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

Indicate by check mark 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yesx ☒ No ¨☐

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor from civil litigation for forward-looking statements accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements. Except for historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which may be identified by words such as “estimates”, “anticipates”, “projects”, “plans”, “seeks”, “may”, “will”, “expects”, “intends”, “believes”, “should” and similar expressions or the negative versions thereof and which also may be identified by their context. All statements that address operating performance or events or developments that Meridian expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including, but not limited to, statements relating to per share diluted earnings and revenue, are forward-looking statements. Such statements, whether expressed or implied, are based upon current expectations of the Company and speak only as of the date made. Specifically, Meridian’s forward-looking statements are, and will be, based on management’s then-current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance. Meridian assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. These statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, without limitation, the following: Meridian’s continued growth depends, in part, on its ability to introduce into the marketplace enhancements of existing products or new products that incorporate technological advances, meet customer requirements and respond to products developed by Meridian’s competition, and its ability to effectively sell such products. While Meridian has introduced a number of internally developed products, there can be no assurance that it will be successful in the future in introducing such products on a timely ~~basis.~~basis or in protecting its intellectual property. Meridian relies on proprietary, patented and licensed ~~technologies, and~~technologies. As such, the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights, as well as the potential for intellectual property litigation, would impact its results. Ongoing consolidations of reference laboratories and formation of multi-hospital alliances may cause adverse changes to pricing and distribution. Recessionary pressures on the economy and the markets in which our customers operate, as well as adverse trends in buying patterns from customers, can change expected results. Costs and difficulties in complying with laws and regulations, including those administered by the United States Food and Drug Administration, can result in unanticipated expenses and delays and interruptions to the sale of new and existing ~~products.~~products, as well as the uncertainty of regulatory approvals and the regulatory process. The international scope of Meridian’s operations, including changes in the relative strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar and general economic conditions in foreign countries, can impact results and make them difficult to predict. One of Meridian’s growth strategies is the acquisition of companies and product lines. There can be no assurance that additional acquisitions will be consummated or that, if consummated, will be successful and the acquired businesses will be successfully integrated into Meridian’s operations. There may be risks that acquisitions may disrupt operations and may pose potential difficulties in employee retention, and there may be additional risks with respect to Meridian’s ability to recognize the benefits of acquisitions, including potential synergies and cost savings or the failure of acquisitions to achieve their plans and objectives. Meridian cannot predict the possible impact of U.S. health care legislation enacted in 2010 – the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act – and any modification or repeal of any of the provisions thereof, and any similar initiatives in other countries on its results of operations. Efforts to reduce the U.S. federal deficit, breaches of Meridian’s information technology systems and natural disasters and other events could have a materially adverse effect on Meridian’s results of operations and revenues. In addition to the factors described in this paragraph, Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K contains a list and description of uncertainties, risks and other matters that may affect the Company. Readers should carefully review these forward-looking statements and risk factors and not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Nine Months Ended June 30,						Three Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2016			2015			2016			2015
NET REVENUES	$	50,665		$	48,204		$	149,084		$	147,762		$	46,809		$	47,160
COST OF SALES		17,756			17,873			51,020			55,673			17,359			15,577

GROSS PROFIT		32,909			30,331			98,064			92,089			29,450			31,583

OPERATING EXPENSES
Research and development		3,546			3,214			10,056			9,685			3,405			3,381
Selling and marketing		8,085			6,184			21,738			18,745			7,514			6,443
General and administrative		7,537			6,535			22,306			20,860			8,446			8,173
Acquisition-related costs		—			—			1,481			—

Total operating expenses		19,168			15,933			55,581			49,290			19,365			17,997

OPERATING INCOME		13,741			14,398			42,483			42,799			10,085			13,586
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest income		22			6			42			18			22			17
Interest expense		(427	)		—			(470	)		—			(423	)		—
Other, net		65			(99	)		(163	)		(892	)		(25	)		96

Total other income (expense)		(340	)		(93	)		(591	)		(874	)		(426	)		113

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES		13,401			14,305			41,892			41,925			9,659			13,699
INCOME TAX PROVISION		4,647			5,203			15,154			14,852			3,380			4,806

NET EARNINGS	$	8,754		$	9,102		$	26,738		$	27,073		$	6,279		$	8,893

BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.21		$	0.22		$	0.64		$	0.65		$	0.15		$	0.21
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.21		$	0.22		$	0.63		$	0.64		$	0.15		$	0.21
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC		42,076			41,714			42,000			41,647			42,159			41,947
EFFECT OF DILUTIVE STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED SHARES AND UNITS		387			379			379			352
EFFECT OF DILUTIVE STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS														376			380

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - DILUTED		42,463			42,093			42,379			41,999			42,535			42,327

ANTI-DILUTIVE SECURITIES:
Common share options and restricted shares and units		465			493			449			567
Common share options and restricted share units														715			450

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.20		$	0.20		$	0.60		$	0.60		$	0.20		$	0.20

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


	Three Months Ended June 30,					Nine Months Ended June 30,						Three Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015		2016			2015			2016			2015
NET EARNINGS	$	8,754		$	9,102	$	26,738		$	27,073		$	6,279		$	8,893
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(1,563	)		1,357		(2,479	)		(2,146	)		(1,423	)		(787	)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge		(417	)		—		(1,111	)		—
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedge													1,560			—
Income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income		228			—		522			—			(589	)		—

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(1,752	)		1,357		(3,068	)		(2,146	)		(452	)		(787	)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	7,002		$	10,459	$	23,670		$	24,927		$	5,827		$	8,106

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


Nine Months Ended June 30,	2016			2015
Three Months Ended December 31,							2016			2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings	$	26,738		$	27,073		$	6,279		$	8,893
Non-cash items included in net earnings:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		2,871			2,585			1,078			896
Amortization of intangible assets		1,834			1,309			968			388
Amortization of deferred instrument costs		829			1,088			257			281
Stock-based compensation		2,654			2,676			1,884			1,611
Deferred income taxes		(753	)		(270	)		2,091			433
Losses on long-lived assets		659			39
Change in current assets, net of acquisition		(9,556	)		(4,399	)
Change in current liabilities, net of acquisition		868			796
Change in current assets								1,616			(1,186	)
Change in current liabilities								(869	)		834
Other, net		(140	)		299			(311	)		(58	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		26,004			31,196			12,993			12,092

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(2,688	)		(3,783	)		(1,392	)		(776	)
Purchase of equity method investment		(600	)		—			—			(600	)
Proceeds from sale of assets		—			1,138
Acquisition of Magellan, net of cash acquired		(62,090	)		—
Purchase of intangibles and other assets								—			(16	)

Net cash used for investing activities		(65,378	)		(2,645	)		(1,392	)		(1,392	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid		(25,233	)		(25,014	)		(8,440	)		(8,407	)
Proceeds from term loan, net of issuance costs		59,851			—
Payment on term loan		(750	)		—			(750	)		—
Proceeds and tax benefits from exercises of stock options		2,033			654			301			1,470

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities		35,901			(24,360	)
Net cash used for financing activities								(8,889	)		(6,937	)

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Equivalents		(697	)		(1,263	)		(662	)		(314	)

Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Equivalents		(4,170	)		2,928
Net Increase in Cash and Equivalents								2,050			3,449
Cash and Equivalents at Beginning of Period		49,973			43,047			47,226			49,973

Cash and Equivalents at End of Period	$	45,803		$	45,975		$	49,276		$	53,422

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


	June 30, 2016 (Unaudited)			September 30, 2015		December 31, 2016 (Unaudited)		September 30, 2016
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$	45,803		$	49,973	$	49,276	$	47,226
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $341 and $248		31,312			26,254
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $346 and $334							24,278		27,102
Inventories		43,409			35,817		44,709		45,057
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		6,396			7,378		7,785		7,406

Total current assets		126,920			119,422		126,048		126,791

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at Cost
Land		984			986		1,147		1,155
Buildings and improvements		32,042			30,056		31,595		31,487
Machinery, equipment and furniture		45,893			41,541		45,712		45,085
Construction in progress		1,824			1,139		1,953		1,947

Subtotal		80,743			73,722		80,407		79,674
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		50,670			46,230		49,975		49,224

Net property, plant and equipment		30,073			27,492		30,432		30,450
			��
OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill		63,698			22,349		60,705		61,982
Other intangible assets, net		31,384			5,931		29,348		29,855
Restricted cash		1,000			1,000		1,000		1,000
Deferred instrument costs, net		1,503			1,750		1,339		1,392
Deferred income taxes		—			4,954
Fair value of interest rate swap							831		—
Other assets		368			384		352		353

Total other assets		97,953			36,368		93,575		94,582

TOTAL ASSETS	$	254,946		$	183,282	$	250,055	$	251,823

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


	June 30, 2016 (Unaudited)			September 30, 2015			December 31, 2016 (Unaudited)			September 30, 2016
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	$	7,386		$	6,646		$	7,511		$	7,627
Accrued employee compensation costs		5,425			5,132			5,064			7,106
Other accrued expenses		2,558			2,587			2,833			2,606
Current portion of long-term debt		3,375			—			4,125			3,750
Income taxes payable		1,504			886			1,511			1,482

Total current liabilities		20,248			15,251			21,044			22,571

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Acquisition consideration		2,198			—			2,383			2,383
Non-current compensation liabilities		2,252			2,158			2,458			2,305
Interest rate swap liability		1,111			—
Fair value of interest rate swap								—			729
Long-term debt		55,726			—			53,495			54,610
Deferred income taxes		4,558			—			4,943			2,753

Total non-current liabilities		65,845			2,158			63,279			62,780

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued		—			—			—			—
Common shares, no par value; 71,000,000 shares authorized, 42,078,657 and 41,838,399 shares issued, respectively		—			—
Common shares, no par value; 71,000,000 shares authorized, 42,202,067 and 42,106,587 shares issued, respectively								—			—
Additional paid-in capital		121,694			117,151			124,229			122,356
Retained earnings		52,557			51,052			47,471			49,632
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(5,398	)		(2,330	)		(5,968	)		(5,516	)

Total shareholders’ equity		168,853			165,873			165,732			166,472

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	254,946		$	183,282		$	250,055		$	251,823

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)


	Common Shares Issued		Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Shareholders’ Equity			Common Shares Issued		Additional Paid-In Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Shareholders’ Equity
Balance at September 30, 2015		41,838	$	117,151	$	51,052		$	(2,330	)	$	165,873
Balance at September 30, 2016															42,107	$	122,356		$	49,632		$	(5,516	)	$	166,472
Cash dividends paid		—		—		(25,233	)		—			(25,233	)		—		—			(8,440	)		—			(8,440	)
Exercise of stock options		125		1,889		—			—			1,889			18		(11	)		—			—			(11	)
Conversion of restricted stock units		116		—		—			—			—
Conversion of restricted share units															77		—			—			—			—
Stock compensation expense		—		2,654		—			—			2,654			—		1,884			—			—			1,884
Net earnings		—		—		26,738			—			26,738			—		—			6,279			—			6,279
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		—		—			(2,375	)		(2,375	)		—		—			—			(1,423	)		(1,423	)
Hedging activity, net of tax		—		—		—			(693	)		(693	)		—		—			—			971			971

Balance at June 30, 2016		42,079	$	121,694	$	52,557		$	(5,398	)	$	168,853
Balance at December 31, 2016															42,202	$	124,229		$	47,471		$	(5,968	)	$	165,732

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of Management, the interim financial statements include all normal adjustments and disclosures necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016, the results of its operations for the three ~~and nine~~ month periods ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and 2015, and its cash flows for the ~~nine~~three month periods ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and 2015. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s fiscal ~~2015~~2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Financial information as of September 30, ~~2015~~2016 has been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year.

The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2016 includes the condensed balance sheet of Magellan Biosciences, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. (collectively, “Magellan”), as set forth and more fully described in Note 3. The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for both the three and nine months ended June 30, 2016 include Magellan’s results of operations since the March 24, 2016 date of acquisition.

A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is included in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company’s fiscal ~~2015~~2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes and replaces nearly all currently-existing U.S. GAAP revenue recognition guidance including related disclosure requirements. This guidance, including any clarification guidance thereon, will be effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019). ~~The~~While the Company has begun the process of identifying, categorizing and analyzing its various revenue streams, the Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its financial statements.

~~In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17,~~~~Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes~~, which simplifies the financial statement presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred income tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent within a classified statement of financial position. Adoption and implementation of the guidance is not required by the Company until issuance of fiscal 2018 first quarter financial statements. However, due to early adoption being permitted and believing the required presentation results in more useful and comparable information related to our net deferred income taxes, the Company has chosen to adopt the guidance as of December 31, 2015 and retrospectively apply the guidance to the prior period presented. This retrospective application results in $3,431 of deferred income tax assets being reclassified from current assets to non-current assets in the September 30, 2015 balance sheet included herein. Adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02,Leases, which amends the accounting guidance related to leases. These changes, which are designed to increase transparency and comparability among organizations for both lessees and lessors, include, among other things, requiring recognition of lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Adoption and implementation of the guidance is not required by the Company until the beginning of fiscal 2020, although early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09,Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which amends the accounting for share-based payment transactions. These changes, which are designed for simplification, involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Adoption and implementation of the guidance is not required by the Company until the beginning of fiscal 2018, although early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15,Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The update addresses certain specific cash flows and their treatment, with the objective being to reduce the existing diversity in how the items are presented and classified within the statement of cash flows. Adoption and implementation of the guidance is not required by the Company until the beginning of fiscal 2019, although early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s statement of cash flows.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16,Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which intends to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Adoption and implementation of the guidance is not required by the Company until the beginning of fiscal 2019, although early adoption is permitted. While the Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its financial statements, in light of the levels of such transfer activity within the Company, adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements are not expected to have a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current fiscal period presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or shareholders’ equity.

On March 24, 2016, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Magellan Biosciences, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. (collectively, “Magellan”), for ~~$67,690,~~$67,874, utilizing the proceeds from a ~~new~~ $60,000 five-year term loan and cash and equivalents on hand. An amount of the acquisition consideration totaling ~~$2,198~~$2,383 remains payable to the sellers, pending the realization of tax benefits for certain net operating loss carryforwards in future tax ~~returns.~~returns, which is included within non-current liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Headquartered near Boston, Massachusetts, Magellan is a leading manufacturer of FDA-cleared products for the testing of blood to diagnose lead poisoning in children and adults. Magellan is the leading provider of point-of-care lead testing systems in the U.S.

