BIO-TECHNE Corp - Quarter Report: 2020 September (Form 10-Q)

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED 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, 2020, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2020. A summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Company is detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2020. The Company follows these policies in preparation of the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company operated under two operating segments, Protein Sciences and Diagnostics and Genomics. The operating segments the Company operated under were consistent with the Company's operating segments disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2020. 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendment in this update replaced the previous incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses on financial instruments within its scope, including trade and loan receivables and available-for-sale debt securities. This update is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses. The Company adopted this standard on July 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective transition approach with a cumulative impact of $0.3 million to retained earnings. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements as the Company's primary financial instruments impacted by the ASU were trade accounts receivable, where we have high historical and expected future collections due to the length of receivables and the credit quality of our customers. 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. The standard aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by the new standard.  The Company adopted this standard on a prospective basis on July 1, 2020. The Company will record eligible costs to be capitalized within prepaid assets or other non-current assets depending on the nature of the duration of the asset.  

Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted

In  March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides expedients and exceptions to existing guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting that is optional to facilitate the market transition from a reference rate, including LIBOR which is being phased out in 2021, to a new reference rate. The provisions of the ASU would impact contract modifications and other changes that occur while LIBOR is phased out. The Company is in the process of evaluating the optional relief guidance provided within this ASU and is also reviewing its debt and derivative instrument that utilizes LIBOR as the reference rate. The Company will continue to evaluate and monitor developments and our assessment of ASU 2020-04 during the LIBOR transition period.

Note 2. Revenue Recognition:

Consumables revenues consist of single-use products and are recognized at a point in time following the transfer of control of such products to the customer, which generally occurs upon shipment. Instruments revenues typically consist of longer-lived assets that, for the substantial majority of sales, are recognized at a point in time in a manner similar to consumables. Service revenues consist of extended warranty contracts, post contract support (“PCS”), and custom development projects that are recognized over time as either the customers receive and consume the benefits of such services simultaneously or the underlying asset being developed has no alternative use for the Company at contract inception and the Company has an enforceable right to payment for the portion of the performance completed. Service revenues also include laboratory services recognized at point in time. Prior to fiscal year 2021, the Company has not recognized revenue upon completion of the performance obligation for laboratory services, but rather upon cash receipt, which was subsequent to the performance obligation being satisfied. The Company accounted for these services based on cash receipts as we did not have significant historical experience collecting payments from Medicare or other insurance providers and considered the variable consideration for such services to be constrained as it would not be probable that a significant amount of revenue would not need to be reversed in future periods for the services provided. Given Medicare coverage for our laboratory services became effective on December 1, 2019, the Company considered it to have sufficient data to estimate variable consideration as of  July 1, 2020 for laboratory services that are reimbursed by Medicare. The amount of cash received in fiscal year 2021 for laboratory services reimbursed by Medicare that were performed prior to July 1, 2020 was approximately $0.5 million. The Company continues to record revenue based on cash receipts for laboratory services not reimbursed by Medicare, as the variable consideration remains constrained. We recognize royalty revenues in the period the sales occur using third party evidence. The Company elected the "right to invoice" practical expedient based on the Company's right to invoice a customer at an amount that approximates the value to the customer and the performance completed to date. 

The Company elected the exemption to not disclose the unfulfilled performance obligations for contracts with an original length of one year or less and the exemption to exclude future performance obligations that are accounted under the sales-based or usage-based royalty guidance. The Company’s unfulfilled performance obligations were not material as of September 30, 2020.

Contracts with customers that contain instruments may include multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, the Company allocates the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. Allocation of the transaction price is determined at the contracts’ inception.

Payment terms for shipments to end-users are generally net 30 days. Payment terms for distributor shipments may range from 30 to 90 days. Service arrangements commonly call for payments in advance of performing the work (e.g. extended warranty and service contracts), upon completion of the service (e.g. custom development manufacturing) or a mix of both.

