UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________
FORM 10-K
☒ Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
or
☐
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 001-33957
___________________________
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization)
04-3306140
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
84 October Hill Road, Holliston, Massachusetts 01746
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including zip code)
(508) 893-8999
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol(s)
HBIO
Name of each exchange on which registered
The Nasdaq Global Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of
Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an
emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated filer ☒
Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any
new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal
control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared
or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of shares of voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2020 was approximately $116.0
million based on the closing sales price of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share on that date. At March 5, 2021, there were
39,825,533 shares of the registrant’s common stock issued and outstanding.
Table of Contents
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), to be
filed within 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. Except with respect to
information specifically incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, the Proxy Statement is not deemed to be filed as part hereof.
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
INDEX
Table of Contents
PART I
Item 1.
Business
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Properties
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.
Other Information
PART III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16.
Form 10-K summary
Signatures
Exhibit Index
Page
1
7
14
14
14
14
15
15
15
22
22
22
22
26
26
26
26
26
26
27
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This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements that are not statements of historical fact and are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), each as amended. The
forward-looking statements are principally, but not exclusively, contained in “Item 1: Business” and “Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our
actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about management’s confidence or expectations, our
business strategy, our ability to raise capital or borrow funds to consummate acquisitions and the availability of attractive acquisition candidates, our
expectations regarding future costs of product revenues, our anticipated compliance with the covenants contained in our credit facility, the adequacy of our
financial resources and our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking
statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “seek,” “expects,” “plans,” “aim,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,”
“projects,” “predicts,” “intends,” “think,” “strategy,” “potential,” “objectives,” “optimistic,” “new,” “goal” and similar expressions intended to identify
forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and
uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We discuss many of these risks in detail
under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” beginning on page 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should carefully review all of these factors, as
well as other risks described in our public filings, and you should be aware that there may be other factors, including factors of which we are not currently
aware, that could cause these differences. Also, these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this report.
We may not update these forward-looking statements, even though our situation may change in the future, unless we have obligations under the federal
securities laws to update and disclose material developments related to previously disclosed information. Harvard Bioscience, Inc. is referred to herein as
“we,” “our,” “us,” and “the Company.”
Item 1. Business.
Overview
PART I
Harvard Bioscience, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a leading developer, manufacturer and seller of technologies, products and services that
enable fundamental research, discovery, and preclinical testing for drug development. Our customers range from renowned academic institutions and
government laboratories, to the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and contract research organizations. With operations in North America,
Europe, and China, we sell through a combination of direct and distribution channels to customers around the world.
Recent Developments
COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The COVID-19
pandemic has had a negative impact on our operations to date and the future impacts of the pandemic and any resulting economic impact are largely
unknown and rapidly evolving. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, many customers, particularly academic research
institutions, have been unable to maintain laboratory work which has negatively impacted, and will continue to negatively impact, our sales. Additionally,
to ensure business continuity while maintaining a safe environment for employees aligned with guidance from government and health organizations, we
transitioned the majority of our workforce to work-from-home while implementing social distancing requirements and other measures in factories to allow
manufacturing and other personnel essential to production to continue work within our facilities. Business travel was significantly reduced during this
period. While we have maintained operations under these conditions, these measures represent disruptions which can impact productivity including sales
and marketing activities. Accordingly, these conditions in addition to the overall impact on the global economy has negatively impacted our results of
operations and cash flows.
Our History and Strategy
Our business began in 1901 under the name Harvard Apparatus. It was founded by Dr. William T. Porter, a Professor of Physiology at Harvard
Medical School and a pioneer of physiology education. We have grown over the years with the development and evolution of modern life science research
and education. Our early inventions included ventilators based on Dr. Porter’s design, the mechanical syringe pump for drug infusion in the 1950s, and the
microprocessor-controlled syringe pump in the 1980s.
In March of 1996, a group of investors acquired a majority of the then existing business of our predecessor, Harvard Apparatus, Inc. Following
this acquisition, our focus was redirected to acquiring complementary companies with innovative technologies while continuing to grow the existing
business through internal product development. Since 1996, we have completed multiple business or product line acquisitions related to our continuing
operations. Harvard Bioscience, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Delaware in September 2000 and became the successor entity to Harvard Apparatus,
Inc. by merger in November 2000.
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In the first quarter of 2018, we completed two transactions to improve the overall customer and product mix of our business. In January 2018, we
acquired Data Sciences International, Inc. (DSI) for approximately $71.1 million. DSI, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based life science research company, is a
recognized leader in physiologic monitoring focused on delivering preclinical products, systems, services and solutions to its customers. Its customers
include pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as contract research organizations, academic labs and government researchers. This
acquisition diversified our customer base deeper into the biopharmaceutical and contract research organization markets. The acquisition also provided
opportunities to generate meaningful cost and revenue synergies. Also during the first quarter of 2018, we sold substantially all the assets of our wholly
owned subsidiary, Denville Scientific, Inc. (Denville). Denville was a laboratory products distributor with lower average gross margins and deemed no
longer core to our strategy.
On July 8, 2019, we announced the departure of the previous President and Chief Executive Officer and the appointment by the Board of Directors
of James Green as President and Chief Executive Officer. In addition, on July 18, 2019 we announced the appointment of Michael Rossi as Chief Financial
Officer.
Immediately after the appointment of Mr. Green and Mr. Rossi, we began a process to identify opportunities to improve profitability, increase cash
flow and enhance internal capabilities to position the business for organic growth. As a result of this assessment, in September 2019 we announced a
strategic action plan which included:
● Capitalizing on the strong existing Harvard Bioscience and Data Science franchises and products;
● Adding new senior leadership with significant experience with turnarounds and driving growth and operational improvements within global,
middle market life science manufacturing businesses;
● Consolidating sub-scale operations and integrating existing functions and processes to drive scale and reduce fixed costs;
● Increasing effectiveness of sales and product management to deliver organic sales growth; and
● Improving cash flow and reducing debt and leverage.
In December 2019, we implemented the 2019 Restructuring Plan to deliver significant cost savings beginning in 2020 and to support delivery of
the strategic action plan we announced in September 2019. The 2019 Restructuring Plan includes consolidation of our Connecticut manufacturing plant to
our existing Massachusetts site, downsizing of operations in the United Kingdom and a reduction in force across the business equal to approximately 10%
of our headcount. The initial initiatives under the 2019 restructuring plan were completed in the second half of 2020.
We
A portion of the savings generated from these actions is expected to be reinvested to drive profitable growth. We believe these strategic actions
will significantly improve our financial performance.
Our Products
Our products support research in 6 different classes of laboratory use: (1) molecular, (2) cellular, (3) tissue, (4) organ, (5) organisms or preclinical and
(6) clinical. Historically, our products were marketed and sold in three different product families: PCMI (Physiology, Cellular, Molecular Instruments), DSI
(Data Science International) and Ephys (Electrophysiology).
In 2019, as part of our strategic action plan, we consolidated the products in classes (1), (2), (3), (4) and some products in class (5) into a single
product family, Cellular and Molecular Technologies (CMT), that includes 14 individual business lines supporting new drug discovery and development.
We also consolidated certain of our products in class (5) into our Preclinical product family, which includes 4 individual business lines supporting the
preclinical research phase for drug development. CMT products are primarily sold to academic and government labs and institutions. Preclinical products
are primarily sold to pharmaceutical, biotechnology and contract research organizations.
We primarily sell our products under several brand names, including Harvard Apparatus, DSI, Ponemah, Buxco, Biochrom, BTX, MCS.
Our solutions range from simple to complex, and generally consist of hardware/firmware/ and software products, augmented with consumables,
options, upgrades and post-sales (scientific) services. Sales prices of these products and services range from under $100 to over $100,000. Our products
include spectrophotometers that analyze light to detect and quantify a wide range of molecules as well as cell analysis and electroporation and electrofusion
systems to influence and/or analyze cellular processes. Other products and services focus on tissue and organ responses to new drugs and encompass
wireless monitors, and signal acquisition and analysis functionality. We also feature products that monitor physiology processes in living organisms to
study behavior. Many of our proprietary products are leaders in their field.
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In addition to our proprietarily manufactured products, we sell factored products from other manufacturers. These re-distributed products accounted
for approximately 15% and 16 % of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Re-distributed products enable us to act as
a single source for our customers’ research needs. They consist of a large variety of complementing instruments or accessories as well as consumables used
in experiments involving fluid handling, molecular and cell analysis and tissue, organ and animal research. Following is a description of each product
family.
Cellular and Molecular Technologies Product Family
Our CMT product family includes products designed primarily to support the discovery phase of new drug development. CMT products include:
● syringe and peristaltic pump product lines, as well as a broad range of instruments and accessories for tissue, organ-based lab research,
including surgical products, infusion systems, and behavior research systems;
● spectrophotometers, microplate readers, amino acid analyzers, gel electrophoresis equipment, electroporation and electrofusion instruments
which primarily support molecular level testing and research; and
● precision scientific measuring instrumentation and equipment in the field of electrophysiology such as: data acquisition systems with custom
amplifier configurations for cellular analysis, complete micro electrode array solutions for in vivo recordings and in vitro systems for
extracellular recordings.
Our CMT product family made up approximately 57% and 63% of our global revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019,
respectively.
Preclinical Product Family
Our Preclinical product family provides a complete platform to assess physiological data from organisms for research ranging from basic research to
drug discovery, and drug development services. The Preclinical product family consists of the DSI and Buxco brands. It includes:
● the most comprehensive portfolio of implantable and externally-worn telemetry systems, which are commonly used in research to collect
cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory, metabolic data;
● turn-key respiratory system solutions encompassing plethysmograph chambers, data acquisition hardware, physiological signal analysis
software, and final report generation;
● inhalation and exposure systems providing precise, homogenous aerosol delivery for up to 42 subjects, while integrating respiratory
parameters for the ultimate delivered dose system; and
● powerful GLP-capable data acquisition and analysis systems, capable of integrating third party sensors for a more comprehensive study
design.
DSI’s direct sales force supports North America, Europe, and China, with distributors supporting the rest of the world. Our Preclinical products made
up approximately 43% and 37% of our global revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
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Our Customers
Our end-user customers are primarily research scientists at pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities, hospitals, government
laboratories, including the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), and contract research organizations (CROs). Our pharmaceutical and
biotechnology customers have included pharmaceutical companies and research laboratories such as Pfizer, Amgen, Inc., AstraZeneca plc, Genentech, Inc.
and Johnson & Johnson. Our academic customers include major colleges and universities including Harvard University, Cambridge University, Johns
Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, the University of California system, Baylor College of Medicine, and the
University of Texas - MD Anderson Center. Our CRO customers include Covance and Charles River Laboratories. We have a wide range of diverse
customers worldwide and no customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues in 2020.
Sales
We conduct direct sales in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Canada and China. We sell primarily
through distributors in other countries. For the year ended December 31, 2020, revenues from direct sales to end-users represented approximately 65% of
our revenues; and revenues from sales of our products through distributors represented approximately 35% of our revenues.
Direct Sales
We have a global sales organization managing both direct sales and distributors. Our websites and catalogs serve as the primary sales tool for our
product lines, which includes both proprietary manufactured products and complementary products from various suppliers. Our reputation as a leading
producer of many of our manufactured products creates traffic to our websites, enables cross-selling and facilitates the introduction of new products.
Sales through Distributors
We engage distributors for the sales of our own branded and private label products in certain areas of the world and for certain product lines.
Marketing
We have a centralized marketing group, which encompasses product management, field-marketing and market communications and application
science. Marketing maintains value -proposition based product roadmaps, collaborates with research and development on timing and investment for new
products, supports direct and distributor sales activities, sets the global pricing of our products and conceives the storylines on how to sell our products.
Marketing also maintains digital presence across the web and social media, creates electronic leads and analyzes opportunities for new product portfolio
extensions.
Research and Development
Our principal research and development mission is to develop products that address growth opportunities within the life science research process
as well as to maintain and optimize our existing product portfolios. We maintain development staff in many of our manufacturing facilities to design and
develop new products and to re-engineer existing products to bring them to the next generation. Our research and development expenses were
approximately $8.7 million and $10.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We anticipate that we will continue to make
investments in research and development activities as we deem appropriate. We plan to continue to pursue a balanced development portfolio strategy of
originating new products from internal research and acquiring products through business and technology acquisitions.
Manufacturing
We manufacture and test the majority of our products in our principal manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Sweden, Spain and
Germany. We have considerable manufacturing flexibility at our various facilities, and each facility can manufacture multiple products at the same time.
We maintain in-house manufacturing expertise, technologies and resources. We seek to maintain multiple suppliers for key components that are not
manufactured in-house, and while some of our products are dependent on sole-source suppliers, we do not believe our dependence upon these suppliers
creates any significant risks. Our manufacturing operations primarily involve assembly and testing activities along with some machine-based processes.
Going forward we will continue to evaluate our manufacturing facilities and operations in order to optimize our manufacturing footprint.
See “Part I, Item 2. Properties” of this report for additional information regarding our manufacturing facilities.
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Competition
The markets into which we sell our products are highly competitive, and we expect the intensity of competition to continue or increase. We
compete with many companies engaged in developing and selling tools for life science research. Many of our competitors have greater financial,
operational, sales and marketing resources and more experience in research and development and commercialization than we have. Moreover, our
competitors may have greater name recognition than we do, and many offer discounts as a competitive tactic. These competitors and other companies may
have developed or could in the future develop new technologies that compete with our products, which could render our products obsolete. We cannot
assure you that we will be able to make the enhancements to our technologies necessary to compete successfully with newly emerging technologies. We
believe that we offer one of the broadest selections of products to organizations engaged in life science research. We have numerous competitors on a
product line basis. We believe that we compete favorably with our competitors on the basis of product performance, including quality, reliability, speed,
technical support, price and delivery time.
We compete with several companies that provide instruments for life science research including, Lonza Group Ltd., Becton Dickinson, Eppendorf
AG, Kent Scientific Corporation, Razel Scientific Instruments, Inc., Ugo Basile, Danaher Corporation, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., PerkinElmer, Inc.,
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Notocord, Emka Technologies and TSE Systems.
We cannot forecast if or when these or other companies may develop competitive products. We expect that other products will compete with our
products and potential products based on efficacy, safety, cost and intellectual property positions. While we believe that these will be the primary
competitive factors, other factors include, in certain instances, availability of supply, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise and capability.
Seasonality
Sales and earnings in our third quarter are usually flat or down from the second quarter primarily because there are a large number of holidays and
vacations during such quarter, especially in Europe. Our fourth quarter revenues and earnings are often the highest in any fiscal year compared to the other
three quarters, primarily because many of our customers tend to spend budgeted money before their own fiscal year ends.
Intellectual Property
To establish and protect our proprietary technologies and products, we rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws,
as well as confidentiality provisions in our contracts. Patents or patent applications cover certain of our new technologies. Most of our more mature product
lines are protected by trade names and trade secrets only.
We have implemented a patent strategy designed to provide us with freedom to operate and facilitate commercialization of our current and future
products. Our success depends, to a significant degree, upon our ability to develop proprietary products and technologies. We intend to continue to file
patent applications as we develop new products and technologies.
Patents provide some degree of protection for our intellectual property. However, the assertion of patent protection involves complex legal and
factual determinations and is therefore uncertain. The scope of any of our issued patents may not be sufficiently broad to offer meaningful protection. In
addition, our issued patents or patents licensed to us may be successfully challenged, invalidated, circumvented or unenforceable so that our patent rights
would not create an effective competitive barrier. Moreover, the laws of some foreign countries may protect our proprietary rights to a greater or lesser
extent than the laws of the United States. In addition, the laws governing patentability and the scope of patent coverage continue to evolve, particularly in
areas of interest to us. As a result, there can be no assurance that patents will be issued from any of our patent applications or from applications licensed to
us. As a result of these factors, our intellectual property positions bear some degree of uncertainty.
We also rely in part on trade secret protection of our intellectual property. We attempt to protect our trade secrets by entering into confidentiality
agreements with third parties, employees and consultants. Our employees and consultants also sign agreements requiring that they assign to us their
interests in patents and copyrights arising from their work for us. Although many of our United States employees have signed agreements not to compete
unfairly with us during their employment and after termination of their employment, through the misuse of confidential information, soliciting employees,
soliciting customers and the like, the enforceability of these provisions varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and, in some circumstances, they may not be
enforceable. In addition, it is possible that these agreements may be breached or invalidated and if so, there may not be an adequate corrective remedy
available. Despite the measures we have taken to protect our intellectual property, we cannot assure you that third parties will not independently discover or
invent competing technologies or reverse engineer our trade secrets or other technologies. Therefore, the measures we are taking to protect our proprietary
rights may not be adequate.
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We do not believe that our products infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party. We cannot assure you, however, that third parties
will not claim such infringement by us or our licensors with respect to current or future products. We expect that product developers in our market will
increasingly be subject to such claims as the number of products and competitors in our market segment grows and the product functionality in different
market segments overlaps. In addition, patents on production and business methods are becoming more common and we expect that more patents will be
issued in our technical field. Any such claims, with or without merit, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation and diversion of management’s
attention and resources, cause product shipment delays or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. Moreover, such royalty or licensing
agreements, if required, may not be on terms advantageous to us, or acceptable at all, which could seriously harm our business or financial condition.
