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 ☒☒ 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 RegulationS-T 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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, ~~or a~~ smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated ~~filer” and~~filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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 Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

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 Form10-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 operating results, financial condition and 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 or in protecting its intellectual property. Meridian relies on proprietary, patented and licensed 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, 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 outcome of goodwill impairment testing and the impact of possible goodwill impairments on Meridian’s earnings and financial results. 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 Form10-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						Nine Months Ended
	Three Months Ended December 31,					June 30,						June 30,
	2016			2015		2017			2016			2017			2016
NET REVENUES	$	46,809		$	47,160	$	50,140		$	50,665		$	151,074		$	149,084
COST OF SALES		17,359			15,577		18,943			17,756			56,896			51,020

GROSS PROFIT		29,450			31,583		31,197			32,909			94,178			98,064

OPERATING EXPENSES
Research and development		3,405			3,381		3,906			3,546			11,218			10,056
Selling and marketing		7,514			6,443		7,885			8,085			23,411			21,738
General and administrative		8,446			8,173		8,474			7,537			24,346			22,306
Goodwill impairment charge							6,628			—			6,628			—
Acquisition-related costs							—			—			—			1,481

Total operating expenses		19,365			17,997		26,893			19,168			65,603			55,581

OPERATING INCOME		10,085			13,586		4,304			13,741			28,575			42,483
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest income		22			17		51			22			102			42
Interest expense		(423	)		—		(407	)		(427	)		(1,238	)		(470	)
Other, net		(25	)		96		(2	)		65			356			(163	)

Total other income (expense)		(426	)		113
Total other expense							(358	)		(340	)		(780	)		(591	)

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES		9,659			13,699		3,946			13,401			27,795			41,892
INCOME TAX PROVISION		3,380			4,806		3,706			4,647			11,964			15,154

NET EARNINGS	$	6,279		$	8,893	$	240		$	8,754		$	15,831		$	26,738

BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.15		$	0.21	$	0.01		$	0.21		$	0.38		$	0.64
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.15		$	0.21	$	0.01		$	0.21		$	0.37		$	0.63
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC		42,159			41,947		42,203			42,076			42,184			42,000
EFFECT OF DILUTIVE STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS		376			380		390			387			372			379

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - DILUTED		42,535			42,327		42,593			42,463			42,556			42,379

ANTI-DILUTIVE SECURITIES:
Common share options and restricted share units		715			450		861			465			872			449

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.20		$	0.20	$	0.125		$	0.20		$	0.45		$	0.60

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


	Three Months Ended December 31,						Three Months Ended June 30,						Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			2017			2016			2017			2016
NET EARNINGS	$	6,279		$	8,893		$	240		$	8,754		$	15,831		$	26,738
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(1,423	)		(787	)		1,363			(1,563	)		452			(2,479	)
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedge		1,560			—
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge								(164	)		(417	)		1,524			(1,111	)
Income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income		(589	)		—			39			228			(574	)		522

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(452	)		(787	)		1,238			(1,752	)		1,402			(3,068	)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	5,827		$	8,106		$	1,478		$	7,002		$	17,233		$	23,670

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


Three Months Ended December 31,	2016			2015
Nine Months Ended June 30,							2017			2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings	$	6,279		$	8,893		$	15,831		$	26,738
Non-cash items included in net earnings:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		1,078			896			3,255			2,871
Amortization of intangible assets		968			388			2,843			1,834
Amortization of deferred instrument costs		257			281			745			829
Stock-based compensation		1,884			1,611			2,891			2,654
Goodwill impairment charge								6,628			—
Deferred income taxes		2,091			433			1,010			(753	)
Change in current assets		1,616			(1,186	)
Change in current liabilities		(869	)		834
Losses on long-lived assets								—			659
Change in current assets, net of acquisition								5,764			(9,556	)
Change in current liabilities, net of acquisition								(5,549	)		868
Other, net		(311	)		(58	)		(927	)		(140	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		12,993			12,092			32,491			26,004

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(1,392	)		(776	)		(3,402	)		(2,688	)
Purchase of equity method investment		—			(600	)		—			(600	)
Purchase of intangibles and other assets		—			(16	)
Acquisition of Magellan, net of cash acquired								—			(62,090	)

Net cash used for investing activities		(1,392	)		(1,392	)		(3,402	)		(65,378	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid		(8,440	)		(8,407	)		(18,990	)		(25,233	)
Payment on term loan		(750	)		—
Proceeds from term loan, net of issuance costs								—			59,851
Payments on term loan								(2,625	)		(750	)
Proceeds and tax benefits from exercises of stock options		301			1,470			303			2,033

Net cash used for financing activities		(8,889	)		(6,937	)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities								(21,312	)		35,901

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Equivalents		(662	)		(314	)		250			(697	)

Net Increase in Cash and Equivalents		2,050			3,449
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Equivalents								8,027			(4,170	)
Cash and Equivalents at Beginning of Period		47,226			49,973			47,226			49,973

Cash and Equivalents at End of Period	$	49,276		$	53,422		$	55,253		$	45,803

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


	December 31, 2016 (Unaudited)		September 30, 2016		June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)		September 30, 2016
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$	49,276	$	47,226	$	55,253	$	47,226
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $346 and $334		24,278		27,102
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $384 and $334						27,731		27,102
Inventories		44,709		45,057		40,927		45,057
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,785		7,406		5,256		7,406

Total current assets		126,048		126,791		129,167		126,791

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at Cost
Land		1,147		1,155		1,157		1,155
Buildings and improvements		31,595		31,487		31,877		31,487
Machinery, equipment and furniture		45,712		45,085		47,566		45,085
Construction in progress		1,953		1,947		2,005		1,947

