MESA LABORATORIES INC /CO/ - Quarter Report: 2020 December (Form 10-Q)

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts)

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(unaudited)

(in thousands) 

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

*Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

(dollar and share amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

In this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, Mesa Laboratories, Inc., a Colorado corporation, together with its subsidiaries is collectively referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Mesa Labs.”

We are a multinational manufacturer, developer, and seller of quality control products and services, many of which are sold into niche markets that are driven by regulatory requirements. We have manufacturing operations in North America and Europe and our products are marketed by our sales personnel in North America, Europe, China, Japan, and by distributors in these areas as well as throughout the rest of the world. We prefer markets in which we can establish a strong presence and achieve high gross margins.

As of December 31, 2020, we managed our operations in four reportable segments, or divisions. Our Sterilization and Disinfection Control division manufactures and sells biological, cleaning, and chemical indicators which are used to assess the effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection processes in the hospital, dental, medical device, and pharmaceutical industries. The division also provides testing and laboratory services, mainly to the dental industry. Our Instruments division designs, manufactures, and markets quality control hardware and disposable products utilized in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, medical device, industrial hygiene, and environmental air sampling industries. During the year ended March 31, 2020, we added a new reportable segment: Biopharmaceutical Development as a result of our acquisition of Gyros Protein Technologies Holding AB ("GPT" or the "GPT acquisition"), which is discussed further in Note 12. "Significant Transactions". Our Biopharmaceutical Development division develops, manufactures, and sells automated systems for protein analysis (immunoassays) and peptide synthesis solutions. Immunoassays and peptide synthesis solutions accelerate the discovery, development, and manufacturing of biotherapeutic drugs. Our Continuous Monitoring division designs, develops, and markets systems which are used to monitor various environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and differential pressure to ensure that critical storage and processing conditions are maintained in hospitals, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, blood banks, pharmacies, and laboratory environments.  Non-reportable operating segments (including our Cold Chain Packaging division which ceased operations during the year ended March 31, 2020) and unallocated corporate expenses are reported within Corporate and Other.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, such unaudited information includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved for the entire year.  The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2020.

Risks and Uncertainties

The preparation of financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the reporting date and revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. These estimates represent management's judgement about the outcome of future events. The current global business environment continues to be impacted directly and indirectly by the effects of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19"), and it is not possible to accurately predict the future impact of COVID-19. However, we have reviewed the estimates used in preparing the financial statements and have identified the following factors that have a reasonable possibility of being materially affected by the impacts of COVID-19 during the near term: 

Immaterial Error Correction

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we identified an immaterial error in the design of our Enterprise Resource Planning tool that resulted in a system failure to eliminate intercompany cost of revenues for certain types of transactions. The error resulted in an overstatement of cost of goods sold and an understatement in gross profit for the Continuous Monitoring, Instruments, and Sterilization and Disinfection Control divisions. The issue began during the three months ended June 30, 2019; we have determined that no financial statement prior to April 1, 2019 was misstated as a result of the previously uneliminated balances in cost of revenues. 

In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 99 Materiality, and SAB No. 108 Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in the Current Year Financial Statements, we evaluated the error quantitatively and qualitatively and determined that the related impact was not material to our financial statements for any prior annual or interim period, but that correcting the cumulative impact of the error would be significant to our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2020. In considering the quantitative and qualitative materiality, we concluded that the impact of the error correction is not material in absolute dollar amount especially since our most recent fiscal year results included various new non-cash charges that reduced net income below historical levels. Accordingly, we have revised previously reported financial information for the immaterial error.