“Harvard” is a registered trademark of Harvard University. The marks “Harvard Apparatus” and “Harvard Bioscience” are being used pursuant to
a license agreement entered into in December 2002 between us and Harvard University.
Government Regulation
We are not subject to direct governmental regulation other than the laws and regulations generally applicable to businesses in the domestic and
foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. In particular, our current products are not subject to pre-market approval by the United States Food and Drug
Administration (“FDA”) for use on human clinical patients. In addition, we believe we are
Employees
As of December 31, 2020, we employed 459 employees, which includes 428 full-time employees. Some of our employees in Europe have
statutory collective bargaining rights. We have never experienced a general work stoppage or strike, and management believes that our relations with our
employees are good. Additional information about our employees follows:
Employees by country:
Country
United States
Germany
United Kingdom
Spain
China
Rest of World
Total
Employees by business function:
Function
Manufacturing
Sales and marketing
Research and development
General and adminstrative
Total
Geographic Area
Full time Part time
8
20
1
2
-
-
31
257
76
35
24
16
20
428
Full time Part time
4
9
7
11
31
149
158
69
52
428
Financial information regarding geographic areas in which we operate is provided in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in
“Part IV, Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules” of this report.
Available Information and Website
Our website address is www.harvardbioscience.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on
Form 8-K, and exhibits and amendments to those reports filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13(a) of the
Exchange Act are available for review on our website and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Any such materials that we
file with, or furnish to, the SEC in the future will be available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or
furnished to, the SEC. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The following factors should be reviewed carefully, in conjunction with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As
previously discussed, our actual results could differ materially from our forward-looking statements. Our business faces a variety of risks. These risks
include those described below and may include additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial. If any of
the events or circumstances described in the following risk factors occur, our business operations, performance and financial condition could be adversely
affected and the trading price of our common stock could decline.
Risks Related to Our Industry
The life sciences industry is very competitive.
We expect to encounter increased competition from both established and development-stage companies that continually enter the market. These
include companies developing and marketing life science instruments, systems and lab consumables, health care companies that manufacture laboratory-
based tests and analyzers, diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies, analytical instrument companies, and companies developing life science or drug
discovery technologies. Currently, our principal competition comes from established companies that provide products that perform many of the same
functions for which we market our products. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, operational, marketing and technical resources
than we do. Moreover, these competitors may offer broader product lines and tactical discounts and may have greater name recognition. In addition, we
may face competition from new entrants into the field. We may not have the financial resources, technical expertise or marketing, distribution or support
capabilities to compete successfully in the future. In addition, we face changing customer preferences and requirements, including increased customer
demand for more environmentally friendly products.
The life sciences industry is also subject to rapid technological change and discovery. The development of new or improved products, processes or
technologies by other companies may render our products or proposed products obsolete or less competitive. In some instances, our competitors may
develop or market products that are more effective or commercially attractive than our current or future products. To meet the evolving needs of customers,
we must continually enhance our current and planned products and develop and introduce new products. However, we may experience difficulties that may
delay or prevent the successful development, introduction and marketing of new products or product enhancements. In addition, our product lines are based
on complex technologies that are subject to change as new technologies are developed and introduced in the marketplace. We may have difficulty in
keeping abreast of the changes affecting each of the different markets we serve or intend to serve. Our failure to develop and introduce products in a timely
manner in response to changing technology, market demands, or the requirements of our customers could cause our product sales to decline, and we could
experience significant losses.
We offer, and plan to continue to offer, a broad range of products and have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, substantial expenses for
development of new products and enhancements to our existing products. The speed of technological change in our market may prevent us from being able
to successfully market some or all of our products for the length of time required to recover development costs. Failure to recover the development costs of
one or more products or product lines could decrease our profitability or cause us to experience significant losses.
A portion of our revenues are derived from customers from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and are subject to risks faced by those
industries. Such risks may adversely affect our financial results.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. We expect that pharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies will continue to be a significant source of our revenues for the foreseeable future, including in our Cellular and Molecular
Technologies and Preclinical product families. As a result, we are subject to risks and uncertainties that affect the pharmaceutical and biotechnology
industries, such as government regulation, ongoing consolidation, uncertainty of technological change, and reductions and delays in research and
development expenditures by companies in these industries.
In particular, the biotechnology industry is largely dependent on raising capital to fund its operations. If biotechnology companies that are our
customers are unable to obtain the financing necessary to purchase our products, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected. In
addition, we are dependent, both directly and indirectly, upon general health care spending patterns, particularly in the research and development budgets of
the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as upon the financial condition and purchasing patterns of various governments and government
agencies. As it relates to both the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, many companies have significant patents that have expired or are about to
expire, which could result in reduced revenues for those companies. If pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies that are our customers suffer reduced
revenues as a result of these patent expirations, they may be unable to purchase our products, and our business and results of operations could be adversely
affected.
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Changes in governmental regulations may reduce demand for our products, adversely impact our revenues, or increase our expenses.
We operate in many markets in which we and our customers must comply with federal, state, local and international regulations. We develop,
configure and market our products to meet customer needs created by, and in compliance with, those regulations. These requirements include, among other
things, regulations regarding manufacturing practices, product labeling, and advertising and post marketing reporting. We must incur expense and spend
time and effort to ensure compliance with these complex regulations. Possible regulatory actions for non-compliance could include warning letters, fines,
damages, injunctions, civil penalties, recalls, seizures of our products, and criminal prosecution. These actions could result in, among other things,
substantial modifications to our business practices and operations; refunds, recalls, or seizures of our products; a total or partial shutdown of production in
one or more of our facilities while we or our suppliers remedy the alleged violation; and withdrawals or suspensions of current products from the market.
Any of these events could disrupt our business and have a material adverse effect on our revenues, profitability and financial condition.
Risks Related to Our Business
Reductions in customers’ research budgets or government funding may adversely affect our business.
Many of our customers are universities, government research laboratories, private foundations and other institutions who are dependent on grants
from U.S. government agencies, such as NIH, for funding. These customers represent a significant source of our revenue. Research and development
spending by our customers may fluctuate based on spending priorities and general economic conditions. The level of government funding for research and
development is unpredictable. In the past, NIH grants have been frozen or otherwise made unavailable for extended periods or directed to certain products.
Reductions or delay in governmental spending could cause customers to delay or forego purchases of our products. If government funding necessary for
purchase of our products were to decrease, our business and results of operations could be materially, adversely affected. Spending by some of these
customers fluctuates based on budget allocations and the timely passage of the annual federal budget. An impasse in federal government budget decisions
could lead to substantial delays or reductions in federal spending.
Our business is subject to economic, political and other risks associated with international revenues and operations.
We manufacture and sell our products worldwide and as a result, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. A
substantial amount of our revenues is derived from international operations, and we anticipate that a significant portion of our sales will continue to come
from outside the United States in the future. We anticipate that revenues from international operations will likely continue to increase as a result of our
efforts to expand our business in markets abroad. In addition, a number of our manufacturing facilities and suppliers are located outside the United States.
Our foreign operations subject us to certain risks, including: effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the impact of local economic
conditions; local product preferences and seasonality and product requirements; local difficulty to effectively establish and expand our business and
operations in international markets; disruptions of capital and trading markets; restrictions and potentially negative tax implications of transfer of capital
across borders; differing labor regulations; other factors beyond our control, including potential political instability, terrorism, acts of war, natural disasters
and diseases, including the coronavirus discussed below; unexpected changes and increased enforcement of regulatory requirements and various state,
federal and international, intellectual property, environmental, antitrust, anti-corruption, fraud and abuse (including anti-kickback and false claims laws)
and employment laws; interruption to transportation flows for delivery of parts to us and finished goods to our customers; and laws and regulations on
foreign investment in the United States under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, and other agencies,
including the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, or FIRRMA, adopted in August 2018.
We may incur a variety of costs in connection with acquisitions we may seek to consummate in the future, and we may never realize the anticipated
benefits of our acquisitions due in part to difficulties integrating the businesses, operations and product lines.
Our business strategy has historically included the acquisition of businesses, technologies, services or products that we believe are a strategic fit
with our business. If we were to undertake future acquisitions, the process of integrating the acquired business, technology, service and/or product(s) may
result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures and potentially absorb significant management attention that would otherwise be available for
ongoing development of our business. Moreover, we may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of an acquisition as rapidly as expected, or at all. Such
transactions are inherently risky, and any such recent or future acquisitions could reduce stockholders’ ownership, cause us to incur debt, expose us to
future liabilities and result in amortization expenses related to intangible assets with definite lives, which may adversely impact our ability to undertake
future acquisitions on substantially similar terms. We may also incur significant expenditures in anticipation of an acquisition that is never realized.
Our ability to achieve the benefits of acquisitions depends in part on the integration and leveraging of technology, operations, sales and marketing
channels and personnel. Integration is a complex, time-consuming and expensive process and may disrupt our business if not completed in a timely and
efficient manner. We may have difficulty successfully integrating acquired businesses, and their domestic and foreign operations or product lines, and as a
result, we may not realize any of the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions we make. We cannot assure that our growth rate will equal the growth rates that
have been experienced by us, and these other acquired companies, respectively, operating as separate companies in the past.
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We have substantial debt and other financial obligations, and we may incur even more debt. Any failure to meet our debt and other financial
obligations or maintain compliance with related covenants could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
On December 22, 2020, we entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with certain financial institutions party thereto as lenders
(the “Lenders”), Citizens Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent, and Citizens Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Silicon Valley Bank, as
joint bookrunners, joint lead arrangers and syndication agents. The Credit Agreement provides for a term loan of $40.0 million and a $25.0 million senior
revolving credit facility (collectively, the “Citizens Credit Facility”). The Citizens Credit Facility replaces our prior credit facility with Cerberus Business
Finance, LLC, as agent and lender (the “Prior Credit Facility”), and in connection with the entry into the Credit Agreement, we paid off all outstanding
borrowings under the Prior Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2020, we had outstanding borrowings of $49.4 million under the Credit Agreement. The
Citizens Credit Facility will mature on December 22, 2025.
Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, we are subject to various covenants, including negative covenants that restrict our ability to engage
in certain transactions, which may limit our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions. Such negative covenants include, among
other things, limitations on our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to:
● incur debt,
● incur liens,
● make investments (including acquisitions),
● sell assets, and
● pay dividends on our capital stock.
In addition, the Credit Agreement contains certain financial covenants, including a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio and a minimum
consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, each of which will be tested at the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company.
If we are not in compliance with certain of these covenants, in addition to other actions the Lenders may require, the amounts outstanding under
the Credit Agreement may become immediately due and payable. This immediate payment may negatively impact our financial condition. In addition, any
failure to make scheduled payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness would likely harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness
on acceptable terms. Our cash flow and capital resources may be insufficient to pay interest and principal on our debt in the future. If that should occur, our
capital raising or debt restructuring measures may be unsuccessful or inadequate to meet our scheduled debt service obligations, which could cause us to
default on our obligations and further impair our liquidity.
Further, based upon our actual performance levels, our covenants relating to leverage and fixed charges could limit our ability to incur additional
debt, which could hinder our ability to execute our current business strategy.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on our debt and other financial obligations and comply with financial covenants depends on our financial
and operating performance. Our financial and operating performance will continue to be subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial,
business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Failure within any applicable grace or cure periods to may such payments, comply with
the financial covenants, or any other non-financial or restrictive covenant, would create a default under our Credit Agreement. Our cash flow and existing
capital resources may be insufficient to repay our debt at maturity, in which such case prior thereto we would have to extend such maturity date, or
otherwise repay, refinance and or restructure the obligations under the Credit Agreement, including with proceeds from the sale of assets, and additional
equity or debt capital. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining such extension, or entering into such repayment, refinance or restructure prior to maturity, or any
other default existed under the Credit Agreement, our lenders could accelerate the indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, foreclose against their
collateral or seek other remedies, which would jeopardize our ability to continue our current operations.
Ethical concerns surrounding the use of our products and misunderstanding of the nature of our business could adversely affect our ability to develop
and sell our existing products and new products.
Some of our products may be used in areas of research involving animal research and other techniques presently being explored in the life science
industry. These techniques have drawn negative attention in the public forum. Government authorities may regulate or prohibit any of these activities.
Additionally, the public may disfavor or reject these activities.
If we are not able to manage our growth, our operating profits may be adversely impacted.
Our success will depend on the expansion of our operations through organic growth, and we may execute acquisitions in the future to augment this
growth. Effective growth management will place increased demands on our management team, operational and financial resources and expertise. To
manage growth, we must optimize our operational, financial and management processes and systems, and hire and train additional qualified personnel.
Failure to manage this growth effectively could impair our ability to generate revenues or could cause our expenses to increase more rapidly than revenues,
resulting in operating losses or reduced profitability.
Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may have a negative impact on our reported earnings.
We are subject to the risks of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates, which could have an adverse effect on the sales price of our products in
foreign markets, as well as the costs and expenses of our foreign subsidiaries. A substantial amount of our revenues is derived from international
operations, and we anticipate that a significant portion of revenues will continue to come from outside the United States in the future. As a result, currency
fluctuations among the United States dollar, British pound, euro and the other currencies in which we do business have caused and will continue to cause
foreign currency translation and transaction gains and losses. We have not used forward exchange contracts to hedge our foreign currency exposures. We
attempt to manage foreign currency risk through the matching of assets and liabilities. In the future, we may undertake to manage foreign currency risk
through hedging methods, including foreign currency contracts. We recognize foreign currency gains or losses arising from our operations in the period
incurred. We cannot guarantee that we will be successful in managing foreign currency risk or in predicting the effects of exchange rate fluctuations upon
our future operating results because of the number of currencies involved, the variability of currency exposure and the potential volatility of currency
exchange rates. We cannot predict with any certainty changes in foreign currency exchange rates or the degree to which we can address these risks.
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Failure or inadequacy of our information technology infrastructure or software could adversely affect our day-to-day operations and decision-making
processes and have an adverse effect on our performance.
We depend on accurate and timely information and numerical data from key software applications to aid our day-to-day business, financial
reporting and decision-making and, in many cases, proprietary and custom-designed software is necessary to operate our business. We are upgrading our
disaster recovery procedures for our critical systems. However, any disruption caused by the failure of these systems, the underlying equipment, or
communication networks could delay or otherwise adversely impact our day-to-day business and decision making, could make it impossible for us to
operate critical equipment, and could have an adverse effect on our performance, if our disaster recovery plans do not mitigate the disruption. Disruptions
could be caused by a variety of factors, such as catastrophic events or weather, power outages, or cyber-attacks on our systems by outside parties.
We review our IT systems regularly to assess and implement opportunities to improve or upgrade our enterprise resource planning (ERP) or other
information systems required to operate our business effectively. Our ERP systems are critical to our ability to accurately maintain books and records,
record transactions, provide important information to our management and prepare our financial statements. The implementation of any IT systems,
including ERP systems has required in the past, and may continue to require, the investment of significant financial and human resources. In addition, we
may not be able to successfully complete the implementation of the ERP systems without experiencing difficulties. Any disruptions, delays or deficiencies
in the design and implementation of any IT system, including ERP systems could adversely affect our ability to process orders, ship products, provide
services and customer support, send invoices and track payments, fulfill contractual obligations or otherwise operate our business.
An information security incident, including a cybersecurity breach, could have a negative impact to our business or reputation
To meet business objectives, we rely on both internal information technology (IT) systems and networks, and those of third parties and their
vendors, to process and store sensitive data, including confidential research, business plans, financial information, intellectual property, and personal data
that may be subject to legal protection. The extensive information security and cybersecurity threats, which affect companies globally, pose a risk to the
security and availability of these IT systems and networks, and the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our sensitive data. We continually assess
these threats and make investments to increase internal protection, detection, and response capabilities, as well as ensure our third-party providers have
required capabilities and controls, to address this risk. To date, we have not experienced any material impact to the business or operations resulting from
information or cybersecurity attacks; however, because of the frequently changing attack techniques, along with the increased volume and sophistication of
the attacks, there is the potential for us to be adversely impacted. This impact could result in reputational, competitive, operational or other business harm
as well as financial costs and regulatory action. Additionally, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the “CCPA”), which became effective on
January 1, 2020, provides private rights of action for data breaches and requires companies that process information on California residents to make new
disclosures to consumers about their data collection, use and sharing practices and allow consumers to opt out of certain data sharing with third parties.
Compliance with the CCPA and other current and future applicable privacy, cybersecurity and related laws can be costly and time-consuming. Significant
capital investments and other expenditures could also be required to remedy cybersecurity problems and prevent future breaches, including costs associated
with additional security technologies, personnel, experts and credit monitoring services for those whose data has been breached. These costs, which could
be material, could adversely impact our results of operations in the period in which they are incurred and may not meaningfully limit the success of future
attempts to breach our information technology systems.
We may incur additional restructuring costs or not realize the expected benefits of our initiatives to reduce operating expenses to date and in the future.
We may not be able to implement all of the actions that we intend to take in the restructuring of our operations, and we may not be able to fully
realize the expected benefits from such realignment and restructuring plans or other similar restructurings in the future. In addition, we may incur additional
restructuring costs in implementing such realignment and restructuring plans or other similar future plans in excess of our expectations. The
implementation of our restructuring efforts, including the reduction of our workforce, may not improve our operational and cost structure or result in
greater efficiency of our organization; and we may not be able to support sustainable revenue growth and profitability following such restructurings.
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Failure to raise additional capital or generate the significant capital necessary to implement our acquisition strategy, expand our operations and invest
in new products could reduce our ability to compete and result in less revenues.
We anticipate that our financial resources, which include available cash, cash generated from operations, and debt and equity capacity, will be
sufficient to finance operations and capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. However, this expectation is premised on the current operating
plan, which may change as a result of many factors, including market acceptance of new products and future opportunities with collaborators.
Consequently, we may need additional funding sooner than anticipated. In addition, our borrowings under the Citizens Credit Facility may not be sufficient
to fund our acquisition strategy. In such case, our inability to raise sufficient capital on favorable terms and in a timely manner (if at all) could seriously
harm our business, product development, and acquisition efforts. In addition, our Credit Agreement contains various negative covenants that, among other
things, restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness and make acquisitions for aggregate consideration in excess of $5.0 million. If future financing is
not available or is not available on acceptable terms, we may have to alter our operations or change our business strategy. We cannot assure you that the
capital required to fund operations, or our acquisition strategy will be available in the future.
If we fail to retain key personnel and hire, train and retain qualified employees, we may not be able to compete effectively, which could result in
reduced revenue or increased costs.
Our success is highly dependent on the continued services of key management, technical and scientific personnel. Our management and other
employees may voluntarily terminate their employment at any time upon short notice. The loss of the services of any member of the senior management
team, including the Chief Executive Officer, James Green; the Chief Financial Officer, Michael Rossi; or any of the managerial, technical or scientific staff
may significantly delay or prevent the achievement of product development, our growth strategies and other business objectives. Our future success will
also depend on our ability to identify, recruit and retain additional qualified scientific, technical and managerial personnel. We operate in several
geographic locations where labor markets are particularly competitive, including the Boston, Massachusetts and Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan
areas, England, and Germany where demand for personnel with these skills is extremely high and is likely to remain high. As a result, competition for
qualified personnel is intense, particularly in the areas of general management, finance, information technology, engineering and science, and the process of
hiring suitably qualified personnel is often lengthy and expensive, and may become more expensive in the future. If we are unable to hire and retain a
sufficient number of qualified employees, our ability to conduct and expand our business could be seriously reduced.
Our success will depend partly on our ability to operate without infringing on or misappropriating the intellectual property rights of others.
We may be sued for infringing on the intellectual property rights of others, including the patent rights, trademarks and trade names of third parties.
Intellectual property litigation is costly, and the outcome is uncertain. If we do not prevail in any intellectual property litigation, in addition to any damages
we might have to pay, we could be required to stop the infringing activity, or obtain a license to or design around the intellectual property in question. If we
are unable to obtain a required license on acceptable terms, or are unable to design around any third-party patent, we may be unable to sell some of our
products and services, which could result in reduced revenue.
As a result of our spin-off of Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc., now known as Biostage, together with certain related transactions,
third parties may seek to hold us responsible for Biostage’s liabilities, including liabilities that Biostage has assumed from us.
Third parties may continue to seek to hold us responsible for Biostage’s liabilities, including any of the liabilities that Biostage agreed to retain or
assume in connection with the separation of the Biostage business from our businesses, and related spin-off distribution. On April 14, 2017, anticipated
representatives for the estate of an individual plaintiff filed a wrongful death complaint with the Suffolk Superior Court, in the County of Suffolk,
Massachusetts, against us and other defendants, including Biostage, as well as another third party. The complaint seeks payment for an unspecified amount
of damages and alleges that the plaintiff sustained terminal injuries allegedly caused by products, including one synthetic trachea scaffold and two
bioreactors, provided by certain of the named defendants and utilized in connection with surgeries performed by third parties in Europe in 2012 and 2013.
We continue to vigorously defend this case by counsel provided by our liability insurance carrier from whom we have requested defense and
indemnification for losses incurred related to this lawsuit. Any such product liability insurance coverage may not be sufficient to satisfy all liabilities
resulting from this claim. If claims against us substantially exceed our coverage, then our business could be adversely impacted. While we believe that
claims made in this lawsuit are without merit, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of such litigation. Pursuant to our agreements with Biostage,
Biostage has agreed to indemnify us for claims and losses relating to certain liabilities that it has assumed from us, including liabilities in connection with
the sale of Biostage’s products, intellectually property infringement and other liabilities related to the operation of Biostage’s business. However, if those
liabilities are significant and we are ultimately held liable for them, we cannot assure you that Biostage will have the ability to satisfy its obligations to us,
in particular due to Biostage having limited revenues, products in early-stage development and a need for additional funds in the future. If Biostage is
unable to satisfy its obligations under its indemnity to us, we may have to satisfy these obligations, which could have an adverse impact on our financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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Risks Related to Our Common Stock
If we raise additional funds through the sale of equity or convertible debt or equity-linked securities, existing percentages of ownership in our common
stock will be reduced and these transactions may dilute the value of our outstanding common stock.
We may raise additional funds through the sale of equity or convertible debt or equity-linked securities to repay our existing indebtedness,
implement our acquisition strategy, expand our operations and/or invest in new products. If we so raise additional funds through such sales, existing
percentages of ownership in our common stock will be reduced and these transactions may dilute the value of our outstanding common stock. We may
issue securities that have rights, preferences and privileges senior to our common stock. If we raise additional funds through collaborations or licensing
arrangements, we may relinquish rights to certain of our technologies or products, or grant licenses to third parties on terms that are unfavorable.
Our stock price has fluctuated in the past and could experience substantial declines in the future.
The market price of our common stock has experienced significant fluctuations and may become volatile and could decline in the future, perhaps
substantially, in response to various factors including, but not limited to:
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·
·
·
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significant sales of our common stock, whether by us or our shareholders;
volatility of the financial markets;
uncertainty regarding the prospects of the domestic and foreign economies;
technological innovations by competitors or in competing technologies;
revenues and operating results fluctuating or failing to meet the expectations of management, securities analysts, or investors in any
quarter;
comments of securities analysts and mistakes by or misinterpretation of comments from analysts, downward revisions in securities
analysts’ estimates or management guidance;
investment banks and securities analysts becoming subject to lawsuits that may adversely affect the perception of the market;
conditions or trends in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries;
announcements of significant acquisitions or financings or strategic partnerships;
failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the DSI acquisition;
non-compliance with the internal control standards pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; and
a decrease in the demand for our common stock.
In addition, public stock markets have experienced extreme price and trading volatility. The stock market and the Nasdaq Global Market in
general, and the biotechnology industry and small cap markets in particular, have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that at times may
have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry factors may further harm the
market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted following
periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities. A securities class action suit against us could result in substantial costs, potential
liabilities and the diversion of management’s attention and resources.
General Risks
The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impact worldwide economic conditions and has negatively impacted our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
The ongoing global outbreak of COVID-19 has caused disruptions to our business and has had a negative impact on our operations to date. As a
result of the outbreak, many of our customers, particularly academic research institutions, have had laboratory work negatively impacted, which will
continue to negatively impact, our sales. Additionally, to ensure business continuity while maintaining a safe environment for employees, the majority of
our workforce continues to work from home. We continue to require social distancing and other measures in factories for our manufacturing and other
personnel essential to production to continue work within our facilities. Business travel continues to be significantly reduced. While we have maintained
operations under these conditions, these measures represent disruptions which can impact productivity including sales and marketing activities.
Accordingly, these conditions in addition to the overall impact on the global economy could continue to have a negative impact our results of operations
and cash flows.
Economic conditions and regulatory changes caused by the United Kingdom’s (“UK”) exit from the European Union (“EU”) could adversely affect our
business.
The UK House of Commons passed a Brexit deal on December 20, 2019 and the UK formally left the EU on January 31, 2020. On December 30,
2020, the EU and UK entered into the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The announcement of Brexit has resulted in significant volatility in
global stock market and currency exchange rate fluctuations that resulted in strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to other foreign currencies in which we
conduct business. The withdrawal of the UK from the EU may also create global economic uncertainty, including an uncertain funding environment for UK
customers historically receiving funding from the EU, which may cause our customers to reduce their spending budgets. Since a significant proportion of
the regulatory framework in the UK is derived from EU directives and regulations, Brexit could materially change the regulatory regime applicable to the
approval of any product candidates in the UK. Brexit is likely to lead to legal uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations as the UK
determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. This could adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
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If we incur higher costs as a result of trade policies, treaties, government regulations or tariffs, we may become less profitable.
There continues to be uncertainty about the relationship between the United States and foreign countries, including with respect to trade policies,
treaties, government regulations and tariffs. We are unable to predict whether or when tariffs will be imposed or the impact of any such future tariff
increases.
We may be the subject of lawsuits from counterparties to acquisitions and divestitures, including an acquiring company or its stockholders, an acquired
company’s previous stockholders, a divested company’s stockholders or our current stockholders.
We may be the subject of lawsuits from either an acquiring company or its stockholders, an acquired company’s previous stockholders, a divested
company’s stockholders or our current stockholders. Such lawsuits could result from the actions of the acquisition or divestiture target prior to the date of
the acquisition or divestiture, from the acquisition or divestiture transaction itself or from actions after the acquisition or divestiture. Defending potential
lawsuits could cost us significant expense and detract management’s attention from the operation of the business. Additionally, these lawsuits could result
in the cancellation of or the inability to renew certain insurance coverage that would be necessary to protect our assets.
Rising commodity and precious metals costs could adversely impact our profitability.
Raw material commodities such as resins, and precious metal commodities such as platinum are subject to wide price variations. Increases in the
costs of these commodities and the costs of energy, transportation and other necessary services may adversely affect our profit margins if we are unable to
pass along any higher costs in the form of price increases or otherwise achieve cost efficiencies such as in manufacturing and distribution.
Provisions of Delaware law, or of our charter and bylaws may make a takeover more difficult, which could cause our stock price to decline.
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and in the Delaware corporate law may make it difficult and expensive for a third party to
pursue a tender offer, change in control or takeover attempt, which is opposed by management and the board of directors. Public stockholders who might
desire to participate in such a transaction may not have an opportunity to do so. We have a staggered board of directors that makes it difficult for
stockholders to change the composition of the board of directors in any one year. These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of
public stockholders to change our management and board of directors. Such provisions may also limit the price that investors might be willing to pay for
shares of our common stock in the future.
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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
Our facilities perform manufacturing, research and development, sales and marketing, and administration functions. As of December 31, 2020, we
leased the following principal facilities:
Location
New Brighton, Minnesota
Holliston, Massachusetts
Reutlingen, Germany
Barcelona, Spain
March-Hugstetten, Germany
Description of Facility
Manufacturing facility
Manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters
Manufacturing facility
Manufacturing facility
Manufacturing facility
Approximate
Square Footage
96,000
83,000
22,000
21,000
12,000
Expiration
2030
2024
2024
2021-2022
2024
We also lease additional facilities in Cambridge, England; Kista, Sweden; Shanghai, China; Les Ulis, France; St. Augustin, Germany; and
Montreal, Canada. We believe our current facilities are adequate for our needs for the foreseeable future.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
For information related to legal proceedings, see the discussion in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Part IV, Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules” of this report, which information is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock has been quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market since our initial public offering on December 7, 2000, and trades under the
symbol “HBIO.”
Stockholders
There were 104 holders of record of our common stock as of March 5, 2021. We believe that the number of beneficial owners of our common
stock at that date was substantially greater.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock in the past and do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock in
the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our financial
condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Not Applicable.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Forward-Looking Statements
The following section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements that are not statements of historical fact and are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may
cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied
by the forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to
risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include those factors
described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should carefully review all of these factors, as well as the comprehensive
discussion of forward-looking statements on page 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Harvard Bioscience is a leading developer, manufacturer and seller of technologies, products and services that enable fundamental research,
discovery, and preclinical testing for drug development. Our customers range from renowned academic institutions and government laboratories to the
world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and contract research organizations. With operations in North America, Europe, and China, we sell through
a combination of direct and distribution channels to customers around the world.
Recent Developments
COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The COVID-19
pandemic has had a negative impact on our operations to date and the future impacts of the pandemic and any resulting economic impact are largely
unknown and rapidly evolving. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, many customers, particularly academic research
institutions, have been unable to maintain laboratory work which has negatively impacted, and will continue to negatively impact, our sales. Additionally,
to ensure business continuity while maintaining a safe environment for employees aligned with guidance from government and health organizations, we
transitioned the majority of our workforce to work-from-home while implementing social distancing requirements and other measures in factories to allow
manufacturing and other personnel essential to production to continue work within our facilities. Business travel was significantly reduced during this
period. While we have maintained operations under these conditions, these measures represent disruptions which can impact productivity including sales
and marketing activities. Accordingly, these conditions in addition to the overall impact on the global economy has negatively impacted our results of
operations and cash flows.
As a result of market and economic conditions, in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350 and ASC 360, we performed an analysis for potential interim impairment indicators of our intangible and
other long-lived assets. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we concluded there were no impairments of goodwill, other indefinite-lived intangibles,
or long-lived assets that resulted from triggering events due to COVID-19.
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See Part I, Item 1. “Business–Our History and Strategy” of this report for a discussion of recent significant acquisitions, divestitures and other
developments.
Revenue for the year ending December 31, 2020 was negatively impacted due to the conditions noted, and is likely to continue to be negatively
impacted by delayed or partial reopening of academic research institutions. In April 2020, we implemented a COVID-19 mitigation plan designed to reduce
expenses. Actions taken include work hour and temporary salary reductions, reductions-in-force and a realignment of our organizational structure to reduce
management layers. During the second half of 2020 a portion of our employees returned to regular work hours in areas of the business based on sequential
improvements in revenue. These cost reductions are in addition to the significant restructuring actions we initiated in the fourth quarter of 2019 as
discussed below. If business interruptions resulting from COVID-19 were to be prolonged or expanded in scope, our business, financial condition, results
of operations and cash flows would be negatively impacted. We will continue to actively monitor this situation and will implement actions necessary to
maintain business continuity.
Restructuring Plan
In July 2019, we announced the appointment by the Board of Directors of James Green as President and Chief Executive Officer and the
appointment of Michael Rossi as Chief Financial Officer. Immediately thereafter we began a process to identify opportunities to improve profitability,
increase cash flow and enhance internal capabilities to position the business for organic growth. As a result of this assessment, in September 2019 we
announced a strategic action plan for 2020 and 2021. Key elements of this plan include:
● Capitalizing on the strong existing Harvard Bioscience and Data Science franchises and products;
● Adding new senior leadership with significant experience with turnarounds and driving growth and operational improvements within global,
middle market life science manufacturing businesses;
● Consolidating sub-scale operations and integrating existing functions and processes to drive scale and reduce fixed costs;
● Increasing effectiveness of sales and product management to deliver organic sales growth; and
● Improving cash flow and reducing debt and leverage.
In December 2019, we implemented the 2019 Restructuring Plan to deliver significant cost savings beginning in 2020 and to support delivery of
the strategic action plan we announced in September 2019. The 2019 Restructuring Plan includes consolidation of our Connecticut manufacturing plant
with our existing Massachusetts site, downsizing of operations in the United Kingdom and a reduction in force across the business equal to approximately
10% of our headcount. The 2019 Restructuring Plan is expected to deliver annualized run-rate savings of $4.0 million to $5.0 million. The original
initiatives under the 2019 Restructuring Plan were completed in the second half of 2020.
We
A
As
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Selected Results of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2020 compared to year ended December 31, 2019
In the table below, we provide an overview of selected operating metrics.
$
(dollars in thousands)
Revenues
Gross profit
Sales and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Amortization of intangible assets
Impairment charges
Interest expense
Debt extinguishment and related costs
Other expense, net
Income tax expense (benefit)
Revenues
% of
Revenue
2020
102,100
$
58,041 56.8%
19,916 19.5%
23,509 23.0%
8,685 8.5%
5,710 5.6%
-%
4,831 4.7%
1,876 1.8%
806 0.8%
518 0.5%
-
2019
% of
Revenue
116,176
64,322 55.4%
23,264 20.0%
22,760 19.6%
10,715 9.2%
5,746 4.9%
1,460 1.3%
5,410 4.7%
-%
469 0.4%
(815) (0.7)%
-
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $102.1 million, a decrease of (12.1)%, or $14.1 million, compared to revenues of $116.2
million for the same period in 2019. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and in particular, lower sales to
academic labs and other institutions that are temporarily closed as a result of the pandemic. The negative impact of academic lab closures has moderated
since the middle of 2020 but continued to negatively impact the business exiting 2020. These reductions were partially offset by improved sales of products
from our Preclinical product family to CRO and pharmaceutical customers.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased $6.3 million, or 9.8%, to $58.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared with $64.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 2019, due primarily to the reduction in revenue noted. Gross margin increased to 56.8% for the year ended December 31, 2020
compared with 55.4% for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to improved product mix as well as cost
reduction initiatives partially offset by lower volumes.
Sales and marketing expenses
Sales
General and administrative expenses
General
Research and development expenses
Research
Amortization of intangible assets
Amortization of intangible asset expenses was $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and did not change materially as compared to
the year ended December 31, 2019.
Impairment charges
There were no impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2020. Impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2019 included a
write-off of $0.9 million related to in-process research and development intangible assets as a result of our on-going evaluation of our research and
development activities, and a charge of $0.5 million related to the impairment of certain intangible assets due to the decision to discontinue one of our
product lines and to cease operations in our facility in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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Interest expense
Interest expense was $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of $0.6 million, or 10.7%, compared with $5.4 million for the
year ended December 31, 2019 due to lower average debt balances for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019.
Debt extinguishment and related costs
On December 22, 2020, we entered into the Credit Agreement for the Citizens Credit Facility, which replaced our Prior Credit Facility. In
connection with our entry into the Credit Agreement, we paid $0.6 million in debt extinguishment costs, wrote off $0.8 million of unamortized debt
issuance costs, and paid $0.5 million to terminate our interest rate swap agreements.
Other expense, net
Other expense, net, were $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $0.3 million, compared with $0.5 million for the year
ended December 31, 2019. The increase was substantially due to foreign currency exchange losses.
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income tax was an expense of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared with a benefit of $(0.8) million for the year ended
December 31, 2019. The effective income tax rate was (7.1)% for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared with 14.8% for the same period in 2019.
The difference between our effective rates in 2020 as compared to 2019 is due to a change in estimate of the realizability of certain U. S. deferred tax
assets. In 2020, we increased the valuation allowance against
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, internally generated cash flow from operations and our revolving credit facility.
Our expected cash outlays relate primarily to cash payments due under our Credit Agreement described below as well as capital expenditures, severance
and other payments associated with ongoing restructuring and cost reduction initiatives.
On December 22, 2020, we entered into the Citizens Credit Facility that provides for a term loan of $40.0 million and a $25.0 million senior
revolving credit facility (including a $10.0 million sub-facility for the issuance of letters of credit and a $10.0 million swingline loan sub-facility). The
Citizens Credit Facility matures on December 22, 2025.
The Citizens Credit Facility replaced the Prior Credit Facility which consisted of a revolving credit facility and a term loan and was scheduled to
expire on January 31, 2023. In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, we paid off the Prior Credit Facility as well as incurred $0.6 million in
fees and expenses. We financed the payoff of the outstanding borrowings under the Prior Credit Facility with borrowings under the Citizens Credit Facility.
As of December 31, 2020, we held cash and cash equivalents of $8.3 million, compared with $8.3 million at December 31, 2019. As of December
31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had $49.4 million and $55.0 million of borrowings outstanding, respectively. Total debt, net of cash and cash
equivalents, was $41.1 million at December 31, 2020, compared to $46.7 million at December 31, 2019.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries was $2.5 million and $3.5 million,
respectively.
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
18
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2020
9,331 $
(1,402)
(7,967)
20
(18) $
8,045
(229)
(7,624)
(30)
162
$
$
Table of Contents
Cash provided by operations was $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $1.3 million as compared with $8.0 million
for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in net cash flow from operations was primarily due to working capital reductions including significant
improvements in accounts receivable collections.
Cash used in investing activities was $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and consisted primarily of capital expenditures. Our
investing activities used cash of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 consisting of $1.2 million used for capital expenditures and the receipt
of $1.0 million in connection with the release of an escrow amount associated with the sale of substantially all of the assets of our wholly-owned
subsidiary, Denville Scientific, Inc. (the “Denville Transaction”).
Cash used in financing activities was $8.0 million and $7.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Cash used in
both years is due primarily to cash provided by operations utilized to reduce overall debt levels.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, net payments to reduce total debt were $5.6 million. Prior to entering the Citizens Credit Facility, we
made payments under the Prior Credit Facility of $11.1 million to reduce term loan borrowings, with net borrowings of $2.8 million under the revolving
facility. At the closing of the Citizens Credit Facility, we repaid in full the Prior Credit Facility, which included $43.9 million of term loan borrowings and
$2.8 million of outstanding revolver borrowings. Under the Citizens Credit Facility, we borrowed $49.4 million, consisting of a $40.0 million term loan and
$9.4 million drawn on the revolving loan. Other financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 were primarily $1.9 million of costs associated
with the refinancing of our debt previously described.
During the year ended December 31, 2019 we borrowed $4.3 million and repaid $11.7 million of debt, including an excess cash flow payment of
$4.0 million and a payment of $1.0 million in connection with the release of an escrow amount associated with the Denville Transaction as required by the
Prior Credit Facility, and ended the year with $55.0 million of borrowings.
On April 18, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note with PNC Bank, National Association, which provided for a loan in the amount of
$6.1 million (the “PPP Loan”) pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the PPP) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). On April 23, 2020, the SBA, in consultation with the U.S. Department of the
Treasury, issued guidance regarding consideration of alternate available sources of liquidity and its impact on qualification for PPP loans. The Company
reassessed its business plans and liquidity available under our existing credit facility and elected to repay all PPP funds. The PPP Loan was repaid in full on
May 4, 2020.
Borrowing
On December 22, 2020, we entered into the Citizens Credit Facility which provides for a term loan of $40.0 million and a $25.0 million senior
revolving credit facility (including a $10.0 million sub-facility for the issuance of letters of credit and a $ 10.0 million swingline loan sub-facility).
Obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of our assets and are guaranteed by certain of our direct, domestic wholly-owned
subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement matures on December 22, 2025. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion
regarding our Credit Agreement.
We are compliant with all covenants under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2020.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had borrowings of $49.4 million and $55.0 million respectively, outstanding. We had
available borrowing capacity under the revolving line of credit of $15.6 million as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the interest rate on our
borrowings was 3.25%.
Based on our current operating plans, including actions taken to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, we expect that our available cash, cash
generated from current operations and debt capacity will be sufficient to finance current operations, any costs associated with restructuring activities and
capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months. This assessment includes consideration of our best estimates of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
on our financial results described above.
Our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement
that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary as a result of a number of factors.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have
been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to
make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, investments, income taxes, litigation and other
contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances,
the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
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We believe the following are the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each
business combination. Goodwill is not subject to amortization, but is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment. We perform our impairment
analysis of goodwill on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of the year unless conditions arise that warrant a more frequent evaluation. For purposes
of our goodwill analysis, we have one operating unit.
When goodwill is assessed for impairment, we have the option to perform an assessment of qualitative factors of impairment (optional
assessment) prior to necessitating a quantitative impairment test. Should the optional assessment be used for any given year, qualitative factors to consider
for a reporting unit include financial performance; legal, regulatory, contractual, political, business, or other factors; entity specific factors; industry and
market considerations; and other relevant events and factors affecting the reporting unit. If we determine in the qualitative assessment that it is more likely
than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative test is then performed. Otherwise, no further testing is required.
For a reporting unit tested using a quantitative approach, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit with the carrying amount of the reporting unit,
including goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using an income approach.
Under the income approach, we measure fair value of the reporting unit based on a projected cash flow method using a discount rate determined
by our management which is commensurate with the risk inherent in its current business model. Our discounted cash flow projections are based on its
annual financial forecasts developed internally by management for use in managing our business. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying
value, goodwill is not impaired, and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, then the amount of
goodwill impairment will be the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are comprised of existing technology, customer contracts and contractual relationships, and other definite-lived and indefinite-
lived intangible assets. Identifiable intangible assets resulting from the acquisitions of entities accounted for using the purchase method of accounting are
estimated by management based on the fair value of assets received. Identifiable definite-lived intangible assets are being amortized over the period of
estimated benefit using the straight-line method and estimated useful lives ranging from four to fifteen years.
We amortize definite-lived assets over their estimated useful lives. We evaluate definite-lived and indefinite-lived assets for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The carrying value is not recoverable if it exceeds the
undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Our estimates of future cash flows attributable to our assets require
significant judgment based on our historical and anticipated results and are subject to many factors. Factors we consider important which could trigger an
impairment review include significant negative industry or economic trends, significant loss of clients, and significant changes in the manner of our use of
the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business.
When we determine that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators
of impairment, we measure the potential impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our
management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of the
asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Different assumptions and judgments could materially affect the calculation of the fair value of our
assets.
Income Taxes and Valuation Allowance
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our annual tax rate is based on income, statutory tax rates, tax
reserve changes and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in
determining the annual tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We regularly assess the likelihood of tax adjustments in each of the tax jurisdictions in
which we have operations and account for the related financial statement implications. We have established tax reserves that we believe are appropriate
given the possibility of tax adjustments. Determining the appropriate level of tax reserves requires judgment regarding the uncertain application of tax laws.
Reserves are adjusted when information becomes available or when an event occurs indicating a change in the reserve is appropriate. Changes in tax
reserves could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Significant judgment is also required in determining the amount of deferred tax assets that will ultimately be realized and corresponding deferred
tax asset valuation allowance. When estimating the necessary valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence for each jurisdiction including
historical operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. If new information becomes available
that would alter our estimate of the amount of deferred tax assets that will ultimately be realized, we adjust the valuation allowance through income tax
expense. Changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
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Excess and Obsolete Inventory
Inventories are priced at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. When necessary, the write-down of inventory to its net
realizable value is recorded for obsolete or slow-moving inventory based on assumptions about future demand and marketability of products, the impact of
new product introductions and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance or engineering/material changes. These estimates could vary
significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from actual requirements if future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive conditions
differ from our expectations.
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Impact of Foreign Currencies
Our international operations in some instances operate in a natural hedge as we sell our products in many countries and a substantial portion of our
revenues, costs and expenses are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the British pound, the euro, the Canadian dollar and the Swedish krona.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, changes in foreign currency exchange rates resulted in a favorable translation effect on our
consolidated revenues and on our consolidated net loss. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates resulted in a favorable effect on revenues of
approximately $0.5 million and a favorable effect on expenses of approximately $1.0 million.
The gain associated with the translation of foreign currency into U.S. dollars included as a component of comprehensive loss during the year
ended December 31, 2020, was approximately $1.7 million, compared to a loss of $(0.5) million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
In addition, the currency exchange rate fluctuations included as a component of net loss resulted in approximately $(0.5) million and $(0.1)
million in currency loss during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For information on recent accounting pronouncements impacting our business, see “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” included in Note 2 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Part IV, Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules” of this report.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Not Applicable.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The information required by this item is contained in the financial statements referenced in “Part IV, Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules” of
this report, which financial statements are appended to this report. An index of those financial statements is found on page F-1.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
This Report includes the certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). See Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2. This Item 9A includes information concerning the controls and
control evaluations referred to in those certifications.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures refer to controls and other procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the
reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms
of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to
our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding our required
disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter
how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management was required to apply
its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures.
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act)
as of the end of the period covered in this Report. Based upon the evaluation described above, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have
concluded that they believe that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of December 31, 2020, in providing reasonable assurance that
information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures, and is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
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(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f)
and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by and under the supervision of our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by our management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. Our 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 transactions and dispositions of assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded
as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
(3) provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors, and
(4) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a
material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
23
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Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. It is a process that involves
human diligence and compliance and is therefore subject to human error and misjudgment. In general, evaluations of effectiveness for future periods are
subject to risk as controls may become inadequate due to changes in conditions or the degree of compliance with key processes or procedures could
deteriorate.
Our management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 using the criteria set forth in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). As a result
of that evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has also been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, our
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included below in Item 9A(e).
(c) Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. We continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic and, despite many of our employees working remotely, have not experienced any changes that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
(d) Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
The design of any system of control is based upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that
any design will succeed in achieving its stated objectives under all future events, no matter how remote, that controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may not deteriorate. Because of their inherent limitations, systems
of control may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Accordingly, even effective systems of control can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving
their control objectives.
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(e) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Harvard Bioscience, Inc.
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of
December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated
financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, and our report dated March 12, 2021 expressed an unqualified
opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for opinion
The Company’s management is responsible 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 Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
(“Management’s Report”). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are
a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 12, 2021
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Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
PART III
Incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, in connection with
our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act in connection with our
2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act in connection with our
2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act in connection with our
2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act in connection with our
2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
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Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
PART IV
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference as indicated.
(a) Financial Statements, Schedules, and Exhibits. We have listed our consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report in the
index to consolidated financial statements on page F-1.
(b) Exhibits. We have listed the exhibits filed as part of this annual report in the accompanying exhibit index, which follows the signature page
to this annual report.
(c) Financial Statement Schedules. We have omitted all financial statement schedules because they are not applicable or not required or because
we have included the necessary information in our consolidated financial statements or related notes.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
None.
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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-1
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Harvard Bioscience, Inc.
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as
of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the
two years in the period ended December 31, 2020 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated March 12, 2021 expressed an unqualified
opinion.
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial
statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matters
Critical audit matters 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. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.
Boston, Massachusetts
March 12, 2021
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HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
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Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Other current assets
Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Other long-term assets
Total assets
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
Accounts payable
Deferred revenue
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Deferred tax liability
Operating lease liabilities
Other long-term liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies - Note 15
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 80,000,000 shares authorized; 47,152,587 and 45,933,715
shares issued and 39,407,080 and 38,188,208 shares outstanding, respectively
Additional paid-in-capital
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Treasury stock at cost, 7,745,507 common shares
Total stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
December 31,
2020
2019
8,317 $
17,766
22,262
3,355
51,700
3,960
7,761
58,590
33,151
1,092
156,254 $
1,721 $
2,111
5,972
3,771
7,478
21,053
46,286
1,899
7,481
2,854
79,573
8,335
20,704
22,061
2,472
53,572
4,776
8,463
57,381
38,405
2,273
164,870
6,900
2,424
5,339
3,949
6,700
25,312
46,917
1,974
8,224
749
83,176
-
-
444
232,357
(132,386)
(13,066)
(10,668)
76,681
156,254 $
438
229,189
(124,576)
(12,689)
(10,668)
81,694
164,870
$
$
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Revenues
Cost of revenues
Gross margin
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Amortization of intangible assets
Impairment charges
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Other expense:
Interest expense
Debt extinguishment and related costs
Other expense, net
Total other expense
Loss before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net loss
Loss per share:
Basic and diluted loss per share
Weighted-average common shares:
Basic and diluted
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2020
$
102,100 $
44,059
58,041
116,176
51,854
64,322
19,916
23,509
8,685
5,710
-
57,820
221
(4,831)
(1,876)
(806)
(7,513)
(7,292)
518
(7,810) $
23,264
22,760
10,715
5,746
1,460
63,945
377
(5,410)
-
(469)
(5,879)
(5,502)
(815)
(4,687)
(0.20) $
(0.12)
38,640
37,814
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands)
Net loss
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Derivatives qualifying as hedges, net of tax:
Loss on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net loss
Derivatives qualifying as hedges, net of tax
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax:
Net (loss) gain
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net loss
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Comprehensive loss
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2020
$
(7,810) $
(4,687)
1,700
(206)
809
603
(2,785)
105
(2,680)
(377)
(8,187) $
(543)
(572)
139
(433)
1,258
561
1,819
843
(3,844)
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Balance at December 31, 2018
Stock option exercises
Shares issued under stock purchase
plan
Vesting of restricted stock units
Shares withheld for taxes
Stock compensation expense
Net loss
Other comprehensive income
Balance at December 31, 2019
Stock option exercises
Shares issued under stock purchase
plan
Vesting of restricted stock units
Shares withheld for taxes
Stock compensation expense
Net loss
Other comprehensive loss
Balance at December 31, 2020
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands)
Number
of Shares Common
Additional
Accumulated
Other
Total
Paid-in Accumulated Comprehensive Treasury Stockholders’
Issued
Stock
Capital
Deficit
Loss
Stock
Equity
45,124 $
4
436 $
-
226,377 $
11
(119,889) $
-
(13,532) $
-
(10,668) $
-
191
818
(203)
-
-
-
45,934 $
254
126
1,171
(332)
-
-
-
47,153 $
2
-
-
-
-
-
438 $
4
2
-
-
-
-
-
444 $
323
-
(556)
3,034
-
-
229,189 $
318
345
-
(1,142)
3,647
-
-
232,357 $
-
-
-
-
(4,687)
-
(124,576) $
-
-
-
-
-
(7,810)
-
(132,386) $
-
-
-
-
-
843
(12,689) $
-
-
-
-
-
-
(377)
(13,066) $
-
-
-
-
-
-
(10,668) $
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(10,668) $
82,724
11
325
-
(556)
3,034
(4,687)
843
81,694
322
347
-
(1,142)
3,647
(7,810)
(377)
76,681
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2020
$
(7,810) $
(4,687)
Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets
Amortization of deferred financing costs
Write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs
Debt extinguishment cost
Stock-based compensation expense
Impairment charges
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts
Deferred income taxes
Other
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Other assets
Accounts payable
Deferred revenue
Other liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Disposition of business
Other
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt
Repayments of debt
Debt issuance cost
Debt extinguishment cost
Taxes paid for net share settlement of equity awards
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
1,922
5,710
393
787
599
3,647
-
17
(143)
103
3,105
413
293
511
(184)
(32)
9,331
(1,152)
-
(250)
(1,402)
61,315
(66,912)
(1,298)
(599)
(473)
(7,967)
20
(18)
8,335
8,317 $
4,881 $
416 $
1,987
5,746
385
-
-
3,034
1,460
288
(398)
188
468
3,260
165
(2,048)
121
(1,924)
8,045
(1,216)
1,002
(15)
(229)
4,300
(11,703)
-
-
(221)
(7,624)
(30)
162
8,173
8,335
5,496
374
$
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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1. Organization
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Harvard Bioscience, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a leading developer, manufacturer and seller of technologies, products and services that enable
fundamental research, discovery, and preclinical testing for drug development. The Company’s products and services are sold globally to customers ranging
from renowned academic institutions and government laboratories to the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and contract research
organizations. With operations in North America, Europe and China, the Company has sales through a combination of direct and distribution channels to
customers around the world.
Risks and Uncertainties
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The COVID-19
pandemic has had a negative impact on the Company’s operations to date and the future impacts of the pandemic and any resulting economic impact are
largely unknown and rapidly evolving. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, many customers, particularly academic
research institutions, have been unable to maintain laboratory work which has negatively impacted, and will continue to negatively impact, our sales.
Additionally, to ensure business continuity while maintaining a safe environment for employees aligned with guidance from government and health
organizations, the Company transitioned the majority of its workforce to work-from-home while implementing social distancing requirements and other
measures in factories to allow manufacturing and other personnel essential to production to continue work within our facilities. Business travel was
significantly reduced during this period. While the Company has maintained operations under these conditions, these measures represent disruptions which
can impact productivity including sales and marketing activities. Accordingly, these conditions in addition to the overall impact on the global economy
have negatively impacted our results of operations and cash flows.
As a result of these market and economic conditions, the Company performed an analysis for potential impairment indicators of its intangible and
other long-lived assets in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards
Codification (“ASC”) 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” and ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” For the year ended December 31, 2020,
the Company concluded there were no impairments of goodwill, other indefinite-lived intangibles, or long-lived assets that resulted from triggering events
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
(b) Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of
management estimates. Such estimates include the determination and establishment of certain accruals and provisions, including those for inventory excess
and obsolescence, income tax and reserves for bad debts. In addition, certain estimates are required in order to determine the value of assets and liabilities
associated with acquisitions, as well as the Company’s defined benefit pension obligations. Estimates are also required to evaluate the value and
recoverability of existing long-lived and intangible assets, including goodwill. On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews its estimates based upon
currently available information. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash
equivalents include cash on hand and amounts due from banks. The Company maintains a portion of its cash in bank deposits, which at times, may exceed
federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company does not believe it is exposed to any significant risk
with respect to these accounts.
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(d) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. The
Company determines the allowance based on considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, known troubled accounts, historical
experience, factors that may affect a customer’s ability to pay and other currently available evidence.
(e) Inventories
The Company values its inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase (first-in, first-out method) and/or manufacture the inventories or the
net realizable value of the inventories. The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision to write down excess and
obsolete inventories to its estimated net realizable value if less than cost, based primarily on historical inventory usage and estimated forecast of product
demand.
(f) Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Machinery and equipment (years)
Computer equipment and software (years)
Furniture and fixtures (years)
3 - 10
3 - 7
5 - 10
Property and equipment held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the
lease term or estimated useful life of the asset.
(g) Leases
The Company accounts for its leases in accordance with ASC 842 Leases. The Company leases office space, manufacturing facilities, automobiles
and equipment. The Company concludes on whether an arrangement is a lease at inception. This determination as to whether an arrangement contains a
lease is based on an assessment as to whether a contract conveys the right to the Company to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment for
period of time in exchange for consideration. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company
recognizes these lease expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company has assessed its contracts and concluded that its leases consist of operating leases. Operating leases are included in operating lease
right-of-use (ROU) assets, current portion of operating lease liabilities, and operating lease liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to
make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of
lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company determines an incremental borrowing
rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate
represents a significant judgment that is based on an analysis of the Company’s credit rating, country risk, treasury and corporate bond yields, as well as
comparison to the Company’s borrowing rate on its most recent loan. The Company uses the implicit rate when readily determinable. The operating lease
ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis
over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. Additionally,
for its leases, the Company applies a portfolio approach to effectively account for the operating lease ROU assets and liabilities.
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(h) Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
includes the enactment date.
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income
tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition are reflected in the period in which
the judgement occurs.
(i) Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is generally their local currency. All assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries are
translated at exchange rates in effect at period-end. Income and expenses are translated at rates which approximate those in effect on the transaction dates.
The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(“AOCI”) in the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in net (loss) income.
(j) Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the
periods presented. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is
increased for the assumed exercise of dilutive options and other potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock method unless the effect is
antidilutive.
(k) Comprehensive (Loss) Income
In accordance with ASC 220, the Company reports all changes in equity during a period, resulting from net (loss) income and transactions from non-
owner sources, in a financial statement in the period in which they are recognized. The Company has chosen to disclose comprehensive (loss) income,
which encompasses net (loss) income, foreign currency translation adjustments, gains and losses on derivatives, the underfunded status of its pension plans,
and pension minimum additional liability adjustments, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income.
(l) Revenue Recognition
Nature of contracts and customers
The Company’s contracts are primarily of short duration and are mostly based on the receipt and fulfilment of purchase orders. The purchase orders
are binding and include pricing and all other relevant terms and conditions.
The Company’s customers are primarily research scientists at pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities, hospitals, government
laboratories, including the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) and contract research organizations. The Company also has global and regional
distribution partners, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers who incorporate its products into their products under their own brands.
Performance obligations
The Company’s performance obligations under its revenue contracts consist of its instruments, equipment, accessories, services, maintenance and
extended warranties. Equipment also includes software that functions together with the tangible equipment to deliver its essential functionality. Contracts
with customers may contain multiple promises such as delivery of hardware, software, professional services or post-contract support services. These
promises are accounted for as separate performance obligations if they are distinct. For contracts with customers that contain multiple performance
obligations, the transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations based on estimated relative standalone selling price, which does not
materially differ from the stated price in the contract. In general, the Company’s list prices are indicative of standalone selling price.
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Instruments, equipment and accessories consist of a range of products that are used in life sciences research. Revenues from the sales of these items
are recognized when transfer of control of these products to the customer occurs. Transfer of control occurs when the Company has a right to payment, and
the customer has legal title to the asset and the customer or their selected carrier has possession, which is typically upon shipment. Sales on these items are
therefore generally recognized at a point in time.
The Company’s equipment revenue also includes the sale of wireless implantable monitors that are used for life science research purposes. The
Company sells these wireless implantable monitors to pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations and academic laboratories. In addition to
sales generated from new and existing customers, these implantable devices are also sold under a program called the “exchange program.” Under this
program, customers may return an implantable monitor to the Company after use, and if the returned monitor can be reprocessed and resold, they may, in
exchange, purchase a replacement implantable monitor of the same model at a lower price than a new monitor. The implantable monitors that are returned
by customers are reprocessed and made available for future sale. The initial sale of implantable monitors and subsequent sale of replacement implantable
monitors are independent transactions. The Company has no obligation in connection with the initial sale to sell replacement implantable monitors at any
future date under any fixed terms and may refuse returned implantable monitors that cannot be recovered or are obsolete. The Company has concluded that
the offer to its customers that they may purchase a discounted product in the future is not a material right based on the applicable guidance within ASC 606.
Service revenues consist of installation, training, data analysis, and surgeries performed on research animals. Maintenance revenue consists of post-
contract support provided in relation to software that is embedded within the equipment that is sold to the customer. The Company provides standard
warranties that promise the customer that the product will work as promised. These standard warranties are not a separate performance obligation.
Extended warranties relate to warranties that are separately priced, and purchased in addition to a standard warranty, and are therefore a separate
performance obligation. The Company has made the judgment that the customer benefits as the Company performs over the period of the contract, and
therefore revenues from service, maintenance and warranty contracts are recognized over time. The Company uses the input method to recognize revenue
over time, based on time elapsed, which is generally on a straight-line basis over the service period. The period over which maintenance and warranty
contracts is recognized is typically one year. The period over which service revenues is recognized is generally less than one month.
For sales for which transfer of control occurs upon shipment, the Company accounts for shipping and handling costs as fulfilment costs. As such, the
Company records the amounts billed to the customer for shipping costs as revenue and the costs within cost of revenues upon shipment. For sales, for
which control transfers to customers after shipment, the Company has elected to account for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill the promise to
transfer the goods to the customer. The Company therefore accrues for the costs of shipping undelivered items in the period of shipment.
Revenues expected to be recognized related to any and all remaining performance obligations are generally expected to be recognized in one year or
less, as the majority of the Company's contracts have a term of less than one year.
Variable Consideration
The nature of the Company's contracts gives rise to certain types of variable consideration, including in limited cases volume and payment discounts.
The Company analyzes sales that could include variable consideration and estimates the expected or most likely amount of revenue after returns, trade-ins,
discounts, rebates, credits, and incentives. Product returns are estimated and accrued for, based on historical information. In making these estimates, the
Company considers whether the amount of variable consideration is constrained and is included in revenue only to the extent that it is probable that a
significant reversal of the revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.
Variable consideration, and its impact on the Company’s revenue recognition, was not material in any of the periods presented.
The Company’s payment terms are generally from zero to sixty days from the time of invoicing, which generally occurs at the time of shipment or
prior to services being performed. Payment terms vary by the type of its customers and the products or services offered.
Sales taxes, value added taxes, and certain excise taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net
basis and are therefore excluded from revenues.
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Deferred revenue
The Company records deferred revenue when cash is collected from customers prior to satisfaction of the Company’s performance obligation to the
customer. Deferred revenue consists of amounts deferred related to service contracts and revenue deferred as a result of payments received in advance from
customers. Deferred revenue is generally expected to be recognized within one year.
The amounts included in deferred revenue from advanced payments relate to amounts that are prepaid for wireless implantable monitors under the
exchange program. The Company has made the judgment that these payments do not represent a significant financing component as the customer can
exercise their discretion as to when they can obtain the products that they have made a prepayment for.
Advanced payments received from customers are recorded as a liability, and revenue is recognized when the Company’s performance obligations are
completed. Performance obligations are completed when the product is shipped or delivered to the customer, or at the end of the exchange program if
goods are not acquired prior to the termination of the contract period.
Disaggregation of revenue
Refer to Note 13 for revenue disaggregated by type as well as further information about the deferred revenue balances and to Note 16 for revenue
disaggregated by geographic region.
(m) Valuation of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations
The determination of the fair value of intangible assets, which represents a significant portion of the purchase price in the Company’s acquisitions,
requires the use of significant judgment with regard to (i) the fair value; and (ii) whether such intangibles are amortizable or not amortizable and, if the
former, the period and the method by which the intangibles asset will be amortized. The Company estimates the fair value of acquisition-related intangible
assets principally based on projections of discounted cash flows that will arise from identifiable assets of acquired businesses. Amortizable intangible assets
include existing technology, trade names, distribution agreements, customer relationships and patents, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their
estimated useful lives.
(n) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and unamortizable intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized,
but instead are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, in
accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other.”
For the purpose of its goodwill analysis, the Company has one reporting unit. The Company conducts its annual impairment analysis in the fourth
quarter of the fiscal year and more frequently if there is an indicator of impairment. The Company assesses qualitative factors of the reporting unit to
determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the qualitative assessment indicates a
potential impairment, a quantitative analysis is performed. The Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount. The
Company estimates fair value using under the income approach using the discounted cash flows model, which indicates the fair value of the reporting unit
based on the present value of the cash flows that the Company expects the reporting unit to generate in the future. The Company's significant estimates in
the discounted cash flows model include weighted average cost of capital, long-term rate of growth and profitability of the reporting unit’s business, and
working capital effects. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is impaired and the Company would recognize a loss
equal to the excess. For indefinite-lived intangible assets if the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset, the Company would write down the
indefinite-lived intangible asset to fair value. At December 31, 2020, the Company concluded that none of its goodwill was impaired.
The Company evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually and when events occur, or circumstances change that may reduce
the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. Events or circumstances that might require an interim evaluation include unexpected adverse business
conditions, economic factors, unanticipated technological changes or competitive activities, loss of key personnel and acts by governments and courts.
Refer to Note 4 for further details regarding impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets.
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(o) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company assesses recoverability of its long-lived assets that are held for use, such as property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible
assets in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset
or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets or an asset group to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount
of an asset or asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or the asset group. Cash flow projections are
based on trends of historical performance and management’s estimate of future performance. If the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the
estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds its
estimated fair value. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company concluded that none of its long-lived assets were impaired.
(p) Derivatives
The Company uses interest-rate-related derivative instruments to manage its exposure related to changes in interest rates on its variable-rate debt
instruments. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. The Company does not speculate using
derivative instruments. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their respective fair values.
For derivatives designated in hedging relationships, changes in the fair value are either offset through earnings against the change in fair value of the
hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged or recognized in AOCI, to the extent the derivative is effective at offsetting the changes in cash flows
being hedged until the hedged item affects earnings.
The Company only enters into derivative contracts that it intends to designate as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to
be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). For all hedging relationships, the Company formally documents the hedging
relationship and its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk
being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description
of the method used to measure ineffectiveness. The Company also formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing
basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged transactions. For
derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as part of a cash flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative
is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction
affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of
effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows
attributable to the hedged risk, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, the cash flow hedge is de-designated because a forecasted
transaction is not probable of occurring, or management determines to remove the designation of the cash flow hedge.
In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, the Company continues to carry the derivative at
its fair value on the balance sheet and recognizes any subsequent changes in its fair value in earnings. When it is probable that a forecasted transaction will
not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and recognizes immediately in earnings gains and losses that were accumulated in other
comprehensive income related to the hedging relationship.
(q) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable and short-term debt
approximate their fair values because of the short maturities of those instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates its carrying
value and is based on the amount of future cash flows associated with the debt discounted using current borrowing rates for similar debt instruments of
comparable maturity.
Financial reporting standards define a fair value hierarchy that consists of three levels:
§
§
Level 1 includes instruments for which quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible to the Company at the
measurement date.
Level 2 includes instruments for which the valuations are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are
not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
§
Level 3 includes valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
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Table of Contents
(r) Stock-based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based payment awards in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation”,
which requires it to recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options,
restricted stock units, and restricted stock units with a market condition related to our Fourth Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
(as amended, the “Incentive Plan”) as well as employee stock purchases (“employee stock purchases”) related to its Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as
amended, the “ESPP”). The Company issues new shares upon stock option exercises, upon vesting of restricted stock units and restricted stock units with a
market condition, and under the Company’s ESPP.
Stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest.
The Company values stock-based payment awards, except restricted stock units at grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company
values restricted stock units with a market condition using a Monte-Carlo valuation simulation. The determination of fair value of stock-based payment
awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model or Monte-Carlo valuation simulation is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as
assumptions regarding certain variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the
awards and actual and projected stock option exercise behaviors.
The fair value of restricted stock units is based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and are recorded as compensation
expense on a straight-line basis over the applicable service period, which ranges from one to four years. Unvested restricted stock units are forfeited in the
event of termination of employment with the Company.
Stock-based compensation expense recognized under ASC 718 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of stock-based
compensation expense related to stock options, the ESPP, and restricted stock units and was recorded as a component of cost of product revenues, sales and
marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, and research and development expenses. Refer to Note 10 for further details.
(s) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements to be Adopted
In September 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on
Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13), which amends the impairment model by requiring entities to use a forward-looking approach based on expected
losses rather than incurred losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. This may result in the
earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The FASB issued several ASUs after ASU 2016-13 to clarify implementation guidance and to provide
transition relief for certain entities. ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption
permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact that adopting ASU 2016-13 and related amendments will have on its consolidated financial position,
results of operations and cash flows.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (ASU 2019-12), which
enhances and simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance related to intra-period tax allocation, interim period accounting for enacted
changes in tax law, and the year-to-date loss limitation in interim period tax accounting. ASU 2019-12 also amends other aspects of the guidance to reduce
complexity in certain areas. ASU 2019-12 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2021. The Company has determined that the adoption of this new
accounting guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
3. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are
as follows:
Foreign
currency
Derivatives
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2018
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
Net other comprehensive (loss) income
Balance at December 31, 2019
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
Net other comprehensive (loss) income
Balance at December 31, 2020
translation qualifying as
adjustments
$
hedges
(12,630) $
(543)
-
(543)
(13,173) $
1,700
-
1,700
(11,473) $
$
$
Defined
benefit
pension plans
(170) $
(572)
139
(433)
(603) $
(206)
809
603
- $
(732) $
1,258
561
1,819
1,087 $
(2,785)
105
(2,680)
(1,593) $
Total
(13,532)
143
700
843
(12,689)
(1,291)
914
(377)
(13,066)
The amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:
(in thousands)
Amounts Reclassified From AOCI
Derivatives qualifying as hedges
Affected line item in the
Statements of Operations
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2020
Realized loss on derivatives qualifying as hedges Interest expense, net
Realized loss on derivatives qualifying as hedges Debt extinguishment and related costs
Income tax
Income tax (benefit) expense
Defined benefit pension plans
Amortization of net losses included in net
periodic pension costs
Income tax
Total reclassifications
4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
General and administrative expenses
Income tax (benefit) expense
$
$
319 $
490
-
809
105
-
105
914 $
139
-
-
139
561
-
561
700
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
(in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
Effect of change in currency translation
Balance at end of year
December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
57,381 $
1,209
58,590 $
57,304
77
57,381
F- 15
Table of Contents
Amortizable intangible assets:
Distribution agreements/customer
relationships
Existing technology
Trade names and patents
Total amortizable intangible assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Total intangible assets
Weighted
Average
Life*
(Years)
2020
December 31,
(in thousands)
2019
Gross
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Gross
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
8.8 $
5.2
5.4
$
18,237 $
38,761
8,681
65,679 $
(7,746) $
(20,674)
(4,362)
(32,782) $
$
10,491 $
18,087
4,319
32,897 $
254
33,151
17,891 $
41,222
7,910
67,023 $
(6,340) $
(19,698)
(3,715)
(29,753) $
$
11,551
21,524
4,195
37,270
1,135
38,405
* Weighted average life as of December 31, 2020.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company removed from its records approximately $3.5 million of fully amortized intangible assets
and determined that $0.9 million of tradenames previously classified as indefinite-lived should be classified as amortizing due to anticipated changes in its
worldwide marketing programs. During fiscal 2020 there were no impairment charges related to intangible assets.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded impairment charges of $1.5 million consisting of a charge of $0.9 million to write-
off certain in-process research and development intangible assets due to a strategic shift in the direction of the project, and $0.5 million of charges to write-
off certain intangible assets as a result of the decision to discontinue a product line and cease operations in its facility in North Carolina, and other charges
of $0.1 million.
Intangible asset amortization expense was $5.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Estimated
amortization expense of existing amortizable intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter as of December 31, 2020 is as follows:
Year Ending December 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
Amortization
Expense
(in thousands)
5,774
$
5,740
5,627
5,318
4,204
6,234
32,897
$
F- 16
Table of Contents
5. Balance Sheet Information
The following tables provide details of selected balance sheet items as of the periods indicated:
Inventories:
(in thousands)
Finished goods
Work in process
Raw materials
Total
Other Current Liabilities:
(in thousands)
Compensation
Professional fees
Warranty costs
Customer related costs
Interest
Accrued income taxes
Other
Total
Property, Plant and Equipment:
(in thousands)
Machinery and equipment
Computer equipment and software
Leasehold improvements
Furniture and fixtures
Automobiles
Less: accumulated depreciation
Property, plant and equipment, net
December 31,
2020
2019
4,938 $
3,513
13,811
22,262 $
5,561
3,153
13,347
22,061
December 31,
2020
2019
3,715
432
185
1,093
46
286
1,721
7,478 $
2,554
395
252
963
425
609
1,502
6,700
December 31,
2020
2019
7,450 $
9,114
2,540
1,353
100
20,557
(16,597)
3,960 $
7,198
8,954
2,151
1,321
92
19,716
(14,940)
4,776
$
$
$
$
$
$
F- 17
Table of Contents
6. Restructuring and Other Exit Costs
On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews the global economy, the healthcare industry, and the markets in which it competes to identify operational
efficiencies, enhance commercial capabilities and align its cost base and infrastructure with customer needs and its strategic plans. In order to realize these
opportunities, the Company undertakes restructuring-type activities from time to time to transform its business.
During 2019, the Company initiated a restructuring program designed to improve gross margins and operating margins while reinvesting in resources
required to deliver sustained, profitable organic growth. The restructuring program entails consolidating and downsizing several sites and includes
headcount reductions in Europe and North America to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. The restructuring program is expected to be
substantially completed by the first half of 2021. Costs associated with the program include headcount reductions, program management and other
transition costs necessary to affect the site consolidations and other business improvements.
The following table summarizes the activity for accrued restructuring liability for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
(in thousands)
Restructuring and other exit costs
Non-cash charges
Cash payments
Balance at December 31, 2019
Restructuring and other exit costs
Non-cash charges
Cash payments
Balance at December 31, 2020
Cost of
Revenue
Severance
Costs
Impairment
Other
Total
$
$
235 $
(235)
-
-
-
-
-
- $
530 $
-
(166)
364
1,625
-
(1,719)
270 $
460 $
(460)
-
-
-
-
-
- $
129 $
(10)
(115)
4
408
(168)
(226)
18 $
1,354
(705)
(281)
368
2,033
(168)
(1,945)
288
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had a restructuring liability of $0.3 million which is payable within the next twelve months and has been
included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded restructuring plan related impairment charges of $0.5 million to write-off certain
intangible assets as a result of a decision to discontinue a product line and cease operations in its facility in North Carolina.
Restructuring costs of $2.0 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2020, have been included as a component of selling, general and
administrative expenses. Of the $1.4 million restructuring costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2019, $0.5 million has been recorded as
impairment of intangible assets, $0.2 million has been included in cost of revenues, and the remaining costs of $0.7 million have been included as a
component of selling, general and administrative expenses.
7. Related Party Transactions
In connection with the 2014 acquisitions of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH (“MCS”) and Triangle BioSystems, Inc. (“TBSI”), the Company
entered into facility lease agreements with the former principal owners of these companies, and both became employees of the Company. The TBSI
agreement expired on September 30, 2019, and the MCS agreement expires on December 31, 2024. Pursuant to these lease agreements, the Company made
rent payments of approximately $0.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
8. Employee Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors profit sharing retirement plans for its U.S. employees, which includes employee savings plans established under Section
401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (the “401(k) Plans”). The 401(k) Plans cover substantially all full-time employees who meet certain eligibility
requirements. Contributions to the 401(k) Plans are at the discretion of management. For each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the
Company contributed $0.7 million, respectively, to the 401(k) Plans.
F- 18
Table of Contents
The Company’s subsidiary in the United Kingdom, Biochrom Limited maintains contributory, defined benefit or defined contribution pension plans
for substantially all of its employees. In 2014, these defined benefit pension plans were closed to new employees, as well as closed to the future accrual of
benefits for existing employees. The provisions of ASC 715-20 require that the funded status of the Company’s pension plans be recognized in its balance
sheet. ASC 715-20 does not change the measurement or income statement recognition of these plans, although it does require that plan assets and benefit
obligations be measured as of the balance sheet date. The Company has historically measured the plan assets and benefit obligations as of the balance sheet
date.
The components of the Company’s net period benefit (credit) expense were as follows:
(in thousands)
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Net amortization loss
Recognition of net loss due to settlements
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
391 $
(733)
105
22
(215) $
484
(761)
336
228
287
The measurement date is December 31 for these plans. The funded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and the amount recognized
in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
(in thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Balance at beginning of year
Interest cost
Actuarial loss
Settlements due to transfers paid
Benefits paid
Currency translation adjustment
Balance at end of year
December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
20,027 $
391
4,814
(205)
(476)
968
25,519 $
18,701
484
1,513
(871)
(447)
647
20,027
Changes in the actuarial loss disclosed above are primarily the result of changes in the discount rate and inflation assumptions due to underlying
market conditions.
(in thousands)
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Balance at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Settlement due to transfers paid
Benefits paid
Currency translation adjustment
Balance at end of year
(in thousands)
Benefit obligation
Fair value of plan asset
Net funded status
December 31,
2020
2019
21,114 $
1,690
901
(159)
(476)
856
23,926 $
17,819
3,172
831
(931)
(447)
670
21,114
December 31,
2020
2019
(25,519) $
23,926
(1,593) $
(20,027)
21,114
1,087
$
$
$
$
F- 19
Table of Contents
The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
(in thousands)
Other long term (liabilities) assets
Deferred income taxes
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
(1,593) $
-
(1,593) $
1,087
-
1,087
The weighted average assumptions used in determining the net pension cost for these plans follows:
Discount rate
Expected return on assets
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
1.4%
3.45%
2.02%
3.84%
The discount rate assumptions used for pension accounting reflect the prevailing rates available on high-quality, fixed-income debt instruments with
terms that match the average expected duration of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan obligations.
The Company’s mix of pension plan investments among asset classes also affects the long-term expected rate of return on plan assets. As of
December 31, 2020, the Company’s actual asset mix approximated its target mix. Differences between actual and expected returns are recognized in the
calculation of net periodic pension (income)/cost over the average remaining expected future working lifetime, which is approximately 15 years of active
plan participants.
The fair value and asset allocations of the Company’s pension benefits as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 measurement dates were as follows:
(in thousands)
Asset category:
Equity securities
Debt securities
Liability driven investment funds
Cash and cash equivalents
Other
Total
2020
12,047
4,605
5,168
1,860
246
23,926
$
$
December 31,
2019
11,534
3,919
3,615
1,514
532
21,114
50% $
19%
22%
8%
1%
100% $
55%
19%
17%
7%
3%
100%
Financial reporting standards define a fair value hierarchy that consists of three levels. The fair values of the plan assets by fair value hierarchy level
as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
(in thousands)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total
$
$
December 31,
2020
2019
1,514
19,600
-
21,114
1,860 $
22,066
-
23,926 $
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Table of Contents
Level 1 assets consist of cash and cash equivalents held in the pension plans at December 31, 2020. The Level 2 assets primarily consist of
investments in private investment funds that are valued using the net asset values provided by the trust or fund, including an insurance contract. Although
these funds are not traded in an active market with quoted prices, the investments underlying the net asset value are based on quoted prices.
The Company expects to contribute at least $1.0 million to its pension plans during 2021. The benefits expected to be paid from the pension plans are
$0.6 million in 2021, $0.6 million in 2022, $0.7 million in 2023, $0.8 million in 2024 and $0.8 million in 2025. The expected benefits to be paid in the five
years from 2026—2030 are $4.7 million. The expected benefits are based on the same assumptions.
9. Leases
The Company has noncancelable operating leases for office space, manufacturing facilities, warehouse space, automobiles and equipment expiring at
various dates through 2030.
The components of lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
(in thousands)
Operating lease cost
Short term lease cost
Sublease income
Total lease cost
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
2,153 $
175
(183)
2,145 $
2,084
245
(429)
1,900
Supplemental cash flow information related to the Company’s operating leases was as follows:
(in thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of
lease liabilities:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease
obligations:
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
2,717 $
2,530
455 $
177
Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company’s operating leases was as follows:
(in thousands)
Operating lease right-of use assets
Current portion, operating lease liabilities
Operating lease liabilities, long term
Total operating lease liabilities
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
Weighted average discount rate
$
$
$
December 31,
2020
2019
7,761
$
8,463
2,111
7,481
9,592
$
$
7.4
9.3%
2,424
8,224
10,648
8.1
9.2%
Future minimum lease payments for operating leases, with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2020, are as follows:
(in thousands)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total lease payments
Less interest
Total operating lease liabilities
Operating
Leases
2,111
2,018
1,970
1,715
1,000
4,854
13,668
(4,076)
9,592
$
$
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Table of Contents
10. Capital Stock and Stock-Based Compensation
Preferred Stock
The Company’s Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 5.0 million shares of preferred stock and to determine the price privileges and
other terms of the shares. The Board of Directors may exercise this authority without any further approval of stockholders. As of December 31, 2020, the
Company had no preferred stock issued or outstanding.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the ESPP participating employees can authorize the Company to withhold a portion of their base pay during consecutive six-month payment
periods for the purchase of shares of the Company’s common stock. At the conclusion of the period, participating employees can purchase shares of the
Company’s common stock at 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the beginning or end of the period. Shares are
issued under the ESPP for the six-month periods ending June 30 and December 31. On May 16, 2019, the stockholders of the Company approved an
increase of 350,000 shares of common stock in the number of shares available for issuance under the ESPP. There were 126,255 and 190,642 shares issued
under the ESPP during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, there were 192,341 shares available for
issuance under the ESPP.
2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as Amended (“Incentive Plan”)
The stockholders of the Company have approved the Incentive Plan which authorizes the grant of stock options and stock-based awards to officers,
employees, non-employee directors and other key persons of the Company and its subsidiaries. During 2020, the Board of Directors adopted an amendment
to increase the aggregate number of shares authorized for issuance under the Incentive Plan by 3,700,000 shares which was approved by the stockholders at
the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. As of December 31, 2020, there were 2,975,717 shares available for issuance under the Incentive
Plan.
Restricted Stock Units with a Market Condition (the Market Condition RSUs)
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approves and grants deferred stock awards of Market Condition RSUs (the
Market Condition RSUs) to certain members of the Company’s management team under the Incentive Plan. The vesting of the Market Condition RSUs is
based on a graded-vesting schedule (one third at the end of each year for three years) and linked to the achievement of a relative total shareholder return of
the Company’s common stock measured from the earlier of (i) the one- year anniversary of the award or (ii) upon a change of control (measured relative to
the Nasdaq Biotechnology index and based on the 20-day trading average price before each such date).
As of December 31, 2020, there are 332,622 shares of Market Condition RSUs which remain subject to a relative total shareholder return
measurement which can result in vesting rates ranging from -0-% to 150% of the target number.
Stock-Based Payment Awards
The Company accounts for stock-based payment awards in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718, which requires it to recognize
compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock units, Market
Condition RSUs and employee stock purchases related to the ESPP. The Company has elected as an accounting policy to account for forfeitures for
service-based awards as they occur, with no adjustment for estimated forfeitures.
F- 22
Table of Contents
Stock option and restricted stock unit activity under the Company’s Incentive Plan for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Stock Options
Stock
Weighted
Average
Options
Outstanding
Exercise
Price
Restricted Stock Units
Market Condition RSU's
Restricted
Market
Condition
RSU's
Stock Units Grant Date
Grant Date
Outstanding Fair Value Outstanding Fair Value
4.19
3.36
1.98
2.31
-
-
4.19
3.29
3.42
4.18
2.27
1.67
2.98
2.75
-
-
1.53
2.41
3.04
3.13
1,233,762 $
1,652,720
-
(813,762)
(482,270)
1,590,450
1,027,486
-
(930,985)
(126,490)
116,944 $
605,005
-
(3,778)
(188,680)
529,491
332,622
-
(240,205)
(41,932)
4.25
3.28
2.98
-
3.96
3.93
2.61
3.94
-
3.68
-
3.51
-
1,560,461 $
-
2.44
233,055
813,031 $
1.47
2.12
Balance at December 31, 2018
Granted
Exercised
Vested (RSUs)
Cancelled/Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2019
Granted
Exercised
Vested (RSUs)
Cancelled/Forfeited
Market Condition RSU - factor
adjustment
Balance at December 31, 2020
1,956,732 $
943,424
(3,750)
-
(630,284)
2,266,122
894,154
(253,853)
-
(269,084)
-
2,637,339 $
For Market Condition RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2019, the total shareholder return of the Company’s common stock in 2020
relative to the Nasdaq Biotechnology index resulted in a positive performance factor adjustment and the issuance of 233,055 of additional awards during
the year ended December 31, 2020.
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is based upon net income divided by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The
calculation of diluted earnings per share assumes conversion of stock options, restricted stock units and Market Condition RSUs into common stock using
the treasury method. The weighted average number of shares used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share consists of the following:
Basic
Dilutive effect of equity awards
Diluted
Year Ended December 31, 2020
2020
38,640,284
-
38,640,284
2019
37,813,580
-
37,813,580
The Company has excluded from the shares used in calculating the diluted earnings per common share options, restricted stock units and Market
Condition RSUs totaling 5,010,931 and 4,386,063, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 respectively, as the impact of these shares would be anti-dilutive.
The Company’s policy is to issue stock available from its registered but unissued stock pool through its transfer agent to satisfy stock option
exercises and vesting of the restricted stock units.
The following table summarizes outstanding and exercisable options as of December 31, 2020 (Aggregate Intrinsic Value, in thousands):
Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Remaining Weighted
Contractual Average
Exercise
Weighted
Average
Remaining Weighted
Contractual Average
Exercise
Range of
Exercise
Price
Number
Outstanding
Life
in Years
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Shares
Exercisable
Life
in Years
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Price
$1.78
2.63
2.67
3.93
4.39
$1.78
-
-
-
-
-
-
2.62
2.66
3.92
4.38
5.63
5.63
357,018
717,044
568,784
587,693
406,800
2,637,339
7.5 $
6.4
7.1
2.9
4.3
5.6 $
2.27 $
2.63
3.33
4.23
5.37
3.51 $
723
1,190
545
35
-
2,493
96,488
179,264
348,704
587,693
401,800
1,613,949
4.8 $
6.4
6.2
2.9
4.3
4.5 $
2.29 $
2.63
3.36
4.23
5.38
4.04 $
193
298
323
35
-
849
F- 23
Table of Contents
The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $4.29
as of December 31, 2020, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date. The
aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $92,162 and was not material for the year ended December 31,
2019. The total number of in-the-money options that were exercisable as of December 31, 2020 was 862,149.
As of December 31, 2020, the total compensation costs related to unvested awards not yet recognized is $4.4 million and the weighted average
period over which it is expected to be recognized is approximately 2.3 years.
Valuation and Expense Information under Stock-Based-Payment Accounting
Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, restricted stock units, Market Condition RSU’s and the ESPP for the years ended
December 31, 2020 and 2019 was allocated as follows:
(in thousands)
Cost of revenues
Sales and marketing expenses
General and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Total stock-based compensation expenses
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
65 $
263
3,122
197
3,647 $
43
119
2,710
162
3,034
The Company did not capitalize any stock-based compensation.