~~As a result of~~Since the consideration paid ~~exceeding~~exceeds the preliminary fair value of the net assets acquired, goodwill in the amount of ~~$42,740~~$40,572 was recorded in connection with this acquisition, none of which will be deductible for tax purposes. This goodwill results largely from the addition of Magellan’s complementary customer base and distribution channels, industry reputation in the U.S. as a leader in lead testing, and management talent and workforce. ~~Our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended June 30, 2016 include $1,173 of acquisition-related costs related to the~~

~~In addition to Magellan’s~~ results of operations, which are included in our Condensed Consolidated ~~Statements~~Statement of Operations for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and reported as part of the Diagnostics operating segment, include $726 of general and administrative expenses related to the depreciation of the fair value adjustment to acquired property, plant and equipment, and the amortization of specific identifiable intangible assets recorded on the opening balance sheet, including customer relationships, technology, non-compete agreements, and trade names.

The Company’s consolidated results for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 ~~also include:~~

~~The results of~~include net revenues and net earnings from Magellan ~~included in the consolidated results of the Company for the three~~totaling $5,199 and ~~nine months ended June 30, 2016 are as follows, reflecting~~$468, respectively, and reflect the items noted above ~~but excluding~~and exclude interest expense on the debt secured by Meridian in connection with the ~~transaction:~~transaction.

The recognized preliminary amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of Magellan are as follows:


	PRELIMINARY							PRELIMINARY
	March 24, 2016 (as initially reported)		Measurement Period Adjustments			March 24, 2016 (as adjusted)		March 24, 2016 (as initially reported)		Measurement Period Adjustments			March 24, 2016 (as adjusted)
Fair value of assets acquired -
Cash and equivalents	$	3,420	$	(20	)	$	3,400	$	3,400	$	—		$	3,400
Accounts receivable		1,700		—			1,700		1,700		—			1,700
Inventories		1,400		—			1,400		1,400		—			1,400
Other current assets		330		10			340		300		—			300
Property, plant and equipment		2,790		(200	)		2,590		2,800		(200	)		2,600
Goodwill		42,730		10			42,740		42,800		(2,200	)		40,600
Other intangible assets (estimated useful life):
Customer relationships (15 years)		12,630		—			12,630		12,600		300			12,900
Technology (10 years)		10,550		—			10,550		10,600		300			10,900
Non-compete agreements (2 years)		740		—			740		700		—			700
Trade names (approximate 5 year weighted average)		3,690		—			3,690
Trade names (approximate 9 year weighted average)									3,700		(700	)		3,000

		79,980		(200	)		79,780		80,000		(2,500	)		77,500
Fair value of liabilities assumed -
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		1,610		(20	)		1,590		1,600		100			1,700
Deferred income tax liabilities		10,570		(70	)		10,500		10,600		(2,700	)		7,900

Total consideration (including $2,198 accrued to be paid)	$	67,800	$	(110	)	$	67,690
Total consideration (including $2,400 accrued to be paid; see discussion above)								$	67,800	$	100		$	67,900

As indicated, the allocation of the purchase price and estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets shown remain preliminary, pending final completion of valuations. ~~We are currently assessing the amount of tax net operating loss carryforwards available to us. Upon completion of this analysis, an amount will be reclassified from goodwill to deferred taxes.~~

The consolidated pro forma results of the combined entities of Meridian and Magellan, had the acquisition date been October 1, ~~2014,~~2015, are as follows for the periods indicated:


	Three Months Ended June 30,				Nine Months Ended June 30,				Three Months Ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2016		2015		2016		2015
Net Revenues	$	50,665	$	52,255	$	156,722	$	159,225	$	46,809	$	51,095
Net Earnings	$	8,776	$	8,698	$	26,194	$	25,446	$	6,279	$	8,517
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.62	$	0.61

These pro forma amounts have been calculated by including the results of Magellan, and adjusting the combined results to give effect to the following, as if the acquisition had been consummated on October 1, ~~2014,~~2015, together with the consequential tax effects thereon:


	June 30, 2016		September 30, 2015		December 31, 2016		September 30, 2016
Raw materials	$	7,810	$	7,095	$	7,642	$	7,639
Work-in-process		12,432		10,096		13,535		13,146
Finished goods - instruments		2,384		1,890		2,113		2,378
Finished goods - kits and reagents		20,783		16,736		21,419		21,894

Total	$	43,409	$	35,817	$	44,709	$	45,057

A summary of our acquired intangible assets subject to amortization, as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and September 30, ~~2015,~~2016, is as follows:


	June 30, 2016				September 30, 2015				December 31, 2016				September 30, 2016
	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization
Manufacturing technologies, core products and cell lines	$	21,962	$	11,270	$	11,582	$	10,906	$	22,230	$	11,800	$	21,921	$	11,540
Tradenames, licenses and patents		9,852		3,835		6,410		3,296
Customer lists and relationships, and supply agreements		24,283		10,255		12,105		9,964
Trade names, licenses and patents										9,035		4,124		9,037		3,947
Customer lists, customer relationships and supply agreements										24,285		10,728		24,385		10,511
Non-compete agreements		740		93		—		—		720		270		680		170

	$	56,837	$	25,453	$	30,097	$	24,166	$	56,270	$	26,922	$	56,023	$	26,168

The actual aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets was ~~$1,072~~$968 and ~~$409~~$388 for the three months ended ~~June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $1,834 and $1,309 for the nine months ended June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets for each of the fiscal years through fiscal ~~2021~~2022 is as follows: remainder of fiscal ~~2016 – $987, fiscal~~ 2017 – ~~$4,041,~~$2,794, fiscal 2018 – ~~$3,835,~~$3,524, fiscal 2019 – ~~$3,609,~~$3,303, fiscal 2020 – ~~$3,445, and~~$3,144, fiscal 2021 – ~~$2,576.~~$2,560, and fiscal 2022 – $2,164.

In connection with the acquisition of Magellan (see Note 3), on March 22, 2016 the Company entered into a $60,000 five-year term loan with a commercial bank. The term loan requires quarterly principal and interest payments, with interest at a variable rate tied to LIBOR, and a balloon principal payment due March 31, 2021. The required principal payments on the term loan for each of ~~$37,500 at~~ the ~~end~~five succeeding fiscal years are as follows: remainder of ~~five years. Due to the recent execution date~~fiscal 2017 – $3,000, fiscal 2018 – $4,500, fiscal 2019 – $5,250, fiscal 2020 – $6,000, and fiscal 2021 – $39,000. In light of the term ~~loan and~~loan’s interest being determined on a variable rate basis, the fair value of the term loan at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 approximates the current carrying value reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In addition, the Company continues to maintain a $30,000 credit facility with the same commercial bank, which expires March 31, 2021. As there were no borrowings outstanding on this credit facility at June 30, 2016 or September 30, 2015, available borrowings as of both dates totaled $30,000. The term loan and the credit facility are collateralized by the business assets of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries, and require compliance with financial covenants that limit the amount of debt obligations and require a minimum level of coverage of fixed charges, as defined in the borrowing agreement. As of June 30, 2016, the Company is in compliance with all covenants.

