SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 20172018

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                    to                    

Commission filenumber0-14902

MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE, INC.

Incorporated under the laws of Ohio

31-0888197

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3471 River Hills Drive

Cincinnati, Ohio 45244

(513)271-3700

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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer   Smaller reporting company 
Emerging growth company    

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in 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.

 

Class

 

Outstanding January 31, 20182019

Common Stock, no par value 42,307,74242,489,202


MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM10-Q

 

     Page(s) 

PART I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Three Months Ended December 31, 20172018 and 20162017

   1 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Three Months Ended December 31, 20172018 and 20162017

   2 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Three Months Ended December 31, 20172018 and 20162017

   3 
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets December  31, 20172018 and September 30, 20172018

   4-5 
 

Condensed Consolidated StatementStatements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

   6 
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   7-127-15 

Item 2.

 

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

   12-2015-22 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   2123 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

   2123 

PART II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

   2223 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

   2223 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

   2223 

Signature

    2224 


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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, its ability to effectively sell such products and its ability to successfully expand and effectively manage increased sales and marketing operations. While Meridian has introduced a number of internally developed products and acquired 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, and unexpected or costly manufacturing costs associated with the ramp upits introduction of new products or acquired products could cause actual results to differ from expectations. 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 can 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 initiated by Congress or the presidential administration, 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, trade wars, increased tariffs, and natural disasters and other events could have a materially adverse effect on Meridian’s results of operations and revenues. We haveIn the past, the Company has identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, which has been remediated, but the Company can make no assurances that a material weakness will not be identified in the future, which if identified and not properly corrected, could materially adversely affect our operations and result in material misstatements in our financial statements. In addition to the factors described in this paragraph, as well as those factors identified from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors of our most recent 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.


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

  Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  December 31,   December 31, 
  2017 2016   2018 2017 

NET REVENUES

  $52,283  $46,809   $51,480 $52,283

COST OF SALES

   20,497  17,770    19,908 20,273
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

   31,786  29,039    31,572 32,010
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

      

Research and development

   4,496  3,597    3,967 4,420

Selling and marketing

   8,842  7,618    7,563 8,844

General and administrative

   8,904  7,739    8,902 9,202

CEO transition and litigation costs

   1,483   —   

Restructuring costs

   —    734

Litigation costs

   589 749
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total operating expenses

   23,725  18,954    21,021 23,949
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

   8,061  10,085    10,551 8,061

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

      

Interest income

   72 22   149 72

Interest expense

   (395 (423   (363 (395

Other, net

   (80 (25   139 (80
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total other expense

   (403 (426   (75 (403
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

   7,658  9,659    10,476 7,658

INCOME TAX PROVISION

   1,356  3,380    2,370 1,356
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

NET EARNINGS

  $6,302  $6,279   $8,106 $6,302
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

  $0.15  $0.15   $0.19 $0.15

DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

  $0.15  $0.15   $0.19 $0.15

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC

   42,263  42,159    42,446 42,263

EFFECT OF DILUTIVE STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS

   399 376   459 399
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - DILUTED

   42,662  42,535    42,905 42,662
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

ANTI-DILUTIVE SECURITIES:

      

Common share options and restricted share units

   1,034  715   684 1,034
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE

  $0.125  $0.20   $0.125 $0.125
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

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

 

Page 1


MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(dollar amounts in thousands)

 

  Three Months Ended 
  

Three Months Ended

December 31,

   December 31, 
  2017 2016   2018 2017 

NET EARNINGS

  $6,302  $6,279   $8,106 $6,302

Other comprehensive income (loss):

      

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   291 (1,423   (716 291

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedge

   341 1,560 

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge

   (577 341

Income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income

   (112 (589   145 (112
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

   520 (452   (1,148 520
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

  $6,822  $5,827   $6,958 $6,822
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

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

 

Page 2


MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(dollar amounts in thousands)

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

  2017 2016   2018 2017 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net earnings

  $6,302  $6,279   $8,106 $6,302

Non-cash items included in net earnings:

      

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

   1,146  1,078    1,253 1,146

Amortization of intangible assets

   938 968   829 938

Amortization of deferred instrument costs

   201 257   —    201

Stock-based compensation

   1,759  1,884    1,670 1,759

Deferred income taxes

   (1,624 2,091    96 (1,624

Change in:

      

Accounts receivable

   (2,989 2,191    317 (2,989

Inventories

   (2,353 (169   (37 (2,353

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   87 (406   539 87

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   1,315  (913   (4,081 1,315

Income taxes payable

   497 44   991 497

Other, net

   (108 (311   (276 (108
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   5,171  12,993    9,407 5,171
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

   (1,234 (1,392   (1,109 (1,234
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash used for investing activities

   (1,234 (1,392   (1,109 (1,234
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Dividends paid

   (5,288 (8,440   (5,301 (5,288

Payments on term loan

   (1,125 (750   (1,125 (1,125

Proceeds and tax benefits from exercises of stock options

   —    301   145  —   
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

   (6,413 (8,889   (6,281 (6,413
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Equivalents

   115 (662

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Equivalents and Restricted Cash

   (257 115
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Equivalents

   (2,361 2,050 

Cash and Equivalents at Beginning of Period

   57,072  47,226 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Equivalents and Restricted Cash

   1,760 (2,361

Cash and Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period

   60,763 58,072
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash and Equivalents at End of Period

  $54,711  $49,276 

Cash and Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period

  $62,523 $55,711
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash and Equivalents

  $61,523 $54,711

Restricted Cash

   1,000 1,000
  

 

  

 

 

Cash and Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period

  $62,523 $55,711
  

 

  

 

 

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

 

Page 3


MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollar amounts in thousands)

ASSETS

 

  December 31,
2017
(Unaudited)
   September 30,
2017
   December 31,
2018

(Unaudited)
   September 30,
2018
 

CURRENT ASSETS

        

Cash and equivalents

  $54,711   $57,072   $61,523  $59,763

Accounts receivable, less allowances of $306 and $307

   32,136    29,106 

Accounts receivable, less allowances of $331 and $310

   31,791   32,336

Inventories

   43,644    41,493    41,889   41,993

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   6,126    6,204    4,411   4,961
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total current assets

   136,617    133,875    139,614   139,053
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at Cost

        

Land

   1,164    1,162    1,158   1,160

Buildings and improvements

   32,244    32,207    32,443   32,444

Machinery, equipment and furniture

   49,367    48,836    59,637   50,606

Construction in progress

   2,374    1,895    1,727   1,631
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Subtotal

   85,149    84,100    94,965   85,841

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

   54,749    53,590    64,108   55,846
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net property, plant and equipment

   30,400    30,510    30,857   29,995
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

OTHER ASSETS

        

Goodwill

   54,997    54,926    54,403   54,637

Other intangible assets, net

   25,777    26,704    22,265   23,113

Restricted cash

   1,000    1,000    1,000   1,000

Deferred instrument costs, net

   1,415    1,368    —      1,239

Fair value of interest rate swap

   1,156    815   1,145   1,722

Deferred income taxes

   146   158   121   130

Other assets

   443   421   452   488
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total other assets

   84,934    85,392    79,386   82,329
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

  $251,951   $249,777   $249,857  $251,377
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

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

 

Page 4


MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollarsdollar amounts in thousands)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

  December 31,
2017
(Unaudited)
 September 30,
2017
   December 31,
2018
(Unaudited)
 September 30,
2018
 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

      

