and government officials in order to respond rapidly to issues as they arise. The longer the current situation continues, it is more likely that we may experience some sort of interruption to our supply chains, and such an interruption could materially affect our ability to timely manufacture and distribute our products and unfavorably impact our results of operations.
As a result of the pandemic, certain clinical trials which were underway or scheduled to begin have been temporarily placed on hold. Such delays will impact our timing for filing applications for product clearances with the FDA, as well as related timing of FDA clearances of such filings. Additionally, the pandemic could slow down our efforts to expand our product portfolio through acquisitions and distribution opportunities, impacting the speed with which we are able to bring additional products to market.
Our Life Science segment manufactures, markets and sells a number of immunoassay and molecular reagents to IVD customers, including those who are making both molecular and immunoassay
COVID-19
tests. During our second quarter of fiscal 2020, we began seeing unprecedented demand for certain of our molecular reagents (e.g., ribonucleic acid (“RNA”) master mixes and nucleotides), and such demand has continued into our third fiscal quarter. Although we are unable to predict when this demand may subside, we expect materially higher revenue levels for these products during the next three to six months. These products are currently being used by over 35 IVD companies around the world in the development of
COVID-19
molecular tests. In addition, during April we announced the launch of several recombinant antigens critical for the development of antibody tests for
COVID-19.
Based upon the launch of these immunological reagent products and the strong demand for molecular reagent products noted above, we are currently expecting third quarter Life Science revenues of at least double that of normal quarterly levels.
Our Diagnostics segment manufactures, markets and sells a number of molecular, immunoassay and blood chemistry assays for various infectious diseases and blood-lead levels. We expect near-term sales volumes for a number of these assays to be adversely affected by the
COVID-19
pandemic as such assays are often used in
non-critical
care settings. In addition, the
COVID-19
pandemic has greatly slowed our instrument placements as diagnostic testing sites have turned their attention to critical care testing. During the month of April, our weekly shipments of Diagnostic products were approximately 50% of expected volume levels. Given the nature of our diagnostic assays (i.e., infectious disease and blood-lead), we expect to return to expected sales volume levels within three to six months assuming shelter in place orders relax and health care facilities return to normal,
pre-pandemic
operations in the near term. However, no assurances can be made in this regard.
In light of the economic impacts of
COVID-19,
the Company performed a review of the assets on our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2020, including intangible and other long-lived assets. Based on our review, we do not believe that a triggering event exists at this time and, therefore, we believe that we will be able to realize the full value of our assets. As such, no impairments or other write-downs related to
COVID-19
were recorded during fiscal 2020. Our assessment was based on information currently available and relies on various assumptions based on estimates of future cash flows and the probability of achieving the estimated cash flows. Future changes in market, economic or other conditions may lead to future impairments.
As of March 31, 2020, the Company’s outstanding debt balance on its revolving credit facility was $48,824. The impacts of
COVID-19
have adversely affected the capital markets and the ability of many companies to access capital and liquidity on favorable terms or at all. The Company believes it has sufficient liquidity and cash flows to meet its operating and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months. We drew $50,000 on our revolving credit facility in April to complete the acquisition of Exalenz Bioscience Ltd. (“Exalenz”) described in Note 12, “
of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company expects to be in compliance with its financial covenants during the same period. However, the Company is currently unable to predict the impact that
COVID-19
will have on its ability to access capital in the future. If the Company is unable to access additional capital and liquidity on acceptable terms, it could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations and ability to meet its future obligations beyond the next twelve months.
Based on the foregoing, the Company cannot reasonably predict the extent of the impact of
COVID-19
on our future results of operations and cash flows due to the continued uncertainty around the duration and severity of the pandemic. The
COVID-19
situation is changing rapidly and future impacts may materialize that are not yet known.
Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2020
Net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2020 increased 32% to $9,359, or $0.22 per diluted share, from net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 of $7,094, or $0.17 per diluted share. For the
six-month
period ended March 31, 2020, net earnings were $12,186, or $0.28 per diluted share. The level of net earnings in the second quarter (“QTD”) and first six months (“YTD”) of fiscal 2020 were affected by several factors, including most notably the combined effects of the following (amounts presented on a
pre-tax
basis):
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(i)
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significantly higher revenue in the Life Science operating segment, due in large part to supplying key molecular components to diagnostic test manufacturers for use in
COVID-19
related tests;
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(ii)
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higher research and development spending in the Diagnostics segment ($1,618 QTD; $2,731 YTD);
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(iii)
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increased cash-based incentive compensation ($2,045 QTD; $2,570 YTD);
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(iv)
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increased intangible asset amortization, primarily resulting from purchase accounting amortization related to the acquisition of the GenePOC business in June 2019 ($825 QTD; $1,715 YTD);
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(v)
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increased acquisition-related costs in connection with the fiscal 2020 Exalenz transaction, as compared to those related to the GenePOC transaction in fiscal 2019 ($902 QTD; $815 YTD);
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(vi)
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a decrease in the fair value of the earnout obligation for the acquisition of the GenePOC business ($2,491 QTD; $1,304 YTD); and
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(vii)
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significantly higher gains related to foreign currency, particularly as it relates to the British pound sterling ($1,704 QTD; $643 YTD).
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Consolidated revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2020 totaled $57,296, an increase of 14% compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019 (15% increase on a constant-currency basis).
Revenues for the Diagnostics segment for the second quarter of fiscal 2020 increased 4% compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019 (5% increase on a constant-currency basis), comprised of a 2% increase in molecular assay products and a 5% increase in immunoassay and blood chemistry assay products. As previously noted, the
COVID-19
pandemic dramatically slowed the placement of our molecular assay products during the quarter, resulting in 35 Revogene
®
systems being installed during the second quarter of fiscal 2020 and a total Revogene system install base of 148 systems as of March 31, 2020. With a 114% increase in molecular reagents products and a 5% decrease in immunological reagents products, revenues for our Life Science segment increased 33% during the second quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019. On a constant-currency basis, revenues for the Life Science segment increased 34%. Life Science revenues reflect a significant increase in the sales of key molecular components such as RNA master mixes and deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (“dNTPs”) to diagnostic test manufacturers for use in
COVID-19
related tests, including a fourfold increase in revenue from sales into China.
Consolidated revenues increased 3% to $104,717 for the first six months of fiscal 2020 compared to the same period of the prior year (also 3% on a constant-currency basis). On an operating segment basis, Diagnostics revenues decreased 1% (flat on a constant-currency basis) and Life Science revenues increased 11% (12% increase on a constant-currency basis).
On June 29, 2017, the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), in connection with its Safety Notification related to Magellan’s LeadCare testing systems for venous blood samples, issued to Magellan its Form 483, Inspectional Observations. The FDA issued a related Warning Letter on October 23, 2017. On April 17, 2018, Magellan received a subpoena from the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) regarding its LeadCare product line. The subpoena outlines documents to be produced, and we continue to cooperate with the DOJ in this matter, including responding to additional information requests. We have executed multiple tolling agreements to extend the statute of limitations.
Magellan submitted 510(k) applications in December 2018, seeking to reinstate venous blood sample-types for its LeadCare
®
II, LeadCare
®
Plus
™
and LeadCare Ultra
®
testing systems. In the second fiscal quarter of 2019 the FDA informed Magellan that each of these 510(k) applications had been put on Additional Information hold. On July 15, 2019, we provided responses to the FDA’s requests for Additional Information. These 510(k) applications have since expired and are no longer under FDA review. Further, while Magellan’s LeadCare testing systems remain cleared for marketing by the FDA and permitted for use with capillary blood samples, the FDA advised that it has commissioned a third-party study of Magellan’s LeadCare testing systems using both venous and capillary blood samples. According to the FDA, the results of the field study will be used in conjunction with other information, including review by an FDA Advisory Committee, to determine whether further action by the FDA or the CDC is necessary to protect the public health. Meridian intends to fully cooperate with the FDA as the third-party study and Advisory Committee review are completed.
During October 2019, the FDA performed a
follow-up
inspection of Magellan’s manufacturing facility. The FDA issued five Form FDA 483 observations. In November 2019, we submitted to the FDA our written responses to the five Form FDA 483 observations and have implemented a remediation plan that we are actively working. In January and February 2020, we submitted to the FDA additional written responses to the Form FDA 483 observations. On March 18, 2020, we participated in a regulatory meeting with the FDA at the FDA’s request to further discuss the Form FDA 483 observations and our remediation efforts. While we remain committed to strengthening Magellan’s quality system and ensuring that all aspects of the system are in full compliance, we can provide no assurance that our remediation efforts will be successful to a degree acceptable by the FDA.
In the course of remediation, we may encounter additional matters that warrant notifications to the FDA and/or customers regarding the use of our products. At this time, we do not believe that any such notifications would impact the ability to use the LeadCare systems with capillary blood samples. While we remain confident in the performance of the Magellan LeadCare testing systems using capillary samples, we do not expect that the FDA will reinstate our venous blood claims. We can provide no assurance that the ongoing investigation and study of the DOJ and FDA, respectively, or future exercise of their respective enforcement, regulatory, discretionary or other powers will not result in findings or alleged violations of federal laws that could lead to enforcement actions, proceedings or litigation and the imposition of damages, fines, penalties, restitution, other monetary liabilities, sanctions, injunctions, settlements or changes to our business practices, product offerings or operations that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations; or eliminate altogether our ability to operate our lead testing business, or on terms substantially similar to those on which we currently operate.
Below are analyses of the Company’s revenue, provided for each of the following:
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By Reportable Segment & Geographic Region
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By Product Platform/Type
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Revenue Overview- By Reportable Segment & Geographic Region
Our reportable segments are Diagnostics and Life Science. The Diagnostics segment consists of manufacturing operations for infectious disease diagnostic products in Cincinnati, Ohio and Quebec City, Canada, and manufacturing operations for blood chemistry products in Billerica, Massachusetts (near Boston). These diagnostic test products are sold and distributed in the countries comprising North and Latin America (the “Americas”); Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”); and other countries outside of the Americas and EMEA (rest of the world, or “ROW”). The Life Science segment consists of manufacturing operations in Memphis, Tennessee; Boca Raton, Florida; London, England; and Luckenwalde, Germany, and the sale and distribution of bulk antigens, antibodies, PCR/qPCR reagents, nucleotides, and bioresearch reagents domestically and abroad, including a sales and business development facility, with outsourced distribution capabilities, in Beijing, China to further pursue growing revenue opportunities in Asia.
Revenues for the Diagnostics segment, in the normal course of business, may be affected from quarter to quarter by buying patterns of major distributors, seasonality and severity of seasonal diseases and outbreaks, and foreign currency exchange rates. Revenues for the Life Science segment, in the normal course of business, may be affected
from quarter to quarter by buying patterns of major IVD manufacturing customers and foreign currency exchange rates.
See the “Revenue Disaggregation” section of Note 2,
“Significant Accounting Policies”
of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed revenue disaggregation information.
Following is a discussion of the revenues generated by these product platforms/types and/or disease states:
The acquisition of the Revogene molecular diagnostics platform, the development of the Curian
®
immunoassay platform, and the expansion of the related assay-menu for each of these platforms are important steps in addressing competitive pressures in our gastrointestinal and respiratory illness assay families. We are actively converting our existing Alethia
®
install base to the Revogene platform for
, Group A
(“Group A Strep”) and Group B
(“Group B Strep”) assays. As previously noted, the
COVID-19
pandemic dramatically slowed the placement of our molecular assay products during the quarter, resulting in 35 Revogene systems being installed during the second quarter of fiscal 2020 and a total Revogene system install base of 148 systems as of March 31, 2020. In March 2020, we received clearance from the FDA for the Curian immunoassay diagnostics instrument and its first assay, a test for
antigen in stool. We believe the advantages of the Curian analyzer will help protect our existing rapid test accounts.
During the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2020, revenues from our gastrointestinal products, which include tests for
,
and certain foodborne pathogens, among others, totaled $14,014 and $30,060, respectively. These revenue levels represent 13% and 14% decreases for this product category from the fiscal 2019 quarterly and
year-to-date
periods, respectively. These decreases result in large part from the pricing and volume pressures we continue to face within this product category. We have executed multi-year supply agreements with our two largest reference laboratory customers for
tests to secure volume, albeit at lower selling prices. We continue to believe there are ongoing benefits to be realized from: (i) the health and economic benefits of a test and treat strategy; (ii) changes in policies that discourage the use of traditional serology methods and promote the utilization of active infection testing methods; and (iii) physician behavior movement away from serology-based testing. Beginning in April, we began seeing lower order demand for most of our gastrointestinal products as a result of the
COVID-19
pandemic.
Contributing to the competitive pressures being faced in this product category, the patents for our
products, owned by us, expired in May 2016 in the U.S. and in May 2017 in countries outside the U.S. We expect competition with respect to our
products to continue to increase, and such competition may have an adverse impact on our selling prices for these products, or our ability to retain business at prices acceptable to us, and consequently, adversely affect our future results of operations and liquidity, including revenues and gross profit. We intend for our Curian HpSA
®
assay, cleared by the FDA in March 2020, to help protect our existing customer base using lateral flow tests. We also maintain a strategic collaboration with DiaSorin to sell
tests. We are unable to provide assurances that we will be successful with any strategy or that any strategy will prevent an adverse effect on our future results of operations and liquidity, including revenues and gross profit.
Respiratory Illness Assays
Overcoming lower sales volumes in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, revenues for our respiratory illness products, which include tests for Group A Strep, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Influenza, and Pertussis, among others, increased 44% and 20% in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2020, respectively. These increases primarily reflect volume increases in Group A Strep, Influenza and Mycoplasma related products from a very strong respiratory season, including the
COVID-19
pandemic.
Revenues from our sale of products to test for elevated levels of lead in blood remained flat during the second quarter of fiscal 2020 at a level of $4,329 and increased 8% for the fiscal
year-to-date
period to $9,479. During the latter part of March, we began seeing lower order demand for our blood-lead test as a result of the
COVID-19
pandemic.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2020, revenues from our Life Science segment increased 33% compared to the fiscal 2019 second quarter, with revenues from molecular reagent sales increasing 114% and revenues from immunological reagent sales decreasing 5%. Life Science segment revenues increased 11% for the first six months of fiscal 2020, reflecting a 41% increase in revenues from molecular reagent sales and an 8% decrease in immunological reagent sales. Our Life Science segment’s revenue growth was slightly impacted by the movement in currency exchange rates since the fiscal 2019 periods, with revenues increasing 34% and 12% over the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2019, respectively, on a constant-currency basis. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to the increased demand for key molecular components such as RNA master mixes and dNTPs from diagnostic test manufacturers for use in
COVID-19
related tests. Largely as a result of this
COVID-19
related demand, revenue from sales into China totaled approximately $5,300 for the second quarter of fiscal 2020, a fourfold increase over the comparable fiscal 2019 quarter. For the first six months of fiscal 2020, revenue from sales into China totaled approximately $7,100, or a threefold increase over the comparable fiscal 2019 period.
Additionally, order patterns for
non-COVID-19
related products from many of our top IVD manufacturing customers returned to more normal levels during the current quarter. However, it remains unclear whether the shortfall experienced from these customers during the fiscal 2020 first quarter will be overcome throughout the remainder of the fiscal year.
Revenue concentrations related to certain customers within our Diagnostics and Life Science segments are set forth in Note 10,
“Reportable Segments and Major Customers Information”
of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Three Months Ended March 31,
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Six Months Ended March 31,
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$
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$
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The gross profit margin increase experienced in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 results primarily from the positive impacts of a significantly higher percentage of the Life Science segment’s revenue relating to sales of molecular products and the segment’s manufacturing of larger-than-normal batch sizes for the RNA master mixes, both in response to the
COVID-19
pandemic demand. The decrease during the six month fiscal
year-to-date
period primarily reflects the effect of this increased
COVID-19
demand being more than offset by the combined effects of: (i) previously-noted pricing changes within our
product line; (ii) mix of products sold, particularly decreased contribution from certain of our higher margin gastrointestinal assays; and (iii) production capacity
ramp-up
costs for our Quebec facility where Revogene instruments and test devices are made.