In order to limit exposure to volatility in the LIBOR interest rate, the Company and the commercial bank also entered into an interest rate swap that effectively converts the variable interest rate on the term loan to a fixed ~~rate.~~rate of 2.76%. With an initial notional balance of $60,000, the interest rate swap has been established with critical terms identical to those of the term loan, including (i) notional reduction amounts and dates; (ii) LIBOR settlement rates; (iii) rate reset dates; and (iv) term/maturity. Due to this, the interest rate swap has been designated as an effective cash flow hedge, with changes in fair value reflected as a separate component of other comprehensive income in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. At ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016, the fair value of the interest rate swap was ~~a liability~~an asset of ~~$1,111,~~$831, and is reflected as a non-current ~~liability~~asset in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. This fair value was determined by reference to a third party valuation, and is considered a Level 2 input within the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.

In addition, the Company continues to maintain a $30,000 revolving credit facility with a commercial bank, which expires March 31, 2021. There were no borrowings outstanding on this credit facility at December 31, 2016 or September 30, 2016.

The term loan and the revolving credit facility are collateralized by the business assets of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries and require compliance with financial covenants that limit the amount of debt obligations and require a minimum level of coverage of fixed charges, as defined in the borrowing agreement. As of December 31, 2016, the Company is in compliance with all covenants. The Company is also required to maintain a cash compensating balance with the bank in the amount of $1,000, and is in compliance with this requirement.

Meridian was formed in 1976 and functions as a fully-integrated research, development, manufacturing, marketing, and sales organization with primary emphasis in the fields of infectious disease (in vitro) and blood lead diagnostics and life science. Our principal businesses are (i) the development, manufacture and distribution of diagnostic test kits primarily for gastrointestinal, viral, respiratory, parasitic infectious diseases, and elevated blood lead levels; and (ii) the manufacture and distribution of bulk antigens, antibodies, PCR/qPCR reagents, nucleotides, competent cells, and bioresearch reagents used by researchers and other diagnostic manufacturers.

Our reportable segments are Diagnostics and Life ~~Science, both of which are headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, which also serves as the~~Science. The Diagnostics ~~segment’s base~~segment consists of manufacturing operations ~~and research and development~~ for infectious disease ~~products. The Diagnostics segment includes the Company’s recent acquisition of Magellan, which is located~~products in Cincinnati, Ohio; Magellan’s manufacturing operations for products detecting elevated lead levels in blood in Billerica, Massachusetts (near Boston)~~. Its facility includes research, development, manufacturing, marketing, sales,~~; and the sale and distribution ~~operations. The Diagnostics segment has sales~~of diagnostics products domestically and ~~distribution facilities for~~abroad. This segment’s products are used by hospitals, reference labs and physician offices to detect infectious ~~disease diagnostics in the United States, Europe~~diseases and ~~Australia.~~ elevated lead levels.

The Life Science segment consists of manufacturing operations in Memphis, Tennessee; Boca Raton, Florida; London, England; Luckenwalde, Germany; and Sydney, Australia, and the sale and distribution of bulk antigens, antibodies, PCR/qPCR reagents, nucleotides, competent cells, and bioresearch reagents domestically and abroad, including sales and business development offices in Singapore and Beijing, China to further pursue growing revenue opportunities in Asia. This segment’s products are used by manufacturers and researchers in a variety of applications (e.g., in-vitro medical device manufacturing, microRNA detection, next-gen sequencing, and plant genotyping and mutation detection, among others).

Amounts due from two Diagnostics distributor customers accounted for ~~23%~~12% and ~~21%~~16% of consolidated accounts receivable at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and September 30, ~~2015,~~2016, respectively. Revenues from these two distributor customers accounted for ~~25%~~23% and ~~35%~~39% of the Diagnostics segment third-party revenues during the three months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and ~~30%~~represented 17% and ~~36% during the nine months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These distributors represented 19% and 26%~~29% of consolidated revenues for the fiscal 2017 and 2016 ~~and 2015 third~~first quarters, ~~respectively, and 22% and 27% for the respective year-to-date nine month periods.~~respectively.

Within our Life Science segment, two diagnostic manufacturing customers accounted for ~~23%~~19% and ~~16%~~18% of the segment’s third-party revenues during the three months ended ~~June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and 20% and 16% during the nine months ended June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.


	Diagnostics		Life Science		Eliminations (1)			Total			Diagnostics		Life Science		Eliminations (1)			Total
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016										Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
Net revenues -
Third-party	$	37,523	$	13,142	$	—		$	50,665		$	33,808	$	13,001	$	—		$	46,809
Inter-segment		70		201		(271	)		—			79		125		(204	)		—
Operating income		9,886		3,696		159			13,741			6,643		3,267		175			10,085
Goodwill (June 30, 2016)		43,992		19,706		—			63,698
Other intangible assets, net (June 30, 2016)		28,848		2,536		—			31,384
Total assets (June 30, 2016)		187,557		67,641		(252	)		254,946
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
Goodwill (December 31, 2016)												41,823		18,882		—			60,705
Other intangible assets, net (December 31, 2016)												27,292		2,056		—			29,348
Total assets (December 31, 2016)												184,592		65,525		(62	)		250,055
Three Months Ended December 31, 2015
Net revenues -
Third-party	$	36,049	$	12,155	$	—		$	48,204		$	35,301	$	11,859	$	—		$	47,160
Inter-segment		46		345		(391	)		—			71		367		(438	)		—
Operating income		11,383		3,060		(45	)		14,398			10,330		3,236		20			13,586
Goodwill (September 30, 2015)		1,250		21,099		—			22,349
Other intangible assets, net (September 30, 2015)		2,364		3,567		—			5,931
Total assets (September 30, 2015)		119,939		63,670		(327	)		183,282
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net revenues -
Third-party	$	110,178	$	38,906	$	—		$	149,084
Inter-segment		225		955		(1,180	)		—
Operating income		31,412		11,086		(15	)		42,483
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2015
Net revenues -
Third-party	$	111,297	$	36,465	$	—		$	147,762
Inter-segment		235		867		(1,102	)		—
Operating income		33,750		9,145		(96	)		42,799
Goodwill (September 30, 2016)												42,608		19,374		—			61,982
Other intangible assets, net (September 30, 2016)												27,534		2,321		—			29,855
Total assets (September 30, 2016)												185,241		66,624		(42	)		251,823

Transactions between segments are accounted for at established intercompany prices for internal and management purposes, with all intercompany amounts eliminated in consolidation.

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

Refer to “Forward-Looking Statements” following the Table of Contents in front of this Form 10-Q. In the discussion that follows, all dollar amounts are in thousands (both tables and text), except per share data.

Following is a discussion and analysis of the financial statements and other statistical data that management believes will enhance the understanding of Meridian’s financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto beginning on page 1.

~~As more fully detailed below,~~The first quarter of fiscal 2017 was characterized by strong performance from our Life Science and Magellan business units, with significant weakness in our core diagnostics business in the ~~third~~U.S. (part of our Americas region). Our core diagnostics business in the EMEA region (as defined within the Reportable Segment section below) grew by 5% over the first quarter of fiscal 2016 ~~was highlighted by it being~~on a constant-currency basis. While we have implemented measures to stabilize our Americas core diagnostics business, including making changes to our senior management team and strengthening our relationships with key distribution partners, the recovery in our core diagnostics unit is proceeding more slowly than planned. As a result, first quarter earnings were depressed, as the core diagnostics unit generates the largest contribution to our profits.