Contract assets include revenues recognized in advance of billings. Contract assets are included within other current assets in the accompanying balance sheet as the amount of time expected to lapse until the company's right to consideration becomes unconditional is less than one year. We elected the practical expedient allowing us to expense contract costs that would otherwise be capitalized and amortized over a period of less than one year. Contract assets as of September 30, 2020 are not material.

Contract liabilities include billings in excess of revenues recognized, such as those resulting from customer advances and deposits and unearned revenue on warranty contracts. Contract liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and June 30, 2020 were approximately $13.4 million and $14.2 million, respectively. Contract liabilities as of June 30, 2020 subsequently recognized as revenue during the quarter period ended September 30, 2020 were $4.8 million. Contract liabilities in excess of one year are included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

Any claims for credit or return of goods must be made within 10 days of receipt. Revenues are reduced to reflect estimated credits and returns. Although the amounts recorded for these revenue deductions are dependent on estimates and assumptions, historically our adjustments to actual results have not been material.

Taxes collected from customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenue. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in revenue, while the related shipping and handling costs are reflected in cost of products. We elected the practical expedient that allows us to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of a good as a fulfillment cost, and we accrue costs of shipping and handling when the related revenue is recognized.

The following tables present our disaggregated revenue for the periods presented.

Revenue by type is as follows:

Revenue by geography is as follows:

Note 3. Selected Balance Sheet Data:

Inventories:

Inventories consist of (in thousands):

(1) Finished goods inventory of $4,692 and $4,646 included within other long-term assets in the respective September 30, 2020 and June 30, 2020, consolidated balance sheet. The inventory is included in long-term assets as it is forecasted to be sold after the 12 months subsequent to the consolidated balance sheet date.  

Property and Equipment:

Property and equipment consist of (in thousands):

Intangible Assets:

Intangible assets consist of (in thousands):

(1) Increase in patents and other intangible assets is primarily due to $5.0 million recognized in intangible assets in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 for certain third party patented technology acquired. The $5.0 million for the third party patented technology acquired was a non-cash activity within the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows as a cash payment was not made within the fiscal quarter. 

Changes to the carrying amount of net intangible assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 consist of (in thousands):

The estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets as of September 30, 2020 is as follows (in thousands):

Goodwill:

Changes to the carrying amount of goodwill for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 consist of (in thousands):

We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would indicate a possible impairment. The Company performed a goodwill impairment assessment for all of its reporting units during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. No indicators of impairment were identified as part of our assessment. 

No triggering events were identified during the quarter ended September 30, 2020. There has been no impairment of goodwill since the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 350 guidance for goodwill and other intangibles on July 1, 2002.

Note 4. Fair Value Measurements:

The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, available for sale investments, derivative instruments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, contingent consideration obligations, and long-term debt.

Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. This standard also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value. This standard maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability based upon the best information available in the circumstances.

The categorization of financial assets and liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability and their fair values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable. Level 3 may also include certain investment securities for which there is limited market activity or a decrease in the observability of market pricing for the investments, such that the determination of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation.

The following tables provide information by level for financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

Fair value measurements of available for sale securities

Our available for sale securities are measured at fair value using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and are therefore classified as Level 1 assets.

Fair value measurements of derivative instruments

In  October 2018, the Company entered into forward starting swaps designated as cash flow hedges on outstanding debt. The forward starting swaps reduce the variability of cash flow payments for the Company by converting the variable interest rate on the Company’s long-term debt described in Note 5 to that of a fixed interest rate. Accordingly, as part of the forward starting swaps, the Company will exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between floating and fixed interest amounts based on an initial $380 million of notional principal amount, with the notional amount decreasing by $100 million in   October 2020, $80 million in  October 2021, and $200 million in  October 2022. The change in the fair value of the designated hedged instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into interest expense over the corresponding term of the cash flow hedge. The Company reclassified $2.1 million, net of taxes, out of other comprehensive income into interest expense during the quarter ended September 30, 2020. In  June 2020, the Company de-designated $80 million of the notional amount set to expire in   October 2020. The change in fair value of the de-designated notional hedged amount was not material as of September 30, 2020. The net loss associated with the de-designated portion of the derivative instrument was not reclassified into earnings based on the amount of probable variable interest payments to occur within a two month time period of the forecasted hedged transaction. The liability related to the derivative instrument was recorded within other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The instrument was valued using observable market inputs in active markets and therefore classified as a Level 2 liability.

