plate which is used in anterior lumbar fusion procedures.  

Biologics

The Biologics SBU provides a portfolio of regenerative products and tissue forms that allow physicians to successfully treat a variety of spinal and orthopedic conditions. This SBU specializes in the marketing of regeneration tissue forms and distributes MTF Biologics (“MTF”) tissues to hospitals and healthcare providers, primarily in the U.S., through a network of employed and independent sales representatives. Our partnership with MTF allows us to exclusively market the Trinity Evolution and Trinity ELITE tissue forms for musculoskeletal defects to enhance bony fusion.

Biologics Strategy

In order to drive further adoption and use of our products, our strategy for the Biologics SBU is to educate physicians, both directly and through our sales force, of the surgical and patient benefits of using our portfolio of regenerative tissues and products to augment their surgical procedures and results. Our key strategies are:

Increase sales force coverage in the spine market and continue to expand into other orthopedic procedures

Cultivate independent sales force vs. direct reps in the U.S.

Continue to leverage the surgeon-preferred Trinity ELITE characteristics and clinical evidence

Accelerate new tissue development projects with MTF Biologics.


Biologics Products

The following table and discussion identify our principal Biologics products by trade name and describe their primary applications:

Product

Primary Application

AlloQuent Structural Allografts

Interbody devices made of cortical bone (or cortical-cancellous grafts) that are designed to restore the space that has been lost between two or more vertebrae due to a degenerated disc during a spinal fusion procedure

Trinity ELITE

A fully moldable allograft with viable cells used during surgery that is designed to enhance the success of a spinal fusion or bone fusion procedure

Trinity Evolution

An allograft with viable cells used during surgery that is designed to enhance the success of a spinal fusion or bone fusion procedure

VersaShield

A thin hydrophilic amniotic membrane designed to serve as a wound or tissue covering for a variety of surgical demands

Collage Synthetic Osteoconductive Scaffold

A synthetic bone void filler

The regenerative solutions offered as part of the Biologics SBU’s portfolio include solutions for a variety of musculoskeletal defects used in spinal and extremity orthopedic procedures.

Regenerative Solutions

The premier biologics tissues we market include the Trinity ELITE and Trinity Evolution tissue forms, which are cortical cancellous allografts that contain viable cells and are used during surgery in the treatment of musculoskeletal defects for bone reconstruction and repair. These allografts are intended to offer a viable alternative to an autograft procedure as harvesting autograftexecutive has been shown to add risk of an additional surgical procedure and related patient discomfort in conjunction with a repair surgery.

To provide structural support and facilitate bone growth in spine fusion procedures, we offer a full line of AlloQuent allograft structural spacers derived from human cadaveric bone. These spacers are used to restore the height lost between vertebral bodies when discs are removed in fusion procedures and to facilitate spine fusion.

We offer the Collage product as an osteoconductive scaffold and a bone graft substitute product. The product is a combination synthetic bone graft substitute comprised of beta tri-calcium phosphate and type 1 bovine collagen.

We also market the VersaShield tissue form, a thin hydrophilic amniotic membrane designed to serve as a wound or tissue covering for a variety of surgical demands. Amniotic tissue forms derived from donated human placenta are used in a wide variety of applications and are valued for their healing properties, scar reduction and anti-adhesion characteristics. The VersaShield tissue is derived from the human placental layers amnion and chorion; these thin elastic membranes allow the tissue to conform to the surface of the surgical site.  

We receive marketing fees through our collaboration with MTF for the Trinity Evolution, Trinity ELITE, and VersaShield tissues. MTF processes the tissues, maintains inventory, and invoices hospitals and surgery centers and other points of care for service fees, which are submitted by customers via purchase orders. We have exclusive worldwide rights to market the Trinity Evolution and Trinity ELITE tissue forms. We market the VersaShield tissue under a private label brand via a non-exclusive marketing agreement for the tissue form.

To date, our Biologics products are offered primarily in the U.S. market due in part to restrictions on providing U.S. human donor tissue in other countries.


Product Development

Our research and development departments are responsible for new product development. Our primary research and development facilities are located in Verona, Italy and Lewisville, Texas. We work with leading hospital research institutions as well as with physicians and other consultants on the long-term scientific planning and evolution of our products and therapies.

We maintain interactive relationships with spine and orthopedic centers in the U.S. and Europe, including research and clinical organizations such as Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Cleveland Clinic, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, and MTF. Several of the products that we market have been developed through these collaborations. In addition, we periodically receive suggestions for new products and product enhancements from the scientific and medical community, some of which result in Orthofix entering into assignment or license agreements with physicians and third parties. We also receive occasional requests for the production of customized instruments, some of which have resulted in new products.

In 2017, 2016 and 2015 we incurred $29.7 million, $28.8 million and $26.4 million, respectively, of research and development expense.

Patents, Trade Secrets, Assignments and Licenses

We rely on a combination of patents, trade secrets, assignment and license agreements, and non-disclosure agreements to protect our proprietary intellectual property. We own numerous U.S. and foreign patents, have numerous pending patent applications and have license rights under patents held by third parties. Our primary products are patented in the major markets in which they are sold. No assurance can be given that pending patent applications will result in issued patents, that patents issued or assigned to or licensed by us will not be challenged or circumvented by competitors or that such patents will be found to be valid or sufficiently broad to protect our technology or to provide us with any competitive advantage or protection. Third parties might also obtain patents that would require assignments to or licensing by us to conduct our business. We rely on confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with key employees, consultants and other parties to protect, in part, trade secrets and other proprietary technology.

We obtain assignments or licenses of varying durations for certain of our products from third parties. We typically acquire rights under such assignments or licenses in exchange for lump-sum payments or arrangements under which we pay a percentage of sales to the licensor. However, while assignments or licenses to us generally are irrevocable, no assurance can be given that these arrangements will continue to be made available to us on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. The terms of our license and assignment agreements vary in length from a specified number of years to the life of product patents or the economic life of the product. These agreements generally provide for royalty payments and termination rights in the event of a material breach.

Compliance and Ethics Program

It is fundamental policy of our Company to conduct businessdeferred in accordance with the highest ethicalDeferred Compensation Plan.

(2) The amounts in the Aggregate Balance at December 31, 2017 column, other than earnings on deferred compensation and legal standards. Weamounts described in footnote 1 above, have all been previously disclosed in Summary Compensation Tables in our prior proxy statements (to the extent the officer was a comprehensive compliancenamed executive officer in prior filings).

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

Potential Payments to Named Executive Officers

Termination

Under their change in control and ethics program, whichseverance agreements, each of Messrs. Mason, Rice, Finegan and Bianchi and Ms. Elting is overseen by our Chief Ethicsgenerally entitled to receive the following severance payments and Compliance Officer who reports directly to our Chief Executive Officer and the Compliance Committeebenefits upon termination of the Board of Directors. The program is intended to promote legal compliance and ethical business practices throughout our domestic and international businesses. It is designed to meet the standards set forth in guidance issuedexecutive’s employment (i) for death or disability, (ii) by the U.S. Department of Justice (“Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs” (February 2017)),Company without “cause” (as defined in the Office of Inspector General (HCCA-OIG “Measuring Compliance Program Effectiveness: A Resource Guide” (March 2017)) andagreement) or (iii) by the U.S. Sentencing Commission (“Effective Compliance and Ethics Programs (November 2014)) and to prevent and detect violations of applicable federal, state and local laws. Key elements ofexecutive for “good reason” (as defined in the program include:agreement):  

Organizational oversight by senior-level personnel responsible forAny unpaid base salary, accrued vacation or prior years’ bonus payable or owing through the compliance function within our Company;date of termination;

Written standardsThe pro rata amount of any incentive compensation for the year of termination of employment (based on the number of business days the executive is actually employed by the Company and procedures, including a Corporate Codeits subsidiaries during the year in which termination of Conduct;

Methodsemployment occurs) based on the achievement of the Company’s performance goals for communicating compliance concerns, including anonymous reporting mechanisms;

Investigation and remediation measures to ensure prompt response to reported matters and timely corrective action;

Compliance education and training for employees and contracted business associates;

Auditing and monitoring controls to promote compliance with applicable laws and assess program effectiveness;

Disciplinary guidelines to enforce compliance and address violations;such year;


 

Due diligence reviewsAn amount equivalent to 1.5x in the case of high risk intermediariesMessrs. Mason and exclusion lists screeningFinegan, and 1.0x in the case of employeesMessrs. Rice and contracted business associates;Bianchi and Ms. Elting, times the sum of: (i) the executive’s annual base salary, (ii) the executive’s current year’s target bonus; provided that during the 24-month period following any change in control and (iii) $12,500 for use towards outplacement services, the foregoing multiples increase by 0.5 (to 2.0x in the case of Messrs. Mason and Finegan, and 1.5x in the case of Messrs. Rice and Bianchi and Ms. Elting); and   

Risk assessmentsIf the executive elects COBRA in a timely manner, the executive will be reimbursed for the Executive’s monthly premium payments for COBRA coverage for a period of up to identify areas of compliance risk.18 or 12 months, depending on the executive.

Government RegulationSee “—Deferred Compensation” beginning on page 29 for a discussion of payments pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan upon termination of employment.

ClassificationChange in control

As described above, our change in control and Approvalseverance agreements provide for a “double-trigger” so that a change in control (as that term is defined in the agreement) alone does not grant the executive officer any specific right to terminate his employment agreement or receive severance benefits, but as noted above, it increases severance amounts payable following a termination during the 24-month period following any change in control. Under the change in control and severance agreement and the Company’s form of Productstime-based equity award agreement, all time-based equity awards granted in or after 2016 contain “double trigger” vesting provisions whereby awards will vest if, within 24 months of a change in control, the executive is terminated by the FDACompany without “cause” or resigns for “good reason.”  For unvested awards made in 2015 and earlier, the Executive would receive “single-trigger” vesting upon a change in control.

See “—Deferred Compensation” beginning on page 29 for a discussion of payments pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan upon a change in control.

Executive Change in Control and Severance Agreements

Under our current Executive Compensation Guiding Principles, the Compensation Committee provides executive officers with competitive change in control severance benefits that target market practices. All new change in control agreements must be approved by the Compensation Committee.  The Compensation Committee approves all change in control and severance arrangements for executive officers.

Consistent with the foregoing, in 2016, the Company discontinued its prior practice of entering into employment agreements with US-based executive officers. Instead, the Compensation Committee approved a new form of change in control and severance agreement, which is offered to executive officers. Pursuant to the change in control and severance agreement, executive officers are eligible to receive the following severance payments and benefits upon termination of their employment (i) for death or disability, (ii) by the Company without “cause” (as defined in the agreement) or (iii) by the executive for “good reason” (as defined in the agreement):

Any unpaid base salary, accrued vacation or prior years’ bonus payable or owing through the date of termination;

The pro rata amount of any incentive compensation for the year of termination of employment (based on the number of business days the executive is actually employed by the Company and its subsidiaries during the year in which termination of employment occurs) based on the achievement of the Company’s performance goals for such year;

An amount equivalent to 1.5x or 1.0x, depending on the executive, times the sum of: (i) the executive’s annual base salary and (ii) the executive’s current year’s target bonus; provided that during the 24-month period following any change in control, the foregoing multiples increase by 0.5 (to 2.0x or 1.5x, depending on the executive);

$12,500 for use towards outplacement services ($18,750 during the 24-month period following any change in control); and

If the executive elects COBRA in a timely manner, the executive will be reimbursed for the executive’s monthly premium payments for COBRA coverage for a period of up to 18 or 12 months, depending on the executive.

The right to receive cash payments following a change in control remains subject to a “double trigger” provision, such that payments by the Company are only owed if the executive separates from employment in specific circumstances in connection with or following a change in control.

The agreement contains non-competition and non-solicitation covenants effective so long as the executive is an employee and for a period of 12 or 18 months, depending on the executive, after employment is terminated. The agreement also contains provisions that define certain vesting and exercise rights in connection with time-based equity incentive grants (such as by defining the terms “cause,” “good reason” and “qualified retirement” for purposes of all prior and subsequent time-based equity grants). The agreement does not guarantee any minimum levels of cash or equity-based compensation levels during an executive’s employment with the Company.


The term of the agreement continues in effect until the earlier of (i) the parties’ satisfaction of their respective obligations or (ii) the execution of a written agreement between the Company and the executive terminating the agreement. The agreement amends and supersedes the applicable executive’s prior employment agreement with the Company, which prior employment agreements became terminated, null and void upon execution of the new change in control and severance agreement.

Section 280G

These agreements reflect that the named executive officer is not entitled to a tax gross-up if the named executive officer incurs an excise tax due to the application of Section 280G of the Code.

Instead, payments and benefits payable to the named executive officer will be reduced to the extent doing so would result in the executive retaining a larger after-tax amount, taking into account the income, excise and other Regulatory Authoritiestaxes imposed on the payments and benefits.

Our research, developmentCertain Other Provisions

The agreements described above contain confidentiality, non-competition and clinical programs,non-solicitation covenants effective so long as the executive officers are employees of Orthofix or any of its subsidiaries and our manufacturingfor a period of one year after employment is terminated. The agreements also contain confidentiality and marketing operations, are subjectassignment of inventions provisions that last indefinitely.

Orthofix’s obligation to extensive regulationpay or provide any severance benefits under each agreement (other than any benefits as a result of death) is conditioned upon the executive officer signing a release of claims in favor of the U.S.Company and other countries. Most notably, allits affiliates by a specified date following separation from employment.

Estimated Payments

The following table reflects the estimated payments and benefits that would be provided to each of Messrs. Mason, Rice, Finegan and Bianchi and Ms. Elting upon his or her termination or upon a change in control pursuant to the terms of his or her respective change in control and severance agreement and related equity award agreements. For purposes of this table, we assume that the triggering event took place on December 29, 2017, and the price per share of our products soldcommon stock was $54.70, the closing market price as of that date. For any triggering event that presupposes a change in control, we assume a change in control has so occurred.

  Name

Triggering Event

Lump Sum

Severance

Payment ($)

Value of

Stock-

Based

Rights ($)

Value of

Welfare

Benefits

($)

Fees and

Expenses of

Out-placement

Firm ($)

Total ($)

Bradley R. Mason

Termination for death or disability

 

2,132,400

 

 

 

7,560,570

 

 

 

24,233

 

 

 

18,750

 

 

 

9,735,953

 

 

 

Termination for cause or

voluntary termination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination for good reason or without cause

 

2,132,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

24,233

 

 

 

18,750

 

 

 

2,175,383

 

 

 

Termination for death, disability, good reason or without cause during a change in control period

 

2,843,200

 

 

 

10,780,800

 

 

 

24,233

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

13,673,233

 

 

Douglas C. Rice

Termination for death or disability

 

623,999

 

 

 

2,223,729

 

 

 

14,544

 

 

 

12,500

 

 

 

2,874,772

 

 

 

Termination for cause or

voluntary termination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination for good reason or without cause

 

623,999

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,544

 

 

 

12,500

 

 

 

651,044

 

 

 

Termination for death, disability, good reason or without cause during a change in control period

 

935,999

 

 

 

3,056,125

 

 

 

14,544

 

 

 

18,750

 

 

 

4,025,418

 

 

Kimberley A. Elting

Termination for death or disability

 

611,200

 

 

 

1,108,846

 

 

 

1,616

 

 

 

12,500

 

 

 

1,734,162

 

 

 

Termination for cause or

voluntary termination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination for good reason or without cause

 

611,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,616

 

 

 

12,500

 

 

 

625,316

 

 


  Name

Triggering Event

Lump Sum

Severance

Payment ($)

Value of

Stock-

Based

Rights ($)

Value of

Welfare

Benefits

($)

Fees and

Expenses of

Out-placement

Firm ($)

Total ($)

 

Termination for death, disability, good reason or without cause during a change in control period

 

916,800

 

 

 

1,432,282

 

 

 

1,616

 

 

 

18,750

 

 

 

2,369,448

 

 

Michael M. Finegan

Termination for death or disability

 

988,801

 

 

 

1,614,970

 

 

 

18,803

 

 

 

18,750

 

 

 

2,641,324

 

 

 

Termination for cause or

voluntary termination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination for good reason or without cause

 

988,801

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,803

 

 

 

18,750

 

 

 

1,026,353

 

 

 

Termination for death, disability, good reason or without cause during a change in control period

 

1,318,401

 

 

 

2,356,610

 

 

 

18,803

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

3,718,814

 

 

Davide Bianchi

Termination for death or disability

 

593,248

 

*

 

1,510,230

 

 

 

3,631

 

 

 

12,500

 

 

 

2,119,609

 

*

 

Termination for cause or

voluntary termination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination for good reason or without cause

 

593,248

 

*

 

 

 

 

3,631

 

 

 

12,500

 

 

 

609,379

 

*

 

Termination for death, disability, good reason or without cause during a change in control period

 

889,872

 

*

 

2,226,958

 

 

 

3,631

 

 

 

18,750

 

 

 

3,139,211

 

*

Assumes Swiss Francs are converted to U.S. Dollars using the U.S. are subjectaverage exchange rate in effect during the 2017 calendar year of 1.0159.

Pay Ratio Disclosure

Presented below is the ratio of annual total compensation of our President and Chief Executive Officer, Bradley R. Mason, to the Federal Food, Drug,annual total compensation of our median employee (excluding Mr. Mason). The ratio presented below is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.

We selected the median employee based on full-time, part-time, temporary and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Services Act as implemented and enforcedseasonal workers employed by the FDA. The regulations that coverCompany or any of its consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017. In identifying our productsmedian employee, we calculated the annual total compensation of each employee as of December 31, 2017. Annual total compensation for these purposes included overtime pay, any applicable bonus, commissions or other cash compensation, equity compensation, benefits, and facilities vary widely from country to country. The amountany other compensation. We did not apply any cost-of-living adjustments as part of time required to obtain approvals or clearances from regulatory authorities also differs from country to country.

Unless an exemption applies, each medical device we commercially distribute in the U.S. is covered by either premarket notification (“510(k)”) clearance, letter to file, approval of a premarket approval application (“PMA”), or some other approval from the FDA. The FDA classifies medical devices into one of three classes, which generally determine the type of FDA approval required. Devices deemed to pose low risk are placed in class I, while devices that are considered to pose moderate risk are placed in class II, and devices deemed to pose the greatest risks requiring more regulatory controls necessary to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness, or devices deemed not substantially equivalent to a device that previously received 510(k) clearance (as described below), are placed in class III. Our Spine Fixation and Extremity Fixation products are, for the most part, class II devices and the instruments used in conjunction with these products are generally class I. Our BioStim bone growth therapy products are classified as class III by the FDA, and have been approved for commercial distribution in the U.S. through the PMA process.calculation.

The medical devices we develop, manufacture, distribute and market are subject to rigorous regulation by the FDA and numerous other federal, state and foreign governmental authorities.2017 annual total compensation as determined under Item 402 of Regulation S-K for our CEO was $4,705,758. The process2017 annual total compensation as determined under Item 402 of obtaining FDA clearance and other regulatory approvals to develop and market a medical device, particularly from the FDA, can be costly and time-consuming, and there can be no assurance such approvals will be granted on a timely basis, if at all. While we believe we have obtained all necessary clearances and approvalsRegulation S-K for the manufacture and saleour median employee was $63,664. The ratio of our products and that they are in material compliance with applicable FDA and other material regulatory requirements, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue such compliance.

To market our devices within the member states of the European Union, we are required to comply with the European Medical Device Directives. Under the European Medical Device Directives, all medical devices must bear the CE mark. To obtain authorization to affix the CE markCEO’s annual total compensation to our products, a recognized European Notified Body must assess our quality systems andmedian employee’s total compensation for fiscal year 2017 was 74 to 1.

Director Compensation

Directors are elected each year at the product’s conformity to the requirements of the European Medical Device Directives. We are subject to an annual inspection by a Notified Body for compliance with these requirements.

Our Biologics SBU markets tissue for bone repair and reconstruction under the brand names Trinity Evolution and Trinity ELITE, our allogeneic bone matrices comprised of cancellous bone containing viable stem cells and a demineralized cortical bone component. These allografts are regulated under the FDA’s Human Cell, Tissues and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products, or HCT/P, regulatory paradigm and not as a medical device, biologic or a drug. The Biologics SBU also distributes certain surgical implant products known as “allograft” products that are derived from human tissues andAnnual General Meeting, which are used for bone reconstruction or repair and are surgically implanted into the human body. These tissues are regulated by the FDA as minimally-manipulated tissue and covered by FDA’s “Good Tissues Practices” regulations, which cover all stages of allograft processing. There can be no assurance our suppliers of the Trinity Evolution, Trinity ELITE and allograft products will continue to meet applicable regulatory requirements or that those requirements will not be changedis usually held in ways that could adversely affect our business. Further, there can be no assurance these products will continue to be made available to us or that applicable regulatory standards will be met or remain unchanged. Moreover, products derived from human tissue or bones areJune. Other director appointments occur from time to time subject to recall for certain administrative or safety reasons and we may be affected by one or more such recalls. For a description of these risks, see Item 1A Risk Factors.

Certain Other Product and Manufacturing Regulations

After a device is placed on the market, numerous regulatory requirements continue to apply. Those regulatory requirements include: product listing and establishment registration; Quality System Regulation (“QSR”), which require manufacturers, including third-party manufacturers, to follow stringent design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures during all aspects of the manufacturing process; labeling regulations and governmental prohibitions against the promotion of


products for uncleared, unapproved or off-label uses or indications; clearance of product modifications that could significantly affect safety or efficacy or that would constitute a major change in intended use of one of our cleared devices; approval of product modifications that affect the safety or effectiveness of one of our PMA approved devices; Medical Device Adverse Event Reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA and other foreign governmental agencies if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury, or has malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if the malfunction of the device or a similar device were to recur; post-approval restrictions or conditions, including post-approval study commitments; post-market surveillance regulations, which apply when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and effectiveness data for the device; the FDA’s recall authority, whereby it can ask, or under certain conditions order, device manufacturers to recall from the market a product that is in violation of governing laws and regulations; regulations pertaining to voluntary recalls; and notices of corrections or removals.

We and certain of our suppliers also are subject to announced and unannounced inspectionsas determined by the FDA and European Notified Bodies to determine our compliance with the FDA’s QSR and other international regulations. If the FDA were to find that we or certain of our suppliers have failed to comply with applicable regulations, the agency could institute a wide variety of enforcement actions, ranging from a public warning letter to more severe sanctions such as: fines and civil penalties against us, our officers, our employees or our suppliers; unanticipated expenditures to address or defend such actions; delays in clearing or approving, or refusal to clear or approve, our products; withdrawal or suspension of approval of our products or those of our third-party suppliers by the FDA or other regulatory bodies; product recall or seizure; interruption of production; operating restrictions; injunctions; and criminal prosecution. In addition to FDA inspections, all manufacturing facilities of the Company are subject to annual Notified Body inspections.

Moreover, governmental authorities outside the U.S. have become increasingly stringent in their regulation of medical devices. Our products may become subject to more rigorous regulation by non-U.S. governmental authorities in the future. U.S. or non-U.S. government regulations may be imposed in the future that may have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. For a description of these risks, see Item 1A Risk Factors.

Accreditation Requirements

In addition, our subsidiary Orthofix Inc. has been accredited by the Accreditation CommissionBoard, for Health Care, Inc. (“ACHC”) for medical supply provider services with respect to durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (“DMEPOS”). ACHC, a private, not-for-profit corporation, which is certified to ISO 9001:2000 standards, was developed by home care and community-based providers to help companies improve business operations and quality of patient care. Although accreditation is generally a voluntary activity where healthcare organizations submit to peer review their internal policies, processes and patient care delivery against national standards, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) required DMEPOS suppliers to become accredited. We believe that by attaining accreditation, Orthofix Inc. has demonstrated its commitment to maintain a higher level of competency and strive for excellence in its products, services, and customer satisfaction.

Third-Party Payor Requirements

Our products may be reimbursed by third-party payors, such as government programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare or private insurance plans and healthcare networks. Third-party payors may deny reimbursement if they determine that a device provided to a patient or used in a procedure does not meet applicable payment criteria or if the policyholder’s healthcare insurance benefits are limited. Also, non-government third-party payors are increasingly challenging the medical necessity and prices paid for our products and services. The Medicare program is expected to continue to implement a new payment mechanism for certain DMEPOS items via the implementation of its competitive bidding program. Bone growth stimulation products are currently exempt from this competitive bidding process.

Laws Regulating Healthcare Fraud and Abuse; State Healthcare Laws

Our sales and marketing practices are also subject to a number of U.S. laws regulating healthcare fraud and abuse such as the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and the federal Physician Self-Referral Law (known as the “Stark Law”), the Civil False Claims Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) as well as numerous state laws regulating healthcare and insurance. These laws are enforced by the Office of Inspector General within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Justice, and other federal, state and local agencies. Among other things, these laws and others generally: (1) prohibit the provision of anything of value in exchange for the referral of patients for, or the purchase, order, or recommendation of, any item or service reimbursed by a federal healthcare program, (including Medicare and Medicaid); (2) require


that claims for payment submitted to federal healthcare programs be truthful; (3) prohibit the transmission of protected healthcare information to persons not authorized to receive that information; and (4) require the maintenance of certain government licenses and permits.

Laws Protecting the Confidentiality of Health Information

U.S. federal and state laws protect the confidentiality of certain health information, in particular individually identifiable information such as medical records, and restrict the use and disclosure of that protected information. At the federal level, the Department of Health and Human Services promulgates health information privacy and security rules under HIPAA. These rules protect health information by regulating its use and disclosure, including for research and other purposes. Failure of a HIPAA “covered entity” to comply with HIPAA regarding such “protected health information” could constitute a violation of federal law, subject to civil and criminal penalties. Covered entities include healthcare providers (including certain of those that sell devices or equipment) that engage in particular electronic transactions, including, as we do, the transmission of claims to health plans. Consequently, health information that we access, collect, analyze, and otherwise use and/or disclose includes protected health information that is subject to HIPAA. As noted above, many state laws also pertain to the confidentiality of health information. Such laws are not necessarily preempted by HIPAA, in particular those state laws that afford greater privacy protection to the individual than HIPAA. These state laws typically have their own penalty provisions, which could be appliedinstance, in the event of an unlawful action affecting health information.vacancies on the Board resulting from a director’s death, resignation or retirement.

In Europe, the Data Protection Directive requires us to manage individually identifiable information in the EU and, the new General Data Protection Regulation may impose fines of up to four percent of our global revenue in the event of violations. Internationally, some countries have also passed laws that require individually identifiable data on their citizens to be maintained on local servers and that may restrict transfer or processing of that data.

Physician Payments Sunshine Provision of the Affordable Care Act

The Physician Payments Sunshine Provision of the Affordable Care Act (Section 6002), which was enacted in 2010 and became subject to final CMS rules in 2013, requires public disclosure to the United States government of payments to physicians and teaching hospitals, including in-kind transfers of valueEmployee directors, such as gifts or meals. The Act also provides penaltiesMr. Mason, are not provided any additional compensation for non-compliance. The Act requires that we file an annual report on March 31st oftheir service as a calendar year for the transfers of value incurred for the prior calendar year. Non-compliance is subject to civil monetary penalties.director. 