In addition to implementing the measures noted above, we are in the process of taking further action to align resources, reduce expenses and optimize investments in product development. The results of the first fiscal quarter have led to ~~include~~ the ~~results of operations of Magellan Biosciences, Inc.,~~downward revision to our fiscal 2017 revenue and its wholly-owned subsidiary Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. (collectively, “Magellan”), which we acquired on March 24, 2016. Headquartered near Boston, Massachusetts, Magellan is a leading manufacturer of FDA-cleared products forearnings guidance, and the ~~testing of blood to diagnose lead poisoning in children and adults. Magellan is the leading provider of point-of-care lead testing systems~~annual indicated dividend rate has been reduced (as more fully discussed in the ~~U.S. In addition, during~~Liquidity and Capital Resources section below), better aligning with our stated dividend payout range and enabling the ~~quarter we commercialized our~~~~illumi~~~~gene~~^® ~~Mycoplasma Direct~~Company to fund global expansion and new product ~~in the U.S., representing the tenth assay for our~~~~illumi~~~~gene~~ ~~molecular platform menu.~~development.

Net earnings for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2016~~2017 decreased 4%29% to ~~$8,754,~~$6,279, or ~~$0.21~~$0.15 per diluted share, from net earnings for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2015~~2016 of ~~$9,102,~~$8,893, or ~~$0.22~~$0.21 per diluted share. Consolidated revenues ~~increased 5%~~decreased 1% to ~~$50,665~~$46,809 for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2016~~2017 compared to the same period of the prior year ~~(also up 5%~~(flat on a constant-currency basis).

Revenues for the Diagnostics segment for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal 2017 decreased 4% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2016 ~~increased 4% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015~~ (also updown 4% on a constant-currency basis), ~~composed~~comprised of a 5%22% decrease in molecular products and ~~an 8%~~a 2% increase in non-molecular products, ~~reflecting $4,800~~including $5,199 of Magellan revenues. With ~~15% growth~~an 11% increase in its immunoassay components business and ~~a 1% decline~~an 8% increase in its molecular components business, revenues of our Life Science segment increased by 8%10% during the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2016, ~~compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015,~~ increasing ~~9% on a constant-currency basis.~~

For the nine month period ended June 30, 2016, net earnings decreased 1% to $26,738, or $0.63 per diluted share, compared to net earnings for the comparable fiscal 2015 period of $27,073, or $0.64 per diluted share. Reflected within the year-to-date fiscal 2016 results are costs related to acquisition activity, including due diligence and transaction expenses related to the Magellan acquisition ($1,233, or $0.03 per diluted share, net of tax). Consolidated revenues increased 1% to $149,084 for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to the same period of the prior year, increasing 2% on a constant-currency basis.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2016, revenues for the Diagnostics segment decreased 1% from the comparable fiscal 2015 period (flat on a constant-currency basis), composed of a 4% decrease in molecular products and flat non-molecular products revenue, reflecting $4,800 of Magellan revenues. With 12% growth in its immunoassay components business and a 1% decline in its molecular components business, revenues of our Life Science segment increased by 7% during the first nine months of fiscal 2016, increasing 8% on a constant-currency basis.

Below are analyses of the Company’s revenue, provided for each of the following:

Our reportable segments are Diagnostics and Life ~~Science. The Diagnostics segment consists of manufacturing operations for infectious disease~~Science, with products in Cincinnati, Ohio and as a result of the acquisition of Magellan, manufacturing operations for products detecting elevated lead levels in blood in Billerica, Massachusetts (near Boston). These diagnostic test products are sold and distributed in the countries comprising North ~~Central~~ and ~~South~~Latin America (the “Americas”); Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”); and other countries outside of the Americas and EMEA (rest of the world, or “ROW”). ~~The Life Science segment consists~~A full description of ~~manufacturing operations~~our segments is set forth in ~~Memphis, Tennessee; Boca Raton, Florida; London, England; Luckenwalde, Germany; and Sydney, Australia, and~~Note 8 of the sale and distribution of bulk antigens, antibodies, PCR/qPCR reagents, nucleotides, competent cells, and bioresearch reagents domestically and abroad, including sales and business development offices in Singapore and Beijing, China to further pursue growing revenue opportunities in Asia.accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenues for the Diagnostics segment, in the normal course of business, may be affected from quarter to quarter by buying patterns of major distributors, seasonality and strength of certain diseases, and foreign currency exchange rates. Revenues for the Life Science segment, in the normal course of business, may be affected from quarter to quarter by buying patterns of major customers, and foreign currency exchange rates. We believe that the overall breadth of our product lines serves to reduce the variability in consolidated revenues due to these factors.


	Three Months Ended June 30,									Nine Months Ended June 30,									Three Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			Inc (Dec)			2016			2015			Inc (Dec)			2016			2015			Inc (Dec)
Diagnostics -
Americas	$	31,885		$	30,410			5	%	$	93,864		$	93,502			—	%	$	27,569		$	30,115			(8	)%
EMEA		4,826			4,651			4	%		14,357			15,184			(5	)%		5,662			4,649			22	%
ROW		812			988			(18	)%		1,957			2,611			(25	)%		577			537			7	%

Total Diagnostics		37,523			36,049			4	%		110,178			111,297			(1	)%		33,808			35,301			(4	)%

Life Science -
Americas		4,790			5,065			(5	)%		16,249			16,274			—	%		5,399			5,103			6	%
EMEA		5,977			4,877			23	%		15,127			13,637			11	%		4,898			4,536			8	%
ROW		2,375			2,213			7	%		7,530			6,554			15	%		2,704			2,220			22	%

Total Life Science		13,142			12,155			8	%		38,906			36,465			7	%		13,001			11,859			10	%

Consolidated	$	50,665		$	48,204			5	%	$	149,084		$	147,762			1	%	$	46,809		$	47,160			(1	)%

% of total revenues -
Diagnostics		74	%		75	%					74	%		75	%					72	%		75	%
Life Science		26	%		25	%					26	%		25	%					28	%		25	%

Total		100	%		100	%					100	%		100	%					100	%		100	%

Ex-Americas		28	%		26	%					26	%		26	%					30	%		25	%

The revenues generated by each of our reportable segments result primarily from the sale of the following segment-specific categories of products:

Revenues for each product platform/type, as well as its relative percentage of segment ~~revenue,~~revenues, are shown below.