We performed manual intercompany elimination calculations and determined that cost of revenues and accumulated other comprehensive income were overstated by $429 for the year ended March 31, 2020, which would increase operating income and net income by $429 and diluted earnings per share by $0.10; there was no income tax impact on the full year adjustment since the inventory balance was not misstated.  To correct the immaterial error, we have restated retained earnings as of March 31, 2020. The error resulted in overstated cost of goods sold and a corresponding understatement of net income of: $65 during the three months ended June 30, 2019; $110 during the three months ended September 30, 2019, $126 during the three months ended December 31, 2019, and $128 during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Additionally, during the three months ended June 30, 2020, cost of revenues was overstated by $372, which after the impact of taxes would increase net income by $192 and diluted earnings per share by $0.04. We have restated retained earnings as of June 30, 2020 in the amount of $192. The immaterial error has no impact on total cash flows or total comprehensive income for any of the periods that were revised. 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In August, 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options and Derivatives and Hedging Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity, which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, such as our convertible senior notes, due 2025. ASU 2020-06 also enhances transparency and improves disclosures for convertible instruments and earnings per share guidance. It is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The update permits the use of either the modified retrospective or fully retrospective method of transition. We intend to adopt the ASU effective April 1, 2021 but are still evaluating the method of adoption we will utilize. We are continuing to evaluate the financial impact of the adoption of ASU 2020-06 on our financial statements but anticipate that subsequent to adoption, the equity conversion feature will be categorized as a liability and there will be a reduction in non-cash interest expense related to the 1.375% convertible senior notes due August 15, 2025 (the "Notes"). Non-cash interest on the equity conversion feature has contributed $3,510 to expense during the nine months ended December 31, 2020, which would not have been incurred under ASU 2020-06, which we will adopt as of April 1, 2021.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments -Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as modified by ASU No. 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which amends the impairment model by requiring entities to use a forward-looking approach based on expected losses rather than incurred losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. The ASU was effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. On April 1, 2020, we adopted the ASU using the modified retrospective transition method. We recorded a net decrease to beginning retained earnings of $9 as of April 1, 2020 due to the cumulative effect of adopting Topic 326's requirement to use a forward-looking approach based on expected losses rather than incurred losses to estimate credit losses on our trade receivables. As a result of the adoption of the ASU, our allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2020 reflects our best estimate of the expected future losses for our accounts receivable based on current economic conditions. We have accounted for the macroeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in our estimates, but due to the unprecedented nature of the impact of the pandemic, our estimates may change and future actual losses may differ from current estimates. We will continue to monitor economic conditions and will revise our estimate of expected future losses for accounts receivable as necessary.  

We are exposed to credit losses primarily through sales of products and services. Our expected loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable was developed using historical collection experience, current and expected future economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of customers’ trade accounts receivables. Customers are pooled based on shared specific risk factors. Due to the short-term nature of trade receivables, the estimated accounts receivable that may not be collected is based on the aging of accounts receivable balances.

Customers are assessed for credit worthiness upfront through a credit review. We evaluate contract terms and conditions, and may require prepayment to mitigate risk of loss. Specific allowance amounts are established to record the appropriate provision for customers with a higher probability of default. We monitor changes to the receivables balance on timely basis, and balances are written off as they are determined to be uncollectable after all collection efforts have been exhausted. Estimates of potential credit losses are used to determine the allowance based on assessment of anticipated payment and all other historical, current and future information reasonably available.

Note 2. Revenue Recognition

We design, manufacture, market, sell, and maintain quality control instruments and software, consumables, and services driven primarily by the regulatory requirements of niche markets. Our consumables, such as biological indicator test strips are typically used on a standalone basis; however, some such consumables used in protein synthesis and calibration solutions are also critical to the ongoing use of our instruments. Hardware and software sales, such as medical meters, protein synthesizers, wireless sensor systems, and data loggers are generally driven by our acquisition of new customers, growth of existing customers, or customers' replacement of existing equipment. Hardware sales may be offered with perpetual or annual software licenses, which in some cases are required for the hardware to function. Our Biopharmaceutical Development Division designs, manufactures, markets, and sells instruments, such as protein synthesizers that are used to process immunoassay samples, and related software designed to enhance productivity; consumable chemical solutions designed for use in testing; and on-demand and long-term service contracts to support customers' use of the equipment. The division generates revenue from the same general categories as those we have identified for the rest of our business and recognizes revenue consistently with our policies. We evaluate our revenues internally by product line, timing of revenue generation, and the nature of goods and services provided. Typically, discrete revenue is recognized at the shipping point or upon completion of the service, while contracted revenue is recognized over a period of time reflective of the performance obligation period in the applicable contract. Consumables are typically single use items requiring frequent replacement in our customers' operating cycles. Substantially all of our revenues and related receivables are generated from contracts with customers that are 12 months or less in duration.