Subtotal		80,407		79,674		82,605		79,674
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		49,975		49,224		52,440		49,224

Net property, plant and equipment		30,432		30,450		30,165		30,450

OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill		60,705		61,982		54,612		61,982
Other intangible assets, net		29,348		29,855		27,592		29,855
Restricted cash		1,000		1,000		1,000		1,000
Deferred instrument costs, net		1,339		1,392		1,406		1,392
Fair value of interest rate swap		831		—		795		—
Other assets		352		353		406		353

Total other assets		93,575		94,582		85,811		94,582

TOTAL ASSETS	$	250,055	$	251,823	$	245,143	$	251,823

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


	December 31, 2016 (Unaudited)			September 30, 2016			June 30, 2017 (Unaudited)			September 30, 2016
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	$	7,511		$	7,627		$	5,909		$	7,627
Accrued employee compensation costs		5,064			7,106			3,287			7,106
Current portion of acquisition consideration								2,383			—
Other accrued expenses		2,833			2,606			2,398			2,606
Current portion of long-term debt		4,125			3,750			4,500			3,750
Income taxes payable		1,511			1,482			1,502			1,482

Total current liabilities		21,044			22,571			19,979			22,571

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Acquisition consideration		2,383			2,383			—			2,383
Non-current compensation liabilities		2,458			2,305
Post-employment benefits								2,472			2,305
Fair value of interest rate swap		—			729			—			729
Long-term debt		53,495			54,610			51,263			54,610
Deferred income taxes		4,943			2,753			3,880			2,753

Total non-current liabilities		63,279			62,780			57,615			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, 42,202,067 and 42,106,587 shares issued, respectively		—			—
Common shares, no par value; 71,000,000 shares authorized, 42,202,807 and 42,106,587 shares issued, respectively								—			—
Additional paid-in capital		124,229			122,356			125,190			122,356
Retained earnings		47,471			49,632			46,473			49,632
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(5,968	)		(5,516	)		(4,114	)		(5,516	)

Total shareholders’ equity		165,732			166,472			167,549			166,472

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	250,055		$	251,823		$	245,143		$	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, 2016		42,107	$	122,356		$	49,632		$	(5,516	)	$	166,472			42,107	$	122,356		$	49,632		$	(5,516	)	$	166,472
Cash dividends paid		—		—			(8,440	)		—			(8,440	)		—		—			(18,990	)		—			(18,990	)
Exercise of stock options		18		(11	)		—			—			(11	)		18		(57	)		—			—			(57	)
Conversion of restricted share units		77		—			—			—			—			78		—			—			—			—
Stock compensation expense		—		1,884			—			—			1,884			—		2,891			—			—			2,891
Net earnings		—		—			6,279			—			6,279			—		—			15,831			—			15,831
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		—			—			(1,423	)		(1,423	)		—		—			—			452			452
Hedging activity, net of tax		—		—			—			971			971			—		—			—			950			950

Balance at December 31, 2016		42,202	$	124,229		$	47,471		$	(5,968	)	$	165,732
Balance at June 30, 2017																42,203	$	125,190		$	46,473		$	(4,114	)	$	167,549

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 ~~December 31, 2016,~~June 30, 2017, the results of its operations for the three and nine month periods ended ~~December 31,~~June 30, 2017 and 2016, ~~and 2015,~~ and its cash flows for the ~~three~~nine month periods ended ~~December 31, 2016~~June 30, 2017 and ~~2015.~~2016. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s fiscal 2016 Annual Report on Form10-K. Financial information as of September 30, 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.

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 2016 Annual Report on Form10-K.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASUNo. 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). ~~While~~The Company has prepared an inventory of its existing revenue streams and a preliminary analysis of the revenue recognition criteria applying ASU2014-09. This analysis is preliminary and our overall assessment is not yet complete. However, based on the analysis completed to date, the Company ~~has begun the process of identifying, categorizing and analyzing its various revenue streams, the Company has~~does not ~~yet completed its assessment of the impact~~currently anticipate that adoption of ~~this guidance~~ASU2014-09 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASUNo. 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~~expects to begin its assessment of the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its financial ~~statements.~~statements in fiscal 2018.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASUNo. 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~~assessed the impact that adoption of this guidance will have, and believes that the impact will primarily relate to the treatment of the differences between stock compensation expense recorded in the Company’s financial statements and the stock compensation ultimately deducted on its ~~financial statements.~~tax returns. The tax effect of such differences is currently recorded in additionalpaid-in capital and reflected within the financing activities section of the statement of cash flows. Upon adoption of this guidance, these tax effects will be required to be recorded directly to income tax expense and reflected within the operating

activities section of the statement of cash flows. While the impact of this guidance, which the Company plans to adopt on a prospective basis at the beginning of fiscal 2018, is dependent on numerous factors (e.g., the market price of the Company’s common stock on the equity award grant date, the exercise/lapse dates of equity awards, and the market price of the Company’s common stock on such exercise/lapse dates), based on currently outstanding awards and the current market price of the Company’s common stock, the effect on the Company’s annual tax provision is not expected to be material.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASUNo. 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~~material impact on the Company’s statement of cash flows.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASUNo. 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~~begun 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~~material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

~~Issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements are not expected~~In January 2017, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2017-04,Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which serves to ~~have~~simplify the process of testing for goodwill impairment by eliminating the “Step 2” comparison of a ~~material impact on~~reporting unit’simplied fair value to its carrying amount. The guidance requires an entity to compare a reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying amount, and if the ~~Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.~~carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment equal to the excess carrying amount is recorded; no Step 2 implied fair value comparison is required. The Company early adopted this guidance during the third quarter of fiscal 2017, as permitted. See Note 6 for discussion of Magellan’s goodwill impairment.