Sales, MarketingNon-Employee Director Compensation Program and Distribution

General TrendsGuiding Principles

We believe that demographic trends, principally in the form of a better informed, more active and aging population in the major healthcare markets of the U.S., Western Europe and Japan, together with opportunities in emerging markets such as the Asia-Pacific Region and Latin America, as well ascompensate our focus on innovative products, will continue to have a positive effect on the demand for our products.


Strategic Business Units

Our revenues are generated from the sales of products in our four SBUs: BioStim, Extremity Fixation, Spine Fixation and Biologics. See the chart below for the distribution of sales between each of our SBUs for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

Sales Network

We have a broad sales network comprised of direct sales representatives and distributors. This established sales network provides us with a platform to introduce new products and expand sales of existing products. We distribute our products worldwide in over 60 countries.

In our largest market, the U.S., our sales network is generally comprised of four sales forces, each addressing one of our business units, however some independent distributors sell products for more than one of our businesses. A hybrid distribution network of direct sales representatives and independent distributors sells products in our BioStim SBU, while primarily independent distributors sell products in our Extremity Fixation, Spine Fixation, and Biologics SBUs.

Outside the U.S., we employ direct sales representatives and contract with independent distributors. In order to provide support to our independent sales network, we have sales and marketing specialists who regularly visit independent distributors to provide training and product support.

Marketing and Product Education

We market and sell our products principally to physicians, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, integrated health delivery systems and other purchasing organizations.

We support our sales force through specialized training workshops in which physicians and sales specialists participate. We also produce marketing and training materials, including materials outlining surgical procedures, for our customers, sales force and distributors in a variety of languages using printed, video and multimedia formats. We also require all of our sales force, direct and independent, to undergo extensive product, policy, and compliance training to ensure adherence to our standards, policies, and applicable law.

To provide additional advanced training for physicians, consistent with the AdvaMed Code of Ethics (“AdvaMed Code”) and the MedTech Europe Code of Ethical Business Practice (“MedTech Code”), we organize regular multilingual teaching seminars in multiple locations. Those places include our facility in Verona, Italy, various locations in Latin America and in Lewisville, Texas. In recent years, thousands of surgeons from around the world attended these product education seminars, which included a variety of lectures from specialists, as well as demonstrations and hands-on workshops.


Competition

Our bone growth therapy products, which are part of our BioStim and Biologics SBUs, compete principally with similar products marketed by Zimmer Biomet, Inc.; DJO Global; and Bioventus. The Biologics HCT/P and Spine Fixation products we market compete with products marketed by Medtronic, Inc.; DePuy Synthes, a division of Johnson and Johnson; Stryker Corp.; Zimmer Biomet, Inc.; NuVasive, Inc.; Globus Medical Inc.; and various smaller public and private companies. For Extremity Fixation devices, our principal competitors include DePuy Synthes; Zimmer Biomet, Inc.; Stryker Corp.; and Smith & Nephew plc.

We believe we enhance our competitive position by focusing on product features such as ease of use, versatility, cost and patient acceptability, together with value-added services, such as Stim on Track and our JuniOrtho educational products and services. We attempt to avoid competing based solely on price. Overall cost and medical effectiveness, innovation, reliability, value-added service, and training are the most prevalent methods of competition in the markets for our products, and we believe we compete effectively.  

Manufacturing and Sources of Supply

We generally design, develop, assemble, test and package our stimulation, orthopedic, and spinal implant products, and subcontract the manufacture of a substantial portion of the component parts and instruments. We design and develop our AlloQuent Allograft HCT/Ps and subcontract its manufacturing. Through subcontracting a portion of our manufacturing, we attempt to maintain operating flexibility in meeting demand while focusing our resources on product development, education and marketing as well as quality assurance standards. Although certain of our key raw materials are obtained from a single source, we believe alternate sources for these materials are available. Further, we believe an adequate inventory supply is maintained to avoid product flow interruptions. Historically, we have not experienced difficulty in obtaining the materials necessary to meet our production schedules.

The Trinity Evolution and Trinity ELITE HCT/Ps, for which we have exclusive marketing rights, are allograft tissue forms that are supplied to customers by MTFnon-employee directors in accordance with orders received directly from us. MTF sources, processesthe Company’s Director Compensation Guiding Principles.  Our compensation program for our non-employee directors is designed to appropriately compensate outside directors for their diverse expertise and packages the tissue formstime commitment required to serve as a director of a complex and highly regulated global company.  The Compensation Committee is the sole supplier of the Trinity Evolutionresponsible for overseeing our non-employee director compensation program.  The Compensation Committee’s goal for such oversight is to maintain a program that:

attracts and Trinity ELITE HCT/Ps to our customers.

Our products are currently manufactured and assembled in the U.S. and Italy. We believe our plants comply in all material respectsretains directors with the requirements of the FDA and all relevant regulatory authorities outside the U.S. For a description of the lawsskills needed to which we are subject, see Item 1, “Business”, under the subheadings “Corporate Compliance and Ethics Program” and “Government Regulation.” We actively monitor each of our subcontractors in order to maintain manufacturing and quality standards and product specification conformity. In addition, we do not consider the backlog of firm orders to be material.

Employees

At December 31, 2017, we had 858 employees worldwide. Of these, 594 were employed in the U.S. and 264 were employed at other non-U.S. locations. Our relations with our Italian employees, who numbered 184 at December 31, 2017, are governed by the provisions of a National Collective Labor Agreement setting forth mandatory minimum standards for labor relations in the metal mechanic workers industry. We are not a party to any other collective bargaining agreement. We believe we have good relations with our employees.

eNeura Debt Security

On March 4, 2015, we entered into an OptionAgreement (the “OptionAgreement”)witheNeura, Inc. (“eNeura”), a privately held medical technologycompany that is developing devices for the treatment of migraines. The OptionAgreement provided us with anexclusive option to acquire eNeura (the “Option”)during the 18-month period following the grant of the Option, which expired in September 2016 without us exercising the Option. In consideration for the Option, (i) we paid a non-refundable $0.3 million fee to eNeura, and (ii) we loaned eNeura $15 million pursuant to a convertible, secured Promissory Note (the “eNeura Note”) that was issued to us. The principal amount ofthe eNeura Note is $15.0 million and interest accrues at 8.0%. The eNeura Note will mature on March4, 2019 and interest is due when the eNeura Note matures, provided that if a change in control of eNeura (generally defined as a third-party acquisition of fifty percent or more of eNeura’s voting equity or all or substantially all of eNeura’s assets) occurs prior to the maturity date, the eNeura Note will automatically convert into preferred stock of eNeura, and the value of such preferred stock could be less than the principal amount of the note. The investment is recorded in other long-term assets as an available for sale debt security and any interest recognized is recorded in interest income. For additional discussion see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.


Item 1A.

Risk Factors

In addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report and the exhibits hereto, you should carefully consider the risks described below. These risks are not the only ones that we may face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also impair our business operations. This Annual Report also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks faced by us described below or elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Risks Related to our Legal and Regulatory Environment

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls or discover material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or detect fraud, which could harm our business and the trading price of our Common Stock.

Effective internal controls are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important in our effort to prevent financial fraud. We are required to periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of our internal controls. As has occurred in several years prior, including in connection with our prior restatements of financial statements, these evaluations may result in the conclusion that enhancements, modifications or changes to our internal controls are necessary or desirable. While management evaluates the effectiveness of our internal controls on a regular basis, these controls may not always be effective. There are inherent limitations on the effectiveness of internal controls, including collusion, management override, and failure of human judgment. Because of this, control procedures are designed to reduce rather than eliminate business risks. If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls or if management or our independent registered public accounting firm were to discover material weaknesses in our internal controls, we may be unable to produce reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, which could harm our financial condition and operating results, and could result in a loss of investor confidence and a decline in our stock price.

We have previously settled violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and any future violations could further subject us to adverse consequences.

In 2013, we self-reported to the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) and the SEC an internal investigation of improper payments by our Brazilian subsidiary, Orthofix do Brasil Ltda., regarding non-compliance by such subsidiary with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”).  This followed a prior matter that we self-reported to the DOJ and SEC in 2011, and settled in 2012, involving FCPA-related non-compliance by our then Mexican subsidiary, Promeca S.A. de C.V.  In January 2017 we consented to a cease-and-desist order with the SEC to settle the Brazil-related violations, pursuant to which we agreed to pay approximately $6.1 million in disgorgement and penalties, and agreed to retain an independent compliance consultant for one year to review and test our FCPA compliance program.

The FCPA and similar anti-bribery laws in non-U.S. jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. The FCPA also imposes accounting standards and requirements on U.S. publicly traded entities and their foreign affiliates, which are intended to prevent the diversion of corporate funds to the payment of bribes and other improper payments. Because of the predominance of government-sponsored healthcare systems around the world, many of our customer relationships outside of the United States are with governmental entities and are therefore subject to such anti-bribery laws.

In connection with our self-reported FCPA violations, we instituted extensive remediation measures, including terminating employees, as well as relationships with third-party representatives and distributors, conducting a global review of our anti-corruption and anti-bribery program, implementing regular audits of our third-party distributors and sales agents and developing and implementing new global accounting policies to provide further structure and guidance to foreign subsidiaries, establishing an internal audit function, improving the quality of personnel in our Compliance department, and implementing enhanced anti-corruption compliance training for employees and certain third parties.  However, notwithstanding these efforts to make FCPA-related compliance a priority, our compliance policies and procedures may not always protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees, distributors or agents.  

Any failure to comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations in the United States or abroad could adversely affect us in a variety of ways that include, but are not limited to, significant criminal, civil and administrative penalties, including imprisonment of individuals, fines and penalties, denial of export privileges, seizure of shipments and restrictions on certain business activities,


disgorgement and other remedial measures, disruptions of our operations, and significant management distraction. Also, the failure to comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations could result in the disruption of our distribution and sales activities. Any reduction in international sales, or our failure to further develop our international markets, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to federal and state healthcare fraud, abuse and anti-self-referral laws, and could face substantial penalties if we are determined not to have fully complied with such laws.

Healthcare fraud and abuse regulations by federal and state governments impact our business. Healthcare fraud and abuse laws potentially applicable to our operations include:

the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering or paying remuneration, directly or indirectly, in exchange for or to induce the purchase or recommendation of an item or service reimbursable under a federal healthcare program (such as the Medicare or Medicaid programs);

the federal Stark law, which prohibits physician self-referral, specifically a referral by a physician of a Medicare or Medicaid patient to an entity providing designated health services if the physician or an immediate family member has a financial relationship with that entity;

federal false claims laws, which prohibit, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment from Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal government payors that are false or fraudulent; and

state and non-U.S. laws analogous to each of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws that may apply to items or services reimbursed by non-governmental or non-U.S. governmental third-party payors, including commercial insurers.

Due to the breadth of some of these laws, there can be no assurance that we will not be found to be in violation of any such laws, and as a result we may be subject to penalties, including civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, the curtailment or restructuring of our operations or the exclusion from participation in federal, non-U.S. or state healthcare programs. Any penalties could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results. Any action against us for violation of these laws, even if we successfully defend against them, could cause us to incur significant legal expenses and divert our management’s attention from the operation of our business.

Reimbursement policies of third parties, cost containment measures and healthcare reform could adversely affect the demand for our products and limit our ability to sell our products.

Our products are sold either directly by us or by independent sales representatives to customers or to our independent distributors and purchased by hospitals, healthcare providers, and patients. These products may be reimbursed by third-party payors, such as government programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare, or private insurance plans and healthcare networks. Major third-party payors for medical services in the U.S. and internationally continue to work to contain health care costs and are increasingly challenging the policies and the prices charged for medical products and services. Any medical policy developments that eliminate, reduce or materially modify coverage of our reimbursement rates for our products could have an impact on our ability to sell our products. In addition, third-party payors may deny reimbursement if they determine that a device or product provided to a patient or used in a procedure does not meet applicable payment criteria or if the policyholder’s healthcare insurance benefits are limited. These policies and criteria may be revised from time-to-time.

Limits put on reimbursement could make it more difficult to buy our products and substantially reduce, or possibly eliminate, patient access to our products. In addition, should governmental authorities continue to enact legislation or adopt regulations that affect third-party coverage and reimbursement, access to our products and coverage by private or public insurers may be reduced with a consequential material adverse effect on our sales and profitability.

The CMS, in its ongoing implementation of the Medicare program, periodically reviews medical study literature to determine how the literature addresses certain procedures and therapies in the Medicare population. The impact that this information could have on Medicare coverage policy for our products is currently unknown, but we cannot provide assurances that the resulting actions will not restrict Medicare coverage for our products.  There can be no assurance that we or our distributors will not experience significant reimbursement problems in the future related to these or other proceedings. Globally, our products are sold in many countries, such as the U.K., France, and Italy, which have publicly funded healthcare systems. The ability of hospitals supported by such systems to purchase our products is dependent, in part, upon public budgetary constraints. Any increase in such constraints may have a material adverse effect on our sales and collection of accounts receivable from such sales.


As required by law, the CMS has continued efforts to implement a competitive bidding program for selected durable medical equipment, prosthetic, orthotic supplies (“DMEPOS”) items paid for by the Medicare program. In this program, Medicare rates are based on bid amounts for certain products in designated geographic areas, rather than the Medicare fee schedule amount. Bone growth stimulation products are currently exempt from this competitive bidding process. We cannot predict which products from any of our businesses may ultimately be affected or whether or when the competitive bidding process may be extended to our businesses. There can be no assurance that the implementation of the competitive bidding program will not have an adverse impact on the sales of some of our products.

We and certain of our suppliers may be subject to extensive government regulation that increases our costs and could limit our ability to market or sell our products.

The medical devices we manufacture and market are subject to rigorous regulation by the FDA and numerous other federal, state and foreign governmental authorities. These authorities regulate the development, approval, classification, testing, manufacturing, labeling, marketing and sale of medical devices. Likewise, our use and disclosure of certain categories of health information may be subject to federal and state laws, implemented and enforced by governmental authorities that protect health information privacy and security. For a description of these regulations, see Item 1, “Business,” under the subheading “Government Regulation.”

The approval or clearance by governmental authorities, including the FDA in the U.S., is generally required before any medical devices may be marketed in the U.S. or other countries. We cannot predict whether, in the future, the U.S. or foreign governments may impose regulations that have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The process of obtaining FDA clearance and approvals to develop and market a medical device can be costly, time-consuming and subject to the risk that such clearances or approvals will not be granted on a timely basis, if at all. The regulatory process may delay or prohibit the marketing of new products and impose substantial additional costs if the FDA lengthens review times for new devices. The FDA has the ability to change the regulatory classification of a cleared or approved device from a higher to a lower regulatory classification, or to reclassify an HCT/P, either of which could materially adversely impact our ability to market or sell our devices. For example, the FDA included Class III bone growth stimulator products in its 2015 strategic priority work plan, as part of a list of 21 product categories it would review for possible down classification.  Shortly after the issuance of the work plan,guide the Company together with other manufacturers of bone growth stimulator products, submitted a public comment letter opposing the possible down classification. The FDA did not respond to the comment letter and has not taken any action with respect to the bone growth stimulator product category since publication of the 2015 work plan. If a down classification were to occur and new entrants to the market were able to create technology with comparable efficacy to our devices, our BioStim SBU could face additional competition, which could negatively affectin achieving its future sales.

In addition, we may be subject to compliance actions, penalties or injunctions if we are determined to be promoting the use of our products for unapproved or off-label uses, or if the FDA challenges one or more of our determinations that a product modification did not require new approval or clearance by the FDA. Device manufacturers are permitted to promote products solely for the uses and indications set forth in the approved product labeling. A number of enforcement actions have been taken against manufacturers that promote products for “off-label” uses, including actions alleging that federal health care program reimbursement of products promoted for “off-label” uses are false and fraudulent claims to the government. The failure to comply with “off-label” promotion restrictions can result in significant administrative obligations and costs, and potential penalties from, and/or agreements with, the federal government.

We and certain of our suppliers also are subject to announced and unannounced inspections by the FDA to determine our compliance with FDA’s QSR and other regulations. If the FDA were to find that we or certain of our suppliers have failed to comply with applicable regulations, the agency could institute a wide variety of enforcement actions, ranging from a public warning letter to more severe sanctions such as: fines and civil penalties against us, our officers, our employees or our suppliers; unanticipated expenditures to address or defend such actions; delays in clearing or approving, or refusal to clear or approve, our products; withdrawal or suspension of approval of our products or those of our third-party suppliers by the FDA or other regulatory bodies; product recall or seizure; interruption of production; operating restrictions; injunctions; and criminal prosecution. The FDA also has the authority to request repair, replacement or refund of the cost of any medical device manufactured or distributed by us. Any of the foregoing actions could have a material adverse effect on our development of new laboratory tests, business strategy, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


Moreover, governmental authorities outside the U.S. have become increasingly stringent in their regulation of medical devices, and our products may become subject to more rigorous regulation by non-U.S. governmental authorities in the future. U.S. or non-U.S. government regulations may be imposed in the future that may have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. The European Commission (“EC”) has harmonized national regulations for the control of medical devices through European Medical Device Directives with which manufacturers must comply. Under these new regulations, manufacturing plants must have received a full Quality Assurance Certification from a “Notified Body” in order to be able to sell products within the member states of the European Union. This Certification allows manufacturers to stamp the products of certified plants with a “CE” mark. Products covered by the EC regulations that do not bear the CE mark cannot be sold or distributed within the European Union. We have received certification for all currently existing manufacturing facilities.

The impact of the Affordable Care Act and other United States healthcare reform legislation on us remains uncertain.

In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, or collectively the ACA, was enacted, which made a number of substantial changes in the way healthcare is financed by both governmental and private insurers. The ACA is far-reaching and is intended to expand access to health insurance coverage, improve quality and reduce costs over time. Among other things, the ACA:

requires certain medical device manufacturers to pay an excise tax equal to 2.3% of the price for which such manufacturer sells its medical devices; this excise tax was previously suspended until December 31, 2017. On January 22, 2018, the President signed the Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018, which extended the moratorium on the tax until December 31, 2019.

establishes a new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to oversee and identify priorities in comparative clinical effectiveness research in an effort to coordinate and develop such research; and

implements payment system reforms including a national pilot program on payment bundling to encourage hospitals, physicians and other providers to improve the coordination, quality and efficiency of certain healthcare services through bundled payment models.

Certain legislative changes to and regulatory changes under the ACA have occurred in the 115th United States Congress. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017, eliminated the shared responsibility payment for individuals who fail to maintain minimum essential coverage under section 5000A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, commonly referred to as the individual mandate, beginning in 2019. Additional legislative changes to and regulatory changes under the ACA remain possible. Any such future changes, depending on their nature, could have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain or increase sales of any of our products and achieve profitability.

We are subject to differing customs and import/export rules in several jurisdictions in which we operate.

We import and export our products to and from a number of different countries around the world. These product movements involve subsidiaries and third parties operating in jurisdictions with different customs and import/export rules and regulations. Customs authorities in such jurisdictions may challenge our treatment of customs and import/export rules relating to product shipments under aspects of their respective customs laws and treaties. If we are unsuccessful in defending our treatment of customs and import/export classifications, we may be subject to additional customs duties, fines or penalties that could adversely affect our profitability.

Risks Related to our Business and Industry

Our business may be adversely affected if consolidation in the healthcare industry leads to demand for price concessions or if a group purchasing organization or similar entity excludes us from being a supplier.

Because healthcare costs have risen significantly over the past decade, numerous initiatives and reforms have been launched by legislators, regulators and third-party payors to curb these costs. As a result, there has been a consolidation trend in the healthcare industry to create larger companies, including hospitals, with greater market power. As the healthcare industry consolidates, competition to provide products and services to industry participants has become and may continue to become more intense. This has resulted and may continue to result in greater pricing pressures and the exclusion of certain suppliers from important markets as group purchasing organizations (“GPOs”), independent delivery networks and large single accounts continue to use their market power to consolidate purchasing decisions. If a GPO were to exclude us from their supplier list, our net sales could be adversely impacted. We expect that market demand, government regulation, third-party reimbursement policies and societal pressures will continue to change the worldwide healthcare industry, which may exert further downward pressure on the prices of our products.


The industry in which we operate is highly competitive. New developments by others could make our products or technologies non-competitive or obsolete.

The medical devices industry is highly competitive. We compete with a large number of companies, many of which have significantly greater financial, manufacturing, marketing, distribution and technical resources than we do. Many of our competitors may be able to develop products and processes competitive with, or superior to, our own. Furthermore, we may not be able to successfully develop or introduce new products that are less costly or offer better performance than those of our competitors, or offer purchasers of our products payment and other commercial terms as favorable as those offered by our competitors. For more information regarding our competitors, see Item 1, “Business,” under the subheading “Competition.”

In addition, the orthopedic medical device industry in which we compete is undergoing, and is characterized by, rapid and significant technological change. We expect competition to intensify as technological advances are made. New technologies and products developed by other companies are regularly introduced into the market, which may render our products or technologies non-competitive or obsolete.

Our ability to market products successfully depends, in part, upon the acceptance of the products not only by consumers, but also by independent third parties.

Our ability to market our BioStim, Extremity Fixation, Spine Fixation, and Biologics products successfully depends, in part, on the acceptance of the products by independent third parties (including hospitals, physicians, other healthcare providers and third-party payors) as well as patients. Unanticipated side effects or unfavorable publicity concerning any of our products could have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain hospital approvals or achieve acceptance by prescribing physicians, managed care providers and other retailers, customers and patients.

Our allograft and mesenchymal stem cell allografts could expose us to certain risks that could disrupt our business.

Our Biologics business markets allograft tissues that are derived from human cadaveric donors, and our ability to market the tissues depends on our supplier continuing to have access to donated human cadaveric tissue, as well as the maintenance of high standards by the supplier in its processing methodology. The supply of such donors is inherently unpredictable and can fluctuate over time. The allograft tissues are regulated under the FDA’s HCT/P regulatory paradigm and not as a medical device or as a biologic or drug. There can be no assurance that the FDA will not at some future date re-classify the allograft tissues, and the reclassification of this product from a human tissue to a medical device could have adverse consequences for us or for the supplier of this product and make it more difficult or expensive for us to conduct this business by requiring premarket clearance or approval as well as compliance with additional post-market regulatory requirements.

We may not be able to successfully introduce new products to the market, and market opportunities that we expect to develop for our products may not be as large as we expect.

During 2017, we continued to make improvements in revenues related to several new products we introduced to the market over the past several years, including the TL-HEX TrueLok Hexapod System, Galaxy Fixation System, Ankle Hind Foot Nailing System, Firebird NXG Spinal Fixation System, FORZA PTC Spacer System, Samba-Screw System, SKYHAWK Lateral Interbody Fusion System & Lateral Plate System, CENTURION POCT System, PILLAR SA PTC PEEK Spacer System, JANUS Midline Fixation Screw, and the Cetra Anterior Cervical Plate, among others. Despite our planning, the process of developing and introducing new products (including product enhancements) is inherently complex and uncertain and involves risks, including the ability of such new products to satisfy customer needs, gain broad market acceptance (including by physicians) and obtain regulatory approvals, which can depend, among other things, on the product achieving broad clinical acceptance, the level of third-party reimbursement and the introduction of competing technologies. If the market opportunities that we expect to develop for our products, including new products, are not as large as we expect, it could adversely affect our ability to grow our business.

Growing our business requires that we properly educate and train physicians regarding the distinctive characteristics, benefits, safety, clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of our products.

Acceptance of our products depends in part on our ability to (i) educate the medical community as to the distinctive characteristics, benefits, safety, clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of our products compared to alternative products, procedures and therapies, and (ii) train physicians in the proper use and implementation of our products. We support our sales force and distributors through specialized training workshops in which surgeons and sales specialists participate. We also produce marketing materials, including


materials outlining surgical procedures, for our sales force and distributors in a variety of languages using printed, video and multimedia formats. To provide additional advanced training for surgeons, consistent with the AdvaMed Code and the MedTech Code, we organize monthly multilingual teaching seminars in multiple locations. However, we may not be successful in our efforts to educate the medical community and properly train physicians. If physicians are not properly trained, they may misuse or ineffectively use our products, which may result in unsatisfactory patient outcomes, patient injury, negative publicity or lawsuits against us. In addition, a failure to educate the medical community regarding our products may impair our ability to achieve market acceptance of our products.

We may be adversely affected by any disruption in our information technology systems, which could adversely affect our cash flows, operating results and financial condition.

Our operations are dependent upon our information technology systems, which encompass all of our major business functions. We rely upon such information technology systems to manage and replenish inventory, to fill and ship customer orders on a timely basis, to coordinate our sales activities across all of our products and services and to coordinate our administrative activities. A substantial disruption in our information technology systems for any prolonged time period (arising from, for example, system capacity limits from unexpected increases in our volume of business, outages or delays in our service) could result in delays in receiving inventory and supplies or filling customer orders and adversely affect our customer service and relationships. Our systems might be damaged or interrupted by natural or man-made events or by computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions affecting the global Internet. There can be no assurance that such delays, problems, or costs will not have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, operating results and financial condition.

As our operations grow in both size and scope, we will continuously need to improve and upgrade our systems and infrastructure while maintaining the reliability and integrity of our systems and infrastructure. An expansion of our systems and infrastructure may require us to commit substantial financial, operational and technical resources before the volume of our business increases, with no assurance that the volume of business will increase. In particular, we recently upgraded our financial reporting system and other information technology systems as part of our infrastructure initiative, Project Bluecore. These and any other upgrades to our systems and information technology, or new technology, now and in the future, require that our management and resources be diverted from our core business to assist in compliance with those requirements. There can be no assurance that the time and resources our management will need to devote to these upgrades, service outages or delays due to the installation of any new or upgraded technology (and customer issues therewith), or the impact on the reliability of our data from any new or upgraded technology will not have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, operating results and financial condition.

A significant portion of our operations run on a single Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) platform. To manage our international operations efficiently and effectively, we rely heavily on our ERP system, internal electronic information and communications systems and on systems or support services from third parties. Any of these systems are subject to electrical or telecommunications outages, computer hacking or other general system failure. It is also possible that future acquisitions will operate on different ERP systems and that we could face difficulties in integrating operational and accounting functions of new acquisitions. Difficulties in upgrading or expanding our ERP system or system-wide or local failures that affect our information processing could adversely affect our cash flows, operating results and financial condition.