The following tables present disaggregated revenues for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020 and three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, respectively:

Revenues from external customers are attributed to individual countries based upon locations to which the products are shipped or exported, as follows:

No foreign country exceeds 10% of total revenues.

Contract Balances

Our contracts have varying payment terms and conditions. Some customers prepay for services, resulting in unearned revenues or customer deposits, called contract liabilities, which are included within other accrued expenses and unearned revenues in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Contract assets would exist when sales are recorded (i.e. the control of the goods or services has been transferred to the customer), but customer payment is contingent on a future event besides the passage of time (such as satisfaction of additional performance obligations). We do not have any contract assets. Unbilled receivables, which are not classified as contract assets, represent arrangements in which sales have been recorded prior to billing and right to payment is unconditional.

A summary of contract liabilities is as follows:

Note 3. Fair Value Measurements

Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, obligations under trade accounts payable and debt. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying values for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable approximate fair value. We measure our cash equivalents at fair value and classify them within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy, and we value them using quoted market prices in an active market.  As of December 31, 2020 and  March 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included $222,819 and $66,735, respectively, in a money market account. The increase in the balance in our money market account is primarily a result of our public offering of common stock described in further detail in Note 8. "Stockholders' Equity". 

During the year ended March 31, 2020, we issued $172,500 aggregate principal of 1.375% convertible senior notes due August 15, 2025. We estimate the fair value of the Notes based on the last actively traded price or market observable input before the end of the reporting period. The estimated fair value and carrying value of the Notes are as follows:

The Notes are discussed in more detail in Note 7. "Indebtedness." 

Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis include items such as property and equipment, operating lease assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets, including those that were part of the GPT Acquisition. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired. The fair values assigned to the assets and liabilities acquired in the GPT Acquisition were measured using Level 3 inputs, as discussed further in Note 12. "Significant Transactions." There were no transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended December 31, 2020 or nine months ended December 31, 2019.

Cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivables are the financial instruments that subject us to the highest concentration of credit risk. It is our policy to invest cash equivalents in highly liquid financial instruments with high credit ratings and low exposure to any single issuer (except U.S. treasuries). Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited to customers to whom we make significant sales. We reserve an allowance for potential write-offs of accounts receivable using historical collection experience, but we have not written off any significant accounts to date. To control credit risk, we perform regular credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. 

Note 4. Inventories, Net

Inventories consist of the following:

The remaining balance of the adjustment to step up inventory to fair value as part of the GPT Acquisition, which was included in finished goods, was $0 and $2,901, respectively, as of  December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020; see Note 12. "Significant Transactions." 

Note 5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net

Finite-lived intangible assets consist of the following:

The increase in the carrying amount of intangible assets was attributable to changes in foreign currency and adjustments to the preliminary purchase price of GPT that are discussed further in Note 12. "Significant Transactions". Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets acquired in a business combination was $3,828 and $10,694 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020 and $2,565 and $5,895 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The increase in amortization expense was attributable to intangible assets acquired as part of the GPT acquisition, including a cumulative effect true up recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2020 as we made adjustments to purchase accounting, see Note 12. "Significant Transactions." 

