BIO-TECHNE Corp - Quarter Report: 2014 December (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

Commission file number 0-17272

__________________

BIO-TECHNE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

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

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

Large accelerated filer (X) Accelerated filer (  ) Non-accelerated filer (  ) Smaller reporting company (  )

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

At February 3, 2015, 37,134,303 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (par value $0.01) were outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Bio-Techne Corporation and Subsidiaries

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Bio-Techne Corporation and Subsidiaries

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Bio-Techne Corporation and Subsidiaries

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Bio-Techne Corporation and Subsidiaries

(unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

The interim consolidated financial statements of Bio-Techne Corporation and subsidiaries, (the Company) presented here have been prepared by the Company and are unaudited. They have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. They reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2014. A summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Company is detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2014. The Company follows these policies in preparation of the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Available-For-Sale Investments:

The Company’s available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value using Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale investments at December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 were $51.1 million and $48.4 million, respectively. The amortized cost basis of the Company’s available-for-sale investments at December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 were $37.2 million and $40.7 million, respectively.

Included in the Company’s available-for-sale securities is an investment in the common stock and warrants of CCXI. The fair value of the Company’s investment was $43.4 million and $37.1 million at December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively. The cost basis of the Company’s investment in CCXI was $29.5 million at both December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014.

Inventories:

Inventories consist of (in thousands):

At both December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, the Company had approximately $30 million of excess protein, antibody and chemically-based inventory on hand which was not valued.

Property and Equipment:

Property and equipment consist of (in thousands):

Intangible Assets:

Intangible assets consist of (in thousands):         

Changes to the carrying amount of net intangible assets for the six months ended December 31, 2014 consist of (in thousands):

The estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

Goodwill:

Changes to the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended December 31, 2014 consist of (in thousands):

Note 2. Acquisitions:

The Company’s acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of the acquired identifiable assets, resulting in goodwill. The goodwill is due to strategic benefits of growing the Company’s product portfolio, expected revenue growth from the increased market penetration from future products and customers, and expectations of synergies that will be realized by combining the businesses. Acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and the acquired companies’ results have been included in the accompanying financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. Acquisition costs are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses as incurred.

On July 2, 2014, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Novus Holdings LLC (Novus). The acquisition was funded entirely by cash on-hand. Novus broadens the Company’s antibody offerings by being a supplier of a large portfolio of both outsourced and in-house developed antibodies and other reagents for life science research. Novus is included in the Company’s Biotechnology segment. The purchase price of Novus exceeded the fair value of the identifiable net assets and, accordingly, the difference was allocated to goodwill, the majority of which is tax deductible.

On July 31, 2014, the Company acquired ProteinSimple. ProteinSimple expands the Company’s solutions that it can offer its customers by developing and commercializing proprietary systems and consumables for protein analysis. The Company opened a line-of-credit (Note 3) to partially fund the acquisition. The purchase price of ProteinSimple exceeded the fair value of the identifiable net assets and, accordingly, the difference was allocated to goodwill, substantially all of which is not tax deductible. ProteinSimple is included in the Company’s Protein Platforms segment.    

On November 3, 2014, the Company acquired CyVek, Inc. (CyVek) through a merger. CyVek has developed a transformative immunoassay technology which integrates an innovatively designed microfluidic cartridge with a state-of-the-art analyzer to deliver the most advanced and efficient bench top immunoassay system. In fiscal 2014, the Company entered into an Agreement of Investment and Merger (the Agreement) with CyVek. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Company invested $10.0 million in CyVek and received shares of Common Stock representing approximately 19.9% of the outstanding voting stock of CyVek. Between the time of the Company’s initial investment and November 3, 2014, CyVek met certain commercial milestones related to the sale of its products, which obligated the Company to acquire CyVek through a merger, with CyVek surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

The Company made an initial payment of approximately $62.0 million to the other stockholders of CyVek on November 3, 2014. Such purchase price was adjusted after closing based on the final levels of cash, indebtedness and transaction expenses of CyVek as of the closing. The Company will also pay CyVek’s previous stockholders up to $35.0 million based on the revenue generated by CyVek’s products before May 3, 2017 (30 months from the closing of the Merger). The Company will also pay CyVek’s previous stockholders 50% of the amount, if any, by which the revenue from CyVek’s products and related products exceeds $100 million in calendar year 2020. The Company has recorded the present value of these contingent payments as a long-term liability of $35.0 million at December 31, 2014. In addition, at November 3, 2014, the Company re-measured its previous investment in CyVek to acquisition-date fair value, resulting in a gain on the investment of $8.3 million which is included in Other income on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. The purchase price of CyVek exceeded the fair value of the identifiable net assets and, accordingly, the difference was allocated to goodwill, substantially all of which is not tax deductible. CyVek is included in the Company’s Protein Platforms segment.    

The preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in each acquisition, pending final valuation of intangible assets, was as follows (in thousands):

Tangible assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed, were stated at fair value at the date of acquisition based on management’s assessment. The purchase price allocated to developed technology, trade names, non-compete agreements and customer relationships was based on management’s forecasted cash inflows and outflows and using a relief-from-royalty and a multi-period excess earnings method to calculate the fair value of assets purchased. The developed technology is being amortized with the expense reflected in cost of goods sold in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. Amortization expense related to trade names, the non-compete agreements and customer relationships is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. The weighted-average amortization periods for intangible assets acquired in fiscal 2015 are 11.3 years for developed technology, 19.5 years for trade names and 14.8 years for customer relationships. The non-compete agreements are being amortized over three years. The deferred income tax liability represents the net amount of the estimated future impact of adjustments for costs to be recognized upon the sale of acquired inventory that was written up to fair value and intangible asset amortization which are not deductible for income tax purposes and the future tax benefit of net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards which will be deductible by the Company in future periods.

The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the following from the above acquisitions:

The unaudited pro forma financial information below summarizes the combined results of operations for Bio-Techne and the above acquisitions as though the companies were combined as of the beginning fiscal 2014. The pro forma financial information for all periods presented includes the purchase accounting effects resulting from these acquisitions. The pro forma financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of fiscal 2014.

Note 3. Debt and Other Financing Arrangements:

On July 28, 2014, the Company entered into a revolving line-of-credit facility governed by a Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility of $150 million, which can be increased by an additional $150 million subject to certain conditions. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for working capital and expenditures of the Company and its subsidiaries, including financing permitted acquisitions. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement for base rate loans bear interest at a variable rate equal to the greater of (i) the prime commercial rate, (ii) the per annum federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or (iii) LIBOR + 1.00% - 1.75% depending on the existing total leverage ratio of Debt to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (as defined in the Credit Agreement). The annualized fee for any unused portion of the credit facility is 15 basis points.

The Credit Agreement matures on July 31, 2019 and contains customary restrictive and financial covenants and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was $144 million.

Note 4. Segment Information:

The Company’s management evaluates segment operating performance based on operating income before certain charges to cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses, principally associated with acquisition accounting related to inventory, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and other acquisition-related expenses. Prior period segment results, which reported segment earnings before income taxes, have been reclassified to reflect segment performance based on operating income.

The Company has three reportable segments based on the nature of products; they are Biotechnology, Clinical Controls and Protein Platforms. Following is financial information relating to the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):

Note 5. Share-based Compensation:

During the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company granted 529,000 and 167,000 stock options at weighted average grant prices of $93.68 and $78.19 and weighted average fair values of $14.27 and $14.97, respectively. During the six months ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 34,000 restricted stock units at a weighted average fair value of $93.70. The Company did not grant any restricted stock units during the six months ended December 31, 2013. During the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company granted 9,000 and 8,000 shares of restricted stock at grant date fair values of $91.78 and $87.39, respectively.

Stock options for 99,000 and 59,000 shares of common stock with total intrinsic values of $2.2 million and $1.3 million were exercised during the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

Stock-based compensation expense of $2.1 million and $1.3 million was included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Stock–based compensation expense of $3.4 million and $1.9 million was included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was $9.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, non-vested restricted stock units and non-vested restricted stock. The weighted average period over which the compensation cost is expected to be recognized is 1.3 years.

Note 6. Other Income, net:

The components of other income in the accompanying Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income are as follows:

Note 7. Income Taxes:

Income tax expense for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were provided at rates of 22.0% and 30.8%, respectively. Income tax expense for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were provided at rates of 26.0% and 30.8%, respectively. Earnings before income taxes for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 included a non-taxable gain of $8.3 million on the Company’s previous investment in CyVek discussed above.

Note 8. Earnings Per Share:

Shares used in the earnings per share computations are as follows (in thousands):

The dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units in the above table excludes all options for which the aggregate exercise proceeds exceeded the average market price for the period and all performance related options and restricted stock units. The number of potentially dilutive option shares and restricted stock units excluded from the calculation was 534,000 and 167,000 for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The number of potentially dilutive option shares and restricted stock unis excluded from the calculation was 534,000 and 193,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.     

Note 9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the six months ended December 31, 2014 consists of (in thousands):

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Bio-Techne Corporation and its subsidiaries operate worldwide and, with the acquisition of ProteinSimple in July 2014, the Company has three reportable business segments, Biotechnology, Clinical Controls and Protein Platforms, all of which service the life science and diagnostic markets. The Biotechnology reporting segment provides proteins, antibodies, immunoassays, flow cytometry products, intracellular signaling products, and biologically active chemical compounds used in biological research. The Clinical Controls reporting segment provides a range of hematology controls, calibrators, and products used as proficiency testing tools by clinical laboratories and proficiency certifying agencies. The Protein Platforms reporting segment develops and commercializes proprietary systems and consumables for protein analysis.

RECENT ACQUISITIONS

A key component of the Company’s strategy is to augment internal growth at existing businesses with complementary acquisitions.

On July 2, 2014, the Biotechnology segment completed the acquisition of Novus Holdings, LLC (Novus), including its subsidiary, Novus Biologicals, LLC, for a purchase price of approximately $60.0 million, net of cash acquired and net working capital adjustments. The acquisition was financed with cash and cash equivalents on hand. Novus is a supplier of a large portfolio of both outsourced and in-house developed antibodies and other reagents for life science research, delivered through an innovative digital commerce platform. Novus’ revenues totaled $19.0 million in calendar year 2013.

On July 31, 2014, the Protein Platforms segment completed the acquisition of ProteinSimple for a purchase price of approximately $300 million, net of cash acquired and net working capital adjustments. The acquisition was financed with cash on hand and a $150 million revolving line-of-credit facility, of which $125 million was initially drawn to fund the acquisition. ProteinSimple develops, markets and sells Western-blotting instruments, Biologics instruments, and reagents. ProteinSimple’s revenues totaled $51 million in calendar year 2013.

On November 3, 2014, the Protein Platforms segment acquired 100% of CyVek, Inc. (CyVek) through a merger. The Company had previously invested $10.0 million in CyVek in fiscal 2014 for approximately 19.9% of the outstanding voting stock of CyVek. On November 3, 2014, the Company made an initial payment of approximately $60.0 million to the other stockholders of CyVek. The payment was partially funded through additional borrowings under the Company’s line-of-credit facility.

The Company will also pay CyVek’s previous stockholders up to $35.0 million based on the revenue generated by CyVek’s products before May 3, 2017 (30 months from the closing of the Merger). The Company will also pay CyVek’s previous stockholders 50% of the amount, if any, by which the revenue from CyVek’s products and related products exceeds $100 million in calendar year 2020. CyVek has developed a transformative immunoassay technology which integrates an innovatively designed microfluidic cartridge with a state-of-the-art analyzer to deliver the most advanced and efficient bench top immunoassay system.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated net sales increased 33% and 30% for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods. Consolidated net sales for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 were affected by the Novus and ProteinSimple acquisitions, both of which closed in July 2014, the CyVek acquisition in November 2014 and the acquisition of PrimeGene in April 2014. Included in consolidated net sales for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 were $26.0 million and $43.6 million of acquisition-related net sales. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates from the same prior-year period had a 2% and 1% negative impact on consolidated net sales for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014.

Consolidated net earnings increased 33% and 9% for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 compared to the same prior-year periods. Included in net earnings for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 was an $8.3 million pre-tax gain on the Company’s previous investment in CyVek. In a business combination achieved in stages, the acquirer is required to re-measure its previously held equity interest in the acquiree at its acquisition-date fair value and recognize the resulting gain or loss, if any, in earnings. Consequently, the gain was triggered in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 as a result of the Company’s purchase of the remaining 80.1% interest in CyVek.

The adjusted financial measures discussed below quantify the impact the following events had on reported net sales, gross margin percentages, operating income and net earnings for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same prior-year period:

- the acquisitions of ProteinSimple, Novus and CyVek in the current fiscal year and acquisitions in the prior year, including the impact of amortizing intangible assets and the recognition of costs upon the sale of inventory written-up to fair value;

- fluctuations in exchange rates used to convert transactions in foreign currencies (primarily the Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar and Chinese yuan) to U.S. dollars when referencing organic revenue growth;

These adjusted financial measures are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and may be different from adjusted financial measures used by other companies. Adjusted financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company views these adjusted financial measures to be helpful in assessing the Company's ongoing operating results. In addition, these adjusted financial measures facilitate internal comparisons to historical operating results and comparisons to competitors' operating results. The Company includes these adjusted financial measures in this quarterly report because we believe they are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency related to supplemental information we use in our financial and operational analysis.

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 were $111.9 million and $220.4 million, respectively, increases of 33% and 30% from the same prior-year periods. Organic growth for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 was 4% and 3%, respectively. Second quarter and six month reported net sales included 31% and 27% growth from acquisitions, and a negative impact of 2% and 1% from foreign exchange translation.

In the second quarter, organic sales growth was very strong in China and low in North America as well as Europe. In North America, sales to bio/pharma customers were strong, while sales to academia & government customers reversed the previous trend of many quarters with year-over-year declines, returning to modest growth in the second quarter. This performance is consistent with the cost pressures brought on by years of lower funding by the National Institutes of Health, which recently announced modest funding increases for the current year after several years of funding declines. Europe also experienced growth from its academia & government customers, but this growth was partially offset by research project delays by regional bio/pharma customers.

Gross Margins

Consolidated gross margins for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 were 67.7% and 67.5%, compared to 69.7% and 70.5%, respectively, for the comparable prior-year periods. Consolidated gross margins for the periods were negatively impacted as a result of purchase accounting related to inventory and intangible assets acquired in the current and prior fiscal years. Under purchase accounting, inventory is valued at fair value less expected selling and marketing costs, resulting in reduced margins in future periods as the inventory is sold.

A reconciliation of the reported consolidated gross margin percentages, adjusted for acquired inventory sold and intangible amortization included in cost of sales, is as follows:

Consolidated adjusted gross margins were 71.0% and 71.5% for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014, down 50 and 90 basis points from the prior year due to the product mix change associated with the recent acquisitions of Novus and ProteinSimple in July and CyVek in November. Excluding acquisitions, gross margins were essentially flat compared to last year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $16.2 million (109%) and $30.9 million (108%) for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 from the same prior-year periods. The increase for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 was mainly a result of $10.8 million of selling, general and administrative expenses by companies acquired since the prior year, a $2.8 million increase in intangible amortization related to these acquisitions and a $1.2 million increase in acquisition-related expenses. The remainder of the increase in selling, general and administrative expense was due primarily to additional investment in commercial resources and administrative infrastructure, including higher stock compensation expense.     

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 increased $2.1 million (27%) and $3.6 million (23%) from the same prior-year periods due mainly to expenses by companies acquired during the quarter and six months.

Segment Results

Biotechnology

Biotechnology net sales for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 were $78.0 million and $159.4 million, respectively, with reported growth of 10% and 11% compared to the same prior-year period. Organic growth for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 was 5% and 3%, respectively. Organic growth for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014, excluded approximately $5.7 million and $12.7 million, respectively, of net sales from acquired companies and included $1.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, as a result of changes in exchange rates from the same prior-year periods which had a negative impact on consolidated net sales. For the second quarter, the segment had strong growth in China, the U.S. bio/pharma market, and the European academic & government market, experienced low growth in the U.S. academic & government market, and faced negative growth in the European bio/pharma market. Operating income for the segment increased 3% for both the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 and operating margins were 50.3% and 54.0%, declines of 370 and 400 basis points from the prior-year periods. The lower operating income margin percentage is mostly attributable to a change in product mix associated with the acquisition of Novus, and to a lesser extent, infrastructure investments.