We may be adversely affected by a failure or compromise from a cyberattack or data breach, which could have an adverse effect on our business

We rely on information technology (IT) systems to perform our business operations, including processing, transmitting and storing electronic information, and interacting with customers, suppliers, healthcare payers, and other third parties. Like other medical device companies, the size and complexity of our information technology systems makes them vulnerable to a cyber-attack, malicious intrusion, breakdown, destruction, loss of data privacy, or other significant disruption. Our information systems require an ongoing commitment of significant resources to maintain, protect, and enhance existing systems and develop new systems to keep pace with continuing changes in information processing technology, evolving systems and regulatory standards, the increasing need to protect patient and customer information, and changing customer patterns. In addition, third parties may attempt to hack into our products to obtain data relating to patients or disrupt performance of our products or to access our proprietary information. Any failure by us to maintain or protect our information technology systems and data integrity, including from cyber-attacks, intrusions or other breaches, could result in the unauthorized access to patient data and personally identifiable information, theft of intellectual property or other misappropriation of assets, or otherwise compromise our confidential or proprietary information and disrupt our operations. In the U.S., Federal and State privacy and security laws require certain of our operations to protect the confidentiality of personal information including patient medical records and other health information. In Europe, the Data


Protection Directive requires us to manage individually identifiable information in the EU and, the new General Data Protection Regulation may impose fines of up to four percent of our global revenue in the event of violations. Internationally, some countries have also passed laws that require individually identifiable data on their citizens to be maintained on local servers and that may restrict transfer or processing of that data. We believe that we meet the expectations of applicable regulations and that the ongoing costs of compliance with such rules are not material to our business. However, there is no guarantee that we will be able to comply with these regulations, or otherwise avoid the negative reputational and other affects that might ensue from a significant data breach or failure to comply with applicable data privacy regulations, each of which could have significant adverse effects on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are dependent on third-party manufacturers for many of our products.

We contract with third-party manufacturers to produce many of our products, like many other companies in the medical device industry. If we or any such manufacturer fail to meet production and delivery schedules, it can have an adverse impact on our ability to sell such products. Further, whether we directly manufacture a product or utilize a third-party manufacturer, shortages and spoilage of materials, labor stoppages, product recalls, manufacturing defects and other similar events can delay production and inhibit our ability to bring a new product to market in timely fashion. For example, the supply of the Trinity Evolution and Trinity ELITE allografts are derived from human cadaveric donors, and our ability to market the tissues depends on our single supplier continuing to have access to donated human cadaveric tissue, as well as, the maintenance of high standards by the supplier in its processing methodology.

Termination of our existing relationships with our independent sales representatives or distributors could have an adverse effect on our business.

We sell our products in many countries through independent distributors. Generally, our independent sales representatives and our distributors have the exclusive right to sell our products in their respective territories. The terms of these agreements vary in length, generally from one to ten years. Under the terms of our distribution agreements, each party has the right to terminate in the event of a material breach by the other party and we generally have the right to terminate if the distributor does not meet agreed sales targets or fails to make payments on time. Any termination of our existing relationships with independent sales representatives or distributors could have an adverse effect on our business unless and until commercially acceptable alternative distribution arrangements are put in place. In addition, we operate in areas of the world that have been or may be disproportionately affected by recessions and we bear risk that existing or future accounts receivable may be uncollected if these distributors or hospitals experience disruptions to their business that cause them to discontinue paying ongoing accounts payable or become insolvent.

We depend on our senior management team.

Our success depends upon the skill, experience and performance of members of our senior management team, who have been critical to the management of our operations and the implementation of our business strategy. We do not have key man insurance on our senior management team, and the loss of one or more key executive officers could have a material adverse effect on our operations and development.

In order to compete, we must attract, retain and motivate key employees, and our failure to do so could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

In order to compete, we must attract, retain and motivate executives and other key employees, including those in managerial, technical, sales, marketing, research, development, finance and support positions. Hiring and retaining qualified executives, engineers, technical staff and sales representatives are critical to our business, and competition for experienced employees in the medical device industry can be intense. To attract, retain and motivate qualified executives and key employees, we utilize stock-based incentive awards such as employee stock options. If the value of such stock awards does not appreciate as measured by the performance of the price of our common stock and ceases to be viewed as a valuable benefit, our ability to attract, retain and motivate our employees could be adversely impacted, which could negatively affect our results of operations and/or require us to increase the amount we expend on cash and other forms of compensation.


Our business is subject to economic, political, regulatory and other risks associated with international sales and operations.

Since we sell our products in many different countries, our business is subject to risks associated with conducting business internationally. We anticipate that net sales from international operations will continue to represent a substantial portion of our total net sales. In addition, a number of our manufacturing facilities and suppliers are located outside the U.S. Accordingly, our future results could be harmed by a variety of factors, including:

changes in a specific country’s or region’s political or economic conditions;

trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements or other restrictive actions by foreign governments;

consequences from changes in tax or customs laws;

difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations;

differing labor regulations;

differing protection of intellectual property;

unexpected changes in regulatory requirements; and

violation by our independent agents of the FCPA or other anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws.

Risks Related to our Intellectual Property

We depend on our ability to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights, but we may not be able to maintain the confidentiality, or assure the protection, of these assets.

Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to protect our current and future technologies and products and to defend our intellectual property rights. If we fail to protect our intellectual property adequately, competitors may manufacture and market products similar to, or that compete directly with, ours. Numerous patents covering our technologies have been issued to us, and we have filed, and expect to continue to file, patent applications seeking to protect newly developed technologies and products in various countries, including the U.S. Some patent applications in the U.S. are maintained in secrecy until the patent is issued. Because the publication of discoveries tends to follow their actual discovery by several months, we may not be the first to invent, or file patent applications on any of our discoveries. Patents may not be issued with respect to any of our patent applications and existing or future patents issued to, or licensed by, us and may not provide adequate protection or competitive advantages for our products. Patents that are issued may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by our competitors. Furthermore, our patent rights may not prevent our competitors from developing, using or commercializing products that are similar or functionally equivalent to our products.

We also rely on trade secrets, unpatented proprietary expertise and continuing technological innovation that we protect, in part, by entering into confidentiality agreements with assignors, licensees, suppliers, employees and consultants. These agreements may be breached and there may not be adequate remedies in the event of a breach. Disputes may arise concerning the ownership of intellectual property or the applicability or enforceability of confidentiality agreements. Moreover, our trade secrets and proprietary technology may otherwise become known or be independently developed by our competitors. If patents are not issued with respect to our products arising from research, we may not be able to maintain the confidentiality of information relating to these products. In addition, if a patent relating to any of our products lapses or is invalidated, we may experience greater competition arising from new market entrants.

Third parties may claim that we infringe on their proprietary rights and may prevent us from manufacturing and selling certain of our products.

There has been substantial litigation in the medical device industry with respect to the manufacture, use and sale of new products. These lawsuits relate to the validity and infringement of patents or proprietary rights of third parties. We may be required to defend against allegations relating to the infringement of patent or proprietary rights of third parties. Any such litigation could, among other things:

require us to incur substantial expense, even if we are successful in the litigation;

require us to divert significant time and effort of our technical and management personnel;

result in the loss of our rights to develop or make certain products; andgoals;


 

require usis competitive with the compensation program provided to pay substantial monetary damages or royalties in order to license proprietary rights from third parties or to satisfy judgments or to settle actual or threatened litigation.directors at other similarly situated medical device companies; and

Although patentdirectly aligns the interests of the Company’s directors with the interests of its shareholders

Unless determined otherwise by the Board of Directors, our non-employee director compensation program each year will consist of an annual cash retainer and intellectual property disputesequity awards, as well as customary and usual expense reimbursement in attending company meetings or attending director training. The targeted competitive position for the total annual compensation package (consisting of annual cash retainer plus annual long-term incentive award) will be targeted to the 50th to 75th percentile range of the Company’s peer group.  Each year, the Compensation Committee will review the competitiveness of non-employee director compensation relative to the same peer group used to review executive officer compensation levels.

Cash Retainers

Each non-employee director receives the same base cash retainer amount, but additional cash retainer amounts are paid to the Chairman of the Board and the chairperson of each Board committee. Non-employee directors (other than the Chairman) are paid an aggregate annual cash retainer of $60,000 for service as a director and member of any committees of the Board on which such director sits. In addition, a non-employee director receives an additional annual cash retainer of $10,000 if he or she also serves as the Chair of the Compensation, Compliance or Nominating and Governance Committee, and $15,000 if he or she serves as the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee. The Chairman is paid an aggregate annual retainer of $150,000 for service in this role.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

We provide non-employee directors long-term incentive compensation under our 2012 LTIP to closely align directors with shareholder interests. We pay non-employee directors long-term incentive compensation in two forms:

a fixed number of stock options awarded to each new director (vesting over four years); and

an annual fixed value long-term incentive delivered in time-vesting restricted stock (with one-year vesting), the value of which is the same for each Director, except the Chairman of the Board will receive a larger value award commensurate with the role and contribution he or she makes within the orthopedic medical devices industry have often been settled through assignments, licensing or similar arrangements, costs associated with these arrangements may be substantial and could includeCompany.

Under our current practice, we provide each director a grant of 30,000 four-year vesting stock options at the long-term paymenttime such director joins the Board. In addition, the Chairman received 8,000 shares of royalties. Furthermore,one-year vesting restricted stock at the required assignments or licenses may not be made available to us on acceptable terms. Accordingly, an adverse determinationtime he joined the Board in a judicial or administrative proceeding or a failure to obtain necessary assignments or licenses could prevent us from manufacturing and selling some products or increase our costs to market these products.

Risks Related to Litigation and Product Liability Matters

We may be subject to product and other liability claims that may not be covered by insurance and could require us to pay substantial sums. Moreover, fluctuations in insurance expense could adversely affect our profitability.

We are subject to an inherent risk of, and adverse publicity associated with, product liability and other liability claims, whether or not such claims are valid. We maintain product liability insurance coverage in amounts and scope that we believe are reasonable and adequate. There can be no assurance, however, that product liability or other claims will not exceed our insurance coverage limits or that such insurance will continue to be available on reasonable, commercially acceptable terms, or at all. A successful product liability claim that exceeds our insurance coverage limits could require us to pay substantial sums and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.March 2014.

In addition to product liability insurance coverage, we hold a numberrecent years, the annual long-term incentive grant has been made in shares of other insurance policies, including directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, property insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. If the costs of maintaining adequate insurance coverage should increase significantlyone-year vesting restricted stock. Since 2017, this grant has been made in the future, our operating results could be materially adversely impacted.

Risks Related to Our Financial Results and Need for Financing

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate.

Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated significantly inform of one-year vesting restricted stock units with deferred delivery (deferred stock units or DSUs), whereby shares underlying vested awards are not delivered until after the past. Our future quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly, and we may experience losses depending onapplicable director ceases service as a numberdirector. (As a result of factors, including the extent to which our products continue to gain or maintain market acceptance, the rate and size of expenditures incurred as we expand our domestic and establish our international sales and distribution networks, the timing and level of reimbursement for our products by third-party payors, the extent to which we are subject to government regulation or enforcement and other factors, many of which are outside our control.

We have loaned $15 million to an early stage company and mayforegoing, directors will not be able to recoup our investment.sell vested awards while they continue service as a director.)

On March 4, 2015, we entered intoIn 2016, the Committee recommended to the Board that these annual grants be made on a fixed value basis rather than the previous approach of a fixed share basis. For 2017, the annual grant consisted of an option agreementamount of DSUs equal in value to $165,000 ($300,000 shares in the case of the Chairman), consistent with eNeura, Inc., a privately held medical technology company that is developing devices for2016 grants, which amounts were approved after the treatmentCommittee’s review of migraines. The option agreement provided us with an exclusive option until September 2016 to acquire eNeura, which we ultimately did not exercise. In consideration for the option, (i) we paid a non-refundable $0.3 million fee to eNeura, and (ii) we loaned eNeura $15 million pursuant to a convertible, secured promissory note that was issued to us, which note matures on March 4, 2019.

eNeura is using the proceedsassessment of our loan to fund product development work related to its businesscompensation consultant and to fund its ongoing operations and no assurance can be made that eNeura’s business will ultimately be successful.  Although the promissory note is secured by many of eNeura’s assets (including its intellectual property assets), no assurance can be made that eNeura will be able to repay the promissory note when due in the event that the promissory note does not convert to equity.  In such an event, we could lose all or a substantial portionreview of our $15 million loan investment. previous director compensation philosophy described below. 

Directors are eligible to participate in our health and welfare programs on substantially the same terms as full-time employees. In addition, if a change in control of eNeura (generally defined as a third-party acquisition of fifty percent or more of eNeura’s voting equity or all or substantially all of eNeura’s assets) occurs priordirectors are each offered the opportunity to the maturity date on March 4, 2019, the eNeura Note will automatically convert into preferred stock of eNeura, and the value of such preferred stock could be less than the principal amount of the note.

We face risks related to foreign currency exchange rates.

Because some of our revenue, operating expenses, assets and liabilities are denominated in foreign currencies, we are subject to foreign exchange risks that could adversely affect our operations and reported results. To the extent that we incur expenses or earn


revenue in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, any change in the values of those foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar could cause our profits to decrease or our products to be less competitive against those of our competitors. To the extent that our current assets denominated in foreign currency are greater or less than our current liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, we have potential foreign exchange exposure. The fluctuations of foreign exchange rates during 2017 have had a favorable impact of $1.6 million on net sales outside of the U.S. Although we seek to manage our foreign currency exposure by matching non-dollar revenues and expenses, exchange rate fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the future. To minimize such exposures, we may enter into currency hedges from time to time.

Our global operations may expose us to tax risks

We are subject to taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment and interpretation of tax laws are required to estimate our tax liabilities. Tax laws and rates in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change as a result of political and economic conditions. Our effective income tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in those tax laws, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) that was enacted on December 22, 2017; changes in the mix of earnings among tax jurisdictions; changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; and the resolution of matters arising from tax audits.

Certain of our subsidiaries sell products directly to other Orthofix subsidiaries or provide marketing and support services to other Orthofix subsidiaries. These intercompany sales and support services involve subsidiaries operating in jurisdictions with differing tax rates, and we must determine the appropriate allocation of income to each jurisdiction based on current interpretations of complex income tax regulations. Tax authorities in these jurisdictions may challenge our treatment of such intercompany transactions. If we are unsuccessful in defending our treatment of intercompany transactions, we may be subject to additional tax liability or penalty, which could adversely affect our profitability.

Our subsidiaries, Orthofix Holdings, Inc., Victory Medical Limited, and Orthofix International B.V. maintain a $125 million secured revolving credit facility secured by a pledge of substantially all of our property.

On August 31, 2015, the Company, through its subsidiaries, Orthofix Holdings, Inc. and Victory Medical Limited (collectively the “Borrowers”), entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) providing for a five-year secured revolving credit facility of $125 million.   On December 8, 2017, the Company amended the Credit Agreement and the primary provision of the Credit Agreement to be amended, among other things, was to add the Company’s subsidiary, Orthofix International B.V. as a Borrower, Guarantor, and a loan party. No amounts have been drawn on the credit facility as of the date hereof, but the Company may draw on this facility in the future.  

The Company and certain of its existing and future U.S., U.K., and Netherlands domiciled subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”) are required to guarantee the repayment of the Borrowers’ obligations under the Credit Agreement.  The obligations of the Borrowers and each of the Guarantors with respect to the Credit Agreement are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the tangible and intangible personal property of the Borrowers and each of the Guarantors, including accounts receivable, deposit accounts, intellectual property, investment property, inventory, equipment and equity interests in their subsidiaries.

The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, grant or permit additional liens, make investments and acquisitions, merge or consolidate with others, dispose of assets, pay dividends and distributions, repay subordinated indebtedness and enter into affiliate transactions.  In addition, the Credit Agreement contains financial covenants requiring us on a consolidated basis to maintain, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, a total leverage ratio of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio of at least 3.0 to 1.0.  The Credit Agreement also includes events of default customary for facilities of this type, and upon the occurrence of such events of default, subject to customary cure rights, all outstanding loans under the facility may be accelerated and/or the lenders’ commitments terminated.

We believe that we are in compliance with the negative covenants, and there were no events of default, at December 31, 2017 (and in prior periods). However, there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to meet such financial covenants in future fiscal quarters.  The failure to do so could result in an event of default under such agreement, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position in the event that we have significant amounts drawn under the facility at such time.

Risks Related to Potential Acquisitions and Divestitures

Our efforts to identify, pursue and implement new business opportunities (including acquisitions) may be unsuccessful and may have an adverse effect on our business.director indemnification agreement.


Our growth depends, in large part, on our ability to identify, pursue and implement new business opportunities that expand our product offerings, capabilities and geographic presence, and we compete with other medical device companies for these opportunities.  Our efforts to identify such opportunities focus primarily on potential acquisitionsThe following table provides information regarding the 2017 compensation of new businesses, products or technologies, licensing arrangements, commercialization arrangements and other transactions with third parties.  We may not be able to identify business opportunities that meet our strategic criteria or are acceptable to us or our shareholders.  Even if we are able to identify acceptable business opportunities, we may not be able to pursue or implement such business opportunities (or, in the case of acquisitions or other transactions, complete such acquisitions or other transactions) in a timely manner or on a cost-effective basis (or at all), and we may not realize the expected benefits of such business opportunities.  If we are not able to identify, pursue and implement new business opportunities, it will adversely affect our ability to grow our business.    non-employee directors.

In addition, pursuing and implementing new business opportunities (particularly acquisitions) may involve significant costs and entail risks, uncertainties and disruptions to our business, especially where we have limited experience as a company developing or marketing a particular product or technology or operating in a particular geographic region.  We may be unable to integrate a new business, product or technology effectively, or we may incur significant charges related to an acquisition or other business opportunity (for example, amortization of acquired assets or asset impairment charges), which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Newly acquired technology or products may require additional development efforts prior to commercial sale, including clinical testing and approval by the FDA and applicable foreign regulatory authorities; such additional development efforts may involve significant expense and ultimately be unsuccessful.  Any cross-border acquisitions or transactions may involve unique risks in addition to those mentioned above, including those related to integration of operations across different cultures and languages, currency risks and the particular economic, political and regulatory risks associated with specific countries.  To the extent we issue additional equity in connection with acquisitions, this may dilute our existing shareholders.

We may incur significant costs or retain liabilities associated with disposition activity.

We may from time to time sell, license, assign or otherwise dispose of or divest assets, the stock of subsidiaries or individual products, product lines or technologies, which we determine are no longer desirable for us to own, some of which may be material. Any such activity could result in our incurring costs and expenses from these efforts, some of which could be significant, as well as retaining liabilities related to the assets or properties disposed of even though, for instance, the income-generating assets have been disposed of. These costs and expenses may be incurred at any time and may have a material impact on our results of operations.

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.

Properties

Our principal facilities as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

Facility

Location

Approx.

Square

Feet

Ownership

Manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, research and development, and

   administrative facility for Corporate and all SBUs

Lewisville, TX

140,000

Leased

Research and development, component manufacturing, quality control and

   training facility for fixation products and sales management, distribution

   and administrative facility for Italy

Verona, Italy

38,000

Owned

International distribution center for Orthofix products

Verona, Italy

18,000

Leased

Mechanical workshop for Orthofix products

Verona, Italy

9,000

Leased

Sales management, distribution and administrative facility for United Kingdom

Maidenhead, England

8,068

Leased

Sales management, distribution and administrative facility for Brazil

São Paulo, Brazil

21,617

Leased

Sales management, distribution and administrative facility for France

Arcueil, France

8,500

Leased

Sales management, distribution and administrative facility for Germany

Ottobrunn, Germany

16,145

Leased

Sales management, distribution and administrative facility for Puerto Rico

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

5,400

Leased

  Name(1)

Fees

Earned or

Paid in

Cash ($)

 

Restricted

Stock

Awards

(Number

of Shares

Granted)(1)

Grant Date

Fair Value

of Restricted

Stock

Awards

($)(2)

Option

Awards(1)

Grant Date

Fair Value

of Option

Awards

($)

All Other

Compensation

($)

 

Total ($)

 

  Ronald A. Matricaria

 

150,000

 

 

6,508

 

(3)

 

300,019

 

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

450,019

 

  Luke Faulstick

 

70,000

 

 

3,579

 

(4)

 

164,992

 

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

234,992

 

  James F. Hinrichs

 

75,000

 

 

3,579

 

(4)

 

164,992

 

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

239,992

 

  Guy J. Jordan, PhD

 

31,731

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,731

 

  Alexis V. Lukianov

 

60,000

 

 

3,579

 

(4)

 

164,992

 

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

224,992

 

  Lilly Marks

 

60,000

 

 

3,579

 

(4)

 

164,992

 

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

224,992

 

Anthony F. Martin,    PhD

 

27,198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27,198

 

  Michael E. Paolucci

 

65,000

 

 

3,579

 

(4)

 

164,992

 

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

229,992

 

  Maria Sainz

 

70,000

 

 

3,579

 

(4)

 

164,992

 

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

234,992

 

 


Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

For a description of our material pending legal proceedings, refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.


PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market for Our Common Stock

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “OFIX.” As of February 23, 2018, we had 262 holders of record of our common stock. The closing price of our common stock on February 23, 2018 was $53.68.(1) The following table shows the highnumber of shares subject to outstanding and low sales prices for our commonunexercised option awards and the number of shares subject to outstanding shares of restricted stock foror deferred stock units granted to each of the two most recent fiscal years.

 

 

High

 

 

Low

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

$

41.90

 

 

$

36.35

 

Second Quarter

 

 

47.25

 

 

 

40.77

 

Third Quarter

 

 

47.52

 

 

 

42.13

 

Fourth Quarter

 

 

42.01

 

 

 

34.56

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

$

39.91

 

 

$

34.47

 

Second Quarter

 

 

46.60

 

 

 

36.40

 

Third Quarter

 

 

49.89

 

 

 

43.05

 

Fourth Quarter

 

 

55.25

 

 

 

48.22

 

Dividends

We have not paid dividends to holders of our common stock in the past and have no present intention to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all of our consolidated earnings to finance the continued growth of our business.

In the event that we decide to pay a dividend to holders of our common stock in the future with dividends received from our subsidiaries, we may, based on prevailing rates of taxation, be required to pay additional withholding and income tax on such amounts.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

We did not sell any unregistered securitiesnon-employee directors serving during the fourth quarter of 2017.



(2)Performance Graph Amounts shown reflect the grant date fair value of equity awards, as computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (formerly known as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R)), or ASC 718.

The following performance graph is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C or to the liabilities(3) Represents annual grant of Section 186,508 one-year vesting deferred stock units on July 3, 2017.

(4) Represents annual grant of the Exchange Act. This information will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent we specifically incorporate this information by reference.

The graph below compares the five-year total shareholder return3,579 one-year vesting deferred stock units on Orthofix common stock with the returns of two indexes: the Nasdaq Stock Market and Nasdaq stocks for surgical, medical, and dental instruments and supplies. The graph assumes that you invested $100 in Orthofix Common Stock and in each of the indexes on December 31, 2012. Points on the graph represent the performance as of the last business day of each of the years indicated.

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands, except margin and per share data)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Consolidated operating results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

433,823

 

 

$

409,788

 

 

$

396,489

 

 

$

402,277

 

 

$

397,611

 

Gross profit

 

 

340,786

 

 

 

321,935

 

 

 

309,964

 

 

 

303,365

 

 

 

290,699

 

Gross margin

 

 

79

%

 

 

79

%

 

 

78

%

 

 

75

%

 

 

73

%

Operating income (loss) (1)

 

 

40,811

 

 

 

21,067

 

 

 

9,255

 

 

 

17,136

 

 

 

(11,192

)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

7,291

 

 

 

3,497

 

 

 

(2,342

)

 

 

(3,744

)

 

 

(18,205

)

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(1,068

)

 

 

(441

)

 

 

(467

)

 

 

(4,793

)

 

 

(10,607

)

Net income (loss) (2)

 

$

6,223

 

 

$

3,056

 

 

$

(2,809

)

 

$

(8,537

)

 

$

(28,812

)

Net income (loss) per common share – basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

0.19

 

 

$

(0.12

)

 

$

(0.20

)

 

$

(0.97

)

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(0.06

)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

(0.26

)

 

 

(0.57

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

0.34

 

 

$

0.17

 

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

(0.46

)

 

$

(1.54

)

Net income (loss) per common share – diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

0.39

 

 

$

0.19

 

 

$

(0.12

)

 

$

(0.20

)

 

$

(0.97

)

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(0.05

)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

(0.26

)

 

 

(0.57

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

0.34

 

 

$

0.17

 

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

(0.46

)

 

$

(1.54

)


(1)

Includes the following:

Legal, accounting, and other professional fees incurred in 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 of $3.4 million, $2.0 million, $9.1 million and $15.6 million, and $12.9 million, respectively, in connection with the accounting review and restatements through March 2015 and legal fees associated with the SEC Investigation, Securities Class Action Complaint and Brazil subsidiary compliance review. In addition, the Company received an insurance settlement related to these matters of approximately $6 million in 2017

Charges related to U.S. Government resolutions in 2016 of $14.4 million

Goodwill impairment charge in 2013 of $19.2 million

(2)

Dividends have not been paid in any of the years presented

 

 

As of December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Consolidated financial position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

405,354

 

 

$

372,103

 

 

$

400,222

 

 

$

392,956

 

 

$

411,975

 

Long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,000

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

 

296,608

 

 

 

263,477

 

 

 

290,311

 

 

 

299,627

 

 

 

295,863

 



Item 7.

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

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and result of operations should be read in conjunction with “Forward-Looking Statements” and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Executive Summary

We are a global medical device company focused on musculoskeletal healing products and value-added services. Headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, we have four strategic business units (“SBUs”) that are also our reporting segments: BioStim, Extremity Fixation Spine Fixation, and Biologics. Our products are distributed by our sales representatives and distributors in over 60 countries.

Notable highlights and accomplishments in 2017 include the following:

Net sales were $433.8 million, an increase of 5.9% on a reported basis and 5.5% on a constant currency basis; as net sales increased for each of our SBUs.

Net income from continuing operations was $7.3 million, an increase of 108.5% from the prior year.

Non-GAAP Net margin, an internal metric that we define as gross profit less sales and marketing expense, was $142.4 million, an increase of 1.3% from the prior year.

Results of OperationsJuly 3, 2017.