Accounts payable

  $8,507  $7,719   $6,228 $6,260

Accrued employee compensation costs

   4,801  4,536    4,779 7,263

Current portion of acquisition consideration

   2,095  2,095 

Other accrued expenses

   2,795  2,789    3,035 5,065

Current portion of long-term debt

   4,500  4,500    5,625 5,250

Income taxes payable

   776 1,248    1,023 335
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

   23,474  22,887    20,690 24,173
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

      

Acquisition consideration

   235 235

Post-employment benefits

   2,551  2,468    2,490 2,646

Long-term debt

   49,030  50,147    43,438 44,930

Long-term income taxes payable

   854  —      736 441

Deferred income taxes

   2,929  4,455    3,861 3,769
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Totalnon-current liabilities

   55,599  57,305    50,525 51,786
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

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, 42,307,542 and 42,207,317 shares issued, respectively

   —     —   

Common shares, no par value; 71,000,000 shares authorized,

42,488,602 and 42,399,962 shares issued, respectively

   —     —   

Additionalpaid-in capital

   127,367  125,608    130,876 129,193

Retained earnings

   47,937  46,923    52,291 49,602

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (2,426 (2,946   (4,525 (3,377
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   172,878  169,585    178,642 175,418
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  $251,951  $249,777   $249,857 $251,377
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

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

 

Page 5


MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

(dollarsdollar and sharesshare amounts in thousands)thousands, except per share data)

 

  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, 2018

   42,400  $129,193  $49,602 $(3,377 $175,418

Cash dividends paid - $0.125 per share

   —      —      (5,301  —    (5,301

Conversion of restricted share units and exercise of stock options

   89   13   —     —    13

Stock compensation expense

   —      1,670   —     —    1,670

Net earnings

   —      —      8,106  —    8,106

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   —      —      —    (716 (716

Hedging activity, net of tax

   —      —      —    (432 (432

Adoption of ASU2014-09

   —      —      (116  —    (116
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

   42,489  $130,876  $52,291 $(4,525 $178,642
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2017

   42,207   $125,608   $46,923  $(2,946 $169,585    42,207  $125,608  $46,923 $(2,946 $169,585

Cash dividends paid

   —      —      (5,288  —    (5,288

Cash dividends paid - $0.125 per share

   —      —      (5,288  —    (5,288

Conversion of restricted share units

   100   —      —     —     —      100   —      —     —     —   

Stock compensation expense

   —      1,759    —     —    1,759    —      1,759   —     —    1,759

Net earnings

   —      —      6,302   —    6,302    —      —      6,302  —    6,302

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   —      —      —    291 291   —      —      —    291 291

Hedging activity, net of tax

   —      —      —    229 229   —      —      —    229 229
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

   42,307   $127,367   $47,937  $(2,426 $172,878    42,307  $127,367  $47,937 $(2,426 $172,878
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

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

 

Page 6


MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts

(Unaudited)

 

1.

Basis of Presentation

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, 2017,2018, the results of its operations for the three month periods ended December 31, 20172018 and 2016,2017, and its cash flows for the three month periods ended December 31, 20172018 and 2016.2017. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s fiscal 20172018 Annual Report on Form10-K. Financial information as of September 30, 20172018 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.

 

2.

Significant Accounting Policies

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 20172018 Annual Report on Form10-K.10-K and should be referred to for a description of the Company’s current significant accounting policies, with the exception of Revenue Recognition, which is set forth below.

Recent Accounting PronouncementsRevenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issuedAdoption of New Standard

On October 1, 2018, we adopted 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 effectiveusing the modified retrospective transition method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of that date. Results for the Companyreporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019). Theare presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable guidance.

Upon adoption, we recorded a reduction of $116 to the opening balance of retained earnings as of October 1, 2018. This adjustment is related to writing off the book value of clinical diagnostic testing instruments located at customers for which there is no contractual arrangement for the instrument to be returned to the Company. Instruments placed with customers under an agreement to return the instrument to the Company has prepared an inventory of its existing revenue streamswere reclassified to machinery and a preliminary analysisequipment. Prior to adoption of the new guidance, all instruments placed with customers were capitalized and amortized over an estimated three-year utilization period, with the net balance reflected as deferred instrument costs.

Page 7


The following table summarizes the impact of the new revenue recognition criteria applying ASUstandard on our opening balance sheet:

   Balance at
September 30,
2018
   New Revenue
Standard
Adjustment
   Balance at
October 1,
2018
 

PROPERTY, PLAN AND EQUIPMENT

      

Machinery, equipment and furniture

  $50,606   $8,696   $59,302 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

   (55,846   (7,611   (63,457

OTHER ASSETS

      

Deferred instrument costs, net

   1,239    (1,239   —  

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

      

Deferred income taxes

   (3,769   38    (3,731

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Retained earnings

   (49,602   116    (49,486

The adoption of this new standard had an immaterial impact on our reported total revenues and operating income, as compared to what would have been reported under the prior standard. We expect the impact of adoption in future periods to continue to be immaterial. Our accounting policies under the new standard were applied prospectively and are noted below following the discussion of Revenue Disaggregation.

Revenue Disaggregation

The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by major geographic region, major product platform and disease state (Diagnostics only):

Revenue by Reportable Segment & Geographic Region

   Three Months Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   Inc (Dec) 

Diagnostics-

      

Americas

  $ 31,147  $ 31,575   (1)% 

EMEA

   5,085   5,415   (6)% 

ROW

   433   500   (13)% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Diagnostics

   36,665   37,490   (2)% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Life Science-

      

Americas

   4,534   5,250   (14)% 

EMEA

   7,455   5,185   44

ROW

   2,826   4,358   (35)% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Life Science

   14,815   14,793   —  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

  $ 51,480  $ 52,283   (2)% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Page 8


Revenue by Product Platform/Type

   Three Months Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   Inc (Dec) 

Diagnostics-

      

Molecular assays

  $7,298  $8,717   (16)% 

Immunoassays & blood chemistry assays

   29,367   28,773   2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Diagnostics

  $ 36,665  $ 37,490   (2)% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Life Science-

      

Molecular reagents

  $6,589  $5,688   16

Immunological reagents

   8,226   9,105   (10)% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Life Science

  $ 14,815  $ 14,793   —  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue by Disease State (Diagnostics only)

   Three Months Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   Inc (Dec) 

Diagnostics-

      

Gastrointestinal assays

  $ 18,633  $ 20,270   (8)% 

Respiratory illness assays

   7,977   7,486   7

Blood chemistry assays

   4,466   4,266   5

Other

   5,589   5,468   2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Diagnostics

  $ 36,665  $ 37,490   (2)% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue Policies

Product Sales

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for products when obligations under such contracts are satisfied. Revenue is generally recognized at a2014-09.point-in-time This analysiswhen products are shipped and title has passed to the customer. Such contracts can include various combinations of products that are generally accounted for as distinct performance obligations.

Revenue is preliminaryreduced in the period of sale for fees paid to distributors, which are inseparable from the distributor’s purchase of our product and our overall assessmentfor which we receive no goods or services in return. Revenue for the Diagnostics segment is not yet complete. However,reduced at the date of sale for product price adjustments due to certain distributors under local contracts. Management estimates accruals for distributor price adjustments based on local contract terms, sales data provided by distributors, historical statistics, current trends, and other factors. Changes to the analysis completedaccruals are recorded in the period that they become known. Such accruals are netted against accounts receivable.

Shipping and handling costs incurred after control of the product is transferred to our customers are treated as fulfillment costs and not a separate performance obligation.