	Three Months Ended June 30,									Nine Months Ended June 30,									Three Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			Inc (Dec)			2016			2015			Inc (Dec)			2016			2015			Inc (Dec)
Diagnostics -
Molecular	$	10,063		$	10,550			(5	)%	$	29,564		$	30,650			(4	)%	$	7,711		$	9,836			(22	)%
Non-molecular		27,460			25,499			8	%		80,614			80,647			—	%		26,097			25,465			2	%

Total Diagnostics	$	37,523		$	36,049			4	%	$	110,178		$	111,297			(1	)%	$	33,808		$	35,301			(4	)%

Life Science -
Molecular components	$	5,037		$	5,104			(1	)%	$	14,902		$	15,009			(1	)%	$	5,116		$	4,749			8	%
Immunoassay components		8,105			7,051			15	%		24,004			21,456			12	%		7,885			7,110			11	%

Total Life Science	$	13,142		$	12,155			8	%	$	38,906		$	36,465			7	%	$	13,001		$	11,859			10	%

% of Diagnostics revenues -
Molecular		27	%		29	%					27	%		28	%					23	%		28	%
Non-molecular		73	%		71	%					73	%		72	%					77	%		72	%

Total Diagnostics		100	%		100	%					100	%		100	%					100	%		100	%

% of Life Science revenues -
Molecular components		38	%		42	%					38	%		41	%					39	%		40	%
Immunoassay components		62	%		58	%					62	%		59	%					61	%		60	%

Total Life Science		100	%		100	%					100	%		100	%					100	%		100	%

Following is a discussion of the revenues generated by each of these product platforms/types:

Revenues for ourillumigene molecular platform of products decreased 5%22% to ~~$10,000~~$7,711 for the first quarter of fiscal ~~2016 third quarter~~2017 (also ~~5% in constant-currency), and decreased 4% to $29,600 for the nine month year-to-date period (3% in constant-currency)~~22% on a constant-currency basis). ~~These decreases reflect~~This decrease reflects the ongoing ~~intense~~increased competition within the molecular-based testing ~~market.~~market, most notably within the market forC. difficile testing.

We have ~~nearly 1,600~~over 1,500 customer account ~~placements, adding 25 customers and 35 assays since our last report.~~placements. Of these account placements, approximately 1,300 accounts have completed evaluations and validations and are regularly purchasing product, with the balance of our account placements being in some stage of product evaluation and/or validation. Of our account placements, we have over ~~400~~450 accounts that are regularly purchasing, evaluating and/or validating two or more assays. Increasing the number of customers utilizing two or more assays is a focus, as this makes it more difficult for competitors to attack our customers.

We continue to invest in new product development for our molecular testing platform, and this platform now has the following commercialized tests:

We believe that the diagnostic testing market is continuing to selectively move away from culture and immunoassay testing to molecular testing for diseases where there is a favorable cost/benefit position for the total cost of health ~~care.~~care, and during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 we experienced 6% growth in all testing categories, other than the hyper-competitiveC. difficile arena. While this market is competitive, with molecular companies such as Cepheid and Becton Dickinson, and others such as Quidel, Great Basin, Nanosphere, and Alere, we believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on the migration to molecular testing. Our simple, easy-to-use,illumigene platform, with its expanding menu, requires no expensive equipment purchase and little to no maintenance cost. We believe these features, along with its small footprint and the performance of theillumigene assays, makeillumigene an attractive molecular platform tofor any size hospital or physician office laboratory that runs moderately-complex tests. We continue to invest in the development of additional assays for this platform.

Revenues from our Diagnostics segment’s non-molecular products increased 8%2% in the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2016 and were flat on a nine month year-to-date basis.~~2017. These results reflect the addition of Magellan’s revenue, ~~increased~~largely offset by decreased revenues in ourH. pylori ~~immunoassay products~~ and ~~an overall decrease in revenues of our~~ other immunoassay product lines.

~~Since~~During the ~~March 24, 2016 acquisition,~~first quarter of fiscal 2017, revenues from Magellan’s sales of products to test for elevated levels of lead in blood ~~have~~ totaled ~~$4,800 – all of which, as previously noted, are reflected within Meridian’s results for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2016.~~$5,199. This level of revenues reflects a ~~17%~~32% increase over the three-month period ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2015, which was prior to ~~Meridian ownership.~~Meridian’s ownership of Magellan.

During the first quarter of fiscal ~~2016 third quarter,~~2017, revenues from ourH. pylori products ~~increased 1%~~decreased 18% (also ~~1% in constant-currency)~~18% on a constant-currency basis) to ~~$8,100. These revenues grew 9% to $25,100 during the first nine months of~~$7,156. In fiscal 2016, ~~(10% in constant-currency). These increases~~we employed bulk-buy sales promotions (also referred to as “stock-and-block” programs) intended to increase major customer inventory levels as a defense against potential competitors upon the expiration of our patent, as further described below. Although certain participating customers are continuing to consume the inventory purchased as part of this program, we expect ourH. pylorirevenue to return to low single-digit growth for fiscal year 2017. This growth expectation reflects customers working through this inventory and replenishing product, and our realizing volume growth from the ongoing conversion of serology testing to our antigen tests. We continue to ~~reflect the~~believe there are ongoing benefits ofto be realized from our partnerships with managed care companies in promoting (i) the health and economic benefits of a test and treat strategy; (ii) changes in policies that discourage the use of traditional serology methods and promote the utilization of active infection testing methods; and (iii) physician behavior of movement away from serology-based testing and toward direct antigen testing. A significant amount of theH. pylori product revenues are sales to reference labs, whose buying patterns may not be consistent from period to period. ~~In addition~~We recently introduced capabilities to ~~our managed care strategy, we have also employed bulk-buy sales promotions into selected distribution~~identify resistance to Clarithromycin, the antibiotic commonly used to treatH. pylori. We believe that partnering the ability to diagnoseH. pylori and ~~laboratory channels as~~identify resistance is a ~~defensive strategy against potential new~~strong competitive ~~product introductions expected later in the year.~~advantage.

The patents for ourH. pylori products are owned by us and expired in May 2016 in the U.S., and will expire in fiscal 2017 in countries outside the U.S. We expect competition with respect to ourH. pylori products to increase in ~~2016 and~~fiscal 2017 as we currently market the only FDA-cleared ~~test~~tests to detectH. pylori antigen in stool samples. Such competition may have an adverse impact on our selling prices for these products, or our ability to retain business at prices acceptable to us, and consequently, adversely affect our future results of operations and liquidity, including revenues and gross profit. In order to mitigate ~~any loss in revenues, among other things, we are researching and experimenting with~~competition, our product development pipeline includes multiple new ~~products and attempting to secure significant customers under long-term contracts.~~product initiatives for the detection ofH. pylori. We are unable to provide ~~any~~ assurances that we will be successful with any mitigation strategy or that any mitigation strategy will prevent an adverse effect on our future results of operations and liquidity, including revenues and gross profit.

During the first quarter of fiscal ~~2016 third quarter,~~2017, revenues from our other immunoassay products (includingC. difficile, foodborne and respiratory) decreased 18% (also 18% ~~in constant-currency)~~on a constant-currency basis) to ~~$14,400. These revenues decreased 13% to $49,700 during the first nine months of fiscal 2016 (12% in constant-currency). These decreases result~~$13,615. This decrease results primarily from the effects of continued increased competition, distributor order patterns and the timing of our promotional “stock-and-block” programs in previous periods.