Clinical Controls

Clinical Controls net sales for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 were $13.7 million and $27.8 million, respectively, with reported growth of 2% and 7% compared to the same prior-year periods. Organic growth for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 was 2% and 6%, respectively. Organic growth for the six months in this segment excludes the impact of $421,000 of Bionostics’ net sales generated through July 22, the acquisition date last year. Operating income for the segment increased 4% and 8% for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014, and operating margins were 27.9% and 30.0%, essentially flat to the same prior-year periods.

Protein Platforms

Net sales for Protein Platforms for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2104, were $20.3 million and $33.2 million, respectively, all of it new to the segment and the Company this year. On a pro forma basis, assuming ProteinSimple was owned for the entire quarter in both current and prior years, revenue grew 33%. In the second quarter, Protein Platforms saw high growth from both the Simple Western and Biologics product lines. Operating income margin for the quarter and six months was 17.6% and 18.6%, respectively

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were provided at rates of 22.0% and 30.8%, respectively. Income tax expense for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were provided at rates of 26.0% and 30.8%, respectively. Earnings before income taxes for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 included a non-taxable gain of $8.3 million on the Company’s previous investment in CyVek discussed above. Income tax expense for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014 was also affected by the renewal of the U.S. credit for increased research and development expenditures. Included in income tax expense for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2014, was a credit for $0.9 million for the period from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, compared to $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2013.

Net Earnings

Adjusted consolidated net earnings are as follows:

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At December 31, 2014, cash and cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments were $144 million compared to $367 million at June 30, 2014. Included in available-for-sale-investments at December 31, 2014 was the fair value of the Company’s investment in ChemoCentryx, Inc. (CCXI) of $43.4 million. The fair value of the Company’s CCXI investment at June 30, 2014 was $37.1 million.

The Company has a revolving line of credit governed by a Credit Agreement dated July 28, 2014. See Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Credit Agreement.

Management of the Company expects to be able to meet its cash and working capital requirements for operations, facility expansion, capital additions, and cash dividends for the foreseeable future, and at least the next 12 months, through currently available cash and cash generated from operations.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

The Company generated cash of $71.4 million from operating activities in the first six months of fiscal 2015 compared to $63.9 million in the first six months of fiscal 2014. The increase from the prior year was primarily due to increased net earnings after adjustment for non-cash expenses related to depreciation, amortization, cost recognized on sale of acquired inventory and the gain on the CyVek investment previously discussed.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

On July 2, 2014, the Company acquired, for a net purchase price of approximately $60 million cash, all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Novus Holdings LLC (Novus), including its subsidiary, Novus Biologicals, LLC. The acquisition was financed through cash and cash equivalents on hand.

On July 31, 2014, the Company acquired ProteinSimple for a net purchase price of approximately $300 million. The transaction was financed through cash on hand and a revolving line-of-credit facility.    

On November 3, 2014, the Company acquired CyVek for a net cash payment of $60 million on the date of acquisition and certain future contingent payments of approximately $35 million. The cash paid at the acquisition date was financed through cash on hand and a revolving line-of-credit facility.

On July 22, 2013, the Company acquired for cash all of the outstanding shares of Bionostics for a net purchase price of approximately $103 million. The acquisition was financed through cash and cash equivalents on hand.

During the six months ended December 31, 2014, the Company had maturities of $9.9 million of available-for-sale investments. During the six months ended December 31, 2013, the Company purchased $71.9 million and had sales or maturities of $68.5 million of available-for-sale investments.

Capital expenditures for fixed assets for the first six months of fiscal 2015 and 2014 were $8.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively. Included in capital expenditures for the first six months of fiscal 2015 was $4.4 million for leasehold improvements by ProteinSimple for a new building and equipment to expand capacity. Included in capital expenditures for the first six months of fiscal 2014 was $4.1 million related to expansion and remodeling of office and laboratory space at the Company’s Minneapolis, Minnesota facility. The remaining capital additions were mainly for laboratory and computer equipment. Capital expenditures in the remainder of fiscal 2015 are expected to be approximately $12.0 million. Capital expenditures are expected to be financed through currently available funds and cash generated from operating activities.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

During the first six months of fiscal 2015 and 2014, the Company paid cash dividends of $23.3 million and $22.5 million, respectively, to all common shareholders. On February 3, 2015, the Company announced the payment of a $0.32 per share cash dividend. The dividend of approximately $11.9 million will be payable February 27, 2015 to all common shareholders of record on February 13, 2015.

Cash of $7.0 million and $3.6 million was received during the first six months of fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively, from the exercise of stock options.

During the first six months of fiscal 2015, the Company drew $163 million under its revolving line-of-credit facility to partially fund its acquisitions of ProteinSimple and CyVek. The Company made payments on the line-of-credit of $19.0 million during the six months ended December 31, 2014.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company has no reportable off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

There were no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in the Company’s contractual obligations during the six months ended December 31, 2014.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company’s significant accounting policies are discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2014 and are incorporated herein by reference. The application of certain of these policies requires judgments and estimates that can affect the results of operations and financial position of the Company. Judgments and estimates are used for, but not limited to, valuation of available-for-sale investments, inventory valuation and allowances, valuation of intangible assets and goodwill and valuation of investments in unconsolidated entities. There have been no significant changes in estimates in fiscal 2015 that would require disclosure. There have been no changes to the Company’s policies in the first six months of fiscal 2015.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS  

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include those regarding the Company’s expectations as to the effect of changes to accounting policies, the amount of capital expenditures for the remainder of the fiscal year, the source of funding for capital expenditure requirements, the sufficiency of currently available funds for meeting the Company’s needs, the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and expectations regarding gross margin fluctuations, increasing research and development expenses, increasing selling, general and administrative expenses and income tax rates. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the actual results of operations. The following important factors, among others, have affected and, in the future, could affect the Company’s actual results: the introduction and acceptance of new products, general national and international economic conditions, increased competition, the reliance on internal manufacturing and related operations, the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations, economic instability in Eurozone countries, the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel, the impact of governmental regulation, maintenance of intellectual property rights, credit risk and fluctuation in the market value of the Company’s investment portfolio, unseen delays and expenses related to facility improvements, and the success of financing efforts by companies in which the Company has invested. For additional information concerning such factors, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

At December 31, 2014, the Company held an investment in the common stock of CCXI. The investment was included in short-term available-for-sale investments at its fair value of $43.4 million. At December 31, 2014, the potential loss in fair value due to a 10% decrease in the market value of CCXI was $4.3 million.  

The Company operates internationally, and thus is subject to potentially adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. For the six months ended December 31, 2014, approximately 27% of consolidated net sales were made in foreign currencies, including 12% in euros, 5% in British pound sterling, 5% in Chinese yuan and the remaining 5% in other currencies. The Company is exposed to market risk mainly from foreign exchange rate fluctuations of the euro, British pound sterling, the Chinese yuan, and the Canadian dollar, as compared to the U.S. dollar as the financial position and operating results of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars for consolidation.

Month-end average exchange rates between the British pound sterling, euro, Chinese yuan and Canadian dollar, which have not been weighted for actual sales volume in the applicable months in the periods, to the U.S. dollar were as follows:

The Company’s exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations also arises from trade receivables, trade payables and intercompany payables denominated in one currency in the financial statements, but receivable or payable in another currency. At December 31, 2014, the Company had the following trade receivables, trade payables and intercompany payables denominated in one currency but receivable or payable in another currency (in thousands):

All of the above balances are revolving in nature and are not deemed to be long-term balances. The Company does not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce its exposure to foreign currency rate changes on forecasted intercompany foreign currency denominated balance sheet positions. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in “Other non-operating expense” in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. The effect of translating net assets of foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as part of “Accumulated other comprehensive income.”

The effects of a hypothetical simultaneous 10% appreciation in the U.S. dollar from December 31, 2014 levels against the euro, British pound sterling, Chinese yuan and Canadian dollar are as follows (in thousands):

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s management conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the Exchange Act)).

Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As of February 9, 2015, the Company is not a party to any legal proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and the risk factors found in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2014.    

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

There was no share repurchase activity by the Company in the six months ended December 31, 2014. The maximum approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the Company’s existing stock repurchase plan is approximately $125 million. The plan does not have an expiration date.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

See “exhibit index” following the signature page.

SIGNATURES

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.

EXHIBIT INDEX

TO

FORM 10-Q

BIO-TECHNE CORPORATION

Exhibit #                                      Description

21