Our payment terms differ by jurisdiction and customer but payment is generally required in a term ranging from 30 to 90 days from the date asideof shipment or satisfaction of the performance obligation. Trade accounts receivable are recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at invoiced amounts less provisions for distributor price adjustments under local contracts and doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of probable credit losses and is based on historicalwrite-off experience and known conditions that would likely lead tonon-payment. Customer invoices are charged off against the allowance when we believe it is probable that the invoices will not be paid.

Page 9


Practical Expedients and Exemptions

Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers (sales tax, value added tax, etc.), which are subsequently remitted to government authorities.

Our products are generally not subject to a customer right of return except for product recall events under the rules and regulations of the Food and Drug Administration or equivalent agencies outside the United States. In this circumstance, the costs to replace affected products would be accrued at the time a loss was probable and estimable.

We expense as incurred the costs to obtain contracts, as the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs, recorded within selling and marketing expense, include our internal sales force compensation programs and certain expanded disclosure requirements,partner sales incentive programs, as we have determined that annual compensation is commensurate with annual selling activities.

Reagent Rental Arrangements

Our Alethia and LeadCare product platforms require the Company doesuse of instruments for the tests to be processed. In many cases a customer is given use of the instrument, provided they continue purchasing the associated tests, also referred to as “consumables” or “reagents”. If a customer stops purchasing the consumables, the instrument must be returned to Meridian. Such arrangements are common practice in the diagnostics industry and are referred to as “Reagent Rental” agreements. These agreements may also include instrument related services such as a limited replacement warranty, training and installation. We concluded that the use of the instrument and related services (collectively known as “lease elements”) are not currently anticipate that its planned adoptionwithin the scope of ASUNo. 2014-09 but rather ASU2016-02,Leases. Accordingly, we first allocate the transaction price between the lease elements and thenon-lease elements based on estimates of relative standalone selling prices. Lease revenue is derived solely from the sale of consumables and is therefore recognized monthly as earned, which coincides with the transfer of control of thenon-lease elements.

For the portion of the transaction price allocated to thenon-lease elements, which are principally the test kits, the related revenue will be recognized at a modified retrospective basis will have a material impact on its reported revenues.point-in-time when control transfers.

Revenue allocated to the lease elements of these Reagent Rental arrangements represent less than 1% of total revenue and are included as part of net revenues in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements –

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-02,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 expects to begin its assessment of the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its financial statements later induring the second quarter of fiscal 2018.2019.

In MarchAugust 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-09,2016-15,ImprovementsClassification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The update addresses certain specific cash flows and their treatment, with the objective being to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which amendsreduce the accounting for share-based payment transactions. These changes, whichexisting diversity in how the items 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,presented and classification onclassified within the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, with the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reflecting such adoption, including the information related to restricted cash.

In February 2018, and as a result recorded $160the FASB issued ASU2018-02,Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, to address certain of the recent U.S. federal income tax legislation’s impact on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”). The guidance specifically provides the option of reclassifying “stranded tax effects” related to the income tax provision, which under the previous guidance would have been recorded within additionalpaid-in capital. While the future effectlegislation from AOCI to retained earnings. Adoption and implementation of the optional guidance is dependent upon numerous factors (e.g.,not effective for the market priceCompany until the beginning of fiscal 2020, although early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt this guidance in fiscal 2020 as required but does not expect adoption to have a significant impact on the Company’s common stock on the equity award grant date, the exercise/lapse datesconsolidated results of equity awards, and the market price of the Company’s common stock on such exercise/lapse dates), the effect is not expected to be material.

operations, cash flows or financial position.

 

Page 710


Reclassifications –

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

 

3.

Cash and Equivalents

Cash and equivalents include the following components:

 

  December 31, 2017   September 30, 2017   December 31, 2018   September 30, 2018 
  Cash and
Equivalents
   Other
Assets
   Cash and
Equivalents
   Other
Assets
   Cash and
Equivalents
   Other
Assets
   Cash and
Equivalents
   Other
Assets
 

Institutional money market funds

  $20,155   $—     $20,104   $—     $ 20,540  $—     $ 20,421  $—   

Cash on hand -

                

Restricted

   —      1,000    —      1,000    —     1,000   —     1,000

Unrestricted

   34,556    —      36,968    —      40,983   —     39,342   —  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $54,711   $1,000   $57,072   $1,000   $ 61,523  $ 1,000  $ 59,763  $ 1,000
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

4.

Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following:

 

  December 31,
2017
   September 30,
2017
 
    December 31,
2018
   September 30,
2018
 

Raw materials

  $7,989   $6,575   $7,123  $6,689

Work-in-process

   12,110    11,559    12,037   12,098

Finished goods - instruments

   1,271    1,460    1,224   1,191

Finished goods - kits and reagents

   22,274    21,899    21,505   22,015
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $43,644   $41,493   $ 41,889  $ 41,993
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

5.

Intangible Assets

A summary of our acquired intangible assets subject to amortization, as of December 31, 20172018 and September 30, 2017,2018, is as follows:

 

   December 31, 2017   September 30, 2017 
   Gross
Carrying
Value
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Carrying
Value
   Accumulated
Amortization
 

Manufacturing technologies, core products and cell lines

  $22,341   $13,117   $22,332   $12,807 

Trade names, licenses and patents

   8,699    4,632    8,689    4,398 

Customer lists, customer relationships and supply agreements

   24,586    12,190    24,562    11,854 

Non-compete agreements

   720   630   720   540
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $56,346   $30,569   $56,303   $29,599 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   December 31, 2018   September 30, 2018 
   Gross
Carrying
Value
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Carrying
Value
   Accumulated
Amortization
 

Manufacturing technologies, core products and

cell lines

  $22,268  $14,243  $22,297  $13,974

Trade names, licenses and patents

   8,613   5,463   8,647   5,267

Customer lists, customer relationships and

supply agreements

   24,385   13,295   24,461   13,051

Non-compete agreements

   720   720   720   720
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $55,986  $33,721  $56,125  $33,012
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Page 811


The actual aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets was $938$829 and $968$938 for the three months ended December 31, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets for each of the fiscal years through fiscal 20232024 is as follows: remainder of fiscal 2018 – $2,628, fiscal 2019 – $3,343,$2,487, fiscal 2020 – $3,178,$3,156, fiscal 2021 – $2,561,$2,560, fiscal 2022 – $2,182, and fiscal 2023 – $2,170.$2,170, and fiscal 2024 – $2,166.

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 field safety notice was followed by product recall notices on May 25th and June 5th.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.

6.

Restructuring

Subsequent to the issuances of these field safety and product recall notices, the FDA completed an inspection of Magellan’s Quality System, and issued its Form 483, Inspectional Observations, on June 29, 2017, which was expectedly followed by a Warning Letter issued on October 23, 2017. The Warning Letter requires periodic reporting on our remediation progress. To date, we have satisfied our post-Warning Letter reporting requirements with the FDA. During the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2018, we incurred approximately $500the Company began implementation of a plan to realign its business structure into two business units, Diagnostics and Life Science, supported by a global corporate team. As part of this plan, certain functions and locations within both business units were streamlined, including: (i) the elimination of certain executive management and commercial sales positions; (ii) the closing of Life Science locations in Quality System remediation costs, primarily relatedTaunton, Massachusetts and Singapore, the operations of which were transferred to regulatory consultants.

locations in Memphis, Tennessee and London, England, respectively; and (iii) the transfer of certain functions performed in the Billerica, Massachusetts Diagnostics facility to the corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a result of these matters, we expect to experience delays in reinstating venous blood sample testing on our LeadCare products, as well as in obtaining 510(k) clearance for new Magellan products. We also expect delays in obtaining export certifications for Magellan products during the remediation period. In light of these factors and their impacts, during our 2017 third fiscal quarter, 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, wasactivities, restructuring costs totaling $6,332 were recorded during the fiscal 2017 third quarter. Given allyear ended September 30, 2018.