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 $67,874, utilizing the proceeds from a $60,000 five-year term loan and cash and equivalents on hand. An amount of the acquisition consideration totaling $2,383 remains payable to the sellers, pending the realization of tax benefits for certain net operating loss carryforwards in future tax ~~returns, which~~returns. Of this amount, a payment of approximately $650 is ~~included within non-current liabilities on~~expected to be made to the sellers during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The remaining amount is expected to be paid in 2018 upon filing of our ~~Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.~~U.S. tax returns. Headquartered near Boston, Massachusetts, Magellan is a leading manufacturer ofFDA-cleared products for the testing of blood to diagnose lead poisoning in children and adults. Magellan is the leading provider ofpoint-of-care lead testing systems in the U.S.

Since the consideration paid ~~exceeds~~exceeded the ~~preliminary~~ fair value of the net assets acquired, goodwill in the amount of ~~$40,572~~$40,591 was originally recorded in connection with this acquisition, none of which ~~will be~~is deductible for tax purposes. As of June 30, 2017, the goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition has been written down to $33,963 (see Note 6 for a discussion of the $6,628 impairment write-down). 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 Statement of Operations for the nine months ended June 30, 2016 includes $1,105 of transaction costs related to the Magellan acquisition, which are reflected as Operating Expenses.

The Magellan results of operations, which are included in ~~our~~the accompanying Condensed Consolidated ~~Statement~~Statements of Operations ~~for the three months ended December 31, 2016~~ and reported as part of the Diagnostics operating segment, ~~include $726~~include:

The results of ~~general and administrative expenses related to~~Magellan included in 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 ~~December 31,~~June 30, 2017 and 2016 ~~include net revenues and net earnings from Magellan totaling $5,199 and $468, respectively, and reflect~~are as follows, reflecting the items noted above, including the $6,628 goodwill impairment charge, and ~~exclude~~excluding interest expense on the debt secured by Meridian in connection with the ~~transaction.~~

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


	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	$	3,400	$	—		$	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		300		—			300		300		—			300
Property, plant and equipment		2,800		(200	)		2,600		2,800		(200	)		2,600
Goodwill		42,800		(2,200	)		40,600		42,800		(2,200	)		40,600
Other intangible assets (estimated useful life):
Customer relationships (15 years)		12,600		300			12,900		12,600		300			12,900
Technology (10 years)		10,600		300			10,900		10,600		300			10,900
Non-compete agreements (2 years)		700		—			700		700		—			700
Trade names (approximate 9 year weighted average)		3,700		(700	)		3,000		3,700		(700	)		3,000

		80,000		(2,500	)		77,500		80,000		(2,500	)		77,500
Fair value of liabilities assumed -
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		1,600		100			1,700		1,600		100			1,700
Deferred income tax liabilities		10,600		(2,700	)		7,900		10,600		(2,700	)		7,900

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

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


					Three Months				Nine Months
	Three Months Ended December 31,				Ended June 30,				Ended June 30,
	2016		2015		2017		2016		2017		2016
Net Revenues	$	46,809	$	51,095	$	50,140	$	50,665	$	151,074	$	156,722
Net Earnings	$	6,279	$	8,517	$	240	$	8,827	$	15,831	$	26,891

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, 2015, together with the consequential tax effects thereon:


	December 31, 2016				September 30, 2016				June 30, 2017				September 30, 2016
	Cash and Equivalents		Other Assets		Cash and Equivalents		Other Assets		Cash and Equivalents		Other Assets		Cash and Equivalents		Other Assets
Overnight repurchase agreements	$	15,628	$	—	$	9,988	$	—	$	6,369	$	—	$	9,988	$	—
Institutional money market funds		10,006		—		10,020		—		20,059		—		10,020		—
Cash on hand -
Restricted		—		1,000		—		1,000		—		1,000		—		1,000
Unrestricted		23,642		—		27,218		—		28,825		—		27,218		—

Total	$	49,276	$	1,000	$	47,226	$	1,000	$	55,253	$	1,000	$	47,226	$	1,000


					June 30, 2017		September 30, 2016
	December 31, 2016		September 30, 2016		June 30, 2017		September 30, 2016
Raw materials	$	7,642	$	7,639	$	7,212	$	7,639
Work-in-process		13,535		13,146		11,905		13,146
Finished goods - instruments		2,113		2,378		1,566		2,378
Finished goods - kits and reagents		21,419		21,894		20,244		21,894

Total	$	44,709	$	45,057	$	40,927	$	45,057

Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment review (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) at the reporting unit level, which we perform annually as of June 30, the end of our third fiscal quarter. During the quarter ended June 30, 2017, the events described below occurred in connection with the Magellan reporting unit, indicating that impairment of the goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition of Magellan had occurred.

On May 17, 2017, the FDA issued a field safety notice advising customers to discontinue use of Magellan’s lead testing systems with venous blood samples. This was followed by product recall notices on May 25^th and June 5^th. Magellan’s lead testing systems are capable of processing both capillary and venous blood samples. Magellan’s LeadCare Plus and LeadCare Ultra systems, which account for approximately 10% of Magellan’s annual revenues, are used predominantly with venous blood samples. Magellan’s LeadCare and LeadCare II systems are predominantly used with capillary blood samples. Since issuance of the field safety and recall notices, the FDA has completed a quality system inspection of Magellan and has issued its Form FDA 483 to Magellan. As a result of one of the observations contained within the Form FDA 483 involving a Medical Device Report, we expect that the FDA will issue a Warning Letter requiring periodic reporting on our remediation progress. Upon evaluation of the Form FDA 483 and potential Warning Letter, we believe we may experience further delays in reinstating venous blood sample testing on our LeadCare products, as well as in obtaining 510(k) clearance for new Magellan products. Additionally, we may also experience delays in obtaining export certifications for Magellan products during the remediation period.