The weighted-average estimated fair value per share of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $1.21 and
$1.40, respectively, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected holding period (in years)
Dividend Yield
2020
2019
58.3%
0.3%
4.4
-%
48.1%
2.1%
4.7
-%
The weighted average estimated fair value per share of the Market Condition RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was
$2.98 and $1.98, respectively, using a Monte-Carlo valuation simulation, with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Correlation coefficient
Dividend Yield
2020
2019
80.6%
0.2%
31.5%
-%
59%
2%
23.6%
-%
The Company used historical volatility to calculate the expected volatility. Historical volatility was determined by calculating the mean reversion of
the daily adjusted closing stock price. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon observed U.S. Treasury bill interest rates (risk-free) appropriate
for the term of the Company’s stock options. The expected holding period of stock options represents the period of time options are expected to be
outstanding and were based on historical experience. The vesting period ranges from one to four years and the contractual life is ten years.
F- 24
Table of Contents
11. Long Term Debt
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s borrowings were comprised of the following:
(in thousands)
Term loan
Revolving line
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs
Total debt
Less: current installments
Less: excess cash flow sweep
Current unamortized deferred financing costs
Long-term debt
December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
40,000 $
9,400
(1,393)
48,007
(2,000)
-
279
46,286 $
The aggregate amounts of debt maturing during the next five years are as follows:
(in thousands)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
$
$
54,997
-
(1,180)
53,817
(3,200)
(4,093)
393
46,917
2,000
3,000
3,000
4,000
37,400
49,400
On December 22, 2020, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Citizens Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, and Silicon Valley Bank, (together, the “Lenders”). The Credit Agreement provides for a term loan of $40.0 million and a $25.0
million senior revolving credit facility (including a $10.0 million sub-facility for the issuance of letters of credit and a $ 10.0 million swingline loan sub-
facility) (collectively, the “Citizens Credit Facility”). The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s
direct, domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries; none of the Company’s direct or indirect foreign subsidiaries has guaranteed the Citizens Credit Facility. The
Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. and each guarantor (including
all or a portion of the equity interests in certain of the Company’s domestic and foreign subsidiaries). The Citizens Credit Facility matures on December 22,
2025. Issuance costs of $1.3 million are amortized over the contractual term to maturity date on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective
interest method. As of December 31, 2020, available borrowing capacity under the revolving line of credit was $15.6 million.
The Credit Agreement replaces the Company’s prior credit facility (the “Prior Credit Facility”) for which Cerberus Business Finance, LLC, served as
collateral agent and administrative agent. The Prior Credit Facility consisted of a revolving credit facility and a term loan and was scheduled to expire on
January 31, 2023. On December 22, 2020, the Company paid the Prior Credit Facility outstanding borrowing balance of $46.7 million, paid $0.6 million in
debt extinguishment costs, and wrote off the remaining balance of its unamortized debt issuance cost which amounted to $0.8 million. The write-off of the
unamortized debt issuance costs is included in the Other expense – debt extinguishment and related costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company financed the payoff of the outstanding borrowings under the Prior Credit Facility with borrowings under the Citizens Credit Facility.
Borrowings under the Citizens Credit Facility will, at the option of the Company, bear interest at either (i) a rate per annum based on LIBOR for an
interest period of one, two, three or six months, plus an applicable interest rate margin determined as provided in the Credit Agreement (a “LIBOR Loan”),
or (ii) an alternative base rate plus an applicable interest rate margin, each as determined as provided in the Credit Agreement (an “ABR Loan”). LIBOR
interest under the Credit Agreement is subject to applicable market rates and a floor of 0.50 %. The alternative base rate is based on the Citizens Bank
prime rate or the federal funds effective rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is subject to a floor of 1.0%. The applicable interest rate margin
varies from 2.0% per annum to 3.25% per annum for LIBOR Loans, and from 1.5% per annum to 3.0% per annum for ABR Loans, in each case depending
on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio and is determined in accordance with a pricing grid set forth in the Credit Agreement (the “Pricing Grid”).
Interest on LIBOR Loans is payable in arrears on the last day of each applicable interest period, and interest on ABR Loans is payable in arrears at the end
of each calendar quarter. There are no prepayment penalties in the event the Company elects to prepay and terminate the Citizens Credit Facility prior to its
scheduled maturity date, subject to LIBOR breakage and redeployment costs in certain circumstances.
F- 25
Table of Contents
Commencing on March 31, 2021, the outstanding term loans amortizes in equal quarterly installments equal to $0.5 million per quarter on such date
and during each of the next three quarters thereafter, $0.75 million per quarter during the next eight quarters thereafter and $1.0 million per quarter
thereafter, with a balloon payment at maturity. Furthermore, within ninety days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and
for each fiscal year thereafter, the term loans may be permanently reduced pursuant to certain mandatory prepayment events including an annual “excess
cash flow sweep” of 50% of the consolidated excess cash flow, as defined in the agreement; provided that, in any fiscal year, any voluntary prepayments of
the term loans shall be credited against the Company’s “excess cash flow” prepayment obligations on a dollar-for-dollar basis for such fiscal year. Amounts
outstanding under the revolving credit facility can be repaid at any time but are due in full at maturity.
The Credit Agreement requires the Company pay (i) a fee on the average daily unused amount of the revolving loan of the Citizens Credit Facility
payable at a rate which varies from 0.25% to 0.50% depending on the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio, as determined in accordance with the
Pricing Grid, (ii) a fee for each outstanding letter of credit at a rate per annum equal to the applicable interest rate margin for LIBOR Loans, as determined
in accordance with the Pricing Grid, multiplied by the average daily amount available to be drawn under such letter of credit, and (iii) to the letter-of-credit
issuer, a fronting fee which shall be at a rate agreed upon by the Company and the Lenders based on the average daily amount of the outstanding aggregate
letter-of-credit obligations under the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement includes customary affirmative, negative, and financial covenants binding on the Company. The negative covenants limit the
ability of the Company, among other things, to incur debt, incur liens, make investments, sell assets and pay dividends on its capital stock. The financial
covenants include a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, each of which will be tested at the
end of each fiscal quarter of the Company. The Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default.
As of December 31, 2020, the weighted effective interest rate on the Credit Agreement borrowings was 3.25%. The carrying value of the debt
approximates fair value because the interest rate under the obligation approximates market rates of interest available to the Company for similar
instruments.
On April 18, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note with PNC Bank, National Association, which provided for a loan in the amount of
$6.1 million (the “PPP Loan”) pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the
“CARES Act”) administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). On April 23, 2020, the SBA, in consultation with the U.S.
Department of the Treasury issued guidance regarding consideration of alternate available sources of liquidity and its impact on qualification for PPP loans.
The Company reassessed its business plans and liquidity available under its existing credit facility and elected to repay all PPP funds. The PPP Loan was
repaid in full on May 4, 2020.
Derivatives
The Company uses interest-rate-related derivative instruments to manage its exposure related to changes in interest rates on its variable-rate debt
instruments. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. The Company does not speculate using
derivative instruments.
By using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, the Company exposes itself to credit risk and market risk.
Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive,
the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, the Company owes
the counterparty and, therefore, the Company is not exposed to the counterparty’s credit risk in those circumstances. The Company minimizes counterparty
credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit profile.
Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a derivative instrument that results from a change in interest rates. The market risk associated with
interest-rate contracts is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.
The Company assesses interest rate risk by continually identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely impact
expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities. The Company maintains risk management control systems to monitor interest rate risk
attributable to both the Company’s outstanding and forecasted debt obligations as well as the Company’s offsetting hedge positions. The risk management
control systems involve the use of analytical techniques, including cash flow sensitivity analysis, to estimate the expected impact of changes in interest
rates on the Company’s future cash flows.
F- 26
Table of Contents
The Company uses variable-rate LIBOR debt to finance its operations. The debt obligations expose the Company to variability in interest payments
due to changes in interest rates. Management believes that it is prudent to limit the variability of a portion of its interest payments. To meet this objective,
management enters into LIBOR based interest rate swap agreements to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from changes in the benchmark interest
rate of LIBOR. These swaps change the variable-rate cash flow exposure on the debt obligations to fixed cash flows. Under the terms of the interest rate
swaps, the Company receives LIBOR based variable interest rate payments and makes fixed interest rate payments, thereby creating the equivalent of
fixed-rate debt for the notional amount of its debt hedged.
On January 31, 2018, the Company entered into the Prior Credit Facility, which comprised of a $64.0 million term loan and up to a $25.0 million
revolving line of credit. Shortly after entering into the Prior Credit Facility, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract with PNC Bank with a
notional amount of $36.0 million and a termination date of January 1, 2023 in order to hedge the risk of changes in the effective benchmark interest rate
(LIBOR) associated with the Company’s Term Loan. The swap contract converted specific variable-rate debt into fixed-rate debt and fixed the LIBOR rate
associated with a portion of the term loan under the Prior Credit Facility at 2.72%. The interest rate swap was designated as a cash flow hedge instrument in
accordance with ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”.
In connection with the Credit Agreement entered into on December 22, 2020, the Company paid $0.5 million to cancel its outstanding interest rate
swap agreement with PNC Bank (notional value of $23.0 million). The cancellation amount represented the fair value of the contracts at the time and was
recorded as debt extinguishment and related costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following table presents the notional amount and fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2019.
Derivatives instruments
Interest rate swaps
Balance sheet classification
Other long-term liabilities
$
(in thousands)
28,821 $
(603)
(a) See Note 12 for the fair value measurements related to these financial instruments.
31-Dec-19
Notional Amount
Fair Value (a)
All of the Company’s derivative instruments are designated as hedging instruments. The Company has structured its interest rate swap agreements to
be 100% effective and as a result, there was no impact to earnings resulting from hedge ineffectiveness. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps
designated as hedging instruments that effectively offset the variability of cash flows associated with variable-rate, long-term debt obligations are reported
in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). These amounts subsequently are reclassified into interest expense as a yield adjustment of the hedged
interest payments in the same period in which the related interest affects earnings. The Company’s interest rate swap agreement was deemed to be fully
effective in accordance with ASC 815, and, as such, unrealized gains and losses related to these derivatives were recorded as AOCI.
The following table summarizes the effect of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments and their classification within comprehensive
loss for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Derivatives in Hedging Relationships
(in thousands)
Interest rate swaps
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in
OCI on derivative (effective portion)
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2020
$
(206) $
(572)
The following table summarizes the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Details about AOCI Components
(in thousands)
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate swaps settlement
Total
$
$
Amount reclassified from AOCI
into income (effective portion)
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2020
319 $
490
809 $
F- 27
Location of amount reclassified
into income (effective portion)
Interest expense
Debt extinguishment and related
costs
139
-
139
Table of Contents
12. Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present the fair value hierarchy for those assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
(in thousands)
Assets (Liabilities)
Interest rate swap agreements
Fair Value as of December 31, 2019
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
$
- $
(603) $
- $
(603)
The Company uses the market approach technique to value its financial liabilities. The Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value
include, when applicable, derivative instruments used to hedge the Company’s interest rate risks. The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap
agreements was based on LIBOR yield curves at the reporting date.
The Company had no interest rate swap agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2020, as they were cancelled on December 22, 2020, in
connection with the new Credit Agreement as described in Note 11.
13. Revenues
The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
(in thousands)
Instruments, equipment, software and accessories
Service, maintenance and warranty contracts
Total revenues
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
97,473 $
4,627
102,100 $
110,220
5,956
116,176
F- 28
Table of Contents
Deferred revenue
Changes in deferred revenue from service contracts and advance payments from customers for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as
follow:
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
Deferral of revenue
Recognition of deferred revenue
Effect of foreign currency translation
$
Balance, end of period
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
Deferral of revenue
Recognition of deferred revenue
Effect of foreign currency translation
$
Balance, end of period
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Customer
Advances
Total
Service
Contracts
$
1,587 $
3,329
(3,298)
11
1,629 $
1,659 $
2,152
(2,233)
9
1,587 $
2,362 $
1,302
(1,522)
-
2,142 $
3,949
4,631
(4,820)
11
3,771
2,161 $
1,095
(894)
-
2,362 $
3,820
3,247
(3,127)
9
3,949
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Customer
Advances
Total
Service
Contracts
$
Allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. A rollforward of allowance for
doubtful accounts is as follows:
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
Bad debt expense
Charge-offs and other recoveries
Effect of foreign currency translation
Balance, end of period
Concentrations
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
325 $
17
(124)
9
227 $
332
288
(293)
(2)
325
No customer accounted for more than 10% of the revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020, and 2019. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, no
customer accounted for more than 10% of net accounts receivable.
Warranties
Warranties are estimated and accrued at the time revenues are recorded. A rollforward of the Company’s product warranty accrual is as follows:
(in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2019
Year ended December 31, 2020
Beginning
Balance
$
$
391
252
Additions
(Charges)\
Credits
Ending
Balance
10
77
(149) $
(143) $
252
186
F- 29
Table of Contents
14. Income Tax
Income tax expense (benefit) for years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of:
(in thousands)
Current income tax (benefit) expense:
Federal and state
Foreign
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:
Federal and state
Foreign
Total income tax (benefit) expense
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
169 $
492
661
245
(388)
(143)
518 $
(707)
290
(417)
(281)
(117)
(398)
(815)
The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was (7.1)% as compared with 14.9% for the same period in 2019. The difference
between the Company’s effective tax rate year over year was primarily attributable to changes in the mix of pre-tax income and losses at individual
subsidiaries as well as the impact of different tax rates in certain foreign jurisdictions, and the impact of the change in valuation allowance.
Income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate
of 21% to pre-tax operations income as a result of the following:
(in thousands)
Computed "expected" income tax benefit
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
Permanent differences, net
Foreign tax rate differential
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
Non-deductible stock compensation expense
Tax credits
Change in reserve for uncertain tax position
Impact of change to prior year tax accruals
Change in valuation allowance allocated to income tax
Other
Total income tax expense (benefit)
Year Ended December 31,
2020
$
(1,531)
21.0% $
2019
(1,161)
141
(14)
(77)
94
(192)
259
168
2,130
(460)
518
(1.9)%
0.2%
1.1%
(1.3)%
2.6%
(3.6)%
(2.3)%
(29.2)%
6.3%
(7.1)% $
241
42
(74)
205
220
(111)
314
(578)
87
(815)
$
21.0%
(4.4)%
(0.8)%
1.3%
(3.7)%
(4.0)%
2.0%
(5.7)%
10.5%
(1.4)%
14.8%
The Company’s policy is to account for Global Intangible Low-Taxed income (GILTI) as a period cost.
Income tax (benefit) expense is based on the following pre-tax (loss) income from operations:
(in thousands)
Domestic
Foreign
Total
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
(5,616)
114
(5,502)
$
$
(7,954) $
662
(7,292) $
F- 30
Table of Contents
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31,
2020 and 2019 are as follows:
(in thousands)
Deferred income tax assets:
Inventory
Operating loss and credit carryforwards
Accrued expenses
Deferred interest expense
Stock compensation
Lease liability
Other assets
Total gross deferred assets
Less: valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Definite-lived intangible assets
Right-of-use asset
Other Liabilities
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred income tax liability, net
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
$
$
1,144 $
19,220
555
1,476
1,079
1,823
458
25,755
(16,682)
9,073 $
1,822 $
7,493
1,388
14
10,717
(1,644) $
1,079
18,802
654
1,475
1,011
2,081
223
25,325
(13,745)
11,580
2,048
9,168
1,580
507
13,303
(1,723)
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities by classification on the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
(in thousands)
Deferred tax assets (included in other long-term assets)
Deferred income tax liabilities
Deferred income tax liability, net
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
255 $
(1,899)
(1,644) $
251
(1,974)
(1,723)
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company maintained a total valuation allowance of $16.7 million and $13.7 million, respectively, which
relates to foreign, federal, and state deferred tax assets in both years. The valuation allowance is based on estimates of taxable income in each of the
jurisdictions in which the Company operates and the period over which deferred tax assets will be recoverable. The net change in total valuation allowance
for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was an increase of $2.9 million and a decrease of $(0.2) million, respectively. The
movement in the valuation allowance in 2020 is primarily due to increases in the valuation allowance against net operating losses (NOLs) as a result of
changes made by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) and movement of $0.7 million was recorded to equity during
the year ended December 31, 2020 related to the UK pension asset. The movement in the valuation allowance in 2019 is primarily due to a change in
estimate of the realizability of certain U.S. deferred tax assets offset by changes in UK pension asset and the expiration of U.S. state credits with full
valuation allowances.
At December 31, 2020, the Company had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of $28.1 million, of which $22.8 million expires between
2021 and 2037, with the remainder having an unlimited carryforward period. The Company’s state net operating loss carryforwards of $19.0 million expire
between 2021 and 2040. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $7.3 million in certain foreign jurisdictions, partially offset by valuation
allowances, as well as $0.2 million non-U.S. research and development credits. The Company has foreign tax credits of $0.2 million which begin to expire
in 2021, as well as $8.5 million of research and development tax credit carryforwards which begin to expire in 2021. Approximately $1.0 million of the
research and development tax credit carryforwards are offset by a reserve for uncertain tax positions. The Company had $0.8 million of alternative
minimum tax credit carryforwards which are not subject to expiration and become refundable under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In addition, the
Company had a total of $3.2 million of state investment tax credit carryforwards, research and development tax credit carryforwards, and EZ credit
carryforwards, which begin to expire in 2021. The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) limits the amounts of net operating loss carryforwards or credits that a
company may use in any one year in the event of a change in ownership under IRC Sections 382 or 383. As a result of the DSI acquisition as well as other
acquisitions in prior years, certain losses and credit carryforwards are subject to these limitations. The Company has provided a full or partial valuation
allowance for the portion of state NOLs and federal and state credit carryforwards the Company expects will expire before use.
F- 31
Table of Contents
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, cash and cash equivalents held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries was $2.5 million and $3.5
million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has determined the potential income tax and withholding liability related to available cash
balances at foreign subsidiaries to be immaterial.
At December 31, 2020 and 2019 the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the Company’s effective tax rate are shown in the table
below:
Balance at December 31, 2018
Additions based on tax positions of prior years
Decreases based on tax positions of prior years
Additions based on tax positions of current years
Settlements
Decreases based on tax positions of acquired entities
Balance at December 31, 2019
Additions based on tax positions of prior years
Decreases based on tax positions of prior years
Additions based on tax positions of current years
Settlements
Balance at December 31, 2020
(in thousands)
1,860
$
68
(133)
21
(398)
(65)
1,353
157
(11)
213
(39)
1,673
$
In 2019, a foreign income tax audit was closed without payment and a reserve for $0.1 million was reversed, and the Company settled U.S. state
income tax liabilities of $0.4 million. In addition, the Company reduced the reserve on tax positions of acquired entities by $0.1 million and recorded a
reserve of $0.1 million related to upcoming audits. In 2020, income tax examinations began at two foreign subsidiaries and related reserves were increased
approximately $0.3 million and certain state income tax issues were settled for $0.1 million.
The Company anticipates that the total unrecognized tax benefits will be reduced within the next 12 months by approximately $0.3 million due to the
expected settlement of certain positions related to ongoing audits at foreign subsidiaries. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized,
would impact the effective tax rate is $1.7 million. The Company classifies interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of
income tax expense, which has not been significant during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few
exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities in foreign jurisdictions for years before 2016. In the U.S., the
Company's net operating loss and tax credit carryforward amounts remain subject to federal and state examination for tax years starting in 2001 as a result
of tax losses incurred in prior years. There are currently no pending federal or state tax examinations. The Company is subject to audits by various foreign
taxing jurisdictions.
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law. Under the CARES Act, the limitation on the deduction of business interest under Section
163j of the Internal Revenue Code was increased to 50% of adjusted taxable income (from 30%) for taxable years beginning in 2019 or 2020. In addition,
the CARES Act corrected the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to provide that net operating losses with unlimited carryover period are those arising in tax years
beginning after December 31, 2017, rather than in tax years ending after that date. This change impacted $5.3 million of NOLs from the DSI acquisition
in 2018, which no longer have an unlimited carryforward period. As a result, the Company increased the valuation allowance against these NOLs by $1.1
million. Finally, the CARES Act permits the delay of payment of employer payroll taxes from the effective date of the Act through December 31, 2020.
Any payments deferred will be due 50% by December 31, 2021, and the remaining 50% by December 31, 2022.
F- 32
Table of Contents
15.
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
On April 14, 2017, representatives for the estate of an individual plaintiff filed a wrongful death complaint with the Suffolk Superior Court, in the
County of Suffolk, Massachusetts, against the Company and other defendants, including Biostage, Inc. (f/k/a Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology,
Inc.), our former subsidiary that was spun off in 2013, as well as another third party. The complaint seeks payment for an unspecified amount of damages
and alleges that the plaintiff sustained terminal injuries allegedly caused by products, including synthetic trachea scaffold and bioreactors, provided by
certain of the named defendants and utilized in connection with surgeries performed by third parties in Europe in 2012 and 2013. The Company intends to
vigorously defend this case by counsel provided by the liability insurance carrier for Biostage, Inc. While the Company believes that the claims made in
this lawsuit are without merit, the Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation.
The Company is involved in various other claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. After consultation with legal
counsel, the Company has determined that the ultimate disposition of such proceedings is not likely to have a material adverse effect on its business,
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Although unfavorable outcomes in the proceedings are possible, the Company has not accrued for
loss contingencies relating to any such matters as they are not considered to be probable and reasonably estimable. If one or more of these matters are
resolved in a manner adverse to the Company, the impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be
material.
F- 33
Table of Contents
16. Segment and Related Information
Operating segments are determined by products and services provided by each segment, internal organization structure, the manner in which
operations are managed, criteria used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker, or CODM, to assess the segment performance, as well as resource allocation
and the availability of discrete financial information. The Company has one operating segment and therefore segment results and consolidated results are
the same.
The following tables summarize additional selected financial information of the Company’s operations by geographic location.
Revenue by geographic destination consist of the following:
(in thousands)
United States
Europe
Asia
Rest of the world
Total revenues
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
42,054 $
29,938
23,884
6,224
102,100 $
47,792
35,128
25,041
8,215
116,176
Long-lived assets by geographic area consist of the following:
(in thousands)
United States
Germany
Rest of the world
Total long-lived assets (a)
December 31,
2020
2019
$
$
36,568 $
4,958
3,092
44,618 $
41,993
5,468
3,048
50,509
(a) consists of operating lease right-of-use assets, property, plant and equipment, net and amortizable intangible assets, net.
Net assets by geographic area consist of the following:
(in thousands)
United States
Germany
United Kingdom
Rest of the world
Total net assets
December 31,
2020
2019
37,726
17,340
11,254
15,374
81,694
$
$
32,457 $
18,697
8,867
16,660
76,681 $
F- 34
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 12, 2021
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
By:
/s/ JAMES GREEN
James Green
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature
/s/ JAMES GREEN
James Green
/s/ MICHAEL A. ROSSI
Michael A. Rossi
/s/ KATHERINE A. EADE
Katherine A. Eade
/s/ ALAN EDRICK
Alan Edrick
/s/ JOHN F. KENNEDY
John F. Kennedy
/s/ THOMAS W. LOEWALD
Thomas W. Loewald
/s/ BERTRAND LOY
Bertrand Loy
/s/ SUSAN STEELE
Susan Steele
Title
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date
March 12, 2021
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
March 12, 2021
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
Table of Contents
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Where such filing is made by incorporation by reference to a
previously filed document, such document is identified.
Exhibit
2.1§
Description
Method of Filing
Separation and Distribution Agreement between Harvard
Bioscience, Inc. and Biostage, Inc. (f/k/a Harvard Apparatus
Regenerative Technology, Inc.) dated as of October 31, 2013.
2.2§
Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 22, 2018, between
Harvard Bioscience, Inc., Denville Scientific, Inc, and Thomas
Scientific, LLC.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (filed November 6, 2013) and incorporated by reference
thereto.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (filed January 26, 2018) and incorporated by reference
thereto.
3(i)
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration
Harvard Bioscience, Inc.
Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-45996) (filed on November
9, 2000) and incorporated by reference thereto.
3(ii)
Amended and Restated By-laws of Harvard Bioscience, Inc.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-45996) (filed on November
9, 2000) and incorporated by reference thereto.
3.1
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Bylaws of Harvard
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Bioscience, Inc. (as adopted October 30, 2007)
Form 8-K (filed on November 1, 2007) and incorporated by
reference thereto.
4.1
Specimen certificate for shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value,
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration
of Harvard Bioscience, Inc.
4.2
Description of Securities
Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-45996) (filed on November
9, 2000) and incorporated by reference thereto.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (filed March 16, 2020) and incorporated by reference
thereto
Table of Contents
10.1 #
Harvard Bioscience, Inc. Fourth Amended and Restated 2000 Stock
Option and Incentive Plan
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (filed August 10, 2020) and incorporated by reference
thereto.
10.2
Harvard Bioscience, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as
Previously disclosed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy
amended
Statement on Schedule 14A (filed April 5, 2019) and incorporated
by reference thereto
10.3
Form of Director Indemnification Agreement
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (filed May 8, 2020) and incorporated by reference
thereto.
10.4 +
Trademark License Agreement, dated December 19, 2002, by and
between Harvard Bioscience, Inc. and President and Fellows of
Harvard College.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (filed May 15, 2003) and incorporated by reference
thereto
10.5
Lease Agreement Between Seven October Hill, LLC and Harvard
Bioscience, Inc. dated December 30, 2005.
10.6 #
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Executive Officers).
10.7 #
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Executive
Officers).
10.8 #
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Non-Employee
Directors).
10.9
Amendment No. 2, dated as of May 22, 2010, to Lease Agreement,
as subsequently amended, between Seven October Hill LLC and
Harvard Bioscience, Inc.
10.10 #
Form of Deferred Stock Award Agreement
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (filed January 4, 2006) and incorporated by reference
thereto
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (filed March 16, 2006) and incorporated by reference
thereto
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (filed March 16, 2006) and incorporated by reference
thereto
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (filed March 16, 2006) and incorporated by reference
thereto
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (filed June 3, 2010) and incorporated by reference thereto
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (filed March 16, 2011) and incorporated by reference
thereto
10.11
Amendment No. 3, dated as of May 30, 2014, to Lease Agreement,
as subsequently amended, between Seven October Hill LLC and
Harvard Bioscience, Inc.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (filed August 7, 2014) and incorporated by reference
thereto
Table of Contents
10.12 #
Form of Market Condition Deferred Stock Award Agreement
10.13
Lease Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2008, between AX US
L.P. (as assigned to it by New Brighton 14th Street LLC), Ryan
Companies US, Inc. and Data Sciences International, Inc. (as
assigned to it by Transoma Medical, Inc.)
10.14
First Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated as of February 26,
10.15
2008, between AX US L.P. (as assigned to it by New Brighton 14th
Street LLC), Ryan Companies US, Inc. and Data Sciences
International, Inc. (as assigned to it by Transoma Medical, Inc.).
Second Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated as of August 4,
2008, between AX US L.P. (as assigned to it by New Brighton 14th
Street LLC), Ryan Companies US, Inc. and Data Sciences
International, Inc. (as assigned to it by Transoma Medical, Inc.)
10.16
Third Amendment to Lease Agreement, entered into as of
November 1, 2018, with an effective date as of October 25, 2018,
between Data Sciences International, Inc. and AX US L.P.
Employment Agreement between Harvard Bioscience, Inc. and
10.17 #
James Green.
10.18 #
Employment Agreement between Harvard Bioscience, Inc. and
Michael Rossi.
10.19 #
Employment Agreement between Harvard Bioscience, Inc. and
Yash Singh.
10.20
Consulting Agreement, dated as of March 2, 2020, by and between
Harvard Bioscience, Inc. and Chane Graziano.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (filed March 16, 2020) and incorporated by reference
thereto
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (filed March 16, 2018) and incorporated by reference
thereto
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (filed March 16, 2018) and incorporated by reference
thereto
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K (filed March 16, 2018) and incorporated by reference
thereto
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (filed November 7, 2018) and incorporated by reference
thereto.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (filed July 8, 2019) and incorporated by reference thereto.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (filed July 19, 2019) and incorporated by reference
thereto.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (filed November 1, 2019) and incorporated by reference
thereto.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (filed March 6, 2020) and incorporated by reference
thereto.
10.21
Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2020 among Harvard
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Bioscience, Inc., as borrower, the lenders party thereto, and Citizens
Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.
Form 8-K (filed December 23, 2020) and incorporated by reference
thereto.
10.22
Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of December 22, 2020
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
among Harvard Bioscience, Inc., certain of Harvard Bioscience’s
direct and indirect subsidiaries and Citizens Bank, N.A., as
administrative agent.
Form 8-K (filed December 23, 2020) and incorporated by reference
thereto.
10.23
Guarantee Agreement dated as of December 22, 2020 among
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on
Harvard Bioscience, Inc., certain of Harvard Bioscience’s direct and
indirect subsidiaries and Citizens Bank, N.A., as administrative
agent.
Form 8-K (filed December 23, 2020) and incorporated by reference
thereto.
Table of Contents
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Harvard Bioscience, Inc.,
pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as adopted pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Harvard Bioscience,
Inc., pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as adopted
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed with this report
Filed with this report
Filed with this report
Filed with this report
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Harvard Bioscience, Inc.,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Harvard Bioscience,
Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*
*
101.INS
101.SCH
101.CAL
101.DEF
101.LAB
101.PRE
104
Inline XBRL Instance Document
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
Document
Filed with this report
Filed with this report
Filed with this report
Filed with this report
Filed with this report
Filed with this report
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101)
+
*
#
§
Certain portions of this document have been granted confidential treatment by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission).
This certification shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the
liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
The schedules and exhibits have been omitted. A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished to the SEC supplementally upon
request.
The Company will furnish to stockholders a copy of any exhibit without charge upon written request.
Subsidiaries Of Harvard Bioscience, Inc.
EXHIBIT 21.1
Name
Ahn Acquisition Gmbh
Asys Hitech Gmbh
Biochrom Limited
Biochrom Us, Inc.
Biodrop Ltd.
Cartesian Technologies, Inc.
Cma Microdialysis Ab
Coulbourn Instruments, Llc
Data Sciences International, Inc.
Data Sciences (Uk) Mn, Ltd.
Data Sciences Eurl
Data Sciences Gmbh
Dsi (Shanghai) Trading Co Ltd.
Ealing Scientific Limited (Dba Harvard Apparatus, Canada)
Fka Gsi Us, Inc. (Formerly Genomic Solutions, Inc.)
Fkaubi, Inc. (Formerly Union Biometrica, Inc.)
Genomic Solutions Canada, Inc.
Harvard Apparatus, S.A.R.L.
Harvard Bioscience (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
Harvard Distribution Oldco, Inc. (Formerly Denville Scientific, Inc.)
Heka Electronics Incorporated
Heka Electronik Gmbh
Heka Instruments Incorporated
Hoefer, Inc.
Hugo Sachs Elektronik - Harvard Apparatus Gmbh
Kd Scientific, Inc.
Multichannel Systems Mcs Gmbh
Panlab S.L.
Scie-Plas Ltd.
Triangle Biosystems, Inc.
Walden Precision Apparatus Ltd.
Warner Instruments Llc
Jurisdiction
Germany
Austria
United Kingdom
Delaware, United States
United Kingdom
Delaware, United States
Sweden
Delaware, United States
Delaware, United States
United Kingdom
France
Germany
China
Canada
Delaware, United States
Delaware, United States
Delaware, United States
France
China
Delaware, United States
Canada
Germany
New York, United States
Delaware, United States
Germany
Massachusetts, United States
Germany
Spain
United Kingdom
Delaware, United States
United Kingdom
Delaware, United States
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
EXHIBIT 23.1
We have issued our reports dated March 12, 2021, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting
included in the Annual Report of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. We consent to the incorporation by
reference of said reports in the Registration Statements of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 333-224535) and Forms S-8 (File No. 333-
249943, File No. 333-53848, File No. 333-104544, File No. 333-135418, File No. 333-151003, File No. 333-174476, File No. 333-189175, File No. 333-
204760, File No. 333-218497, File No. 333-225365 and File No. 333-231825).
Boston, Massachusetts
March 12, 2021
I, Michael A. Rossi, certify that:
Certification
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Harvard Bioscience, Inc.;
EXHIBIT 31.1
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered
by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects
the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us
by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under
our supervision, 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;
c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about
the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
and
d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting,
to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting.
DATE: MARCH 12, 2021
/S/ MICHAEL A. ROSSI
MICHAEL A. ROSSI
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, James Green, certify that:
Certification
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Harvard Bioscience, Inc.;
EXHIBIT 31.2
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered
by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects
the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us
by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under
our supervision, 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;
c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about
the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
and
d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting,
to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting.
DATE: MARCH 12, 2021
/S/ JAMES GREEN
JAMES GREEN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC FINANCIAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
EXHIBIT 32.1
The undersigned officer of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies to his knowledge that the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2020 to which this certification is being furnished as an exhibit (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on the date hereof, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the “Exchange Act”), and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results
of operations of the Company. This certification is provided solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K (“Item
601(b)(32)”) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Exchange Act. In accordance with clause (ii) of
Item 601(b)(32), this certification (A) shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of
that section, and (B) shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent
that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.
DATE: MARCH 12, 2021
/S/ MICHAEL A. ROSSI
NAME: MICHAEL A. ROSSI
TITLE: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC FINANCIAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
EXHIBIT 32.2
The undersigned officer of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies to his knowledge that the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2020 to which this certification is being furnished as an exhibit (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on the date hereof, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the “Exchange Act”), and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results
of operations of the Company. This certification is provided solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K (“Item
601(b)(32)”) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Exchange Act. In accordance with clause (ii) of
Item 601(b)(32), this certification (A) shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of
that section, and (B) shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent
that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.
DATE: MARCH 12, 2021
/S/ JAMES GREEN
NAME: JAMES GREEN
TITLE: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER