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MESA LABORATORIES INC /CO/ - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)

mlab20230930_10q.htm
 

 



Table of Contents

 

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023

or

 

 

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

 

For the transition period from ___ to ___

 

Commission File No: 0-11740

 


 

MESA LABORATORIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Colorado

 

84-0872291

 
 

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

 
 

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification number)

 
     
 

12100 West Sixth Avenue

   
 

Lakewood, Colorado

 

80228

 
 

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 987-8000

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each classTrading SymbolName on each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par valueMLABThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ☒   No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒     No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☒

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company ☐

Emerging growth company ☐

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐     No ☒

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

There were 5,391,726 shares of the Issuer’s common stock, no par value, outstanding as of October 30, 2023.

 



 

 



 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Part I. Financial Information

1
   
 

Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) 

1
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

1
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

2
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)

3
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

4
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6
 

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

14
 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

20
 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

21
     

Part II. Other Information

22
   
 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

22
 

Item 1A.  Risk factors

22
 

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

22
  Item 5. Other Information 22
 

Item 6.  Exhibits

23
 

Signatures

24
 

Exhibit 31.1 Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

 
 

Exhibit 31.2 Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

 
 

Exhibit 32.1 Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C Section 1350

 
 

Exhibit 32.2 Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C Section 1350

 

 

 

 

Part I. Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

  

September 30,

  

March 31,

 
  

2023

  

2023

 

ASSETS

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $35,617  $32,910 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $979 and $849, respectively

  36,340   42,551 

Inventories

  32,879   34,642 

Prepaid expenses and other

  12,826   8,872 

Total current assets

  117,662   118,975 

Noncurrent assets:

        

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $21,324 and $19,768 respectively

  28,574   28,149 

Deferred tax asset

  1,051   1,076 

Other assets

  8,953   10,373 

Customer relationships, net

  137,057   152,189 

Intellectual property, net

  43,416   46,400 

Other intangibles, net

  17,207   18,226 

Goodwill

  283,268   286,444 

Total assets

 $637,188  $661,832 
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

        

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable

 $4,810  $6,134 

Accrued payroll and benefits

  8,353   9,433 

Unearned revenues

  14,316   15,694 

Other accrued expenses

  12,337   12,098 

Total current liabilities

  39,816   43,359 

Noncurrent liabilities:

        

Deferred tax liability

  33,437   34,028 

Other long-term liabilities

  5,443   7,693 

Credit Facility

  -   13,000 

Convertible senior notes, net of debt issuance costs

  170,733   170,272 

Total liabilities

  249,429   268,352 

Stockholders’ equity:

        

Common stock, no par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 5,391,726 and 5,369,466 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

  337,869   332,076 

Retained earnings

  70,699   74,199 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)

  (20,809)  (12,795)

Total stockholders’ equity

  387,759   393,480 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 $637,188  $661,832 

 

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
                 

Revenues

 $53,165  $58,749  $103,810  $109,202 

Cost of revenues

  21,056   22,363   40,518   41,475 

Gross profit

  32,109   36,386   63,292   67,727 

Operating expense:

                

Selling

  9,650   9,200   18,626   19,223 

General and administrative

  17,526   18,202   35,586   38,414 

Research and development

  4,993   4,989   9,804   10,689 

Total operating expense

  32,169   32,391   64,016   68,326 

Operating (loss) income

  (60)  3,995   (724)  (599)

Nonoperating expense:

                

Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs

  905   1,214   1,953   2,228 

Other expense (income), net

  360   (603)  (415)  (799)

Total nonoperating expense, net

  1,265   611   1,538   1,429 

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

  (1,325)  3,384   (2,262)  (2,028)

Income tax (benefit) expense

  (95)  2,078   (483)  (1,896)

Net (loss) income

 $(1,230) $1,306  $(1,779) $(132)
                 

Net (loss) earnings per share:

                

Basic

 $(0.23) $0.25  $(0.33) $(0.02)

Diluted

 $(0.23) $0.24  $(0.33) $(0.02)
                 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

                

Basic

  5,387   5,323   5,379   5,298 

Diluted

  5,387   5,364   5,379   5,298 

 

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)

(unaudited)

(in thousands) 

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
                 

Net (loss) income

 $(1,230) $1,306  $(1,779) $(132)

Other comprehensive (loss):

                

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (1,353)  (13,226)  (8,014)  (29,183)

Comprehensive (loss)

 $(2,583) $(11,920) $(9,793) $(29,315)

 

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

  

Common Stock

             
  

Number of Shares

  

Amount

  

Retained Earnings

  

AOCI*

  

Total

 

March 31, 2023

  5,369,466  $332,076  $74,199  $(12,795) $393,480 

Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units

  20,074   52   -   -   52 

Tax withholding on vesting of restricted stock units

  (5,260)  (712)  -   -   (712)

Dividends paid, $0.16 per share

  -   -   (859)  -   (859)

Stock-based compensation expense

  -   2,968   -   -   2,968 

Foreign currency translation

  -   -   -   (6,661)  (6,661)

Net (loss)

  -   -   (549)  -   (549)

June 30, 2023

  5,384,280  $334,384  $72,791  $(19,456) $387,719 

Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units

  7,464   304   -   -   304 

Tax withholding on vesting of restricted stock units

  (18)  (2)  -   -   (2)

Dividends paid, $0.16 per share

  -   -   (862)  -   (862)

Stock-based compensation expense

  -   3,183   -   -   3,183 

Foreign currency translation

  -   -   -   (1,353)  (1,353)

Net (loss)

  -   -   (1,230)  -   (1,230)

September 30, 2023

  5,391,726  $337,869  $70,699  $(20,809) $387,759 

 

 

  

Common Stock

             
  

Number of Shares

  

Amount

  

Retained Earnings

  

AOCI*

  

Total

 

March 31, 2022

  5,265,627  $313,460  $76,675  $3,666  $393,801 

Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units

  31,690   1,438   -   -   1,438 

Tax withholding on vesting of restricted stock units

  (9)  (2)  -   -   (2)

Dividends paid, $0.16 per share

  -   -   (843)  -   (843)

Stock-based compensation expense

  -   3,432   -   -   3,432 

Foreign currency translation

  -   -   -   (15,957)  (15,957)

Net (loss)

  -   -   (1,438)  -   (1,438)

June 30, 2022

  5,297,308  $318,328  $74,394  $(12,291) $380,431 

Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units

  42,014   2,778   -   -   2,778 

Tax withholding on vesting of restricted stock units

  (3,051)  (572)  -   -   (572)

Dividends paid, $0.16 per share

  -   -   (852)  -   (852)

Stock-based compensation expense

  -   4,371   -   -   4,371 

Foreign currency translation

  -   -   -   (13,226)  (13,226)

Net income

  -   -   1,306   -   1,306 

September 30, 2022

  5,336,271  $324,905  $74,848  $(25,517) $374,236 

 

*Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income.

 

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

  

Six Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net (loss)

 $(1,779) $(132)

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:

        

Depreciation and amortization

  16,230   16,189 

Stock-based compensation expense

  6,151   7,803 

Non-cash interest and debt amortization

  461   452 

Other

  1,137   (1,544)

Cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable, net

  5,448   (2,657)

Inventories

  (184)  (4,065)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  (3,528)  (3,052)

Accounts payable

  (1,307)  243 

Accrued liabilities and taxes payable

  (1,743)  (5,869)

Unearned revenues

  (1,171)  378 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  19,715   7,746 

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

  (904)  (1,864)

Net cash (used in) investing activities

  (904)  (1,864)

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Payments of debt

  (13,000)  (22,000)

Dividends

  (1,721)  (1,695)

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

  356   4,216 

Payment of tax withholding obligation on vesting of restricted stock

  (714)  (574)

Net cash (used in) financing activities

  (15,079)  (20,053)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

  (1,025)  (2,798)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  2,707   (16,969)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  32,910   49,346 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $35,617  $32,377 

 

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.”