During the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2016,~~2017, revenues from our Life Science segment increased 8%10%, with revenues from molecular component sales ~~decreasing 1%~~increasing 8% from the comparable fiscal ~~2015~~2016 quarter and revenues from immunoassay component sales increasing 15%. For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, revenues from our Life Science segment increased 7%, with revenues from molecular component sales decreasing 1% from the year-to-date fiscal 2015 period and revenues from immunoassay component sales increasing 12%11%. Our molecular component business’ growth was negatively impacted by the movement in currency exchange rates since the first quarter of fiscal ~~2015 periods,~~2016, with revenues increasing ~~2% and 3%~~15% on a constant-currency basis over the ~~third~~first quarter ~~and first nine months~~ of fiscal 2015, respectively. The weaker growth compared to the last several years is primarily due to several large customers delaying orders in connection with their new product launches and recent customer merger activity.2016. Our Life Science segment continued to benefit from increased sales into China, with such sales totaling approximately ~~$500 and $2,000~~$700 during the first quarter of fiscal ~~2016 third quarter~~2017 (approximately $200 in the molecular components business and ~~year-to-date periods, respectively, primarily~~$500 in the immunoassay components ~~business; representing an approximate 25% increase over the fiscal 2015 year-to-date period.~~business). New products also contributed to growth, including EPIK™ miRNA Select, JetSeq™, SensiFast™ Lyo-Ready and MIC Personal qPCR Cycler and accessories.

Revenue concentrations related to certain customers within our Diagnostics and Life Science segments are set forth in Note 8 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

On January 1, 2013, the medical device tax established as part of the U.S. health care reform legislation became effective, and as a result, the Company made its first required tax deposit near the end of January 2013. During the first ~~nine~~three months of fiscal 2016, ~~and fiscal 2015,~~ the Company recorded approximately $500 ~~and $1,500, respectively,~~ of medical device tax expense, ~~($0 and $500 in the third quarters of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively),~~ which is reflected as a component of cost of sales in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. During December 2015, the Consolidations Appropriations Act of 2016 imposed a two-year moratorium on this excise tax effective January 1, 2016. ~~During calendar years 2016 and 2017, this moratorium would result in approximately $2,000 of savings each year.~~ We are unable to predict any future legislative changes or developments related to this moratorium or excise tax.


	Three Months Ended June 30,									Nine Months Ended June 30,									Three Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			Change			2016			2015			Change			2016			2015			Change
Gross Profit	$	32,909		$	30,331			8	%	$	98,064		$	92,089			6	%	$	29,450		$	31,583			(7	)%
Gross Profit Margin		65	%		63	%		+2 points			66	%		62	%		+4 points			63	%		67	%		-4 points

The ~~overall~~ gross profit ~~increases~~decreases experienced in fiscal ~~2016~~2017 primarily result from the combined effects of (i) mix of products sold, particularly ~~the~~decreased contribution from our higher ~~revenue contribution from~~marginH. pylori products; (ii) ~~realization~~customer mix; and (iii) decreased production levels in certain of ~~manufacturing facility efficiencies for our~~~~illumi~~~~gene~~ ~~products as a result of bringing in-house certain reagent dispensing operations that were previously outsourced; (iii) manufacturing efficiencies in~~ our Life Science segment; and (iv) favorable effects of currency rates related to products where the purchase cost is denominated in Euros but the customer sales are billed in U.S. dollars. Product revenue mix shifts, in the normal course of business, can cause the consolidated gross profit margin to fluctuate by several points.production facilities.


	Nine Months Ended June 30, 2016															Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
	Research & Development			Selling & Marketing			General & Administrative			Acquisition- Related Costs			Total Operating Expenses
2015 Expenses	$	9,685		$	18,745		$	20,860		$	—		$	49,290

% of Revenues		7	%		13	%		14	%		—	%		33	%
Fiscal 2016 Increases (Decreases):
Diagnostics		667			2,033			1,476			1,481			5,657
Life Science		(296	)		960			(30	)		—			634
																Research & Development			Selling & Marketing			General & Administrative			Total Operating Expenses
2016 Expenses	$	10,056		$	21,738		$	22,306		$	1,481		$	55,581		$	3,381		$	6,443		$	8,173		$	17,997

% of Revenues		7	%		15	%		15	%		1	%		37	%		7	%		14	%		17	%		38	%
Fiscal 2017 Increases (Decreases):
Diagnostics																	60			942			506			1,508
Life Science																	(36	)		129			(233	)		(140	)

2017 Expenses																$	3,405		$	7,514		$	8,446		$	19,365

% of Revenues																	7	%		16	%		18	%		41	%
% Increase		4	%		16	%		7	%		NMF			13	%		1	%		17	%		3	%		8	%

Total operating expenses increased during ~~both~~ the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2016 and the first nine months of fiscal 2016~~2017 compared to the ~~corresponding~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2015 periods. These levels~~2016. This level of operating expenses ~~result~~results primarily from the combined effects of (i) the ~~following:~~

Operating income decreased 5%26% to ~~$13,741~~$10,085 for the ~~third~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2016, and decreased 1% to $42,483 for the first nine months of fiscal 2016,~~2017, as a result of the factors discussed above.

The effective rate for income taxes was 35% ~~and 36%~~ for both the ~~third quarters~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2016~~2017 and 2015, respectively, and 36% and 35%, respectively, for the nine-month year-to-date periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The year-to-date increase primarily results from the non-deductibility of certain expenses incurred in connection with the Company’s acquisition activities.2016. For the fiscal year ending September 30, ~~2016,~~2017, we expect the effective tax rate to approximate 35%-36%.

Our cash flow and financing requirements are determined by analyses of operating and capital spending budgets, debt service, consideration of acquisition plans, and consideration of common share dividends. We have historically maintained a credit facility to augment working capital requirements and to respond quickly to acquisition opportunities.

Upon considering fiscal 2017 first quarter results and business trends, the Board of Directors has taken steps to bring the annual dividend rate more in line with our long-standing policy of establishing a cash dividend payout ratio of between 75% and 85% of diluted earnings per share. On January 25, 2017 it was announced that the fiscal 2017 indicated cash dividend rate had been reduced to $0.50 per share (down from $0.80 per share, and representing approximately 75% of the revised fiscal 2017 earnings per diluted share guidance), and a first quarter cash dividend of $0.125 per share was declared (down from $0.20 per share, and representing 83% of first quarter earnings per diluted share). This reduction in the annual indicated dividend rate is intended to enable the Company to fund its ongoing global expansion and new product development efforts.

We have an investment policy that guides the holdings of our investment portfolio, which presently consists of overnight repurchase agreements, bank savings accounts and institutional money market mutual ~~funds (beginning~~funds. Our objectives in ~~April). Our objectives~~managing the investment portfolio are to (i) preserve capital; (ii) provide sufficient liquidity to meet working capital requirements and fund strategic objectives such as acquisitions; and (iii) capture a market rate of return commensurate with market conditions and our policy’s investment eligibility criteria. As we look forward, we will continue to manage the holdings of our investment portfolio with preservation of capital being the primary objective.