The following is estimated amortization expense for the years ending March 31:

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill was as follows:

Note 6. Supplemental Balance Sheets Information

Accrued payroll and benefits consist of the following:

Other accrued expenses consist of the following:

Note 7.  Indebtedness

On August 12, 2019, we issued an aggregate principal amount of $172,500 of convertible senior notes (the "Notes"). The Notes mature on August 15, 2025, unless earlier repurchased or converted and bear interest at a rate of 1.375% payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 each year beginning on February 15, 2020. The Notes are initially convertible at a conversion rate of 3.5273 shares of the common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $283.50 per share of common stock. Noteholders may convert their Notes at their option only in the following circumstances: (i) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ended on December 31, 2019 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price per share of  our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for each of at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter; (ii) during the five consecutive business days immediately after any 10 consecutive trading day period (such 10 consecutive trading day period, the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price per share of our common stock on such trading day and the conversion rate on such trading day; (iii) upon the occurrence of certain corporate events or distributions on our common stock, including certain distributions, the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture governing the Notes) or a transaction resulting in the Company’s common stock converting into other securities or property or assets; and (iv) at any time from, and including, April 15, 2025 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date.  Upon conversion, we will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election. Our current intent is to settle conversions entirely in shares of common stock. We will reevaluate this policy from time to time as conversion notices are received from holders of the Notes. The circumstances required to allow the holders to convert their Notes were not met during the three months ended December 31, 2020.  As of December 31, 2020, the if-converted value of the Notes exceeded the principal balance.

We accounted for the transaction by bifurcating the Notes into liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component was $141,427 upon issuance as calculated using the income approach and measuring the fair value of a similar debt instrument that does not have an associated convertible feature. The implied interest rate (a Level 3 unobservable input) assuming no conversion option was estimated using the Tsiveriotis-Fernandes model; all other assumptions used in measuring the fair value represent inputs market participants would use in pricing the liability component, including market interest rates, credit standing, and yield curves, all of which are defined as Level 2 observable inputs before allocated issuance costs and deferred taxes.  The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion option was $31,073 and was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the par value of the Notes. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. The excess of the principal amount of the liability component over its carrying amount (the "Debt Discount") is being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the six-year contractual term of the Notes.

Debt issuance costs related to the Notes comprised of discounts and commissions payable to the initial purchasers of $5,175 and third party offering costs of $255. We allocated the total amount incurred to the liability and equity components of the Notes based on their relative values. Issuance costs attributable to the liability component were $4,452 and are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the contractual term.  Issuance costs attributable to the equity component were netted with the equity component in stockholders’ equity.

The net carrying amount of the Notes were as follows:

The net carrying amount of the equity component of the Notes were as follows:

We recognized interest expense on the Notes as follows:

The effective interest rate of the liability component of the note is approximately 5.5%.

Note 8. Stockholders' Equity

Public Offerings of Common Stock

On June 12, 2020, we completed the sale and issuance of 600,000 shares of our common stock and on June 19, 2020, our underwriters exercised in full their option to purchase an additional 90,000 shares of our common stock. The offering price to the public was $225.00 per share. The total proceeds we received from the offering, net of underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses was $145,935. 

Stock-Based Compensation

Amounts recognized related to stock-based compensation are as follows: 

Stock-based compensation expense is included in cost of revenues, selling, general and administrative, and research and development expense in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following is a summary of stock option award activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2020 (shares in thousands):

The stock options granted during the nine months ended December 31, 2020 vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. 

The following is a summary of restricted stock unit ("RSU") award activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2020 (shares in thousands): 

The majority of the time-based RSUs granted during the nine months ended December 31, 2020 vest and settle in shares of our common stock, on a one-for-one basis, in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Time-based RSUs issued to non-employee directors and a portion of the awards granted to executives of the company vest after a one-year period from the grant date. We recognize the expense relating to RSUs, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Performance-based RSUs vest upon completion of the service period described in the award agreement and based on achievements of the financial targets described in the award agreements. We recognize the expense relating to the performance-based RSUs based on the probable outcome of achievement of the financial targets, on a straight-line basis over the service period.

During the three months ended December 31, 2020, we adjusted our estimate of performance share units expected to vest, based on actual results achieved. As a result, we recorded a cumulative effect catch up of $1,629 during the period ($1,209 net of tax as well as $0.25 per basic and diluted share for the nine months ended December 31, 2020, respectively), which is recorded in general and administrative costs on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the quarter ending March 31, 2021, we expect non-cash stock based compensation expense will increase approximately $194 compared to the quarters ended June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020 as a result of our new estimate of performance share units expected to vest. 