The following table presents certain items in our consolidated statements of operations as a percent of net sales:

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

(%)

 

 

2016

(%)

 

 

2015

(%)

 

Net sales

 

 

100.0

 

 

 

100.0

 

 

 

100.0

 

Cost of sales

 

 

21.4

 

 

 

21.4

 

 

 

21.8

 

Gross profit

 

 

78.6

 

 

 

78.6

 

 

 

78.2

 

Sales and marketing

 

 

45.7

 

 

 

44.2

 

 

 

44.9

 

General and administrative

 

 

17.2

 

 

 

18.2

 

 

 

22.0

 

Research and development

 

 

6.9

 

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

6.7

 

SEC / FCPA matters and related costs

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

2.3

 

Charges related to U.S. Government resolutions

 

 

 

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

9.4

 

 

 

5.1

 

 

 

2.3

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

(0.6

)

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

(0.1

)

Net income (loss)

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

(0.7

)

Net Sales by Strategic Business Unit

The following table presents net sales, which includes product sales and marketing service fees, by SBU:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017/2016

 

 

2017/2016

 

 

2016/2015

 

 

2016/2015

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

Reported

 

 

Constant Currency

 

 

Reported

 

 

Constant Currency

 

BioStim

 

$

185,900

 

 

$

176,561

 

 

$

164,955

 

 

 

5.3

%

 

 

5.3

%

 

 

7.0

%

 

 

7.0

%

Extremity Fixation

 

 

103,242

 

 

 

102,683

 

 

 

96,034

 

 

 

0.5

%

 

 

-0.9

%

 

 

6.9

%

 

 

9.6

%

Spine Fixation

 

 

81,957

 

 

 

72,632

 

 

 

75,668

 

 

 

12.8

%

 

 

12.7

%

 

 

-4.0

%

 

 

-4.0

%

Biologics

 

 

62,724

 

 

 

57,912

 

 

 

59,832

 

 

 

8.3

%

 

 

8.3

%

 

 

-3.2

%

 

 

-3.2

%

Net sales

 

$

433,823

 

 

$

409,788

 

 

$

396,489

 

 

 

5.9

%

 

 

5.5

%

 

 

3.4

%

 

 

4.0

%


BioStim

BioStim manufactures, distributes, and provides support services of market leading devices that enhance bone fusion. BioStim uses distributors and sales representatives to sell its devices to hospitals, healthcare providers, and patients.

2017 Compared to 2016

Net sales increased $9.3 million or 5.3%

Increased as we continue to leverage the engagement of our expansive sales force, the positive North American Spine Society (“NASS”) coverage recommendation and the launch of our next generation products and Stim on Track

2016 Compared to 2015

Net sales increased $11.6 million or 7.0%

Increased order counts from an expanding customer base asshows the number of unique physicians who prescribed our products increased in 2016 by approximately 5%

Ordershares subject to cash process improvements implemented within the past 18 months, which increased the overall percentage we collect on orders, resulting in an increase in collections from third-party payors of approximately 9% compared to the prior year

Extremity Fixation

Extremity Fixation offers productsoutstanding and solutions that allow physicians to successfully treat a variety of orthopedic conditions unrelated to the spine. Extremity Fixation distributes its products globally through a network of distributors and sales representatives to sell orthopedic products to hospitals and healthcare providers.

2017 Compared to 2016

Net sales increased $0.6 million or 0.5%

Growth in the U.S.unexercised option awards and the U.K., largely duenumber of shares subject to the continued adoptionoutstanding shares of our TL-HEX product line

Increase of $1.5 million attributable to a favorable impact from foreign currency translation

Partially offsetunvested restricted stock held by a decrease of $3.6 million related to our Extremity Fixation restructuring, which consistseach of the divestiture of a non-core business in the U.K. and a reduction in sales in Brazil and Puerto Rico as we convert from a direct sales model to the use of stocking distributors

And additionally offset by a decrease in cash collections from specific international stocking distributors whose revenue is recognized upon cash receipt

2016 Compared to 2015

Net sales increased $6.6 million or 6.9%

Includes the negative impact from foreign currency translation of $2.6 million in 2016; on a constant currency basis, net sales increased $9.2 million, or 9.6%

Increase in cash collections of approximately 18% in 2016 from distributors whose revenue is recognized upon cash receipt

Growth in the U.S. due to the onboarding of new distributors and the continued adoption of our TL-HEX product line, which grew by approximately 50% in the U.S. compared to the prior year


Spine Fixation

Spine Fixation designs, develops and markets a broad portfolio of implant products used in surgical procedures of the spine. Spine Fixation distributes its products globally through a network of distributors and sales representatives to sell spine products to hospitals and healthcare providers.

2017 Compared to 2016

Net sales increased $9.3 million or 12.8%

Increase of 20.6% in U.S. sales due to the addition of new distributor partners in the last several quarters; the uptake of recent product introductions, including our PTC family product lines and Cetra; and improved legacy distributor engagement

Despite strong performance in certain locations, such as Australia, year-over-year international sales decreased largely due to a decrease in order volumes from international stocking distributors

2016 Compared to 2015

Net sales decreased $3.0 million or 4.0%

Exclusion from a large national hospital group purchasing organization in the second quarter of 2016

Loss of several key surgeon customers in early 2016

Decrease in cash collections of approximately 6% in 2016 from distributors whose revenue is recognized upon cash receipt

Partially offset by revenue from additional distributors added in 2016

Biologics

Biologics provides a portfolio of regenerative products and tissue forms that allow physicians to successfully treat a variety of spinal and orthopedic conditions. Biologics markets its tissues to hospitals and healthcare providers, primarily in the U.S., through a network of employed and independent sales representatives.

2017 Compared to 2016

Net sales increased $4.8 million or 8.3%

Increase in volume for our Trinity products primarily driven by the addition of new distributors over the past year

Benefit from improving performance from our national distribution partner and the reacquisition of a national hospital contract

2016 Compared to 2015

Net sales decreased $1.9 million or 3.2%

A growing number of competitors in the stem cell allograft market and an associated 2.4% reduction in average selling price for our products

Exclusion from a large national hospital group purchasing organization in the second quarter of 2016

Partially offset by an increase in the total number of independent distributors in 2016


Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Net Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

2017/2016

 

 

2016/2015

 

Gross profit

 

$

340,786

 

 

$

321,935

 

 

$

309,964

 

 

 

5.9

%

 

 

3.9

%

Sales and marketing

 

 

198,370

 

 

 

181,287

 

 

 

178,080

 

 

 

9.4

%

 

 

1.8

%

Non-GAAP net margin

 

$

142,416

 

 

$

140,648

 

 

$

131,884

 

 

 

1.3

%

 

 

6.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

 

78.6

%

 

 

78.6

%

 

 

78.2

%

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

0.4

%

Non-GAAP net margin

 

 

32.8

%

 

 

34.3

%

 

 

33.3

%

 

 

-1.5

%

 

 

1.1

%

2017 Compared to 2016

Non-GAAP net margin, an internal metric that we define as gross profit less sales and marketing expense, increased $1.8 million

Gross profit increased $18.9 million

o

Largely driven by the increase in net sales for our each of SBUs, as gross margin remained relatively flat

o

Partially offset by an increase of $0.2 million in expense relating to our Extremity Fixation and U.S. restructurings

Sales and marketing expense increased $17.1 million

o

Primarily relating to higher commission expenses in 2017, relating to geographic mix in Extremity Fixation and higher commission rates from new distributors for Biologics and Spine Fixation, and an increase in other compensation costs as a result of the increase in net sales

2016 Compared to 2015

Non-GAAP net margin increased $8.8 million

Gross profit increased $12.0 million

o

Increase in sales for BioStim and Extremity Fixation, partially offset by a decrease in sales for Biologics and Spine Fixation

o

Improved operating efficiencies through the absorption of fixed costs

o

Increase in inventory reserves of $1.7 million for certain slower moving product lines and obsolete inventory, a portion of which is a result of our planned restructuring in Brazil

Sales and marketing expense increased $3.2 million

o

Increase in compensation and benefits costs, including commissions, as a result of the increase in net sales

o

Partially offset by a reduction of certain indirect tax liabilities of $3.1 million in 2016

o

Also partially offset by a decrease in bad debt expense of $2.3 million related to Puerto Rico

The following table presents non-GAAP net margin by reporting segment. The reasons for the changes in non-GAAP net margin by SBU are generally consistent with the information provided above for gross profit and sales and marketing expense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

2017/2016

 

 

2016/2015

 

BioStim

 

$

77,369

 

 

$

75,469

 

 

$

67,878

 

 

 

2.5

%

 

 

11.2

%

Extremity Fixation

 

 

31,071

 

 

 

30,526

 

 

 

29,493

 

 

 

1.8

%

 

 

3.5

%

Spine Fixation

 

 

8,730

 

 

 

8,650

 

 

 

8,547

 

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

1.2

%

Biologics

 

 

25,692

 

 

 

26,891

 

 

 

27,226

 

 

 

-4.5

%

 

 

-1.2

%

Corporate

 

 

(446

)

 

 

(888

)

 

 

(1,260

)

 

 

-49.8

%

 

 

-29.5

%

Non-GAAP net margin

 

$

142,416

 

 

$

140,648

 

 

$

131,884

 

 

 

1.3

%

 

 

6.6

%


General and Administrative Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

2017/2016

 

 

2016/2015

 

General and administrative

 

$

74,388

 

 

$

74,404

 

 

$

87,157

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

-14.6

%

As a percentage of net sales

 

 

17.2

%

 

 

18.2

%

 

 

22.0

%

 

 

-0.9

%

 

 

-3.8

%

2017 Compared to 2016

General and administrative expense decreased less than $0.1 million

Decrease of $3.6 million from a reduction in Project Bluecore expenses, as the project was completed in 2016

Decrease in share-based compensation expense of $3.5 million, largely driven by a net decrease in expense attributable to performance-based and market-based awards

Core expense reductions through savings in other professional fees of $2.0 million

Partially offset by an increase in spending of $5.7 million for evaluation of strategic investments

Further offset by an unfavorable change related to legal settlements of $3.5 million, largely as a result of a favorable commercial litigation settlement received in 2016 of $3.0 million

2016 Compared to 2015

General and administrative expense decreased $12.8 million

Decreases in professional fees of $7.9 million, largely associated with the completion in 2016 of our internal control remediation efforts and Project Bluecore, a company-wide infrastructure initiative to improve the reliability and efficiency of our systems, processes, and reporting

Reduced legal costs of $6.9 million, largely due to legal settlements incurred in the prior year and a commercial legal settlement in 2016 whereby we received $3.0 million

The moratorium on the medical device tax in 2016, which decreased expense by $1.3 million

Reduction in other controllable expenses

Overall decrease was partially offset by increased share-based compensation expense of $8.1 million, including $5.7 million associated with the determination in 2016 that achieving the performance criteria related to certain of our performance-based vesting restricted stock awards is probable

Research and Development Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

2017/2016

 

 

2016/2015

 

Research and development

 

$

29,700

 

 

$

28,803

 

 

$

26,389

 

 

 

3.1

%

 

 

9.1

%

As a percentage of net sales

 

 

6.9

%

 

 

7.0

%

 

 

6.7

%

 

 

-0.1

%

 

 

0.3

%

2017 Compared to 2016

Research and development expense increased $0.9 million

Increase in costs associated with clinical trials of $0.7 million, primarily due to invested resources to identify potential new indications for our PEMF technology, such as for osteoarthritis of the knee or as an adjunct to rotator cuff repair

Increase in costs largely attributable to the initiation of the Company’s U.S. restructuring plan in 2017, which primarily affected our corporate shared services, and resulted in an increase in expense of $0.5 million


2016 Compared to 2015

Research and development expense increased $2.4 million

Increased costs associated with clinical trials of $1.5 million, primarily due to invested resources to identify potential new clinical indications for our PEMF technology and to develop our next generation of bone growth stimulators, which were recently approved by the FDA and European Commission

A $1.3 million investment made in the first quarter of 2016 to expand the processing and storage capabilities of MTF, the supplier of our Trinity Evolution and Trinity ELITE tissue forms

SEC / FCPA Matters and Related Costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

2017/2016

 

 

2016/2015

 

SEC / FCPA matters and related costs

 

$

(2,483

)

 

$

2,005

 

 

$

9,083

 

 

 

-223.8

%

 

 

-77.9

%

As a percentage of net sales

 

 

-0.6

%

 

 

0.5

%

 

 

2.3

%

 

 

-1.1

%

 

 

-1.8

%

2017 Compared to 2016

SEC/FCPA matters and related costs decreased $4.5 million

We received a favorable insurance settlement in 2017 of approximately $6 million associated with prior costs incurred related to SEC and FCPA matters

Pursuant to our settlement of the SEC Investigation and FCPA matters in Brazil, we agreed to retain an independent compliance consultant for one year to review and test the Company’s FCPA compliance program, which began in March 2017 and resulted in an increase in expense of $1.8 million

2016 Compared to 2015

SEC/FCPA matters and related costs decreased $7.1 million

Decreased legal fees incurred as part of our two prior financial restatements completed in March 2015 and the related SEC Investigation; expected to continue declining in future periods

Costs incurred in 2015 were related to the second of these two restatements and legal costs from the resulting SEC Investigation and class action complaint

Charges Related to U.S. Government Resolutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

2017/2016

 

 

2016/2015

 

Charges related to U.S. Government resolutions

 

$

 

 

$

14,369

 

 

$

 

 

 

-100.0

%

 

 

As a percentage of net sales

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

3.6

%

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

-3.6

%

 

 

3.6

%

We recorded $14.4 million in 2016 for our settlements with the Division of Enforcement of the SEC related to the SEC’s investigation of (1) our prior accounting review and restatements of financial statements and (2) allegations of improper payments in Brazil.  For additional information, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Non-operating Income (Expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

2017/2016

 

 

2016/2015

 

Interest income (expense), net

 

$

(416

)

 

$

763

 

 

$

(489

)

 

 

-154.5

%

 

 

-256.0

%

Other expense, net

 

 

(4,004

)

 

 

(2,806

)

 

 

(259

)

 

 

42.7

%

 

 

983.4

%


Non-operating income and expense largely consists of interest income and expense, transaction gains and losses from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and other-than-temporary impairments on the eNeura debt security. Interest income is primarily from our eNeura debt security; however, we discontinued recognizing interest income on the debt security in 2017. Foreign exchange gains and losses are a result of several of our foreign subsidiaries holding trade payables or receivables in currencies (most notably the U.S. Dollar) other than their functional currency.

In 2017 and 2016, we recorded other-than-temporary impairments on the eNeura debt security of $5.6 million and $2.7 million before taxes, respectively. For additional discussion see Note 6 and Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Income Taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage Change

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

2017/2016

 

 

2016/2015

 

Income tax expense

 

$

29,100

 

 

$

15,527

 

 

$

10,849

 

 

 

87.4

%

 

 

43.1

%

Effective tax rate

 

 

80.0

%

 

 

81.6

%

 

 

127.5

%

 

 

-1.6

%

 

 

-45.9

%

2017 Effective Tax Rate

The decrease in the effective tax ratenon-employee directors serving during the year was primarily a result of the increase in income before income taxes, partially offset by the charge related to recording the impact of the Tax Act. The primary factors affecting our effective tax rate for 2017 are as follows:

The charge related to recognizing the impact of the Tax Act

Increases in unrecognized tax benefits

Current period losses in jurisdictions where we do not currently receive a tax benefit

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law, making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017. We have calculated our best estimate of the impact of the Tax Act in our year end income tax provision in accordance with our understanding of the Tax Act and guidance available as of the date of this filing. As a result, we have recorded $8.3 million of additional income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was enacted. This provisional amount related to remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future was $8.6 million. The provisional amount related to the one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was zero. We also recorded a benefit of $0.3 million related to an income tax liability recorded in 2016 related to repatriation of earnings from our subsidiary in Puerto Rico.

2016 Effective Tax Rate

The decrease in the effective tax rate during the year was primarily a result of the increase in income before income taxes. The primary factors affecting our effective tax rate for 2016 are as follows:

Expenses categorized as “Charges related to U.S. Government resolutions”, which represent settlement payments with substantially no tax benefit

A change in estimate relating to the deductible amount of certain compensation expenses

Increases in unrecognized tax benefits

Expiration of certain foreign net operating loss carryforwards and current period losses in jurisdictions where we do not currently receive a tax benefit


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017 were $81.2 million compared to $39.6 million at December 31, 2016.  

 

 

 

Year Ended December, 31,

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

Change

 

Net cash from operating activities

 

$

53,341

 

 

$

44,707

 

 

$

8,634

 

Net cash from investing activities

 

 

(16,474

)

 

 

(21,947

)

 

 

5,473

 

Net cash from financing activities

 

 

3,538

 

 

 

(46,112

)

 

 

49,650

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

1,180

 

 

 

(739

)

 

 

1,919

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

41,585

 

 

$

(24,091

)

 

$

65,676

 

  Director

Number

of Shares

Subject to

Outstanding

Stock Options

as of 12/31/17

 

Number

of Shares

Subject to

Outstanding Unvested

Restricted

Stock Awards

as of 12/31/17

 

  Ronald A. Matricaria

 

30,000

 

 

6,508

 

  Luke Faulstick

 

30,000

 

 

3,579

 

  James F. Hinrichs

 

30,000

 

 

3,579

 

  Guy J. Jordan, PhD

 

 

 

 

  Alexis V. Lukianov

 

30,000

 

 

3,579

 

  Lilly Marks

 

30,000

 

 

3,579

 

  Anthony F. Martin, PhD

 

 

 

 

  Michael E. Paolucci

 

30,000

 

 

3,579

 

  Maria Sainz

 

 

 

3,579

 

The following table presents free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, which is calculated by subtracting capital expenditures from net cash from operating activities.

 

 

Year Ended December, 31,

 

 

 

 

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

Change

 

Net cash from operating activities

 

$

53,341

 

 

$

44,707

 

 

$

8,634

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(16,948

)

 

 

(18,334

)

 

 

1,386

 

Free cash flow

 

$

36,393

 

 

$

26,373

 

 

$

10,020

 

Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities increased $8.6 million

Increase in net income of $3.2 million

Net increase of $10.6 million for non-cash gains and losses, primarily related to deferred income taxes, share-based compensation expense, and the other-than-temporary impairments incurred relating to the eNeura debt security

Net decrease of $5.1 million relating to changes in working capital, primarily attributable to increases in our inventory balance as a result of new product introductions and increases in accounts receivable as a result of the increase in net sales, and partially offset by a decrease in our other current liabilities

Our two primary working capital accounts are trade accounts receivable and inventory. Day’s sales in receivables were 53 days at December 31, 2017 compared to 52 days at December 31, 2016. Inventory turns were 1.1 times as of December 31, 2017 compared to 1.4 times at December 31, 2016, as a result of increased inventory due to new product introductions, primarily in our Spine Fixation and Extremity Fixation SBUs.

U.S. Government Resolutions

In December 2016, we submitted offers of settlement to the SEC relating to (1) our prior accounting review and restatements of financial statements and (2) allegations of improper payments in Brazil, and placed $14.4 million into escrow for subsequent distribution to the SEC relating to these matters. In January 2017, the SEC approved our offers of settlement and the amounts were released to the SEC. For additional information, see Note 11 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investing Activities

Cash flows from investing activities increased $5.5 million

Decrease in capital expenditures of $1.4 million, largely as a result of completing Project Bluecore in 2016

Increase due to the purchase of certain inventory and intellectual property assets of $2.6 million in 2016 and an increase in our investment in Bone Biologics, Inc. of $1.0 million during 2016


Financing Activities

Cash flows from financing activities increased $49.7 million

Increase of $63.4 million related to the share repurchase plan, which was completed in 2016

Partially offset by a decrease in net proceeds of $13.3 million from the issuance of common shares

Further offset by debt issuance costs of $0.4 million paid in 2017 in relation to the amendment of our Credit Agreement

Credit Facilities

On August 31, 2015, we entered into a Credit Agreement, which provided a five year $125 million secured revolving credit facility. On December 8, 2017, we amended the Credit Agreement with JPMorgan, the Administrative Agent, and certain lenders party thereto. The primary provision of the amendment, among other things, was to add our subsidiary, Orthofix International B.V., as a Borrower, Guarantor, and a loan party. In addition, two of our subsidiaries, Orthofix Limited and Orthofix II B.V. were also added as Guarantors and loan parties.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for, among other things, working capital and other general corporate purposes (including share repurchases, permitted acquisitions and permitted payments of dividends and other distributions). As of December 31, 2017, we have not made any borrowings under the credit facility. For additional information regarding the credit facility, see Note 8 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.

We had no borrowings and an unused available line of credit of €5.8 million ($7.0 million and $6.1 million) at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, on our Italian line of credit. This unsecured line of credit provides us the option to borrow amounts in Italy at rates which are determined at the time of borrowing.

Unremitted Foreign Earnings

Our current intention is to indefinitely reinvest substantially all of our other unremitted foreign earnings (residing outside Curaçao). During the first quarter of 2017, we changed our intention related to unremitted foreign earnings in our Seychelles subsidiary. The tax impact was minimal. As an entity incorporated in Curaçao, “foreign earnings” refer to both U.S. and non-U.S. earnings.  Furthermore, only income sourced in the U.S. is subject to U.S. income tax. Unremitted foreign earnings decreased from $372.5 million at December 31, 2016 to $335.7 million at December 31, 2017. Determining the additional income tax that may be payable if such earnings are repatriated is not practicable.

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017:

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

Total

 

 

2018

 

 

2019 - 2021

 

 

2022

 

 

2023 and thereafter

 

Operating leases

 

$

21,606

 

 

$

3,017

 

 

$

4,833

 

 

$

1,600

 

 

$

12,156

 

Inventory purchase commitments (1)

 

 

1,939

 

 

 

1,939

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total (2)

 

$

23,545

 

 

$

4,956

 

 

$

4,833

 

 

$

1,600

 

 

$

12,156

 

(1)

We have inventory purchase commitments with third-party manufacturers. Due to the uncertainty of our future purchasing requirements, obligations under these agreements are included in the preceding table at the amount committed through December 31, 2017, all of which are due in 2018.

(2)

We may be required to make payments related to our uncertain tax positions. However, we are unable to reliably estimate the timing of cash settlement, if any, with the respective taxing authorities. Accordingly, unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, of $27.8 million as of December 31, 2017 have been excluded from the contractual obligations table above. For further information, see Note 17 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.


Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2017, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our discussion of operating results is based upon the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The preparation of these statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates, which are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that management believe to be reasonable under the circumstances at that point in time.  Actual results may differ, significantly at times, from these estimates.

We believe the estimates described below are the most critical in preparing our consolidated financial statements. We have reviewed these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition

The process for recognizing revenue involves significant assumptions and judgments for certain of our revenue streams. Revenue recognition policies are “critical accounting estimates” because changes in the assumptions used to develop the estimates could materially affect key financial measures, including net sales, gross margin, non-GAAP net margin, operating income, and net income.

For revenue derived from third-party payors, including commercial insurance carriers, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations and governmental payors such as Medicare, in connection with the sale of our stimulation products, we recognize revenue when the stimulation product is fitted to and accepted by the patient and all applicable documents that are required by the third-party payor have been obtained. Amounts paid by these third-party payors are generally based on fixed or allowable reimbursement rates. These revenues are recorded at the expected or preauthorized reimbursement rates, net of any contractual allowances or adjustments. Certain billings are subject to review by the third-party payors and may be subject to adjustment.

For revenue derived from distributor agreements, we recognize revenue once the product is delivered to the end customer (the “sell-through method”). Because we do not have reliable information about when our distributors sell the product through to end customers, we use cash collection from distributors as a basis for revenue recognition under the sell-through method. When we sell to these distributors, we consider whether to match the related cost of sales expense with revenue or to recognize expense upon shipment. In making this assessment, we consider the financial viability of our distributors based on their creditworthiness to determine if collectability of amounts sufficient to realize the costs of the products shipped is reasonably assured at the time of shipment to these distributors. In instances where the distributor is determined to be financially viable, we defer the costs of sales until the revenue is recognized.

On January 1, 2018, the Company will adopt Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 – Revenue From Contracts with Customers. For additional information regarding the impact of ASU 2014-09, see Note 1 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein under the subheading “Recently issued accounting standards.”

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Contractual Allowances

The process for estimating the ultimate collection of accounts receivable involves significant assumptions and judgments. Historical collections, write-offs, and payor reimbursement experience are integral parts of the estimation process related to reserves for doubtful accounts and the establishment of contractual allowances. Accounts receivable are analyzed on a quarterly basis to assess the adequacy of both reserves for doubtful accounts and contractual allowances. Revisions in allowances for doubtful accounts estimates are recorded as an adjustment to bad debt expense within sales and marketing expenses. Revisions to contractual allowances are recorded as an adjustment to net sales. Our estimates are periodically tested against actual collection experience. We believe our allowance for doubtful accounts is sufficient to cover customer credit risks; however, a 10% change in our allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2017 would result in an increase or decrease to sales and marketing expense of $0.8 million. Additionally, we believe our estimate to establish contractual allowances is sufficient to cover customer credit risks;


however, a 10% change in our reserve for contractual allowances as of December 31, 2017 would result in an increase or decrease to net sales of $0.6 million. Our allowance for doubtful accounts and estimation of contractual allowances are “critical accounting estimates” because changes in the assumptions used to develop the estimates could materially affect key financial measures, including net sales, gross margin, non-GAAP net margin, operating income, net income, and trade accounts receivable.

Inventory Allowances

Reserves for excess, slow moving, and obsolete inventory are calculated as the difference between the cost of inventory and market value, and are based on assumptions and judgments about new product launch periods, overall product life cycles, forecasted demand, and market conditions. In the event of a decrease in demand for our products, or a higher incidence of inventory obsolescence, we could be required to increase our inventory reserves, which would increase cost of sales and decrease gross profit. Our inventory allowance is a “critical accounting estimate” because changes in the assumptions used to develop the estimate could materially affect key financial measures, including gross profit, non-GAAP net margin, operating income, net income, and inventory. We regularly evaluate our exposure for inventory write-downs.  If conditions or assumptions used in determining the market value change, additional inventory adjustments in the future may be necessary.

Goodwill

We test goodwill at least annually for impairment, and between annual tests if indicators of potential impairment exist. These indicators include, among others, declines in sales, earnings or cash flows, or the development of a material adverse change in the business climate. Assessing goodwill impairment involves a high degree of judgment due to the estimates and assumptions used. We believe the estimates and assumptions involved in the impairment assessment to be critical because significant changes in such estimates and assumptions could materially affect key financial measures, including net income.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, we performed a qualitative assessment for our annual goodwill impairment analysis, which did not result in any impairment charge. This qualitative analysis considered all relevant factors specific to the reporting units, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance and relevant entity-specific events. In the fourth quarter of 2016, we performed a quantitative impairment analysis that did not result in an impairment charge.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value of the eNeura debt security is based upon significant unobservable inputs, including the use of a discounted cash flows model, requiring us to develop our own assumptions. One of the more significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the eNeura debt security is the discount rate. Holding other inputs constant, an increase in the discount rate of 5% would result in a decrease in fair value of the debt security of $1.1 million, whereas a decrease in the discount rate of 5% would result in an increase in the fair value of the debt security of $1.0 million.

Further, we are required to determine whether any decline in the fair value below the cost basis of the eNeura debt security is other than temporary. In making this determination, we consider our intentions to hold or sell the security, whether it more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, and our best estimate of the amount that we ultimately expect to collect from the security. The estimated amount we expect to collect is based upon significant unobservable inputs, requiring us to develop our own assumptions, including the probability of holding the security to maturity or converting the security to equity.

Our fair value measurements are a “critical accounting estimate” because changes in the assumptions used to develop the estimate could materially affect key financial measures.

Litigation and Contingent Liabilities

From time to time, we are parties to or targets of lawsuits, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, patent and intellectual property, health and safety and employment and healthcare regulatory matters, which are handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. These lawsuits, investigations or proceedings could involve a substantial number of claims and could also have an adverse impact on our reputation and customer base. Although we maintain various liability insurance programs for liabilities that could result from such lawsuits, investigations or proceedings, we are self-insured for a significant portion of such liabilities.