Fair value measurements of contingent consideration

In connection with the QT Holdings Corporation (Quad) and B-MoGen Biotechnologies Inc. (B-MoGen) acquisitions the Company is required to make contingent consideration payments of up to $51.0 million and $38.0 million, respectively. The contingent consideration payments are subject to Quad and B-Mogen meeting certain product development milestones and revenue thresholds. The preliminary fair value of the liabilities for the contingent payments recognized upon the acquisition as part of the purchase accounting opening balance sheet totaled $10.8 million ($5.3 million for Quad and $5.5 million for B-MoGen).  The preliminary fair value of the development milestone payments was estimated by discounting to present value the probability-weighted contingent payments expected to be made. Assumptions used in these calculations were probability of success, duration of the earn-out, and discount rate. The preliminary fair value for the revenue milestone payments was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation based model discounted to present value.  Assumptions used in these calculations included units sold, expected revenue, discount rate and various probability factors. The ultimate settlement of contingent consideration could deviate from current estimates based on the actual results of these financial measures. This liability is considered to be a Level 3 financial liability that is re-measured each reporting period. The change in fair value of contingent consideration for these acquisitions is included in general and administrative expense.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 (in thousands):

The use of different assumptions, applying different judgment to matters that inherently are subjective and changes in future market conditions could result in different estimates of fair value of our securities or contingent consideration, currently and in the future. If market conditions deteriorate, we may incur impairment charges for securities in our investment portfolio. We may also incur changes to our contingent consideration liability as discussed below.

Fair value measurements of other financial instruments – The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate fair value.

Cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, and accounts payable – The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these items.

Long-term debt – The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for the amount drawn on our line-of-credit facility approximates fair value because our interest rate is variable and reflects current market rates.

Note 5. Debt and Other Financing Arrangements:

On August 1, 2018, the Company entered into a new revolving line-of-credit and term loan governed by a Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility of $600.0 million, which can be increased by an additional $200.0 million subject to certain conditions, and a term loan of $250.0 million. 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 bear interest at a variable rate. The current outstanding debt is based on the Eurodollar Loans term for which the interest rate is calculated as the sum of LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is determined from the total leverage ratio of the Company and updated on a quarterly basis. The annualized fee for any unused portion of the credit facility is currently 20 basis points.

The Credit Agreement matures on August 1, 2023 and contains customary restrictive and financial covenants and customary events of default. As of September 30, 2020, the outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was $323.9 million.

Note 6. Leases: 

As a lessee, the company leases offices, labs, and manufacturing facilities, as well as vehicles, copiers, and other equipment. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02 and related standards (collectively ASC 842, Leases), which replaced previous lease accounting guidance, on July 1, 2019. 

The Company recognizes operating lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The discount rate used to calculate present value is Bio-Techne’s incremental borrowing rate or, if available, the rate implicit in the lease. Bio-Techne determines the incremental borrowing rate for each lease based primarily on its lease term and the economic environment of the applicable country or region. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized $0.7 million in variable lease expense and $3.5 million relating to fixed lease expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. 

The following table summarizes the balance sheet classification of the Company’s operating leases and amounts of right of use assets and lease liabilities and the weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for the Company’s operating leases (asset and liability amounts are in thousands):

The following table summarizes the cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities and right of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities for the three months ended (in thousands):

The following table summarizes the fair value of the lease liability by payment date for the Company’s operating leases by fiscal year (in thousands):

Certain leases include one or more options to renew, with terms that extend the lease term up to five years. Bio-Techne includes option to renew the lease as part of the right of use lease asset and liability when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise the option. In addition, certain leases contain fair value purchase and termination options with an associated penalty. In general, Bio-Techne is not reasonably certain to exercise such options.