In light of these factors and their impacts, it was determined that a potential impairment of goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of Magellan had occurred (i.e., a “triggering event”). With the assistance of an independent valuation firm, Magellan’s fair value was calculated via both market (comparable company) and income (discounted cash flows) approaches. Based upon these approaches, it was determined that the carrying value of the Magellan reporting unit did, in fact, exceed its fair value. As a result, an impairment charge of $6,628, on both apre-tax andafter-tax basis, has been recorded during the third quarter and is reflected as a separate operating expense line item within the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2017.

A summary of our acquired intangible assets subject to amortization, as of ~~December 31, 2016~~June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, is as follows:

The actual aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets was ~~$968~~$939 and ~~$388~~$1,072 for the three months ended ~~December 31,~~June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and ~~2015,~~$2,843 and $1,834 for the nine months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets for each of the fiscal years through fiscal 2022 is as follows: remainder of fiscal 2017 – ~~$2,794,~~$937, fiscal 2018 – ~~$3,524,~~$3,547, fiscal 2019 – ~~$3,303,~~$3,326, fiscal 2020 – ~~$3,144,~~$3,164, fiscal 2021 – $2,560, and fiscal 2022 – ~~$2,164.~~$2,182.

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 the five succeeding fiscal years are as follows: remainder of fiscal 2017 – ~~$3,000,~~$1,125, fiscal 2018 – $4,500, fiscal 2019 – $5,250, fiscal 2020 – $6,000, and fiscal 2021 – $39,000. In light of the term loan’s interest being determined on a variable rate basis, the fair value of the term loan at ~~December 31, 2016~~June 30, 2017 approximates the current carrying value reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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 of 2.76%. With an initial notional balance of $60,000, the interest rate swap ~~has been~~was 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 ~~December 31, 2016,~~June 30, 2017, the fair value of the interest rate swap was an asset of ~~$831,~~$795, and is reflected as anon-current 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~~maintains 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~~June 30, 2017 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,~~June 30, 2017, 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.~~science research and industrial components. Our principal businesses are (i) the development, manufacture and distribution of diagnostic test kits primarily for gastrointestinal, viral, respiratory and 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~~organizations in the life science andagri-bio industries engaged in research, and by other ~~diagnostic~~diagnostics manufacturers.

Our reportable segments are Diagnostics and Life Science. The Diagnostics segment consists of manufacturing operations for infectious disease products in Cincinnati, Ohio; Magellan’s manufacturing operations for products detecting elevated lead levels in blood in Billerica, Massachusetts (near Boston); and the sale and distribution of diagnostics products domestically and abroad. This segment’s products are used by hospitals, reference labs and physician offices to detect infectious diseases and 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 12% and 16% of consolidated accounts receivable at ~~December 31, 2016~~June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. Revenues from these two distributor customers accounted for ~~23%~~29% and ~~39%~~25% of the Diagnostics segment third-party revenues during the three months ended ~~December 31,~~June 30, 2017 and 2016, ~~and 2015,~~ respectively, and 29% and 30% during the nine months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These distributors represented ~~17%~~21% and ~~29%~~19% of consolidated revenues for the fiscal 2017 and 2016 ~~first~~third quarters, ~~respectively.~~respectively, and 20% and 22% for the respectiveyear-to-date nine month periods.

Within our Life Science segment, two diagnostic manufacturing customers accounted for ~~19%~~10% and ~~18%~~23% of the segment’s third-party revenues during the three months ended ~~December 31,~~June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and ~~2015,~~17% and 20% during the nine months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


	Diagnostics		Life Science		Eliminations (1)			Total			Diagnostics		Life Science		Eliminations(1)			Total
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017										Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Net revenues -
Third-party	$	33,808	$	13,001	$	—		$	46,809		$	35,949	$	14,191	$	—		$	50,140
Inter-segment		79		125		(204	)		—			71		129		(200	)		—
Operating income		6,643		3,267		175			10,085
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
Operating income (2)												914		3,388		2			4,304
Goodwill (June 30, 2017)												35,213		19,399		—			54,612
Other intangible assets, net (June 30, 2017)												25,745		1,847		—			27,592
Total assets (June 30, 2017)												177,789		67,294		60			245,143
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016										Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net revenues -
Third-party	$	35,301	$	11,859	$	—		$	47,160		$	37,523	$	13,142	$	—		$	50,665
Inter-segment		71		367		(438	)		—			70		201		(271	)		—
Operating income		10,330		3,236		20			13,586			9,886		3,696		159			13,741
Goodwill (September 30, 2016)		42,608		19,374		—			61,982			42,608		19,374		—			61,982
Other intangible assets, net (September 30, 2016)		27,534		2,321		—			29,855			27,534		2,321		—			29,855
Total assets (September 30, 2016)		185,241		66,624		(42	)		251,823			185,241		66,624		(42	)		251,823
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2017										Nine Months Ended June 30, 2017
Net revenues -
Third-party											$	107,529	$	43,545	$	—		$	151,074
Inter-segment												278		361		(639	)		—
Operating income (2)												17,152		11,226		197			28,575
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2016										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

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 Form10-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.

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 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 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 the downward revision to our fiscal 2017 revenue and earnings guidance, and the annual indicated dividend rate has been reduced (as more fully discussed in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below), better aligning with our stated dividend payout range and enabling the Company to fund global expansion and new product development.

Net earnings for the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2017 decreased ~~29%~~97% to ~~$6,279,~~$240, or ~~$0.15~~$0.01 per diluted share, from net earnings for the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2016 of ~~$8,893,~~$8,754, or $0.21 per diluted share. The fiscal 2017 results include an impairment charge against Magellan goodwill ($6,628 or $0.16 per diluted share). Net earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 also include increased legal and professional services spending. These expenses totaled approximately $500 after income taxes, or $0.01 per diluted share. Consolidated revenues decreased 1% to ~~$46,809~~$50,140 for the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the same period of the prior year (flat on a constant-currency basis).

Revenues for the Diagnostics segment for the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2017 decreased 4% compared to the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2016 (also ~~down~~ 4% on a constant-currency basis), comprised of a ~~22%~~20% decrease in molecular products and a 2% increase innon-molecular ~~products, including $5,199 of Magellan revenues.~~ products. With ~~an 11%~~a 7% increase in its immunoassay components business and ~~an 8%~~a 10% increase in its molecular components business, revenues of our Life Science segment increased by ~~10%~~8% during the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2016 ~~increasing 12%~~(increasing 10% on a constant-currency ~~basis.~~basis).

For the nine month period ended June 30, 2017, net earnings decreased 41% to $15,831, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to net earnings for the comparable fiscal 2016 period of $26,738, or $0.63 per diluted share. Theyear-to-date fiscal 2017 results include an impairment charge against Magellan goodwill ($6,628 or $0.16 per diluted share), andyear-to-date fiscal 2016 results include transaction costs related to acquisition activity, including the 2016 Magellan acquisition ($1,233, or $0.03 per diluted share, net of tax). Consolidated revenues increased 1% to $151,074 for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to the same period of the prior year (increasing 2% on a constant-currency basis).

Revenues for the Diagnostics segment for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 decreased 2% compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2016 (also 2% on a constant-currency basis), comprised of a 15% decrease in molecular products and a 2% increase innon-molecular products, including an $8,422 increase in Magellan revenues resulting from only three months of Meridian ownership during the comparable fiscal 2016 period. With a 15% increase in its immunoassay components business and a 7% increase in its molecular components business, revenues of our Life Science segment increased by 12% during the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2016 (increasing 14% on a constant-currency basis).

This impairment charge does not impact our cash flow, our dividend or our bank covenants. Our outlook for Magellan’s LeadCare II testing volume continues to be healthy. In the 60+ days since the FDA released its Safety Notification (which pertained to venous blood lead testing performed on the systems produced by Magellan), 176 new LeadCare II systems utilizing capillary blood samples have been placed in physician offices and clinics. For the nine months ended June 30, 2017, LeadCare II placements have increased 11% over the prior year comparable period. These placements and ongoing placements of LeadCare IIpoint-of-care systems and related capillary blood testing are expected to drive revenue growth in 2018 and beyond.

The matters connected with the FDA Safety Notification occurred at Magellan prior to Meridian’s acquisition of Magellan. Meridian is committed to working diligently to strengthen Magellan’s quality system and to address the observations noted in the Form FDA 483 with the highest sense of urgency. However, we can provide no assurance that our remediation efforts will be successful to a degree acceptable by the FDA within our contemplated time frame. It should be noted that the FDA has stated that all LeadCare blood lead testing systems can be used with capillary blood samples, the predominant sample type used by physicians testing at thepoint-of-care. We believepoint-of-care lead testing is critical to addressing elevated lead levels among children and adults across the globe, as testing at thepoint-of-care improves compliance and facilitates patient education and intervention.

Beyond the impact of the impairment charge, we believe the impact on revenue related to the FDA’s Safety Notification was approximately $200 during the quarter. This represents the impact of reduced venous blood sample testing sales from the May 17^th Safety Notice through June 30, 2017. Costs associated with the matter were less than $100, resulting in a total impact of less than $0.01 on diluted earnings per share for the quarter.

We have supplemented our reported GAAP financial information with information on net earnings, basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share, excluding the effect of the impairment charge against Magellan goodwill and the effect of costs associated with acquisition activity, each of which is anon-GAAP financial measure, as well as reconciliations to amounts reported under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. We believe that this information is useful to those who read our financial statements and evaluate our operating results because:

Thesenon-GAAP measures may be different fromnon-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, thesenon-GAAP measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles.Non-GAAP measures have limitations, in that they do not reflect all amounts associated with our results as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Therefore, these measures should only be used to evaluate our results in conjunction with corresponding GAAP measures.

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

Our reportable segments are Diagnostics and Life Science, with products sold and distributed in the countries comprising North and 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”). A full description of our segments is set forth in Note 8 of the 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.

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 revenues, are shown below.


	Three Months Ended December 31,									Three Months Ended June 30,									Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			Inc (Dec)			2017			2016			Inc (Dec)			2017			2016			Inc (Dec)
Diagnostics -
Molecular	$	7,711		$	9,836			(22	)%	$	8,006		$	10,063			(20	)%	$	25,194		$	29,564			(15	)%
Non-molecular		26,097			25,465			2	%		27,943			27,460			2	%		82,335			80,614			2	%

Total Diagnostics	$	33,808		$	35,301			(4	)%	$	35,949		$	37,523			(4	)%	$	107,529		$	110,178			(2	)%

Life Science -
Molecular components	$	5,116		$	4,749			8	%	$	5,541		$	5,037			10	%	$	15,996		$	14,902			7	%
Immunoassay components		7,885			7,110			11	%		8,650			8,105			7	%		27,549			24,004			15	%