A summary of the factors considered, we do not anticipate, at this time, any further goodwill impairment charge fromaccrued liability associated with the Magellan acquisition.restructuring costs as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, is as follows:

   December 31,
2018
   September 30,
2018
 

Severance, other termination benefits and related costs

  $ 368  $987

Lease and other contract termination fees

   8   33

Other

   5   6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 381  $ 1,026
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

6.7.

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted tax reform legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “tax reform act”). In applying the tax reform act during the three months ended December 31, 2017, we followed the guidance in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”), regarding the application of ASC Topic 740 in situations where a company does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the tax reform act for the reporting period in which the tax reform act was enacted. SAB 118 provides for a measurement period beginning in the reporting period that includes the tax reform act’s enactment date and ending when a company has obtained, prepared and analyzed the information needed in order to complete the accounting requirements, but in no circumstances should the measurement period extend beyond one year from the enactment date.

We completed the accounting for the effects of the tax reform act during the quarter ended December 31, 2017, except for the effects related to theone-time deemed repatriation transition tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings (the “repatriation transition tax”). As a result, our financial statements for the quarterthree months ended December 31, 2017 reflect thesereflected the effects of the tax reform act as provisional based on a reasonable estimate of the income tax effects. We haveeffects and included a provisional non-currentnoncurrent income tax payable in the amount of $854 related to the repatriation transition tax. The provisional amount is based on tax attribute information currently available from foreign investments. We continueSubsequent to gatherthe quarter ended December 31, 2017 and analyze information, including historical adjustmentsprior to earnings and profits of foreign subsidiaries, in order to completeSeptember 30, 2018, we completed the accounting for the effects of the estimatedtax reform act. As a result, our repatriation transition tax.

Accounting for the remaining income tax effects of the tax reform actliability was increased to $876, which impact our tax provision has been substantially completed and are includedis reflected as follows in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial StatementsBalance as of December 31, 2017. We2018: $140 of current income taxes payable and $736 long-term income taxes payable.

In addition, during the three months ended December 31, 2017 we recorded aone-time tax benefit of $1,695 resulting from the tax reform act, including an adjustment from there-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities. Thisre-measurement includesincluded an estimate of the temporary differences expected to be realized during fiscal 2018 at a transitional blended rate of 24.5%. The remaining temporary differences werere-measured at 21%.

 

Page 912


7.8.

Bank Credit Arrangements

In connection with the acquisition of Magellan Biosciences, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. (collectively, “Magellan”), 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 remaining fiscal years are as follows: remainder of fiscal 2018 - $3,375, fiscal 2019 - $5,250,– $4,125, 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, 20172018 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 was established with critical terms identical to those of the term loan, includingincluding: (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, 20172018 and September 30, 2017,2018, the fair value of the interest rate swap was $1,156$1,145 and $815,$1,722, respectively, and is reflected as anon-current asset in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. This fair value was determined by reference to a third party valuation,information provided by the counterparty, and is considered a Level 2 input within the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.

In addition, the Company 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, 20172018 or September 30, 2017.2018.

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, 2017,2018, the Company is in compliance with all covenants. The Company is also required to maintain a compensating cash balance with the bank in the amount of $1,000, and is in compliance with this requirement.

 

8.9.

Reportable Segment and Major Customers Information

Meridian was formed in 1976 and functions as a fully-integrated life science company with principal businesses inin: (i) the development, manufacture, sale and distribution of diagnostic test kits, primarily for certain gastrointestinal viral,and 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 and other diagnostic manufacturers.

Our reportable segments are Diagnostics and Life Science. The Diagnostics segment consists of manufacturing operations for infectious disease products in Cincinnati, Ohio; Magellan’sOhio, and manufacturing operations for blood chemistry 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.levels in blood.

The Life Science segment consists of manufacturing operations in Memphis, Tennessee; Boca Raton, Florida; London, England; and Luckenwalde, Germany; and Sydney, Australia;Germany, and the sale and distribution of bulk antigens, antibodies, PCR/qPCR reagents, nucleotides, competent cells, and bioresearch reagents domestically and abroad, including a sales and business development and distribution facilitiesfacility 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, plant genotyping, and mutation detection, among others).

 

Page 1013


Amounts due from two Diagnostics distributor customers accounted for 25%14% and 11%12% of consolidated accounts receivable at December 31, 20172018 and September 30, 2017,2018, respectively. Revenues from these two distributor customers accounted for 38%34% and 23%32% of the Diagnostics segment third-party revenues during the three months ended December 31, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively, and represented 27%24% and 17%23% of consolidated revenues for the fiscal 20182019 and 20172018 first quarters, respectively.

Within our Life Science segment, two diagnostic manufacturing customers accounted for 15%28% and 19%15% of the segment’s third-party revenues during the three months ended December 31, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.

Segment information for the interim periods is as follows:

 

   Diagnostics   Life
Science
   Eliminations(1)   Total 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2017

        

Net revenues -

        

Third-party

  $37,490   $14,793   $—     $52,283 

Inter-segment

   121   192   (313   —   

Operating income

   5,291    2,784    (14   8,061 

Goodwill (December 31, 2017)

   35,213    19,784    —      54,997 

Other intangible assets, net (December 31, 2017)

   24,202    1,575    —      25,777 

Total assets (December 31, 2017)

   179,943    72,480    (472   251,951 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2016

        

Net revenues -

        

Third-party

  $33,808   $13,001   $—     $46,809 

Inter-segment

   79   125   (204   —   

Operating income

   6,643    3,267    175   10,085 

Goodwill (September 30, 2017)

   35,213    19,713    —      54,926 

Other intangible assets, net (September 30, 2017)

   24,973    1,731    —      26,704 

Total assets (September 30, 2017)

   180,226    69,938    (387   249,777 
   Diagnostics   Life Science   Corporate(1)  Eliminations(2)  Total 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2018

        

Net revenues -

        

Third-Party

  $36,665  $ 14,815  $—    $—    $51,480

Inter-segment

   163   176   —    (339  —  

Operating income

   8,786   5,129   (3,391  27   10,551

Goodwill (December 31, 2018)

   35,213   19,190   —    —    54,403

Other intangible assets, net (December 31, 2018)

   21,386   879   —    —    22,265

Total assets (December 31, 2018)

   178,863   71,283   —    (289  249,857

Three Months Ended December 31, 2017

        

Net revenues -

        

Third-Party

  $37,490  $ 14,793  $—    $—    $52,283

Inter-segment

   121   192   —    (313  —  

Operating income

   8,569   2,943   (3,555  104   8,061

Goodwill (September 30, 2018)

   35,213   19,424   —    —    54,637

Other intangible assets, net (September 30, 2018)

   22,068   1,045   —    —    23,113

Total assets (September 30, 2018)

   180,978   70,341   —    58   251,377

 

(1)

Includes Restructuring and Litigation Costs of $589 and $1,483 in the quarters ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

(2)

Eliminations consist of inter-segment transactions.

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

 

9.10.

LegalLitigation Matters

On May 17, 2017, Meridian filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Western Division (Cincinnati) naming DiaSorin Inc. (“DiaSorin”) as a defendant. Meridian’s complaint alleges DiaSorin has breached the 2010Co-Development and License Agreement (the “Agreement”) between it and Meridian relating to theco-development of certain tests and diagnostic products, pursuant to which Meridian disclosed certain trade secrets and proprietary information. The lawsuit underlying Meridian’s complaint alleges that DiaSorin breached the Agreement and used, and is currently using, Meridian’s proprietary information and therefore seeks injunctive relief to protect Meridian’s intellectual property and information with respect to its diagnostics products. Approximately $730 of expense related to this matter is included within the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017.