 

We are a multinational manufacturer, developer, and seller of life science tools and critical quality control products and services, many of which are sold into niche markets driven by regulatory requirements. We have manufacturing operations in the United States and Europe, and our products are marketed by our sales personnel in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, and by independent 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 profit margins.

 

As of September 30, 2023, we managed our operations in four reportable segments, or divisions:

 

 Sterilization and Disinfection Control - manufactures and sells biological, cleaning, and chemical indicators used to assess the effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection processes in the pharmaceutical, medical device, hospital, and dental industries. The division also provides testing and laboratory services, mainly to the dental industry. 
 

Clinical Genomics - develops, manufactures and sells highly sensitive, low-cost, high-throughput genetic analysis tools and related consumables and services that enable clinical labs to perform genomic testing for a broad range of diagnostic and research applications in several therapeutic areas, such as screenings for hereditary diseases, pharmacogenetics, and oncology related applications.

 

Biopharmaceutical Development - develops, manufactures, and sells automated systems for protein analysis (immunoassays) and peptide synthesis solutions. Immunoassays and peptide synthesis solutions accelerate the discovery, development, and manufacture of biotherapeutic therapies, among other applications. 

 

Calibration Solutions - develops, manufactures and sells quality control products using principles of advanced metrology to measure or calibrate critical chemical or physical parameters in various dialysis, process monitoring, instrument monitoring, environmental monitoring, gas flow, environmental air quality, and torque applications, primarily in medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratory, and hospital environments.

 

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 the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, such unaudited information includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement 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. We made no material changes to the application of our significant accounting policies that were disclosed in our Form 10-K. 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, 2023.

 

Our fiscal year ends on March 31. References in this Quarterly Report to a particular “year” or “quarter” refer to our fiscal year or fiscal quarters, respectively.

 

Prior Period Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts presented have been reclassified to conform with current presentation. The reclassifications have not resulted in any changes to consolidated or segment amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements for any periods presented in this Form 10-Q.

 

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 judgment about the outcome of future events. The global business environment continues to be impacted by cost pressure, the overall effects of economic uncertainty on customers' purchasing patterns, high interest rates, and other factors. It is not possible to accurately predict the future impact of such events and circumstances. Actual results could differ from our estimates.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

We have reviewed all recently issued accounting pronouncements and have concluded that they are either not applicable to us or are not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Note 2. Significant Transactions

 

Acquisition of GKE

On October 14, 2023, we executed a purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of GKE GmbH and SAL GmbH, and subject to applicable Chinese regulatory approvals, 100% of the outstanding shares of Beijing GKE Science & Technology Co. Ltd. (together, "GKE" or the "GKE acquisition"). GKE develops, manufactures and sells a highly competitive portfolio of chemical sterilization indicators to protect patient safety across global healthcare markets. GKE’s strength in chemical indicators and our Sterilization and Disinfection Control division’s strength in biologic indictors are complementary, as chemical and biologic indicators are used in the same sterility validation workflows. Additionally, GKE’s healthcare-focused commercial capabilities and geographic coverage greatly expand our reach within the healthcare markets.

 

Total cash consideration for the GKE acquisition was €85,000, net of cash and debt and subject to customary purchase price adjustments. Of the total acquisition price, €8,500 will be held back for a period of 18 months from the acquisition closing date as security against potential indemnification losses. An additional €5,000 of the acquisition price, net of cash and debt and subject to customary adjustments, specifically related to the purchase of Beijing GKE Science & Technology Co. Ltd., will be paid to the sellers upon satisfaction of applicable Chinese regulatory approvals. We funded the acquisition through a combination of cash on-hand and $65,000 borrowed under our line of credit (See Note 7. "Indebtedness"). We began operating GKE GmbH and SAL GmbH on October 16, 2023, on which date they will also be included as wholly owned subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements. Due to the recent nature of the acquisition, our initial purchase price accounting is incomplete. 

 

Belyntic GmbH

On November 17, 2022, we acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Belyntic GmbH’s peptide purification business (“the Belyntic acquisition”) for $6,450, of which $4,950 was paid on the date of acquisition. The remaining $1,500 will be paid as patent applications are approved. The business complements our existing peptide synthesis business, part of the Biopharmaceutical Development segment, by adding a new consumables line. The new PurePep® EasyClean products are a green chemistry solution to purify peptides.

 

During fiscal year 2023, we prepared a preliminary analysis of the valuation of net assets acquired in the Belyntic acquisition. During the six months ended September 30, 2023, based on a detailed financial analysis of the financial model, we recorded measurement period adjustments to reclassify amounts from intangible assets into goodwill. Our preliminary purchase price allocation is subject to further revision as more detailed analyses are completed.

 

 

Note 3. Revenue

 

We develop, manufacture, market, sell and maintain life sciences tools and quality control instruments and related consumables, and services. We evaluate revenues internally primarily based on operating segment and the nature of goods and services provided.

 

Hardware sales include physical products such as instruments used for molecular and genetic analysis, protein synthesizers, medical meters, wireless sensor systems, and data loggers. Hardware sales  may be offered with accompanying perpetual or annual software licenses, which in some cases are required for the hardware to function.

 

Consumables are typically used on a one-time basis and require frequent replacement in our customers' operating cycles. Consumables such as reagents used for molecular and genetic analysis or solutions used for protein synthesis are critical to the ongoing use of our instruments. Consumables such as biological indicator test strips are used on a standalone basis.

 

We also offer maintenance, calibration, and testing service contracts. Under our service contracts we perform labor and replace parts on an as-needed basis over a contractually specified period of time, or perform specific, discrete services. 

 

Typically, revenue is recognized upon shipment of a product, upon completion of a discrete service, or over a period of time reflective of the performance period in the applicable contract, depending on when our obligation to the customer is satisfied. The significant majority 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 six months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively:

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

 
  

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

  

Clinical Genomics

  

Biopharmaceutical Development

  

Calibration Solutions

  

Total

 
                     

Consumables

 $14,749  $9,963  $4,187  $786  $29,685 

Hardware and Software

  120   4,474   2,475   6,884   13,953 

Services

  2,211   1,112   2,545   3,659   9,527 

Total Revenues

 $17,080  $15,549  $9,207  $11,329  $53,165 

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 
  

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

  

Clinical Genomics

  

Biopharmaceutical Development

  

Calibration Solutions

  

Total

 
                     

Consumables

 $14,704  $12,399  $4,000  $865  $31,968 

Hardware and Software

  218   4,394   5,988   5,980   16,580 

Services

  2,042   1,642   2,156   4,361   10,201 

Total Revenues

 $16,964  $18,435  $12,144  $11,206  $58,749 

 

Page 7

 
  

Six Months Ended September 30, 2023

 
  

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

  

Clinical Genomics

  

Biopharmaceutical Development

  

Calibration Solutions

  

Total

 

Consumables

 $28,456  $18,732  $8,673  $1,295  $57,156 

Hardware and Software

  201   7,901   5,166   13,962   27,230 

Services

  4,350   2,285   5,257   7,532   19,424 

Total Revenues

 $33,007  $28,918  $19,096  $22,789  $103,810 

 

  

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 
  

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

  

Clinical Genomics

  

Biopharmaceutical Development

  

Calibration Solutions

  

Total

 
                     