Total Life Science	$	13,001		$	11,859			10	%	$	14,191		$	13,142			8	%	$	43,545		$	38,906			12	%

% of Diagnostics revenues -
Molecular		23	%		28	%					22	%		27	%					23	%		27	%
Non-molecular		77	%		72	%					78	%		73	%					77	%		73	%

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

% of Life Science revenues -
Molecular components		39	%		40	%					39	%		38	%					37	%		38	%
Immunoassay components		61	%		60	%					61	%		62	%					63	%		62	%

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 ~~22%~~20% to ~~$7,711~~$8,006 for the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2017 (also ~~22%~~20% on a constant-currency basis), and decreased 15% to $25,194 for the nine monthyear-to-date period (also 15% on a constant-currency basis). This decrease reflects the ongoing increased competition within the molecular-based testing market, most notably within the market forC. difficile testing.

We have ~~over 1,500~~nearly 1,600 customer account placements. Of these account placements, ~~approximately~~over 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 ~~450~~500 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,~~key objective, as ~~this makes it more difficult for competitors to attack our customers.~~we believe broader menu utilization lessens the risk of displacement by competitors.

We continue to invest in new product development for our molecular testing platform, and this platform now has nine commercialized tests spanning hospital acquired infections, women’s health, respiratory, sexually transmitted diseases, and tropical diseases. Ourillumigene Malaria test has been placed in nearly 120 accounts in the ~~following commercialized tests:~~EMEA region for use primarily as a screening test for travelers returning to Europe from endemic areas in Africa. We have initiated efforts to develop market channels in the endemic areas of Africa, and early results are encouraging.

We believe that the diagnostic testing market, particularly in the U.S., 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, and during~~care. During the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2017 we experienced 6%9% growth in all molecular testing categories, other than the hyper-competitiveC. difficile ~~arena.~~arena and 7% growth during the nine monthyear-to-date period. While this market is competitive, with molecular companies such as Cepheid and Becton Dickinson, and

others such as Quidel, Great Basin, ~~Nanosphere,~~Luminex and Alere, we believe we are ~~well-positioned to capitalize on the migration to molecular testing.~~well-positioned. 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 for 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’snon-molecular products increased 2% in both the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal ~~2017. These~~2017 and on a nine monthyear-to-date basis. On a quarterly basis, these results reflect a decrease in Magellan revenue and overall increases in ourH. pyloriand foodborne product lines. Theyear-to-date increase reflects the ~~addition~~current fiscal year including a full nine months of ~~Magellan’s~~Magellan revenue, largely offset by decreased revenues in ourH. pyloriand other immunoassay product lines.

~~During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, revenues~~Revenues from Magellan’s sales of products to test for elevated levels of lead in blood totaled ~~$5,199. This level~~$4,330 and $13,174 during the third quarter of ~~revenues reflects a 32% increase over~~fiscal 2017 and the nine monthyear-to-date period, respectively. Compared to the three-month ~~period~~and nine-month periods ended ~~December~~June 30, 2016, of which the six months ended March 31, ~~2015, which was~~2016 were prior to Meridian’s ownership of ~~Magellan.~~Magellan, these revenues decreased 9% and increased 6%, respectively. The decline in Magellan’s revenues for the third quarter reflected the combined effects of lower revenue from venous blood testing during the quarter, resulting fromFDA-related activities, and favorable acquisition-related matters in the previous year. Also, having been affected by distributor and international order patterns earlier in this fiscal year, Magellan has executed distribution agreements with distributors in China and Kenya that are expected to contribute revenues during fiscal 2018.

During the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2017, revenues from ourH. pylori products ~~decreased 18% (also 18%~~increased 5% (6% on a constant-currency basis) to ~~$7,156.~~$8,486. These revenues decreased 7% to $23,367 during the first nine months of fiscal 2017 (6% on a constant-currency basis). In fiscal 2016, we employedbulk-buy sales ~~promotions~~programs (also referred to as ~~“stock-and-block”~~“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,~~these programs, we expect ourH. pylorirevenue to ~~return to~~have low single-digit growth ~~for~~during the balance of fiscal ~~year~~ 2017. This growth expectation reflects customers working through this inventory and replenishing product, and ~~our~~the Company realizing volume growth from the ongoing conversion of serology testing to our antigen tests. We continue to believe there are ongoing benefits to be realized from our partnerships with managed care companies in ~~promoting~~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. We recently introduced capabilities to identify resistance to Clarithromycin, the antibiotic commonly used to treatH. pylori. We believe that ~~partnering~~combining the ability to diagnoseH. pylori and identify resistance is a strong competitive 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~~May 2017 in countries outside the U.S. We expect competition with respect to ourH. pylori products to increase ~~in fiscal 2017~~over the coming months, as we currently market the onlyFDA-cleared tests to detectH. pylori antigen in stool ~~samples.~~samples in the U.S. market. 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~~defend against competition, our product development pipeline includes multiple new product initiatives for the detection ofH. pylori. We are unable to provide assurances that we will be successful with any ~~mitigation~~competition defense strategy or that any ~~mitigation~~competition defense strategy will prevent an adverse effect on our future results of operations and liquidity, including revenues and gross profit.

During the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2017, revenues from our other immunoassay products (includingC. difficile, foodborne and respiratory) ~~decreased 18% (also 18%~~increased 1% (2% on a constant-currency basis) to ~~$13,615. This decrease~~$14,617. These revenues decreased 11% to $44,154 during the first nine months of fiscal 2017 (10% on a constant-currency basis). These results primarily ~~from~~reflect the effects of continued increased competition and distributor order ~~patterns and the timing of our promotional “stock-and-block” programs in previous periods.~~patterns.