Page 11


On November 15, 2017, Barbara Forman filed a class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio naming Meridian, its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (in their capacities as such) as defendants. An amended complaint was filed on April 16, 2018 and the Company believes the essential elements of the amended complaint are the same. The complaint alleges that Meridian made false and misleading representations concerning certain of Magellan’s lead test systems at or around the time of Meridian’s acquisition of Magellan and subsequent thereto.amended complaint are hereafter referred to as the “Complaint”. The lawsuit underlying plaintiff’s class action complaintComplaint seeks compensatory damages injunctive relief and attorneys’ feesfees. Meridian has filed a motion to all members ofdismiss the proposed class. BecauseComplaint, to which the litigationplaintiff responded on August 14, 2018. The motion has been fully briefed and related discoveryremains pending before the court. We are in preliminary stages, we do not have sufficient informationunable to determine or predict the ultimate outcome or estimate the range of possible losses, if any. Accordingly, no provision for litigation losses has been included within either of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated StatementStatements of Operations for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

Page 14


On December 6, 2017, Michael Edelson filed a class actionderivative complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio naming Meridian, its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and certain members of Meridian’s Board of Directors and Audit Committee (in their capacities as such) as defendants. The complaint alleges that Meridian made false and misleading representations concerning certain of Magellan’s lead test systems at or around the time of Meridian’s acquisition of Magellan and subsequent thereto, and the complaint alleges that certain members of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee breached their fiduciary duties in their oversight of the Company’s public disclosures and corporate governance matters. The lawsuit underlying plaintiff’s class action complaint seeks compensatory damages, injunctive relief, equitable relief relating to corporate governance matters and attorneys’ fees to all membersfees. The case has been stayed by agreement of the proposed class. Becauseparties pending resolution of the litigation and related discoverymotion to dismiss the class action described above. We are in preliminary stages, we do not have sufficient informationunable to determine or predict the ultimate outcome or estimate the range of possible losses, if any. Accordingly, no provision for litigation losses has been included within either of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated StatementStatements of Operations for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. The Company maintains an insurance policy covering these matters, which has a $500 deductible.

On April 17, 2018, Magellan received a subpoena from the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) regarding its LeadCare product line. The subpoena outlines documents to be produced, and the Company is cooperating with the DOJ in this matter. The Company maintains rigorous policies and procedures to promote compliance with applicable regulatory agencies and requirements, and is working with the DOJ to promptly respond to the subpoena. However, the Company cannot predict when the investigation will be resolved, the outcome of the investigation, or its potential impact on the Company. Approximately $540 and $0 of expense for attorneys’ fees related to this matter is included within the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

On October 9, 2018, the Company and DiaSorin Inc. entered into a strategic collaboration to sell DiaSorin’sHelicobacter pylori stool antigen test to detectH. pylori for use on its automated LIAISON platform under the Meridian brand name worldwide. The new collaboration results in the termination of all pending legal disputes between the two parties and will expand the previous agreement between DiaSorin and Meridian, which focused on the sale, by DiaSorin, ofco-developed products in major countries in continental Europe. Approximately $50 and $730 of expense for attorneys’ fees related to this matter is included within the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

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.

QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS

The first quarter of fiscal 2018 proved to be a successful quarter; a quarter highlighted by the following, the effects of which are discussed throughout this MD&A:

double-digit percentage revenue growth in both our Diagnostics and Life Science reportable segments compared to the fiscal 2017 first quarter;

significant executive leadership announcements of Mr. Jack Kenny as Meridian’s new CEO, and Mr. Jack Kraeutler continuing to serve the Company as Executive Chairman of the Board; and

U.S. Congress’ passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “tax reform act”).

 

Page 1215


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended December 31, 20172018

Net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 totaled $6,302,2019 increased 29% to $8,106, or $0.15$0.19 per diluted share, relatively flat compared to thefrom net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 20172018 of $6,279,$6,302, or $0.15 per diluted share. The fiscal 2019 first quarter results include $589 of litigation costs, while the fiscal 2018 first quarter results include $1,483 of costs associated with the transition to our new CEOrestructuring and litigation costs, (collectively, “CEO transition and litigation costs”) (see Note 9 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), along with certainone-time tax effects of the recently-enacted U.S. tax reform act.act enacted in December 2017. These items impactedhad a combined impact on net earnings byof $452, or $0.01 per diluted share, in the fiscal 2019 quarter and $239, or less than $0.01 per diluted share, on a net basisin the fiscal 2018 quarter (see “USE OFNON-GAAP MEASURES” below). Consolidated revenues increased 12% to $52,283 for the first quarter of fiscal 20182019 totaled $51,480, a decrease of 2% compared to the same periodfirst quarter of the prior year (10%fiscal 2018 (1% decrease on a constant-currency basis).

Revenues for the Diagnostics segment for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 increased 11%2019 decreased 2% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2017 (10%2018 (also 2% on a constant-currency basis), comprised of a 12% increase16% decrease in molecular assay products and a 10%2% increase in immunoassay and lead testingblood chemistry assay products. With a 12%16% increase in its molecular components businessreagents products and a 15% increase10% decrease in its immunoassay components business,immunological reagents products, revenues offor our Life Science segment increased by 14%were flat during the first quarter of fiscal 20182019 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2017, increasing 12% on2018. On a constant-currency basis.basis, revenues for the Life Science segment increased 1%.

Our outlook for Magellan’s LeadCare II testing volume continues to be healthy. In the time period since the FDA released its Safety Notification (which pertained to venous blood lead testing performed on the systems produced by Magellan), nearly 700 new LeadCare II systems utilizing capillary blood samples have been placed in physician offices and clinics. Quality System remediation costs in theThe first quarter Diagnostics revenues reflect improvement in our respiratory illness and blood chemistry assay product lines being more than offset by decreased revenues for our gastrointestinal assays. Life Science revenues reflect inconsistent buying patterns with a number of fiscal 2018 associated with the Magellan FDA matter totaled approximately $500pre-tax, resultingour multi-national IVD manufacturing customers and general market softness in a total impact of less than $0.01 on diluted earnings per share for the quarter. Remediation costs in the remainder of fiscal 2018 are expected to be approximately $250pre-tax, or less than $0.01 impact on diluted earnings per share. Remediation costs relate primarily to professional fees for regulatory consultantsNorth America and periodic Quality System audits. In the course of remediation, Magellan may encounter additional matters that warrant notifications to the FDA and/or customers regarding the use of its products. At this time, we do not believe that any such notifications would impact the ability to use the LeadCare systems with capillary blood samples. In addition, at this time, we do not anticipate any further significant impact on our results of operations or financial condition.China.

USE OFNON-GAAP MEASURES

We have supplemented our reported GAAP financial information with information on operating expenses, operating income, net earnings, basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share excluding the effects of CEO transitionof: (i) restructuring costs (fiscal 2018); (ii) litigation costs (fiscal 2019 and 2018); and (iii) certainone-time tax effects of the tax reform act (fiscal 2018) – each of which is anon-GAAP measure. We have provided in the tables below reconciliations ofto the operating expenses, operating income, net earnings, basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share with and without the effects of thesenon-routine items, for the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

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:

 

 1.1)

These measures help to appropriately evaluate and compare the results of operations from period to period by removing the impacts of thesenon-routine items; and

 

 2.2)

These measures are used by our management for various purposes, including evaluating performance against incentive bonus achievement targets, comparing performance from period to period in presentations to our board of directors, and as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting.