Note 9. (Loss) Earnings Per Share

Basic (loss) earnings per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted (loss) earnings per share (“diluted EPS”) is computed similarly to basic (loss) earnings per share, except that it includes the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities were exercised. Potentially dilutive securities include common shares related to stock options and RSUs, including RSUs that contain performance conditions which have been achieved as of the reporting period (collectively “stock awards”). Stock awards are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS in the event that they are subject to performance conditions that have not yet been achieved or are antidilutive. Diluted EPS considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an antidilutive effect. There was no dilution in our diluted EPS calculation for the three and nine months ended  December 31, 2020 and the three months ended December 31, 2019 because we incurred net losses in those periods and the effect would have been antidilutive.

The impact of the assumed conversion of the Notes calculated under the if-converted method was anti-dilutive, and as such, shares underlying the Notes were excluded from the diluted EPS calculation for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020. 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the denominators used in the computation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share (shares in thousands):

The following stock awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS:

Note 10. Income Taxes

For interim income tax reporting, we estimate our annual effective tax rate and apply this effective tax rate to our year-to-date pre-tax income. Each quarter, our estimate of the annual effective tax rate is updated, and if the estimated effective tax rate changes, a cumulative adjustment is made. Additionally, the tax effects of significant unusual or infrequently occurring items are recognized as discrete items in the interim period in which the events occur. The impact of changes in tax laws or rates on deferred tax amounts, impairments of non-deductible goodwill, excess benefits from stock-based compensation, and changes in tax reserves resulting from the finalization of tax audits or reviews are examples of significant unusual or infrequently occurring items that are recognized as discrete items in the interim period in which the event occurs. There is a potential for volatility of the effective tax rate due to several factors, including changes in the mix of the pre-tax income and the jurisdictions to which it relates, changes in tax laws and foreign tax holidays, settlement with taxing authorities, and foreign currency fluctuations.

Our effective income tax rate was 20.7% and 75.0% for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020 and 11.3% and 19.2% for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, respectively.  The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020 differed from the statutory federal rate of 21% primarily due to the release of an uncertain tax position during the nine months ended December 31, 2020 as discussed further below, the benefit of share-based payment awards for employees and research and development tax credits, partially offset by expenses for state income taxes, the limitations imposed by Section 162(m), and the foreign rate differential.

As part of our adoption of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we recorded an uncertain tax position in the amount of $630. During the nine months ended December 31, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") issued final regulations clarifying the law and providing greater flexibility to companies regarding substantiation requirements. As a result of the clarifications, we have determined that the uncertain tax position is no longer required and we have released it, which resulted in a $630 tax benefit during the nine months ended December 31, 2020.

The tax year ended December 31, 2018 for Gyros US, Inc., and its subsidiary, which we acquired as part of the GPT Acquisition, is under examination by the IRS. We expect the examination for this tax year to be completed within the next 12 months. 

Since we are subject to audit by various taxing authorities, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change during the next 12 months. However, we do not expect the change, if any, to have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations within the next 12 months.

Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

We review the adequacy of our legal reserves on a quarterly basis and establish reserves for loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. As of December 31, 2020, there were no material legal reserves recorded on the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

Under the terms of the revised IBP agreement, we are required to pay contingent consideration if the company is able to achieve certain operational and regulatory milestones. The potential undiscounted consideration payable ranges from €0 to €450, depending on whether units being developed are certified for sale by U.S. and foreign regulatory bodies. We currently believe that it is more likely than not that all aspects of the contingency will be achieved, and we expect to pay $555, depending on foreign exchange rates, during the year ending March 31, 2021.