During the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2017, revenues from our Life Science segment increased ~~10%~~8%, with revenues from molecular component sales increasing 8%10% from the comparable fiscal 2016 quarter and revenues from immunoassay component sales increasing ~~11%~~7%. For the first nine months of fiscal 2017, revenues from our Life Science segment increased 12%, with revenues from molecular component sales increasing 7% from theyear-to-date fiscal 2016 period and revenues from immunoassay component sales increasing 15%. Our molecular component business’ growth was negatively impacted by the movement in currency exchange rates since the ~~first quarter of~~ fiscal 2016 periods, with revenues increasing 15% and 13% on a constant-currency basis over the third quarter and first ~~quarter~~nine months of fiscal ~~2016.~~2016, respectively. Our Life Science segment continued to benefit from increased sales into China, with such sales totaling approximately ~~$700~~$2,000 during the ~~first~~third quarter of fiscal 2017 (approximately ~~$200~~$300 in the molecular components business and ~~$500~~$1,700 in the immunoassay components business). and approximately $4,000 during theyear-to-date period (approximately $700 in the molecular components business and $3,300 in the immunoassay components business); representing an approximate 65% increase over the fiscal 2016year-to-date period. New products also contributed to growth, including EPIK™ miRNA Select, JetSeq™, ~~SensiFast™ Lyo-Ready~~ and ~~MIC Personal qPCR Cycler and accessories.~~SensiFast™Lyo-Ready.

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.

During the first three months of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded approximately $500 of medical device tax expense, 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 atwo-year moratorium on this excise tax effective January 1, 2016. We are unable to predict any future legislative changes or developments related to this moratorium or excise tax.


	Three Months Ended December 31,									Three Months Ended June 30,									Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2016			2015			Change			2017			2016			Change			2017			2016			Change
Gross Profit	$	29,450		$	31,583			(7	)%	$	31,197		$	32,909			(5	)%	$	94,178		$	98,064			(4	)%
Gross Profit Margin		63	%		67	%		-4 points			62	%		65	%		-3 points			62	%		66	%		-4 points

The gross profit decreases experienced in fiscal 2017 primarily result from the combined effects of (i) mix of products sold, particularly decreased contribution from our higher marginH. pylori ~~products;~~products in theyear-to-date period; (ii) customer mix; (iii) operating segment mix; and ~~(iii)~~(iv) decreased production levels in certain of our production ~~facilities.~~facilities designed to reduce inventory levels.


														Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
														Research & Development			Selling & Marketing			General & Administrative			Goodwill Impairment Charge and Acquisition- Related Costs			Total Operating Expenses
2016 Expenses														$	3,546		$	8,085		$	7,537		$	—		$	19,168

% of Revenues															7	%		16	%		15	%		—	%		38	%
Fiscal 2017 Increases (Decreases):													Fiscal 2017 Increases (Decreases):
Diagnostics															304			(252	)		686			6,628			7,366
Life Science															56			52			251			—			359

2017 Expenses														$	3,906		$	7,885		$	8,474		$	6,628		$	26,893

% of Revenues															8	%		16	%		17	%		13	%		54	%
% Increase (Decrease)															10	%		(2	)%		12	%		NMF			40	%

	Three Months Ended December 31, 2016													Nine Months Ended June 30, 2017
	Research & Development			Selling & Marketing			General & Administrative			Total Operating Expenses				Research & Development			Selling & Marketing			General & Administrative			Goodwill Impairment Charge and Acquisition- Related Costs			Total Operating Expenses
2016 Expenses	$	3,381		$	6,443		$	8,173		$	17,997			$	10,056		$	21,738		$	22,306		$	1,481		$	55,581

% of Revenues		7	%		14	%		17	%		38	%			7	%		15	%		15	%		1	%		37	%
Fiscal 2017 Increases (Decreases):													Fiscal 2017 Increases (Decreases):
Diagnostics		60			942			506			1,508				1,229			1,344			2,313			5,147			10,033
Life Science		(36	)		129			(233	)		(140	)			(67	)		329			(273	)		—			(11	)

2017 Expenses	$	3,405		$	7,514		$	8,446		$	19,365			$	11,218		$	23,411		$	24,346		$	6,628		$	65,603

% of Revenues		7	%		16	%		18	%		41	%			7	%		15	%		16	%		4	%		43	%
% Increase		1	%		17	%		3	%		8	%			12	%		8	%		9	%		348	%		18	%

Total operating expenses increased during both the third quarter and first ~~quarter~~nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to the ~~first quarter of~~corresponding fiscal ~~2016. This level of~~2016 periods, relating primarily to overall increases in spending in our Diagnostics operating segment, as detailed below.

The quarterly increase in Diagnostics operating expenses ~~results~~result primarily from the combined effects of ~~(i)~~ the ~~addition~~following:

Theyear-to-date increase in Diagnostics operating expenses result primarily from the ~~effect~~combined effects of ~~revising vacation accrual policies.~~the following:

Operating income decreased ~~26%~~69% to ~~$10,085~~$4,304 for the third quarter of fiscal 2017, and decreased 33% to $28,575 for the first ~~quarter~~nine months of fiscal 2017, as a result of the factors discussed ~~above.~~above, including most notably the Magellan goodwill impairment charge.

The effective rate for income taxes was 94% and 43% for the fiscal 2017 third quarter and nine monthyear-to-date periods, respectively. These rates are higher than the 35% and 36% in the comparable fiscal 2016 periods due primarily to thenon-deductibility of the Magellan goodwill impairment charge. Excluding the effects of the Magellan goodwill impairment charge, the effective tax rate was 35% for ~~both~~ the ~~first quarter of~~ fiscal 2017 third quarter and ~~2016.~~nine month year-to-date periods. For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, we expect the normalized effective tax rate (i.e., excluding the Magellan goodwill impairment charge) to approximate35%-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~~Following the release of results for the 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~~declared. This action, as well as the declaration of a $0.125 per share cash dividend for each of the second and ~~representing 83%~~third quarters, serves to bring the annual dividend rate more in line with our long-standing policy of ~~first quarter~~establishing a cash dividend payout ratio of between 75% and 85% of diluted earnings per ~~diluted share).~~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. Our objectives in 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.

OnFollowing its June 23, 2016 ~~the United Kingdom voted~~vote to leave the European Union (commonly referred to as “Brexit”) ~~and while~~, on March 29, 2017, the United Kingdom invoked Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty; thus formally commencing the process of exiting the European Union. While the impact of Brexit remains uncertain, the resulting immediate changes in foreign currency exchange rates have had a limited overall impact due to natural hedging. However, 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 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, we do not expect 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 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 ~~$12,993~~$32,491 for the first ~~three~~nine months of fiscal 2017, a 7%25% increase from the ~~$12,092~~$26,004 provided during the first ~~three~~nine months of fiscal 2016. While reflecting the timing of payments from customers, and to suppliers and taxing authorities, this increase also results in large part from the net effects of (i) decreased inventory levels during the ~~first quarter of~~year-to-date fiscal 2017 period, compared to increased levels during theyear-to-date fiscal 2016 ~~first quarter;~~period; and (ii) decreased accrued employee compensation costs during the first ~~quarter~~nine months of fiscal 2017, reflecting the payment of discretionary bonuses related to fiscal 2016 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 $67,874, utilizing the proceeds from a $60,000 five-year term loan and cash and equivalents on hand. An amount of the acquisition consideration totaling $2,383 remains payable to the sellers, pending the realization of tax benefits for certain net operating loss carryforwards in future tax returns. Of this amount, a payment of approximately $650 is expected to be made to the sellers during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The remaining amount is expected to be paid in 2018 upon filing of our U.S. tax returns.

As 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. As also described in Note 7, exposure to the volatility of the term loan’s variable interest rate is limited by an interest rate swap agreement with the commercial bank. In addition, we have a $30,000 revolving credit facility with a commercial bank that expires March 31, 2021. As of ~~January~~July 31, 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 ~~three~~nine months of fiscal 2017 or during the full year of fiscal 2016.

Our capital expenditures are estimated to range between approximately ~~$3,000~~$4,000 to $5,000 for fiscal 2017, with the actual amount 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 undisclosedoff-balance sheet arrangements.

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

As of ~~December 31, 2016,~~June 30, 2017, 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~~ Rules13a-15(b) and15d-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 ~~December 31, 2016.~~June 30, 2017. 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 ~~first~~third 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 ~~December 31, 2016.~~June 30, 2017. 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~~to the risk factors ~~as previously~~ disclosed in ~~the Registrant’s Form 10-K in response to~~Part I – Item 1A ~~to Part I of~~in our Annual Report on Form10-K.

The following exhibits are being filed or furnished as a part of this Quarterly Report on Form10-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 ~~January~~July 31, 2017
Common Stock, no par value		~~42,202,397~~42,203,017


		Page(s)

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Three and Nine Months Ended ~~December 31,~~June 30, 2017 and 2016 ~~and 2015~~		1

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Three and Nine Months Ended ~~December 31,~~June 30, 2017 and 2016 ~~and 2015~~		2

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ~~Three~~Nine Months Ended ~~December 31,~~June 30, 2017 and 2016 ~~and 2015~~		3

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets ~~December 31, 2016~~June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016		4-5

	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity ~~Three~~Nine Months Ended ~~December 31, 2016~~June 30, 2017		6

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		~~7-12~~7-14

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		~~13-19~~15-24

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		2025

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		2025

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION

~~Item 1A.~~	~~Risk Factors~~			20

Item 6.1A.	~~Exhibits~~Risk Factors		2025

Item 6.	Exhibits		25

Signature			2126


	December 31, 2016				September 30, 2016
	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization
Manufacturing technologies, core products and cell lines	$	22,230	$	11,800	$	21,921	$	11,540
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		720		270		680		170

	$	56,270	$	26,922	$	56,023	$	26,168


	June 30, 2017				September 30, 2016
	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization
Manufacturing technologies, core products and cell lines	$	22,294	$	12,466	$	21,921	$	11,540
Trade names, licenses and patents		8,643		4,139		9,037		3,947
Customer lists, customer relationships and supply agreements		24,457		11,467		24,385		10,511
Non-compete agreements		720		450		680		170

	$	56,114	$	28,522	$	56,023	$	26,168



31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

31.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule13a-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 Form10-Q for the quarter ended ~~December 31, 2016~~June 30, 2017 filed with the SEC on ~~February~~August 9, 2017, formatted in XBRL includes: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended ~~December 31, 2016~~June 30, 2017 and ~~2015;~~2016; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended ~~December 31, 2016~~June 30, 2017 and ~~2015;~~2016; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ~~three~~nine months ended ~~December 31, 2016~~June 30, 2017 and ~~2015;~~2016; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of ~~December 31, 2016~~June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016; (v) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the ~~three~~nine months ended ~~December 31, 2016;~~June 30, 2017; and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


	Three Months Ended June 30,					Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2017			2016		2017			2016
Net Revenues	$	4,330		$	4,752	$	13,174		$	4,752
Net Earnings	$	(6,316	)	$	231	$	(6,128	)	$	231

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company