Consumables

 $26,932  $23,930  $7,664  $1,719  $60,245 

Hardware and Software

  524   5,885   10,812   11,673   28,894 

Services

  4,282   3,125   4,635   8,021   20,063 

Total Revenues

 $31,738  $32,940  $23,111  $21,413  $109,202 

 

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

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

United States

 $27,073  $30,989  $53,610  $60,111 

China

  7,529   7,480   13,642   11,177 

Other

  18,563   20,280   36,558   37,914 

Total revenues

 $53,165  $58,749  $103,810  $109,202 

 

Other than China, no foreign country exceeded 10% of total revenues for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

Contract Balances

Our contracts have varying payment terms and conditions. Some customers prepay for products and services, resulting in unearned revenues or customer deposits, called contract liabilities. Short-term contract liabilities are included within unearned revenues in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and long-term contract liabilities are included within other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

A summary of contract liabilities is as follows:

 

Contract liabilities as of March 31, 2023

 $16,098 

Prior year contract liabilities recognized in revenues during the six months ended September 30, 2023

  (6,399)

Contract liabilities added during the six months ended September 30, 2023, net of revenues recognized

  4,934 

Contract liabilities balance as of September 30, 2023

 $14,633 

 

Contract liabilities primarily relate to service contracts with original expected service durations of 12 months or less and will be recognized to revenue over time as our performance obligations are satisfied.

 

Page 8

 
 

Note 4. 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; they are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. 

 

Historically, the financial instruments that subject us to the highest concentration of credit risk are cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We maintain relationships and cash deposits at multiple banking institutions across the world in an effort to diversify and reduce risk of loss. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited to customers to whom we make significant sales. No customers accounted for more than 10% of total trade receivables as of September 30, 2023.

 

We record an allowance for potential uncollectible amounts against our accounts receivable using historical collection experience and current and expected future economic and market conditions. To manage credit risk, we consider the creditworthiness of new and existing customers, and we regularly review outstanding balances and payment histories. We  may require pre-payments from customers under certain circumstances and  may limit future purchases until payments are made on past due amounts.

 

We have outstanding $172,500 aggregate principal amount of 1.375% convertible senior notes due  August 15, 2025 (the "Notes"). We estimate the fair value of the Notes using Level 2 inputs based on the last actively traded price or observable market input preceding the end of the reporting period, and the fair value is approximately correlated to our stock price.

 

The estimated fair value and carrying value of the Notes was as follows:

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

March 31, 2023

 
  

Carrying Value

  

Fair Value (Level 2)

  

Carrying Value

  

Fair Value (Level 2)

 

Notes

 $170,733  $155,681  $170,272  $161,072 

 

We are obligated to pay contingent consideration of $1,500 cash related to the Belyntic acquisition upon approval of pending patent applications. We estimate the fair value of the contingent consideration using a probability-weighted outcome analysis based on our expectations of patent approval, leveraging our historical experience and expert input, and we adjust the estimated fair value at each reporting period through earnings. The fair value of the contingent consideration was $1,180 as of September 30, 2023 and is recorded in other accrued expenses on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The first subset of patents was granted by the European Patent Office effective October 18, 2023, and we anticipate approval of the remaining pending patents within one year of September 30, 2023.

 

Amounts recognized or disclosed at fair value in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis include the initial recognition and disclosure of most assets and liabilities purchased in business acquisitions and any related measurement period adjustments. Additionally, assets such as property and equipment, operating lease assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets are adjusted to fair value if determined to be impaired. We recorded no impairments during the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 or 2022. Fair values of such assets and liabilities require measurement using Level 3 inputs.

 

There were no transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy during the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 or 2022.

 

 

Note 5. Supplemental Balance Sheets Information

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

March 31, 2023

 

Raw materials

 $20,203  $20,064 

Work in process

  633   617 

Finished goods

  12,043   13,961 

Total inventories

 $32,879  $34,642 

 

The decrease in inventories is primarily attributable to non-cash scrap expense and transfers of instruments to be used in our business from inventory to fixed assets, partially offset by inventory purchases to meet current production needs. 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following: 

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

March 31, 2023

 

Prepaid expenses

 $3,494  $2,498 

Deposits

  1,563   1,376 

Prepaid income taxes

  3,534   953 

Other current assets

  4,235   4,045 

Total prepaid expenses and other

 $12,826  $8,872 

 

Accrued payroll and benefits consisted of the following:

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

March 31, 2023

 

Bonus payable

 $3,317  $4,461 

Wages and paid-time-off payable

  2,139   2,329 

Payroll related taxes

  1,854   1,982 

Other benefits payable

  1,043   661 

Total accrued payroll and benefits

 $8,353  $9,433 

 

Page 9

 

Other accrued expenses consisted of the following: 

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

March 31, 2023

 

Accrued business taxes

 $6,079  $5,941 

Current operating lease liabilities

  2,784   2,868 

Income taxes payable

  343   992 

Other

  3,131   2,297 

Total other accrued expenses

 $12,337  $12,098 

 

 

Note 6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net

 

Intangible assets, the significant majority of which are finite-lived, consisted of the following:

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

March 31, 2023

 
  

Gross Carrying Amount

  

Accumulated Amortization

  

Net Carrying Amount

  

Gross Carrying Amount

  

Accumulated Amortization

  

Net Carrying Amount

 

Customer relationships

 $231,543  $(94,486) $137,057  $238,247  $(86,058) $152,189 

Intellectual property

  66,576   (23,160)  43,416   65,950   (19,550)  46,400 

Other intangibles

  24,437   (7,230)  17,207   24,793   (6,567)  18,226 

Total

 $322,556  $(124,876) $197,680  $328,990  $(112,175) $216,815 

 

Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets acquired in a business combination was as follows:

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Amortization in cost of revenues

 $1,756  $1,691  $3,484  $3,399 

Amortization in general and administrative

  5,429   5,415   10,921   11,027 

Total

 $7,185  $7,106  $14,405  $14,426 

 

For the following fiscal years ending March 31, amortization expense is estimated as follows:

 

Remainder of 2024

 $13,803 

2025

  26,523 

2026

  25,765 

2027

  25,270 

2028

  24,825 

 

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

 

  

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

  

Clinical Genomics

  

Biopharmaceutical Development

  

Calibration Solutions

  

Total

 

March 31, 2023

 $29,559  $135,811  $83,857  $37,217   286,444 

Effect of foreign currency translation

  (201)  (180)  (3,612)  (24)  (4,017)

Measurement period adjustment - Belyntic Acquisition

  -   -   841   -   841 

September 30, 2023

 $29,358  $135,631  $81,086  $37,193  $283,268 

 

Goodwill in the Biopharmaceutical Development division related to the Belyntic acquisition is tax deductible.

 

Note 7. Indebtedness

 

Credit Facility

As of  September 30, 2023, we maintained a four-year senior credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that included 1) a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $75,000, 2) a swingline loan in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $5,000, and 3) letters of credit in an aggregate stated amount not exceeding $2,500. The Credit Facility matures in March 2025. The Credit Facility also provides for an incremental term loan or an increase in revolving commitments in an aggregate principal amount of at a minimum $25,000 and at a maximum $75,000, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and lender considerations. As of September 30, 2023, we had no outstanding balances under the Credit Facility.

 

The financial covenants in the Credit Facility include a maximum leverage ratio of 4.5 to 1.0 for the period ended September 30, 2023, except that we  may have a leverage ratio of 5.75 to 1.0 for a period of four consecutive quarters following a permitted acquisition. The Credit Facility also stipulates a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.0. Other covenants include restrictions on our ability to incur debt, grant liens, make fundamental changes, engage in certain transactions with affiliates, or conduct asset sales. As of  September 30, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants.