Note 7. Supplemental Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Supplemental Equity

The Company has declared cash dividends per share of $0.32 in both the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. 

Consolidated Changes in Equity (amounts in thousands)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The components of other comprehensive income (loss) consist of changes in foreign currency translation adjustments and changes in net unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges. The Company reclassified $2.1 million from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings during the three months ended September 30, 2020. 

The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are summarized as follows:

(1)  Gains (losses) on the interest swap are reclassified into interest expense as payments on the derivative agreement are made. The Company reclassified ($2,769) to interest expense and a related tax benefit tax of $637 during the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

(2) 

Note 8. Earnings Per Share:

The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

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. The number of potentially dilutive option shares excluded from the calculation was 1.5 million and 1.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Note 9. Share-based Compensation:

During the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company granted 0.7 million and 0.7 million stock options at weighted average grant prices of $267.79 and $190.39 and weighted average fair values of $56.71 and $36.72, respectively. During the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company granted 22,367 and 30,858 restricted stock units at a weighted average fair value of $267.87 and $192.08, respectively. During the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company granted 8,675 and 11,438 shares of restricted common stock shares at a weighted average fair value of $267.98 and $190.65.

Stock options for 116,816 and 93,596 shares of common stock with total intrinsic values of $16.9 million and $11.6 million were exercised during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Stock-based compensation expense of $12.9 million and $8.4 million was included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Additionally, stock-based compensation costs of $0.5 million and $0.4 million was included in cost of goods sold for quarter ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of September 30, 2020, there was $53.2 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 2.1 years.

Note 10. Other Income / (Expense): 

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

Note 11. Income Taxes:

The Company’s effective income tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020 was 15.1% and 19.1% of consolidated earnings before income taxes, respectively. The change in the company’s tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to first quarter of fiscal 2020 was driven by discrete tax items.

The Company recognized total net benefits related to discrete tax items of $4.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $1.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019. Share-based compensation excess tax benefit contributed $3.3 million and $3.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company recognized total other immaterial net discrete tax benefits of $0.9 million in the quarter compared to $1.9 million other immaterial net discrete tax expense in the three months ended September 30, 2019.   

The Company continues to monitor changes in interpretations, assumptions guidance, and additional regulations regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), which was enacted on  December 22, 2017. The Company recognizes potential changes to these items could have a material impact on our effective tax rate in future periods. 

Note 12. 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.  The Protein Sciences and Diagnostics and Genomics segments both include consumables, instruments, services and royalty revenue.

The following is financial information relating to the Company's reportable segments (in thousands):

Note 13. Subsequent Events:

On October 20, 2020, the Company acquired 47.6% of the outstanding equity shares of Changzhou Eminence Biotechnology Co., Ltd. for approximately $10 million. 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) provides information that we believe is useful in understanding our operating results, cash flows and financial condition. We provide quantitative information about the material sales drivers including the effect of acquisitions and changes in foreign currency at the corporate and segment level. We also provide quantitative information about discrete tax items and other significant factors we believe are useful for understanding our results. The MD&A should be read in conjunction with both the unaudited consolidated financial information and related notes included in this Form 10-Q, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2020. This discussion contains various “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and also contains various “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We refer readers to the statements entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements” located at the end of Item 2 of this report.

OVERVIEW

Bio-Techne and its subsidiaries, collectively doing business as Bio-Techne Corporation (Bio-Techne, we, our, us or the Company) develop, manufacture and sell biotechnology reagents, instruments and services for the research and clinical diagnostic markets worldwide. With our deep product portfolio and application expertise, we strive to provide the life sciences community with innovative, high-quality scientific tools to better understand biological processes and drive discovery of diagnostic and therapeutic products.