Revenue reported on a constant-currency basis is also anon-GAAP measure and is calculated by applying current period average foreign currency exchange rates to each of the prior comparable periods. Management analyzes revenue on a constant-currency basis to better measure the comparability of results between periods. Because changes in foreign currency exchange rates have anon-operating impact on revenue, management believes that evaluating revenue changes on a constant-currency basis provides an additional and meaningful assessment of revenue to both management and investors.

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.

 

Page 1316


   Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
   2017   2016 

Net Earnings -

    

U.S. GAAP basis

  $6,302   $6,279 

CEO transition and litigation costs (1)

   1,080    —   

One-time benefit from tax law change

   (1,695   —   

Repatriation transition tax

   854   —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings

  $6,541   $6,279 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Earnings per Basic Common Share -

    

U.S. GAAP basis

  $0.15   $0.15 

CEO transition and litigation costs (1)

   0.03    —   

One-time benefit from tax law change

   (0.04   —   

Repatriation transition tax

   0.02    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Basic EPS (2)

  $0.15   $0.15 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Earnings per Diluted Common Share -

    

U.S. GAAP basis

  $0.15   $0.15 

CEO transition and litigation costs (1)

   0.03    —   

One-time benefit from tax law change

   (0.04   —   

Repatriation transition tax

   0.02    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Diluted EPS (2)

  $0.15   $0.15 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Three Months 
   Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017 

Operating Expenses -

    

U.S. GAAP basis

  $ 21,021  $ 23,949

Restructuring costs

   —     (734

Litigation costs

   (589   (749
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Expenses

  $ 20,432  $ 22,466
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income -

    

U.S. GAAP basis

  $ 10,551  $8,061

Restructuring costs

   —     734

Litigation costs

   589   749
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income

  $ 11,140  $9,544
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Earnings -

    

U.S. GAAP basis

  $8,106  $6,302

Restructuring costs(1)

   —     535

Litigation costs(1)

   452   545

One-time benefit from tax law change

   —     (1,695

Repatriation transition tax

   —     854
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Net Earnings

  $8,558  $6,541
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Earnings per Basic Common Share -

    

U.S. GAAP basis

  $0.19  $0.15

Restructuring costs(1)

   —     0.01

Litigation costs(1)

   0.01   0.01

One-time benefit from tax law change

   —     (0.04

Repatriation transition tax

   —     0.02
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Basic EPS

  $0.20  $0.15
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Earnings per Diluted Common Share -

    

U.S. GAAP basis

  $0.19  $0.15

Restructuring costs(1)

   —     0.01

Litigation costs(1)

   0.01   0.01

One-time benefit from tax law change

   —     (0.04

Repatriation transition tax

   —     0.02
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Diluted EPS

  $0.20  $0.15
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

These CEO transitionrestructuring costs and litigation costs are net of income tax effects of $137 and $403 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which were calculated using the effective tax rates of the jurisdictions in which the costs were incurred.

(2)Neither Net Earnings per Basic Common Share nor Net Earnings per Diluted Common Share sum to their respective Adjusted EPS amounts due to rounding.

 

Page 1417


REVENUE OVERVIEW

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

 

By Reportable Segment & Geographic Region

 

By Product Platform/Type

Revenue Overview –Overview- By Reportable Segment & Geographic Region

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 89 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 the severity of seasonal diseases and outbreaks, 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 December 31,   Three Months Ended December 31, 
  2017 2016 Inc (Dec)   2018 2017 Inc (Dec) 

Diagnostics -

        

Americas

  $31,462  $27,569  14  $31,147 $31,575 (1)% 

EMEA

   5,341  5,662  (6)%    5,085 5,415 (6)% 

ROW

   687 577 19   433 500 (13)% 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Diagnostics

   37,490  33,808  11   36,665 37,490 (2)% 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Life Science -

        

Americas

   5,351  5,399  (1)%    4,534 5,250 (14)% 

EMEA

   5,106  4,898  4   7,455 5,185 44

ROW

   4,336  2,704  60   2,826 4,358 (35)% 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Life Science

   14,793  13,001  14   14,815 14,793 —  
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Consolidated

  $52,283  $46,809  12  $51,480 $52,283 (2)% 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

% of total revenues -

        

Diagnostics

   72 72    71 72 

Life Science

   28 28    29 28 
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

Total

   100 100    100 100 
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

Ex-Americas

   30 30    31 30 
  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

Revenue Overview –Overview- By Product Platform/Type

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

Diagnostics

 

 1)

Molecular assays that operate on our Alethia platform (formerly branded asillumigene platform)

 

 2)

Immunoassays and lead testsblood chemistry assays on multiple technology platforms

Life Science

 

 1)

Molecular componentsreagents

 

 2)Immunoassay components

Immunological reagents

 

Page 1518


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

 

   Three Months Ended December 31, 
   2017  2016  Inc (Dec) 

Diagnostics -

    

Molecular assays

  $8,668  $7,711   12

Immunoassays & lead tests

   28,822   26,097   10
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Diagnostics

  $37,490  $33,808   11
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Life Science -

    

Molecular components

  $5,705  $5,116   12

Immunoassay components

   9,088   7,885   15
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Life Science

  $14,793  $13,001   14
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

% of Diagnostics revenues -

    

Molecular assays

   23  23 

Immunoassays & lead tests

   77  77 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total Diagnostics

   100  100 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

% of Life Science revenues -

    

Molecular components

   39  39 

Immunoassay components

   61  61 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total Life Science

   100  100 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  
   Three Months Ended December 31, 
   2018  2017  Inc (Dec) 

Diagnostics-

    

Molecular assays

  $7,298 $8,717  (16)% 

Immunoassays & blood chemistry assays

   29,367  28,773  2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Diagnostics

  $36,665 $37,490  (2)% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Life Science-

    

Molecular reagents

  $6,589 $5,688  16

Immunological reagents

   8,226  9,105  (10)% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Life Science

  $14,815 $14,793  —  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

% of Diagnostics revenues-

    

Molecular assays

   20  23 

Immunoassays & blood chemistry assays

   80  77 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total Diagnostics

   100  100 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

% of Life Science revenues-

    

Molecular reagents

   44  38 

Immunological reagents

   56  62 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total Life Science

   100  100 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

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

Diagnostics Products

Molecular Assay ProductsGastrointestinal Assays

Revenues for ourillumigene molecular platform of products increased 12% to $8,668 for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 (also 12% on a constant-currency basis). This increase primarily reflects strong revenue growth in our respiratory-related products and a continuation of the revenue stabilization trend for ourC. difficile tests over the last four quarters.

We have over 1,650 customer account placements. Of these account placements, over 1,375 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 approximately 600 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 key objective, as 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. As of December 31, 2017, ourillumigene Malaria test has been placed in nearly 175 accounts in the EMEA region for use as a screening test for travelers returning to Europe from endemic areas in Africa. Our efforts to develop market channels in the endemic areas of Africa continue, as we work to convince policy-makers of the advantages of a more accurate molecular test to assist in efforts to eradicate malaria.

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. While this market is competitive, with molecular companies such as Cepheid and Becton Dickinson, and others such as Quidel, Luminex and Abbott (Alere division), we believe we are well-

Page 16


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 and expect a test for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), a leading cause of deafness in infants, to be our nextFDA-cleared test on theillumigeneplatform.

Immunoassay and Lead Testing Products

Revenues from our Diagnostics segment’s immunoassay and lead testing products increased 10% in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. These results reflect increased revenues in ourH. pyloriand other immunoassay product lines, partially offset by decreased revenue from Magellan’s lead testing products.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, revenues from our gastrointestinal products, which include tests forC. difficile,H. pylori products increased 24% (22% on a constant-currency basis)and certain foodborne pathogens, among others, totaled $18,633. This represents an 8% decrease from the first quarter of fiscal 2018. This decrease results in large part from the pricing and volume pressures we continue to $8,860, reflecting the ongoing conversion of serology testingface within this product category. In an effort to combat these pressures, we have executed multi-year supply agreements with our antigentwo largest reference laboratory customers forH. pylori tests and buying patterns of certain customers.to secure volume, albeit at lower selling prices. We continue to believe there are ongoing benefits to be realized from our partnerships with managed care companies in promotingpromoting: (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 movement away from serology-based testing and toward direct antigen testing. A significant amount of

Contributing to theH. pylori competitive pressures being faced in this product revenues are sales to reference labs, whose buying patterns may not be consistent from period to period. During fiscal 2017, we also introduced capabilities to identify resistance to Clarithromycin,category, the antibiotic commonly used to treatH. pylori.This is currently available in an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR) format. We believe that partnering the ability to diagnoseH. pylori and identify resistance provides a competitive advantage.

The patents for ourH. pylori products, owned by us, expired in May 2016 in the U.S. and in May 2017 in countries outside the U.S. We expect competition with respect to ourH. pylori products to increase in the near future, as we currently market the onlyFDA-cleared tests to detectH. pylori antigen in stool samples in the U.S. market. Suchand 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 competition, ourOur product development pipeline includes multiple new product initiatives for the detection ofH. pylori.We, and early in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 we entered into a strategic collaboration with DiaSorin to sellH. pylori tests (see Note 10,“Litigation Matters” of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). We are unable to provide 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

Page 19


Respiratory Illness Assays

Including tests for influenza, RSV, Group A Strep, Pertussis, and Mycoplasma pneumonia, among others, our respiratory illness product revenues increased 7% in the fiscal 2019 first quarter of fiscal 2018, revenues from our other immunoassay products (includingquarter.

C. difficileBlood Chemistry Assays, foodborne and respiratory) increased 16% (14% in constant-currency) to $15,544. Although benefiting from the effects of strong seasonal respiratory sales, the extension of the growth experienced during the second half of fiscal 2017 continues to support our belief that this portion of our business has stabilized and is positioned for continued future growth.

Revenues from Magellan’sour sale of products to test for elevated levels of lead in blood totaled $4,159increased 5% during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 to a total of $4,466. In late December 2018, first quarter. This level of revenues reflects a 20% decrease from the three-month period ended December 31, 2016, primarily resulting from (i)documents to reinstate our venous blood claims removed in fiscal 2017 were submitted to the effectFDA.See Note 10,“Litigation Matters” of the prior year quarter including an international bulk kit purchase that was not repeated duringaccompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the current year quarter; and (2) decreased revenue from lead testing systems utilizing venous blood samples, in connection with the FDA matter noted above.Company’s LeadCare product line.

Page 17


Life Science Products

During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, revenues from our Life Science segment increased 14%,were flat, with revenues from molecular componentreagent sales increasing 12%16% from the comparable fiscal 20172018 quarter and revenues from immunoassay componentimmunological reagent sales increasing 15%decreasing 10%. Our molecular component business’Life Science segment’s growth was slightly impacted by the movement in currency exchange rates since the first quarter of fiscal 2017,2018, with revenues increasing 7%1% on a constant-currency basis over the first quarter of fiscal 2017.2018. Our Life Science segment continued to benefit from (i) increased revenues in the steadily-expanding tropical disease product family, with saleswas also impacted by buying patterns of such products increasing 20% over the fiscal 2017 first quarter to approximately $1,300 in the first quarter of fiscal 2018; and (ii) increased revenue fromcertain IVD manufacturer customers including sales into China, with such sales totaling approximately $1,500$1,000 during first quarter of fiscal 2018 (approximately $200 in the molecular components business and $1,300 in the immunoassay components business)2019 – representing an approximate 115% increase over28% decrease from the first quarter of fiscal 2017.2018.

Significant Customers

Revenue concentrations related to certain customers within our Diagnostics and Life Science segments are set forth in Note 89 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Gross Profit

 

   Three Months Ended December 31, 
   2017  2016  Change 

Gross Profit

  $31,786  $29,039   9

Gross Profit Margin

   61  62  -1 point 

The gross profit decreases experienced in fiscal 2018 primarily result from the combined effects of mix of products sold and operating segment mix.

   Three Months Ended December 31, 
   2018  2017  Change 

Gross Profit

  $31,572 $32,010  (1)% 

Gross Profit Margin

   61  61  —   

Operating Expenses – Segment Detail

 

   Research &
Development
  Selling &
Marketing
  General &
Administrative
  Other  Total Operating
Expenses
 

Fiscal 2017 First Quarter:

 

Diagnostics

  $2,973  $5,494  $5,805  $—    $14,272 

Life Science

   624  2,124   1,934   —     4,682 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total 2017 First Quarter Expenses

  $3,597  $7,618  $7,739  $—    $18,954 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Fiscal 2018 First Quarter:

 

Diagnostics

  $3,737  $6,445  $6,772  $1,483  $18,437 

Life Science

   759  2,397   2,132   —     5,288 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total 2018 First Quarter Expenses

  $4,496  $8,842  $8,904  $1,483  $23,725 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Research &
Development
  Selling &
Marketing
  General &
Administrative
  Other  Total Operating
Expenses
 

Fiscal 2017 First Quarter Expenses

  $3,597  $7,618  $7,739  $—    $18,954 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

% of Revenues

   8  16  17  —    40

Fiscal 2018 First Quarter Increases:

 

Diagnostics

   764  951  967  1,483   4,165 

Life Science

   135  273  198  —     606
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Fiscal 2018 First Quarter Expenses

  $4,496  $8,842  $8,904  $1,483  $23,725 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

% of Revenues

   9  17  17  3  45

% Increase

   25  16  15  NMF   25

   Research &
Development
   Selling &
Marketing
   General &
Administrative
   Other   Total Operating
Expenses
 

Fiscal 2018 First Quarter:

 

Diagnostics

  $3,705  $6,456  $5,114  $—     $15,275

Life Science

   715   2,388   2,016   —      5,119

Corporate

   —      —     2,072   1,483   3,555
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total 2018 First Quarter Expenses

  $4,420  $8,844  $9,202  $1,483  $23,949
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fiscal 2019 First Quarter:

 

Diagnostics

  $3,196  $6,041  $4,609  $—     $13,846

Life Science

   771   1,522   1,491   —      3,784

Corporate

   —      —      2,802   589   3,391
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total 2019 First Quarter Expenses

  $3,967  $7,563  $8,902  $589  $21,021
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Page 1820


Operating Expenses – Comparison to Prior Year Periods

   Research &
Development
  Selling &
Marketing
  General &
Administrative
  Other  Total Operating
Expenses
 

2018 First Quarter Expenses

  $4,420  $8,844  $9,202  $1,483  $23,949 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

% of Revenues

   8  17  18  3  46

Fiscal 2019 Increases (Decreases):

 

Diagnostics

   (509  (415  (505  —     (1,429

Life Science

   56   (866  (525  —     (1,335

Corporate

   —     —     730   (894  (164
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2019 First Quarter Expenses

  $3,967  $7,563  $8,902  $589  $21,021 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

% of Revenues

   8  15  17  1  41

% Increase (Decrease)

   (10)%   (14)%   (3)%   (60)%   (12)% 

Total operating expenses increaseddecreased during the first quarter of fiscal 20182019 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2017, relating primarily to2018, with overall increasesdecreases in spending in all of our Diagnostics segment,segments, reflecting the following:

 

Increased R&D costs in connection with instrumentation development programs and clinical trials for ourillumigene CMV test;

Increased sales commissionDecreased Research & Development costs due to the timing of product development projects and bonus payments madethe clinical trials for our cCMV test in connection with increased sales levels;the first quarter of fiscal 2018;

 

Increased

Decreased Selling & Marketing costs due to: (i) lower sales commissions resulting from the decrease in sales levels; and (ii) the effects of the fiscal 2018 organization streamlining initiatives;

Decreased General & Administrative costs due to: (i) lower Quality System remediation costs related to Magellan;our blood-lead manufacturing facility; and (ii) the effects of the fiscal 2018 organization streamlining initiatives; and

 

Increased accrual of cash incentive compensation expenses (also for

Decreased restructuring & litigation costs (reflected with “Other” in the Life Science segment); and

CEO transition andabove tables), noting that the only such costs incurred during the fiscal 2019 first quarter were litigation costs. CEO transition costs which totaled $734, reflect compensation and benefits for our Executive Chairman (formerly Chairman and CEO) during 2018, while we also have the compensation and benefits costs of a new CEO. Litigation costs, which totaled $749, relaterelated to the matters discussed in Note 910 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Part II. Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q.Statements.

Operating Income

Operating income decreased 20%increased 31% to $8,061$10,551 for the first quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, as a result of the factors discussed above.above, including the restructuring and litigation costs.

Income Taxes

The effective rate for income taxes was 23% for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, compared to 18% for the first quarter of 2018. This higher fiscal 2019 tax results from the fact that the fiscal 2019 first quarter reflects the lower U.S. federal tax rate of 21% being fullyphased-in, while the fiscal 2018 compared to 35% for the first quarter of 2017. This lower fiscal 2018 tax primarily results fromreflects the combined net impact of the following effects of the recently-enacted tax reform act (see Note 67 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements):

 

Application of an approximate 24.5% blended rate due to the lowering of the applicable rate from 35% to 21%; on aphased-in basis;

 

Recognizing aone-time $1,695 tax benefit, including there-measurement of deferred tax balances at the lower rate; and

 

Recording a provisionalone-time $854 tax expense related to the estimated repatriation transition tax on foreign earnings.

Excluding the effects of theseone-time tax effects, we expect the effective tax rate for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018 to approximate26%-27%.

Page 21


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Comparative Cash Flow Analysis

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.

Page 19


We have an investment policy that guides the holdings of our investment portfolio, which presently consists of bank savings accounts and institutional money market mutual funds. Our objectives in managing the investment portfolio are toto: (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.

Considering the various worldwidegeo-political andgeo-economic conditions, (including Brexit), 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 collectibilitycollectability of our customer accounts receivable, impact credit terms with our vendors, or disrupt the supply of raw materials and services.

NetAs of December 31, 2018, our cash provided by operating activities totaled $5,171 forand equivalents balance is $61,523 or $6,812 higher than at the first three monthsend of the fiscal 2018 a 60% decrease from the $12,993 provided during the first three months of fiscal 2017. While reflecting the timing of payments from customers,quarter, and to suppliers and taxing authorities, this decrease also$1,760 higher than at September 30, 2018. This increase results in large part from the net effects of (i) increased customer receivablescash flows from higher sales levels; (ii) increased inventory levels during the first quarter of fiscal 2018, largely relatedoperating activities being more than sufficient to continued expansion in Asia;cover capital expenditures, shareholder dividends and (iii) decreased accrued employee compensation costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2017, reflecting the payment of discretionary bonuses and the timing of regularly scheduled payroll payments.debt service. Net cash flows from operating activities and cash on hand are anticipated to be adequate to fund working capital requirements, capital expenditures and shareholder dividends during the next 12 months.

Following the release of results for the fiscal 2017 first quarter, the Board of Directors reduced the fiscal 2017The indicated annual cash dividend rate tofor fiscal 2019 was established at $0.50 per share (down from $0.80 per share) in order to align it with the stated policy guidelines of the payout ratio to range between 75% and 85% of each fiscal year’s net earnings.share. Consistent with this annual indicated dividend rate, a cash dividend of $0.125 per share was declared for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, representing 83% of the quarter diluted earnings per share.2019.

Capital Resources

As described in Note 7 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, in connection with the acquisition of Magellan,In 2016, the Company entered into a $60,000 five-year term loan and related interest rate swap agreement 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.bank, the details of which are set forth in Note 8 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, we have a $30,000 revolving credit facility (discussed above) with a commercial bank that expires March 31, 2021. As of January 31, 2018,2019, 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 months of fiscal 20182019 or during the full year of fiscal 2017.2018.

Our capital expenditures are estimated to range between approximately $4,000 to $5,000 for fiscal 2018,2019, 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.

 

Page 2022


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in the Company’s exposure to market risk since September 30, 2017.2018.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules13a-15(e) and15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of December 31, 2017.2018. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2017 due to the material weakness identified in our internal control over financial reporting described below.

As previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, a material weakness was identified in the design and operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Specifically, deficiencies were identified related to Information Technology General Controls (“ITGC”) intended to restrict access to certain data and applications, resulting in inappropriate access at both the Information Technology and end user levels within an application impacting financial reporting functions and controls. As a result, we concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods prescribed by SEC rules and regulations, and that such information was accumulated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The Company has implemented and continues to implement changes to its internal control over financial reporting to remediate the control deficiencies that gave rise to the material weakness. Since the end of the fiscal year, we have taken steps to strengthen information technology security and user access controls and begin the remediation of the material weakness described above. We are working to complete our evaluation, fully implement these controls and identify the appropriate level of documentation to be maintained to evidence the effectiveness of these controls. We believe the remediation measures will strengthen our internal control over financial reporting and remediate the material weakness identified. However, as we are still assessing the design and operating effectiveness of these measures, the identified material weakness has not been fully remediated as of December 31, 2017. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these remediation measures and will make any changes and take such other actions that we deem appropriate.2018.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Except as described above, thereDuring the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company enacted additional controls associated with the adoption of ASU2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers. There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as that term is defined in Rules13a-15(f) and15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended December 31, 20172018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Page 21


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 910 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s fiscal 20172018 Annual Report on Form10-K in response to Item 1A to Part I of Form10-K.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are being filed or furnished as a part of this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q.

10.1Employment Agreement dated October 9, 2017 between Meridian and John P. Kenny (Incorporated by reference to Meridian’s Form8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 11, 2017)
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, 20172018 filed with the SEC on February 7, 2018,11, 2019, formatted in XBRL includes: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended December 31, 20172018 and 2016;2017; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended December 31, 20172018 and 2016;2017; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended December 31, 20172018 and 2016;2017; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20172018 and September 30, 2017;2018; (v) Condensed Consolidated StatementStatements of Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017; and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Page 23


SIGNATURE

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

 

   MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE, INC.
Date:February 7, 201811, 2019  By: 

/s/ Melissa A. LuekeBryan T. Baldasare

   Melissa A. LuekeBryan T. Baldasare
   

ExecutiveSenior Vice President, Corporate Controller, Treasurer and Chief FinancialAccounting Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Page 2224