We accrue for such claims when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The assessments of whether a loss is probable or a reasonable possibility, and whether the loss or range of loss is reasonably estimable, often involve a series of complex judgments about future events. Among the factors that we consider in this assessment are the nature of existing legal proceedings, investigations and claims, the asserted or possible damages or loss contingency (if reasonably estimable), the progress of the matter, existing law and precedent, the opinions or views of legal counsel and other advisers, the involvement of the U.S. Government and its agencies in such proceedings, our experience in similar matters and the experience of other companies, the facts available to us at the time of assessment, and how we intend to respond, or have responded, to the proceeding, investigation or claim. Our assessment of these factors may change over time as individual proceedings, investigations or claims progress. For matters where we are not currently able to reasonably estimate the range of reasonably possible loss, the factors that have contributed to this determination include the following: (i) the damages sought are indeterminate, or an investigation has not manifested itself in a filed civil or criminal complaint, (ii) the matters are in the early stages, (iii) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories or a large or uncertain number of actual or potential cases or parties, and/or (iv) discussions with the government or other parties in matters that may be expected ultimately to be resolved through negotiation and settlement have not reached the point where we believe a reasonable estimate of loss, or range of loss, can be made. In such instances, we believe that there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, fine, penalty or business impact, if any.

Changes in the facts and circumstances associated with a claim could have a material impact on our results of operations and cash flows in the period that reserve estimates are revised. We believe our insurance coverage and reserves are sufficient to cover currently estimated exposures, but we cannot give any assurance that we will not incur liabilities in excess of recorded reserves or our present insurance coverage. Litigation and contingent liabilities are “critical accounting estimates” because changes in the assumptions used to develop the estimates could materially affect key financial measures, including operating income and net income.

Tax Matters

We and each of our subsidiaries are taxed at the rates applicable within each of their respective jurisdictions. Our income tax expense, effective tax rate, deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities will vary according to the jurisdiction in which profits arise. Further, certain of our subsidiaries sell products directly to our other subsidiaries or provide administrative, marketing and support services to our other subsidiaries. These intercompany sales and support services involve subsidiaries operating in jurisdictions with differing tax rates. The tax authorities in such jurisdictions may challenge our treatments under residency criteria, transfer pricing provisions, or other aspects of their respective tax laws, which could affect our composite tax rate and provisions.

We sometimes engage in transactions in which tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. We account for these uncertain tax positions in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, which requires significant judgment in assessing the estimated tax consequences of a transaction. We evaluate the tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that, on an evaluation of the technical merits, the tax position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. We measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. We re-evaluate our income tax positions periodically to consider factors such as changes in facts or circumstances, changes in or interpretations of tax law, effectively settled issues under audit and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.

We establish a valuation allowance when measuring deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets will not be realized in the foreseeable future. This process requires significant judgment as we must project the current tax liability and estimate the deferred tax assets and liabilities into future periods, including net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider recent operating results, availability of taxable income in carryback years, future reversals of taxable temporary differences, future taxable income projections (exclusive of reversing temporary differences) and all prudent and feasible tax planning strategies.

On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we have determine that the $8.6 million of the deferred tax expense recorded in connection with the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and the zero transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate at December 31, 2017. Additional work is necessary for a more detailed analysis of our deferred tax assets and liabilities and our historical foreign earnings as well as potential correlative adjustments. Any subsequent adjustment to those amounts will be recorded to current tax expense in the quarter of 2018 when the analysis is complete.


Tax matters are “critical accounting estimates” because changes in the assumptions used to develop the estimates could materially affect key financial measures, including net income.

Share-based compensation

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of employee stock awards requires estimates and judgments. Our share-based compensation is a “critical accounting estimate” because changes in the assumptions used to develop estimates of fair value or the requisite service period could materially affect key financial measures, including gross profit, non-GAAP net margin, operating income, and net income.

We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to calculate the fair value of service-based stock options. The value is recognized as expense over the service period net of actual forfeitures. The expected term of options granted is estimated based on a number of factors, including the vesting and expiration terms of the award, historical employee exercise behavior for both options that are currently outstanding and options that have been exercised or are expired, the historical volatility of our common stock and an employee’s average length of service. The risk-free interest rate is determined based upon a constant U.S. Treasury security rate with a contractual life that approximates the expected term of the option award. We estimate expected volatility based on the historical volatility of our stock.

We use the Monte Carlo valuation methodology to calculate the fair value of market-based stock options and stock units. The value is recognized as expense over the requisite service period and adjusted for forfeitures as they occur. The Monte Carlo methodology that we use to estimate the fair value of market-based options incorporates the possibility that the market condition may not be satisfied.

The fair value of performance-based restricted stock awards and stock units is calculated based upon the closing stock price at the date of grant. The value is recognized as expense over the derived requisite service period beginning in the period in which they are deemed probable to vest. Vesting probability is assessed based upon forecasted earnings and financial results and requires significant judgment.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We believe that providing non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain items provides investors with greater transparency to the information used by senior management in its financial and operational decision-making. We believe it is important to provide investors with the same non-GAAP metrics that senior management uses to supplement information regarding the performance and underlying trends of our business operations in order to facilitate comparisons to historical operating results and internally evaluate the effectiveness of our operating strategies. Disclosure of these non-GAAP financial measures also facilitates comparisons of our underlying operating performance with other companies in the industry that also supplement their GAAP results with non-GAAP financial measures.

The non-GAAP financial measures used in this Annual Report may have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a replacement for GAAP financial measures. Some of the limitations associated with the use of these non-GAAP financial measures are that they exclude items that reflect an economic cost that can have a material effect on cash flows. Similarly, certain non-cash expenses, such as equity compensation expense, do not directly impact cash flows, but are part of total compensation costs accounted for under GAAP.

Constant Currency

Constant currency is a non-GAAP measure, which is calculated by using foreign currency rates from the comparable, prior-year period, to present net sales at comparable rates. Constant currency can be presented for numerous GAAP measures, but is most commonly used by management to analyze net sales without the impact of changes in foreign currency rates.

Non-GAAP Net Margin

Non-GAAP net margin is an internal metric that we define as gross profit less sales and marketing expense. Non-GAAP net margin is the primary metric used by our Chief Operating Decision Maker in managing the business.


Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is calculated by subtracting capital expenditures from net cash from operating activities. Free cash flow is an important indicator of how much cash is generated or used by our normal business operations, including capital expenditures. Management uses free cash flow as a measure of progress on its capital efficiency and cash flow initiatives.

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to certain market risks as part of our ongoing business operations. Primary exposures include changes in interest rates and foreign currency fluctuations. These exposures can impact sales, cost of sales, costs of operations and the cost of financing and yields on cash and short-term investments. We may use derivative financial instruments, where appropriate, to manage these risks. However, our risk management policy does not allow us to hedge positions we do not hold nor do we enter into derivative or other financial investments for trading or speculative purposes.

We are exposed to interest rate risk in connection with our Revolving Credit Facility, which bears interest at floating rates based on LIBOR plus an applicable borrowing margin or at a base rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus an applicable borrowing margin. Therefore, interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair market value of the debt, but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. As we do not have any balance outstanding associated with the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2017, this risk is currently minimal.

We believe that a concentration of credit risk related to our trade accounts receivable is limited because our customers are geographically dispersed and the end users are diversified across several industries. It is reasonably possible that changes in global economic conditions and/or local operating and economic conditions in the regions these customers operate, or other factors, could affect the future realization of these accounts receivable balances.

Our foreign currency exposure results from fluctuating currency exchange rates, primarily the U.S. Dollar against the Euro, Brazilian Real, or Great Britain Pound. We are subject to cost of sales currency exposure when we produce products in foreign currencies such as the Euro, Brazilian Real, or Great Britain Pound and sell those products in U.S. Dollars. We are subject to transactional currency exposures when our subsidiaries (or the Company itself) enter into transactions denominated in a currency other than their functional currency. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a foreign currency gain of $1.9 million on the statement of operations resulting from gains and losses in foreign currency transactions.

We also are subject to currency exposure from translating the results of our global operations into the U.S. dollar at exchange rates that fluctuate during the period. The U.S. dollar equivalent of international sales denominated in foreign currencies was favorably impacted during the year ended December 31, 2017 and unfavorably impacted during the year ended December 31, 2016 by monthly foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against all of the foreign functional currencies for our international operations during 2017 and 2016 versus the same periods in 2016 and 2015. As we continue to distribute and manufacture our products in selected foreign countries, we expect that future sales and costs associated with our activities in these markets will continue to be denominated in the applicable foreign currencies, which could cause currency fluctuations to materially impact our operating results. An analysis was performed to determine the sensitivity of our current year net sales and operating income to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We determined that if the U.S. Dollar decreased in value by 10% relative to all foreign currencies of our international operations it would result in an increase in net sales of $8.1 million and an increase in operating income of $1.5 million. If the U.S. Dollar increased in value by 10% relative to all foreign currencies of our international operations it would result in a decrease in net sales of $8.1 million and a decrease in operating income of $1.5 million.

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.


Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

At the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation of reliable financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because of the inherent limitations in any internal control, no matter how well designed, misstatements may occur and not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, the evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting was made as of a specific date, and continued effectiveness in future periods is subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may decline.

In connection with the preparation and filing of this Form 10-K, the Company’s management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on the framework set forth in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Based on its evaluation, the Company’s management concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on the specified criteria.

Ernst & Young has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, which follows this report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2017 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board ofDirectors ofOrthofix International N.V.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We haveaudited Orthofix International N.V.’s internal controloverfinancial reporting as of December 31, 2017,based on criteriaestablishedin Internal Control—IntegratedFramework issued by the Committeeof Sponsoring Organizations of the TreadwayCommission(2013framework)(the COSO criteria). In our opinion,Orthofix International N.V. (theCompany) maintained, in all material respects, effectiveinternal controloverfinancial reporting as of December 31, 2017,based on theCOSOcriteria.

We alsohaveaudited,inaccordance with the standards of thePublicCompanyAccountingOversight Board (UnitedStates) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and our reportdatedFebruary 26, 2018 expressed an unqualifiedopinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s managementis responsible for maintaining effectiveinternal control overfinancial reporting and for its assessmentoftheeffectivenessofinternal control over financialreporting includedin theaccompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibilityis to express anopinion on theCompany’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.We are a publicaccounting firm registeredwith the PCAOBandare requiredtobeindependentwithrespect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas

February 26, 2018


Item 9B.

Other Information

Not applicable.

PART III

Information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Form 10-K is omitted from this Annual Report and will be filed in a definitive proxy statement or by an amendment to this Annual Report not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report.

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

We will provide information that is responsive to this Item 10 regarding executive compensation in our definitive proxy statement or in an amendment to this Annual Report not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report, in either case under the caption “Information About Directors,” “Section 16 (a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and others possibly elsewhere therein. That information is incorporated in this Item 10 by reference.

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

We will provide information that is responsive to this Item 11 regarding executive compensation in our definitive proxy statement or in an amendment to this Annual Report not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report, in either case under the caption “Executive Compensation,” and possibly elsewhere therein. That information is incorporated in this Item 11 by reference.

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

We will provideWho are the principal owners of Orthofix common shares?

The following table shows each person, or group of affiliated persons, who beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, at least 5% of our common shares. Our information that is responsivebased on reports filed with the SEC by each of the firms or individuals listed in the table below. You may obtain these reports from the SEC.


The Percent of Class figures for the common shares are based on 19,269,367 shares of our common stock outstanding as of April 24, 2018. Except as otherwise indicated, each shareholder has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to this Item 12 regardingthe shares indicated.

  Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

Amount and

Nature of

Beneficial

Ownership

Percent of

Class

  BlackRock, Inc.

  55 East 52nd Street

  New York, NY 10055

2,464,012(1)

13.1%

  The Vanguard Group, Inc.

  100 Vanguard Blvd.

  Malvern, PA 19355

1,649,893(2)

8.8%

(1)

Information obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) on January 19, 2018. The Schedule 13G/A discloses that BlackRock has sole voting power over 2,417,965 shares and sole dispositive power over 2,464,012 shares.

(2)

Information obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC by The Vanguard Group, Inc. (“Vanguard”) on February 8, 2018. The Schedule 13G/A discloses that Vanguard has sole power to vote or direct the vote of 22,745 shares, shared power to direct the vote of 7,396 shares, sole power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 1,621,618 shares, and shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 28,275 shares.

Common shares owned by Orthofix’s directors and executive officers

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our securitiescommon shares, including stock options currently exercisable and exercisable within 60 days of April 24, 2018, by certain beneficial ownerseach director, each director nominee, each current and former executive officer listed in the Summary Compensation Table, and all current directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group. The percent of class figure is based on 19,269,367 shares of our common stock outstanding as of April 24, 2018. All directors and executive officers as wella group beneficially owned 1,405,203 shares of Orthofix common stock as of such date. Unless otherwise indicated, the beneficial owners exercise sole voting and/or investment power over their shares.

  Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

Amount and

Nature of

Beneficial

Ownership

Percent of

Class

  Bradley R. Mason

489,074(1)

2.5%

  Michael M. Finegan

165,190(2)

*

  Ronald A. Matricaria

121,613(3)

*

  Davide Bianchi

111,317(4)

*

  Douglas C. Rice

91,469(5)

*

  James F. Hinrichs

56,297(6)

*

  Kimberley A. Elting

32,154(10)

*

  Luke Faulstick

30,229(7)

*

  Maria Sainz

29,267(8)

*

  Lilly Marks

29,029(9)

*

  Michael E. Paolucci

23,529(11)

*

  Alexis V. Lukianov

11,566(12)

*

  John Sicard

  All directors and executive officers as a group (16 persons)

1,405,203

Represents less than 1%.

(1)

Reflects 266,192 shares owned directly and 222,882 shares issuable pursuant to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(2)

Reflects 60,367 shares owned directly and 104,823 shares issuable pursuant to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(3)

Reflects 91,613 shares owned directly and 30,000 shares issuable pursuant to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.


(4)

Reflects 77,752 shares owned directly and 33,565 shares issuable pursuant to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(5)

Reflects 66,572 shares owned directly and 24,897 shares issuable pursuant to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(6)

Reflects 26,297 shares owned directly and 30,000 shares issuable pursuant to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(7)

Reflects 7,729 shares owned directly and 22,500 shares issuable pursuant to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(8)

All of such shares are owned directly.

(9)

Reflects 14,029 shares owned directly and 15,000 shares issuable pursuant to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(10)

Reflects 26,654 shares owned directly and 5,500 shares issuable pursuant to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(11)

Reflects 8,529 shares owned directly and 15,000 shares issuable pursuant to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

(12)

Reflects 4,066 shares owned directly and 7,500 shares issuable pursuant to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Our primary equity compensation plan in prior years had been the 2004 LTIP until 2012, when our shareholders approved the 2012 LTIP, which is now our primary equity compensation plan. Some current and former executive officers continue to hold outstanding awards under our previous 2004 LTIP, although we no longer grant awards under this plan. All named executive officers are also eligible at their discretion to acquire shares of common stock pursuant to our SPP. Each of these has been approved by our shareholders. We have also made inducement grants of stock options to new employees in reliance on the Nasdaq exception to shareholder approval for such grants.  For more information with respect toon our equity compensation plans, see “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation—Long-Term Equity-Based Incentives” beginning on page 21.

The following table provides aggregate information regarding the shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and rights under all of our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2017.

  Plan Category

Number

of Securities

to Be Issued

upon Exercise

of Outstanding

Options and

Rights (#)

(a)(1)

Weighted-

Average

Exercise

Price of

Outstanding

Options and

Rights ($)

(b) (4)

 

Number

of Securities

Remaining

Available for

Future Issuance

Under Equity

Compensation

Plans (Excluding

Securities

Reflected in

Column (a)) (#)

(c)

  Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders

 

1,152,118

 

(2)(3)

$

37.26

 

 

886,730

 

(5)

  Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders

 

150,000

 

(6)

$

38.82

 

 

 

 

  Total

 

1,302,118

 

(3)

$

37.47

 

 

886,730

 

(5)

(1) Column does not include time-based vesting restricted stock or performance-based vesting restricted stock that was unvested as of December 31, 2017, as such stock is deemed issued and outstanding at the time of grant, notwithstanding that such shares remain subject to a risk of forfeiture until vesting.

(2) Column reflects 936,822 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, 27,982 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding deferred stock units, and 187,314 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding performance share units, in our definitive proxy statementeach case, as of December 31, 2017. Shares issuable pursuant to outstanding performance share units are shown in the table based on the assumption that all applicable performance targets will be achieved at target levels, though ultimate achievement could be below or above target. All awards were granted pursuant to either the 2004 LTIP or the 2012 LTIP. There currently are no more grants being made under the 2004 LTIP.

(3) If all performance share units outstanding as of December 31, 2017 were instead assumed to be achieved at maximum levels, a further 430,815 shares would be issuable in an amendmentaddition to this Annual Report not later than 120 days after the endamount shown in the column.


(4) The weighted-average exercise price in column only relates to the exercise price of stock options because the deferred stock units and performance share units have no exercise price.

(5) Included are 345,555 registered shares available for issuance pursuant to the SPP and 541,175 shares remaining available for future award grants under the 2012 LTIP (which assumes that outstanding performance share units are achieved at target levels), in each case, as of December 31, 2017. If all performance share units outstanding as of December 31, 2017 instead were assumed to be achieved at maximum levels, the number of securities remaining available for future award grants under the 2012 LTIP as of December 31, 2017 would be 110,360 shares, and the aggregate amount in column (c) would be 455,915 shares. Of the 345,555 shares that were available for issuance pursuant to the SPP as of such date, 123,600 of these shares were issued in January 2018 pursuant to plan contributions made during the 2017 fiscal year covered by this Annual Report,

(6) Reflects shares issuable pursuant to an inducement grant stock option granted in either case under2013 to Mr. Mason in reliance on the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information,” and possibly elsewhere therein. That information is incorporated in this Item 12 by reference.Nasdaq exception to shareholder approval for equity grants to new hires.

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

We will provide information thatApproval of Related Person Transactions

Our policy, which is responsive to this Item 13 regarding transactions with related parties and director independenceset forth in our definitive proxy statement or in an amendment to this Annual Report not later than 120 days afterCorporate Code of Conduct and Audit and Finance Committee charter, is that the end ofAudit and Finance Committee will review and approve all related person transactions that meet the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report, in either caseminimum threshold for disclosure under the caption “Certain Relationshipsrelevant SEC rules (generally, transactions involving amounts exceeding $120,000 in which a related person has a direct or indirect material interest).

Transactions with Related Persons

Tyson Fujikawa, the son of Raymond Fujikawa, our President, Spine Fixation, has been employed by the Company since 2007 and Related Transactions,”is currently the Vice President of International Sales Spine Fixation. For 2017, Tyson Fujikawa’s total cash compensation was approximately $376,000 which includes base salary, bonus and possibly elsewhere therein. That informationsales commissions.  In addition, during 2017, he participated in the Company’s general welfare plans and was granted 2,386 restricted stock awards, which vest in four equal annual installments.  These arrangements have been approved by our Audit and Finance Committee.

Director Independence

The Board has determined that each of Mr. Faulstick, Mr. Hinrichs, Mr. Lukianov, Ms. Marks, Mr. Matricaria, Mr. Paolucci, Ms. Sainz and Mr. Sicard are independent under the current Nasdaq listing standards. Mr. Mason is incorporated in this Item 13 by reference.not considered independent, as he also serves as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

We will providePrincipal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table sets forth fees for professional services rendered by EY for the audits of the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and the fees billed for other services rendered by EY during each such fiscal year.

 

2017

 

2016

 

  Audit Fees

$

2,241,451

 

$

2,357,350

 

  Audit-Related Fees

 

348,846

 

 

63,800

 

  Tax Fees

 

1,114,129

 

 

868,271

 

  All Other Fees

 

2,000

 

 

2,000

 

  Total

$

3,706,426

 

$

3,291,421

 

Audit Fees

Audit fees consisted of the aggregate fees, including expenses, billed in connection with the audits of our annual financial statements and internal controls, quarterly reviews of the financial information that is responsive to this Item 14 regarding principal accountantincluded in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and statutory audits of our subsidiaries.


Audit-Related Fees

Audit-related fees in 2017 and 2016 consisted of the aggregate fees, including expenses, rendered for professional services, such as accounting consultations and assurance services in connection with transactions, not reported under “Audit Fees.” 

Tax Fees

Tax fees in 2017 and 2016 consisted of the aggregate fees, including expenses, billed for professional services rendered for income tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These fees included fees billed for federal and state income tax review services, assistance with tax audits and other tax consulting services.

All Other Fees

All other fees consisted of aggregate fees billed for products and services other than the services reported above. For fiscal years 2017 and 2016, this category included fees related to professional reference materials and publications.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit and Finance Committee approves all audits, audit-related services, tax services and other services provided by EY. Any services provided by EY that are not specifically included within the scope of the audit must be either (i) pre-approved by the entire Audit and Finance Committee in our definitive proxy statementadvance of any engagement, or (ii) pre-approved by the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee pursuant to authority delegated to him by the other independent members of the Audit and Finance Committee, in an amendmentwhich case the Audit and Finance Committee is then informed of his decision. Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, these pre-approval requirements are waived for non-audit services where (i) the aggregate of all such services is no more than 5% of the total amount paid to this Annual Report not later than 120 days after the end ofexternal auditors during the fiscal year coveredin which such services were provided, (ii) such services were not recognized at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services, and (iii) such services are approved by this Annual Report, in either case under the caption “Principal Accountant FeesAudit and Services,”Finance Committee prior to the completion of the audit engagement. In 2017 and possibly elsewhere therein. That information is incorporated in this Item 14 by reference.

2016, all fees paid to EY for non-audit services were pre-approved.

 

 


PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)

Documents filed as part of report on Form 10-K

The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:Amendment.

1.

Financial Statements

See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.  

2.

Financial Statement Schedules

No schedules are required because either the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

3.

Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number 

 

Description 

 

 

 

  2.1

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2012, by and among Breg, Inc., Orthofix Holdings, Inc. and Breg Acquisition Corp. (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

  3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated June 29, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).

  3.2

Articles of Association of the Company as amended (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.1

Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2015, among Orthofix Holdings, Inc. and Victory Medical Limited as borrowers, Orthofix International N.V. and certain subsidiaries of Orthofix International N.V. party thereto as guarantors, the several banks and other financial institutions as may from time to time become parties thereunder as lenders, and JPMorgan Chase, N.A., as administrative agent (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 1, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.2

First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 7, 2016 but effective as of February 29, 2016, among Orthofix Holdings, Inc. and Victory Medical Limited as borrowers, Orthofix International N.V. and certain subsidiaries of Orthofix International N.V. party thereto as guarantors, the several banks and other financial institutions as may from time to time become parties thereunder as lenders, and JPMorgan Chase, N.A., as administrative agent (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.3*

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 8, 2017, among Orthofix Holdings, Inc., Victory Medical Limited, and Orthofix International B.V. as borrowers, Orthofix International N.V. and certain subsidiaries of Orthofix International N.V. party thereto as guarantors, the several banks and other financial institutions as may from time to time become parties thereunder as lenders, and JPMorgan Chase, N.A., as administrative agent.

10.4†

Matrix Commercialization Collaboration Agreement, entered into July 24, 2008, by and between Orthofix Holdings, Inc. and Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.5

Amendment No. 1 to Matrix Commercialization Collaboration Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2010, by and between Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, Inc. and Orthofix Holdings, Inc. (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.6†

Amendment No. 2 to Matrix Commercialization Collaboration Agreement, dated as of January 9, 2012, by and between Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, Inc. and Orthofix Holdings, Inc. (filed as an exhibit to amendment no. 1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).


Exhibit
Number 

Description 

10.7†

Amendment No. 3 to Matrix Commercialization Collaboration Agreement, entered into on July 1, 2013 and effective as of June 25, 2013, by and between Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, Inc. and Orthofix Holdings, Inc. (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.8

Amendment No. 4 to Matrix Commercialization Collaboration Agreement, entered into on April 1, 2014, by and between Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, Inc. and Orthofix Holdings, Inc. (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.9†

Amendment No. 5 to Matrix Commercialization Collaboration Agreement, entered into on March 10, 2016, by and between Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, Inc. and Orthofix Holdings, Inc. (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 14, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.10†

Amendment No. 6 to Matrix Commercialization Collaboration Agreement, entered into on December 29, 2017, by and between Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, Inc. and Orthofix Holdings, Inc.

10.11

Orthofix International N.V. Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.12*

Orthofix International N.V. Second Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Plan.

10.13

Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.14

Amendment No. 1 to the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.15

Amended and Restated Orthofix Deferred Compensation Plan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 7, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.16

Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 7, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.17

Form of Time-Based Vesting Employee Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2016 and incorporated here by reference).

10.18

Form of Time-Based Vesting Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2016 and incorporated here by reference).

10.19

Form of Time-Based Vesting Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (annual grant) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2016 and incorporated here by reference).

10.20

Form of Time-Based Vesting Non-Employee Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (initial grant) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2016 and incorporated here by reference).

10.21

Form of 2016 Employee Performance Stock Unit Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2016 and incorporated here by reference).

10.22

Form of Employee Performance Vesting Restricted Stock and Performance Share Unit Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan – June 2015 Grants (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.23

Form of Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan – July 2014-June 2016 (Time-Based Vesting) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).


Exhibit
Number 

Description 

10.24

Form of Employee Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan – July 2014-June 2016 (Time-Based Vesting) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.25

Form of Employee Performance Vesting Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan – June 2014 Grants (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.26

Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan – 2014 and 2015 (Time-Based Vesting)(filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.27

Form of Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (pre-2014 grants) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.28

Form of Non-Employee Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan. (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.29

Form of Employee Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan (pre-2014 grants) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.30

Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan (pre-2014 grants) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.31

Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. Amended and Restated 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan (2011 and 2012 grants—vesting over 3 years) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.32

Form of Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. Amended and Restated 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (post-2008 grants made under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan prior to the adoption of the 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.33

Form of Non-Employee Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. Amended and Restated 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (2009 through 2012 grants) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.34

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. Amended and Restated 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan (pre-2009 grants—vesting over 3 years) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed June 20, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.35

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. Amended and Restated 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan (pre-2009 grants— year cliff vesting) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 20, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.36

Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. Amended and Restated 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan (pre-2011 grants—vesting over 3 years) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 20, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.37

Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. Amended and Restated 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan (3 year cliff vesting) (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 20, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).


Exhibit
Number 

Description 

10.38

Form of Indemnity Agreement (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.39

Change in Control and Severance Agreement, dated July 7, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Bradley R. Mason (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2016 and incorporated here by reference).

10.40

Amended Change in Control and Severance Agreement, dated November 1, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Bradley R. Mason (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.41

Inducement Grant Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, dated March 13, 2013, between Orthofix International N.V. and Bradley R. Mason (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 13, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.42

Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated March 13, 2013, between Orthofix International N.V. and Bradley R. Mason (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 13, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.43

Change in Control and Severance Agreement, dated July 7, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Doug Rice (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2016 and incorporated here by reference).

10.44

Amended Change in Control and Severance Agreement, dated November 1, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Doug Rice (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.45

Change in Control and Severance Agreement, dated July 7, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Michael M. Finegan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2016 and incorporated here by reference).

10.46

Amended Change in Control and Severance Agreement, dated November 1, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Michael M. Finegan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.47

Change in Control and Severance Agreement, dated September 7, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Davide Bianchi (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 9, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.48

Amended Employment Contract, dated September 7, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Davide Bianchi (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 9, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.49

Amended Change in Control and Severance Agreement, dated November 1, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Robert Allen Goodwin II (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.50

Amended Change in Control and Severance Agreement, dated November 1, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Bradley V. Niemann (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.51

Amended Change in Control and Severance Agreement, dated November 1, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Raymond Fujikawa (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.52

Change in Control and Severance Agreement, dated November 1, 2016, between Orthofix International N.V. and Kimberley Elting (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.53

Letter Agreement, dated July 7, 2016, between Jeffrey M. Schumm, Orthofix International N.V. and Orthofix Inc. (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2016 and incorporated here by reference).


Exhibit
Number 

Description 

21.1*

List of Subsidiaries.

23.1*

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

31.1*31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

 

31.2*31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

32.1*

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

101

The following financial statements from Orthofix International N.V. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed on February 26, 2018, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

*

Filed with this Form 10-K.

Certain confidential portions of this exhibit were omitted by means of redacting a portion of the text. This exhibit has been filed separately with the Secretary of the Commission without redactions pursuant to our Application Requesting Confidential Treatment under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

NoneNone.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

 

 

 

 

ORTHOFIX INTERNATIONAL N.V.

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: FebruaryApril 26, 2018

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/   BRADLEY R. MASON 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Bradley R. Mason

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: February 26, 2018

By:

/s/   DOUG RICE 

Name:

Doug Rice

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Name 

Title 

Date 

/s/  BRADLEY R. MASON 

Bradley R. Mason

President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

February 26, 2018

/s/  DOUG RICE 

Doug Rice

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

February 26, 2018

/s/ RONALD A. MATRICARIA  

Ronald A. Matricaria

Chairman of the Board of Directors

February 26, 2018

/s/  LUKE FAULSTICK 

Luke Faulstick

Director

February 26, 2018

/s/  JAMES HINRICHS 

James Hinrichs

Director

February 26, 2018

/s/  ALEXIS V. LUKIANOV 

Alexis V. Lukianov

Director

February 26, 2018

/s/  LILLY MARKS 

Lilly Marks

Director

February 26, 2018

/s/  MICHAEL E. PAOLUCCI 

Director

February 26, 2018

Michael E. Paolucci

/s/  MARIA SAINZ

Director

February 26, 2018

Maria Sainz

 

 

40


ORTHOFIX INTERNATIONAL N.V.

Statement of Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

To the Shareholders of Orthofix International N.V.:

Management is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related information that are presented in this report. The consolidated financial statements, which include amounts based on management’s estimates and judgments, have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Other financial information in the report to shareholders is consistent with that in the consolidated financial statements.

The Company maintains accounting and internal control systems to provide reasonable assurance at a reasonable cost that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized use or disposition, and that the financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements and maintaining accountability for assets. These systems are augmented by written policies, an organizational structure providing division of responsibilities and careful selection and training of qualified personnel.

The Company engaged Ernst & Young LLP independent registered public accountants to audit and render an opinion on the consolidated financial statements in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). These standards include an assessment of the systems of internal controls and test of transactions to the extent considered necessary by them to support their opinion.

The Board of Directors, through its Audit Committee consisting solely of outside directors of the Company, meets periodically with management and our independent registered public accountants to ensure that each is meeting its responsibilities and to discuss matters concerning internal controls and financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP has full and free access to the Audit Committee.

James F. Hinrichs

Chairman of the Audit Committee

Bradley R. Mason

President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

Doug Rice

Chief Financial Officer


ORTHOFIX INTERNATIONAL N.V.

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Page

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016

F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

F-4

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

F-6

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

F-7


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Orthofix International N.V.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Orthofix International N.V. (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 26, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.

Dallas, Texas

February 26, 2018


ORTHOFIX INTERNATIONAL N.V.

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands except share and per share data)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

81,157

 

 

$

39,572

 

Restricted cash

 

 

 

 

 

14,369

 

Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of $8,405 and $8,396 at

   December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively

 

 

63,437

 

 

 

57,848

 

Inventories

 

 

81,330

 

 

 

63,346

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

25,877

 

 

 

19,238

 

Total current assets

 

 

251,801

 

 

 

194,373

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

45,139

 

 

 

48,916

 

Patents and other intangible assets, net

 

 

10,461

 

 

 

7,461

 

Goodwill

 

 

53,565

 

 

 

53,565

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

23,315

 

 

 

47,325

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

21,073

 

 

 

20,463

 

Total assets

 

$

405,354

 

 

$

372,103

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts payable

 

$

18,111

 

 

$

14,353

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

61,295

 

 

 

69,088

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

79,406

 

 

 

83,441

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

29,340

 

 

 

25,185

 

Total liabilities

 

 

108,746

 

 

 

108,626

 

Contingencies (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares $0.10 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized;

   18,278,833 and 17,828,155 issued and outstanding as of December 31,

   2017 and 2016, respectively

 

 

1,828

 

 

 

1,783

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

220,591

 

 

 

204,095

 

Retained earnings

 

 

70,402

 

 

 

64,179

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

3,787

 

 

 

(6,580

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

296,608

 

 

 

263,477

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

405,354

 

 

$

372,103

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


ORTHOFIX INTERNATIONAL N.V.

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands, except share and per  share data)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Net sales

 

$

433,823

 

 

$

409,788

 

 

$

396,489

 

Cost of sales

 

 

93,037

 

 

 

87,853

 

 

 

86,525

 

Gross profit

 

 

340,786

 

 

 

321,935

 

 

 

309,964

 

Sales and marketing

 

 

198,370

 

 

 

181,287

 

 

 

178,080

 

General and administrative

 

 

74,388

 

 

 

74,404

 

 

 

87,157

 

Research and development

 

 

29,700

 

 

 

28,803

 

 

 

26,389

 

SEC / FCPA matters and related costs

 

 

(2,483

)

 

 

2,005

 

 

 

9,083

 

Charges related to U.S. Government resolutions (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

14,369

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

40,811

 

 

 

21,067

 

 

 

9,255

 

Interest income (expense), net

 

 

(416

)

 

 

763

 

 

 

(489

)

Other expense, net

 

 

(4,004

)

 

 

(2,806

)

 

 

(259

)

Income before income taxes

 

 

36,391

 

 

 

19,024

 

 

 

8,507

 

Income tax expense

 

 

(29,100

)

 

 

(15,527

)

 

 

(10,849

)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

7,291

 

 

 

3,497

 

 

 

(2,342

)

Discontinued operations (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(1,759

)

 

 

(638

)

 

 

(1,827

)

Income tax benefit

 

 

691

 

 

 

197

 

 

 

1,360

 

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(1,068

)

 

 

(441

)

 

 

(467

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

6,223

 

 

$

3,056

 

 

$

(2,809

)

Net income (loss) per common share—basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

0.19

 

 

$

(0.12

)

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(0.06

)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.03

)

Net income (loss) per common share—basic

 

$

0.34

 

 

$

0.17

 

 

$

(0.15

)

Net income (loss) per common share—diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

0.39

 

 

$

0.19

 

 

$

(0.12

)

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(0.05

)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.03

)

Net income (loss) per common share—diluted

 

$

0.34

 

 

$

0.17

 

 

$

(0.15

)

Weighted average number of common shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

18,117,405

 

 

 

18,144,019

 

 

 

18,795,194

 

Diluted

 

 

18,498,745

 

 

 

18,463,161

 

 

 

18,795,194

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instrument

 

 

 

 

 

(360

)

 

 

202

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities

 

 

3,830

 

 

 

(1,744

)

 

 

(3,348

)

Reclassification adjustment for loss on debt securities in net income

 

 

5,585

 

 

 

2,727

 

 

 

 

Currency translation adjustment

 

 

4,552

 

 

 

(726

)

 

 

(3,907

)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax

 

 

13,967

 

 

 

(103

)

 

 

(7,053

)

Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(3,600

)

 

 

(245

)

 

 

1,203

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

 

10,367

 

 

 

(348

)

 

 

(5,850

)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

16,590

 

 

$

2,708

 

 

$

(8,659

)

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


ORTHOFIX INTERNATIONAL N.V.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands, except share data)

 

Number of

Common

Shares

Outstanding

 

 

Common

Shares

 

 

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

 

 

Retained

Earnings

 

 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

 

 

Total

Shareholders’

Equity

 

At December 31, 2014

 

 

18,611,495

 

 

$

1,861

 

 

$

232,788

 

 

$

65,360

 

 

$

(382

)

 

$

299,627

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,809

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,809

)

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,850

)

 

 

(5,850

)

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,214

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,214

 

Common shares issued

 

 

342,192

 

 

 

34

 

 

 

3,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,704

 

Retirement of repurchased common stock

 

 

(293,991

)

 

 

(29

)

 

 

(11,546

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,575

)

At December 31, 2015

 

 

18,659,696

 

 

$

1,866

 

 

$

232,126

 

 

$

62,551

 

 

$

(6,232

)

 

$

290,311

 

Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption

    of ASU 2016-09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,032

 

 

 

(1,428

)

 

 

 

 

 

604

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,056

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,056

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(348

)

 

 

(348

)

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,966

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,966

 

Common shares issued

 

 

713,140

 

 

 

71

 

 

 

17,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,313

 

Retirement of repurchased common stock

 

 

(1,544,681

)

 

 

(154

)

 

 

(63,271

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(63,425

)

At December 31, 2016

 

 

17,828,155

 

 

$

1,783

 

 

$

204,095

 

 

$

64,179

 

 

$

(6,580

)

 

$

263,477

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,223

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,223

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,367

 

 

 

10,367

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,557

 

Common shares issued

 

 

450,678

 

 

 

45

 

 

 

3,939

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,984

 

At December 31, 2017

 

 

18,278,833

 

 

$

1,828

 

 

$

220,591

 

 

$

70,402

 

 

$

3,787

 

 

$

296,608

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


ORTHOFIX INTERNATIONAL N.V.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

6,223

 

 

$

3,056

 

 

$

(2,809

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

20,124

 

 

 

20,841

 

 

 

20,923

 

Amortization of debt costs and other assets

 

 

1,712

 

 

 

1,569

 

 

 

1,752

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

 

1,639

 

 

 

1,117

 

 

 

3,431

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

21,286

 

 

 

10,460

 

 

 

(1,156

)

Share-based compensation

 

 

12,557

 

 

 

15,966

 

 

 

7,214

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,099

)

Other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities

 

 

5,585

 

 

 

2,727

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

1,398

 

 

 

1,061

 

 

 

2,854

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash

 

 

14,369

 

 

 

(14,369

)

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

 

(6,562

)

 

 

392

 

 

 

(1,547

)

Inventories

 

 

(15,645

)

 

 

(5,284

)

 

 

3,136

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(6,352

)

 

 

701

 

 

 

8,697

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

1,490

 

 

 

(3,333

)

 

 

(1,321

)

Trade accounts payable

 

 

2,324

 

 

 

(1,771

)

 

 

3,011

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

(11,412

)

 

 

6,537

 

 

 

1,515

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

4,605

 

 

 

5,037

 

 

 

1,009

 

Net cash from operating activities

 

 

53,341

 

 

 

44,707

 

 

 

43,610

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment

 

 

(14,665

)

 

 

(16,432

)

 

 

(27,197

)

Capital expenditures for intangible assets

 

 

(2,283

)

 

 

(1,902

)

 

 

(702

)

Purchase of debt securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(15,250

)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,800

 

Other investing activities

 

 

474

 

 

 

(3,613

)

 

 

 

Net cash from investing activities

 

 

(16,474

)

 

 

(21,947

)

 

 

(38,349

)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of common shares

 

 

7,783

 

 

 

19,720

 

 

 

5,254

 

Payments related to withholdings for share-based compensation

 

 

(3,800

)

 

 

(2,407

)

 

 

(1,550

)

Payment of debt issuance costs

 

 

(445

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,825

)

Changes in restricted cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,424

 

Repurchase and retirement of common shares

 

 

 

 

 

(63,425

)

 

 

(11,575

)

Net cash from financing activities

 

 

3,538

 

 

 

(46,112

)

 

 

24,728

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

1,180

 

 

 

(739

)

 

 

(3,141

)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

41,585

 

 

 

(24,091

)

 

 

26,848

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

 

 

39,572

 

 

 

63,663

 

 

 

36,815

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

 

$

81,157

 

 

$

39,572

 

 

$

63,663

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

811

 

 

$

672

 

 

$

852

 

Income taxes

 

$

3,265

 

 

$

4,423

 

 

$

3,160

 

 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements


ORTHOFIX INTERNATIONAL N.V.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Business and basis of consolidation

Orthofix International N.V. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a global medical device company focused on musculoskeletal healing products and value-added services. Headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, the Company has four strategic business units (“SBUs”): BioStim, Extremity Fixation, Spine Fixation, and Biologics. Orthofix products are widely distributed via the Company's sales representatives and distributors.

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

1.

Significant accounting policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates, including those related to contractual allowances, doubtful accounts, inventories, goodwill, income taxes, fair value measurements, litigation and contingent liabilities, and share-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience, future expectations and other relevant assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Information on our accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are included, where applicable, in their respective footnotes that follow.

Significant Accounting Policy

Footnote Reference

Inventories

2

Property, plant and equipment

3

Patents and other intangible assets

4

Goodwill

5

Long-term debt

8

Fair value measurements

9

Contingencies

11

Revenue recognition and accounts receivable

13

Share-based compensation

15

Defined contribution plans and deferred compensation

16

Income taxes

17

The following is a discussion of accounting policies and methods used in our consolidated financial statements that are not presented within other footnotes.

Market risk

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to the impact of changes in interest rates and foreign currency fluctuations. The Company’s objective is to limit the impact of such movements on earnings and cash flows. In order to achieve this objective, the Company seeks to balance its non-U.S. dollar denominated income and expenditures. During 2016 and 2015, the Company made use of a cross-currency swap agreement to manage cash flow exposure generated from foreign currency fluctuations. This cross-currency swap matured and was settled on December 30, 2016.


The financial statements for operations outside the United States are generally maintained in their local currency. All foreign currency denominated balance sheet accounts, except shareholders’ equity, are translated to U.S. dollars at year end exchange rates and revenue and expense items are translated at weighted average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Gains and losses resulting from the translation of foreign currency are recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component of shareholders’ equity. Transactional foreign currency gains and losses, including those generated from intercompany operations, are included in other expense, net and were a gain of $1.9 million, and losses of less than $0.1 million and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Financial instruments and concentration of credit risk

Financial instruments that could subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Generally, the cash is held at large financial institutions and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid money market funds. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of customers, generally does not require collateral, and maintains a reserve for potential credit losses. The Company believes that a concentration of credit risk related to the accounts receivable is limited because customers are geographically dispersed and end users are diversified across several industries.

Net sales to our customers based in Europe were approximately $57 million in 2017, which results in a substantial portion of our trade accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2017. It is at least reasonably possible that changes in global economic conditions and/or local operating and economic conditions in the regions these distributors operate, or other factors, could affect the future realization of these accounts receivable balances.

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

In 2016, restricted cash consisted of amounts held in escrow as of December 31, 2016, to fund the payment of settlement amounts for charges related to U.S. Government resolutions, as further discussed in Note 11.

Derivative Instruments

The Company manages its exposure to fluctuating cash flows resulting from changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates within the consolidated financial statements according to its hedging policy. The policy requires the Company to formally document the relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged item, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. For instruments designated as a cash flow hedge, the Company formally assesses (both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis) whether the derivative used in the hedging transaction has been effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item and whether such derivative may be expected to remain effective in future periods. If it is determined that a derivative is not (or has ceased to be) effective as a hedge, the Company discontinues the related hedge accounting prospectively.

The Company records all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at their respective fair values. For a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s change in fair value (i.e., gains or losses) is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income, net of related taxes, and subsequently reclassified into net earnings in the period the hedged transaction affects earnings.

On September 30, 2010, the Company entered into a cross-currency swap agreement to manage its cash flows related to foreign currency exposure for a portion of an intercompany note receivable of a U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiary that was denominated in Euro. Both the cross-currency swap and the related Euro denominated intercompany note matured and were settled on December 30, 2016.

Research and development costs

Expenditures related to the collaborative arrangement with MTF Biologics (“MTF”) are expensed based on the terms of the related agreement. Expenditures incurred under the collaborative arrangement with MTF totaled $0.9 million in 2017 and $1.3 million in 2016. No expenditures were incurred in 2015.  Expenditures for research and development are expensed as incurred.


Recently issued income tax accounting guidance

In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). See Note 17 for further discussion.

Further, in January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions of the Tax Act. The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The guidance indicated that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusion or to treat any taxes on GILTI inclusion as a period cost are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. The Company is currently evaluating this policy decision.

Recently issued accounting standards

Topic

Description of Guidance

Effective Date

Status of Company's Evaluation

Revenue Recognition

(ASU 2014-09,

as amended)

Requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Applied either retrospectively or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the adoption date.

January 1, 2018

In 2015, the Company established a cross-functional implementation team to analyze the impact of the standard on the Company's contract portfolio by reviewing the Company's current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to the Company's contracts. In addition, the implementation team identified and implemented appropriate changes to the Company's business processes, systems, and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new standard. The implementation team has reported the findings and progress of the project to management and to the Audit Committee on a frequent basis over the last two years.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company finalized its assessment of the new standard, including the review of contracts within each SBU and the drafting of new policies and procedures. Adoption of this ASU has a material impact related to the timing of revenue recognition, primarily for Extremity Fixation and Spine Fixation product sales to stocking distributors, which are currently accounted for using the sell-through method. Subsequent to adoption, revenue associated with these sales will be recorded at the time of the sale instead of deferring recognition until cash is received. The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective transition method and will record a cumulative effect adjustment as of January 1, 2018, which will result in a significant increase in accounts receivable and a decrease in inventories, with these changes offset by an adjustment to the Company's opening retained earnings of approximately $5 million. Prior periods will not be retrospectively adjusted. Adopting this guidance will also result in material changes to the Company's disclosures for revenue recognition and contracts with customers.

Financial Instruments

(ASU 2016-01)

Requires entities to measure equity investments, except in limited circumstances, at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. Applied prospectively.

January 1, 2018

The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU may have on its consolidated financial statements.


Topic

Description of Guidance

Effective Date

Status of Company's Evaluation

Leases

(ASU 2016-02)

Requires a lessee to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for leases classified as operating leases. Applied using a modified retrospective approach.

January 1, 2019

The Company is currently in process of establishing a cross-functional implementation team to analyze the impact of the standard on the Company's lease portfolio and to evaluate the impact this ASU may have on its consolidated financial statements; however, the Company expects this guidance will materially impact the Company's balance sheet, resulting in current operating lease obligations being reflected on the consolidated balance sheet.

Income Taxes

(ASU 2016-16)

Reduces complexity by requiring the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. Applied using a modified retrospective approach.

January 1, 2018

During the third and fourth quarters of 2017, the Company executed two intra-entity asset transfers that resulted in prepaid income taxes of $8.6 million. The Company will adopt the new standard using a modified retrospective approach as of January 1, 2018, which will result in a reduction of prepaid income taxes and an increase in deferred tax assets with these change offset by an adjustment to the Company's opening retained earnings of approximately $2.1 million. However, the Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact relating to its consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) or to its consolidated statements of cash flows.

Statement of Cash Flows

(ASU 2016-18)

Reduces diversity in classification and presentation of restricted cash, including transfers between cash and restricted cash, on the statement of cash flows. Applied retrospectively.

January 1, 2018

The Company believes this ASU will materially impact its consolidated statement of cash flows. Adoption of this ASU is expected to result in an increase in net cash from operating activities of $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and would have resulted in a decrease in net cash from operating activities of $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, if this ASU had been early adopted.

Goodwill

(ASU 2017-04)

Eliminates Step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. A goodwill impairment loss will instead be measured at the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the recorded amount of goodwill.

January 1, 2020

The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU may have on its consolidated financial statements. However, the Company does not expect this ASU to have a significant impact on its financial statements or disclosures.

Comprehensive Income

(ASU 2018-02)

Allows entities to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act.

January 1, 2019

The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU may have on its consolidated financial statements.


2.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value, after provision for excess, obsolete or impaired items, which is reviewed and updated on a periodic basis by management. For inventory procured or produced, whether internally or through contract manufacturing arrangements, at our manufacturing facility in Italy, cost is determined on a weighted-average basis, which approximates the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. For inventory procured or produced, whether internally or through contract manufacturing arrangements, at our manufacturing facility in Texas, standard costs, which approximates actual cost on the FIFO method, is used to value inventory. Standard costs are reviewed annually by management, or more often in the event circumstances indicate a change in cost has occurred.

Work-in-process, finished products, field inventory and consignment inventory include material, labor and production overhead costs. Field inventory represents immediately saleable finished products inventory that is in the possession of the Company’s independent sales representatives. Consignment inventory represents immediately saleable finished products located at third party customers, such as distributors and hospitals.

Deferred cost of sales result from transactions where the Company has shipped product or performed services for which all revenue recognition criteria have not yet been met. Once all revenue recognition criteria have been met, the revenue and associated cost of sales are recognized.

 

 

December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Raw materials

 

$

6,067

 

 

$

7,978

 

Work-in-process

 

 

12,487

 

 

 

9,505

 

Finished products

 

 

11,244

 

 

 

15,985

 

Field inventory

 

 

40,262

 

 

 

22,021

 

Consignment inventory

 

 

8,935

 

 

 

4,428

 

Deferred cost of sales

 

 

2,335

 

 

 

3,429

 

Inventories

 

$

81,330

 

 

$

63,346

 

The Company adjusts the value of its inventory to the extent management determines that the cost cannot be recovered due to obsolescence or other factors. In order to make these determinations, management uses estimates of future demand and sales prices for each product to determine the appropriate inventory reserves and to make corresponding adjustments to the carrying value of these inventories to reflect the lower of cost or market value.

3.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Costs include all expenditures necessary to place the asset in service, including freight and sales and use taxes. Property, plant and equipment includes instrumentation held by customers, which is generally used to facilitate the implantation of the Company’s products. The useful lives of these assets are as follows:

Years

Buildings

25 to 33

Plant and equipment

1 to 10

Instrumentation

3 to 4

Computer software

3 to 7

Furniture and fixtures

4 to 8

The Company evaluates the useful lives of these assets on an annual basis. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of leasehold improvements is computed over the shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the asset. Total depreciation expense was $18.3 million, $19.0 million and $19.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.


Expenditures for maintenance and repairs and minor renewals and improvements, which do not extend the lives of the respective assets, are expensed as incurred. All other expenditures for renewals and improvements are capitalized. The assets and related accumulated depreciation are adjusted for property retirements and disposals, with the resulting gain or loss included in earnings. Fully depreciated assets remain in the accounts until retired from service.

 

 

December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings

 

$

3,725

 

 

$

3,225

 

Plant and equipment

 

 

47,588

 

 

 

43,745

 

Instrumentation

 

 

75,818

 

 

 

71,962

 

Computer software

 

 

48,604

 

 

 

44,720

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

 

7,605

 

 

 

8,308

 

Construction in progress

 

 

769

 

 

 

1,907

 

 

 

 

184,109

 

 

 

173,867

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(138,970

)

 

 

(124,951

)

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

45,139

 

 

$

48,916

 

The Company capitalizes system development costs related to its internal use software during the application development stage. Costs related to preliminary project activities and post implementation activities are expensed as incurred. Internal-use software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, generally three to seven years.

Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances have occurred that would indicate impairment. For purposes of the evaluation, the Company groups its long-lived assets with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows if the asset does not generate cash flows independent of other assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of the asset (asset group) exceeds the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset (asset group), the Company will write the carrying value down to the fair value in the period identified.

The Company generally determines fair value of long-lived assets as the present value of estimated future cash flows. In determining the estimated future cash flows associated with the assets, the Company uses estimates and assumptions about future revenue contributions, cost structures and remaining useful lives of the asset (asset group). The use of alternative assumptions, including estimated cash flows, discount rates, and alternative estimated remaining useful lives could result in different calculations of impairment.

4.

Patents and other intangible assets

Patents and other intangible assets are recorded at cost, or when acquired as a part of a business combination at estimated fair value. These assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the assets. The Company’s weighted average amortization period for developed technologies is 11 years.

 

 

December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patents

 

$

38,621

 

 

$

38,348

 

License and other

 

 

10,276

 

 

 

7,611

 

Trademarks—finite lived

 

 

533

 

 

 

319

 

 

 

 

49,430

 

 

 

46,278

 

Accumulated amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patents

 

 

(34,151

)

 

 

(34,717

)

License and other

 

 

(4,625

)

 

 

(3,962

)

Trademarks—finite lived

 

 

(193

)

 

 

(138

)

 

 

 

(38,969

)

 

 

(38,817

)

Patents and other intangible assets, net

 

$

10,461

 

 

$

7,461

 


Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.8 million, $1.8 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Future amortization expense for intangible assets is estimated as follows:

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

Amortization

 

2018

 

$

2,352

 

2019

 

 

1,909

 

2020

 

 

1,366

 

2021

 

 

1,321

 

2022

 

 

1,314

 

Thereafter

 

 

2,199

 

Total

 

$

10,461

 

5.

Goodwill

The Company tests goodwill at least annually for impairment. The Company tests more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. These indicators include, among others, declines in sales, earnings or cash flows, or the development of a material adverse change in the business climate. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company performed a qualitative assessments for its annual goodwill impairment analysis, which did not result in an impairment charge for either the BioStim or Biologics reporting units, the only reporting units with goodwill. This qualitative analysis considers all relevant factors specific to the reporting units, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, and relevant entity-specific events. In 2016 the Company performed a quantitative impairment analysis that did not result in an impairment charge and in 2015 the Company performed a qualitative assessment, which did not result in any impairment charge.

The following table presents the net carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment:

 

 

December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

BioStim

 

$

42,678

 

 

$

42,678

 

Extremity Fixation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spine Fixation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biologics

 

 

10,887

 

 

 

10,887

 

Goodwill

 

$

53,565

 

 

$

53,565

 

6.

Long-term investments

Debt securities

On March 4, 2015, the Company entered into an OptionAgreement (the “OptionAgreement”)witheNeura, Inc. (“eNeura”), a privately held medical technologycompany that is developing devices for the treatment of migraines. The OptionAgreement providedthe Company with anexclusive option to acquire eNeura (the “Option”)during the 18-month period following the grant of the Option, which expired in September 2016 without the Company exercising the option. In considerationforthe Option, (i) the Company paid a non-refundable $0.3 millionfee to eNeura, and (ii) the Company loaned eNeura $15.0 million pursuant to a Convertible PromissoryNote (the “eNeura Note”) that was issued to the Company. The principal amount ofthe eNeura Note is $15.0 million and interest accrues at 8.0%. The eNeura Note will mature on March4, 2019 and interest is due when the eNeura Note matures, provided that if a change in control of eNeura (generally defined as a third party acquisition of fifty percent or more of eNeura’s voting equity or all or substantially all of eNeura’s assets) occurs prior to the maturity date, the eNeura Note will automatically convert into preferred stock of eNeura at a fixed price equal to $7.30 per share. The investment is recorded in other long-term assets as an available for sale debt security at fair value and interest is recorded in interest income; however, the Company discontinued recognition of interest on the eNeura Note in the first quarter of 2017.


As of March 31, 2017, the fair value of the debt security was determined to be $9.0 million, which represented a $3.2 million decrease from its fair value as of December 31, 2016. The Company recorded this decrease in the fair value in other comprehensive income (loss) as an unrealized loss on debt securities.  Further, based upon the Company’s best estimate of the amount it expected to recover at the time, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment of $5.6 million during the first quarter of 2017. This other-than-temporary impairment was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and is included within other expense. See Note 9 for further discussion. As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of the debt security is $16.1 million, which represents a net increase of $7.1 million in relation to the balance as of March 31, 2017, and compares to an amortized cost basis of $9.0 million. The Company recorded this increase in the fair value in other comprehensive income as an unrealized gain on debt securities.  

Equity investment and warrants

As of December 31, 2017, the Company holds common stock of Bone Biologics, Inc. (“Bone Biologics”) totaling $2.5 million and warrants to purchase 458 thousand shares at a weighted average exercise price of $1.18 per share. These instruments are recorded within other long-term assets. The fair value of these instruments has not been estimated, and is instead recorded at cost, as the fair value is not readily determinable. In addition, there have been no events or changes in circumstances that would indicate a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the instruments. Under the terms of the warrant purchase agreements, the warrants to purchase common stock in Bone Biologics are exercisable over a seven year period, which expire between 2020 and 2021, and are transferable by the holder to other parties.

7.

Other current liabilities

 

 

December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Accrued expenses

 

$

6,984

 

 

$

6,155

 

Salaries, bonuses, commissions and related taxes payable

 

 

24,635

 

 

 

19,636

 

Accrued distributor commissions

 

 

9,192

 

 

 

9,379

 

Accrued legal and settlement expenses

 

 

7,673

 

 

 

23,081

 

Non-income taxes payable

 

 

3,180

 

 

 

7,301

 

Other payables

 

 

9,631

 

 

 

3,536

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

61,295

 

 

$

69,088

 

Extremity Fixation restructuring plan

In December 2016, the Company approved and initiated a planned restructuring, which primarily affects the Extremity Fixation SBU, to streamline costs, improve operational performance, and wind down a non-core business. The Extremity Fixation restructuring plan consists of primarily severance charges, professional fees and the write-down of certain assets. The Company expects to incur total pre-tax expense of approximately $3.3 million in connection with this restructuring activity and has incurred cumulative costs to date of $3.3 million, largely within cost of sales and operating expenses. The Company had an accrual of $1.5 million as of December 31, 2016 in other current liabilities related to the planned restructuring. In 2017, the Company incurred costs of $1.3 million and made payments of $2.1 million relating to these activities, resulting in a remaining accrual of $0.7 million as of December 31, 2017.

U.S. restructuring plan

In September 2017, the Company approved and executed an additional restructuring plan, which primarily affects the entity’s corporate shared services in the U.S. to streamline costs and to improve operational performance. The U.S. restructuring plan consists primarily of severance charges. The Company estimates total pre-tax expense of approximately $1.7 million in connection with this restructuring activity, all of which was incurred in 2017, and recorded within cost of sales and operating expenses. Payments were made in 2017 of $0.6 million relating to these activities; therefore, $1.1 million is accrued within other current liabilities as of December 31, 2017.


8.

Long-term debt

On August 31, 2015, the Company, through its subsidiaries Orthofix Holdings and Victory Medical Limited (“Victory Medical”, and collectively with Orthofix Holdings, the “Borrowers”), entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan, as Administrative Agent, and certain lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provides for a five year $125 million secured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”). The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of August 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for, among other things, working capital and other general corporate purposes (including share repurchases, permitted acquisitions and permitted payments of dividends and other distributions) of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.  The Facility is generally available in U.S. Dollars with up to $50 million of the Facility also available to be borrowed in Euros and Pounds Sterling (together with U.S. Dollars, the “Agreed Currencies”).  The Credit Agreement further permits up to $25 million of the Facility to be utilized for the issuance of letters of credit in the Agreed Currencies.  The Borrowers have the ability to increase the amount of the Facility by an aggregate amount of up to $50 million (which increase may take the form of one or more increases to the revolving credit commitments and/or the issuance of one or more new Term A loans) upon satisfaction of certain conditions precedent and receipt of additional commitments by one or more existing or new lenders.

Borrowings under the Facility bear interest at a floating rate, which is, at the Borrowers’ option, either LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.5% or a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.5% (in each case subject to adjustment based on the Company’s total leverage ratio).  An unused commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.4% (subject to adjustment based on the Company’s total leverage ratio) is payable quarterly in arrears based on the daily amount of the undrawn portion of each lender’s revolving credit commitment under the Facility.  Fees are payable on outstanding letters of credit at a rate equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR loans, plus certain customary fees payable solely to the issuer of the letter of credit.  

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”) are required to guarantee the repayment of the Borrowers’ obligations under the Credit Agreement.  The obligations of the Borrowers and each of the Guarantors with respect to the Credit Agreement are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the tangible and intangible personal property of the Borrowers and each of the Guarantors, including accounts receivable, deposit accounts, intellectual property, investment property, inventory, equipment and equity interests in their subsidiaries.   The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional debt, grant or permit additional liens, make investments and acquisitions, merge or consolidate with others, dispose of assets, pay dividends and distributions, repay subordinated indebtedness and enter into affiliate transactions.    

In addition, the Credit Agreement contains financial covenants requiring the Company on a consolidated basis to maintain, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, a total leverage ratio of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio of at least 3.0 to 1.0.  The Company is in compliance with all required financial covenants as of December 31, 2017. The Credit Agreement also includes events of default customary for facilities of this type, and upon the occurrence of such events of default, subject to customary cure rights, all outstanding loans under the Facility may be accelerated and/or the lenders’ commitments terminated.

In conjunction with obtaining the Facility, the Company incurred debt issuance costs of $1.8 million which are being amortized over the life of the Facility. The debt issuance costs are included in other long-term assets, net of accumulated amortization. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization, were $1.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Debt issuance costs amortized or expensed related to the Facility and the Amendment totaled $1.0 million, $0.4 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

On December 8, 2017, the Company amended the Credit Agreement with JPMorgan, the Administrative Agent, and certain lenders party thereto. The primary provision of the Credit Agreement to be amended, among other things, was to add the Company’s subsidiary, Orthofix International B.V., as a Borrower, Guarantor, and a loan party. In addition, two of the Company’s subsidiaries, Orthofix Limited and Orthofix II B.V. were also added as Guarantors and loan parties.

The Company has an unused available line of credit of €5.8 million ($7.0 million and $6.1 million) at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, in its Italian line of credit. This unsecure line of credit provides the Company the option to borrow amounts in Italy at rates, which are determined at the time of borrowing.


9.

Fair value measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Non-financial assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value include any long-lived assets or equity method investments that are impaired in a currently reported period. The authoritative guidance also describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1:

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

Level 2:

observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

Level 3:

unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions

The Company’s financial instruments include cash equivalents, restricted cash, foreign certificates of deposit, treasury securities, collective trust funds, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term secured debt, equity securities, available for sale debt securities, common stock warrants, and deferred compensation plan liabilities. The carrying value of restricted cash, trade accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The Company’s credit facilities carry a floating rate of interest, and therefore, the carrying value is considered to approximate the fair value.  The Company’s equity securities and common stock warrants are recorded at cost, as the fair value of these instruments is not readily available.  See Note 6 for further discussion.

The Company’s collective trust funds, treasury securities, foreign certificates of deposit, debt securities, and deferred compensation plan liabilities are the only financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as follows:

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

Balance

December 31,

2017

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collective trust funds

 

$

100

 

 

$

 

 

$

100

 

 

$

 

Treasury securities

 

 

556

 

 

 

556

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt security

 

 

16,050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,050

 

Total

 

$

16,706

 

 

$

556

 

 

$

100

 

 

$

16,050

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation plan

 

$

(1,379

)

 

$

 

 

$

(1,379

)

 

$

 

Total

 

$

(1,379

)

 

$

 

 

$

(1,379

)

 

$

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

Balance

December 31,

2016

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collective trust funds

 

$

1,584

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,584

 

 

$

 

Treasury securities

 

 

467

 

 

 

467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certificates of deposit

 

 

468

 

 

 

468

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt security

 

 

12,220

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,220

 

Total

 

$

14,739

 

 

$

935

 

 

$

1,584

 

 

$

12,220

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation plan

 

$

(1,452

)

 

$

 

 

$

(1,452

)

 

$

 

Total

 

$

(1,452

)

 

$

 

 

$

(1,452

)

 

$

 

The fair value of treasury securities and certificates of deposit are determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, therefore, the Company has categorized these instruments as Level 1 financial instruments. The certificates of deposit were held in foreign currencies and carried a contractual maturity of two years from the date of purchase and matured in 2017.


The fair value of the Company’s collective trust funds and deferred compensation plan liabilities are determined based on inputs that are readily available in public markets or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets; therefore, the Company has categorized these instruments as Level 2 financial instruments.

The fair value of the debt security, including accrued interest, is based upon significant unobservable inputs, including the use of a discounted cash flows model, requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions; therefore, the Company has categorized this asset as a Level 3 financial asset. One of the more significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the debt security is the discount rate. Holding other inputs constant, changes in the discount rate could result in a significant change in the fair value of the debt security. As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of the debt security is $16.1 million, a net increase of $3.8 million during 2017, which the Company recorded in other comprehensive income as an unrealized gain on debt securities.

The Company evaluates any declines in fair value each quarter to determine if impairments are other-than-temporary. Based upon the Company’s best estimate of the amount it expected to recover at the time, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment of $5.6 million in the first quarter of 2017. The Company also recorded an other-than-temporary impairment of $2.7 million in 2016. These other-than-temporary impairments were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and are included within other expense.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for debt securities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Balance at January 1

 

$

12,220

 

 

$

12,658

 

Accrued interest income

 

 

 

 

 

1,306

 

Gains or losses recorded for the period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized in net income

 

 

(5,585

)

 

 

(2,727

)

Recognized in other comprehensive income

 

 

9,415

 

 

 

983

 

Balance at December 31

 

$

16,050

 

 

$

12,220

 

10.

Commitments

Leases

The Company has entered into operating leases for facilities and equipment. These leases are non-cancellable and typically do not contain renewal options. Certain leases contain rent escalation clauses for which the Company recognizes the expense on a straight-line basis. Rent expense under the Company’s operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $3.1 million, $3.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under operating leases as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

 

 

 

2018

 

$

3,017

 

2019

 

 

2,018

 

2020

 

 

1,240

 

2021

 

 

1,575

 

2022

 

 

1,600

 

Thereafter

 

 

12,156

 

Total

 

$

21,606

 

Inventory purchase commitments

The Company had inventory purchase commitments with third-party manufactures for $1.9 million and $1.2 million as of December 31, 2017, and 2016, respectively.


11.

Contingencies

The Company records accruals for certain outstanding legal proceedings, investigations or claims when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings, investigations and claims that could affect the amount of any accrual, as well as any developments that would make a loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. When a loss contingency is not both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company does not accrue the loss. However, if the loss (or an additional loss in excess of the accrual) is at least a reasonable possibility and material, then the Company discloses a reasonable estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, if such reasonable estimate can be made. If the Company cannot make a reasonable estimate of the possible loss, or range of loss, then that is disclosed. In addition, legal fees and other directly related costs are expensed as incurred.

In addition to the matters described in the paragraphs below, in the normal course of its business, the Company is involved in various lawsuits from time to time and may be subject to certain other contingencies. The Company believes any losses related to these matters are individually and collectively immaterial as to a possible loss and range of loss.

January 2017 SEC Settlements

In January 2017, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) approved the Company’s offers of settlement in connection with the SEC’s investigations of accounting matters leading to the Company’s prior restatement of financial statements and the Company’s review of improper payments with respect to its subsidiary in Brazil. Both investigations were initiated in 2013 and involved matters self-reported to the SEC by the Company.  The settlements approved by the SEC resolved these two matters, and included payments totaling $14.4 million by the Company to the SEC of amounts previously accrued and funded into escrow by the Company during 2016.  In connection with the Brazil-related settlement, the Company agreed to retain an independent compliance consultant for one year to review and test the Company’s compliance program related to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The Company’s engagement with its independent compliance consultant began in March 2017. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2017 the Company received a favorable insurance settlement of approximately $6 million associated with prior costs incurred related to these matters, which the Company has recognized within the in SEC / FCPA matters and related costs line of the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Discontinued Operations – Matters Related to Breg and Possible Indemnification Obligations

On May 24, 2012, the Company sold Breg to an affiliate of Water Street Healthcare Partners II, L.P. (“Water Street”). Under the terms of the agreement, the Company indemnified Water Street and Breg with respect to certain specified matters.

At the time of its divestiture by the Company, Breg was engaged in the manufacturing and sales of motorized cold therapy units used to reduce pain and swelling. Several domestic product liability cases were filed, mostly in California state court. In September 2014, the Company entered into a master settlement agreement resolving then pending pre-close cold therapy claims. Currently pending is a post-close cold therapy claim in California state court. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has an accrual of $1.7 million recorded within other current liabilities; however, the actual liability could be higher or lower than the amount accrued.

Charges incurred as a result of this indemnification are reflected as discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

12.

Shareholders’ equity

Dividends

The Company has not paid dividends to holders of its common stock in the past. Certain subsidiaries of the Company have restrictions on their ability to pay dividends in certain circumstances pursuant to the Credit Agreement. In the event that the Company decides to pay a dividend to holders of its common stock in the future with dividends received from its subsidiaries, the Company may, based on prevailing rates of taxation, be required to pay additional withholding and income tax on such amounts received from its subsidiaries.

Share Repurchase Plan

In August 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase plan, authorizing the purchase of up to $75 million of the Company’s common stock through and including September 2017. The Company completed the share repurchase plan in the fourth quarter of 2016. Under the program, common shares repurchased consisted of open market transactions at prevailing market


prices in accordance with the guidelines specified under Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act, as amended. Repurchases were made from cash on hand and cash generated from operations. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company repurchased 1,544,681 shares of common stock for $63.4 million with an average price per share of $41.06, which were all retired upon repurchase.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments; the effective portion of the gain (loss) on the Company’s cross-currency swap, which was designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge (expired in 2016); and the unrealized (gains) losses on the Company’s debt security. The components of and changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

Currency

Translation

Adjustments

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

Debt Security

 

 

Accumulated Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

 

$

(4,389

)

 

$

228

 

 

$

(2,071

)

 

$

(6,232

)

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

(726

)

 

 

(360

)

 

 

(1,744

)

 

 

(2,830

)

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

132

 

 

 

659

 

 

 

791

 

Reclassification adjustments to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,727

 

 

 

2,727

 

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,036

)

 

 

(1,036

)

Balance at December 31, 2016

 

$

(5,115

)

 

$

 

 

$

(1,465

)

 

$

(6,580

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

4,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,830

 

 

 

8,382

 

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,475

)

 

 

(1,475

)

Reclassification adjustments to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,585

 

 

 

5,585

 

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,125

)

 

 

(2,125

)

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

$

(563

)

 

$

 

 

$

4,350

 

 

$

3,787

 

13.

Revenue recognition and accounts receivable

The table below presents net sales, which includes product sales and marketing service fees, for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Product sales

 

$

373,538

 

 

$

355,652

 

 

$

341,084

 

Marketing service fees

 

 

60,285

 

 

 

54,136

 

 

 

55,405

 

Net sales

 

$

433,823

 

 

$

409,788

 

 

$

396,489

 

Product sales primarily consist of stimulation devices and internal and external fixation products. Marketing service fees are received from MTF based on total sales of biologics tissues and relates solely to the Biologics SBU. Revenues exclude any value added or other local taxes, intercompany sales and trade discounts. Shipping and handling costs for products shipped to customers are included in cost of sales, and were $3.0 million, $2.0 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

BioStim

BioStim revenue is largely attributable to the U.S. and is comprised of third-party payor transactions and wholesale revenue.

The largest portion of BioStim revenue is derived from third-party payors. This includes commercial insurance carriers, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations and governmental payors such as Medicare, in connection with the sale of the Company’s stimulation products. Revenue is recognized when the stimulation product is fitted to and accepted by the patient and all applicable documents that are required by the third-party payor have been obtained. Amounts paid by these third-party payors are generally based on fixed or allowable reimbursement rates. These revenues are recorded at the expected or


preauthorized reimbursement rates, net of any contractual allowances or adjustments. Certain billings are subject to review by the third-party payors and may be subject to adjustment.

Wholesale revenue is related to the sale of the Company’s bone growth stimulators directly to physicians and other healthcare providers. Wholesale revenues are typically recognized upon shipment and receipt of a confirming purchase order.

Extremity Fixation and Spine Fixation

Extremity Fixation and Spine Fixation products are distributed world-wide, with U.S. sales largely comprised of commercial revenue and international sales derived from commercial sales and through stocking distributor arrangements.

Commercial revenue is related to the sale of the Company’s internal and external fixation products, generally representing hospital customers. Revenues are recognized when these products have been utilized and a confirming purchase order has been received from the hospital. Revenue for certain government entities is recorded on a cash-basis as collectability is not reasonably assured.

For revenue from stocking distributor arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue once the product is delivered to the end customer (the “sell-through method”). Because the Company does not have reliable information about when its stocking distributors sell the product through to end customers, the Company uses cash collection from stocking distributors as a basis for revenue recognition under the sell-through method. Although in many cases the Company is legally entitled to the accounts receivable at the time of shipment, the Company has not recognized accounts receivables or any corresponding deferred revenues associated with stocking distributor transactions for which revenue is recognized on the sell-through method.

For stocking distributor arrangements, the Company also considers whether to match the related cost of sales with revenue or to recognize cost of sales upon shipment. In making this assessment, the Company considers the financial viability of its stocking distributors based on their creditworthiness to determine if collectability of amounts sufficient to realize the costs of the products shipped is reasonably assured at the time of shipment to these stocking distributors. In instances where the stocking distributor is determined to be financially viable, the Company defers the costs of sales until the revenue is recognized.

Biologics

Biologics revenue is largely attributable to the U.S. and is primarily related to a collaborative arrangement with MTF, which extends through July 28, 2027, through which the Company markets tissue for bone repair and reconstruction under the brand names Trinity Evolution and Trinity ELITE. The Company has exclusive global marketing rights for Trinity Evolution as well as non-exclusive marketing rights for other products, and receives marketing fees from MTF based on total sales. MTF is considered the primary obligor in these arrangements and therefore the Company recognizes these marketing service fees on a net basis within net sales upon shipment of the product to the customer.    

Marketing service fees received from MTF were $60.3 million, or approximately 96% of total Biologics revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2017. As MTF is the Company’s single supplier for the Trinity Evolution and Trinity EITE tissue forms, which are derived from human cadaveric donors, any event or circumstance that would impact MTF’s continued access to donated human cadaveric tissue or the Company’s ability to market these tissues may adversely impact the Company’s financial results.

Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowances

Accounts receivable are analyzed on a quarterly basis to assess the adequacy of both reserves for doubtful accounts and contractual allowances. Revisions in allowances for doubtful accounts estimates are recorded as an adjustment to bad debt expense within sales and marketing expenses. Revisions to contractual allowances are recorded as an adjustment to net sales. The Company’s estimates are periodically tested against actual collection experience.

The Company will generally sell receivables from certain Italian hospitals each year. During 2017, 2016, and 2015 the Company sold €9.8 million, €10.0 million, and €10.9 million ($11.2 million, $11.1 million, and $11.9 million) of receivables, respectively. The estimated related fee for 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which is recorded as interest expense. Trade accounts receivables sold without recourse are removed from the balance sheet at the time of sale.


14.

Business segment information

We manage our business by our four SBUs: BioStim, Extremity Fixation, Spine Fixation, and Biologics. These SBUs represent the operating segments for which our Chief Executive Officer, who is also Chief Operating Decision Maker (the “CODM”), reviews financial information and makes resource allocation decisions among business units. The primary metric used by the CODM in managing the Company is non-GAAP net margin, an internal metric that the Company defines as gross profit less sales and marketing expense. The Company neither discretely allocates assets, other than goodwill, to its operating segments nor evaluates the operating segments using discrete asset information. Accordingly, our reporting segment information has been prepared based on our four SBUs.

BioStim

The BioStim SBU manufactures, distributes, and provides support services of market leading bone growth stimulator devices that enhance bone fusion. These Class III medical devices are indicated as an adjunctive, noninvasive treatment to improve fusion success rates in cervical and lumbar spine as well as a therapeutic treatment for non-spine fractures that have not healed (non-unions). This SBU uses distributors and sales representatives to sell its devices to hospitals, healthcare providers, and patients, primarily in the U.S.

Extremity Fixation

The Extremity Fixation SBU offers products and solutions that allow physicians to successfully treat a variety of orthopedic conditions unrelated to the spine. This SBU specializes in the design, development, and marketing of the Company’s orthopedic products used in fracture repair, deformity correction and bone reconstruction procedures. Extremity Fixation distributes its products through a network of distributors and sales representatives to sell orthopedic products to hospitals, and healthcare providers, globally.

Spine Fixation

The Spine Fixation SBU designs, develops and markets a broad portfolio of implant products used in surgical procedures of the spine. Spine Fixation distributes its products through a network of distributors and sales representatives to sell spine products to hospitals and healthcare providers, globally.

Biologics

The Biologics SBU provides a portfolio of regenerative products and tissue forms that allow physicians to successfully treat a variety of spinal and orthopedic conditions. This SBU specializes in the marketing of the Company’s exclusive regeneration tissue forms and distributes its tissues to hospitals and healthcare providers, primarily in the U.S., through a network of employed and independent sales representatives. Our partnership with MTF allows us to exclusively market our Trinity Evolution and Trinity ELITE tissue forms for musculoskeletal defects to enhance bony fusion.

Corporate

Corporate activities are comprised of the operating expenses of Orthofix International N.V. and its holding company subsidiaries, along with activities not necessarily identifiable within the four SBUs.


The table below presents net sales by reporting segment:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

Net Sales

 

 

Percent of

Total Net

Sales

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

Percent of

Total Net

Sales

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

Percent of

Total Net

Sales

 

BioStim

 

$

185,900

 

 

 

42.9

%

 

$

176,561

 

 

 

43.1

%

 

$

164,955

 

 

 

41.6

%

Extremity Fixation

 

 

103,242

 

 

 

23.8

%

 

 

102,683

 

 

 

25.1

%

 

 

96,034

 

 

 

24.2

%

Spine Fixation

 

 

81,957

 

 

 

18.9

%

 

 

72,632

 

 

 

17.7

%

 

 

75,668

 

 

 

19.1

%

Biologics

 

 

62,724

 

 

 

14.4

%

 

 

57,912

 

 

 

14.1

%

 

 

59,832

 

 

 

15.1

%

Net sales

 

$

433,823

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

409,788

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

396,489

 

 

 

100.0

%

The following table presents Non-GAAP net margin, and internal metric that the Company defines as gross profit less sales and marketing expense, by reporting segment:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

BioStim

 

$

77,369

 

 

$

75,469

 

 

$

67,878

 

Extremity Fixation

 

 

31,071

 

 

 

30,526

 

 

 

29,493

 

Spine Fixation

 

 

8,730

 

 

 

8,650

 

 

 

8,547

 

Biologics

 

 

25,692

 

 

 

26,891

 

 

 

27,226

 

Corporate

 

 

(446

)

 

 

(888

)

 

 

(1,260

)

Non-GAAP net margin

 

$

142,416

 

 

$

140,648

 

 

$

131,884

 

General and administrative

 

 

74,388

 

 

 

74,404

 

 

 

87,157

 

Research and development

 

 

29,700

 

 

 

28,803

 

 

 

26,389

 

SEC / FCPA matters and related costs

 

 

(2,483

)

 

 

2,005

 

 

 

9,083

 

Charges related to U.S. Government resolutions

 

 

 

 

 

14,369

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

40,811

 

 

$

21,067

 

 

$

9,255

 

Interest income (expense), net

 

 

(416

)

 

 

763

 

 

 

(489

)

Other expense, net

 

 

(4,004

)

 

 

(2,806

)

 

 

(259

)

Income before income taxes

 

$

36,391

 

 

$

19,024

 

 

$

8,507

 

The following table presents depreciation and amortization by reporting segment:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

BioStim

 

$

2,133

 

 

$

2,754

 

 

$

2,933

 

Extremity Fixation

 

 

6,040

 

 

 

5,742

 

 

 

6,636

 

Spine Fixation

 

 

6,949

 

 

 

8,118

 

 

 

10,050

 

Biologics

 

 

752

 

 

 

1,011

 

 

 

1,157

 

Corporate

 

 

4,250

 

 

 

3,216

 

 

 

147

 

Total

 

$

20,124

 

 

$

20,841

 

 

$

20,923

 


Geographical information

The following data includes net sales by geographic destination:

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

U.S.

 

$

345,145

 

 

$

316,873

 

 

$

305,505

 

Italy

 

 

17,059

 

 

 

16,664

 

 

 

15,655

 

United Kingdom

 

 

8,725

 

 

 

10,362

 

 

 

11,376

 

Brazil

 

 

10,356

 

 

 

11,334

 

 

 

13,512

 

Others

 

 

52,538

 

 

 

54,555

 

 

 

50,441

 

Net sales

 

$

433,823

 

 

$

409,788

 

 

$

396,489

 

The following data includes property, plant and equipment by geographic area:

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

U.S.

 

$

34,008

 

 

$

38,398

 

Italy

 

 

7,658

 

 

 

7,013

 

United Kingdom

 

 

382

 

 

 

617

 

Brazil

 

 

475

 

 

 

769

 

Others

 

 

2,616

 

 

 

2,119

 

Total

 

$

45,139

 

 

$

48,916

 

15.

Share-based compensation

At December 31, 2017, the Company had stock option and award plans, and an employee stock purchase plan.

2012 Long Term Incentive Plan

The Board of Directors adopted the Orthofix International N.V. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 LTIP”) on April 13, 2012, subject to shareholder approval, which was subsequently provided by shareholder ratification. The 2012 LTIP provides for the grant of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, stock awards (including restricted stock, unrestricted stock, and stock units), stock appreciation rights, performance-based awards and other equity-based awards. All of the Company’s employees and the employees of the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible and may receive awards under the 2012 LTIP. In addition, the Company’s non-employee directors and consultants and advisors who perform services for the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates may receive awards under the 2012 LTIP. Incentive share options, however, are only available to the Company’s employees. Awards granted under the 2012 LTIP expire no later than ten years after the date of grant. The Company reserves a total of 3,200,000 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to the 2012 LTIP, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the 2012 LTIP. At December 31, 2017, there were 881,322 options outstanding under the 2012 LTIP Plan, of which 402,820 were exercisable. In addition, there were 381,204 shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding, some of which contain performance conditions, and 241,864 units of performance stock units outstanding under the plan as of December 31, 2017.

2004 Long Term Incentive Plan

The 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2004 LTIP Plan”) reserved 3.1 million shares for issuance (in addition to shares (i) available for future awards as of June 29, 2004 under prior plans or (ii) that become available for future issuance upon the expiration or forfeiture after June 29, 2004 of awards upon prior plans). At December 31, 2017, there were 55,500 options outstanding under the 2004 LTIP Plan, all of which were exercisable; in addition, there were no shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding.

Stock Purchase Plan

The Orthofix International N.V. Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Plan (the “Stock Purchase Plan”) provides for the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock to eligible employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries that elect to participate in the plan and acquire shares of common stock through payroll deductions (including executive officers).


During each purchase period, eligible employees may designate between 1% and 25% of their compensation to be deducted for the purchase of common stock under the plan (or such other percentage in order to comply with regulations applicable to Employees domiciled in or resident of a member state of the European Union). For eligible directors, the designated percentage will be an amount equal to his or her annual or other director compensation paid in cash for the current plan year. The purchase price of the shares under the plan is equal to 85% of the fair market value on the first day of the plan year (which is a calendar year, running from January 1 to December 31) or, if lower, on the last day of the plan year.

Due to the compensatory nature of such plan, the Company records the related share based compensation in the consolidated statement of operations. The aggregate number of shares reserved for issuance under the Stock Purchase Plan is 1,850,000. As of December 31, 2017, 1,504,445 shares had been issued.

Share-Based Compensation Expense

Share-based compensation expense is recorded in the same line of the consolidated statements of operations as the employee’s cash compensation. The following tables present the detail of share-based compensation by line item in the consolidated statements of operations as well as by award type, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Cost of sales

 

$

486

 

 

$

553

 

 

$

440

 

Sales and marketing

 

 

1,471

 

 

 

1,230

 

 

 

1,304

 

General and administrative

 

 

9,671

 

 

 

13,132

 

 

 

5,051

 

Research and development

 

 

929

 

 

 

1,051

 

 

 

419

 

Total

 

$

12,557

 

 

$

15,966

 

 

$

7,214

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Stock options

 

$

2,388

 

 

$

2,021

 

 

$

1,437

 

Time-based restricted stock awards

 

 

5,540

 

 

 

6,016

 

 

 

4,606

 

Performance-based restricted stock awards

 

 

462

 

 

 

5,716

 

 

 

Performance-based and market-based restricted stock units

 

 

2,904

 

 

 

948

 

 

 

 

Stock purchase plan

 

 

1,263

 

 

 

1,265

 

 

 

1,171

 

Total

 

$

12,557

 

 

$

15,966

 

 

$

7,214

 

The income tax benefit related to this expense was $3.4 million, $4.3 million, and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Stock Options

The fair value of service-based stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model, with such value recognized as expense over the service period, which is typically four years, net of actual forfeitures. The fair value of market-based stock options is determined at the date of the grant using the Monte Carlo valuation methodology, with such value recognized as expense over the requisite service period adjusted for forfeitures as they occur. The Monte Carlo methodology incorporates into the valuation the possibility that the market condition may not be satisfied.

A summary of the Company’s assumptions used in determining the fair value of the stock options granted during the year is shown in the following table.

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

Assumptions:

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Expected term (in years)

 

4.5

 

 

4.5

 

 

4.5

 

Expected volatility

 

 

31.2

%

 

30.6% – 32.3%

 

 

31.1% – 31.6%

 

Risk free interest rate

 

 

1.93

%

 

1.07% – 1.92%

 

 

1.37% – 1.54%

 

Dividend yield

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average grant date fair value

 

$

13.32

 

 

$

11.79

 

 

$

9.49

 


The expected term of the options granted is estimated based on a number of factors, including the vesting and expiration terms of the award, historical employee exercise behavior for both options that are currently outstanding and options that have been exercised or are expired, the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock and an employee’s average length of service. The risk-free interest rate is determined based upon a constant U.S. Treasury security rate with a contractual life that approximates the expected term of the option award. Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock.

Summaries of the status of the Company’s stock option plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2017 are presented below:

 

 

Options

 

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Term

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2016

 

 

1,137,179

 

 

$

36.05

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

165,595

 

 

$

46.10

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(152,027

)

 

$

34.14

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(63,925

)

 

$

42.50

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2017

 

 

1,086,822

 

 

$

37.47

 

 

 

7.06

 

Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2017

 

 

1,086,822

 

 

$

37.47

 

 

 

7.06

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2017

 

 

608,320

 

 

$

34.33

 

 

 

5.94

 

The table below summarizes the options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range as of December 31, 2017:

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

 

Options Exercisable

 

Range of Exercise Prices

 

Number

Outstanding

 

 

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life

 

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

Number

Exercisable

 

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

$21.78 – $27.97

 

 

111,874

 

 

 

5.08

 

 

$

24.12

 

 

 

111,874

 

 

$

24.12

 

$27.98 – $32.28

 

 

110,400

 

 

 

5.36

 

 

$

31.12

 

 

 

91,326

 

 

$

30.90

 

$33.12 – $33.12

 

 

140,475

 

 

 

7.50

 

 

$

33.12

 

 

 

70,242

 

 

$

33.12

 

$33.24 – $36.25

 

 

121,875

 

 

 

6.74

 

 

$

35.51

 

 

 

83,213

 

 

$

35.71

 

$36.46 – $38.40

 

 

39,750

 

 

 

8.55

 

 

$

37.92

 

 

 

12,376

 

 

$

37.64

 

$38.82 – $38.82

 

 

150,000

 

 

 

5.20

 

 

$

38.82

 

 

 

150,000

 

 

$

38.82

 

$39.66 – $41.37

 

 

65,500

 

 

 

6.12

 

 

$

40.23

 

 

 

43,000

 

 

$

40.25

 

$42.89 – $42.89

 

 

22,000

 

 

 

8.74

 

 

$

42.89

 

 

 

5,500

 

 

$

42.89

 

$44.39 – $44.39

 

 

163,138

 

 

 

8.50

 

 

$

44.39

 

 

 

40,789

 

 

$

44.39

 

$46.10 – $46.10

 

 

161,810

 

 

 

9.50

 

 

$

46.10

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$21.78 – $46.10

 

 

1,086,822

 

 

 

7.06

 

 

$

37.47

 

 

 

608,320

 

 

$

34.33

 

As of December 31, 2017, the unamortized compensation expense relating to options granted and expected to be recognized was $2.9 million. This amount is expected to be recognized through July 2021 or over a weighted average period of approximately 1.5 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $2.2 million, $4.3 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable as of December 31, 2017 is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the market price of the Company’s common stock for the shares that had exercise prices that were lower than the $54.70 closing price of the Company’s stock on December 31, 2017. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding was $18.7 million, $3.3 million and $8.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable was $12.4 million, $2.2 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.


Time-based Restricted Stock Awards and Stock Units

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company granted to employees and non-employee directors 143,469 shares of restricted stock or stock units, which vest at various dates through December 2021. The compensation expense, which represents the fair value of the stock measured at the market price at the date of grant, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, which is typically four years, net of actual forfeitures. The aggregate fair value of restricted stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $7.3 million, $7.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively. Unamortized compensation expense related to restricted stock amounted to $11.0 million at December 31, 2017, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.4 years.  The aggregate intrinsic value of restricted stock outstanding was $17.8 million, $13.0 million and $14.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards

The fair value of performance-based restricted stock awards is calculated based upon the closing stock price at the date of grant. Such value is recognized as expense over the derived requisite service period beginning in the period in which they are deemed probable to vest, net of actual forfeitures. Vesting probability is assessed based upon forecasted earnings and financial results.

During the years ended December 31, 2017 or 2016, the Company did not grant any performance-based restricted stock awards to employees. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company granted to employees 110,660 shares of performance-based restricted stock, which vest based upon the achievement of certain earnings or return on invested capital targets as of and for any of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, or 2018. Approximately $0.5 million and $5.7 million of compensation expense has been recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, associated with these performance-based vesting restricted stock awards. No expense was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2015, related to performance-based restricted stock. The fair value of performance-based stock awards that vested during the year ended December 31, 2017, was $4.9 million. No performance-based stock awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2016 or 2015. Unamortized compensation expense related to performance-based restricted stock amounted to $0.4 million at December 31, 2017, which is contingent upon meeting certain performance-based vesting criteria and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.0 year. The aggregate intrinsic value of performance-based restricted stock awards outstanding was $3.0 million, $7.0 million and $7.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Performance-based and Market-based Restricted Stock Units

The Company’s performance-based stock units (“PSUs”) consist of awards that contain either market conditions or performance conditions as a requirement for vesting.

The fair value of market-based PSUs is determined at the date of the grant using the Monte Carlo valuation methodology, with any discounts for post-vesting restrictions estimated using the Chaffe Model. The Monte Carlo methodology incorporates into the valuation the possibility that the market condition may not be satisfied. Such value is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, net of actual forfeitures. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company granted 94,902 and 96,245 shares, respectively, of market-based PSUs to executive officers and certain employees. The awards, if the market conditions are achieved, will be settled in shares of common stock, with one share of common stock issued per PSU if targets are achieved at the 100% level. Awards may be achieved at a minimum level of 50% and a maximum of 200%. The market conditions for the 2016 and 2017 awards are based on the Company’s stock achieving certain total shareholder return targets relative to specified index companies during a 3-year performance period beginning in July 2016 and July 2017, respectively. The Company recorded $2.9 million and $0.9 million in compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and no expense for the year ended December 31, 2015, related to market-based PSUs. Unamortized compensation expense for market-based PSUs amounted to $5.9 million at December 31, 2017, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of market-based PSUs outstanding was $10.2 million, $3.5 million, and $0.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

The fair value of performance-based PSUs is calculated based upon the closing stock price at the date of grant. Such value is recognized as expense over the derived requisite service period beginning in the period in which the awards are deemed probable to vest. Vesting probability is assessed based upon forecasted earnings and financial results. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company granted 55,330 shares of performance-based PSUs to employees, which vest based upon the achievement of certain earnings or return on invested capital targets for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company has not recorded any compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, or 2015 related to these 2015 performance-based PSUs as the requisite service period has not yet begun. Unamortized compensation expense related to these 2015 performance-based PSUs


amounts to $1.8 million at December 31, 2017 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.0 year, if all performance conditions are met. The aggregate intrinsic value of performance-based PSUs outstanding was $3.0 million, $2.0 million, and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

A summary of the status of our restricted stock and stock units as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2017 are presented below:

 

 

Time-based

Awards and Units

 

 

Performance-based

Awards

 

 

Performance-based or Market-based

Stock Units

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Weighted

Average Grant

Date Fair Value

 

 

Shares

 

 

Weighted

Average Grant

Date Fair Value

 

 

Shares

 

 

Weighted

Average Grant

Date Fair Value

 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2016

 

 

358,919

 

 

$

38.27

 

 

 

192,310

 

 

$

34.45

 

 

 

151,575

 

 

$

43.54

 

Granted

 

 

143,469

 

 

$

46.42

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

94,902

 

 

$

54.49

 

Vested

 

 

(157,807

)

 

$

37.04

 

 

 

(136,980

)

 

$

34.99

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

Cancelled

 

 

(18,707

)

 

$

38.59

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

(4,613

)

 

$

49.09

 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2017

 

 

325,874

 

 

$

42.44

 

 

 

55,330

 

 

$

33.12

 

 

 

241,864

 

 

$

47.73

 

16.

Defined contribution plans and deferred compensation

Defined Contribution Plans

Orthofix Inc. sponsors a defined contribution plan (the “401(k) Plan”) covering substantially all full time U.S. employees. The 401(k) Plan allows participants to contribute up to 15% of their pre-tax compensation, subject to certain limitations, with the Company matching 100% of the first 2% of the employee’s base compensation and 50% of the next 4% of the employee’s base compensation if contributed to the 401(k) Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, expenses incurred relating to the 401(k) Plan, including matching contributions, were approximately $2.0 million, $1.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

The Company also operates defined contribution pension plans for its international employees meeting minimum service requirements. The Company’s expenses for such pension contributions during each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $1.1 million, $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plans

Under Italian Law, our Italian subsidiary accrues, on behalf of its employees, deferred compensation, which is paid on termination of employment. The accrual for deferred compensation is based on a percentage of the employee’s current annual remuneration plus an annual charge. Deferred compensation is also accrued for the leaving indemnity payable to agents in case of dismissal, which is regulated by a national contract and is equal to approximately 3.5% of total commissions earned from the Company. The Company’s relations with its Italian employees, who represent 21.5% of total employees at December 31, 2017, are governed by the provisions of a National Collective Labor Agreement setting forth mandatory minimum standards for labor relations in the metal mechanic workers industry. The Company is not a party to any other collective bargaining agreement.

The Orthofix Deferred Compensation Plan, administered by the Board of Directors of the Company, effective January 1, 2007, and as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, is a plan intended to allow a select group of key management and highly compensated employees of the Company to defer the receipt of compensation that would otherwise be payable to them. As of January 1, 2011 the Company disallowed further contributions into the plan and any new plan participants. Distributions are made in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A.

The Company’s expense for both deferred compensation plans described above was approximately $0.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. There were $0.2 million in deferred compensation payments made in 2017, $0.1 million in 2016, and none in 2015. The balance in other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and represents the amount which would be payable if all the employees and agents had terminated employment at that date.


17.

Income taxes

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes consisted of the following:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

U.S.

 

$

27,774

 

 

$

23,006

 

 

$

15,480

 

Non-U.S.

 

 

8,617

 

 

 

(3,982

)

 

 

(6,973

)

Income before income taxes

 

$

36,391

 

 

$

19,024

 

 

$

8,507

 

The provision for income taxes on continuing operations consists of the following: 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

$

3,620

 

 

$

558

 

 

$

6,792

 

Deferred

 

 

20,222

 

 

 

9,296

 

 

 

(1,146

)

 

 

 

23,842

 

 

 

9,854

 

 

 

5,646

 

Non-U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

 

4,062

 

 

 

4,509

 

 

 

3,661

 

Deferred

 

 

1,196

 

 

 

1,164

 

 

 

1,542

 

 

 

 

5,258

 

 

 

5,673

 

 

 

5,203

 

Income tax expense

 

$

29,100

 

 

$

15,527

 

 

$

10,849

 

The rate reconciliation for continuing operations presented below is based on the U.S. federal income tax rate, rather than the Company’s country of domicile tax rate. The Company believes, given the large proportion of taxable income earned in the United States, such disclosure is more meaningful.

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands, except percentages)

 

Amount

 

 

Percent

 

 

Amount

 

 

Percent

 

 

Amount

 

 

Percent

 

Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate

 

$

12,737

 

 

 

35.0

%

 

$

6,658

 

 

 

35.0

%

 

$

2,978

 

 

 

35.0

%

State taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit

 

 

1,598

 

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

395

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

521

 

 

 

6.1

 

Foreign rate differential, including withholding taxes

 

 

(3,849

)

 

 

(10.6

)

 

 

(805

)

 

 

(4.2

)

 

 

(1,934

)

 

 

(22.7

)

Charges related to U.S. Government resolutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,050

 

 

 

10.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowances, net

 

 

3,548

 

 

 

9.7

 

 

 

6,149

 

 

 

32.3

 

 

 

10,952

 

 

 

128.7

 

Change in estimate on compensation expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,151

)

 

 

(11.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Italian subsidiary intangible asset

 

 

(381

)

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

(1,477

)

 

 

(7.8

)

 

 

(2,076

)

 

 

(24.4

)

Change of intention for foreign earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,300

 

 

 

6.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic manufacturing deduction

 

 

(818

)

 

 

(2.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(469

)

 

 

(5.5

)

Unrecognized tax benefits, net of settlements

 

 

6,002

 

 

 

16.5

 

 

 

3,049

 

 

 

16.0

 

 

 

406

 

 

 

4.8

 

Impact of the Tax Act

 

 

8,347

 

 

 

22.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other, net

 

 

1,916

 

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

359

 

 

 

1.9

 

 

 

471

 

 

 

5.5

 

Income tax expense/effective rate

 

$

29,100

 

 

 

80.0

%

 

$

15,527

 

 

 

81.6

%

 

$

10,849

 

 

 

127.5

%

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a U.S. corporate rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017. The Company has calculated its best estimate of the impact of the Tax Act in the 2017 income tax provision in accordance with its understanding of the Tax Act and guidance available as of the date of this filing. As a result, the Company recorded $8.3 million of additional income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was enacted. The provisional amount related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future was $8.6 million. The provisional amount related to the one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was zero. The Company also recorded a benefit of $0.3 million related to an income tax liability recorded in 2016 related to repatriation of earnings from our subsidiary in Puerto Rico.


On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we have determine that the $8.6 million of the deferred tax expense recorded in connection with the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and the zero transition tax  on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate at December 31, 2017. Additional work is necessary for a more detailed analysis of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities and its historical foreign earnings as well as potential correlative adjustments. Any subsequent adjustment to those amounts will be recorded to current tax expense in the quarter of 2018 when the analysis is complete.

During 2016, the Company revised its estimate relating to the deductibility of certain compensation expenses. This change in estimate reduced income tax expense and increased net income from continuing operations by $2.4 million and increased earnings per share by $0.13 for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

 

December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Intangible assets and goodwill

 

$

2,271

 

 

$

2,628

 

Inventories and related reserves

 

 

11,298

 

 

 

17,665

 

Deferred revenue and cost of goods sold

 

 

6,816

 

 

 

11,263

 

Other accruals and reserves

 

 

2,336

 

 

 

4,066

 

Accrued compensation

 

 

4,054

 

 

 

6,747

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

2,617

 

 

 

2,898

 

Accrued interest

 

 

 

 

 

4,621

 

Net operating loss carryforwards

 

 

42,675

 

 

 

37,930

 

Other, net

 

 

2,369

 

 

 

3,032

 

 

 

 

74,436

 

 

 

90,850

 

Valuation allowance

 

 

(46,271

)

 

 

(41,701

)

Deferred tax asset

 

$

28,165

 

 

$

49,149

 

Withholding taxes

 

 

(381

)

 

 

(648

)

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

(4,469

)

 

 

(1,176

)

Deferred tax liability

 

 

(4,850

)

 

 

(1,824

)

Net deferred tax assets

 

$

23,315

 

 

$

47,325

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which those items are expected to be realized. Tax law and rate changes are recorded in the period such changes are enacted. The Company establishes a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets will not be realized in the foreseeable future.

The valuation allowance is primarily attributable to net operating loss carryforwards and temporary differences in certain foreign jurisdictions.  The net increase in the valuation allowance of $4.6 million during the year principally relates to the increase of valuation allowances on net operating loss carryforwards in foreign jurisdictions.

The Company has state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $11.6 million that will begin to expire in 2018. Additionally, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards in various foreign jurisdictions of approximately $167.3 million that begin to expire in 2018, the majority of which relate to the Company’s Netherlands operations.

During 2016, the Company changed its intention related to unremitted foreign earnings in its Puerto Rico subsidiary and certain United Kingdom subsidiaries. As a result of the change in intention, the Company recorded $ 1.3 million of income tax expense for the remitted and unremitted earnings in each of these subsidiaries. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company changed its intention related to unremitted foreign earnings in its Seychelles subsidiary. The tax impact was minimal. The Company’s current intention is to indefinitely reinvest substantially all of its other unremitted foreign earnings (residing outside Curaçao). As an entity


incorporated in Curaçao, “foreign earnings” refer to both U.S. and non-U.S. earnings.  Furthermore, only income sourced in the U.S. is subject to U.S. income tax. Unremitted foreign earnings decreased from $372.5 million at December 31, 2016 to $335.7 million at December 31, 2017. Determining the additional income tax that may be payable if such earnings are repatriated is not practicable.

The Company records a benefit for uncertain tax positions when the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not, based on an evaluation of the technical merits, that the tax position will be sustained on audit. The tax benefit is measured as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement. The Company re-evaluates income tax positions periodically to consider changes in facts or circumstances such as changes in or interpretations of tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. The Company includes interest and any applicable penalties related to income tax issues as part of income tax expense in its consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s unrecognized tax benefit was $22.5 million and $18.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company recorded interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits of  $2.3 million, $2.1 million, and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, and had approximately $5.3 million and $3.0 million accrued for payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The entire amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest, would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that, in the next 12 months, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to the resolution of federal, state and foreign matters could be reduced by $2.4 million to $3.6 million as audits close and statutes expire.

A reconciliation of the gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 follows:

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands)

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Balance as of January 1,

 

$

18,384

 

 

$

15,763

 

 

$

15,597

 

Additions for current year tax positions

 

 

787

 

 

 

77

 

 

 

332

 

Increases (decreases) for prior year tax positions

 

 

3,361

 

 

 

2,551

 

 

 

(86

)

Settlements of prior year tax positions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expiration of statutes

 

 

(10

)

 

 

(7

)

 

 

(80

)

Balance as of December 31,

 

$

22,522

 

 

$

18,384

 

 

$

15,763

 

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in certain state and foreign jurisdictions, including Italy and the United Kingdom. The statute of limitations with respect to federal and state tax filings is closed for years prior to 2012. The statute of limitations with respect to the major foreign tax filing jurisdictions is closed for years prior to 2012.

During the third quarter of 2015, the Internal Revenue Service commenced an examination of the Company’s federal income tax return for 2012. The Company reasonably expects to conclude this examination in the first half of 2018 with no material impact on the financial statements. In October 2016, the Company was notified of an examination of its federal income tax return for 2013 and in December 2017, the examination for 2013 was concluded with no change. In November 2017, the Company was notified of an examination of its federal income tax return for 2015. The Company cannot reasonably determine if this examination, or any state and local tax examinations, will have a material impact on its financial statements and cannot predict the timing regarding resolution of these tax examinations.

18.

Earnings per share (EPS)

Basic EPS is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each of the respective years. Diluted EPS is computed using the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during each of the respective years using the treasury stock method. The difference between basic and diluted shares, if any, largely results from common equivalent shares, which represents the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of certain outstanding share options, the assumed vesting of restricted stock granted to employees and directors, or the satisfaction of certain necessary conditions for contingently issuable shares (see Note 15).


For each of the three years ended December 31, 2017, no adjustments were made to net income (loss) for purposes of calculating basic and diluted EPS. The following is a reconciliation of the weighted average shares used in the diluted EPS computations.

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Weighted average common shares-basic

 

 

18,117,405

 

 

 

18,144,019

 

 

 

18,795,194

 

Effect of diluted securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unexercised stock options and employee stock purchase plan

 

 

209,691

 

 

 

161,092

 

 

 

 

Unvested time-based restricted stock awards

 

 

123,592

 

 

 

138,291

 

 

 

 

Unvested performance-based restricted stock awards

 

 

48,057

 

 

 

19,759

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares-diluted

 

 

18,498,745

 

 

 

18,463,161

 

 

 

18,795,194

 

No adjustment was made for any common stock equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2015, because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. There were 418,859, 542,555 and 1,033,731 outstanding options, restricted stock, and performance-based or market-based equity awards not included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because inclusion of these awards was anti-dilutive or, for performance-based and market-based awards, all necessary conditions have not been satisfied by the end of the respective period.

19. Quarterly financial data (unaudited)

 

 

2017

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands, except per share data)

 

1st Quarter

 

 

2nd Quarter

 

 

3rd Quarter

 

 

4th Quarter

 

 

Year

 

Net sales

 

$

102,738

 

 

$

108,942

 

 

$

105,247

 

 

$

116,896

 

 

$

433,823

 

Cost of sales

 

 

22,581

 

 

 

23,177

 

 

 

23,717

 

 

 

23,562

 

 

 

93,037

 

Gross profit

 

 

80,157

 

 

 

85,765

 

 

 

81,530

 

 

 

93,334

 

 

 

340,786

 

Operating expense

 

 

74,238

 

 

 

77,767

 

 

 

72,496

 

 

 

75,474

 

 

 

299,975

 

Operating income

 

 

5,919

 

 

 

7,998

 

 

 

9,034

 

 

 

17,860

 

 

 

40,811

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

(2,308

)

 

 

4,735

 

 

 

3,348

 

 

 

1,516

 

 

 

7,291

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(2,654

)

 

$

3,853

 

 

$

3,456

 

 

$

1,568

 

 

$

6,223

 

Net income (loss) per common share — basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

(0.13

)

 

$

0.26

 

 

$

0.18

 

 

$

0.08

 

 

$

0.40

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

0.21

 

 

$

0.19

 

 

$

0.09

 

 

$

0.34

 

Net income (loss) per common share — diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

(0.13

)

 

$

0.26

 

 

$

0.18

 

 

$

0.08

 

 

$

0.39

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

0.21

 

 

$

0.19

 

 

$

0.08

 

 

$

0.34

 

 

 

2016

 

(U.S. Dollars, in thousands, except per share data)

 

1st Quarter

 

 

2nd Quarter

 

 

3rd Quarter

 

 

4th Quarter

 

 

Year

 

Net sales

 

$

98,679

 

 

$

104,075

 

 

$

98,497

 

 

$

108,537

 

 

$

409,788

 

Cost of sales

 

 

22,137

 

 

 

22,516

 

 

 

19,880

 

 

 

23,320

 

 

 

87,853

 

Gross profit

 

 

76,542

 

 

 

81,559

 

 

 

78,617

 

 

 

85,217

 

 

 

321,935

 

Operating expense

 

 

69,467

 

 

 

84,254

 

 

 

69,346

 

 

 

77,801

 

 

 

300,868

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

7,075

 

 

 

(2,695

)

 

 

9,271

 

 

 

7,416

 

 

 

21,067

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

4,576

 

 

 

(6,346

)

 

 

10,384

 

 

 

(5,117

)

 

 

3,497

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

3,840

 

 

$

(7,444

)

 

$

9,896

 

 

$

(3,236

)

 

$

3,056

 

Net income (loss) per common share — basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

0.25

 

 

$

(0.35

)

 

$

0.57

 

 

$

(0.29

)

 

$

0.19

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

0.21

 

 

$

(0.41

)

 

$

0.55

 

 

$

(0.18

)

 

$

0.17

 

Net income (loss) per common share — diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

0.24

 

 

$

(0.35

)

 

$

0.56

 

 

$

(0.29

)

 

$

0.19

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

0.20

 

 

$

(0.41

)

 

$

0.54

 

 

$

(0.18

)

 

$

0.17

 

F-31