Consistent with prior year, we have operated with two segments – our Protein Sciences segment and our Diagnostics and Genomics segment during fiscal year 2021. Our Protein Sciences segment is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-quality purified proteins and reagent solutions, most notably cytokines and growth factors, antibodies, immunoassays, biologically active small molecule compounds, tissue culture reagents and T-Cell activation technologies. This segment also includes protein analysis solutions that offer researchers efficient and streamlined options for automated western blot and multiplexed ELISA workflow. Our Genomics and Diagnostics segment develops and manufactures diagnostic products, including FDA-regulated controls, calibrators, blood gas and clinical chemistry controls and other reagents for OEM and clinical customers, as well as a portfolio of clinical molecular diagnostic oncology assays, including the ExoDx®Prostate(IntelliScore) test (EPI) for prostate cancer diagnosis. This segment also manufactures and sells advanced tissue-based in-situ hybridization assays (ISH) for research and clinical use.

RECENT ACQUISITIONS

A key component of the Company's strategy is to augment internal growth at existing businesses with complementary acquisitions. The Company did not make any acquisitions in the three months ended September 30, 2020. Refer to the prior year Annual Report on form 10-K for additional disclosure regarding the Company's recent acquisitions.   

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Operational Update

Consolidated net sales increased 11% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same prior year period. Organic growth was 10% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same prior year period, with foreign currency exchange having a favorable impact of 1% on revenue growth. 

Consolidated net earnings increased to $33.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to the $14.4 million in same prior year period. The consolidated net earnings increase was driven by higher operating income due to sales volume leverage and cost management

COVID-19 Business Update

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, we experienced a significant increase in the number of customer sites that were either fully or partially opened when compared to prior periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening of customer sites and demand for our portfolio of life science tools and diagnostic reagents enabled the Company to return to sales volumes experienced prior to the onset of the pandemic. However, we are unable to forecast if any customer sites may reclose given rising COVID-19 cases occurring in certain regions. We are anticipating a positive long-term outlook for sales growth resulting from expected future funding increases within life-science research in response to the current pandemic.

The Company has responded to the pandemic by leveraging our deep product portfolio and scientific expertise to develop a robust COVID-19 product and service offering that provides critical support for both clinical care and therapeutic development. The Company's ongoing efforts to utilize and expand upon our portfolio of products and services to enable solutions for this evolving pandemic may partially offset the impacts of any future customer site closures.

Adjusted EPS was favorably impacted in the current quarter when compared to prior periods during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased sales volumes as described above. We anticipate the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on adjusted EPS to be similar to that of sales growth.

The Company remains in a strong financial position with sufficient available cash as well as access to additional funding, if necessary, through our long-term debt agreement. We did not experience any material changes to our September 30, 2020 Balance Sheet resulting from COVID-19 for items such as additional reserves or asset impairments.

The Company remains fully operational as we abide by local COVID-19 safety regulations across the world. To achieve this, certain employees are working remotely and the Company has adopted significant protective measures for our employees on site, including staggered shifts, social distancing and hygiene best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  In addition, the Company has taken additional steps to monitor and strengthen our supply chain to maintain an uninterrupted supply of our critical products and services. 

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 were $204.2 million, an increase of 11% from the same prior year period. Organic growth was 10% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same prior year period, with foreign currency exchange having a favorable impact of 1% on sales growth. 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2020 by geography, the Company experienced broad based revenue growth across products in both operating segments and in each major geographical region.

Gross Margins

Consolidated gross margins for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 were 67.4% and 64.6%, respectively. 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. Excluding the impact of stock compensation expense, and amortization of intangibles, adjusted gross margins were 71.9% and 69.5% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Both consolidated gross margins and non-GAAP adjusted gross margins were positively impacted by product mix and volume leverage for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the prior year.

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:

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3.6 million (5%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 from the same prior year period. The increase in expense was primarily driven by higher year over year stock compensation expense. 

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses were $16.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to $16.1 million from the same prior year period. The expense remained consistent across periods due to similar investments into new products and services made in both periods. 

Segment Results

Protein Sciences

Protein Science’s net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 were $154.6 million with reported growth of 10% compared to the same prior year period. Organic growth for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was 8% with foreign currency having a favorable impact of 2%. Segment growth was broad-based and especially strong in the Simple Western and Simple Plex product categories. 

The operating margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was 45.6% compared to 42.2% for the same prior year period. Operating income margin was positively impacted by volume leverage and cost management.  

Diagnostics and Genomics

Diagnostics and Genomics’ net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 were $50.1 million compared to $42.6 million for the same prior year period. Organic growth for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was 17% with currency exchange having an favorable impact of 1%. Segment growth was broad-based and especially strong in our RNAscope products. 

The operating margin for the segment was 17.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to 2.1 % for the same prior year period. Operating income margin was positively impacted by volume leverage.

Income Taxes

Income taxes for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 were at an effective rate of 15.1% of consolidated earnings before income taxes compared to 19.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The change in the Company’s tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was driven by discrete tax items of $4.2 million compared to prior year discrete tax items of $1.3 million as further discussed in Note 12. 

The forecasted tax rate as of the first fiscal quarter of 2021 before discrete items is 25.7% compared to the prior year forecasted tax rate before discrete items of 26.3%. Excluding the impact of discrete items, the Company expects the consolidated income tax rate for the remainder of fiscal 2021 to range from 24% to 28%.

Net Earnings

Non-GAAP adjusted consolidated net earnings are as follows:

Depending on the nature of discrete tax items, our reported tax rate may not be consistent on a period to period basis. The Company independently calculates a non-GAAP adjusted tax rate considering the impact of discrete items and jurisdictional mix of the identified non-GAAP adjustments. The following table summarizes the reported GAAP tax rate and the effective Non-GAAP adjusted tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019.

The difference between the reported GAAP tax rate and non-GAAP tax rate applied to the identified non-GAAP adjustments for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 is primarily a result of discrete tax items, including the tax benefit of stock option exercises.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of September 30, 2020, cash and cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments were $169.4 million compared to $146.6 million as of June 30, 2020. Included in available-for-sale-investments as of September 30, 2020 was the fair value of the Company's investment in ChemoCentryx, Inc. (CCXI) of $83.5 million. The fair value of the Company's CCXI investment at June 30, 2020 was $87.8 million.

The Company has a line-of-credit and term loan governed by a Credit Agreement dated August 1, 2018. See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Credit Agreement.

The Company has contingent consideration payments of up to $51 million and $38 million relating to the Quad and B-MoGen acquisitions. The fair value of the remaining payments is $6.0 million as of September 30, 2020.

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, cash generated from operations, and remaining credit available on its existing revolving line of credit.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

The Company generated cash of $66.0 million from operating activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to $40.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The increase from the prior year was primarily due to higher net earnings and the timing of cash payments on certain operating assets and liabilities.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

We continue to make investments in our business, including capital expenditures. 

Capital expenditures for fixed assets for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020 were $10.9 million and $10.5 million, respectively. Capital expenditures for the remainder of fiscal 2021 are expected to be approximately $35 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 quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, the Company paid cash dividends of $12.3 million and $12.2 million, respectively, to all common shareholders. On November 5, 2020, the Company announced the payment of a $0.32 per share cash dividend, or approximately $12.3 million, will be payable November 27, 2020 to all common shareholders of record on November 16, 2020.

Cash of $15.4 million and $9.0 million was received during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively, from the exercise of stock options.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company made payments of $33.1 million payment towards the balance of its line-of-credit facility. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company made payments of $19.1 million towards the balance of its line-of-credit facility. 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company made $4.9 million in other financing payments, primarily related to taxes paid on restricted stock units. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company made other financing payments of $1.9 million. 

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

Other than the contingent consideration associated with the Quad and B-MoGen acquisitions, there were no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in the Company's contractual obligations during the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company's significant accounting policies are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2020 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 the first quarter of fiscal 2020 that would require disclosure nor have there been any changes to the Company's policies.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” in Item 2, contains financial measures that have not been calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP). These non-GAAP measures include:

We provide these measures as additional information regarding our operating results. We use these non-GAAP measures internally to evaluate our performance and in making financial and operational decisions, including with respect to incentive compensation. We believe that our presentation of these measures provides investors with greater transparency with respect to our results of operations and that these measures are useful for period-to-period comparison of results.

Our non-GAAP financial measure of organic growth represents revenue growth excluding revenue from acquisitions within the preceding 12 months as well as the impact of foreign currency. Excluding these measures provides more useful period-to-period comparison of revenue results as it excludes the impact of foreign currency exchange rates, which can vary significantly from period to period, and revenue from acquisitions that would not be included in the comparable prior period.

Our non-GAAP financial measures for adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating margin, and adjusted net earnings, in total and on a per share basis, exclude the costs recognized upon the sale of acquired inventory, amortization of acquisition intangibles, acquisition related expenses inclusive of the changes in fair value of contingent consideration, and other non-recurring items including non-recurring costs and gains. The Company excludes amortization of purchased intangible assets, purchase accounting adjustments, including costs recognized upon the sale of acquired inventory and acquisition-related expenses inclusive of the changes in fair value contingent consideration, and other non-recurring items including gains or losses on legal settlements and one-time assessments from this measure because they occur as a result of specific events, and are not reflective of our internal investments, the costs of developing, producing, supporting and selling our products, and the other ongoing costs to support our operating structure. Additionally, these amounts can vary significantly from period to period based on current activity.

The Company’s non-GAAP adjusted operating margin and adjusted net earnings, in total and on a per share basis, also excludes stock-based compensation expense, which is inclusive of the employer portion of payroll taxes on those stock awards, restructuring, impairments of equity method investments, gain and losses from investments, and certain adjustments to income tax expense. Stock-based compensation is excluded from non-GAAP adjusted net earnings because of the nature of this charge, specifically the varying available valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions, variety of award types, and unpredictability of amount and timing of employer related tax obligations. Impairments of equity investments are excluded as they are not part of our day-to-day operating decisions. Additionally, gains and losses from other investments that are either isolated or cannot be expected to occur again with any predictability are excluded. Costs related to restructuring activities, including reducing overhead and consolidating facilities, are excluded because we believe they are not indicative of our normal operating costs. The Company independently calculates a non-GAAP adjusted tax rate to be applied to the identified non-GAAP adjustments considering the impact of discrete items on these adjustments and the jurisdictional mix of the adjustments. In addition, the tax impact of other discrete and non-recurring charges which impact our reported GAAP tax rate are adjusted from net earnings. We believe these tax items can significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results and not necessarily reflect costs and/or income associated with historical trends and future results.

The Company periodically reassesses the components of our non-GAAP adjustments for changes in how we evaluate our performance, changes in how we make financial and operational decisions, and considers the use of these measures by our competitors and peers to ensure the adjustments are still relevant and meaningful.

Readers are encouraged to review the reconciliations of the adjusted financial measures used in management's discussion and analysis of the financial condition of the Company to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures provided within the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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: integration of newly acquired businesses, 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, 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, and unseen delays and expenses related to facility construction and improvements. For additional information concerning such factors, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2020 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Part II. Item 1A below. 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As of September 30, 2020, 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 $83.5 million. As of September 30, 2020, the potential loss in fair value due to a 10% decrease in the market value of CCXI was $8.4 million.  

The Company operates internationally, and thus is subject to potentially adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. For the quarter ended September 30, 2020, approximately 43.5% of consolidated net sales were made in foreign currencies, including 20% in euros, 6% in British pound sterling, 9% in Chinese yuan and the remaining 8.5% 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. The effects of a hypothetical simultaneous 10% appreciation in the U.S. dollar from September 30, 2020 levels against the euro, British pound sterling, Chinese yuan and Canadian dollar are as follows (in thousands):

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). The Company's management has evaluated, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2020, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b) Changes in internal controls over financial reporting.

There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As of November 9, 2020, 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

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, there have been no material changes from 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, 2020. 

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

There was no share repurchase activity by the Company in the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

ITEM 3. DEFAULT ON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT INDEX

TO

FORM 10-Q

BIO-TECHNE CORPORATION

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*     Incorporated by reference; SEC File No. 000-17272

**   Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

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.