On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (commonly referred to as “Brexit”) and while the impact of Brexit remains ~~very~~ uncertain, the resulting immediate changes in foreign currency exchange rates ~~has~~have had a limited overall impact due to natural hedging. However, ~~the~~any predicted deterioration in the United Kingdom and European economic outlook may have an adverse effect on revenue growth, but the extent of such effect cannot yet be quantified. In the longer term, it is ~~highly likely~~possible that we will be directly impacted in a number of key areas including the hiring and retention of qualified staff, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and logistics. We are closely monitoring the Brexit developments in order to determine, quantify and proactively address changes as they become clear. Despite the Brexit developments, ~~overall~~ we do not expect ~~economic~~macroeconomic conditions to have a significant impact on our liquidity needs, financial condition or results of operations, although no assurances can be made in this regard. We intend to continue to fund our working capital requirements and dividends from current cash flows from operating activities and cash on hand. If needed, we also have an additional source of liquidity through our $30,000 bank revolving credit facility. Our liquidity needs may change if overall economic conditions ~~change~~worsen and/or liquidity and credit within the financial markets tightens for an extended period of time, and such conditions impact the collectibility of our customer accounts receivable or impact credit terms with our vendors, or disrupt the supply of raw materials and services.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled ~~$26,004~~$12,993 for the first ~~nine~~three months of fiscal ~~2016,~~2017, a ~~17% decrease~~7% increase from the ~~$31,196~~$12,092 provided during the first ~~nine~~three months of fiscal ~~2015.~~2016. While reflecting ~~the effects of~~ the timing of payments from customers and to suppliers and taxing authorities, this ~~decrease~~increase also results in large part from the ~~increase in~~net effects of (i) decreased inventory ~~levels. The~~ levels during the first quarter of ~~inventory in our Life Science segment have been~~fiscal 2017, compared to increased ~~in anticipation~~levels during the fiscal 2016 first quarter; and (ii) decreased accrued employee compensation costs during the first quarter of ~~demand related to various initiatives, most notably further expansion into~~fiscal 2017, reflecting the ~~Asian market.~~payment of discretionary bonuses and the timing of regularly scheduled payroll payments. Net cash flows from operating activities and cash on hand are anticipated to be adequate to fund working capital requirements, capital expenditures and dividends at the previously-noted reduced rate during the next 12 months.

As described in Notes 3 and 7 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, on March 24, 2016, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Magellan for ~~$67,690,~~$67,874, utilizing the proceeds from a ~~new~~ $60,000 five-year term loan and cash and equivalents on hand. An amount of the acquisition consideration totaling ~~$2,198~~$2,383 remains payable to the sellers, pending the realization of tax benefits for certain net operating loss carryforwards in future tax returns.

WeAs described in Notes 3 and 7 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, in connection with the acquisition of Magellan, the Company entered into a $60,000 five-year term loan with a commercial bank. The term loan requires quarterly principal and interest payments, with interest at a variable rate tied to LIBOR, and a balloon principal payment due March 31, 2021. In addition, we have a $30,000 revolving credit facility with a commercial bank that expires on March 31, 2021. As of ~~July~~January 31, ~~2016,~~2017, there were no borrowings outstanding on this facility and we had 100% borrowing capacity available to us. We have had no borrowings outstanding under this revolving credit facility during the first ~~nine~~three months of fiscal ~~2016~~2017 or during the full year of fiscal ~~2015.~~2016.

Our capital expenditures are estimated to range between approximately $3,000 to ~~$4,000~~$5,000 for fiscal ~~2016,~~2017, with the actual amount ~~depending~~dependent upon actual operating results and the phasing of certain projects. Such expenditures may be funded with cash and equivalents on hand, operating cash flows, and/or availability under the $30,000 revolving credit facility discussed above.

We do not utilize any special-purpose financing vehicles or have any undisclosed off-balance sheet arrangements.

There have been no material changes in the Company’s exposure to market risk since September 30, ~~2015.~~2016.

As of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016, an evaluation was completed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation of internal control that occurred during the ~~third~~first fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, or in other factors that could materially affect internal control subsequent to ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016. We routinely refine our internal controls over financial reporting in the normal course of business as new business activities arise or risks change. These refinements are made under a program of continuous improvement. The Company’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting did not, and is not required to include the internal controls of Magellan Biosciences, Inc., which was acquired during fiscal 2016 and the results of which have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

There have been no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in the Registrant’s Form 10-K in response to Item 1A to Part I of Form 10-K.

Our Board of Directors authorized us to enter into change in control severance agreements with our executive officers (other than our Chief Executive Officer who has change of control provisions in his Employment Agreement), which were executed effective August 4, 2016. Each agreement has an initial term ending December 31, 2016, and each year will automatically renew for an additional one year term, provided however, that if a change in control occurs the term will expire no earlier than 24 calendar months after the calendar month in which such change in control occurs. The change in control severance agreements replace the Company’s change in control policy which was adopted by the Board in March 2011. This agreement is the result of Management’s and the Board’s periodic review and updates of certain policies and practices. A change of control is generally defined in each agreement as any of the following: (i) a person is or becomes a beneficial owner of more than 50% of our voting securities; (ii) the composition of a majority of our Board changes; (iii) we consummate a merger or similar transaction; (iv) the sale of all or substantially all of our assets; or (v) the employment of a Chief Executive Officer other than the Company’s current CEO as of the date of the agreement. Each agreement provides, among other things, that if a change in control occurs during the term of the agreement, and the executive’s employment is terminated either by us or by the executive, other than: (a) by us for cause; (b) by reason of death or disability; or (c) by the executive without good reason, such executive will receive a severance payment equal to: (A) a multiple of such executive’s annual base salary; (B) a multiple of executive’s target bonus amounts; and (C) earned but unused vacation time. In addition, each change in control agreement provides that in the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in the agreement or otherwise payable to the executive would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the benefits under the agreement will be either delivered in full, or delivered to a lesser extent which would result in no portion of the benefits being subject to such excise tax, whichever is more beneficial to the executive.

The following exhibits are being filed or furnished as a part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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


Class		Outstanding ~~July~~January 31, ~~2016~~2017
Common Stock, no par value		~~42,086,737~~42,202,397


		Page(s)

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Three ~~and Nine~~ Months Ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and 2015		1

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Three ~~and Nine~~ Months Ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and 2015		2

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ~~Nine~~Three Months Ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and 2015		3

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and September 30, ~~2015~~2016		4-5

	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity ~~Nine~~Three Months Ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016		6

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		~~7-13~~7-12

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		~~14-21~~13-19

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		2120

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		2120

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.	Risk Factors		22

~~Item 5.~~	~~Other Information~~		2220

Item 6.	Exhibits		2220

Signature			2321



~~10.1~~		~~Form of Meridian Bioscience, Inc. Change in Control Agreement dated August 4, 2016 (filed herewith)~~

~~10.2~~		~~Letter Agreement dated July 26, 2016 between the Company and Richard L. Eberly (filed herewith)~~

31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

31.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

32		Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101		The following financial information from Meridian Bioscience Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC on ~~August~~February 9, ~~2016,~~2017, formatted in XBRL includes: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and 2015; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and 2015; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and 2015; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016 and September 30, ~~2015;~~2016; (v) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2016; and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


		MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE, INC.

Date: ~~August~~February 9, ~~2016~~2017	By:	/s/ Melissa A. Lueke
		Melissa A. Lueke
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


	Three Months Ended June 30, 2016		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net Revenues	$	4,752	$	4,752
Net Earnings	$	231	$	231


	June 30, 2016				September 30, 2015
	Cash and Equivalents		Other Assets		Cash and Equivalents		Other Assets
Overnight repurchase agreements	$	7,877	$	—	$	25,436	$	—
Institutional money market funds		10,010		—		—		—
Cash on hand -
Restricted		—		1,000		—		1,000
Unrestricted		27,916		—		24,537		—

Total	$	45,803	$	1,000	$	49,973	$	1,000

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company