 

Amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility bear interest at either a base rate or a SOFR rate plus an applicable spread. We are obligated to pay quarterly unused commitment fees of between 0.15% and 0.35% of the Credit Facility’s aggregate principal amount, based on our leverage ratio. 

 

On October 5, 2023, we amended the terms of the Credit Facility to increase the maximum principal amount available to us from $75,000 to $125,000. On October 11, 2023, we borrowed $65,000 under the facility at a current interest rate of 6.9% to partially fund the acquisition of GKE. See Note 2. "Significant Transactions" for further information.

 

Page 10

 

Convertible Notes 

On August 12, 2019, we issued an aggregate principal amount of $172,500 of Notes. The net proceeds from the Notes, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other related offering expenses payable by us, were approximately $167,056. 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. The Notes are initially convertible, subject to certain conditions, at a conversion rate of 3.5273 shares of 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. 

 

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. The circumstances necessary for conversion were not met during the three and six months ended September 30, 2023. As of September 30, 2023, the Notes were classified as a long-term liability on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The if-converted value of the Notes did not exceed the principal balance as of  September 30, 2023.

 

The net carrying amount of the Notes was as follows:

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

March 31, 2023

 

Principal outstanding

 $172,500  $172,500 

Unamortized debt issuance costs

  (1,767)  (2,228)

Net carrying value

 $170,733  $170,272 

 

We recognized interest expense on the Notes as follows:

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Coupon interest expense at 1.375%

 $593  $593  $1,186  $1,186 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

  231   227   461   452 

Total interest and amortization of debt issuance costs

 $824  $820  $1,647  $1,638 

 

The effective interest rate on the notes is approximately 1.9%.

 

 

Note 8. Stockholders' Equity

 

Stock-Based Compensation

During the six months ended September 30, 2023, we issued stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance-based restricted stock units ("PSUs") pursuant to the Mesa Laboratories, Inc. Amended and Restated 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2021 Equity Plan"), which authorizes the issuance of 660 shares of common stock to eligible participants.

 

Expense recognized related to stock-based compensation is as follows: 

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 $3,183  $4,371  $6,151  $7,803 

Amount of income tax expense (benefit) recognized in earnings

  1,389   (89)  517   (2,081)

Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

 $4,572  $4,282  $6,668  $5,722 

 

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 six months ended September 30, 2023:

 

  

Stock Options

 
  

Shares Subject to Options

  

Weighted- Average Exercise Price per Share

  

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)

  

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

Outstanding as of March 31, 2023

  163  $200.62   3.3  $1,643 

Awards granted

  53   131.67         

Awards forfeited or expired

  (15)  213.22         

Awards exercised

  (2)  132.40         

Outstanding as of September 30, 2023

  199  $181.90   3.7  $- 

 

Page 11

 

The stock options granted during the six months ended September 30, 2023 vest in equal installments on the first, second, and third anniversary of the grant date.

 

The following is a summary of RSU and PSU award activity for the six months ended September 30, 2023:

 

  

Time-Based Restricted Stock Units

  

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units

 
  

Number of Shares

  

Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share

  

Number of Shares

  

Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share

 

Outstanding as of March 31, 2023(1)

  57  $209.27   44  $286.02 

Awards granted(1)

  53   134.35   32   132.29 

Awards forfeited

  (3)  179.82   -   - 

Awards distributed

  (25)  208.33   -   - 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2023(1)

  82  $162.48   76  $223.07 

 

(1)

Balances for PSUs are reflected at target.

 

Outstanding time-based RSUs vest and settle in shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. The majority of the RSUs granted to employees during the six months ended September 30, 2023 vest in equal installments on the first, second, and third anniversary of the grant date. RSUs granted to certain executives during the six months ended  September 30, 2023 vest in equal installments on September 1, 2024, June 21, 2025 and June 21, 2026. RSUs granted to non-employee directors during the six months ended September 30, 2023 vest one year from the grant date. We recognize the expense relating to RSUs, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

 

We grant PSUs to certain key employees. The number of shares earned is determined at the end of each performance period based on Mesa's achievement of certain pre-defined targets defined in the related award agreement. PSUs vest upon completion of the service period described in the award agreement. We recognize the expense relating to the performance-based RSUs based on the probable outcome of achievement of the performance targets on a straight-line basis over the service period. 

 

During the six months ended September 30, 2023, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors created a plan to award 32 PSUs at target (the "FY24 PSUs") with a grant date fair value of $132.29 that are subject to service, performance, and market conditions to eligible employees. The service period is from April 1, 2023 through June 21, 2026. The company performance conditions will be measured for the period from April 1, 2023 through  March 31, 2024. The quantity of shares that will be earned based upon company performance will range from 0% to 200% of the targeted number of shares; if the defined minimum targets are not met, then no shares will vest for performance. In addition, the number of PSUs earned based on company performance will be adjusted up or down by a maximum of 20% pursuant to a market-based measure of performance comparing Mesa’s share price to a peer group over the period from April 1, 2023 until March 31, 2026. 

 

 

Note 9. Net (Loss) Earnings Per Share

 

Basic net (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 stock options and both time and performance based RSUs (collectively “stock awards”), as well as common shares underlying our Notes. Stock awards are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS if they are subject to performance conditions that have not yet been achieved or if they are antidilutive. Diluted EPS does not consider the impact of potentially dilutive in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an antidilutive effect in such cases.

 

The impact of the assumed conversion of the Notes calculated under the if-converted method was antidilutive, and as such, shares underlying the Notes were excluded from the diluted EPS calculation for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.

 

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

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Net (loss) income

 $(1,230) $1,306  $(1,779) $(132)

Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock

  5,387   5,323   5,379   5,298 

Dilutive effect of stock options

  -   27   -   - 

Dilutive effect of RSUs

  -   14   -   - 

Fully diluted shares

  5,387   5,364   5,379   5,298 
                 

Basic (loss) earnings per share

 $(0.23) $0.25  $(0.33) $(0.02)

Diluted (loss) earnings per share

 $(0.23) $0.24  $(0.33) $(0.02)

 

Page 12

 

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

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Assumed conversion of the Notes

  608   608   608   608 

Stock awards that were anti-dilutive

  282   154   255   328 

Stock awards subject to performance and market conditions

  43   60   41   52 

Total stock awards excluded from diluted EPS

  933   822   904   988 

 

 

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. There is a potential for volatility in the effective tax rate due to several factors, including changes in the mix of the pre-tax income and the jurisdictions to which they relate, changes in tax laws and foreign tax holidays, settlement with taxing authorities, and foreign currency fluctuations.

 

Our effective income tax rate was 21.4% for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 93.5% for the six months ended September 30, 2022. The effective tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 2023 differed from the statutory federal rate of 21% primarily due to the share-based payment awards for employees and the effect of income generated in foreign jurisdictions. The change in our effective tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior period is primarily due to lower windfall benefits on stock option exercises.

 

 

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 September 30, 2023, there were no material legal reserves recorded on the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

As part of the Belyntic acquisition, we have agreed to pay $1,500 to the sellers if contractually specified patents are issued. Effective October 18, 2023, a subset of the patents was issued by the European Patent Office, and we believe it is probable the remaining patents will be issued and we will pay the sellers in full within the next 12 months. 

 

As part of the GKE acquisition consummated on October 14, 2023, we will pay the sellers €8,500 of the acquisition price 18 months following the acquisition date, pending adjustments for potential indemnification losses that may arise. We will pay the sellers an additional €5,000 of the acquisition price, net of cash and debt and subject to customary adjustments, upon satisfaction of Chinese regulatory approvals for the Beijing GKE Science & Technology Co. Ltd. portion of the acquisition.

 

 

Note 12. Segment Information

 

The following tables set forth our segment information:

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Revenues:

                

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

 $17,080  $16,964  $33,007  $31,738 

Clinical Genomics

  15,549   18,435   28,918   32,940 

Biopharmaceutical Development

  9,207   12,144   19,096   23,111 

Calibration Solutions

  11,329   11,206   22,789   21,413 

Total revenues (a)

 $53,165  $58,749  $103,810  $109,202 
                 

Gross profit:

                

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

 $12,476  $12,199  $24,067  $22,967 

Clinical Genomics

  7,727   10,641   14,455   18,490 

Biopharmaceutical Development

  5,509   7,557   11,942   14,634 

Calibration Solutions

  6,407   6,007   12,838   11,671 

Reportable segment gross profit

  32,119   36,404   63,302   67,762 

Corporate and Other (b)

  (10)  (18)  (10)  (35)

Gross profit

 $32,109  $36,386  $63,292  $67,727 

Reconciling Items:

                

Operating expense

  32,169   32,391   64,016   68,326 

Operating (loss) income

  (60)  3,995   (724)  (599)

Nonoperating expense, net

  1,265   611   1,538   1,429 

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

 $(1,325) $3,384  $(2,262) $(2,028)

 

 

(a)

Intersegment revenues are not significant and are eliminated to arrive at consolidated totals.

 

(b)

Unallocated corporate expenses are reported within Corporate and Other. 

 

Page 13

 

The following table sets forth inventories by reportable segment. Our chief operating decision maker is not provided with any other segment asset information.

 

  

September 30,

  

March 31,

 
  

2023

  

2023

 

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

 $3,889  $3,492 

Clinical Genomics

  11,330   13,985 

Biopharmaceutical Development

  8,541   8,384 

Calibration Solutions

  9,119   8,781 

Total inventories

 $32,879  $34,642 

 

 

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; results of acquisitions; managements strategy, plans and objectives for future operations or acquisitions, product development and sales; product research and development; 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 managements beliefs and assumptions. In addition, other written and oral statements that constitute forward-looking statements may be made by the Company or on the Companys behalf. Words such as seek,” “believe,” “may,” “intend,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “target,” “estimate,” “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: our ability to successfully grow our business, including as a result of acquisitions; the effect that acquisitions have on our operations; our ability to consummate acquisitions at our historical rate and at appropriate prices, and our ability to effectively integrate acquired businesses and achieve desired results; the market acceptance of our products; technological or market viability of our products; reduced demand for our products, including as a result of competitive factors; conditions in the global economy and the particular markets we serve; significant developments or uncertainties stemming from governmental actions, including changes in trade policies and medical device regulations; the timely development and commercialization, and customer acceptance, of enhanced and new products and services; retirement of old products and customer migration to new products; projections of revenues, growth, operating results, profit margins, earnings, expenses, margins, tax rates, tax provisions, liquidity, cash flows, demand, and competition; the effects of additional actions taken to become more efficient or lower costs; supply chain challenges; cost pressures and the overall effects of the current high inflation environment on customers purchasing patterns; laws regulating fraud and abuse in the health care industry and the privacy and security of health and personal information; product liability; information security; outstanding claims, legal and regulatory proceedings; international business challenges including anti-corruption and sanctions laws and political developments; tax audits and assessments and other contingent liabilities; foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; general economic, industry, and capital markets conditions, including rising interest rates and potential recessionary conditions; the timing of any of the foregoing; and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Such risks and uncertainties also include those listed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023 and in this report. The foregoing list sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could impact our ability to achieve results described in any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

Overview

 

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

 

As of September 30, 2023, we managed our operations in four reportable segments, or divisions: Sterilization and Disinfection Control, Clinical Genomics, Biopharmaceutical Development, and Calibration Solutions. Each of our divisions is described further in "Results of Operations" below. Unallocated corporate expenses and other business activities are reported within "Corporate and Other."

 

Corporate Strategy

We strive to create stakeholder value and further our purpose of Protecting the Vulnerable® by growing our business both organically and through 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, in particular the pharmaceutical, healthcare services, and medical device verticals, in which the safety, quality, and efficacy of products is critical. By delivering the highest quality products possible, we are committed to protecting the communities we serve.

 

Organic Revenues Growth

Organic revenues growth is driven by the expansion of our customer base, increases in sales volumes, new product offerings, and price increases, and may be affected positively or negatively by changes in foreign currency rates. Our ability to increase organic revenues is affected by general economic conditions, both domestic and international, customer capital spending trends, competition, and the introduction of new products. Our policy is to price our products competitively and, where possible, we pass along cost increases to our customers in order to maintain our margins. We typically evaluate costs and pricing annually with price increases effective January 1.

 

 

Inorganic Growth - Acquisitions

Over the past decade, we have consummated a number of acquisitions as part of our growth strategy. These acquisitions have allowed us to expand our product offerings, globalize our company, and increase the scale at which we operate, which in turn affords us the ability to improve our operating efficiency, extend our customer base, and further the pursuit of our purpose: Protecting the Vulnerable®.

 

Improving Our Operating Efficiency

We maximize value in our existing businesses and those we acquire by implementing efficiencies in our manufacturing, commercial, engineering, and administrative operations. We achieve efficiencies using the four pillars that make up the Mesa Way, which is our customer-centric, lean-based system for continuously improving and operating our high-margin, niche businesses. The Mesa Way is focused on: Measuring What Matters using our customers' perspective and setting high standards for performance; Empowering Teams to improve operationally and exceed customer expectations; Sustainably Improving using lean-based tools designed to help us identify and prioritize the biggest opportunities; and Always Learning so that performance continuously improves. 

 

Gross profit is affected by many factors including our product mix, manufacturing efficiencies, costs of products and labor, foreign currency rates, 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.

 

Hire, Develop, and Retain Top Talent

At the center of our organization are talented people who are capable of taking on new challenges using a team approach. It is our exceptionally talented workforce that works together and uses our lean-based tool set to find ways to continuously and sustainably improve our products, our services, and ourselves, resulting in long-term value creation for our stakeholders. 

 

General Trends

 

We are a global company, with multinational operations. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2023, approximately 49% and 48% of our revenues, respectively, were earned outside of the United States. Since we serve a number of industries across a variety of global markets, we may be affected by world-wide, regional, or industry-specific economic or political factors, trends and costs associated with a global labor force, and increasing regulation. However, our diversity in industry, geography, and product and service offerings may limit the impact of changes in specific industry trends or local economic changes in our consolidated operating results. We actively monitor trends affecting industries we operate in, including by monitoring key competitors and customers and by staying abreast of changes to local economies and how they may affect our operations.  

 

Several challenging macroeconomic factors persisted during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, including continued softening of discretionary capital asset purchases across the life sciences tools market, high interest rates, and high inflation, all of which contributed to the decline in our organic revenues growth year to date. On the other hand, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and resulting manufacturing difficulties that impacted business operations in fiscal year 2023 largely abated during the six months ended September 30, 2023, which allowed us to largely maintain our gross profit margins as a percentage of revenues. Additionally, in response to weaker revenues, we worked to reduce operating expenses, taking steps to preserve our financial model. For example, we incurred approximately $350 in costs related to a reduction in force during the six months ended September 30, 2023; however, the reduction in force is expected to result in annual savings of approximately $2,000 starting in our fiscal third quarter. We continue to invest in growing the company organically and through further acquisitions, which helps us address the rapid pace of technological change in our served markets, further globalize our business, and be responsive to customers throughout the world. To that end, we completed the acquisition of GKE in October 2023. The results of GKE's operations and the benefits of the acquisition will be consolidated into our financial statements beginning in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024. Overall, our operating expenses, which include approximately $505 of one-time GKE acquisition costs, decreased during the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same periods in the prior year, demonstrating that adjustments to our operations allowed us to largely preserve our financial model despite challenges in the macroeconomic environment. 

 

A weakening or strengthening of foreign currencies against the United States dollar ("USD") increases or decreases our reported revenues, gross profit margins, and operating expenses, and impacts the comparability of our results between periods. Generally, the USD strengthening against major currencies adversely impacts our reported revenues, but to a lesser extent, positively impacts our reported expenses; conversely, the weakening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies positively impacts our reported revenues but negatively impacts our reported expenses. The ultimate impact to gross profit as a percentage of revenue depends on the magnitude of changes in foreign currencies. 

 

 

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 for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 decreased 10% and 5%, respectively, largely due to softening demand for new capital equipment in the pharmaceutical markets, including lower demand for hardware sold by our Biopharmaceutical Development. Revenues also decreased compared to the corresponding prior year periods due to the fiscal year 2023 loss of Sema4, a significant customer in our Clinical Genomics business. 

 

Although revenues were lower in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2024 compared to the prior year periods, gross profit as a percentage of revenues did not fall significantly due to our proactive cost containment efforts and favorable product mix. Modest gross profit percentage declines of 2% and 1%, respectively, for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same periods in the prior year are primarily due to lower revenues on a partially fixed cost base, offset by our efforts to preserve our financial model. 

 

Results by reportable segment are as follows:

 

   

Revenues

   

Organic Revenues Growth

   

Gross Profit as a % of Revenues

 
   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

  $ 17,080     $ 16,964       0.7 %     20.9 %     73 %     72 %

Clinical Genomics

    15,549       18,435       (15.7 %)     N/A       50 %     58 %

Biopharmaceutical Development

    9,207       12,144       (24.4 %)     15.0 %     60 %     62 %

Calibration Solutions

    11,329       11,206       1.1 %     (0.4 %)     57 %     54 %

Mesa's reportable segments

  $ 53,165     $ 58,749       (9.6 %)     12.5 %     60 %     62 %

 

   

Revenues

   

Organic Revenues Growth

   

Gross Profit as a % of Revenues

 
   

Six Months Ended September 30, 2023

   

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

   

Six Months Ended September 30, 2023

   

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

   

Six Months Ended September 30, 2023

   

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

  $ 33,007     $ 31,738       4.0 %     8.8 %     73 %     72 %

Clinical Genomics

    28,918       32,940       (12.2 %)     N/A       50 %  

56

%

Biopharmaceutical Development

    19,096       23,111       (17.8 %)     18.9 %     63 %     63 %

Calibration Solutions

    22,789       21,413       6.4 %     (3.3 %)     56 %     55 %

Mesa's reportable segments

  $ 103,810     $ 109,202       (5.0 %)     7.8 %     61 %     62 %

 

Our unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations are as follows:

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

   

Six Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Revenues

  $ 53,165     $ 58,749       (10 %)   $ 103,810     $ 109,202       (5 %)

Gross profit

    32,109       36,386       (12 %)     63,292       67,727       (7 %)

Operating expense

    32,169       32,391       (1 %)     64,016       68,326       (6 %)

Operating (loss) income

    (60 )     3,995       (102 %)     (724 )     (599 )     21 %

Net (loss) income

  $ (1,230 )   $ 1,306       (194 %)   $ (1,779 )   $ (132 )     1,248 %

 

 

Reportable Segments

 

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

The Sterilization and Disinfection Control Division manufactures and sells biological, cleaning, and chemical indicators used to assess the effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection processes in the pharmaceutical, medical device, hospital, and dental industries. The division also provides testing and laboratory services, mainly to the dental industry. Sterilization and disinfection control products are disposable and are used on a routine basis.

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

   

Six Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Revenues

  $ 17,080     $ 16,964       1 %   $ 33,007     $ 31,738       4 %

Gross profit

    12,476       12,199       2 %     24,067       22,967       5 %

Gross profit as a % of revenues

    73 %     72 %     1 %     73 %     72 %     1 %

 

Sterilization and Disinfection Control's revenues increased 1% and 4%, respectively, for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year periods. The modest revenue increases for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 are attributable primarily to price, and to a lesser extent, volume increases against a difficult prior period comparison.

 

Sterilization and Disinfection Control's gross profit percentage increased 1% for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year periods primarily due to higher revenues on a partially fixed cost base. 

 

Clinical Genomics

The Clinical Genomics division develops, manufactures and sells highly sensitive, low-cost, high-throughput genetic analysis tools and related consumables and services that enable clinical labs to perform genomic testing for a broad range of diagnostic and research applications in several therapeutic areas, such as screenings for hereditary diseases, pharmacogenetics, and oncology related applications.

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

   

Six Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Revenues

  $ 15,549     $ 18,435       (16 %)   $ 28,918     $ 32,940       (12 %)

Gross profit

    7,727       10,641       (27 %)     14,455       18,490       (22 %)

Gross profit as a % of revenues

    50 %     58 %     (8 %)     50 %     56 %     (6 %)

 

Clinical Genomics revenues decreased 16% and 12%, respectively, for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year periods, primarily as a result of the loss of revenues from Sema4 at the beginning of the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. Excluding the loss of Sema4, revenues from our Clinical Genomics division would have been 3% lower during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the fact that China earned unusually high revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2022 upon reopening from COVID lockdowns. Revenues would have been flat for the six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year period, excluding the loss of Sema4. 

 

Gross profit percentage for the Clinical Genomics division decreased 8% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 6% for the six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year periods, primarily due to lower revenues on a partially fixed cost base, and to a lesser extent, unfavorable product mix, particularly due to the loss of high-margin consumables revenues from Sema4. 

 

Although orders and revenues in China have been fairly strong in the first half of fiscal year 2024, we believe that ongoing macroeconomic slowdowns beginning in China may negatively affect our reported revenues and new orders in the second half of fiscal year 2024. 

 

Biopharmaceutical Development

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 manufacture of biotherapeutic therapies, among other applications. 

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

   

Six Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Revenues

  $ 9,207     $ 12,144       (24 %)   $ 19,096     $ 23,111       (17 %)

Gross profit

    5,509       7,557       (27 %)     11,942       14,634       (18 %)

Gross profit as a % of revenues

    60 %     62 %     (2 %)     63 %     63 %     - %

 

Biopharmaceutical Development revenues decreased 24% and 17% for the three and months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year period, primarily due to softening demand for capital equipment, partially offset by an increase in revenues from consumables and services as well as price increases. Given the current economic landscape, we cannot predict whether hardware sales will increase substantially during the third quarter of our fiscal year, as we have seen in the past, as our customers approach the end of their annual budget cycles. Despite adverse macroeconomic factors, revenues from consumables and services have continued to grow during fiscal year 2024. 

 

Gross profit percentage for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 decreased 2% and remained flat, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Revenues from consumables, which have slightly higher gross profit percentages than hardware in our Biopharmaceutical Division, have increased for both the three and six months ended September 30, 2023, and along with favorable product mix, this partially mitigated the impact of decreased hardware revenues.

 

 

Calibration Solutions

The Calibration Solutions division develops, manufactures and sells quality control products using principles of advanced metrology to measure or calibrate critical chemical or physical parameters in various dialysis, process monitoring, instrument monitoring, environmental monitoring, gas flow, environmental air quality, and torque applications, primarily in medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratory, and hospital environments.

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

   

Six Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Revenues

  $ 11,329     $ 11,206       1 %   $ 22,789     $ 21,413       6 %

Gross profit

    6,407       6,007       7 %     12,838       11,671       10 %

Gross profit as a % of revenues

    57 %     54 %     3 %     56 %     55 %     1 %

 

Calibration Solutions revenues increased 1% and 6%, respectively, for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year periods, primarily due to the abatement of production difficulties and supply constraints that had limited our ability to manufacture ordered quantities of certain products during the first six months of fiscal year 2023. This abatement has allowed us to return to normal operations during fiscal year 2024, driving increased orders along with a modest reduction of past due backlog. 

 

The Calibration Solutions division's gross profit percentage increased 3% and 1% for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, compared to the prior year periods, primarily due to favorable product mix and increased revenues on a partially fixed cost base.

 

Operating Expense

 

Operating expense decreased 1% and 6%, respectively for the three and months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year periods, primarily as a result of lower stock-based compensation expense as the performance-based restricted stock units associated with the fiscal year 2022 acquisition of Agena Bioscience, Inc. were no longer amortizing in fiscal year 2024, along with the timing of award grants in fiscal year 2024. Cost savings from our strategic cost containment activities following the loss of Sema4 also contributed to the decrease in operating expenses, partially offset by regular annual wage increases.

 

Selling

Selling expense is driven primarily by labor costs, including salaries and commissions; accordingly, it may vary with sales levels.

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

   

Six Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Selling expense

  $ 9,650     $ 9,200       5 %   $ 18,626     $ 19,223       (3 %)

As a percentage of revenues

    18 %     16 %     2 %     18 %     18 %     - %

 

Selling expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023 increased 5% compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of our implementation of Salesforce in our Biopharmaceutical Development division and backfilling select open positions in our Biopharmaceutical Division. Selling expense for the six months ended September 30, 2023 decreased 3% compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of lower commissions on lower revenues in fiscal year 2024, as well as other decreases in personnel costs realized from our proactive cost savings efforts initiated after the loss of Sema4.

 

General and Administrative

Labor costs, non-cash stock-based compensation and non-cash amortization of intangible assets drive the substantial majority of our general and administrative expense.

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

   

Six Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

General and administrative expense

  $ 17,526     $ 18,202       (4 %)   $ 35,586     $ 38,414       (7 %)

As a percentage of revenues

    33 %     31 %     2 %     34 %     35 %     (1 %)

 

General and administrative expenses decreased 4% and 7%, respectively, for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year periods, primarily as a result lower stock-based compensation expense, as well as lower professional services costs, partially offset by higher legal and other expenses related to the acquisition of GKE. 

 

Research and Development

Research and development expense is predominantly comprised of labor costs and costs of third-party consultants.

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

   

Six Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Research and development expense

  $ 4,993     $ 4,989       - %   $ 9,804     $ 10,689       (8 %)

As a percentage of revenues

    9 %     8 %     1 %     9 %     10 %     (1 %)

 

Research and development expenses were flat for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year period. Research and development expenses decreased 8% for the six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year period, primarily due to our cost containment efforts in fiscal year 2024 and the purchase of in-process research and development technology used to enhance an existing Sterilization and Disinfection Control division product offering during the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.

 

Nonoperating Expense, Net

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

   

Six Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Nonoperating expense, net

  $ 1,265     $ 611       107 %   $ 1,538     $ 1,429       8 %

 

Nonoperating expense, net for the three months ended September 30, 2023 is composed primarily of interest expense and amortization of the debt issuance costs associated with the Notes and the Credit Facility as well as gains and losses on foreign currency transactions. 

 

 

Income Taxes

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

   

Six Months Ended September 30,

   

Percentage

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Income tax (benefit)

  $ (95 )   $ 2,078       (105 %)   $ (483 )   $ (1,896 )     (75 %)

Effective tax rate

    7.2 %     61.4 %     (54 %)     21.4 %     93.5 %     (72 %)

 

Our effective income tax rate was 7.2% and 21.4% for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, and 61.4% and 93.5% for the three and six months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. The effective tax rate for both the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 differed from the statutory federal rate of 21% primarily due to share-based payment awards for employees and the effect of income generated in foreign jurisdictions. The change in our effective tax rate for the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year periods is primarily due to lower windfall benefits on stock option exercises.

 

Our future effective income tax rate depends on various factors, such as changes in tax laws, regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations thereof, and the geographic composition of our pre-tax income. We carefully monitor these factors and adjust our effective income tax rate accordingly.

 

Net (Loss) Income

Net (loss) income varies with changes in revenues, gross profit, and operating expense (and included $14,405 and $6,151 of non-cash amortization of intangible assets acquired in business combinations and stock-based compensation expense, respectively, for the six months ended September 30, 2023).

 

Market-Based Awards

The performance-based restricted stock awards granted during the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 included a market-based component. 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our sources of liquidity include cash generated from operations, cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash available from our Credit Facility and Open Market Sale AgreementSM, working capital, and potential additional equity and debt offerings. We believe that cash flows from operating activities and potential cash provided by borrowings from our Credit Facility or funds from our Open Market Sale AgreementSM, when necessary, will be sufficient to meet our ongoing operating requirements, scheduled interest payments on debt, dividend payments, and anticipated capital expenditures. At our option, we may settle the Notes in shares of our common stock or in cash, depending on conditions in the market and the share price of our common stock. 

 

Our more significant uses of resources have historically included acquisitions, payments of debt and interest obligations, long-term capital expenditures, and quarterly dividends to shareholders. Working capital is the amount by which current assets exceed current liabilities. We had working capital of $77,846 and $75,616 as of September 30, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, and March 31, 2023, we had $35,617 and $32,910, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents.

 

As of September 30, 2023, Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $172,500 were outstanding and there was no outstanding balance under the Credit Facility. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, we amended our Credit Facility to increase the total principal amount available to us from $75,000 to $125,000. In October 2023, we borrowed $65,000 under our Credit Facility to partially fund the acquisition of GKE. At our current interest rate, we expect to incur interest expense of approximately $4,485 per year on borrowings of $65,000 under the Credit Facility. 

 

In April 2022, we entered into an Open Market Sale AgreementSM pursuant to which we may issue and sell, from time to time, shares of our common stock with an aggregate value of up to $150,000. We have not sold any shares under this agreement. 

 

We routinely evaluate opportunities for strategic acquisitions. Future material acquisitions may require that we obtain additional capital, assume additional third-party debt or incur other long-term obligations. We believe that we have the ability to issue more equity or debt in the future in order to finance our acquisition and investment activities; however, additional equity or debt financing, or other transactions, may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.

 

We may from time to time repurchase or take other steps to reduce our debt. These actions may include retirements or refinancing of outstanding debt, pursuing privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The amount of debt that may be retired, if any, could be material. Retirement would be decided at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors and would depend on market conditions, our cash position, and other considerations.

 

Dividends

We have paid regular quarterly dividends since 2003. We declared and paid dividends of $0.16 per share during each of the quarters ended June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023, as well as each quarter of fiscal year 2023.

 

In October 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share of common stock, payable on December 15, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 30, 2023.

 

 

Cash Flows

 

Our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities were as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Six Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 19,715     $ 7,746  

Net cash (used in) investing activities

    (904 )     (1,864 )

Net cash (used in) financing activities

    (15,079 )     (20,053 )

 

Cash flows from operating activities for the six months ended September 30, 2023 provided $19,715. Net loss and non-cash adjustments totaled $22,200 for the six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $22,768 for the six months ended September 30, 2022. We generated $12,537 more cash from working capital in the six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to higher collections on trade receivables and lower inventory purchases, as we were building safety stock during the six months ended September 30, 2023 to mitigate supply chain risks. Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended September 30, 2023 decreased compared to the six months ended September 30, 2022 as we purchased less capital equipment. Cash used by financing activities primarily resulted from $13,000 repaid on our Credit Facility during the six months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $22,000 for the six months ended September 30, 2022. 

 

Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

 

We are party to many contractual obligations that involve commitments to make payments to third parties in the ordinary course of business. For a description of our contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of March 31, 2023, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2023.  

 

On a consolidated basis, as of September 30, 2023, we had contractual obligations for open purchase orders of approximately $12,419 for routine purchases of supplies and inventory, which are payable in less than one year. 

 

As part of the Belyntic acquisition, we agreed to pay $1,500 to the sellers if contractually specified patents related to the technology purchased are issued. One subset of the patents was approved by the European patent office effective October 18, 2023, and we believe it is probable the remaining patents will be issued and that we will pay the sellers in full within the next 12 months. 

 

As part of the GKE acquisition consummated on October 14, 2023, we will pay the sellers €8,500 of the acquisition price 18 months following the acquisition date, pending adjustments for potential indemnification losses that may arise. We will pay the sellers an additional €5,000 of the acquisition price, net of cash and debt and subject to customary adjustments, upon satisfaction of applicable Chinese regulatory approvals for the Beijing GKE Science & Technology Co. Ltd. portion of the acquisition.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Critical accounting estimates are those that we believe are both significant and require us to make difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because we need to estimate the effect of inherently uncertain matters. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be appropriate under the circumstances. Certain accounting policies that require significant management estimates and are deemed critical to our results of operations or financial position are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023, in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section of Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Although we believe that our estimates, assumptions, and judgements are reasonable, they are based upon information presently available. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments, or conditions.

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

We face exchange rate risk from transactions with customers in countries outside the United States and from intercompany transactions between affiliates. Transactional exchange rate risk arises from the purchase and sale of goods and services in currencies other than the functional currency of the applicable subsidiary. We also face translational exchange rate risk related to the translation of financial statements of our foreign operations into U.S. dollars, our functional currency. Costs incurred and sales recorded by subsidiaries operating outside of the United States are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates effective during the respective period. As a result, we are exposed to movements in the exchange rates of various currencies against the U.S. dollar. Our Biopharmaceutical Development division is particularly susceptible to currency exposures since it incurs a substantial portion of its expenses in Swedish Krona, while most of the division's revenue contracts are in U.S. dollars and euros. Therefore, when the Swedish Krona strengthens or weakens against the U.S. dollar, operating profits are increased or decreased, respectively. The effect of a change in currency exchange rates on our international subsidiaries' assets and liabilities is reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of stockholders’ equity.

 

Interest Rates

Our Credit Facility bears interest at either a base rate or a SOFR rate plus an applicable spread. We had no balance outstanding as of September 30, 2023; however, based on the most recently available interest rate and borrowings used to fund the GKE acquisition, we estimate that if interest rates increased 1 percentage point, we would incur approximately $650 of additional interest expense per year.

 

Inflation Risk

Inflation generally impacts us by increasing our costs of labor, materials, and freight. The rates of inflation experienced in recent years have not had a significant impact on our financial statements as inflationary cost increases have been offset by annual price increases. However, any price increases imposed may lead to declines in sales volume if competitors do not similarly adjust prices. We cannot reasonably estimate our ability to successfully recover any impact of inflation cost increases into the future.

 

Other

We have no derivative instruments. We have minimal exposure to commodity market risks.

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of September 30, 2023, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. 

 

Prior Year Material Weaknesses

 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As disclosed in Part II Item 9A. "Controls and Procedures" in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023, during fiscal year 2023 we identified two material weaknesses in internal controls: 

 

Fair Value Calculations - Management's review controls over fair value calculations including Management's preliminary valuation of the Belyntic Acquisition were insufficient. Specifically, Management failed to utilize resources with an appropriate level of knowledge and expertise in performing and reviewing the fair value calculations including the preliminary Belyntic valuation.

Goodwill Impairment Assessment - Management's review controls over the qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment were insufficient to identify potential impairment triggers.

 

Remediation Status for Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

During the six months ended September 30, 2023 we implemented our previously-disclosed remediation plans:

 

Fair Value Calculations - We obtained the services of a knowledgeable third-party valuation specialist to perform the fair value calculations for the Belyntic acquisition.

Goodwill Impairment Assessment - Members of Management with requisite knowledge performed a formal quarterly analysis of potential impairment triggers.

 

As a result of our control activities, we have concluded that the material weaknesses above have been remediated as of September 30, 2023. We will continue to perform formal quarterly impairment trigger analyses in future periods. We will likewise continue to utilize a valuation specialist with the requisite knowledge to perform valuations for all future acquisitions of businesses, as such acquisitions occur.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Other than the remediation measures discussed above, during the three and six months ended September 30, 2023 there were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. 

 

 

Part II. Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

See Note 11. “Commitments and Contingencies” within Item 1. Financial Statements for information regarding any legal proceedings in which we may be involved.

 

Item 1A. Risk factors

 

During the six months ended September 30, 2023, there were no material changes from the risk factors described in Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023. 

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The following table provides information about the Company's purchases of equity securities for the periods indicated:

 

   

Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)

   

Average Price Paid Per Share

   

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2)

   

Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

 

July 2023

    18       122.05       -       162,486  

August 2023

    -       -       -       162,486  

September 2023

    -       -       -       162,486  

Total

    18       122.05       -       162,486  

 

 

(1)

Shares purchased during the period were transferred to the Company from employees in satisfaction of minimum tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of restricted stock awards during the period.

 

(2)

On November 7, 2005, our Board of Directors adopted a share repurchase plan which allows for the repurchase of up to 300,000 of our common shares; however, no shares have been purchased under the plan in the last three fiscal years. This plan will continue until the maximum is reached or the plan is terminated by further action of the Board of Directors.  

 

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

The following of our directors or officers entered into written plans for the purchase or sale of our securities intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1(c) (each, a "trading arrangement") on the dates indicated:

 

Director John Schmieder entered into a trading arrangement on June 14, 2023. The trading arrangement was effective through September 15, 2023. The trading arrangement contemplated that Mr. Schmieder could sell up to 7,000 shares of Mesa Labs' common stock, subject to certain conditions. 

 

Chief Financial Officer John Sakys entered into a trading arrangement on August 23, 2023. The trading arrangement is effective through April 2, 2024. The trading arrangement contemplates that Mr. Sakys may exercise up to 2,500 non-qualified stock options and sell the resulting 2,500 shares of Mesa Labs' common stock, subject to certain conditions.

 

Senior Vice President of Continuous Improvement Brian Archbold entered into a trading arrangement on September 14, 2023. The trading arrangement is effective through April 2, 2024. The trading arrangement contemplates that Mr. Archbold may exercise 710 non-qualified stock options and sell the resulting 710 shares of Mesa Labs' common stock, subject to certain conditions. The trading arrangement further contemplates that Mr. Archbold may sell an additional 1,500 shares of Mesa Labs' common stock, subject to certain conditions.

 

 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

Description of Exhibit

3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (incorporated by reference from exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 25, 2023 (Commission File Number: 000-11740)).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (incorporated by reference from exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2019 (Commission File Number: 000-11740)).
10.1+ Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement dated as of October 5, 2023 among the Company, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA., as administrative agent.

31.1+

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2+

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2*

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS+ XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH+ Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL+ Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF+ Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document
101.LAB+ Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE+ Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104+

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101.*).

 


+ Filed herewith

* Furnished herewith

 

 

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.

 

 

MESA LABORATORIES, INC.

(Registrant)

 

 

DATED: November 6, 2023 BY:

/s/ Gary M. Owens.

Gary M. Owens

Chief Executive Officer

     
     
DATED: November 6, 2023 BY:

/s/ John V. Sakys

John V. Sakys

Chief Financial Officer

                       

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