Companies are required to collect and remit sales tax from certain customers if the company is determined to have nexus in a particular state. The determination of nexus varies by state and often requires technical knowledge of each jurisdiction's tax case law. During the nine months ended December 31, 2020, we determined that certain subsidiaries of GPT had established nexus in various jurisdictions during prior periods without properly collecting and remitting sales tax, and in certain cases had collected sales tax and not remitted it. We estimate the total net exposure including interest and penalties is $2,501, which is included in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Approximately $1,899 of the liability is considered a preacquisition contingency and is included in purchase accounting, which is described in further detail in Note 12. "Significant Transactions". The remainder of the liability represents $405 of sales tax payable for sales made in states where we have established nexus and $196 of interest incurred on the liabilities subsequent to the date of acquisition. 

Note 12. Significant Transactions

GPT Acquisition

On October 31, 2019, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of GPT, which comprises our new reportable segment - Biopharmaceutical Development. The acquisition of GPT expanded our presence into a new market--immunoassays and peptide synthesis solutions--that accelerate the discovery, development, and manufacturing of biotherapeutic drugs. GPT systems include laboratory instruments, consumables, kits, and software that maximize laboratory productivity by miniaturizing and automating immunoassays at nanoliter scale. GPT's protein detection is used most frequently by pharmaceutical and biotech companies that are developing protein-based drugs. This division also provides instruments, consumables, and software for the chemical synthesis of peptides from amino acids which are used in the discovery of new peptide-based drug therapies.  After adjustments, we paid cash consideration of $181,547 to the sellers in the transaction.  The acquisition was considered a stock purchase for tax purposes. 

We accounted for the GPT Acquisition as the purchase of a business and GPT's results of operations have been included in our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows from the date of acquisition. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the net assets of GPT were initially recorded as of the acquisition date at their respective estimated fair values, using information obtained during due diligence and from other sources, and consolidated with those of Mesa Labs.  We refined our valuation models, assumptions, and inputs based on additional information obtained subsequent to the closing of the transaction related to facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date in order to estimate fair value more accurately for the purchase price allocation. The preparation of the valuation required the use of Level 3 inputs, which are subject to significant assumptions and estimates. Critical estimates included, but were not limited to, future expected cash flows, including projected revenues and expenses, and the applicable discount rates. 

During the three months ended  December 31, 2020, we finalized the valuation of net assets acquired. The significant purchase price allocation changes during the nine months ended December 31, 2020 included: a net decrease of $6,002 in the value of intangible assets; a decrease of $3,752 in the value of the inventory step-up; an increase of $878 in the value of property, plant and equipment, net; and an increase of $1,899 to other accrued expenses and $500 to accounts receivable, net related to sales tax obligations of GPT that were partially indemnified in our sale and purchase agreement. See Note 11. "Commitments and Contingencies" for more information on the sales tax liability. We also made adjustments to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities primarily due to the tax effect of these changes to the purchase price allocation. During the nine months ended December 31, 2020, the cumulative net decrease to amortization expense recorded as a result of the decrease to intangible assets was $344, of which $178 of expense was recorded to cost of revenues and a benefit of $522 was recorded in general and administrative costs. Additionally, a $207 cumulative increase to depreciation expense was recorded to general and administrative costs during the three months ended September 30, 2020 as a result of the increase in the fair value of property, plant and equipment. 

The cumulative impacts of all adjustments have been reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the nine months ended December 31, 2020. The components and allocation of the purchase price consist of the following amounts:

Unaudited Pro Forma Information

GPT's operations contributed $23,863 to revenues and ($7,370) of net loss to our consolidated results during the nine months ended December 31, 2020 including cumulative-effect adjustments. The loss includes over $6,000 in amortization of intangibles acquired in a business combination and over $4,000 of realized and unrealized losses on foreign currency. We included the operating results of GPT in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning on November 1, 2019, subsequent to the acquisition date. The following pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Mesa Labs and GPT as if the acquisition had occurred on April 1, 2019 after giving effect to certain pro forma adjustments. The pro forma adjustments reflected only include those adjustments that are directly attributable to the GPT Acquisition, factually supportable and have a recurring impact; they do not reflect any adjustments for anticipated expense savings resulting from the acquisition and are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have actually occurred had the transaction been consummated on April 1, 2019 or of future results. 

(1) Net revenues were adjusted to include net revenues of GPT. 

(2) Pro forma adjustments to net earnings attributable to Mesa Labs include the following:

Note 13. Segment Information

As of December 31, 2020, we had four reportable segments, Sterilization and Disinfection Control, Instruments, Biopharmaceutical Development, and Continuous Monitoring. Results for the Cold Chain Packaging division, which we exited during the year ended March 31, 2020, are now presented within Corporate and Other. The following tables set forth our segment information: 

The following table sets forth assets by reportable segment: 

The increase in total assets was primarily attributable to $145,935 of cash proceeds resulting from the sale and issuance of 600,000 shares of our common stock during the nine months ended December 31, 2020, discussed in Note 8. "Stockholders' Equity", as well the effect of foreign currency translation on assets. 

Note 14. Subsequent Events

In January 2021, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share of common stock, payable on March 15, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 26, 2021.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Investors are cautioned that statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q which are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, express or implied statements or guidance regarding current or future financial performance and position, potential impairment of future earnings, anticipated effects of, and future actions to be taken in response to, the COVID-19 pandemic, management’s strategy, plans and objectives for future operations or acquisitions, product development and sales, product candidate research, development and regulatory approval, selling, general and administrative expenditures, intellectual property, development and manufacturing plans, availability of materials and product and adequacy of capital resources and financing plans constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which the Company operates, and management’s beliefs and assumptions. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise the statements in light of future developments. In addition, other written and oral statements that constitute forward-looking statements may be made by the Company or on the Company’s behalf. Words such as “expect,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “may,” “target,” “project,” or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including risks associated with: the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the myriad of its effects on our business including related decreases in customer demand and spending; our ability to successfully grow our business, including as a result of acquisitions; the market acceptance of our products; technological or market viability of our products; reduced demand for our products that adversely impacts our future revenues, cash flows, results of operations and financial condition; inability to consummate acquisitions at our historical rate and at appropriate prices, and to effectively integrate acquired businesses; conditions in the global economy and the particular markets we serve; significant developments or uncertainties stemming from the U.S. government, including changes in U.S. trade policies and medical device regulations; the timely development and commercialization, and customer acceptance, of enhanced and new products and services; laws regulating fraud and abuse in the health care industry and the privacy and security of health and personal information; outstanding claims, legal proceedings, international business challenges and regulations including anti-corruption and sanctions laws; tax audits and assessments and other contingent liabilities; and foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates.  Further information on potential risk factors that could affect our financial results are included in the filings made by us from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission including under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended March 31, 2020 and our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Qs. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Business Overview

We are a multinational manufacturer, developer, and seller of quality control products and services, many of which are sold into niche markets that are driven by regulatory requirements. We have manufacturing operations in North America and Europe and our products are marketed by our sales personnel in North America, Europe, China, Japan, and by distributors in these areas as well as throughout the rest of the world. We prefer markets in which we can establish a strong presence and achieve high gross margins. As of December 31, 2020, we managed our operations in four reportable segments, or divisions: Sterilization and Disinfection Control, Instruments, Biopharmaceutical Development, and Continuous Monitoring, each of which are described further in Results of Operations below.  Non-reportable operating segments (including our Cold Chain Packaging division which ceased operations during the year ended March 31, 2020) and unallocated corporate expenses are reported within Corporate and Other.

As discussed in Note 8. "Stockholders' Equity" within Item 1. "Financial Statements," we completed an equity offering of our common stock, which provided $145,935, net of discounts and issuance costs. We intend to use the money raised for general corporate purposes, which may include furthering our acquisition strategy.

Corporate Strategy

We strive to create shareholder value and further our purpose of Protecting the Vulnerable^® by growing our business both organically and through further acquisitions, by improving our operating efficiency, and by continuing to hire, develop and retain top talent.  As a business, we commit to our purpose of Protecting the Vulnerable^® every day by taking a customer-focused approach to developing, building, and delivering our products. We serve a broad set of industries that require dependable quality control and calibration solutions to ensure the safety and efficacy of the products they use, and by delivering the highest quality products possible, we are committed to protecting people, the environment, and end products. 

Our revenues come from product sales, which includes hardware, software, and consumables; as well as services, which include installation, discrete maintenance services, and ongoing maintenance contracts. Revenues increase as a result of organic or inorganic revenues growth. Inorganic revenues growth is driven by acquisitions. 

We continue to focus on improving our operating efficiency The Mesa Way, which is our customer-centric, lean based system for continuously improving and operating a set of high-margin, niche businesses. The Mesa Way is based on four pillars:

Finally, we hire, develop, and retain top talent, capable of taking on new challenges using a team approach to continuously improve our products, our services, and ourselves, resulting in long-term value creation for our shareholders.  

COVID-19 and Business Update

During March 2020, the impact from the spreading of COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization and a national public health emergency in the United States. The consequences of the outbreak and impact to the economy have continued to evolve throughout the nine months ended December 31, 2020 and we are unable to ascertain the full extent of the impact on our business as of the date of this filing. Throughout our fiscal year, the pandemic has continued to present substantial public health and economic challenges around the world and is affecting our employees, business operations, and operating segments in various ways.

As COVID-19 has continued to spread and significantly affect markets around the world, we have continued to enforce company policies that are focused on ensuring the safety of our employees while also delivering our goods to customers across the world. Due to the critical nature of our products and services, we are generally exempt from governmental orders in the U.S. and other countries requiring businesses to suspend operations. Nevertheless, the pandemic brought a material disruption to our operations. To protect employees and comply with regulations and recommendations to limit gatherings and increase social distancing, we require office-based employees to work remotely in most cases, and we implemented enhanced safety protocols at our manufacturing facilities, including performing health checks at the start of shifts, utilizing contact tracing technology to support case investigation when needed, and maximizing the amount of space between workspaces. We have taken aggressive steps to limit the exposure and enhance the safety of our facilities for employees working so that we can continue to supply products and services to our customers, although there is no guarantee that our measures will be successful. Additionally, we continue to evaluate and monitor the condition of our supply chain and work with our suppliers to develop contingency plans for potential supply interruptions. 

Our business has encountered challenges resulting from COVID-19, as the global downturn resulted in a slow-down in demand for many of the products and services that we offer. The impact on our businesses is outlined below:

Sales of our hardware products have historically been more sensitive to general economic conditions than sales of our consumables. The COVID-19 induced economic downturn appears to be having a similar impact, as businesses are postponing certain capital spending in response to economic uncertainty, declines in income and asset values, tighter credit, unemployment, and negative financial news. Even as the broad healthcare industry has begun to return to more normal operations resulting in increased sales levels in some of our divisions, outbreaks and increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in many areas, especially the U.S. and Europe, have and may continue to result in the reinstatement of strict regulations, which we expect would result in lower sales levels. We believe that COVID-19 related uncertainties, restrictions, and suppressed demand will continue to negatively impact our business during the remainder of the year ending March 31, 2021, and continuing into our year ending March 31, 2022. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided as a public health matter, we may experience material adverse impacts to our business as a result of its adverse impact on the global economy, in-person collaboration and sales efforts, and our customers’ changed purchasing behavior and confidence.

Gross profit is affected by our product mix, manufacturing efficiencies, and price competition. Historically, as we have integrated our acquisitions and taken advantage of manufacturing efficiencies, our gross profit percentages for some products have improved. There are, however, differences in gross profit percentages between product lines, and ultimately the mix of sales will continue to impact our overall gross profit.

Results of Operations

Our results of operations and period-over-period changes are discussed in the following section. The tables and discussion below should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto appearing in Item 1. Financial Statements (in thousands, except percent data).

Revenues from our reportable segments increased 9% and 18%, organic revenues growth was 1% and declined 3%, and gross profit as a percentage of revenues increased 14 percentage points and eight percentage points for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, respectively. Results by reportable segment are as follows: