Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

Part I

Item 1. Business

In this annual report on Form 10-K, Mesa Laboratories, Inc., a Colorado corporation, together with its subsidiaries is collectively referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” or "Mesa." Mesa was organized in 1982 as a Colorado corporation.

General

We are a multinational manufacturer, developer, and seller of life sciences 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 margins. 

We are headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado and our common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol MLAB.

Our fiscal year ends on March 31. References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“annual report”) to a particular “fiscal year,” “year” or “year-end” mean our fiscal year, references to the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 refer to the period from April 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021, references to the second quarter of fiscal year 2022 refer to the period from July 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, references to the third quarter of fiscal year 2022 refer to the period from October 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, and references to the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2022 refer to the period from January 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022. 

Strategy

We strive to create shareholder value and further our purpose of Protecting the Vulnerable® by growing our business both organically and through further strategic 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 that require dependable life sciences tools and quality control and calibration solutions to ensure the safety and efficacy of the products they use.

Our revenues come from product sales, which include consumables and hardware, as well as services, which include discrete and ongoing calibration, testing, and maintenance services and contracts. We grow our revenues organically by expanding our customer base, increasing sales volumes, and implementing price increases, and inorganically through acquisitions. Our acquisition strategy is focused on businesses that complement our existing portfolio as well as those that expand our presence further into life sciences tools and critical quality control solutions for regulated applications in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and medical device industries.

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

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

Our Segments

As described in Note 14. "Segment Data" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained within Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this annual report, following the acquisition (the "Agena Acquisition") of Agena Bioscience, Inc. ("Agena") on October 20, 2021, we changed our reporting segments to align with strategic changes in the way we manage our business units. We report our financial performance in four segments, or divisions: (1) Sterilization and Disinfection Control, (2) Biopharmaceutical Development, (3) Calibration Solutions, which represents a combination of the historical Instruments and Continuous Monitoring reporting segments, and (4) Clinical Genomics, a new reporting segment comprised entirely of Agena's operations. Non-reportable operating segments and unallocated corporate expenses are reported within Corporate and Other.

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

Our Sterilization and Disinfection Control division manufactures and sells biological, chemical, and cleaning indicators used to assess the effectiveness of sterilization processes, including steam, gas, hydrogen peroxide, ethylene oxide, radiation, and other processes in the pharmaceutical, medical device, hospital, and dental industries. The Sterilization and Disinfection Control division also provides related testing services, mainly to the dental industry. 

Biological indicators consist of resistant spores of certain microorganisms that are applied on a convenient substrate, such as a small piece of filter paper. The spores are well characterized in terms of purity, population of spores, and resistance to sterilization. Our biological indicator products are manufactured by growing microbiological spores from raw materials, using the spores to form finished products, and testing the finished biological indicators using established quality control tests. Our dental sterilizer testing products are assembled into kits containing biological indicator spore strips. Our microbiological laboratory tests these kits when they are returned to us to determine the effectiveness of our customers' sterilization processes.

Our biological indicators are distinguished in the marketplace by their high level of quality, consistency, and flexibility. We offer a variety of different product formats, which allows our biological indicators to be used in many different types of processes, equipment, and environments. For example, our simple spore strips are used most often in small table-top steam sterilizers in dental offices, while our more complex self-contained biological indicators, either with or without process challenge devices ("PCDs"), may be used by medical device manufacturers to assure sterility in complex ethylene oxide sterilization processes. In either case, the population of spores contained on the carrier and the resistance of the spores to the sterilization process must be well characterized in order to accurately assess the effectiveness of sterilization. During manufacture, extensive quality control steps are used to ensure that the microorganism spores are well-characterized and their resistance is known following placement on the target carrier.

Chemical indicators use a chemical change (generally determined by color) to assess the exposure to sterilization conditions. Biological indicators and chemical indicators are often used together to monitor processes.

Cleaning indicators are used to assess the effectiveness of cleaning processes, including washer-disinfectors and ultrasonic cleaners in healthcare settings. Cleaning is the critical first step performed prior to disinfection and sterilization. Debris left on an instrument may interfere with microbial inactivation and can compromise disinfection or sterilization processes. Cleaning indicators complement sterilization and disinfection processes within central sterile supply departments, such as in hospitals. Our cleaning indicator products are manufactured by inoculating a test soil onto a stainless-steel coupon. The test soil is designed to mimic the challenge of removing blood and tissue from surgical instruments and evaluates the effectiveness of our customers' cleaning processes. 

Our Bozeman, Montana and Munich, Germany locations manufacture our Sterilization and Disinfection Control division products, which include the EZTest®, ProSpore®, PCD®, Apex® and Simicon biological and cleaning indicators. Our Bozeman, Montana facility also provides sterility assurance testing services to dental offices in the United States and Canada. Sterilization and disinfection control products are disposable and are used on a routine basis, thus product sales are less sensitive to general economic conditions. We generate sales to end users through our direct sales personnel and independent distributors. Customers include hospitals, dental offices, contract sterilization providers and various industrial users involved in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing. 

Our sterilization and disinfection control products are used in highly regulated industries and compete on the basis of quality, cost effectiveness, and suitability for intended use. We compete with various other sterilization and cleaning indicator providers, and additional products using new technologies that may be competitive with our products may be introduced.

Biopharmaceutical Development

Our Biopharmaceutical Development division develops, manufactures, and sells automated systems for protein analysis (immunoassays) and peptide synthesis solutions. Protein analysis and peptide synthesis solutions accelerate the discovery, development, and manufacture of biological therapies, among other applications. Customers include biopharmaceutical research, development, and manufacturing teams at biopharmaceutical companies and their contract research organization partners, as well as academic research and development laboratories. The Biopharmaceutical Development division sells two types of products: (1) protein analysis solutions, which are used to test for the existence or concentration of specific proteins in a fluid sample, and (2) peptide synthesis solutions, which automate the synthesis of peptides from amino acids; both are primarily used in biopharmaceutical research, discovery and development, and bioprocessing. Our Biopharmaceutical Development division develops and manufactures Gyrolab® xPand and Gyrolab xPlore® hardware and software, as well as Gyrolab Bioaffy® consumable microfluidic disks (“CDs”), and Gyrolab kits and Rexxip® buffers for protein analysis in Uppsala, Sweden, while PurePep® Chorus, Symphony® X, and Sonata® XT hardware and associated software for peptide synthesis are developed and manufactured in our Tucson, Arizona location. Products manufactured in Sweden are typically invoiced in U.S. Dollars or euros, whereas the costs to produce the products is incurred in Swedish Krona. As a result, the Biopharmaceutical Development segment is susceptible to changes in foreign currency. For a discussion of risks related to our non-U.S. operations and foreign currency exchange, refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors, “Foreign currency exchange rates may adversely affect our financial statements” and “Our international operations subject us to a wide range of risks.”

About one-third of our Biopharmaceutical Development revenues are from consumables used on a routine basis. Sales of these products are less sensitive to general economic conditions. Approximately 45% of revenues are from more discretionary hardware purchases that are more sensitive to general economic conditions. The remainder of sales are related to service and support agreements. We generate sales directly as well as through independent foreign distributors. Marketing activities include industry conferences, user meetings, educational webinars, and all forms of digital marketing, in addition to market sensing and capturing user requirements for new product roadmaps. In-person marketing largely resumed during the year ended March 31, 2022 as many COVID-19 restrictions gradually lifted. 

The Biopharmaceutical Development division’s market success is primarily dependent upon creating innovative, high quality products that customers choose based on available features, cost-effectiveness, and performance. We believe we are one of the leading world-wide suppliers of protein analysis and peptide synthesis equipment to the biologics discovery and development market. We further believe that enhancements of our product offerings and new product development driven by our research and development team, the recognized quality of our products and support, and the ability to continue to bring novel, cutting edge products and solutions to the market will allow us to remain competitive in the growing markets we serve. 

Protein Analysis

We develop, manufacture, and market protein analysis equipment, CDs, kits, and buffers that enable the detection and quantification of a target protein in a biological or bioprocess sample. Gyrolab technology is widely used across human and non-human applications, mainly for therapy development and bioprocess design. Customers, primarily pharmaceutical and biotech companies and their contract research organization partners developing protein-based therapies, use our CDs to deposit their samples for mixing with application specific reagents. The CDs and reagents are loaded into one of our instruments for processing and analysis. Our proprietary software interprets results and provides useful data analysis for decision-making. Our protein analysis products accelerate the development and processing of assays to obtain accurate results for pre-clinical and clinical studies as well as for upstream and downstream bioprocessing of biological therapies, thus meeting critical data and time requirements. Our analytical protein technologies provide superior data consistency and accuracy, and reduce labor and the attendant variability of more manual analysis methods.

Peptide Synthesizers

Our peptide synthesis solutions enable customers to automate the chemical synthesis of peptides used in the creation of peptide therapies, biomaterials, cosmetics, and general research. Our peptide synthesis products facilitate the ability to produce more complex and longer peptides with higher purity, and are designed to comply with related Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") and European Medicines Agency requirements. Customers of our peptide synthesizers include commercial and academic biopharmaceutical laboratories, as well as contract manufacturers of peptides. 

Calibration Solutions 

Our Calibration Solutions division develops, manufactures, and sells quality control and calibration products used to measure or calibrate temperature, pressure, pH, humidity, and other such parameters for health and safety purposes, primarily in hospital, medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and various laboratory and healthcare environments. Generally, our Calibration Solutions products are used for testing, quality control, safety, validation and regulatory compliance. As of March 31, 2022, our Lakewood, Colorado and Hanover, Germany facilities manufacture our Calibration Solutions products, which include continuous monitoring systems, dialysate meters and consumables, data loggers, gas flow calibration and air sampling equipment, and torque testing systems represented by the ViewPoint®, Point Six, CheckPoint®, AmegaView, FreshLoc®, DialyGuard®, DataTrace®, DryCal®, Torqo®, SureTorque®, IBP Medical, and BGI brands. During fiscal year 2022, we closed our Butler, New Jersey location, which previously manufactured our gas flow calibration and air sampling equipment products. These manufacturing operations have since moved to Lakewood, Colorado. 

The majority of our Calibration Solutions products have relatively long lives and their purchase by customers is discretionary, so sales are more sensitive to general economic conditions. Service demand is driven by our customers’ quality control and regulatory environments, which require periodic repair and recalibration or certification of our instruments products. Most of our Calibration Solutions products are manufactured by assembling the products from purchased components and calibrating the final products prior to release, though certain continuous monitoring products are assembled and calibrated on site at customer locations. Our Calibration Solutions division's commercial efforts focus on offering quality products to our customers that will aid them in containing cost, improving the quality of their products and services, and meeting regulatory requirements. We generate sales through our direct sales personnel and independent distributors.

Continuous Monitoring 

Our continuous monitoring products are used to monitor various environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and differential pressure to ensure that critical storage and processing conditions are maintained. Continuous monitoring systems are used in controlled environments such as refrigerators, freezers, warehouses, laboratory incubators, clean rooms, and a number of other settings. The continuous monitoring systems consist of wired or wireless sensors that are placed in controlled environments, hardware modules to receive the data, and various software programs to collect, store and process the data. Our systems are designed to operate continuously, providing data around the clock, 365 days per year. We provide recalibration of sensors through our dedicated service organization and SnapCal^TM self-managed probe exchange program. Because of the advantages of our continuous monitoring systems, we have a solid market share in North America, but are not currently focused on international expansion.

A critical function of our systems is the ability to provide local alarms and notifications via e-mail, text, or telephone, if established environmental conditions are exceeded. Among the important competitive differentiators of our continuous monitoring systems are (1) their high degree of reliability and up-time; (2) a large variety of sensor types to meet the needs of most applications; (3) a skilled, distributed installation and service team; and (4) a full-featured and 21 CFR Part 11 (Electronic records; Electronic signatures) validated software program, providing extensive reporting and alarm capability. Key markets for our continuous monitoring systems are hospitals, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, blood banks, pharmacies, and laboratory environments, all located in North America. 

Dialysate Meters and Calibration Consumables

Our medical meters are used to test various parameters of dialysis fluid (dialysate) and the proper calibration and operation of dialysis machines used in dialysis clinics. Each meter measures some combination of temperature, pressure, pH, conductivity and flow to ensure that the dialysate has the proper composition to promote the transfer of waste products from the blood to the dialysate. The meters provide a digital readout that the technician uses to verify that a dialysis machine is working within prescribed limits and delivering properly prepared dialysate. We manufacture two styles of medical meters: those designed for use by dialysis machine manufacturers and biomedical technicians, and those used primarily by dialysis clinicians. The meters for technicians are characterized by exceptional accuracy, stability and flexibility, and are used by the industry as the primary standard for the calibration of dialysis machines and water system testing. The meters designed for use by dialysis clinicians are known primarily for their ease of use and incorporate a previously patented, built-in syringe sampling system. These meters are used as the final quality control check on the dialysate just prior to starting a treatment. In addition to the dialysate meters, we market a line of standard consumable solutions for use in dialysis clinics for calibration of our meters. These standard solutions are regularly consumed by the dialysis clinics; thus, along with calibration services that we also provide, are less impacted by general economic conditions than dialysate meters sales. Customers that utilize these products include dialysis facilities, medical device manufacturers, and biomedical service companies. In addition to competition in the dialysis meter business, our products face regulatory and technological challenges. For a discussion of risks related to our regulatory and technological challenges, refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors "Changes in dialysis methods may decrease demand for our dialysis products and negatively impact our financial statements."

Data Loggers

Our data loggers are self-contained, wireless, high precision instruments used in critical manufacturing and quality control processes in the pharmaceutical, medical device, food, and tool industries. They are used to measure temperature, humidity and pressure inside a process or a product during manufacturing. In addition, data loggers can be used to validate the proper operation of laboratory or manufacturing equipment, either during installation or for annual re-certifications. The products consist of individual data loggers, a personal computer (“PC”) interface, software, and various accessories. Customers typically purchase a large number of data loggers along with a single PC interface and the software package. In practice, using the PC interface, the user programs the loggers to collect environmental data at a pre-determined interval, places the data loggers in the product or process, and then collects stored process data from the data logger either through the PC interface or wirelessly via a radio link. The user can then prepare tabular and graphical reports using the software. Unique aspects of our data loggers are their ability to operate at elevated temperatures and in explosive environments – important differentiating factors in the marketplace. Consequently, they are used by companies to control their most critical processes, such as sterilization. We face competition in data logger sales from several other companies, some of which have well-established commercial organizations, particularly in Europe.

Gas Flow Calibration and Air Sampling Equipment

We manufacture a variety of instruments and equipment for gas flow calibration and environmental air sampling. In the air sampling area, our technology is used primarily for the determination of particulate concentrations in air as a measure of urban or industrial air pollution, and for industrial hygiene assessments. The primary products include air samplers, particle separators and pumps. While both the public and private sector continue to focus on air quality and its impact on the environment and the health of populations, technological advances in real-time monitoring have made the traditional air sampling market more limited. In the environmental area, our particle samplers were some of the first on the market and they were recognized early-on as “reference samplers” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This product has a competitive advantage in the market because our particle separation cyclones hold the only “federal reference method” distinction for the measurement of PM_2.5 in ambient air and are sold to most manufacturers of ambient particulate measurement instrumentation.

We also manufacture gas flow calibration instruments to support the use of our air sampling equipment, and for broader industrial applications. Our gas flow calibration instruments provide the precise standards required by laboratories and industry in the design, development, manufacture, installation and calibration of various gas flow meters and air sampling devices. Our flow calibrators are used by professionals in many industries, including (1) industrial hygienists and environmental technicians, (2) calibration and research laboratories, (3) manufacturers who design, develop and manufacture gas flow metering devices, and (4) industrial engineering and manufacturing companies that utilize gas flow metering devices. We see expanded opportunities in gas flow calibration as markets that heavily use and measure process gas are growing. There is competition in gas flow calibration; however, our products are distinguished against the competition by their unique dry piston technology and industry-leading accuracy and certifications.

Due to the relocation of gas flow calibration and air sampling equipment production from Butler, NJ to Lakewood, CO, sales of these products were lower during the year ended March 31, 2022; however, we expect a return to normal sales levels in future years.

Torque Testing Systems

Our automated torque testing systems are durable and reliable motorized cap torque analyzers that measure the amount of force required to open a container. The primary advantages of our torque instruments are their high accuracy and long-term consistency of measurement. Our motorized torque systems eliminate the errors associated with manual torque testing. With a motorized torque testing system, the force applied to a cap is precisely the same in each testing cycle, regardless of the strength of the machine's operator. Our torque systems provide information that helps the packaging operation track events and potential problems during the manufacturing process so corrections can be performed in a timely fashion. Industries utilizing these instruments include pharmaceutical and beverage and food processing companies. Given the niche nature of this product, there is a relatively low level of competition this product line; however, the growth of this line is limited by the growth of new manufacturing facilities and packaging regulations in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Clinical Genomics

During the year ended March 31, 2022, we added a new reportable segment, Clinical Genomics, as a result of the Agena Acquisition discussed further in Note 4 to the financial statements included in this report, “Significant Transactions.” Our Clinical Genomics division develops, manufactures, and sells highly sensitive, low-cost, high-throughput genetic analysis tools used by labs to perform clinical genomic testing in several therapeutic areas.

Clinical Genomics’ MassARRAY® system couples mass spectrometry with end-point polymerase chain reaction ("PCR") methods, enabling highly multiplexed reactions under universal cycling conditions to provide accurate, sensitive, rapid genetic analysis. Using the MassARRAY® system and our proprietary consumables, including chips, panels, and chemical reagent solutions, customers can analyze DNA samples for a variety of high volume clinical testing applications such as inherited genetic disease testing, newborn screenings, pharmacogenetics, various oncology tests, infectious disease testing, and other highly-differentiated applications. The MassARRAY® system is differentiated in the market by its ability to target up to 50 specific DNA variants in a single PCR reaction and run up to 384 samples on one SpectroCHIP® array, up to eight times in a full workday, with the flexibility to process additional samples overnight. The system allows for the testing of hundreds of mutations, including SNPs, insertions, deletions, translocations, copy number variation, and methylation makers, all in a single, efficient workflow. Using time-of-flight mass spectrometry, genetic variants are distinguished by analysis of their individual mass, eliminating the need for fluorescence or labeling. The system's integrated software provides a user-friendly interface to generate reports that identify the targets and review spectra. 

In addition to the MassARRAY® system and related consumable products, Clinical Genomics also sells services, including equipment maintenance contracts and custom laboratory services through which our scientists help customers develop specified assay designs. About 70% of our Clinical Genomics revenues to date are from consumables used on a routine basis. Sales of these products are less sensitive to general economic conditions. Approximately 20% of our Clinical Genomics revenues to date are from more discretionary hardware products that are more sensitive to general economic conditions. The remainder of Clinical Genomics revenues are related to service and support agreements.

Clinical Genomics sells its products and services primarily to clinical labs, including large specialty, reference, and pathology labs, as well as to a variety of academic, hospital, and government facilities. The majority of revenues are derived from customers in the United States and China. Our Clinical Genomics products are manufactured in San Diego, California, primarily by assembling purchased subcomponents designed to our specification into finished goods, and by processing and mixing reagents. Our Clinical Genomics products generate revenues primarily through direct sales, and also through independent distributors in certain regions.

Clinical Genomics products are manufactured under a quality system that complies with ISO 13485 for the design, development, manufacture, distribution, installation, and servicing of diagnostic products, reagents, and instruments for genetic analysis and life sciences.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and other consists of unallocated corporate expenses, the non-reportable operating segment Cold Chain Packaging division that ceased operations during the year ended March 31, 2020, and other business activities. 

Other Matters Relating to our Business as a Whole

Acquisitions

Year Ended March 31, 2022 Acquisitions

On October 20, 2021, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of Agena Bioscience, Inc. for adjusted cash consideration of $300.8 million. Agena is a leading clinical genomics tools company that develops, manufactures, markets, and supports proprietary instruments and related consumables and services that enable genetic analysis for a broad range of diagnostic and research applications. The acquisition of Agena moves our business toward the life sciences tools sector and expands our market opportunities, particularly in Asia. 

Year Ended March 31, 2020 Acquisitions

On October 31, 2019, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of Gyros Protein Technologies Holding AB ("GPT" or the "GPT acquisition") for adjusted cash consideration of $181.5 million. The acquisition expanded our presence into a new market - immunoassays and peptide synthesis solutions -that accelerate the development, and manufacture of biotherapeutic drugs. GPT systems include laboratory instruments, consumables, kits, and software that maximize laboratory productivity by miniaturizing and automating immunoassays at nanoliter scale. 

On April 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of IBP Medical GmbH, a company whose business manufactures medical meters used to test various parameters of dialysis fluid (dialysate), and the proper calibration and operation of dialysis machines.

Manufacturing and Materials

Most of the components, raw materials, and other supplies used in our product lines are available from a number of different suppliers. We generally maintain multiple sources of supply, but we are dependent on single sources for certain items, particularly in the Biopharmaceutical Development and Clinical Genomics divisions. We continue to emphasize reviewing our supply base and designs for single source or sole source suppliers that might affect our ability to supply critical product to our customers. We have experienced increased supply constraints for certain components used in our operations, particularly components used by the Calibration Solutions and Biopharmaceutical Development divisions, and to a lesser extent the Sterilization and Disinfection Control and Clinical Genomics divisions. We continue to work with our suppliers to understand the existing and potential future impacts to our supply chain, and we are making efforts to mitigate such impacts, including pre-ordering components in higher quantities than usual. See further discussion within Item 1A. Risk Factors,“We face numerous manufacturing and supply chain risks. In addition, our reliance upon sole or limited sources of supply for certain materials, components and services could cause production interruptions, delays and inefficiencies.”

Major Customers

No individual customer represented more than 10% of our accounts receivable or revenues in any of the past three years. 

Backlog

We define backlog as firm orders from customers for products and services where the order will be fulfilled within the next 12 months. Backlog as of March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 was approximately $21.3 million and $11.3 million, respectively. The increase in backlog is attributable to supply chain constraints causing order fulfillment delays, the addition of Clinical Genomics into our overall backlog, and delays resulting from moving production of our gas flow calibration and air sampling equipment from Butler, NJ to Lakewood, CO.

Research and Development

Research and development ("R&D") activities are primarily directed towards innovating new products and improving the quality and performance of our existing products or altering our current products to accommodate use of raw materials that are more readily available for purchase in our supply chain. Other R&D efforts also seek to develop or improve software that will be sold, leased, or marketed in the future, and improve manufacturing efficiencies. 

Intellectual Property

We own numerous patents, trademarks, and other proprietary rights, each of which is important to the various facets of our business. Where appropriate, we seek patent protection for inventions and developments made by our personnel that are incorporated into our products or otherwise fall within our fields of interest. There can be no assurance, however, that any patent will provide adequate protection for the technology, system, product, service or process it covers. In addition, the process of obtaining and protecting patents can be long and expensive. We also rely upon trade secrets, technical know-how and continuing technological innovation to develop and maintain our proprietary position. Our products and services are sold under various trade names, trademarks and brand names. We consider our trade names, trademarks and brand names to be valuable in the marketing of our products in each segment. We do not believe that the loss of any one patent or other proprietary right would have a material adverse effect on our overall business or on any of our reporting segments.

Regulatory Matters

Mesa's operations are global and are affected by complex state, federal and international laws relating to healthcare, environmental protection, antitrust, anti-corruption, marketing, fraud and abuse, import and export control, product safety and efficacy, employment, privacy, government contracts acquisition regulations, and other areas.

We are required to comply with certain ISO standards and United States Pharmacopeia standards in order to sell some of our products to certain customers. While our quality system and manufacturing processes are generally the same throughout the Calibration Solutions division, specific products are compliant under ISO 13485, ISO 17025, ISO 9001 and certain U.S. federal regulations. Our Uppsala, Sweden and Tucson, Arizona facilities, part of the Biopharmaceutical Development division, are ISO 9001:2015 certified. Clinical Genomics operates a quality management system which complies with the requirements of ISO 13485:2016 and EN ISO 13485:2016. We obtain third party certification to remain compliant with ISO standards.

Several products in the Sterilization and Disinfection Control, Calibration Solutions, and Clinical Genomics divisions are medical devices subject to the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which requires any company proposing to market a medical device to notify the FDA of its intention at least 90 days before doing so. We have received permission from the FDA to market all of our products requiring such permission. Some of our facilities are subject to FDA regulations and inspections, which may be time-consuming and costly. This includes ongoing compliance with the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices regulations that require, among other things, the systematic control of manufacture, packaging and storage of products intended for human use. Failure to comply with these practices renders the product adulterated and could subject us to an interruption of manufacturing and selling these products, and possible regulatory action by the FDA.

The manufacture and sale of medical devices is also regulated by some states. Although there is substantial overlap between state regulations and the regulations of the FDA, compliance with some state laws may require additional cost or effort; however, we do not anticipate that complying with state regulations will create any significant problems.

Foreign countries also have laws regulating medical devices sold in those countries, which require additional resources for compliance. The time required to obtain approval by the FDA and other foreign governmental agencies can be lengthy and the requirements may differ. 

We are subject to data privacy and security laws, regulations, and customer-imposed controls in numerous jurisdictions as a result of having access to and processing confidential, personal or sensitive data in the course of our business, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation which imposes strict requirements on how we collect, transmit, process and retain personal data.

Government Contracts

Although we transact business with various U.S. government agencies, no government contract or aggregate contracts are of such magnitude that a renegotiation of profits or termination of the contracts at the election of the government would have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Human Capital Management

As a company, our vision is to Protect the Vulnerable® and we believe that our vision is achieved in large part through the strength of our workforce. Every day, our talented employees strive to implement lean based tools to find ways to continuously improve our products and services so that we may better serve our customers. We recruit top talent from all backgrounds using a combination of industry expert recruiters and recruiting tools. We support employees with compensation, benefits and development programs aimed at ensuring employees are productive and engaged. 

Employees

As of March 31, 2022, we had 681 employees, of whom 298 are employed for manufacturing and quality assurance, 114 for research and development and engineering, 175 for sales and marketing, and 94 for administration. Our voluntary employee turnover was 12% during the year ended March 31, 2022. We believe that our turnover rate indicates that employees remain at Mesa because of the opportunities to grow and develop within the company. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to diversity and inclusion (“D&I”), and we are always working to improve in this area. We train our managers annually on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment practices. We continue to evolve our talent acquisition process to focus on diversity for both external hires and succession planning. Our recruiting standards require that we consider candidates from two or more underrepresented categories for all director-level or higher positions, and our global cloud-based human capital management platform enables us to more accurately track employee representation and identify how we can better enhance our diversity around the world. Our executive officers have committed to help drive further D&I progress during our year ending March 31, 2023 and beyond. As of March 31, 2022, 50% of our board of directors are from under-represented categories.

Compensation and Benefits

Our compensation and benefits are competitive to market and create incentives to attract and retain employees. In determining merit increases, we evaluate individual performance—including measuring an individual's contribution to company goals and performing semi-annual performance reviews—to align financial incentives with individual contributions. Our compensation package includes market-competitive pay, cash bonuses, stock-based compensation to certain levels of employees, health care and retirement benefits, paid time off, and paid caregiver leave, among other benefits.

Communication and Engagement

We believe that our success depends in part on our employees understanding how their work contributes to our company purpose and strategy. To this end, we utilize a variety of channels to facilitate open and direct communication, including: (i) quarterly town hall meetings with our executive team; (ii) internally maintained websites; (iii) an anonymous whistleblower hotline that is advertised to our employees; and (iv) employee engagement surveys. We also measure employee net promoter scores, which is an employee ranking of how likely they are to recommend working at Mesa to a family member or friend. Our employee net promoter scores decreased during the year ended March 31, 2022. Based on the results of the net promoter score surveys, we are undertaking several initiatives to improve employee engagement, including implementing salary increases and leadership development programs. We will continue tracking and making efforts to improve the score going forward. 

Available Information

We are subject to the reporting and other information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). We make available, free of charge, on or through our website at www.mesalabs.com under the link “Financials” on the Investor Relations section, our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and other information. Information on our website is not incorporated into this annual report on Form 10-K and is not a part of this report. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) also maintains a website at www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Our code of ethics and Board of Directors committee charters and policies are also posted on the Investor Relations section of our website. The information on our website is not part of this or any other report Mesa files with, or furnishes to, the SEC.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents we filed with the SEC, you should carefully consider the following factors, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations in future periods. The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we have identified as material, but these are not the only risks and uncertainties facing us. Our business is also subject to general risks and uncertainties that affect many other companies, such as market conditions, economic conditions, geopolitical events, changes in laws, regulations or accounting rules, fluctuations in interest rates, terrorism, wars or conflicts, major health concerns, natural disasters or other disruptions of expected business conditions. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may impair our business, including our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

Business and Strategic Risks

Conditions in the global economy, the markets we serve, and the financial markets may adversely affect our business, financial statements, and access to capital markets.

Our business is sensitive to general economic conditions. Slow or disrupted global economic growth, volatility in the currency and credit markets, high levels of unemployment or underemployment, changes or anticipation of potential changes in government fiscal, tax, trade and monetary policies, changes in capital requirements for financial institutions, government deficit reduction and budget negotiation dynamics, sequestration, austerity measures, sovereign debt defaults, and other challenges that adversely affect the global economy could adversely affect us and our distributors, customers and suppliers, including having the effect of:

If growth in the global economy or in any of the markets we serve slows for a significant period, if there is significant deterioration in the global economy or such markets or if improvements in the global economy do not benefit the markets we serve, our business and financial results could be adversely affected. We cannot predict the likelihood, duration or severity of any disruption in financial markets or any adverse economic conditions in the U.S. and other countries.

Our growth could suffer if the markets into which we sell our products and services decline, do not grow as anticipated or experience volatility.

Our growth depends in part on the growth of the markets which we serve, and visibility into our markets is limited (particularly for markets into which we sell through distribution). Any decline or lower than expected growth in our served markets could diminish demand for our products and services, which would adversely affect our financial statements. Certain of our businesses operate in industries that may experience periodic, cyclical downturns. In addition, in certain of our businesses’ demand depends on customers’ capital spending budgets as well as government funding policies, and matters of public policy and government budget dynamics as well as product and economic cycles can affect the spending decisions of these entities. Demand for our products and services is also sensitive to changes in customer order patterns, which may be affected by announced price changes, marketing or promotional programs, new product introductions, the timing of industry conferences, changes in distributor or customer inventory levels, or other factors. Any of these factors could adversely affect our growth and results of operations in any given period.

We face competition and if we are unable to compete effectively, we may experience decreased demand and decreased market share resulting in decreased revenues. Even if we compete effectively, we may be required to reduce prices for our products and services resulting in decreased profit margin.

The markets for our current and potential products are competitive. Because of the range of products and services we sell and the variety of markets we serve, we encounter a wide variety of competitors (refer to Item 1. Business for additional details), including several that possess both larger sales forces and greater capital resources.

In order to compete effectively, we must maintain longstanding relationships with major customers, continue to grow our business by establishing relationships with new customers, develop new products and services to maintain and expand our brand recognition and leadership position in various product and service categories, and penetrate new markets, including in developing countries and high growth markets. In addition, significant shifts in industry market share can occur in connection with product problems, safety alerts and publications about products, reflecting the competitive significance of product quality, product efficacy and quality systems in our industries. Our failure to compete effectively or pricing pressures resulting from competition may adversely impact our results of operations.

Changing industry trends may affect our results of operations.

Various changes within the industries we serve may limit future demand for our products and may include the following:

Our growth depends in part on the timely development, commercialization, and customer acceptance of new and enhanced products and services based on technological innovation.

Our growth depends on the acceptance of our products and services in the marketplace, the penetration achieved by the companies to which we sell, and our ability to introduce new and innovative products that meet the needs of the various markets we serve. We can offer no assurance that we will be able to continue to introduce new and enhanced products, that the products we introduce, or have introduced, will be widely accepted by the marketplace, or that our direct sales team or independent distributors will successfully penetrate our various markets. Our failure to introduce new and enhanced products or gain widespread acceptance of our products and services could adversely affect our financial results. If we fail to accurately predict future customer needs and preferences, fail to produce viable technologies, or to protect the intellectual property of such technologies, we may invest heavily in research and development of products and services that do not lead to significant revenues, which could adversely affect our profitability. Even if we successfully innovate and develop new and enhanced products and services, we may incur substantial costs in doing so, and our profitability may suffer. Competitors may also develop after-market services and parts for our products which attract customers and adversely affect our return on investment for new products. In addition, we face risks in connection with the retirement of old products and customer migration to new products.

If we are unable to continue to hire and retain personnel, then we will have trouble manufacturing and marketing our products.

Our success depends largely upon the continued service of our management and manufacturing employees and our ability to attract and retain manufacturing and management personnel, some of whom we are recruiting for in-person positions in competitive labor markets, particularly Bozeman, Montana. At times, we face significant competition in the hiring and retention of personnel in competitive markets where other employers may offer superior pay or benefits. Loss of key personnel or our inability to hire and retain personnel could materially adversely affect our manufacturing efforts and increase backlog. Further, if we have to pay manufacturing employees higher wages to attract and retain them, our gross margins and overall profitability may decline. 

Adverse changes in our relationships with, or the financial condition, performance, purchasing patterns or inventory levels of, distributors and other channel partners could adversely affect our financial statements.

We sell a significant number of products to distributors and other channel partners that have valuable relationships with customers and end-users. Some of these distributors and other partners also sell our competitors’ products or compete with us directly, and if they favor competing products for any reason, they may fail to market our products effectively. Adverse changes in our relationships with these distributors and other partners, or adverse developments in their financial condition, performance or purchasing patterns, could adversely affect our business and financial statements.

The levels of inventory maintained by our distributors and other channel partners, and changes in those levels, can also negatively impact our results of operations in any given period. In addition, the consolidation of distributors could adversely impact our business and financial statements. We cannot directly control the actions of our distributors. Our distributors may not comply with export laws, or follow the terms of the distribution agreements which require compliance with export laws, which could have legal or financial implications for us.

Our international operations subject us to a wide range of risks.

Our operations and sales outside of the United States have increased as a result of our strategic acquisitions and the continued expansion of our commercial organization. Risks related to these increased foreign operations include:

International business risks have in the past and may in the future negatively affect our business and financial statements. A deterioration in diplomatic relations between the United States and any country where we conduct business could adversely affect our future operations and lead to a decline in profitability. Changes in U.S. policy regarding international trade, including import and export regulation and international trade agreements, could also negatively impact our business. Tariffs imposed by the U.S. on a broad range of imports or trade measures imposed by other countries could result in an increase in supply chain costs that we may not be able to offset or that could otherwise adversely impact our results of operations. 

Our international operations are governed by the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-corruption laws outside the U.S. Global enforcement of anti-corruption laws has increased in recent years, with more enforcement proceedings by U.S. and foreign governmental agencies and the imposition of significant fines and penalties. Our international operations, which often involve customer relationships with foreign governments, create the risk that there may be unauthorized payments or offers of payments made by employees, consultants, or distributors. Any alleged or actual violations of these laws may subject us to government investigations and significant criminal or civil sanctions and other liabilities, and negatively affect our reputation.

Uncertainties remain regarding the consequences of the UK ceasing to be a member state of the EU on January 31, 2020 (commonly referred to as “Brexit”), including the application of the terms of the trade and cooperation agreement with the EU, the impact of new or different laws and regulations as the UK determines which EU laws to replace or replicate, and trade and tax impacts as the UK negotiates its own tax and trade treaties with countries around the world. The impacts from Brexit could add time and expense to the conduct of our business, delay regulatory approval of products, adversely impact the manufacturing or movement of products, adversely impact customer demand, and otherwise adversely affect our business and financial statements both inside and outside the UK. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted and continues to pose risks to our business. 

Since December 2019, an outbreak of a novel strain of a virus named SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, spread to countries in which we or our customers and suppliers operate, including the United States and caused major disruption throughout the year. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and to date, has led to the implementation of various responses, including government-imposed quarantines, extended business closures, travel restrictions and other public health safety measures, as well as reported adverse impacts on healthcare resources, facilities and providers across the United States and in other countries.

In response to COVID-19 and in accordance with direction from state and local government authorities, we restricted and may continue to restrict access to our facilities to our office-based employees and monitored and responded to certain external factors in instituting limited travel restrictions during fiscal year 2022. In addition, many of our customers and potential customers closed facilities or limited facility hours due to the spread of COVID-19. Such closures have resulted in, and may continue to result in, our inability to demonstrate and install some of our products, as well as lower demand for certain products. Any interruptions in the installation of ordered products could delay our ability to recognize revenues in a particular period. In addition, we must maintain sufficient production capacity in order to meet anticipated customer demand, which carries fixed costs that we may not be able to offset if installations cannot occur, which would adversely affect our operating margins.

We operate on a global basis with offices or operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, and global health crises, such as COVID-19, could result in a widespread economic downturn in the industries in which we and our customers operate. The extent to which outbreaks impacts our business and the businesses of our customers will depend on future developments, which remain highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, such as the continued geographic spread of the disease, the duration of outbreaks, and actions taken in the United States and elsewhere to contain outbreaks and treat the disease, such as vaccination rates and efficacy, social distancing and quarantines, business closures and business disruptions. Recent COVID-19 outbreaks and resulting lockdowns in China have adversely impacted revenues from our Clinical Genomics division during fiscal year 2022, and we expect continued adverse impacts on revenues from our Clinical Genomics division and, to a lesser extent, the rest of the company in fiscal year 2023. Some factors from the COVID-19 pandemic that could delay or otherwise adversely affect our operations and performance include:

The COVID-19 pandemic could also have the effect of heightening other risk factors described in this report.

Operational Risks

A significant disruption in, or breach in security of, our information technology systems or data could adversely affect our business, reputation and financial statements.

We rely on information technology systems, some of which are provided or managed by third-parties, to process, transmit and store electronic information (including sensitive data such as confidential business information and personally identifiable data relating to employees, customers, and other business partners), and to manage or support a variety of critical business processes and activities (such as receiving and fulfilling orders, billing, collecting and making payments, shipping products, providing services and support to customers and fulfilling contractual obligations). In addition, some products or software we sell to customers may connect to our systems for maintenance or other purposes, and we sell software as a service and cloud-based platforms. These systems, products and services (including those we acquire through business acquisitions) may be damaged, disrupted or shut down due to attacks by computer hackers, computer viruses, ransomware, human error or malfeasance, power outages, hardware failures, telecommunication or utility failures, catastrophes or other unforeseen events, and in any such circumstances our system redundancy and other disaster recovery planning may be ineffective or inadequate. Attacks may also target hardware, software and information installed, stored or transmitted in our products after such products have been purchased and incorporated into third-party products, facilities or infrastructure. Security breaches of systems provided or enabled by us, regardless of whether the breach is attributable to a vulnerability in our products or services, could result in the misappropriation, destruction or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information or personal data belonging to us or to our employees, partners, customers, patients or suppliers. Our information technology systems have been subject to computer viruses, malicious codes, unauthorized access and other cyber-attacks and we expect the sophistication and frequency of such attacks to continue to increase. Unauthorized tampering, adulteration or interference with our products may also adversely affect product functionality and result in loss of data, risk to patient safety and product recalls or field actions.

Any attacks, breaches or other disruptions or damage could interrupt our operations or the operations of our customers and partners, delay production and shipments, result in theft of our and our customers’ intellectual property and trade secrets, damage customer, business partner, and employee relationships, and our reputation or result in defective products or services, legal claims and proceedings, liability and penalties under privacy laws and increased costs for security and remediation, each of which could adversely affect our business, reputation and financial statements.

Further, a significant number of our employees work remotely, which exposes us to greater cybersecurity risks. Any inability to maintain reliable information technology systems and appropriate controls with respect to global data privacy and security requirements and prevent data breaches can result in adverse regulatory consequences, business consequences and litigation.

We face numerous manufacturing and supply chain risks. In addition, our reliance upon sole or limited sources of supply for certain materials, components and services could cause production interruptions, delays and inefficiencies.

We purchase materials, components and equipment from third parties for use in our manufacturing operations. Our results of operations could be adversely impacted if we are unable to adjust our purchases to reflect changes in customer demand and market fluctuations, including those caused by seasonality or cyclicality. Suppliers may extend lead times, limit supplies or increase prices. If we cannot purchase sufficient products at competitive prices and quality and on a timely enough basis to meet increasing demand, we may not be able to satisfy market demand, product shipments may be delayed, our costs may increase, or we may breach our contractual commitments and incur liabilities.

In addition, some of our businesses purchase certain required products from sole or limited source suppliers for reasons of quality assurance, regulatory requirements, cost effectiveness, availability or uniqueness of design. If these or other suppliers encounter financial, operating or other difficulties or if our relationship with them changes, we might not be able to quickly establish or qualify replacement sources of supply. The supply chains for our businesses were impacted in fiscal year 2022 and could also be disrupted in the future by supplier capacity constraints, supplier bankruptcy or exiting of the business for other reasons, decreased availability of key raw materials or commodities and external events such as natural disasters, pandemics or other public health problems, war, terrorist actions, governmental actions and legislative or regulatory changes. Any of these factors could result in production interruptions, delays, extended lead times and inefficiencies.

Because we cannot always immediately adapt our production capacity and related cost structures to changing market conditions, our manufacturing capacity may at times exceed or fall short of our production requirements. Any or all of these problems could result in the loss of customers, provide an opportunity for competing products to gain market acceptance, and otherwise adversely affect our financial condition.

Our financial results are subject to fluctuations in the cost and availability of components and commodities that we use in our operations.

As discussed in Item 1. Business—Manufacturing and Materials, our manufacturing and other operations employ a wide variety of components, and raw materials and other commodities, including metallic-based components, electronic components, chemicals, and plastics and other petroleum-based products. Prices for and availability of these components, and raw materials and other commodities have fluctuated significantly in the past, and more recently have increased. Any sustained interruption in the supply of these items could adversely affect our business. In addition, due to the highly competitive nature of the industries that we serve, the cost-containment efforts of our customers and the terms of certain contracts we are party to, if components and commodity prices rise, we may be unable to pass along cost increases through higher prices. If we are unable to fully recover higher costs through price increases or offset these increases through cost reductions, or if there is a time delay between the increase in costs and our ability to recover or offset these costs, our margins and profitability could decline, and our financial statements could be adversely affected.

We are dependent on our suppliers to deliver components, and a shortage of and increasing prices of components have and could continue to disrupt our production and delay order fulfillment. 

Products we sell are made of components, including electronic components, glass, plastics, and packaging that we source globally from suppliers who, in turn, source components from their suppliers. If there is a shortage of a key component in our supply chain, and the component cannot be easily sourced from a different supplier, the shortage may disrupt our production which may, in turn, delay order fulfillment. We are currently experiencing long lead times, and in some cases, difficulty obtaining components from our existing suppliers, which has resulted in delayed order fulfillment to varying degrees in our divisions, especially the Calibration Solutions and Biopharmaceutical Development divisions, and to a lesser extent the Sterilization and Disinfection Control and Clinical Genomics divisions. 

In addition, costs for components and transportation costs have increased, which may reduce our gross profit margins unless and until we are able to pass the cost increases along to our customers. There are several reasons for the supply chain disruptions to components that we rely on to manufacture our products, including: increased demand for other products that use the same components as those we purchase, manufacturing shut-downs during the past 18 months that reduced production of components, obsolescence of materials we have historically purchased, labor issues, and long lead times for raw materials used in the production of components. A continued shortage of components or other key materials that comprise the components could cause a significant disruption to our production schedule and have a substantial adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. 

Significant developments or uncertainties stemming from the U.S. administration, including changes in U.S. trade policies, tariffs and the reaction of other countries thereto could have an adverse effect on our business.

Changes, potential changes or uncertainties in U.S. social, political, regulatory and economic conditions or laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, and development and investment in the territories and countries where we or our customers operate, or governing the health care system, can adversely affect our business and financial statements. For example, trade tensions between the United States and China remain high, and each country has continued to impose significant tariffs on a wide range of goods imported from the other country. China accounted for approximately 9% of our sales during the year ended March 31, 2022. These factors have adversely affected, and in the future could further adversely affect, our business and financial statements.

Macroeconomic pressures in the markets in which we operate may adversely affect our financial results. 

Geopolitical issues around the world can impact macroeconomic conditions and could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. For example, the ultimate impact of the conflict in Ukraine on fuel prices, inflation, the global supply chain and other macroeconomic conditions is unknown and could materially adversely affect global economic growth, disrupting discretionary spending habits and generally decreasing demand for our products and services. While we do not purchase any of significant raw materials directly from Russia, it is a significant global producer of fuel, nickel, and copper. Disruptions in the markets for those inputs could negatively impact the macroeconomy. We cannot predict the extent or duration of sanctions in response to the conflict in Ukraine, nor can we predict the effects of legislative or other governmental actions or regulatory scrutiny of Russia and Belarus, Russia's other allies or other countries with which Russia has significant trade or financial ties, including China. The conflict in Ukraine may also exacerbate geopolitical tensions globally. While our sales to Russia have historically produced an immaterial amount of revenues and profitability compared to the overall company, we cannot predict the impact that the conflict may have on future financial results. For example, Russian customers for some of our product lines may choose a competitors' product and we may not be able to regain the business, including future sales to those Russian customers.

Violation of data privacy laws could adversely affect our business, reputation and financial statements.

If we are unable to maintain reliable information technology systems and appropriate controls with respect to global data privacy and security requirements and prevent data breaches, we may suffer adverse regulatory consequences, business consequences and litigation. As a multinational organization, we are subject to data privacy and security laws, regulations, and customer-imposed controls in numerous jurisdictions as a result of having access to and processing confidential, personal and/or sensitive data in the course of our business. The EU General Data Protection Regulation impose strict requirements in how we collect and process personal data, including, among other things, a requirement for prompt notice of data breaches to data subjects and supervisory authorities in certain circumstances and significant fines for non-compliance. Data privacy laws in other jurisdictions, such as California and Colorado, also impose data privacy obligations. Government enforcement actions can be costly and interrupt the regular operation of our business, and data breaches or violations of data privacy laws can result in fines, reputational damage and civil lawsuits, any of which may adversely affect our business, reputation and financial statements. In addition, compliance with the varying data privacy regulations around the world may require significant expenditures and may require changes in our products or business models that increase competition or reduce revenues.

Changes to dialysis methods may decrease demand for our dialysis products and negatively impact our financial statements. 

In July 2019, an executive order was signed by the President of the United States that is intended to change the way that kidney care is delivered to patients and reimbursed through government-sponsored medical programs. The executive order’s objectives included encouraging dialysis patients to receive treatments through in-home care rather than at a dialysis clinic and also reducing the number of people developing kidney failure. The extent of the impact of the executive order, as well as the timing of the impact on procedures and the market in general is currently unknown. 

Currently, our Dialyguard product line accounts for approximately one-third of the revenues and gross margin associated with our Calibration Solutions division. The majority of the revenues in our Dialyguard business are associated with products that are used in dialysis clinics, while a smaller portion of our sales relate to in home care. Another recent development is dialysis machines that feature built-in dialysis calibration functionalities. Demand for our dialysis products may be adversely affected by these or other developments in the dialysis industry.

We may be unable to efficiently manage our growth as a larger and more geographically diverse organization.

Our strategic acquisitions and the continued organic expansion of our commercial sales operations have increased the scope and complexity of our business. As a result, we face challenges inherent in efficiently managing a more complex business with an increased number of employees over large geographic distances, including the need to implement appropriate systems, policies, benefits, and compliance programs. Our inability to manage successfully a substantially larger and geographically more diverse (including from a cultural perspective) organization could materially adversely affect our operating results and, as a result, the market price of our common stock.

If we suffer loss to our facilities, supply chains, distribution systems or information technology systems due to a catastrophic event, our operations could be seriously harmed.

Our facilities, supply chains, distribution systems and information technology systems are subject to catastrophic loss due to fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, pandemics and epidemics and other public health crises, war, terrorism or other natural or man-made disasters. If any of these facilities, supply chains or systems were to experience a catastrophic loss, it could disrupt our operations, delay production and shipments, result in defective products or services, damage customer relationships and our reputation and result in legal exposure and large repair or replacement expenses. Our insurance coverage with respect to natural disasters is limited and is subject to deductible and coverage limits and may be unavailable or insufficient to protect us against such losses.

The health care industry and related industries that we serve have undergone, and are in the process of undergoing, significant changes in an effort to reduce costs, which could adversely affect our financial statements.

Participants in the health care industry and related industries have implemented, and are implementing, significant changes in an effort to reduce costs. Many of the end-users to whom our customers supply products rely on government funding of and reimbursement for health care products and services and research activities. The U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act (collectively, the “PPACA”), health care austerity measures in other countries and other potential health care reform changes and government austerity measures have reduced and may further reduce the amount of government funding or reimbursement available to customers or end-users of our products and services and/or the volume of medical procedures using our products and services. Global economic uncertainty or deterioration can also adversely impact government funding and reimbursement.

These changes as well as other impacts from market demand, government regulations, third-party coverage and reimbursement policies and societal pressures have started changing the way healthcare is delivered, reimbursed and funded and may cause participants in the health care industry and related industries that we serve to purchase fewer of our products and services, reduce the prices they are willing to pay for our products or services, reduce the amounts of reimbursement and funding available for our products and services from governmental agencies or third-party payors, affect the acceptance rate of new technologies and products and increase our compliance and other costs. All of the factors described above could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Defects or quality issues associated with our products could adversely affect the results of our operations.

Manufacturing or design defects or “bugs” in, unanticipated use of, safety or quality issues (or the perception of such issues) with respect to, standard use of, “off label” use of, or inadequate disclosure of risks relating to the use of products and services that we make or sell (including items that we source from third parties or that we provide to third parties who sell on our behalf) can lead to property damage, loss of profits or other liability. These events could lead to recalls or safety alerts, result in the removal of a product or service from the market and result in product liability or similar claims being brought against us. Recalls, removals and product liability and similar claims (regardless of their validity or ultimate outcome) can result in significant costs, as well as negative publicity and damage to our reputation that could reduce demand for our products and services. Any of the above can result in the discontinuation of marketing of such products in one or more countries and give rise to claims for damages from persons who believe they have been injured as a result of product issues, including claims by individuals or groups seeking to represent a class.

The manufacture of many of our products is a highly exacting and complex process, and if we directly or indirectly encounter problems manufacturing products, our reputation, business and financial results could suffer.

The manufacture of many of our products is a highly exacting and complex process, due in part to strict regulatory requirements. Problems may arise during manufacturing for a variety of reasons, including equipment malfunction, failure to follow specific protocols and procedures, problems with raw materials, natural disasters and environmental factors, and if not discovered before the product is released to market could result in recalls and product liability exposure. Because of the time required to approve and license certain regulated manufacturing facilities and other stringent regulations of the FDA and similar agencies regarding the manufacture of certain of our products, an alternative manufacturer may not be available on a timely basis to replace such production capacity. Any of these manufacturing problems could result in significant costs, liability and lost revenues, loss of market share as well as negative publicity and damage to our reputation that could reduce demand for our products.

Our failure to maintain appropriate environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") practices and disclosures could result in reputational harm, a loss of customer and investor confidence, and adverse business and financial results.

Governments, investors, customers, and employees are enhancing their focus on ESG practices and disclosures, and expectations in this area are rapidly evolving and increasing. While we monitor the various and evolving standards and associated reporting requirements, failure to adequately maintain appropriate ESG practices that meet diverse stakeholder expectations may result in the loss of business, reduced market valuation, an inability to attract customers, and an inability to attract and retain top talent.

Climate change, or legal or regulatory measures to address climate change, may negatively affect us.

Climate change resulting from increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could present risks to our operations. Physical risk resulting from acute changes (such as hurricane, tornado, wildfire or flooding) or chronic changes (such as droughts, heat waves or sea level changes) in climate patterns can adversely impact our facilities and operations and disrupt our supply chains and distribution systems. Concern over climate change can also result in new or additional legal or regulatory requirements designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment (such as taxation of, or caps on the use of, carbon-based energy). Any such new or additional legal or regulatory requirements may increase the costs associated with, or disrupt, sourcing, manufacturing and distribution of our products, which may adversely affect our business and financial statements.

If we are unable to manufacture our products in sufficient quantities and in a timely manner, our operating results will be harmed, our ability to generate revenue could be diminished, and our gross margin may be negatively impacted.

Our revenues and other operating results will depend in large part on our ability to manufacture and assemble our products in sufficient quantities and in a timely manner. Any interruptions we experience in the manufacturing or shipping of our products - such as the delay that occurred when we moved our Butler, New Jersey facilities to Lakewood, Colorado resulting in changes to the way we manufacture certain products - could delay our ability to recognize revenues in a particular quarter. Manufacturing problems can and do arise, and as demand for our products increases, any such problems could have an increasingly significant impact on our operating results. We may not be able to quickly ship products and recognize anticipated revenues if we experience significant delays in the manufacturing process. In addition, we must maintain sufficient production capacity in order to meet anticipated customer demand, which carries fixed costs that we may not be able to offset if orders slow, which would adversely affect our operating margins. If we are unable to manufacture our products consistently, in sufficient quantities, and on a timely basis, our revenues, gross margins and our other operating results will be materially and adversely affected.

Acquisition Risks

Any inability to consummate acquisitions at our historical rate and at appropriate prices could negatively impact our growth rate and stock price.

Our ability to grow revenues, earnings and cash flows at or above our historic rates depends in part upon our ability to identify and successfully acquire and integrate businesses at appropriate prices and realize anticipated synergies. We may not be able to consummate acquisitions at rates similar to the past, which could adversely impact our growth rate and our stock price. Promising acquisitions are difficult to identify and complete for a number of reasons, including high valuations, competition among prospective buyers, the availability of affordable funding in the capital markets, and the need to satisfy applicable closing conditions. In addition, competition for acquisitions may result in higher purchase prices. Changes in accounting or regulatory requirements, or instability in the credit markets, or global crisis that prevents travelling or other activities necessary for acquisitions could also adversely impact our ability to consummate acquisitions.

Our acquisition of businesses could negatively impact our financial statements.

As an important part of our business strategy, we acquire businesses, some of which may be material. Please see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional details. These acquisitions involve a number of financial, accounting, managerial, operational, legal, compliance and other risks and challenges, including the following, any of which could adversely affect our business and our financial statements:

If intangible assets and goodwill that we recorded in connection with our acquisitions become impaired, we may have to take significant charges against earnings.

In connection with the accounting for our completed acquisitions, we recorded a significant amount of intangible assets, including developed technology and customer relationships relating to the acquired product lines, and goodwill. Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), we must assess, at least annually and potentially more frequently, whether the value of intangible assets and goodwill has been impaired. Intangible assets and goodwill will be assessed for impairment in the event of an impairment indicator. Any reduction or impairment of the value of intangible assets and goodwill will result in a charge against earnings, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and shareholders’ equity in future periods.

The indemnification provisions of acquisition agreements by which we have acquired companies may not fully protect us and as a result we may face unexpected liabilities, or we may have acquisition agreements with no indemnification protection at all.

Certain of the acquisition agreements by which we have acquired companies require the former owners to indemnify us against certain liabilities related to the operation of the company before we acquired it. In most of these agreements, however, the liability of the former owners is limited, and certain former owners may be unable to meet their indemnification responsibilities. We cannot guarantee that these indemnification provisions will protect us fully or at all, and as a result we may face unexpected liabilities that could adversely impact our financial statements. In addition, we may enter into acquisition agreements that have no indemnification protection at all.

Future strategic transactions or acquisitions may require us to seek additional financing, which we may not be able to secure on favorable terms, if at all.

We actively evaluate various strategic transactions on an ongoing basis, and in order to complete such transactions, we may need to seek additional financing. We may not be able to secure such financing on favorable terms, or at all. In addition, future acquisitions may require the issuance or sale of additional equity or debt securities, which may result in additional dilution to our stockholders.

Legal, Regulatory, Compliance, and Reputational Risks

We are subject to lawsuits and regulatory proceedings.

We have been a defendant in a number of lawsuits, and in the future are subject to the possibility of a variety of litigation and regulatory proceedings, including claims for damages arising out of the use of products or services and claims relating to intellectual property matters, employment matters, tax matters, commercial disputes, product liability, marketing matters, insurance coverage, competition and sales and trading practices, environmental matters, product retirement, personal injury, and acquisition or divestiture-related matters, as well as regulatory investigations or enforcement. We may also become subject to lawsuits as a result of past or future acquisitions or as a result of liabilities retained from, or representations, warranties or indemnities provided in connection with, divested businesses. Any of these lawsuits may include claims for compensatory damages, punitive and consequential damages or injunctive relief. The defense of these lawsuits may divert our management’s attention, we may incur significant expenses in defending these lawsuits, and we may be required to pay damages or settlements or become subject to equitable remedies that could adversely affect our operations and financial results. Moreover, any insurance or indemnification rights that we may have may be insufficient or unavailable to protect us against such losses. In addition, developments in proceedings in any given period may require us to adjust the loss contingency estimates that we have recorded in our financial statements, record estimates for liabilities or assets previously not susceptible of reasonable estimates or pay cash settlements or judgments. Any of these developments could adversely affect our financial results in any given period. We cannot make assurances that our liabilities in connection with litigation and other legal regulatory proceedings will not exceed our estimates or adversely affect our financial results and business. Please see Note 13. “Commitments and Contingencies” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for additional discussion.

Our reputation, ability to do business and prepare financial statements may be impaired by improper conduct by any of our employees, agents or business partners.

We cannot provide assurance that our internal controls and compliance systems will always protect us from acts committed by employees, agents or business partners of ours (or of businesses we acquire or partner with) that would violate U.S. and/or non-U.S. laws, including the laws governing payments to government officials, bribery, fraud, kickbacks and false claims, pricing, sales and marketing practices, conflicts of interest, competition, export and import compliance, money laundering and data privacy. 

If we do not or cannot adequately protect our intellectual property, if third parties infringe our intellectual property rights, or if we or our customers are alleged to infringe upon others’ intellectual property rights, we may suffer competitive injury or expend significant resources enforcing or defending our rights.

We own patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and other intellectual property and licenses to intellectual property owned by others, which in the aggregate are important to our business. The intellectual property rights that we obtain, however, may not be sufficiently broad or otherwise may not provide us a significant competitive advantage, and patents may not be issued for pending or future patent applications owned by or licensed to us. In addition, the steps that we and our licensors have taken to maintain and protect our intellectual property may not prevent it from being challenged, invalidated, circumvented or designed-around, particularly in countries where intellectual property rights are not highly developed or protected. In some circumstances, enforcement may not be available to us because an infringer has a dominant intellectual property position or for other business reasons, or countries may require compulsory licensing of our intellectual property. We also rely on nondisclosure and noncompetition agreements with employees, consultants and other parties to protect, in part, trade secrets and other proprietary rights. There can be no assurance that these agreements will adequately protect our trade secrets and other proprietary rights and will not be breached, that we will have adequate remedies for any breach, that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information or that third parties will not otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or other proprietary rights. In addition, we or our customers may be alleged to infringe upon the intellectual property of third parties. Our failure to obtain or maintain intellectual property rights that convey competitive advantage, adequately protect our intellectual property, detect or prevent circumvention or unauthorized use of such property, and the cost of enforcing our intellectual property rights or defending against any allegation of infringement, could adversely impact our competitive position and results of operations.

We are subject to extensive regulation.

The process of obtaining and maintaining required regulatory approvals is lengthy, expensive and uncertain. We can offer no assurance that delays will not occur in the future, which could have a significant adverse effect on our ability to introduce new products on a timely basis. Regulatory agencies periodically inspect our manufacturing facilities to ascertain compliance with “good manufacturing practices” and can subject approved products to additional testing and surveillance programs.

Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can, among other things, result in fines, suspension of regulatory approvals, product recalls, operating restrictions and criminal penalties. If we fail to comply with regulatory requirements, it could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. The regulations we are subject to have tended to become more stringent over time and may be inconsistent across jurisdictions. We, our representatives and the industries in which we operate may at times be under review and/or investigation by regulatory authorities. Compliance with applicable regulations may affect our returns on investment, require us to incur significant expenses or modify our business model or impair our flexibility in modifying product, marketing, pricing or other strategies for growing our business. Our products and operations are also often subject to the rules of industrial standards bodies such as the International Standards Organization, and failure to comply with these rules could result in withdrawal of certifications needed to sell our products and services and otherwise adversely impact our business and financial statements. 

Certain of our products are medical devices and other products subject to regulation by the U.S. FDA, by other federal and state governmental agencies, by comparable agencies of other countries and regions. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain regulatory clearance (such as 510(k) clearance) or approvals for our new products or modifications to (or additional indications or uses of) existing products within our anticipated timeframe or at all, and if we do obtain such clearance or approval, it may be time-consuming, costly and subject to restrictions. Our ability to obtain such regulatory clearances or approvals will depend on many factors and the process for obtaining such clearances or approvals could change over time and may require the withdrawal of products from the market until such clearances are obtained. The global regulatory environment has become increasingly stringent and unpredictable. Several countries that did not have regulatory requirements for medical devices have established such requirements in recent years, and other countries have expanded, or plan to expand, their existing regulations. For example, the EU Medical Device Regulation (the “EU MDR”) imposes strict requirements for the marketing and sale of medical devices, including in the area of clinical evaluation requirements, quality systems and post-market surveillance. Failure to meet the requirements could adversely impact our business in the EU and other regions that tie their product registrations to the EU requirements.

Ensuring that our internal operations and business arrangements with third parties comply with applicable laws and regulations involves substantial costs. It is also possible that government authorities will conclude that our business practices do not comply with current or future statutes, regulations, agency guidance or case law. Noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations can result in, among other things, fines, expenses, injunctions, civil penalties, recalls or seizures of products, total or partial suspension of production, failure to receive 510(k) clearance of devices, withdrawal of marketing approvals, reputation damage, business disruption, loss of customers and disbarment from selling to certain federal agencies, criminal prosecutions and other adverse effects. Further, defending against any such actions can be costly and time-consuming and may require significant personnel resources. Therefore, even if we are successful in defending against any such actions brought against us, our business may be impaired.

Off-label marketing of our products could result in substantial penalties.

The FDA strictly regulates the promotional claims that may be made about approved or cleared products. In particular, any clearances we may receive only permit us to market our products for the uses indicated on the labeling cleared by the FDA. We may request additional label indications for our current products, and the FDA may deny those requests outright, require additional data to support any additional indications or impose limitations on the intended use of any cleared products as a condition of clearance. If the FDA determines that we have marketed our products for off-label use, we can be subject to fines, injunctions or other penalties. It is also possible that other federal, state or foreign enforcement authorities might take action if they consider our business activities to constitute promotion of an off-label use, which could result in significant penalties, including, but not limited to, criminal, civil and administrative penalties, substantial monetary penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, exclusion from participation in government healthcare programs, and/or the curtailment of our operations. Any of these events could significantly harm our business and financial results.

Certain modifications to our products may require new 510(k) clearances or other marketing authorizations and may require us to recall or cease marketing our products.

Once a medical device is permitted to be legally marketed in the United States pursuant to a 510(k) clearance, a manufacturer may be required to notify the FDA of certain modifications to the device. Manufacturers determine in the first instance whether a change to a product requires a new 510(k) clearance or premarket submission, but the FDA may review any manufacturer’s decision. The FDA may not agree with our decisions regarding whether new clearances are necessary. We have made modifications to our products in the past and have determined based on our review of the applicable FDA regulations and guidance that in certain instances new 510(k) clearances or other premarket submissions were not required. We may make similar modifications or add additional features in the future that we believe do not require a new 510(k) clearance. If the FDA disagrees with our determinations and requires us to submit new 510(k) notifications, we may be required to cease marketing or to recall the modified product until we obtain clearance, and we may be subject to significant regulatory fines or penalties.

Changes in governmental regulations may reduce demand for our products or services or increase our expenses.

We compete in markets in which we and our customers must comply with federal, state, and other jurisdictional regulations, such as regulations governing health and safety, food and drugs, privacy and electronic communications. We develop, configure and market our products and services to meet customer needs created by these regulations. These regulations are complex, change frequently, have tended to become more stringent over time and may be inconsistent across jurisdictions. Any significant change in any of these regulations (or in the interpretation or application thereof) could reduce demand for, increase our costs of producing or delay the introduction of new or modified products and services, or could restrict our existing activities, products and services. In addition, in certain of our international markets our growth depends in part upon the introduction of new regulations. In these markets, the delay or failure of governmental and other entities to adopt or enforce new regulations, the adoption of new regulations which our products and services are not positioned to address or the repeal of existing regulations, could adversely affect demand. In addition, regulatory deadlines may result in substantially different levels of demand for our products and services from period-to-period.

Product liability suits against us, product defects or unanticipated use or inadequate disclosure with respect to our products or services could adversely affect our business, reputation and our financial statements.

Manufacturing or design defects in, unanticipated use of, safety or quality issues (or the perception of such issues) with respect to, or inadequate disclosure of risks relating to the use of products and services that we make or sell (including items that we source from third parties) can lead to personal injury, property damage or other liability. These events could lead to recalls or safety alerts, result in the removal of a product or service from the market and result in product liability or similar claims being brought against us. Recalls, removals and product liability and similar claims (regardless of their validity or ultimate outcome) can result in significant costs, as well as negative publicity and damage to our reputation that could reduce demand for our products and services. Our product liability insurance may not adequately cover our costs arising from defects in our products or otherwise.

We are subject to export and import control laws and regulations that could impair our ability to compete in international markets or subject us to liability if we violate such laws and regulations.

We are subject to U.S. export controls and sanctions regulations that restrict the shipment or provision of certain products and services to certain countries, governments, and persons. While we take precautions to prevent our products and services from being exported in violation of these laws, we cannot guarantee that the precautions we take will prevent violations of export control and sanctions laws. If we are found to be in violation of U.S. sanctions or export control laws, it could result in substantial fines and penalties for us and for the individuals working for us. We may also be adversely affected through other penalties, reputational harm, loss of access to certain markets, or otherwise.

Complying with export control and sanctions regulations may be time-consuming and may result in the delay or loss of sales opportunities or impose other costs. Any change in export or import regulations, economic sanctions or related legislation, or change in the countries, governments, persons or technologies targeted by such regulations, could result in our decreased ability to export or sell certain products to existing or potential customers in affected jurisdictions. We are subject to laws and regulations governing government contracts.

We are subject to laws and regulations governing government contracts, and failure to address these laws and regulations or comply with government contracts could harm our business by leading to a reduction in revenues associated with these customers. We have agreements relating to the sale of our products to government entities and, as a result, we are subject to various statutes and regulations that apply to companies doing business with the government. We are also subject to investigation for compliance with the regulations governing government contracts. A failure to comply with these regulations could result in suspension of these contracts, criminal, civil and administrative penalties or debarment.

Financial and Tax Risks

We may be required to recognize additional impairment charges for our goodwill and other intangible assets.

As of March 31, 2022, the net carrying value of our goodwill and other intangible assets totaled $541.3 million. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, we periodically assess our assets to determine if they are impaired. Significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of our assets, changes in the structure of our business, divestitures, market capitalization declines, or increases in associated discount rates may impair our goodwill and other intangible assets. Any charges relating to such impairments would adversely affect our financial statements in the periods recognized.

Foreign currency exchange rates may adversely affect our financial statements.

As a global company with substantial operations outside the U.S., sales and purchases in currencies other than the U.S. dollar expose us to fluctuations in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar and may adversely affect our financial statements. Increased strength of the U.S. dollar increases the effective price of our products sold in U.S. dollars into other countries, which may require us to lower our prices or adversely affect sales to the extent we do not increase local currency prices. Decreased strength of the U.S. dollar could adversely affect the cost of materials, products and services we purchase overseas. Sales and expenses of our non-U.S. businesses are also translated into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes and the strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar could result in unfavorable translation effects. In addition, certain of our businesses may invoice customers in a currency other than the business’ functional currency, and movements in the invoiced currency relative to the functional currency could also result in unfavorable translation effects. We also face exchange rate risk from our investments in subsidiaries owned and operated in foreign countries. We do not enter into hedging arrangements to mitigate any foreign currency exposure.

Changes in accounting standards could affect our reported financial results.

New accounting standards or pronouncements that may become applicable to our Company from time to time, or changes in the interpretation of existing standards and pronouncements, could have a significant effect on our reported results of operations for the affected periods. 

Changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liabilities or assessments could affect our profitability. In addition, audits by tax authorities could result in additional tax payments for prior periods.

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and in various non-U.S. jurisdictions. The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities and by non-U.S. tax authorities, such as those audits described elsewhere in this report. If audits result in payments or assessments different from our reserves, our future results may include unfavorable adjustments to our tax liabilities and our financial statements could be adversely affected. Any further significant changes to the tax system in the United States or in other jurisdictions (including changes in the taxation of international income as further described below) could adversely affect our financial statements.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report financial results or prevent fraud. If we identify a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, our ability to meet our reporting obligations and the trading price of our stock could be negatively affected.

Effective internal controls are necessary to provide reliable financial reports and to assist in the effective prevention of fraud. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud could harm our business. We regularly review and update our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies. In addition, we are required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to report annually on our internal control over financial reporting. Any system of internal controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. If we, or our independent registered public accounting firm, determine that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective, discover areas that need improvement in the future or discover a material weakness, these shortcomings could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results, and the price of our common stock could be negatively affected. 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 our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Accordingly, a material weakness increases the risk that the financial information we report contains material errors.

If we cannot conclude that we have effective internal control over our financial reporting, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to provide an unqualified opinion regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could lead to a decline in our stock price. Failure to comply with reporting requirements could also subject us to sanctions and/or investigations by the SEC, The Nasdaq Stock Market or other regulatory authorities. We have previously implemented several significant ERP modules and have acquired businesses that were subsequently required to adopt our systems of internal controls. The implementation of these systems represents a change in our internal control over financial reporting. Although we continue to monitor and assess our internal controls environment as changes are made and new modules are implemented, and we have taken additional steps to modify and enhance the design and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, there is a risk that deficiencies may occur that could aggregate to a material weakness. If we fail to remedy any deficiencies or maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, civil or criminal penalties or shareholder litigation. In addition, failure to maintain adequate internal controls could result in financial statements that do not accurately reflect our operating results or financial condition.

Our ability to use net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards and certain built-in losses to reduce future tax payments is limited by provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, and it is possible that certain transactions or a combination of certain transactions may result in material additional limitations on our ability to use our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

Section 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, contain rules that limit the ability of a company that undergoes an ownership change, which is generally any change in ownership of more than 50% of its stock over a three-year period, to utilize its net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and certain built-in losses recognized in years after the ownership change. These rules generally operate by focusing on ownership changes involving stockholders owning directly or indirectly 5% or more of the stock of a company and any change in ownership arising from a new issuance of stock by the company. Generally, if an ownership change occurs, the yearly taxable income limitation on the use of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and certain built-in losses is equal to the product of the applicable long-term, tax-exempt rate and the value of the company’s stock immediately before the ownership change. We may be unable to offset our taxable income with losses, or our tax liability with credits, before such losses and credits expire and therefore would incur larger federal income tax liability. We are in the process of conducting a new Section 382 study as a result of the acquisition of Agena, and while our most recent Section 382 analysis did not show any current exposure, future transactions or combinations of future transactions may result in a change in control under Section 382. Federal net operating losses generated after December 31, 2017 are not subject to expiration and generally may not be carried back to prior taxable years except that, under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, net operating losses generated in 2018, 2019 and 2020 may be carried back five taxable years. Additionally, for taxable years beginning after March 31, 2021, the deductibility of such deferral net operating losses is limited to 80% of our taxable income in any future taxable year.

Changes in tax law relating to multinational corporations could adversely affect our tax position.

The U.S. Congress, government agencies in non-U.S. jurisdictions where we and our affiliates do business, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) have recently focused on issues related to the taxation of multinational corporations. One example is in the area of “base erosion and profit shifting,” where profits are claimed to be earned for tax purposes in low-tax jurisdictions, or payments are made between affiliates from a jurisdiction with high tax rates to a jurisdiction with lower tax rates. The OECD has released several components of its comprehensive plan to create an agreed set of international rules for addressing base erosion and profit shifting. As a result, the tax laws in the United States and other countries in which we do business could change on a prospective or retroactive basis, and any such changes could adversely affect our business and financial statements.  

Our business is subject to sales tax in numerous states.

The application of indirect taxes, such as sales tax, is a complex and evolving issue. A company is required to collect and remit state sales tax from certain of its customers if that company is determined to have “nexus” in a particular state. The determination of nexus varies by state and often requires knowledge of each jurisdiction’s tax case law. The application and implementation of existing, new or future laws could change the states in which we are required to collect and remit sales taxes. If any jurisdiction determines that we have “nexus” in additional locations that we have not contemplated, it could have an adverse effect on our financial results.

If global credit market conditions deteriorate, our financial performance could be adversely affected.

The cost and availability of credit are subject to changes in the global economic environment. If conditions in major credit markets deteriorate, our ability to obtain debt financing or the terms associated with that debt financing may be negatively affected, which could affect our results of operations.

Servicing our debt will require a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flow from our business or the ability to raise capital to repay our 1.375% convertible senior notes due August 15, 2025 (the “Notes”) at maturity or repurchase the notes in the event of a fundamental change, or if we borrow under our credit facility, swingline loan, and letters of credit (together referred to as the "Credit Facility") or if we incur more debt.

We incurred significant indebtedness in the amount of $172,500 in the form of the Notes which mature on August 15, 2025, unless earlier converted. We also have a revolving Credit Facility and could borrow additional amounts under that at any time, incurring more debt.

We currently expect to settle future conversions solely in shares of our common stock, which has the effect of including the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes in our diluted earnings per share to the extent such shares are not anti-dilutive. We will reevaluate this policy from time to time in the event conversion notices are received from Note holders and if our stock price is above the strike price. Holders of the Notes also have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their Notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the applicable indenture governing the Notes) at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if the Notes have not previously been converted or repurchased due to a decline in share price, we will be required to repay the Notes in cash.

Our ability to make required cash payments in connection with conversions of the Notes, repurchase the Notes in the event of a fundamental change, or to repay or refinance the Notes at maturity will depend on market conditions and our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive, and other factors beyond our control.

In addition, our ability to repurchase or to pay cash upon conversion or at maturity of the Notes may be limited by law or regulatory authority. Our failure to repurchase Notes following a fundamental change as required by the applicable indenture would constitute a default under such indenture. A default under the indenture or agreements governing our future indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. If the payment of the related indebtedness were to be accelerated after any applicable notice or grace periods, we may not have sufficient funds to repay the indebtedness and repurchase the Notes or to pay cash upon conversion or at maturity of the Notes.

Additional stock issuances could result in significant dilution to our stockholders.

We may issue additional equity securities to raise capital, make acquisitions, or for a variety of other purposes. Additional issuances of our stock may be made pursuant to the exercise or conversion of new or existing convertible debt securities, stock options, or other equity incentive awards. We rely on equity-based compensation as an important tool in recruiting and retaining employees. The amount of dilution due to equity-based compensation of our employees and other additional issuances could be substantial. In addition, in March 2022, we entered a sales agreement with Jefferies LLC ("Jefferies") to sell shares of our common stock, from time to time, with aggregate gross sales proceeds up to $150.0 million through an at-the-market equity offering program under which Jefferies will act as our sales agent. If we issue common stock or securities convertible into common stock for the above reasons, or any other reason, our common stockholders would experience additional dilution and, as a result, our stock price may decline. 

 Our stock price may be volatile, which may subject us to a securities class action litigation.

The trading price of our common stock price may be volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:

In addition, the stock market in general, and the Nasdaq Stock Market and the market for products and devices sold into the medical and healthcare industries in particular, have experienced substantial price and volume volatility that is often seemingly unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may cause the trading price of our common stock to decline. In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company after a period of volatility in the market price of its common stock. We may become involved in this type of litigation in the future. Any securities litigation claims brought against us could result in substantial expense and the diversion of management’s attention from our business.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

As of March 31, 2022, we owned two facilities and both are material to our business: one in Lakewood, Colorado and the other in Bozeman, Montana. Both facilities are used for manufacturing, engineering, research and development, marketing, and administration. Two of our four segments use the properties: Sterilization and Disinfectant Control and Calibration Solutions. We have ten leased facilities which are individually immaterial. 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

For information regarding legal proceedings, refer to Note 13. “Commitments and Contingencies” in our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Part II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “MLAB.”

While we have paid dividends to holders of our common stock on a quarterly basis since 2003, the declaration and payment of future dividends will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to, our earnings, financial condition, business development needs and regulatory considerations, and is at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors.

As of March 31, 2022, there were 66 holders of record of our common stock. This amount does not include “street name” holders or beneficial holders of our common stock, whose holders of record are banks, brokers and other financial institutions.

During the year ended March 31, 2022, we did not sell any equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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. This plan will continue until the maximum is reached or the plan is terminated by further action of the Board of Directors. We made no repurchases of our common stock during the years ended March 31, 2022, March 31, 2021, or March 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2022, 137,514 shares remained available to repurchase pursuant to the repurchase plan.

See Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters for information regarding securities authorized for issuance.

Set forth below is a line graph comparing, for the period March 31, 2016 through March 31, 2022, the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock against the cumulative total return of (a) the S&P Composite Stock Index (b) the S&P Small Cap 600, and (c) a self-selected peer group, comprised of the following companies: Danaher Corp., Inc., Steris Corp., Fortive Corporation, Mettler Toledo International, Inc., Transcat Inc., Electro-Sensors Inc., Sotera Health, Hologic, Inc., NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc., and Natus Medical Inc. The graph shows the value on March 31 of each year, assuming an original investment of $100 in each and reinvestment of cash dividends. 

Item 6. Reserved

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Dollars in thousands, unless specified)

Overview 

We are a multinational manufacturer, developer, and seller of life sciences tools and quality control products and services, many of which are sold into niche markets that are 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 described in Note 14. "Segment Data" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained within Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this annual report, during the third quarter of fiscal year 2022, following the acquisition of Agena, we changed our segment reporting to align with strategic changes in the way we manage our business units. As of March 31, 2022, we managed our operations in four reportable segments, or divisions: Sterilization and Disinfection Control, Biopharmaceutical Development, Calibration Solutions, and Clinical Genomics, which is comprised of the newly-acquired Agena. Each of our divisions are described further in "Results of Operations" below. Non-reportable operating segments (including our Cold Chain Packaging Division which ceased operations during the year ended March 31, 2020) and unallocated corporate expenses are reported within Corporate and Other.

Corporate Strategy

We strive to create shareholder 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, that require dependable quality control and calibration solutions to ensure the safety and efficacy of the products they use. By delivering the highest quality products possible, we are committed to protecting people, the environment, and end products. 

Organic Revenues Growth

Organic revenues growth is primarily driven by the expansion of our customer base, increases in sales volumes, and price increases. 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. We typically evaluate costs and pricing annually. 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.

Gross profit is affected by many factors including our product mix, manufacturing efficiencies, 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 and prices will continue to impact our overall gross profit.

Inorganic Revenues Growth - Acquisitions

During fiscal year 2022, we completed the acquisition of Agena for an aggregate purchase price of $300,793, net of cash acquired, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. Agena is a leading clinical genomics tools company that develops, manufactures, and sells highly sensitive, low-cost, high-throughput genetic analysis tools used by clinical labs to perform genomic clinical testing in several therapeutic areas, such as newborn screenings, pharmacogenetics and oncology. The acquisition of Agena accelerates Mesa's strategic trajectory towards higher growth applications within the regulated segments of the life sciences tools market.

Over the past decade, we have consummated a number of acquisitions as a part of our growth strategy. The acquisitions of these businesses 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 both 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 a set of 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; Steadily improving using lean-based tools designed to help us identify the root cause of opportunities and prioritize the biggest opportunities; and Always learn so that performance continuously improves. As we integrate Agena into our business, we will focus on applying The Mesa Way to its operations which we hope will improve efficiency in some areas of Agena’s business. 

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 improve our products, our services, and ourselves, resulting in long-term value creation for our shareholders.      

COVID-19 and Business Update

The COVID-19 pandemic began to broadly impact our business late in fiscal year 2020, and its impacts continued to affect our business in various ways throughout fiscal year 2021 and, to a lesser extent, into fiscal years 2022 and 2023. We continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19, including the current spread of certain variants of the virus, and we have taken and will continue to take steps to identify and mitigate the adverse impact on, and risks to, our business (including but not limited to our employees, customers, vendors, manufacturing capabilities and capacity, and supply and distribution channels) posed by the spread of COVID-19 and the government responses thereto.

COVID-19 has caused or exacerbated broad market phenomena such as supply chain disruptions, inflation, and wage pressure to which we are susceptible. Throughout fiscal year 2022, we experienced increased supply constraints for certain components used in our operations, particularly components used by the Calibration Solutions and Biopharmaceutical Development divisions, and to a lesser extent the Sterilization and Disinfection Control and Clinical Genomics divisions. We continue to work with our suppliers to understand the existing and potential future impacts to our supply chain and are taking actions in an effort to mitigate such impacts, including pre-ordering components in higher quantities than usual, which has resulted in increased raw materials balances on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2022. The impact of supply chain disruptions is discussed in more detail in our "Results of Operations" and Item 1A. Risk Factors. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has largely subsided as a public health matter, we may experience material adverse impacts to our business as a result of the pandemic's adverse impact on the global economy, in-person collaboration and sales efforts, and our customers’ changed purchasing behaviors and confidence.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related public health recommendations and mandated precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus, including regulations to close or limit the operating hours of our laboratory and facilities of our customers, and to prevent non-essential personnel from going on-site to customer locations to service or market our products, have negatively affected our operations. While many recommendations and precautions that affected us in fiscal year 2021 have been rescinded in the United States, some restrictions were reimposed for portions of the year ended March 31, 2022 as COVID-19 variants spread widely. Our operations in Europe and Asia have been most impacted because regulations and restrictions have tended to be more widespread in those areas. In contrast to the negative impacts experienced by our other divisions, our Clinical Genomics division produces a consumable reagent that can be used with its proprietary MassARRAY® instruments to accurately identify the presence of the COVID-19 virus and identify the variant from a biological sample. As a result, the Clinical Genomics division has benefited to some extent from outbreaks and resulting increased testing efforts. However, as in our other divisions, regulatory restrictions, particularly in Asia have negatively impacted commercial execution, limiting sales of Clinical Genomics products to new customers. We expect regulatory restrictions in Asia to continue into fiscal year 2023 which may negatively impact our Clinical Genomics division, and to a lesser extent, the rest of the company.

Our revenues are generated from product sales, which include consumables and hardware; as well as services, which include discrete and ongoing calibration, testing, and maintenance services. Revenues increase as a result of organic or inorganic revenues growth. Inorganic revenues growth is driven by acquisitions. Sales of our hardware products have historically been more sensitive to general economic conditions than sales of our consumables. Even as the broad healthcare industry has returned to more normal operations resulting in increased sales levels in most of our divisions, outbreaks and increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in many areas, especially Asia, have and may continue to result in the reinstatement of strict regulations, which we expect will result in lower sales levels. However, as vaccine distribution progresses, we are hopeful that any reinstatements of strict regulations will be less frequent and shorter in duration.

We are working on several research and development projects that, if completed, may result in enhanced or new products for both existing customers and new markets. We are hopeful that we will have enhanced or new products and services available for sale in the coming fiscal year.

As discussed in Note 15. "Subsequent Events" within Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, we entered into an Open Market Sale Agreement^SM with Jefferies LLC as sales agent subsequent to the year ended March 31, 2022.

Revenues for our reportable segments increased 38% for the year ended March 31, 2022. Revenues growth was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Agena; however, organic revenues growth was 13%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues decreased 6 percentage points for the year ended March 31, 2022, primarily as a result of a $7,462 charge recorded as we amortized the fair value of inventory step up recorded as part of purchase accounting. Results by reportable segment are as follows:

Results of Operations

Our results of operations and year-over-year changes are discussed in the following section. The tables and discussion below should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto appearing in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data (in thousands, except percent data).

Refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2021, filed on June 1, 2021, for a comparison of results of operations for the years ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020. 

Our condensed consolidated results of operations are as follows:

Reportable Segments

Sterilization and Disinfection Control

Our Sterilization and Disinfection Control division manufactures and sells biological, cleaning, and chemical indicators which are used to assess the effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection processes in the pharmaceutical, medical device, dental, and hospital 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.

Sterilization and Disinfection Control revenues increased 11% as a result of organic revenues growth, which was achieved through modest price increases, effective efforts by our sales team to market and sell certain products to a larger customer base, and volume increases with existing customers particularly in the biopharmaceutical markets.

Sterilization and Disinfection Control's gross profit percentage decreased one percentage point during the year ended March 31, 2022 primarily due to higher labor costs as a result of strong competition for employees in the labor market, and higher freight costs as a result of the global supply chain disruptions.

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 drugs. 

The results of the Biopharmaceutical Development division were consolidated into our results beginning on November 1, 2019, the first day following our acquisition of Gyros Protein Technologies Holding AB. Biopharmaceutical Development's revenues increased 34% as a result of resumed in-person sales efforts and a marketing strategy focused on packaging our hardware and software products in a format that is more appealing to our customers. These efforts resulted in increased hardware sales and to a lesser extent increased consumables sales, particularly in the cell and gene therapy market. 

Biopharmaceutical Development's gross profit percentage increased one percentage point during the year ended March 31, 2022 as a result of a favorable mix shift towards immunoassay products, as well as production efficiencies resulting from increased revenues, partially offset by higher labor costs.

Substantially all of this division's sales are invoiced in either euros or U.S. dollars ("USD"); however, the majority of the costs in this division are recorded in Swedish Krona ("SEK") and translated to USD for reporting purposes. During periods in which the USD is weaker against the SEK, such as in the first and second quarters of fiscal year 2022, our USD reported costs are inflated and gross profit percentage is lower. In periods in which the USD strengthens against the SEK, such as in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2022, our USD reported costs are lower and gross profit percentage is higher.

Calibration Solutions

This new reportable segment is comprised of the historical Instruments and Continuous Monitoring segments. The Calibration Solutions division designs, manufactures, and markets quality control and calibration products used to measure or calibrate temperature, pressure, pH, humidity, and other such parameters for health and safety purposes, primarily in hospital, medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and laboratory environments.

Calibration Solutions' revenues were flat for the year ended March 31, 2022, primarily as a result of supply and labor constraints limiting our ability to manufacture ordered quantities of certain products, partially offset by slightly higher service revenues. As COVID-19 related restrictions were gradually lifted, our service technicians were able to go to client sites to complete service requests and hardware installations. Despite fulfillment delays for many customer orders, demand for the division's products increased during fiscal year 2022, and to date, we have been able to retain the substantial majority of our customers and orders. 

Calibration Solutions' gross profit percentage decreased three percentage points during the year ended March 31, 2022. The decrease in gross profit percentage resulted primarily from increased freight on purchased components, higher labor costs as a result of strong competition for employees in the labor market, and costs associated with outsourcing certain calibration functions while we completed the move and manufacturing set up of certain product sets from our Butler, New Jersey facility to Lakewood, Colorado. While we no longer are outsourcing our calibration functions, supply chain disruptions and higher labor costs are expected to continue through fiscal year 2023.

Clinical Genomics

This is a new reportable segment comprised of the recently acquired Agena. The Clinical Genomics division develops, manufactures, and sells highly sensitive, low-cost, high-throughput genetic analysis tools used by clinical labs to perform genomic clinical testing in several therapeutic areas, such as newborn screenings, pharmacogenetics and oncology.

Revenues in the Clinical Genomics division represent revenues from October 20, 2021 until March 31, 2022. Of the revenues reported, $2,871 represents revenues from COVID-19-related sales, of which the substantial majority are consumables. We expect sales in fiscal year 2023 will be negatively impacted by continued restrictions and lockdowns imposed in China as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have limited our sales efforts beginning in late fiscal year 2022.

Clinical Genomics' gross profit was $11,941 for the period from October 20, 2021 until March 31, 2022. Gross profit includes a $7,462 charge related to amortization of an inventory step-up to fair value recorded in purchase accounting. Excluding the step-up amortization, gross profit for the period ended March 31, 2022 would have been $19,403, and gross profit as a percentage of revenues would have been 59%. Gross profit also includes $2,538 of amortization of intellectual property from the Agena Acquisition. Going forward, we expect gross profit as a percentage of revenues to range from the high 50s to the low 60s, including an annual impact of $5,675 of non-cash amortization of intellectual property.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other primarily consists of results from our Cold Chain Packaging division, which was dissolved during the year ended March 31, 2020 and is no longer considered a reportable segment, as well as unallocated corporate expenses.  

Operating Expenses 

Operating expenses for the year ended March 31, 2022 increased 40% in total compared to the year ended March 31, 2021.

Selling 

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

Selling expense increased 53% for the year ended March 31, 2022 primarily as a result of the acquisition of Agena. Excluding the impact of Agena, selling expense increased 15% for the year ended March 31, 2022, as we executed on our previously-announced plan to invest in sales and marketing resources in order to increase organic revenues growth. We hired several sales employees throughout fiscal year 2022, resulting in higher labor-related costs and higher commission expense resulting from increased revenues. Further, travel-related costs increased as we resumed various in-person sales events as restrictions on gatherings lifted compared to fiscal year 2021. Including the acquisition of Agena and its sales force, we expect total selling expense will approximate 16% to 18% of revenues for fiscal year 2023.

General and Administrative

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

General and administrative expenses increased 32% for the year ended March 31, 2022, primarily as a result of the acquisition of Agena. Excluding the impact of Agena, general and administrative expenses increased 15% for the year ended March 31, 2022 as a result of acquisition and integration costs, higher annual bonus accruals based on our financial results for the year ended March 31, 2022, and increased stock-based compensation expense as we expanded the number of participants in our stock-based compensation programs.

Research and Development

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

Research and development expenses for the year ended March 31, 2022 increased 52% primarily as a result of expenses attributable to Agena. Excluding the impact of Agena, research and development costs for the year ended March 31, 2022 increased 12% primarily as a result of higher personnel and third-party contractor expenditures supporting our continued incremental investments in enhancing existing products as well as the development of new products and features. We expect research and development expenses will approximate 9% to 12% of revenues for fiscal year 2023.

Nonoperating Expense

Nonoperating expense for the year ended March 31, 2022 is composed primarily of interest expense and amortization of the debt discount associated with our 1.375% convertible senior notes issued in August 2019, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, and interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents.

During the year ended March 31, 2022, we incurred significant realized and unrealized foreign currency gains as a result of the USD strengthening significantly, particularly against the Swedish Krona. 

Interest expense and amortization of debt discount was lower for the year ended March 31, 2022 compared to the year ended March 31, 2021 due to our adoption of ASU 2020-06, which resulted in a $4,090 reduction in non-cash interest expense related to the Notes. See Note 1. "Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" within Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Income Taxes

Our income tax rate varies based upon many factors, but in general we anticipate that on a go-forward basis, our effective tax rate will be approximately 26%, plus or minus the impact of excess tax benefits and deficiencies associated with share-based payment awards to employees; (please see Note 12. “Income Taxes” within Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data). Our effective tax rate increased during the year ended March 31, 2022 due to the limitations imposed by Section 162(m), and higher federal and state income taxes, partially offset by tax benefits, notably the exercise of stock options. The excess tax benefits and deficiencies associated with share-based payment awards to our employees have caused and, in the future, may cause large fluctuations in our realized effective tax rate based on timing, volume, and nature of stock options exercised under our share-based payment program.

Net Income

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2022 varied with the changes in revenues, gross profit, and operating expenses (including, respectively, $21,806, $11,391, and $7,462 of non-cash amortization of intangible assets acquired in a business combination, stock-based compensation expense, and amortization of inventory step up). Prior to the adoption of ASU 2020-06 on April 1, 2021, we were required to recognize non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs. Subsequent to the adoption, we recognize non-cash interest expense related to amortization of debt issuance costs only, resulting in higher net income subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2020-06.

Non-GAAP reconciliation

Adjusted operating income (which excludes the non-cash impact of amortization of intangible assets acquired in a business combination, stock-based compensation and impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets) is used by management as a supplemental performance measure, in order to compare current financial performance to historical performance, assess the ability of our assets to generate cash, and evaluate potential acquisitions.

Adjusted operating income should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income, operating income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP as measures of operating performance or liquidity.

The following table sets forth our reconciliation of adjusted operating income, a non-GAAP measure:

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our sources of liquidity include cash generated from operations, cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash available from our revolving credit facility, swingline loan, and letters of credit (together referred to as the "Credit Facility"), working capital and potential additional equity and debt offerings. We continue to believe that we have the liquidity required to continue operations even if volatility in the economic environment reoccurs. We believe that cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash generated from operations, as well as the remainder of the unused capacity under our Credit Facility, and potential funds from our Open Market Sale Agreement^SM, will be sufficient to meet our short-term and long-term needs.

Our more significant uses of resources have historically included acquisitions, long-term capital expenditures, payment of debt and interest obligations, and quarterly dividends to shareholders. Working capital is the amount by which current assets exceed current liabilities. We had working capital of $76,263 and $271,166 on March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We also had $49,346 and $263,865 of cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. 

On October 20, 2021 we completed the acquisition of Agena for an adjusted purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $300,793.

On March 5, 2021, we entered into a four-year senior secured credit agreement that includes 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 at any time. 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. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2022, we borrowed $70,000 under the line of credit to fund the acquisition of Agena and repaid $21,000 during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2022 using cash on hand and cash generated from operations. As of March 31, 2022, we had $26,000 remaining to draw on the Credit Facility.

As of March 31, 2022, we have $172,500 aggregate principal of senior convertible notes outstanding. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 1.375% payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The Notes can be converted prior to maturity if certain conditions are met; no such conditions were met during the year ended March 31, 2022. We currently expect to settle future conversions of the Notes entirely in shares of our common stock and will reevaluate this policy from time to time in the event that conversion conditions are met, and conversion notices are received from holders of the Notes. We were in compliance with all debt agreements on March 31, 2022 and for all prior years presented and have met all debt payment obligations. Refer to Note 8. "Indebtedness" within Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more details on these transactions. 

In April 2022 we entered into an Open Market Sale Agreement^SM, 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 million.

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 otherwise retire our debt. These actions may include retirements or refinancing of outstanding debt, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The amount of debt that may be retired, if any, could be material and would be decided at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors and will 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 each quarter of the years ended March 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020.

In April 2022, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share of common stock, payable on June 15, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 31, 2022

Cash Flows

Our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities were as follows:

Cash flows from operating activities for the year ended March 31, 2022 provided $39,223. The $2,150 increase in cash flows from operating activities primarily resulted from non-cash adjustments to net income, particularly increased depreciation and amortization as a result of higher intangibles balances resulting from the Agena Acquisition and amortization of the inventory step-up associated with the Agena Acquisition. Further, cash provided by operating assets and liabilities decreased by $12,444 for the year ended March 31, 2022 compared to the year ended March 31, 2021, primarily as a result of the impact of timing on our working capital accounts. Cash used in investing activities was higher during the year ended March 31, 2022 compared to the year ended March 31, 2021, due to cash expended on the Agena Acquisition, and to a lesser extent purchases of property, plant, and equipment, primarily to support the renovations of our Lakewood, Colorado facility. Cash provided by financing activities primarily resulted from a $70,000 draw on our Credit Facility, net of $21,000 repaid during the year. The draw on our Credit Facility was used to fund a portion of the purchase price of the Agena Acquisition. Our equity raise completed during the year ended March 31, 2021 provided $145,935.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. We believe that the following are the more critical judgment areas in the application of accounting policies that currently affect our financial condition and results of operations. Management has discussed the development, selection, and disclosure of critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. While our estimates and assumptions are based on our knowledge of current events and circumstances and actions we may take in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. For a discussion of our significant accounting policies, see Note 1. “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues come from product sales, which include consumables and hardware; as well as services, which include discrete and ongoing calibration, testing, and maintenance services and contracts. Revenues are recognized when we satisfy our performance obligations under the terms of a contract, which occurs when control of the promised products or services transfers to our customers. We recognize as revenue the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring products or services to our customers (the transaction price). For all revenue arrangements, prices are fixed at the time of purchase and no price protections or variables are offered. The significant majority of our revenues and related receivables are generated from contracts with customers that are 12 months or less in duration. We generally recognize revenues as follows:

Product sales: Our performance obligations related to product sales generally consist of the promise to sell tangible goods to distributors or end users. Control of these goods is typically transferred upon shipment, at which time our performance obligation is satisfied and revenue is recognized. For products requiring Mesa's personnel to complete installation, control transfers to the customer and revenue is recognized when our technicians have completed the installation at the customer’s location. Purchase orders typically provide evidence of an arrangement for product sales. Products sold include an assurance-type warranty which is accounted for as part of accrued warranty expense.

Services: We generate service revenues from discrete or contracted calibration, testing, and maintenance services performed on our hardware products. Performance obligations arise when discrete services are contracted in advance and performed at a future time, often at the time of the customer’s choosing. In such cases, our performance obligation is satisfied and revenue is recognized upon completion of the specified work. Alternately, performance obligations arising from ongoing service contracts are satisfied by completing any service that is contractually required during the contract period, if requested by the customer, or simply by the passage of time if no services are requested. For ongoing service contracts, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract in a faithful depiction of our obligation to provide services over the contract period. Evidence of a service arrangement may be in the form of a formal contract or a purchase order.

Collectability is reasonably assured through our customer review process, and payment is typically due within 60 days or less. Upon adoption of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, we elected the practical expedient to expense commission costs as incurred. The substantial majority of our contracts have original durations of one year or less, and we have elected not to disclose the expected timing or allocated transaction prices of future performance obligations. Additionally, we have elected the practical expedient to not assess whether a significant financing component exists when the period between when we perform our performance obligation and when the customer remits payment is one year or less. None of our contracts contained a financing component as of March 31, 2022 or March 31, 2021. 

Contracts with customers may contain multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised products or services underlying each performance obligation. Standalone selling prices are based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions, we estimate the standalone selling price considering available information such as market conditions and internally approved pricing guidelines. Discounts may be approved at the time of purchase and are included within a contract’s fixed transaction price. Discounts are typically allocated to the performance obligations included in the contract based on the standalone values of such obligations.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using a weighted average costing methodology. Work in progress and finished goods inventory acquired in an acquisition are recorded at fair market value. Our work in process and finished goods inventories include the costs of raw materials, labor and overhead, which are estimated based on trailing twelve months of expense and standard labor hours for each product. We evaluate labor and overhead costs annually unless specific circumstances necessitate a mid-year evaluation for specific items.

We monitor inventory costs relative to selling prices and perform physical cycle count procedures on inventories throughout the year to determine if a lower of cost or net realizable value reserve is necessary. We estimate and maintain an inventory reserve as needed for such matters as excess or obsolete inventory, shrinkage, and scrap. This reserve may fluctuate as our assumptions change due to new information, discrete events, or changes in our business, such as entering new markets or discontinuing a specific product; however, once inventory is written down, a new cost basis is established that is not subsequently written back up in future periods.

Purchase Accounting for Acquisitions

We account for all business combinations in which we obtain control over another entity using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires most assets (both tangible and intangible) and liabilities (including contingent consideration) to be recognized at fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets less liabilities is recognized as goodwill. We determine fair value using widely accepted valuation techniques, primarily discounted cash flow and market multiple analyses. These types of analyses require us to make and monitor assumptions and estimates regarding industry and economic factors, the profitability of future business strategies, discount rates and cash flow. Certain adjustments to the assessed fair values of acquired assets or liabilities made subsequent to the acquisition date but within the measurement period are recorded as adjustments to goodwill. Any adjustments subsequent to the measurement period are recorded within earnings. We expense all costs as incurred related to an acquisition in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Results of operations of the acquired company are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of the acquisition forward. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, or if our assumptions and estimates change due to new information, we may be exposed to an impairment charge in the future.

Acquired Intangible Assets

Our business acquisitions typically result in the recognition of goodwill and other intangible assets, which affect the amount of future period amortization expense and possible impairment charges we may incur.

Intangible assets with a definite life are amortized over their useful lives using the straight-line method and the amortization expense is recorded within cost of products or selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Intangible assets and their related useful lives are reviewed at least annually to determine if any adverse conditions exist that would indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. More frequent impairment assessments are conducted if certain conditions exist, including a change in the competitive landscape, any internal decisions to pursue new or different technology strategies, a loss of a significant customer, or a significant change in the marketplace, including changes in the prices paid for our products or changes in the size of the market for our products. If impairment indicators are present, we determine whether the underlying intangible asset is recoverable through estimated future undiscounted cash flows. The fair value measurement for asset impairment is based on Level 3 inputs. If the asset is not found to be recoverable, it is written down to the estimated fair value of the asset based on the sum of the future cash flows expected to result from the use and disposition of the asset. If the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life. We continue to believe that our definite lived intangible assets are recoverable as of March 31, 2022. 

We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests if events and circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Events that would indicate impairment and trigger an interim impairment assessment include, but are not limited to: current economic and market conditions, including a decline in market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors; business climate or operational performance of the business; and an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. Goodwill is tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances mentioned above. Our impairment tests for other indefinite lived intangible assets are similar to the tests performed for goodwill but are conducted at the individual asset level. We accounted for the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic when conducting our impairment analyses of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of our year ended March 31, 2022.  

Our impairment tests begin with the optional qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a goodwill reporting unit or other intangible asset exceeds its fair value, as permitted by the accounting guidance. If, after this qualitative assessment, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value is greater than the carrying amount, then no further quantitative testing is necessary. A quantitative assessment is performed if the qualitative assessment results in a more likely than not determination or if a qualitative assessment is not performed. The quantitative assessment considers whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit or indefinite lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, in which case an impairment charge is recorded to the extent carrying value exceeds fair value. Fair value is determined using an income approach, which relies heavily on Level 3 inputs. Our qualitative assessments over each of our reportable segments and our other indefinite lived intangible assets during the year ended March 31, 2022 concluded that no impairment exists as of March 31, 2022. 

Debt Accounting

As of March 31, 2022, our long-term debt balance is related to our 1.375% convertible senior notes due 2025, which were issued in August 2019 and are carried at their principal amount less unamortized debt discount. We account for our convertible notes as liabilities. For a discussion on the change in accounting for convertible debt, refer to Note 1. "Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Debt discount is amortized to interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income over the term of the convertible notes using the effective interest rate method.

Stock-based Compensation

We recognize compensation expense for equity awards over the vesting period based on the award’s fair value. We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair value of our stock options. The Black-Scholes model requires assumptions to be made regarding our stock price volatility, the expected life of the award, and expected dividend rates. The volatility assumption and the expected life assumptions are based on our historical data. The compensation expense of performance share awards is based in part on the estimated probability of achieving levels of performance associated with particular levels of payout for performance shares. We determine the probability of achievement of future levels of performance by comparing the relevant performance level with our internal estimates of future performance. Those estimates are based on a number of assumptions, and different assumptions may have resulted in different conclusions regarding the probability of achieving future levels of performance relevant to the payout levels for the awards. Had we arrived at different assumptions of stock price volatility or expected lives of our options, or different assumptions regarding the probability of our achieving future levels of performance with respect to performance share awards, our stock-based compensation expense and results of operations could have been different.  

Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes requires the use of estimates in determining the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items including impacts on effective tax rates, deferred tax items and valuation allowances based on management’s interpretation and application of complex tax laws and accounting guidance. We establish reserves for uncertain tax positions for material, known tax exposures relating to deductions, transactions and other matters involving some uncertainty as to the measurement and recognition of the item. While we believe that our reserves are adequate, issues raised by a tax authority may be finally resolved at an amount different than the related reserve and could materially increase or decrease our income tax provision in the current and/or future periods.

Recent Accounting Standards and Pronouncements

For a discussion of the new accounting standards impacting the Company, refer to Note 1. “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2022, we have no obligations or interests which qualify as off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations

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, 2021, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 1, 2021. As a result of the Agena Acquisition in the third quarter of fiscal year 2022, we assumed certain contractual obligations, including an additional $9,884 of payments under existing lease agreements, and $4,373 of open purchase orders as of March 31, 2022. 

On a consolidated basis, at March 31, 2022, we had contractual obligations for open purchase orders of approximately $19,025 for routine purchases of supplies and inventory, of which the substantial majority are payable in less than one year. Open purchase orders continue to increase as we take proactive steps to mitigate risks in supply by increasing our orders of certain critical raw materials.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

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 our functional currency or 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 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. Currency exposures have increased as a result of the GPT Acquisition, which incurs a substantial portion of its expenses in Swedish Krona, while most revenue contracts for GPT are in U.S. Dollars and euros. Therefore, when the Swedish Krona strengthens or weakens against the U.S. dollar, operating profits are decreased or increased, 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.

To the extent material, we have discussed the impact of the change in foreign currency within Item 7. "Results of Operations." A hypothetical 10 percent reduction in currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar (U.S. dollar weakening) would result in an estimated $170 after tax reduction in net earnings over a one-year period. Actual changes in market prices or rates may differ from hypothetical changes.

Interest Rates

Beginning during our year ended March 31, 2020, we held investments in money market funds. As a result, we are exposed to potential loss from market risks that may occur as a result of changes in interest rates, credit quality of the issuer, or other factors.

During our year ended March 31, 2021, we entered into the Credit Facility. Based on the Company’s variable-rate debt outstanding as of March 31, 2022, we estimate that a 1 percentage point increase in interest rates would have increased interest expense by $193 for the year ended March 31, 2022.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

[REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM]

Stockholders and Board of Directors

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Lakewood, Colorado

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO framework”).

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2022, based on criteria established in the COSO framework.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has excluded an acquired entity from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2022 because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during the year ended March 31, 2022. We have also excluded this entity from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. The acquired entity represents approximately 32% and 18% of assets (exclusive of intangible assets and goodwill) and revenues, respectively, for the year ended March 31, 2022.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.    

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Business Combination – Refer to Notes 1 and 4

Critical Audit Matter Description

As disclosed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed an acquisition of Agena Bioscience, Inc. for total cash consideration of approximately $300.8 million, net of cash acquired, on October 20, 2021. The Company accounted for the transaction as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting.  Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recognized at their respective acquisition date fair values.

We identified the allocation of the purchase price related to the Agena Bioscience, Inc. acquisition as a critical audit matter. The principal considerations for our determination include the inherent judgment involved in selecting market-based assumptions used in the estimated cash flow projections, including forecasts of future revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates, royalty rates and discount rates.

How the Critical Audit Matter was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures performed to address this critical audit matter included the following, among others:

Income Taxes – Refer to Notes 1 and 12

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company’s income tax expense includes U.S., state, local and international income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. The tax rate used to determine the deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on the enacted tax rate for the year and the manner in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized.

We identified management’s calculation of the provision for income taxes as a critical audit matter because of the significant judgments and estimates management makes to determine these amounts. Performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s interpretation of tax law in various foreign jurisdictions, and its estimate of the associated provisions and tax charges required a high degree of auditor judgment and increased effort.

How the Critical Audit Matter was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures performed to address this critical audit matter included the following, among others:

/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1986.

Denver, Colorado

May 31, 2022

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.