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
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
or
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended ended:December 31, 20172023Commission file number 0-16093number:001-39218

CONMED CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware16-0977505
New York16-0977505
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

525 French Road, Utica, New York11311 Concept Boulevard13502
Largo,Florida33773
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(315) 797-8375(727) 392-6464
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g)12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share
(Title of class)
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par valueCNMDNYSE
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, (asas defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act).Act.
Yes ý       No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Yes o      No x
 
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 x     No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).  Yes x     No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§232.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o

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

Large accelerated filer ý    Accelerated filer o    Non-accelerated filer o    Smaller reporting company oEmerging growth company o


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. o

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. ☒

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o      No x
 
As of June 30, 2017,2023, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the shares of voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1,422,206,289$3.1 billion based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQNYSE Stock Market.
 
The number of shares of the registrant's $0.01 par value common stock outstanding as of February 21, 20182024 was 27,975,424.30,780,567.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Portions of the Definitive Proxy Statement and any other informational filings for the 20182024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.





CONMED CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20172023
TABLE OF CONTENTS




Part I
Page
Item 1.Part I
Item 1A.Page
Item 1.1B.
Item 1A.1C.
Item 1B.2.
Item 2.3.
Item 3.4.
Item 4.
Part II
Part II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 9C.
Part III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Part IV
Item 15.
Item 16.

1




CONMED CORPORATION


Item 1. Business


Forward Looking Statements
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended fiscal year ended December 31, 20172023 (“Form 10-K”) contains certain forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and information relating to CONMED Corporation (“CONMED”, the “Company”, “we” or “us” — references to “CONMED”, the “Company”, “we” or “us” shall be deemed to include our direct and indirect subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires) which are based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to our management.
 
When used in this Form 10-K, the words “estimate”, “project”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those identified under the caption “Item 1A-Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following:
 
general economic and business conditions;
changes in foreign exchangeconditions, including, without limitation, a potential economic downturn, supply chain challenges and interest rates;
cyclical customer purchasing patterns due to budgetary and other constraints;
changes in customer preferences;
competition;
changes in technology;
the introduction and acceptance of new products;
the ability to evaluate, finance and integrate acquired businesses, products and companies;
changes in business strategy;
constraints, including the availability and cost of materials;materials, the effects of inflation, and increased interest rates;
compliance with and changes in regulatory requirements;
the failure of any enterprise-wide software programs or information technology systems, or potential disruption associated with updating or implementing new software programs or information technology systems;
the risk of an information security breach, including a cybersecurity breach;
pandemics and health crises, and the responses there to by governments and hospitals, which poses risks to our business, financial condition and results of operations;
the possibility that United States or foreign regulatory and/or administrative agencies may initiate enforcement actions against us or our distributors;
the introduction and acceptance of new products;
the ability to advance our product lines, including challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, and the uncertain impact, outcome and cost of ongoing and future levelsclinical trials and market studies;
competition;
laws and government regulations;
changes in customer preferences;
changes in technology;
cyclical customer purchasing patterns due to budgetary, staffing and other constraints;
environmental compliance risks, including lack of indebtedness and capital spending;availability of sterilization with Ethylene Oxide (“EtO”) or other compliance costs associated with the use of EtO;
the quality of our management and business abilities and the judgment of our personnel;personnel, as well as our ability to attract, motivate, and retain employees at all levels of the Company;
the availability, terms and deployment of capital;
current and future levels of indebtedness and capital spending;
changes in foreign exchange and interest rates;
the risk of an information security breach, including a cybersecurity breach;ability to evaluate, finance and integrate acquired businesses, products and companies;
the risk of litigation, especially patent litigation as well as the cost associated with patent and other litigation;changes in business strategy;
the risk of a lack of allograft tissues due to reduced donations of such tissues or due to tissues not meeting the appropriate high standards for screening and/or processing of such tissues;
compliancethe ability to defend and enforce intellectual property, including the risks related to theft or compromise of intellectual property in connection with our international operations;
the risk of patent, product and changes in regulatoryother litigation as well as the cost associated with such litigation;
trade protection measures, tariffs and other border taxes, and import or export licensing requirements;
weather related events which may disrupt our operations; and
various other factors referenced in this Form 10-K.


2


See “Item 7-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Item 1-Business” and “Item 1A-Risk Factors” for a further discussion of these factors. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-K or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.


General
 
CONMED Corporation was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1970.1970 and became a Delaware corporation in May 2020.  CONMED is a medical technology company that provides surgical devices and equipment for minimally invasivesurgical procedures.  The Company’s products are used by surgeons and physiciansother healthcare professionals in a variety of specialties including orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgerythoracic surgery and gastroenterology.  Headquartered in Utica, New York, theThe Company’s 3,1004,000 employees distribute its products worldwide from three primary manufacturing locations.  Our headquarters are located in Largo, Florida.


We have historically used strategic business acquisitions, internal product development activities and exclusive distribution relationships to diversify our product offerings, increase our market share in certain product lines, realize economies of scale and take advantage of growth opportunities in the healthcare field.
 


We are committed to offering products with the highest standards of quality, technological excellence and customer service.  Substantially all of our facilities have attained certification under the ISO international quality standards and other domestic and international quality accreditations.
 
Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are accessible free of charge through the Investor Relations section of our website (http://www.conmed.com) as soon as practicable after such materials have been electronically filed with, or furnished to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Our SEC filings are also available for reading and copying at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site (http:(http:/www.sec.gov)www.sec.gov) containing reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Business Strategy
 
Our principal objectives areCONMED's vision is to improve the quality of surgicalempower healthcare providers worldwide to deliver exceptional outcomes and patient care through the development of innovative medical devices, the refinement of existing products and the development of new technologies which reduce risk, trauma, cost and procedure time.  We believe that by meeting these objectives we will enhance our ability to anticipate and adapt to customer needs and market opportunities and provide shareholders with favorable investment returns.  We intend to achieve future growth in revenues and earningsfor patients through the following initiatives:


Introduction of New Products and Product Enhancements.  We continually pursue organic growth through the development ofdeveloping new products and enhancements toenhancing existing products.  We seek to develop new technologies which improve the durability, performance and usability of existing products.  In addition to our internal research and development efforts, we receive new ideas for products and technologies, particularly in procedure-specific areas, from surgeons, inventors and other healthcare professionals.


Pursue Strategic Acquisitions.  We pursue strategic acquisitions, distribution and similar arrangements in existing and new growth markets to achieve increased operating efficiencies, geographic diversification and market penetration.  Targeted companies have historically included those with proven technologies and established brand names which provide potential sales, marketing and manufacturing synergies. This includes the January 4, 2016 acquisitionacquisitions of SurgiQuest,In2Bones Global, Inc. ("SurgiQuest"In2Bones") as further described in Item 7 - Management's DiscussionJune 2022 and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
Biorez, Inc. ("Biorez") in August 2022.


Realize Manufacturing and Operating Efficiencies.  We continually review our production systems for opportunities to reduce operating costs, consolidate product lines or process flows, reduce inventory requirements and optimize existing processes.  Our vertically integrated manufacturing facilities allow for further opportunities to reduce overhead and increase operating efficiencies and capacity utilization.


Geographic Diversification.  We believe that significant growth opportunities exist for our surgical products outside the United States.  Principal international markets for our products include Europe, Latin America, Canada and the Asia/Pacific Rim.  Critical elements of our future sales growth in these markets include leveraging our existing relationships with international surgeons, hospitals, third-party payers and foreign distributors (including sub-distributors and sales agents), maintaining an appropriate presence in emerging market countries and continually evaluating our routes-to-market.


Active Participation in the Medical Community.  We believe that excellent working relationships with physicians and others in the medical industry enable us to gain an understanding of new therapeutic and diagnostic alternatives, trends and emerging opportunities.  Active participation allows us to quickly respond to the changing needs of physicians and patients. In addition, we are an active sponsor of medical education both in the United States and internationally, offering training on new and innovative surgical techniques as well as other medical education materials forprograms on the use withof our products.

3



Products


Beginning in fiscal year 2017, we adjusted our product line disclosures to align with the way we review net sales. In doing so, we consolidated our surgical visualization product line into our orthopedic surgery product line disclosure for all years presented. The following table sets forth the percentage of net sales for each of our product lines during each of the three years ended December 31:

 Year Ended December 31,
 202320222021
Orthopedic surgery43 %44 %43 %
General surgery57 56 57 
Consolidated net sales100 %100 %100 %
Net sales (in thousands)$1,244,744 $1,045,472 $1,010,635 


 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Orthopedic surgery54% 55% 62%
General surgery46
 45
 38
Consolidated net sales100% 100% 100%
Net sales (in thousands)$796,392
 $763,520
 $719,168

The increase in the percentage of net sales to General Surgery in 2016 is driven by the acquisition of SurgiQuest, Inc. on January 4, 2016 as further described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.


Orthopedic Surgery


OurWe design, manufacture and globally distribute products which enable orthopedic surgery product offering includessurgeons to surgically address sports medicine powered surgical instruments,injuries in the knee, hip, shoulder and lower extremities. In these procedures, we offer products such as BioBrace®, TruShot® with Y-Knot® All-In-One Soft Tissue Fixation System, Y-Knot® All-Suture Anchors, and Argo™ Knotless Suture Anchors which provide unique clinical solutions to orthopedic surgeons for the augmentation and repair of soft tissue injuries. In addition to implants, we offer supporting products that enable surgeons to perform minimally invasive sports biologics and tissue.medicine surgeries. These products include powered resection instruments as well as fluid management and visualization systems and the related single-use products which are marketed under a number of brands, including Hall®, CONMED Linvatec®, Concept® and Shutt®.

We offer Our product offering for the extremity market includes a comprehensive rangeportfolio of devicesarthroplasty, biologic, fracture and products to repair injuries in the articulating joint areas of the body.  Many of these injuries are the result of sports related events or similar traumas.  Our sports medicine products include powered resection instruments, arthroscopes, reconstructivefixation systems tissue repair sets, metalfor foot and bioabsorbable implants as well as related disposable products and fluid management systems.  It is our standard practice to place some of theseankle surgery with products such as shaver consolesthe Quantum® Total Ankle System and fluid pumps, with certain customers at no charge in exchange for commitments to purchase disposable products over certain time periods.the CoLink® plating system. We loan this capital equipment, and it is subject to return if the customer does not meet certain minimum single-use purchases. Single-use products include products such as shaver blades, burs and pump tubing.  In sports medicine, we compete with Smith & Nephew, plc; Arthrex, Inc.; Stryker Corporation; Johnson & Johnson: DePuy Mitek, Inc. and; Zimmer Biomet, Inc.; Paragon 28 and Treace Medical Concepts.


Our powered instruments offering is sold principally under the Hall® Surgical brand name, for use inWe also provide our customers with a comprehensive line of battery-powered, autoclavable, large and small bone power tool systems for use in orthopedic, arthroscopic, oral/maxillofacial, podiatric, plastic, ENT, neurological, spinal and cardiothoracic surgeries. Our newest product isThese products are marketed under the Hall 50™ Powered Instrument System, specifically designed to meet® surgical brand name, a pioneer in power surgical tools in the requirements of most orthopedic applications.  The modularity and versatility of the Hall 50™ Powered Instrument System allows a facility to purchase a single power system to perform total joint arthroplasty, trauma, arthroscopy and some small bone procedures.United States. In powered instruments, our competition includes Stryker Corporation; Medtronic plc; Johnson & Johnson: DePuy Synthes, Inc.; MicroAire Surgical Instruments, LLC and Zimmer Biomet, Inc.


Our surgical visualizationIn 2023, approximately 76% of orthopedic surgery revenue came from single-use products offer imaging systems for use in minimally invasive orthopedic and general surgery procedures including 2DHD and 3DHD vision technologies. In surgical visualization, our competition includes Smith & Nephew, plc; Arthrex, Inc.; Stryker Corporation; Olympus, Inc.; Richard Wolf and Karl Storz GmbH.that are expected to be recurring.

The Company is party to a worldwide Sports Medicine Joint Development and Distribution Agreement (the "JDDA") with Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (“MTF”) for the worldwide promotion rights with respect to allograft tissues within the field of sports medicine and related areas. Under the terms of this agreement, we are the exclusive worldwide promoter of these allograft tissues, which includes the reconstruction and/or replacement of tendon, ligament, cartilage or menisci, along with the correction of deformities within the extremities.


General Surgery


Our general surgery product line offers a large range of products in the areas of advanced surgical and advanced endoscopic technologies and critical care.technologies.


Our advanced surgical product offering includes the leading clinical insufflation system (AirSeal®),. AirSeal® includes the proprietary valveless access ports that deliver significant benefits to traditional minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgical procedures. The Buffalo Filter acquisition complemented the CONMED portfolio of smoke removal devices, which provides the Company with the broadest portfolio of single-use and capital smoke evacuation products available in the medical device market today. In addition to AirSeal® and the Buffalo Filter® products, the Company manufactures and sells an extensive energy line and a broad offering of endomechanical products. AirSeal® includes proprietary valveless access ports to deliver significant benefits to traditional minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery. The electrosurgical offering consists of monopolar and bipolar generators, Argonargon beam coagulation generators, handpieces, smoke management systems and other accessories. Our endomechanical products offer a full line of instruments, including the Anchor1 line of tissue retrieval bags, trocars, suction irrigation devices, graspers, scissors and dissectors, used in minimally invasive surgery. We offer a unique and premium uterine manipulator called VCARE® for use in increasing the efficiency of laparoscopic hysterectomies and other gynecologic laparoscopic procedures. Our competition includes Medtronic plc; Johnson & Johnson: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.; Stryker Endoscopy, Olympus, ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH; and Applied Medical Resources Corporation.



Our advanced endoscopic technologies offering includes a comprehensive line of minimally invasivetherapeutic and diagnostic and therapeutic products used in conjunction withgastroenterology procedures which utilize flexible endoscopy. This offering includes mucosal management devices, forceps, scope management accessories, bronchoscopy devices,endoscopes, as well as patient monitoring products. In addition to these offerings, we offer a unique energy platform specifically designed for gastroenterology and pulmonology procedures. Devices include products for dilatation, stricture management devices, hemostasis, biliary, devicesstructure management, infection prevention and polypectomy.patient monitoring. Patient monitoring includes ECG electrodes, EEG electrodes and cardiac defibrillation pads. Our competition includes Boston
1Anchor is a trademark of the Anchor Products Company, Addison, Illinois.
4


Scientific Corporation - Endoscopy; Cook Medical, Inc.; Merit Medical Endotek; Olympus, Inc.; STERIS Corporation - U.S. Endoscopy, and Cantel Medical- Medivators, Inc.

Our critical care offering includes a line of vital signs, cardiac monitoring and patient care products including ECG electrodes & accessories, cardiac defibrillation & pacing pads and a complete line of suction instruments and tubing. Finally, we offer a physician's office electrosurgical product mainly used by dermatologists. Critical care's main competition includes, Cardinal (formerly Medtronic plc) and 3M Company.


In 2023, approximately 89% of general surgery revenue came from single-use products that are expected to be recurring.

International


Expanding our international presence is an important component of our long-term growth plan. Our products are sold in over 100 foreign countries. International sales efforts are coordinated through local country dealers (including sub-distributors or sales agents) or through direct in-country sales. We distribute our products through sales subsidiaries and branches with offices located in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.  In these countries, our sales are denominated in the local currency and amounted to approximately 33%32% of our totalconsolidated net sales in 2017.2023.  In the remaining countries where our products are sold through independent distributors, sales are denominated in United States dollars.


Competition


We compete in orthopedic and general surgery medical device markets across the world. Our competitors range from large manufacturers with multiple business units to smaller manufacturers with limited product offerings. We believe we have appropriate product offerings and adequate market share to compete effectively in these markets. The global markets are constantly changing due to technological advances. We seek to closely align our research and development with our key business objectives, namely developing and improving products and processes, applying innovative technology to the manufacture of products for new global markets and reducing the cost of producing core products.


The breadth of our product lines in our key product areas enables us to meet a wide range of customer requirements and preferences.  This has enhanced our ability to market our products to surgeons, hospitals, surgery centers, group purchasing organizations ("GPOs"), integrated delivery networks ("IDNs") and other customers, particularly as institutions seek to reduce costs and minimize the number of suppliers.


Marketing


A significant portion of our products are distributed domestically directly to more than 6,000 hospitals, surgery centers and other healthcare institutions as well as through medical specialty distributors.  We are not dependent on any single customer and no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our net sales in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015.2021.


A significant portion of our U.S. sales are to customers affiliated with GPOs, IDNs and other large national or regional accounts, as well as to the Veterans Administration and other hospitals operated by the Federal government.  For hospital inventory management purposes, some of our customers prefer to purchase our products through independent third-party medical product distributors.


Our employee sales representatives are speciallyextensively trained in our various product offerings. Each employee sales representative is assigned a defined geographic area and compensated on a commission basis or through a combination of salary and commission.  The sales force is supervised and supported by either area directors or district managers.  In certain geographies, sales agent groups are used in the United States to sell our orthopedic products.  These sales agent groups are paid a commission for sales made to customers while home office sales and marketing management provide the overall direction and training for marketing and positioning of our products. Our sales professionals provide surgeons and medical personnelother healthcare professionals with information relating to the technical features and benefits of our products.


Our healthhealthcare systems organization is responsible for interacting with large regional and national accounts (e.g. GPOs, IDNs, etc.).  We have contracts with many such organizations and believe that the loss of any individual group purchasing contract willwould not materially impact our business.  In addition, all of our sales professionals are required to work closely with distributors where applicable and maintain close relationships with end-users.




We sell to a diversified base of customers around the world and, therefore, believe there is no material concentration of credit risk.


5


Manufacturing


Raw material costs constitute a substantial portion of our cost of production.  Substantially allA substantial portion of our raw materials and select components used in the manufacturing process are procured from external suppliers.  We work closelyuse a risk based approach when assessing sourcing strategies that include multisource, inventory redundancy and other strategies in accordance with multiple suppliersour quality standards to ensuremanage continuity of supply while maintaining high quality and reliability.supply.  As a consequenceresult of supply chain best practices, new product development, intellectual property and acquisitions, we often form strategic partnerships with key suppliers. As a consequence of these supplier partnerships,This may result in components and raw materials may bebeing sole sourced. DueWe continuously seek to the strength of these suppliers and the variety of products we provide, we do not believe the risk of supplier interruption posesmanage our supply chain to mitigate supply disruptions that may pose an overall material adverse effect on our financial and operational performance. We seek to schedule production and maintain adequate levels of safety stock based on a number of factors, including experience, knowledge of customer ordering patterns, demand, manufacturing lead times and optimal quantities required to maintain the highest possible service levels.  Customer orders are generally processed for immediate shipment and backlog of firm orders is therefore not consideredgenerally material to an understanding of our business.


Research and Development


New and improved products play a critical role in our continued sales growth.  Internal research and development efforts focus on the development of new products and product technological and design improvements aimed at complementing and expanding existing product lines.improvements. We continually seek to leverage new technologies which improve the durability, performance and usability of existing products.  In addition, we maintain close working relationships with surgeons, inventors and operating room personnelother healthcare professionals who often makesuggest to us new product and technology disclosures,ideas, principally in procedure-specific areas.  In certain cases, we seek to obtain rights to these ideas through negotiated agreements.  Such agreements typically compensate the originator through payments based upon a percentage of licensed product net sales.  Annual royalty expense approximated $1.8$5.3 million,, $2.3 $3.2 million and $2.3$2.0 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.


Amounts expended for Company research and development were approximately $32.3$52.6 million,, $32.3 $47.2 million and $27.4$43.6 million during 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.


Intellectual Property


Patents and other proprietary rights, in general, are important to our business. We have rights to intellectual property, including United States patents and foreign equivalent patents which cover a wide range of our products.products with expiration dates from 2024 to 2043.  We own a majority of these patents and have exclusive and non-exclusive licensing rights to the remainder.  In addition, certain of these patents have currently been licensed to third parties on a non-exclusive basis.  We believe that the development of new products and technological and design improvements to existing products will continue to be of primary importance in maintainingimportant to our competitive position.


Government Regulation and Quality Systems


The development, manufacture, sale and distribution of our products are subject to regulation by numerous agencies and legislative bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") and comparable foreign counterparts.  In the United States, these regulations were enacted under the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and its subsequent amendments, and the regulations issued or proposed thereunder.


The FDA’s Quality System Regulations set forth requirements for our product design and manufacturing processes, require the maintenance of certain records, provide for on-site inspection of our facilities and continuing review by the FDA.  Many of our products are also subject to industry-defined standards.  Authorization to commercially market our products in the U.S. is granted by the FDA under a procedure referred to as a 510(k) pre-market notification.  This process requires us to notify the FDA of the new productnotification and obtain FDA clearance before marketing the device.or Premarket Approval ("PMA").  We believe that our products and processes presently meet applicable standards in all material respects.


Medical device regulations continue to evolve world-wide.  Products marketed in the member countries of the European Union ("EU") and other countries require preparation of technical files and design dossiers which demonstrate compliance with applicable international regulations. As government regulations continue to change, there is a risk that the distribution of some of our products may be interrupted or discontinued if they do not meet the country specific requirements.


We market our products in numerous foreign countries outside the United States and therefore are subject to regulations affecting, among other things, product standards, sterilization, packaging requirements, labeling requirements, import laws and onsiteon-site inspection by


independent bodies with the authority to issue or not issue certifications we may require to be able to sell products in certain countries.  Many of the regulations applicable to our devices and products in these countries are similar to those of the FDA.  The member countries of the European Union have adoptedEU follow the Europeanrequirements under the EU Medical Device Directives,Regulation ("EU MDR") which createreplaced prior regulations with a single set of medical device regulations in May 2017 for all member countries. EU MDR
6


imposes stricter requirements for the marketing and sale of medical devices, including in the areas of clinical evaluation requirements, quality systems, labeling and post-market surveillance with an effective date of May 2021. During the transition period, medical devices with notified body certificates issued under the EU Medical Device Directive prior to May 2021 may continue to be placed on the market for the earlier of the remaining validity of the certificate or December 2028. These regulations require companies that wish to manufacture and distribute medical devices in the European Union to maintain quality system certifications through European Union recognized Notified Bodies.  These Notified Bodies authorize the use of the CE Mark allowing free movement of our products throughout the member countries.  Requirements pertaining to our products vary widely from country to country, ranging from simple product registrations to detailed submissions such as those required by the FDA.  We believe that our products and quality procedures currently meet applicable standards for the countries in which they are marketed.


As noted above, our facilities are subject to periodic inspection by the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and foreign regulatory agencies or notified bodies for, among other things, conformance to Quality System Regulation and Current Good Manufacturing Practice (“CGMP”) requirements and foreign or international standards. Refer to Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements14 for further discussion.


EmployeesWe are also subject to various environmental health and safety laws and regulations both in the United States and internationally, as are our suppliers and sterilization service providers. Our operations involve the use of substances regulated under environmental laws, primarily in manufacturing and sterilization processes. We believe our policies, practices and procedures are properly designed to comply, in all material respects, with applicable environmental laws and regulations. We do not expect internal compliance with these requirements to have a material effect on purchases of property, plant and equipment, cash flows, net income (loss) or our competitive position. Refer to Item 1A, Risk Factors, for further discussion of the use of outside EtO sterilization service providers.


CONMED Workforce Overview

One of CONMED's core values is our belief in the power of engaged talent. As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had approximately 3,1004,000 full-time employees, including approximately 1,9602,500 in operations 140 in research and development and the remaining in sales, marketing, research and related administrative support.development and administration. 

We know that our people are our most important assets and crucial to our ability to deliver on our mission. Accordingly, the success and growth of our business depends in large part on our ability to attract, engage and develop a diverse population of talented employees at all levels of our organization.

Talent Management and Succession Planning

All levels of Company management are engaged in talent management practices. The Board of Directors ("Board") reviews the Company’s people strategy in support of its business strategy at least annually and frequently discusses talent opportunities, including a detailed discussion of the Company’s global leadership talent and succession plans with a focus on key positions at the senior executive level. High-potential leaders are given exposure and visibility to Board members through formal presentations and informal events. More broadly, the Board is regularly updated on key talent indicators for the overall workforce, including diversity, recruitment and development programs.

Competitive Pay and Benefits

Our compensation programs are designed to align the compensation of our employees with CONMED’sperformance and to provide the proper incentives to attract, retain and motivate employees to achieve positive results. For those employees eligible for incentive earnings, our compensation programs are balanced to ensure earnings are tied to short-term and long-term performance. Our benefits offerings vary from country to country, dependent on local market practices. We regularly evaluate our benefits offerings to ensure their competitiveness as well as equity and fairness.

CONMED is committed to pay equity for all employees. We conduct an annual review of our pay equity globally by role, location, and gender, and also by ethnic diversity in the U.S. If pay equity issues are identified that cannot be explained by historical performance, time in role, tenure, or other job-related factors, we address the inequity in a timely fashion.

Diversity and Inclusion

A demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion is vital to CONMED's success as we seek out individuals who bring their unique capabilities to our Company. We believe that diverse teams stimulate innovation, enhance our understanding
7


of the needs of our global customer base and ultimately deliver better results for our stakeholders. We value individual strengths and are committed to hiring and retaining employees of all different backgrounds and experiences. Tracking representation of diversity in our workforce helps us to understand where our opportunities exist. These metrics are reviewed on a regular basis at the senior executive level and annually with the Board. We also recognize that representation of diversity in the workforce is not enough to have the impact desired, so we encourage inclusion and belonging in addition to representation.

Development

CONMED recognizes that development is most effective when customized to an employee’s unique experiences and interests. In this spirit, CONMED employees and managers utilize various tools such as the annual performance review process and individual development plans to facilitate a specific individual’s career growth.

On an annual basis, we offer a performance review workshop for employees. This workshop was developed to encourage employees to adopt a growth mindset while reflecting on their accomplishments and setting goals for the upcoming year.

Because our managers are the crucial link in our employee’s growth and development, CONMED leaders complete a global interactive on-line training program, which includes topics such as diversity of thought, developing employees’ strengths, and employee relations.

Employee Engagement

Measuring our team members’ engagement helps us understand what is working well and where we have good relations with our employeesopportunities to improve. CONMED utilizes the Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement Survey both to measure engagement across the organization, and have never experiencedto provide a strike or similar work stoppage.  Nonebasis for individual team action planning sessions.

In May 2023, 98% of our domestic employeesglobal workforce participated in the survey, and all team members were invited to participate in subsequent team action planning sessions. During these sessions, survey results are represented by a labor union.reviewed and discussed. Additionally, the team agrees upon action items they can take to improve their engagement and make CONMED an even better place to work. Following these sessions, managers meet with their teams periodically to discuss progress on agreed upon action items. Due to the commitment of our global team members, in 2023, CONMED’s global engagement average overall score increased year-over-year.
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors


An investment in our securities, including our common stock, involves a high degree of risk.  Investors should carefully consider the specific factors set forth below as well as the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K. See “Forward Looking Statements”.


(i) Risks Related to Our Business and the Medical Device Industry

Our financial performance is dependent on conditions in the healthcare industry and the broader economy. Our business and financial performance could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by a potential economic downturn.
 
The results of our business are directly tied to the economic conditions in the healthcare industry and the broader economy as a whole.  We will continue to monitor and manage the impact of the overall economic environment on the Company.


Market volatility and uncertainty related to inflation and its effects, which could potentially contribute to poor economic conditions, may contribute to or enhance some of the risks described herein. Any of these effects, or others that the Company is not able to predict, could adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations. Any deterioration in global economic conditions could also have material adverse effects on the Company’s businesses or financial condition, even if the Company’s direct exposure to the affected region is limited. Global political trends could increase the probability of a deterioration in global economic conditions.

In addition,this regard, approximately 20%17% of our 2023 revenues are derived from the sale of capital products.  The sales of such products aremay be negatively impacted if hospitals and other healthcare providers are unable to secure the financing necessary to purchase these products or otherwise defer purchases.
8


Our significant international
Public health crises have had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on certain aspects of our business, results of operations, subject usfinancial condition, and cash flows. The nature and extent of future impacts are highly uncertain and unpredictable.

We face a wide variety of risks related to foreign currency fluctuationspublic health crises, epidemics, pandemics or similar events, which could have an adverse effect on certain aspects of our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in some geographies or territories, our field-based sales representatives were limited in their ability to travel to service or call on customers. Further, some hospitals delayed certain procedures to reserve space for COVID-19 patients or experienced slowdowns due to staffing shortages. If a new health epidemic or outbreak were to occur, we could experience broad and varied impacts similar to the impact of COVID-19, including adverse impacts to our workforce and supply chain, inflationary pressures and increased costs, schedule or production delays, market volatility and other risks associated with operating in countries outside the Untied States.financial impacts. If any of these were to occur, our future results and performance could be adversely impacted.
 
A significant portionLimitations on the availability of Ethylene Oxide (“EtO”) sterilization services may limit our ability to sell certain sterile products.

Approximately 29% of our products when measured in terms of revenues, are derived from international sales.  Approximately 48% of our total 2017 consolidated net sales were to customers outsidesterilized by third-party sterilizers using ethylene oxide, a chemical which, when present or used in high levels or concentrations, has raised some environmental concerns in some areas within the United States.  WeStates, with the result that some EtO sterilization facilities have sales subsidiariesclosed, or are threatened with closure, either temporarily or permanently, in a significant number of countries in Europeconnection with government enforcement actions or enhanced regulations prompted by environmental concerns. In 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) announced its plans to engage and share up-to-date information on the risks posed by EtO from commercial sterilizers, as well as Australia, Canada, Chinaits efforts to address the risks. In April 2023, the EPA also announced proposals to reduce risks in communities and Korea.  In those countries in which we have a direct presence, our sales are denominatedfor workers by reducing EtO emissions from chemical plants, commercial sterilizers and reducing risk to workers in the local currencysterilization industry. We have been able to secure EtO sterilization services to date, and those sales denominated in local currency amounteddo not currently expect sterilization availability to approximately 33% of our total net sales in 2017.  The remaining 15% of sales to customers outside the United States was on an export basis and transacted in United States dollars.

Because a significant portion of our operations consist of sales activities in jurisdictions outside the United States, our financial results may be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the markets in which we distribute products.  While we have implemented a hedging strategy involving foreign currency forward contracts for 2017, our revenues and earnings are only partially protected from foreign currency translation if the United States dollar strengthens as compared with currencies such as the Euro.  Further, as of the date of this Form 10-K, we have not entered into any foreign currency forward contracts beyond 2019. Our international presence exposes us to certain other inherent risks, including:
imposition of limitations on conversions of foreign currencies into dollars or remittance of dividends and other payments by international subsidiaries;
imposition or increase of withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by international subsidiaries;
trade barriers;
political risks, including political instability;
reliance on third parties to distribute our products;


hyperinflation in certain countries outside the United States; and
imposition or increase of investment and other restrictions by foreign governments.

We cannot assure you that such risks will not have a material adverse effectimpact on our business and results of operations.

Our financial performancebusiness.  If, however, there are further restrictions on capacity or further government actions adverse to EtO sterilization, it is subject to the risks inherent in our acquisition strategy, including the effects of increased borrowing and integration of newly acquired businesses or product lines.
A key element of our business strategy has been to expand through acquisitions and we may seek to pursue additional acquisitions in the future.  Our success is dependent in part upon our ability to integrate acquired companies or product lines into our existing operations.  We may not have sufficient management and other resources to accomplish the integration of our past and future acquisitions and implementing our acquisition strategy may strain our relationship with customers, suppliers, distributors, personnel or others.  There can be no assurancepossible that we will be able to identify and make acquisitions on acceptable terms or that we will be able to obtain financing for such acquisitions on acceptable terms.  In addition, while we are generally entitled to customary indemnification from sellers of businesses for any difficulties that may have arisen prior to our acquisition of each business, acquisitions may involve exposure to unknown liabilities and the amount and time for claiming under these indemnification provisions is often limited.  As a result, our financial performance is now, and will continue to be, subject to various risks associated with the acquisition of businesses, including the financial effects associated with any increased borrowing required to fund such acquisitions or with the integration of such businesses.
Our financial performance may be adversely impacted by healthcare reform legislation.

Provisions of healthcare legislation, including provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("ACA"), could meaningfully change the way health care is developed and delivered and may adversely affect our business and results of operations.  For example, the ACA includes provisions aimed at improving quality and decreasing costs of Medicare, governing comparative effectiveness research, and implementing an independent payment advisory board and pilot programs to evaluate alternative payment methodologies.  That legislation also included a 2.3% excise tax imposed upon sales within the U.S. of certain medical device products, which has been delayed until 2020.  We also face uncertainties that might result in the modification or repeal of any provisions of the ACA, including as a result of current and future executive orders and legislative actions. The uncertainty associated with modifications or a repeal could generally cause healthcare markets to be unstable and we could be subject to some interruptions,impacted materially in the magnitude of which are impossible to determine, as healthcare providers, both facilities and medical professionals, who have benefited from the ACA determine the paths forward.future.


As a manufacturer of medical devicesdevice manufacturer that interacts with physicians and health care providers domestically and internationally, we face risks under domestic and foreign laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.Act and similar statutes in other countries, and government enforcement actions more generally.


Manufacturers of medical devices have been the subject of various investigations orand enforcement actions relating to interactions with health care providers, both domestically orand internationally. The interactions with domestic health care providers are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations, known asincluding the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits entities from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, receiving or paying remuneration (including kickbacks, bribes or rebates) in exchange for or to induce the Starkreferral of an individual for the purchase, order, lease or recommendation of any good, item or service for which payment may be made under federal healthcare programs; and the federalcivil False Claims Act, andwhich prohibits individuals or entities from knowingly presenting or causing to be presented false or fraudulent claims for payment or knowingly using false statements to obtain payment from the federal government. Suits filed under the False Claims Act that generally govern incentives for health care providers, or methods of reimbursement funded in whole or in part by the government. Similarly, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) prohibits certain conduct by manufacturers, generally described as bribery, with respect to interactions, either directly through foreign subsidiaries or indirectly through distributors, with health care providers who may be considered government officials because they are affiliated with public hospitals. The FCPA also imposes obligations on manufacturers listed on U.S. stock exchanges to maintain accurate books and records, and maintain internal accounting controls sufficient to provide assurance that transactions are accurately recorded, lawful and in accordance with management’s authorization. The FCPA can pose unique challenges for manufacturers who operate in foreign cultures where conduct prohibitedbrought by the FCPA may not be viewed as illegal in local jurisdictions, and because, in some cases, a United States manufacturer may face risks under the FCPA based on the conduct of third parties over whom the manufacturer may not have complete control.

In this regard, from time to time, the Company may receive an information request“relators” or subpoena from a government agency, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Justice, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Labor, the Treasury Department or other federal and state agencies or foreign governments or government agencies. Alternatively, employees or private parties may provide us with reports of alleged misconduct. These information requests or subpoenas may or may not be routine inquiries, or may begin as informal or routine inquiries and over time develop into investigations or enforcement actions of various types under the FCPA or otherwise. Similarly, the employee and third party reports may prompt us to conduct internal investigations into the alleged misconduct. As a medical device company, CONMED’s operations and interactions with government hospitals, healthcare professionals and purchasers may be subject to various federal and state regulations, including the federal False Claims Act, which provides, in part, that the federal government may bring a lawsuit against any person or entity that it believes has knowingly presented, or caused


to be presented, a false or fraudulent request for payment to the government, or has made or used, or caused to be made or used, a false statement or false record material to a false claim. In addition, in certain circumstances, private parties may bring so-called Qui Tam claims as plaintiffs purportedly“whistleblowers” on behalf of the government, asserting claims arising underwho may share in amounts paid by the False Claims Act. entity to the government in fines or settlement. A violation of the False Claims Act may result in fines up to $11,000 for each false claim, plus up to three times the amount of damages sustained by the government, and may also provide the basis for the imposition of administrative penalties and exclusion from participation in federal healthcare programs. ManySimilarly, under the federal Civil Monetary Penalties Statute, the government may seek civil monetary penalties or exclusion for a wide variety of conduct, including presenting, or causing to be presented, claims to a federal healthcare programfor an item or service that was not provided as claimed or is false or fraudulent. Penalties range from $10,000 to $50,000 per violation. Also, many states have enacted false claims acts that arelaws similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act. Act, and some of these may be broader in scope in that some extend to all payors.

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) prohibits U.S. companies and their representatives from offering or making payments to foreign officials for the purpose of securing a business advantage; and in many countries, the healthcare professionals with whom we regularly interact may meet the definition of a foreign government official for purposes of this law. Similar anti-bribery laws are in effect in many of the countries in which we operate. The FCPA also imposes obligations on manufacturers listed on U.S. stock exchanges to maintain accurate books and records, and maintain internal accounting controls sufficient to provide assurance that transactions are accurately recorded, lawful and in accordance with management’s authorization. The FCPA can pose unique challenges for manufacturers that operate in foreign cultures where conduct prohibited by the FCPA may not be viewed as illegal in local jurisdictions and because, in some cases, a United States
9


manufacturer may face risks under the FCPA based on the conduct of third parties (i.e., distributors) over whom the manufacturer may not have complete control.

In addition, as a manufacturer of U.S. FDA-approved devices reimbursable by federal healthcare programs, we are subject to the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires us to annually report certain payments and other transfers of value we make to U.S.-licensed physicians, U.S. teaching hospitals or other U.S. covered recipients. Any failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us or our officers and employees to criminal and civil financial penalties.

Furthermore, we occasionally receive subpoenas or other requests for information from various governmental agencies around the world, and while these investigations typically relate primarily to financial arrangements with healthcare providers, regulatory compliance and product promotional practices, we cannot predict the timing, outcome or impact of any such investigations. Any adverse outcome in one or more of these investigations could include the commencement of civil and/or criminal proceedings, substantial fines, penalties, and/or administrative remedies, including exclusion from government reimbursement programs and/or entry into Corporate Integrity Agreements (CIAs) with governmental agencies. In addition, resolution of any of these matters could involve the imposition of additional, costly compliance obligations.

No inquiry or claim that the Company currently faces or has faced to date, and no report of misconduct that the Company has received to date, has had a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. There can be no assurance, however, that any pending inquiries will not become investigations or enforcement actions, or the costs associated with responding to such inquiries, investigations, enforcement actions or investigations relating to reports of misconduct will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Failure to comply with regulatory requirements may result in recalls, loss of revenues, fines or other materially adverse implications.
 
Substantially all of our products are classified as class II medical devices subject to regulation by numerous agencies, and legislative bodies, including the FDAU.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") and comparable international counterparts.  As a manufacturer of medical devices, our manufacturing processes and facilities are subject to on-site inspection and continuing review by the FDA for compliance with the Quality System Regulations.  We may have future inspections at our sites and thereRegulation ("QSR"). There can be no assurance that the costs of responding to such inspections will not be material.


Manufacturing and sales of our products outside the United States are also subject to international regulatory requirements which vary from country to country.  Moreover, we are generally required to obtain regulatory clearance or approval prior to marketing a new product.  The time required to obtain approvals from foreign countries may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA clearance, and requirements for such approvals may differ from FDA requirements.  Failure to comply with applicable domestic and/or foreign regulatory requirements may result in:


fines, seizure or recall of products, or other enforcement actions;
recall or seizure of products;
total or partial suspension of production;
loss of certification;
certifications, withdrawal of existing product approvals or clearances;
refusal to approve or clear new applications or notices;
increased quality control costs; or
criminal prosecution.

Failure to comply with Quality System Regulations and applicable international regulations could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
If we are not able to manufacture products in compliance with regulatory standards, we may decide to cease manufacturing of those products and may be subject to product recall.
 
In addition to the Quality System Regulations,QSR, many of our products are also subject to industry-defined standards.  We may not be able to comply with these regulations and standards due to deficiencies in component parts or our manufacturing processes.  If we are not able to comply with the Quality System RegulationsQSR or industry-defined standards, we may not be able to fill customer orders and we may decide to cease production or sale of non-compliant products.  Failure to produce products could affect our revenues, profit margins and could lead to loss of customers.
 
Our products are subject to product recall and we have conducted product recalls in the past.  Although no recall has had a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition, we cannot assure yoube certain that regulatory issues will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations in the future or that product recalls will not harm our reputation and our customer relationships.

The highly competitive market for our products may create adverse pricing pressures.
 
The market for our products is highly competitive and our customers have numerous alternatives of supply.alternative suppliers.  Many of our competitors offer a range of products in areas other than those in which we compete, which may make such competitors more attractive to
10


surgeons, hospitals, group purchasing organizations and others.  In addition, many of our competitors are large, technically competent firms with substantial assets.  Competitive pricing pressures or the introduction of new products by our competitors


could have an adverse effect on our revenues.  See “Products” in Item 1 - Business for a further discussion of these competitive forces.


Factors which may influence our customers’ choice of competitor products include:
 
changes in surgeon preferences;
increases or decreases in healthcare spending related to medical devices;
our inability to supply products to them as a result of product recall, market withdrawal or back-order;
the introduction by competitors of new products or new features to existing products;products such as a replacement for AirSeal®;
the introduction by competitors of alternative surgical technology; and
advances in surgical procedures, discoveries or developments in the healthcare industry.


Cost reduction efforts in the healthcare industry could put pressures on our prices and margins.
In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone significant change driven by various efforts to reduce costs.  Such efforts include national healthcare reform, trends towards managed care, cuts in Medicare reimbursement for procedures, consolidation of healthcare distribution companies and collective purchasing arrangements by GPOs and IDNs.  Demand and prices for our products may be adversely affected by such trends.

We use a variety of raw materials in our businesses, and significant shortages, inflation or price increases could increase our operating costs and adversely impact the competitive positions of our products.


Our reliance on certain suppliers and commodity markets to secure raw materials used in our products exposes us to volatility in the prices and availability of raw materials. In some instances, we participate in commodity markets that may be subject to allocations by suppliers. A disruption in deliveries from our suppliers, price increases or decreased availability of raw materials or commodities could have an adverse effect on our ability to meet our commitments to customers or increase our operating efficiencies and/or costs. The increases in costs or availability of raw materials may be exacerbated as a result of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and ongoing global supply chain challenges. In addition, increased inflation in wages and materials may also increase our costs. We believe that our supply management practices are based on an appropriate balancing of the foreseeable risks and the costs of alternative practices. Nonetheless, price increases or the unavailability of someWhere possible we have addressed increasing supply chain costs in pricing, yet continued cost pressures and raw materialsmaterial availability have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.operations.
Cost reduction efforts in the healthcare industry could put pressures on our prices and margins.
In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone significant change driven by various efforts to reduce costs.  Such efforts include national healthcare reform, trends towards managed care, cuts in Medicare, consolidation of healthcare distribution companies and collective purchasing arrangements by GPOs and IDNs.  Demand and prices for our products may be adversely affected by such trends.

We may not be able to keep pace with technological change or to successfully develop new products with wide market acceptance, which could cause us to lose business to competitors.
 
The market for our products is characterized by rapidly changing technology.  Our future financial performance will depend in part on our ability to develop and manufacture new products on a cost-effective basis, to introduce them to the market on a timely basis, to fund studies and otherwise develop clinical data to support the efficacy of our products, and to have them accepted by surgeons.surgeons and other healthcare professionals. 

We may not be able to keep pace with technology or to develop viable new products.products, including our ability to advance the Biorez and In2Bones product lines we acquired during 2022.  In addition, many of our competitors are substantially larger with greater financial resources which may allow them to more rapidly develop or acquire new products. Factors which may result in delays of new product introductions or cancellation of our plans to manufacture and market new products include:
 
capital constraints;
research and development delays;
capital and other financial constraints;
delays or failures in securing regulatory approvals;
the potential inability to secure clinical data demonstrating the efficacy of our products, or the inability to develop such clinical data on a timely basis, may delay, limit or preclude the adoption and market acceptance of new products we may develop; and
changes in the competitive landscape, including the emergence of alternative products or solutions which reduce or eliminate the markets for pending products.


Our new products
11


Ordering patterns of our customers may fail to achieve expected levels of market acceptance.change resulting in reductions in sales.
 
New product introductionsOur hospital and surgery center customers purchase our products in quantities sufficient to meet their anticipated demand.  Likewise, our healthcare distributor customers purchase our products for ultimate resale to healthcare providers in quantities sufficient to meet the anticipated requirements of the distributors’ customers.  Hospitals and customers may failreduce demand for surgical products if they reserve space for patients or experience staff shortages or disputes due to achieve market acceptance.  The degree of market acceptance for anypublic health crises, pandemics, epidemics or similar events. Should inventories of our products will depend upon a numberowned by our hospital, surgery center and distributor customers grow to levels higher than their requirements, our customers may reduce the ordering of factors, including:products from us.  This could result in reduced sales.

(ii) Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

The terms of our indebtedness outstanding from time to time, including our senior credit agreement, may restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to develop and introduce new products and product enhancements in the time frames we currently estimate;
our abilityrespond to successfully implement new technologies;
the market’s readinesschanges or to accept new products;
having adequate financial and technological resources for future product development and promotion;
the efficacy of our products; and
the prices of our products compared to the prices of our competitors’ products.



If our new products do not achieve market acceptance, we may be unable to recover our investments and may lose business to competitors.

In addition, some of the companies with which we now compete, or may compete in the future, have or may have more extensive research, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and significantly greater technical and personnel resources than we do, and may be better positioned to continue to improve their technology in order to compete in an evolving industry.  See “Products” in Item 1 - Business for a further discussion of these competitive forces.

Our senior credit agreement contains covenants which may limit our flexibility or prevent us from takingtake certain actions.


OurThe senior credit agreement contains, and future credit facilities are expected to contain, certaina number of restrictive covenants which will affect,that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and may limit our ability to respond to changes in many respects significantly limitour business or prohibit, among other things,competitive activities, or to otherwise engage in acts that may be in our long-term best interest, including restrictions on our ability to:


incur indebtedness;
allow for liens to be placed on our assets;
make investments;
engage in transactions with affiliates;
make certain restricted payments or enter into certain restrictive agreements;
enter into certain swap agreements;
change our line of business;
pay dividends or make other distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock;
consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets; and
prepay and/or modify the terms of certain indebtedness; and
pursue acquisitions.


These covenants, unless waived, may prevent us from pursuing and/or securing acquisitions, significantly limit our operating and financial flexibility and limit our ability to respond to changes in our business or competitive activities.  Our ability to comply with such provisions may be affected by events beyond our control.  In the event of any default under our credit agreement, the credit agreement lenders may elect to declare all amounts borrowed under our credit agreement, together with accrued interest, to be due and payable.  If we were unable to repay such borrowings, the credit agreement lenders could proceed against collateral securing the credit agreement which consists of substantially all of our property and assets.  Our credit agreement also contains a material adverse effect clause which may limit our ability to access additional funding under our credit agreement should a material adverse change in our business occur.


OurWe may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness and other obligations, and, our leverage and debt service requirements may require us to adopt alternative business strategies.


As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had $486.9$986.6 million of debt outstanding, representing 42%54% of total capitalization. See “Management’s Discussion and AnalysisIn particular, on June 6, 2022, we completed an $800 million offering of Financial Condition and Resultsthe 2.250% Notes (as defined below) (including the full exercise by the initial purchasers of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Note 6their $100 million option to our consolidated financial statements.

The degreepurchase additional 2.250% Notes) through a private offering pursuant to which we are leveraged could have important consequences to investors, including but not limited to the following:

a portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to debt service and will not be available for operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends and other purposes;
our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate purposes may be limited or impaired or may be at higher interest rates;
we may be at a competitive disadvantage when compared to competitors that are less leveraged;
we may be hindered in our ability to adjust rapidly to market conditions;
our degree of leverage could make us more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in general economic conditions or other adverse circumstances applicable to us; and
our interest expense could increase if interest rates in general increase because a portion of our borrowings, including our borrowings under our credit agreement, are and will continue to be at variable rates of interest.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness, which could require us to reduce our expenditures, sell assets, restructure our indebtedness or seek additional equity capital.
Our ability to satisfy our obligations will depend upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.Rule 144A (the “2.250% Notes Offering”). We may not have sufficient cash flow available to enable us to meet our obligations.  If we are unable to service our indebtedness, we will be forced to adopt an alternative strategy that may include actions such as foregoing acquisitions, reducing or delaying capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing our indebtedness or seeking additional equity capital.  We cannot assure yoube certain that any of these strategies could be implemented on terms acceptable to us, if at all.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” for a discussion of our indebtedness and its implications.Note 8.



12



The degree to which we are leveraged could have important consequences to investors, including but not limited to the following:
We rely on a third party to obtain, process and distribute sports medicine allograft tissue. If such tissue cannot be obtained, is not accepted by the market or is not accepted under numerous government regulations, our results of operations could be negatively impacted.

Aa portion of our orthopedic revenues relatecash flow from operations must be dedicated to debt service and will not be available for operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends and other purposes;
our shareability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate purposes may be limited or impaired or may be at higher interest rates;
we may be at a competitive disadvantage when compared to competitors that are less leveraged;
we may be hindered in our ability to adjust rapidly to market conditions;
our degree of leverage could make us more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in general economic conditions or other adverse circumstances applicable to us; and
our interest expense could increase if interest rates in general increase because a portion of our borrowings, including our borrowings under our credit agreement, are and will continue to be at variable rates of interest.

Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.

Borrowings under our senior credit agreement are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates were to increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income (loss) and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease. The interest rates rose in fiscal year 2023 and may rise further going forward. In the future, we may enter into interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility. However, we may not maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all of our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk.

Loans under our senior credit agreement bear interest based on SOFR, a benchmark interest rate that has replaced LIBOR, but experience with this replacement benchmark interest rate is limited.

As a result of the service fees fromphase out of LIBOR, the MTF allograft tissuesLondon Interbank Offered Rate, which was historically the basic rate of interest used as a reference for whichsetting the interest rate on loans globally, we have exclusive promotion rights,progressively amended our senior credit agreement to adopt alternatives to LIBOR for calculating the interest rates applicable. Most recently, in December 2022, we amended the agreement to adopt a term rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") as further described in our revenue recognition policy in Note 1the benchmark rate for U.S. dollar borrowings. SOFR and similar alternatives to the consolidated financial statements.  Our primary costs related to these revenues come from our commission expense and certain marketing costs.  Our ability to increase the service fees may be constrained by certain factors which are outside of our control,LIBOR for other currencies, such as the Sterling Overnight Index Average ("SONIA"), which is used for pound sterling loans under our senior credit agreement, are calculated and administered differently from LIBOR, which could result in interest rates and/or payments that are higher or lower than the rates and payments that we experienced when interest rates were based on LIBOR. Given the limited supplyhistorical data available for such alternative benchmark rates, the full consequences of donorstheir adoption cannot be predicted at this time. In addition, because the use of rates based on SOFR, SONIA and donated tissueother alternatives to LIBOR is relatively new, there could be unanticipated difficulties or disruptions with the calculation and publication of such rates, which could pose operational challenges to the administration of our senior credit agreement.

Despite our current level of indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks to our financial condition described above.

We may incur substantial additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness. As of December 31, 2023, we have $581.4 million of availability under the senior credit agreement. If we incur secured indebtedness and such secured indebtedness is either accelerated or becomes subject to a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, our assets would be used to satisfy obligations with respect to the indebtedness secured thereby before any payment could be made on the debt that meetsis not similarly secured. If new debt or other liabilities are added to our current debt levels, the quality standards of MTF.  Similarly,related risks that we now face could intensify. Our senior credit agreement restricts our ability to incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, but if the facilities mature or are repaid, we may not be subject to such restrictions under the terms of any subsequent indebtedness.

The conditional conversion features of our 2.250% Convertible Notes due 2027 (the "2.250% Notes" or the Joint Development and Distribution Agreement (“JDDA”“Convertible Notes”), MTF remains responsibleif triggered, may adversely affect our financial condition.
In the event the conditional conversion features of the 2.250% Notes issued on June 6, 2022 are triggered, holders of the Convertible Notes will be entitled to convert the Convertible Notes at any time during specified periods at their option.  If one or more holders elect to convert their Convertible Notes, we would be required to make cash payments to satisfy all or a portion
13


of our conversion obligation based on the conversion rate, which could adversely affect our liquidity.  In addition, even if holders do not elect to convert their Convertible Notes, we could be required under applicable accounting rules to reclassify all or a portion of the outstanding principal of the Convertible Notes as a current rather than long-term liability, which could result in a material reduction of our net working capital. Refer to Note 8 for tissue procurementfurther details on the Convertible Notes.
The convertible notes hedge and processing, shipmentwarrant transactions that we entered into in connection with the offering of tissuesthe Convertible Notes may affect the value of the Convertible Notes and invoicingour common stock.
In connection with the offering of service feesthe Convertible Notes, we entered into convertible notes hedge transactions with certain option counterparties (each an “Option Counterparty”).  The convertible notes hedge transactions are expected generally to customers. Toreduce the potential dilution upon conversion of the Convertible Notes and/or offset any cash payments we are required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Convertible Notes, as the case may be.  We also entered into warrant transactions with each Option Counterparty.  The warrant transactions could separately have a dilutive effect on our common stock to the extent MTF’sthat the market price per share of our common stock exceeds the strike price of the warrants, unless we elect to settle the warrants in cash.  In connection with establishing its initial hedge of the convertible notes hedge and warrant transactions, each Option Counterparty or an affiliate thereof may have entered into various derivative transactions with respect to our common stock concurrently with or shortly after the pricing of the Convertible Notes.  This activity could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of our common stock or the Convertible Notes at that time.  In addition, each Option Counterparty or an affiliate thereof may modify its hedge position by entering into or unwinding various derivatives with respect to our common stock and/or purchasing or selling our common stock or other securities of ours in secondary market transactions prior to the maturity of the Convertible Notes (and is likely to do so during any observation period related to a conversion of the Convertible Notes).  This activity could also cause or avoid an increase or a decrease in the market price of our common stock or the Convertible Notes.  In addition, if any such convertible notes hedge and warrant transactions fail to become effective, each Option Counterparty may unwind its hedge position with respect to our common stock, which could adversely affect the value of our common stock and the value of the Convertible Notes.
We are subject to counterparty risk with respect to the convertible notes hedge transactions.
Each Option Counterparty to the convertible notes hedge transactions is a financial institution whose obligation to perform under the convertible notes hedge transaction will not be secured by any collateral.  If an Option Counterparty becomes subject to insolvency proceedings, we will become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to our exposure at that time under our transactions with the Option Counterparty.  Our exposure will generally correlate to the increase in the market price and in the volatility of our common stock.  In addition, upon a default by an Option Counterparty, we may suffer adverse tax consequences and more dilution than we currently anticipate with respect to our common stock.  Although these counterparties are large, reputable U.S. financial institutions, we can provide no assurances as to the financial stability or viability of any Option Counterparty.

(iii) Risks Related to Our Acquisition Strategy

Our financial performance does not meet customer expectationsis subject to the risks inherent in any acquisition, including the effects of increased borrowing and integration of newly acquired businesses or otherwise fails, CONMEDproduct lines.
A key element of our business strategy has been to expand through acquisitions and we may be unableseek to increasepursue additional acquisitions in the allograft service feesfuture.  Our success in pursuing acquisitions depends on our ability to identify target companies or to find a suitable replacement for MTF on termsproduct lines that are acceptable.  available for sale, to identify risks in the diligence process and, to negotiate successful terms with the sellers, as the sellers may also be negotiating with other bidders with greater financial resources. Even when we win a bid, our success is also dependent in part upon our ability to integrate acquired companies or product lines into our existing operations.  We may not have sufficient management and other resources to accomplish the integration of our past and future acquisitions, which may strain our relationship with customers, suppliers, distributors, personnel or others.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify and make acquisitions, or that we will be able to obtain financing for such acquisitions, on acceptable terms.  In addition, while we are generally entitled to customary indemnification from sellers of businesses or coverage from representation and warranty insurance for any difficulties that may have arisen prior to our acquisition of each business, acquisitions may involve exposure to unknown liabilities and the amount and time for claiming under these indemnification provisions is often limited.  As a result, our financial performance is now, and will continue to be, subject to various risks associated with the acquisition of businesses, including the financial effects associated with any increased borrowing required to fund such acquisitions or with the integration of such businesses.

14


The FDAterms of any future preferred equity or debt financing may give holders of any preferred securities or debt securities rights that are senior to rights of our common shareholders or impose more stringent operating restrictions on our company.

Debt or equity financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms. If we incur additional debt or raise equity through the issuance of preferred stock or convertible securities, the terms of the debt or the preferred stock issued may give the holders rights, preferences and several states have statutory authorityprivileges senior to regulate allograft processingthose of holders of our common stock, particularly in the event of liquidation. The terms of the debt may also impose additional and allograft-based materials. The FDA could identify deficiencies in future inspectionsmore stringent restrictions on our operations. If we raise funds through the issuance of MTF or MTF's suppliers or promulgate future regulatory rulings that could disruptadditional equity, the ownership percentage of our business, reducing profitability.     existing shareholders would be diluted.


(iv) Other Risks Related to Our Business

We could experience a failure of a key information technology system, process or site or a breach of information security, including a cybersecurity breach or failure of one or more key information technology systems, networks, processes, associated sites or service providers.providers, and could potentially become liable for a breach of various data privacy regulations.


We rely extensively on information technology (“IT”) systems for the storage, processing, and transmission of our electronic, business-related, information assets used in or necessary to conduct business.  We leverage our internal information technologyIT infrastructures, and those of our business partners or other third parties, to enable, sustain, and support our global business activities. In addition, we rely on networks and services, including internet sites, data hosting and processing facilities and tools and other hardware, software and technical applications and platforms, some of which are managed, hosted, provided and/or used by third-parties or their vendors, to assist in conducting our business. The data we store and process may include customer payment information, personal information concerning our employees, confidential financial information, and other types of sensitive business-related information. In limited instances, we may also come into possession of information related to patients of our physician customers. Numerous and evolving cybersecurity threats pose potential risks to the security of our IT systems, networks and services, as well as the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. In addition, the laws and regulations governing security of data on IT systems and otherwise heldcollected, processed, stored, transmitted, disclosed and disposed of by companies isare evolving, and adding another layer of complexity in the form of new requirements. We have made, and continue to make investments, seeking to address these threats, including monitoring of networks and systems, hiring of experts,third party service providers with expertise in cybersecurity, employee training and security policies for employees and third-party providers. The techniques used in these attacks change frequently and may be difficult to detect for periods of time and we may face difficulties in anticipating anddifficult to anticipate by implementing adequate preventative measures. While

Our worldwide operations mean that we are subject to laws and regulations, including data protection and cybersecurity laws and regulations, in many jurisdictions. For example, the European Union ("EU") General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") requires us to manage personal data in the EU and may impose fines of up to four percent of our global revenue in the event of certain violations. In addition, legal requirements standards for cross-border personal data transfers from outside the United States are constantly changing, including the revisions made by the European Economic Area (“EEA”) that require the use of revised Standard Contractual Clauses (“SCCs”) for international data transfers from the EEA. The SCCs are required to be used for new agreements involving the cross-border transfer of personal data from the EEA and must be supplemented by an assessment and due diligence of the legal and regulatory landscape of the jurisdiction of the data importer, the channels used to transmit personal data and any sub-processors that may receive personal data. The UK has developed its own set of SCCs that must be used for transfers of personal data from the UK to the U.S. In July 2023, the European Commission determined that the Data Privacy Framework (“DPF”), a replacement for the invalidated EU-US Privacy Shield, ensures an adequate level of protection for EU personal data transferred to the United States. Compliance with these changes and any future changes to data transfer or privacy requirements could potentially require us to make significant technological and operational changes, any of which could result in substantial costs, and failure to comply with applicable data protection and transfer or privacy laws requirements could subject us to fines or regulatory oversight.

Likewise, the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") imposes obligations on companies that conduct business in California, and meet other requirements, with respect to the collection or sale of specified personal information. In November 2020, voters in the State of California approved the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), a ballot measure that amends and supplements the CCPA by, among other things, expanding certain rights relating to personal information and its use, collection, deletion, and disclosure by covered businesses. Compliance with the CCPA, the CPRA, and other state statutes, common law, or regulations designed to protect consumer, employee, or job applicant personal information could potentially require substantive technology infrastructure and process changes across many of the Company’s businesses. Other jurisdictions are also implementing or proposing a variety of data privacy laws and regulations. Further, there has been a developing trend of civil lawsuits and class actions relating to breaches of our IT systems to date have not been material toconsumer data held by large companies or incidents arising from other cyber-attacks. Any data security breaches, cyber-attacks, malicious intrusions or significant disruptions could result in actions by regulatory bodies and/or civil litigation, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, or results of operations, thefinancial condition, cash flows, reputation or competitive position.
15



The costs of attempting to protectprotecting IT systems and data may increase, and there can be no assurance that these added security efforts will prevent all breaches of our IT systems or thefts of our data. If We may also be exposed to potential disruption in operations, loss of customers, reputational, competitive and business harm, and significant costs from remediation, litigation and regulatory actions if our business continuity plans do not effectively address the following failures on a timely basis:

our IT systems are damaged or cease to function properly, properly;
the networks or service providers we rely upon fail to function properly,properly;
we fail to comply with an applicable law or regulation, such as the GDPR; or
we or one of our third-party providers suffer a loss or disclosure of our business or stakeholder information due to any number of causes ranging from catastrophic events or power outages to improper data handling or security breachesbreaches.

We rely on various software programs and information technology systems to run our business, some of which may be old or no longer supported and requiring replacements or updates. The failure of any of these software systems or information technology systems to operate properly, or disruptions associated with updating or implementing new software or information technology systems, may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows.

We rely on various software programs and information technology systems to run our business, some of which may be old, have suffered outages, or may no longer be supported. System disruptions could cause the Company to incur incremental costs and expenses in connection with resolving ongoing or implementation issues. To the extent that these disruptions recur and/or persist over time, this could negatively impact our competitive position and our relationships with our customers and thus could have a material adverse effect on our business, continuity plans doprospects, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2022, we launched a new warehouse management system (“WMS”), which caused service level disruptions that impacted our ability to ship certain quantities of finished goods to customers. Although we believe sales are no longer being delayed or lost as a result of WMS issues, there can be no assurances that such issues will not effectively address these failuresre-occur.

We rely on a timely basis,third party to obtain, process and distribute sports medicine allograft tissue. If such tissue cannot be obtained, is not accepted by the market or is not accepted under numerous government regulations, our results of operations could be negatively impacted.

A portion of our orthopedic revenues relate to our share of the service fees from the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation ("MTF") allograft tissues for which we have exclusive worldwide sales representation, marketing and promotion rights, as further described in our revenue recognition policy in Note 1.  Our primary costs related to these revenues come from our commission expense and certain marketing costs.  Our ability to increase the service fees may be constrained by certain factors which are outside of our control, such as the limited supply of donors and donated tissue that meets the quality standards of MTF.  Similarly, under the terms of the agreement, MTF remains responsible for tissue procurement and processing, shipment of tissues and invoicing of service fees to customers. To the extent MTF’s performance does not meet customer expectations or otherwise fails, we may be exposedunable to potential disruptionincrease the allograft service fees or to find a suitable replacement for MTF on terms that are acceptable.  

The FDA and several states have statutory authority to regulate allograft processing and allograft-based materials. The FDA could identify deficiencies in operations, lossfuture inspections of customers, reputational, competitiveMTF or MTF's suppliers or promulgate future regulatory rulings that could disrupt our business, reducing profitability.

We distribute some products for third-party companies, and cannot ensure that our rights to distribute such third-party products will continue indefinitely.

While we generally own the products' designs and rights to the products we sell, in some cases we distribute products for third-parties. While these third-parties may have business harm as well as significant costs from remediation, litigation and regulatory actions.

reasons for contracting with us to distribute their products, we may face the risk that the third-parties may seek alternate distribution partners when their distribution contracts with us expire or are scheduled for renewal. If we infringe third parties’ patents,lose the distribution rights to such products, we may not be able to find replacement products that are acceptable to our customers, or ifto us.

If we lose our patents or they are held to be invalid, or if our products or services infringe on third party patents, we could become subject to liability and our competitive position could be harmed.
 
Much of the technology used in the markets in which we compete is covered by patents.  We have numerous U.S. patents and corresponding international patents on products expiring at various dates from 20182024 through 20382043 and have additional patent applications pending.  See Item 1 Business “Research and Development” and “Intellectual Property” for a further description of
16


our patents.  The loss of our patents could reduce the value of the related products and any related competitive advantage.  Competitors may also be able to design around our patents and to compete effectively with our products.  In addition, the cost of enforcing our patents against third parties and defending our products against patent infringement actions by others could be substantial.substantial, and we may not prevail.

While we seek to take reasonable steps to avoid infringing on patents we do not own or license, we cannot be sure that our services and products do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of third parties, and we may have infringement claims asserted against us. These claims could cost us money, prevent us from offering some services or products, or damage our reputation. We cannot assure yoube certain that:
 
pending patent applications will result in issued patents;
patents issued to or licensed by us will not be challenged by competitors;
our patents will be found to be valid or sufficiently broad to protect our technology or provide us with a competitive advantage; or


we will be successful in defending against pending or future patent infringement claims asserted against our products.


Ordering patterns of our customersWe may change resulting in reductions in sales.
Our hospital and surgery center customers purchase our products in quantities sufficient to meet their anticipated demand.  Likewise, our healthcare distributor customers purchase our products for ultimate resale to healthcare providers in quantities sufficient to meet the anticipated requirements of the distributors’ customers.  Should inventories of our products owned by our hospital, surgery center and distributor customers grow to levels higher than their requirements, our customers may reduce the ordering of products from us.  This could result in reduced sales during a financial accounting period.
We can be sued for producing defective productsproduct liability claims and our insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover the nature and amount of any product liability claims.
 
Even if our products are properly designed and perform as intended, we may be sued. The nature of our products as medical devices, and today’sthe litigious environment, should be regarded as potential risks which could significantly and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.  The insurance we maintain to protect against claims associated with the use of our products has deductibles and may not adequately cover the amount or nature of any claim asserted against us.  We are also exposed to the risk that our insurers may become insolvent or that premiums may increase substantially.  See “Item 3 - Legal Proceedings” for a further discussion of the risk of product liability actions and our insurance coverage.

Damage to our physical properties as a result of windstorm, earthquake, fire or other natural or man-made disaster may cause a financial loss and a loss of customers.
 
Although we maintain insurance coverage for physical damage to our property and the resultant losses that could occur during a business interruption, we are required to pay deductibles and our insurance coverage is limited to certain caps.  For example, our deductible for windstorm damage to our Florida property amounts to 2% of any loss. Any increase in the frequency or severity of natural disaster events could result in increased insurance premiums.
 
Further, while insurance reimburses us for our lost gross earnings during a business interruption, if we are unable to supply our customers with our products for an extended period of time, there can be no assurance that we will regain the customers’ business once the product supply is returned to normal.


Our significant international operations subject us to foreign currency fluctuations and other risks associated with operating in countries outside the United States.
A significant portion of our revenues, approximately 44% of 2023 consolidated net sales, were to customers outside the United States.  We have sales subsidiaries in a significant number of countries in Europe as well as Australia, Canada, China, Japan and Korea.  In those countries in which we have a direct presence, our sales are denominated in the local currency and those sales denominated in local currency amounted to approximately 32% of our total net sales in 2023.  The remaining 12% of sales to customers outside the United States was on an export basis and transacted in United States dollars.

Because a significant portion of our operations consist of sales activities in jurisdictions outside the United States, our financial results may be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the markets in which we distribute products.  While we have a hedging strategy involving foreign currency forward contracts for 2023, our revenues and earnings are only partially protected from foreign currency translation if the United States dollar strengthens as compared with currencies such as the Euro.  Further, as of the date of this Form 10-K, we have not entered into any foreign currency forward contracts beyond 2025. Our international presence exposes us to certain other inherent risks, including:
imposition of limitations on conversions of foreign currencies into dollars or remittance of dividends and other payments by international subsidiaries;
imposition or increase of withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by international subsidiaries;
trade barriers and tariffs;
17


compliance with economic sanctions, trade embargoes, export controls, and the customs laws and regulations of the many countries in which we operate;
political risks, including political instability;
reliance on third parties to distribute our products;
hyperinflation in certain countries outside the United States; and
imposition or increase of investment and other restrictions by foreign governments.

We cannot be certain that such risks will not have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our new products may fail to achieve expected levels of market acceptance.
New product introductions may fail to achieve market acceptance.  The degree of market acceptance for any of our products will depend upon a number of factors, including:
our ability to develop and introduce new products and product enhancements on a timely basis;
our ability to successfully implement new technologies;
the market’s readiness to accept new products;
having adequate financial and technological resources for future product development and promotion;
the efficacy of our products;
the extent to which we have, are able to fund and develop, clinical data surrounding the use and efficacy of our products; and
the prices of our products compared to the prices of our competitors’ products.

If our new products do not achieve market acceptance, we may be unable to recover our investments and may lose business to competitors.

In addition, some of the companies with which we now compete, or may compete in the future, have or may have more extensive research, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and significantly greater technical and personnel resources than we do, and may be better positioned to continue to improve their technology in order to compete in an evolving industry.  See “Products” in Item 1 - Business for a further discussion of these competitive forces.

Our Board of Directors may, in the future, limit or discontinue payment of a dividend on common stock.

We have paid a quarterly dividend to our shareholders since 2012. However, we may not pay such dividends in the future at the prior rate, or at all. All decisions regarding our payment of dividends will be made by our Board of Directors from time to time, and are subject to an evaluation of our financial condition, results of operations and capital requirements, applicable law, industry practice, contractual restraints and other business considerations. In addition, our senior credit agreement may restrict our ability to pay dividends, and the terms of agreements governing debt that we may incur in the future may also limit or prohibit dividend payments. We may not have sufficient surplus or net profits under Delaware law to be able to pay any dividends, which may result from extraordinary cash expenses, actual expenses exceeding contemplated costs, funding of capital expenditures or increases in reserves.

Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law could delay or prevent a change in control.

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that a shareholder may consider favorable. These provisions include:

the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without shareholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquirer;
the requirement that a special meeting of shareholders may be called only by the board of directors, the chair of the board of directors, the president, or stockholders holding at least 25% of our outstanding stock (subject to certain procedural and informational requirements), which may delay the ability of our shareholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action;
the procedural safeguards in place in connection with stockholder action by written consent, including a requirement that stockholders of at least 25% of our outstanding common stock request that the board of directors set a record date to determine the stockholders entitled to act by written consent;
providing indemnification and exculpation rights to our directors and officers;
advance notice procedures that shareholders must comply with in order to nominate candidates to our board of
18


directors or to propose matters to be acted upon at a shareholders’ meeting, which may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us; and
exclusive forum provisions, including provisions providing for the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for bringing certain actions.

As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which provides that we may not engage in a business combination, such as a merger, consolidation, recapitalization, asset sale or disposition of stock, with any "interested stockholder" for a period of three years from the date that the interested stockholder first became an interested stockholder unless certain conditions are met.

Any provision of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our shareholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock, and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.

Environmental laws and regulations and climate change initiatives could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our business and facilities and those of our suppliers are subject to a number of federal, state, local and international laws and regulations governing the protection of human health and the environment. In addition, concern over climate change and sustainability has led to foreign and domestic legislative and regulatory initiatives directed at limiting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. A failure to comply with current or future environmental laws and regulations could result in fines or penalties. Any such expenses or liability could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Our ability to attract and retain qualified employees is critical to our success.

Our employees are our most important resource, and in many areas of the medical industry, competition for qualified personnel is intense. We seek to attract talented and diverse new employees and retain and motivate our existing employees. If we are unable to continue to attract or retain qualified employees, including our executives, our performance, including our competitive position, could be materially and adversely affected.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments


None.




Item 1C. Cybersecurity

We take an active role in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, systems, processes, applications, and products. We are diligent when it comes to safeguarding the data of our strategic partners, employees, existing and future customers, and our teams throughout the globe. We take the protection of proprietary information, intellectual property, and sensitive information seriously, making it our commitment to provide comprehensive prevention, detection, and response capabilities, in order to maintain integrity.

We manage cyber risk and assess internal maturity capabilities by leveraging the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework, in conjunction with the Center for Internet Security (CIS) top 18 risk framework. Internal and external assessments are conducted for best practice benchmarking. Outputs from these assessments are used to develop strategic priorities, and to develop tactical action plans to continue to mature our cyber posture. CONMED leverages technologies, external consultants and vendors to support our risk management strategies, threat insights, trends, and mitigation approaches. In addition, CONMED has published corporate policies that support our cybersecurity efforts, such as our employee handbook, and has proactively implemented protection measures such as endpoint encryption, endpoint monitoring (EDR), remote access, VPN, and multi-factor authentication. Policies and procedures must go through a controlled review process by senior management to ensure relevant updates are being incorporated in our policies.

The Board of Directors oversees management’s processes for identifying and mitigating risks, including cybersecurity risks, to help align our risk exposure with our strategic objectives. Our executive management team along with our Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) are responsible for managing cybersecurity risk, including assessing cyber maturity and development of short and long-term strategies. Our CISO has extensive leadership and experience within the cybersecurity space. We invest in the growth and development of our security team's expertise through hands-on training, technical industry
19


certifications and security domain specific conferences. Security is approached as a unified company strategy, where everyone in the organization plays a key role in the success of our programs. Through required phishing training and awareness campaigns, policy and procedures training, and periodic multi-level tabletop exercise scenarios, we continue to improve identification, reporting, response, recovery, and prevention of threats. We engage in penetration testing, provided by external entities to ensure our internal processes and controls are validated.

We continue to invest in IT Security to improve technical capabilities, streamline response effectiveness, and harden preventive, detection, and response measures, while growing the core security organization to support business growth efforts.

We build our security program with the intent of a global reach and a global customer base at the top of our minds. Cybersecurity risk factors are evaluated, prioritized, and connected to annual strategic priorities. Strategic priorities are comprised of critical cybersecurity efforts in an ongoing effort to mitigate internal or external risks factors, and drive maturity objectives. We have developed and continue to develop strategic and tactical cyber capabilities to provide a modern approach to protecting the partnerships we have built our business around. This is, and will continue to be, an ongoing effort to provide and implement cyber best practices. Our Audit Committee is briefed semi-annually by our management team to provide awareness around IT environmental risk factors, cyber posture, global threat landscape, and changing regulatory requirements. Decisions are then made based on all assessed risk factors, including cyber maturity growth, strategic personnel, and appropriate cyber capability. All critical response activities are assessed and communicated from executive management to the Audit Committee which then reports to the Board of Directors.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and through the date of the filing of this Form 10-K, the Company has not identified any specific risks from cybersecurity threats that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.

Item 2.  Properties


Facilities


The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our principal operating facilities.  We believe that our facilities are generally well maintained, are suitable to support our business and adequate for present and anticipated needs.
 
Location
LocationSquare FeetOwn or LeaseLease Expiration
Utica, NY500,000 Own
Utica, NYLargo, FL278,000 500,000Own
Own
Largo, FLChihuahua, Mexico207,720 278,000Lease
OwnOctober 2024
Chihuahua, Mexico40,626 207,720Lease
LeaseSeptember 2019March 2028
Chihuahua, Mexico40,626
LeaseMarch 2028
Lithia Springs, GA188,400 188,400Lease
January 2025
Atlanta, GA110,096 LeaseDecember 2019March 2026
Brussels, Belgium58,276 58,276Lease
LeaseJune 2024
Milford, CTMississauga, Canada36,054 40,542Lease
LeaseNovember 2020July 2036
Mississauga, Canada22,378
LeaseDecember 2018
Greenwood Village, CO27,763 22,162Lease
LeaseApril 2024January 2025
Westborough, MA19,533 19,515Lease
LeaseJune 2020November 2025
Frenchs Forest, Australia16,959 16,912Lease
LeaseJuly 2020
Seoul, Korea15,585
LeaseJanuary 2020
Anaheim, CA14,037
LeaseAugust 2018
Frankfurt, Germany13,606
LeaseMarch 2023
Milan, Italy13,024
LeaseMarch 2023
Barcelona, Spain12,820
LeaseDecember 2023
Swindon, Wiltshire, UK8,562
LeaseDecember 2020
Askim, Sweden8,353
LeaseMay 2019
Lyon, France7,492
LeaseNovember 2026
Beijing, China6,799
LeaseJune 2018
Beijing, China3,456
LeaseSeptember 2019
Copenhagen, Denmark5,899
LeaseOctober 2018
Shanghai, China4,308
LeaseAugust 2021
New York, NY3,473
LeaseSeptember 2022
Warsaw, Poland3,222
LeaseFebruary 2023
Espoo, Finland3,078
LeaseOpen Ended
Innsbruck, Austria1,820
LeaseJune 2020
Tokyo, Japan1,339
LeaseJanuary 20192025


Our principal manufacturing facilities are located in Utica, NY, Largo, FL and Chihuahua, Mexico. Lithia Springs and Atlanta, GA andas well as Brussels, Belgium are our principal distribution centers. The remaining facilities are generallyWe also maintain sales and administrative offices with certain offices also including smaller distribution centers.in countries throughout the world.


Item 3.  Legal Proceedings


We are involved in various proceedings, legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business, including proceedings related to product, labor and intellectual property and other matters that are more fully described in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.14. We are not a party to any pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.


Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures


Not applicable.

20




PART II


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


Our common stock, par value $.01 per share, is traded on the NASDAQNew York Stock MarketExchange ("NYSE") under the symbol “CNMD”. At January 31, 2018,February 1, 2024, there were 567447 registered holders of our common stock and approximately 5,33370,385 accounts held in “street name”.
 
The following table sets forth quarterly high and low closing sales prices for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market.
 2017
PeriodHigh Low
First Quarter$45.55
 $40.11
Second Quarter52.49
 43.50
Third Quarter52.52
 48.38
Fourth Quarter54.24
 49.30

 2016
PeriodHigh Low
First Quarter$42.61
 $36.16
Second Quarter47.73
 38.97
Third Quarter50.00
 38.48
Fourth Quarter46.45
 37.75

Our Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program; see Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.10 for further details.


The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share in 20162022 and 2017.2023. The fourth quarter dividend for 20172023 was paid on January 5, 20182024 to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2017.18, 2023. The total dividend payable at December 31, 20172023 was $5.6$6.2 million and is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. Future decisions as to the payment of dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Other Risk Factors Related to our Business - Our Board of Directors subject to conditions then existing, including our financial requirements and condition andmay, in the limitation andfuture, limit or discontinue payment of cash dividends contained in debt agreements.a dividend on common stock."
 
Refer to Item 12 for information relating to compensation plans under which equity securities of CONMED Corporation are authorized for issuance.



21





Performance Graph


The performance graph below compares the yearly percentage change incumulative five-year total shareholder return on the Company’s Common Stock with the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ CompositeS&P 500 Index and the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s Health Care Equipment Index. In each case, the cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends into the same class of equity securities at the frequency with which dividends are paid on such securities during the applicable fiscal year.


5_year_chart_2023.jpg





Item 6.  Selected Financial Data[Reserved]


The following table sets forth selected historical financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013.  The financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the information under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Item 7 of this Form 10-K and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the notes thereto.
22
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Statements of Operations Data (1):
         
Net sales$796,392
 $763,520
 $719,168
 $740,055
 $762,704
Cost of sales (2)
365,351
 355,190
 337,466
 335,998
 350,287
Gross profit431,041
 408,330
 381,702
 404,057
 412,417
Selling and administrative expense (3)
351,799
 338,400
 303,091
 323,492
 330,078
Research and development expense32,307
 32,254
 27,436
 27,779
 25,831
Income from operations46,935
 37,676
 51,175
 52,786
 56,508
Other expense (4)

 2,942
 
 
 263
Interest expense18,203
 15,359
 6,031
 6,111
 5,613
Income before income taxes28,732
 19,375
 45,144
 46,675
 50,632
Provision (benefit) for income taxes(5)
(26,755) 4,711
 14,646
 14,483
 14,693
Net income$55,487
 $14,664
 $30,498
 $32,192
 $35,939
          
Per Share Data:     
    
Basic earnings per share$1.99
 $0.53
 $1.10
 $1.17
 $1.30
          
Diluted earnings per share$1.97
 $0.52
 $1.09
 $1.16
 $1.28
          
Dividends per share of common stock$0.80
 $0.80
 $0.80
 $0.80
 $0.65
          
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares In Calculating:     
    
Basic earnings per share27,939
 27,804
 27,653
 27,401
 27,722
Diluted earnings per share28,171
 27,964
 27,858
 27,769
 28,114
          
Other Financial Data:     
    
Depreciation and amortization$58,548
 $55,309
 $43,879
 $45,734
 $47,867
Capital expenditures12,842
 14,753
 15,009
 15,411
 18,445
          
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):     
    
Cash and cash equivalents$32,622
 $27,428
 $72,504
 $66,332
 $54,443
Total assets(6)
1,357,961
 1,328,983
 1,101,700
 1,086,703
 1,079,881
Long-term obligations(6)
576,526
 634,455
 396,909
 389,449
 362,336
Total shareholders’ equity631,432
 580,576
 585,073
 581,298
 606,319

(1)Results of operations of acquired businesses have been recorded in the financial statements since the date of acquisition. Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

(2)
In 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we incurred charges related to the restructuring of certain of our manufacturing operations of $2.9 million, $3.1 million, $8.0 million, $5.6 million and $6.5 million, respectively; in 2016 and 2013 we


incurred charges of $4.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively, related to the termination of a product offering.  See additional discussion in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

(3)Acquisition, restructuring and other expense included in selling and administrative costs are the following:


 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
          
Restructuring costs$1,347
 $6,670
 $13,655
 $3,354
 $8,750
Business acquisition costs2,336
 17,029
 2,543
 722
 
Legal matters17,480
 3,773
 
 
 
Gain on sale of facility
 (1,890) 
 
 
Management restructuring costs
 
 
 12,546
 
Shareholder activism costs
 
 
 3,966
 
Patent dispute and other matters
 
 
 3,374
 3,206
Pension settlement expense
 
 
 
 1,443
Acquisition, restructuring and other expense included in selling and administrative expense$21,163
 $25,582
 $16,198
 $23,962
 $13,399

See additional discussion in Notes 2, 11 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

(4)During 2016, we incurred a $2.7 million charge related to commitment fees paid to certain of our lenders, which provided a financing commitment for the SurgiQuest acquisition and recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $0.3 million in conjunction with the fifth amended and restated senior credit agreement as further described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. In 2013, we recorded a $0.3 million charge related to a loss on the early extinguishment of debt. 

(5)During 2017, we recorded a deferred tax benefit of $31.9 million as a result of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

(6)In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 "Income Taxes (ASC 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes". This ASU requires all deferred income tax assets and liabilities be presented as non-current in classified balance sheets. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2016 and applied retrospectively.




Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Selected Financial Data (Item 6), and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this report.

This section of this Form 10-K generally discusses 2023 and 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022. Discussions of 2021 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2022 and 2021 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Overview of CONMED Corporation


CONMED Corporation (“CONMED”, the “Company”, “we” or “us”) is a medical technology company that provides surgical devices and equipment for minimally invasivesurgical procedures.  The Company’s products are used by surgeons and physiciansother healthcare professionals in a variety of specialties including orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgerythoracic surgery and gastroenterology.  


Beginning in fiscal year 2017, we adjusted our product line disclosures to align with the way we review net sales. In doing so, we consolidated our surgical visualization product line into our orthopedic surgery product line for all years presented. Our product lines consist of orthopedic surgery and general surgery. Orthopedic surgery consists of sports medicine instrumentation and lower extremities instrumentation and implants, small bone, large bone and specialty powered surgical instruments as well as imaging systems for use in minimally invasive surgerysurgical procedures including 2DHD and 3DHD vision technologies and service fees related to the promotion and marketing of sports medicine allograft tissue. General surgery consists of a complete line of endo-mechanical instrumentation for minimally invasive laparoscopic and gastrointestinal procedures, smoke evacuation devices, a line of cardiac monitoring products as well as electrosurgical generators and related instruments. These product lines as a percentage of consolidated net sales are as follows:

2017 2016 2015 202320222021
Orthopedic surgery54% 55% 62%Orthopedic surgery43 %44 %43 %
General surgery46
 45
 38
Consolidated net sales100% 100% 100%Consolidated net sales100 %100 %100 %
 
A significant amount of our products are used in surgical procedures with approximately 80%83% of our revenues derived from the sale of single-use products.  Our capital equipment offerings also facilitate the ongoing sale of related single-use products and accessories, thus providing us with a recurring revenue stream.  We manufacture substantially all of our products in facilities located in the United States and Mexico.  We market our products both domestically and internationally directly to customers and through distributors.  International sales approximated 48%, 48%44% in 2023, 45% in 2022 and 50%45% in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.2021.
 
Business Environment
    
On January 4, 2016,The Company has been and continues to be impacted by the macro-economic environment and we acquired SurgiQuest, Inc. ("SurgiQuest")are experiencing higher manufacturing and operating costs caused by inflationary pressures and ongoing supply chain challenges. We work with suppliers to mitigate these impacts; however, we expect these challenges to continue in 2024. This will likely impact our results of operations. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for $265 millionmore information.

The Company has not been materially impacted by the conflicts in cash (on a cash-free, debt-free basis). SurgiQuest develops, manufacturesUkraine and markets the AirSeal® System, the first integrated access management technology for useMiddle East. The Company has no direct operations in laparoscopicthese regions with our business limited to selling to third party distributors. Total revenues and robotic procedures. This proprietary and differentiated access system is complementaryaccounts receivable associated with sales to our current general surgery offering. In connection with the SurgiQuest acquisition, we assumed a lawsuit filedthird party distributors in 2013 by Lexion Medical (“Lexion”) against SurgiQuest. On April 11, 2017, the trial for this lawsuit concluded with the jury awarding $2.2 million in compensatory damages with an additional $10.0 million in punitive damages to Lexion. Refer to Note 2these regions are not material to the consolidated financial statements for further details on this acquisitionstatements. We will continue to monitor and Note 11adjust our business strategy in response to the consolidated financial statements for further details on the lawsuit.conflicts in these regions.

During 2017, we recorded a deferred tax benefit of $31.9 million as a result of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Although we are still assessing the overall impact, we believe this Act will result in a lower tax on domestic earnings than we have historically recorded. Refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

We plan to continue to restructure both operations and administrative functions as necessary throughout the organization. We have successfully executed our restructuring plans over the past few years, however, we cannot be certain future activities will be completed in the estimated time period or that planned cost savings will be achieved.

Critical Accounting Policies
 
Preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.  Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements describes the significant accounting policies used in preparation of the consolidated financial statements.  The most significant areas involving management judgments


and estimates are described below and are considered by management to be critical to understanding the financial condition and results of operations of CONMED Corporation. Actual results may or may not differ from these estimates.

23



Inventory Valuation

We write-off excess and obsolete inventory resulting from the inability to sell our products at prices in excess of current carrying costs. The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, with new products and surgical procedures introduced on an on-going basis. Such marketplace changes may result in our products becoming obsolete. We make estimates regarding the future recoverability of the costs of our products and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventories based on historical experience and expected future trends. If actual product life cycles, product demand or acceptance of new product introductions are less favorable than projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets


We have a history of growth through acquisitions.  Assets and liabilities of acquired businesses are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition.  Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses.  Factors that contribute to the recognition of goodwill include synergies that are specific to our business and are expected to increase net sales and profits; acquisition of a talented workforce; cost savings opportunities; the strategic benefit of expanding our presence in core and adjacent markets; and diversifying our product portfolio.Customer and distributor relationships, trademarks, tradenames, developed technology, patents and other intangible assets primarily represent allocations of purchase price to identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses. Promotional,Sales representation, marketing and distributionpromotional rights represent intangible assets created under our Sports Medicine Joint Development and Distribution Agreement (the "JDDA")agreement with Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (“MTF”).  Determining the fair value of intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination requires us to make significant estimates. These estimates include the timing and amount of cash flow projections, including revenue growth rates, obsolescence rate, EBITDA margin, the customer attrition rate, royalty rate and discount rates. As these are significant estimates, we would obtain the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist in estimating fair values of intangible assets for significant acquisitions.


Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to at least annual impairment testing. It is our policy to perform our annual impairment testing in the fourth quarter. The identification and measurement of goodwill impairment involves the estimation of the fair value of our business. Estimates of fair value are based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment. We completed our goodwill impairment testing of our single reporting unit during the fourth quarter of 2017.2023. We performed our impairment test utilizing the market capitalization approach to determine whether the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Based upon our assessment, the fair value of our reporting unit continues to exceed carrying value.


Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset and are evaluated each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization.  Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of an intangible asset subject to amortization is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset.  An impairment loss is recognized by reducing the carrying amount of the intangible asset to its current fair value.


For all other indefinite-lived intangible assets, we perform a qualitative impairment test. Based upon this assessment, we have determined that our indefinite-lived intangible assets are not impaired.


See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements7 for further discussion of goodwill and other intangible assets.


Contingent Consideration

Certain acquisitions involve potential payments of future consideration that is contingent upon the acquired businesses reaching certain performance milestones. The Company records contingent consideration at fair value at the date of acquisition based on the consideration expected to be transferred, estimated as the probability-weighted future cash flows, discounted back to present value. The fair value of contingent consideration is measured using projected payment dates, discount rates, revenue volatilities, and projected revenues. Projected revenues are based on the Company’s most recent internal operational budgets and long-range strategic plans. The discount rate used is determined at the time of measurement in accordance with accepted valuation methodologies. Changes in projected revenues, revenue volatilities, discount rates, and projected payment dates may result in adjustments to the fair value measurements. Contingent consideration is remeasured each reporting period using Level 3 inputs, and the change in fair value, including accretion for the passage of time, is recognized as income or expense within selling and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of contingent consideration at December 31, 2023 was $41.4 million for the In2Bones acquisition and $128.8 million for the Biorez acquisition. Contingent consideration payments made soon after the acquisition date are classified as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Contingent consideration payments not made soon after the acquisition date that are related to the acquisition date fair value are reported as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows, and amounts paid in excess of the original acquisition date fair value are reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. See Note 16 for further discussion of contingent consideration.

Pension Plan


We sponsor a defined benefit pension plan (the “pension plan”) that was frozen in 2009. It covered substantially all our United States based employees at the time it was frozen. Major assumptions used inIn conjunction with the pension plan, we recorded a pension benefit obligation totaling $70.6 million as of December 31, 2023. In accounting for thethis pension plan, includewe are required to make
24


a number of assumptions, including the discount rate expected return on plan assets and expected mortality. Assumptions are determined based on Company data and appropriate market indicators, and are evaluated annually as of the plan’s measurement date.  A change in any of these assumptions would have an effect on net periodic pension costs reported in the consolidated financial statements.

The weighted-average discount rate used to measure pension liabilities at December 31, 2017 andrepresents the estimated 2018 pension expense is set by reference to the Mercer Above Mean Yield Curve. When setting the discount rate, we consider the individual characteristics of the plan, such as projected cash flow patterns.  The effective rates used in determining the December 31, 2017 and 2016 pension liabilities were 3.69% and 4.28%, respectively. Effective rates of 4.28% and 4.54% were used for determining the pension liabilities that are the basis for the 2017 and 2016 pension expense, respectively. As further discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2016 we changed the method used to estimate the interest cost component of


the pension expense to the spot rate approach resulting in an effective rate of interest equal to 3.49% and 3.77% for 2017 and 2016, respectively. The rate used in determining 2018 estimatedestimating the present value of projected cash flows to settle the Company’s pension expenseobligations. The discount rate assumption is 3.69% fordetermined by using a full yield curve approach, which involves applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation and 3.28% forthat correlates to the effective interest raterelevant projected cash flows. The mortality assumptions are based on the benefit obligation.Pri-2012 Mortality Tables using the MP-2021 mortality improvement scale.

We have used an expected rate of return on pension plan assets of 8.0% for purposes of determining the net periodic pension benefit cost for 2017 and plan to use 7.5% for 2018 based on our year-end analysis of probable returns based on our asset mix.  In determining the expected return on pension plan assets, we consider the relative weighting of plan assets, the historical performance of total plan assets and individual asset classes and economic and other indicators of future performance.  In addition, we consult with financial and investment management professionals in developing appropriate targeted rates of return.

Pension expense in 2018 is expected to be $0.8 million. Pension expense was $0.9 million in 2017.  In addition, we do not expect to make any contributions to the pension plan for the 2018 plan year.

In performing a sensitivity analysis on ourthe pension plan expense, we do not believebenefit obligation, a 0.25% increase orin our discount rate would decrease the pension benefit obligation by $1.5 million and a 0.25% decrease in the discount rate or investment return would have a material impact on ourincrease the pension expense.

benefit obligation by $1.6 million. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements13 for further discussion.discussion of the pension plan.
Stock-based Compensation

All share-based payments to employees, including stock options, grants of restricted stock units, performance share units and stock appreciation rights are recognized in the financial statements based at their fair values.  Compensation expense is generally recognized using a straight-line method over the vesting period. Compensation expense for performance share units is recognized using the graded vesting method.

Income Taxes
The recorded future tax benefit arising from deductible temporary differences and tax carryforwards is approximately $50.2 million at December 31, 2017.  Management believes that earnings during the periods when the temporary differences become deductible will be sufficient to realize the related future income tax benefits.
The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various states and foreign jurisdictions. Taxing authority examinations can involve complex issues and may require an extended period of time to resolve. Our federal income tax returns have been examined by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for calendar years ending through 2016. Tax years subsequent to 2016 are subject to future examination.


Consolidated Results of Operations


The following table presents, as a percentage of net sales, certain categories included in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated:
 
 Years Ended December 31,
 202320222021
Net sales100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
Cost of sales45.7 45.4 43.8 
Gross profit54.3 54.6 56.2 
Selling and administrative expense40.4 43.4 41.0 
Research and development expense4.2 4.5 4.3 
Income from operations9.7 6.7 10.9 
Interest expense3.2 2.8 3.5 
Other expense— 10.7 0.1 
Income (loss) before income taxes6.5 (6.8)7.2 
Provision for income taxes1.3 0.9 1.0 
Net income (loss)5.2 %(7.7)%6.2 %
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net sales100.0 % 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales45.9
 46.5
 46.9
Gross profit54.1
 53.5
 53.1
Selling and administrative expense44.2
 44.3
 42.1
Research and development expense4.1
 4.2
 3.8
Income from operations5.9
 4.9
 7.1
Other expense
 0.4
 
Interest expense2.3
 2.0
 0.8
Income before income taxes3.6
 2.5
 6.3
Provision (benefit) for income taxes(3.4) 0.6
 2.0
Net income7.0 % 1.9% 4.2%





Net Sales


The following table presents net sales by product line for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015:2021:

% Change from
2022 to 2023
20232022As ReportedImpact of Foreign Currency
Constant Currency a
Orthopedic surgery$533.1 $461.5 15.5 %2.2 %17.7 %
General surgery711.6 584.0 21.9 %1.5 %23.4 %
   Net sales$1,244.7 $1,045.5 19.1 %1.8 %20.9 %
Single-use products$1,038.5 $874.9 18.7 %1.8 %20.5 %
Capital products206.2 170.6 20.9 %1.9 %22.8 %
   Net sales$1,244.7 $1,045.5 19.1 %1.8 %20.9 %
25


 Years Ended
       % Change from
2016 to 2017
 % Change from
2015 to 2016
 2017 2016 2015 As Reported Constant Currency As Reported Constant Currency
Orthopedic surgery$428.9
 $422.1
 $445.0
 1.6% 1.5% -5.1 % -2.3 %
General surgery367.5
 341.4
 274.2
 7.6% 7.8% 24.5 % 26.0 %
   Net sales$796.4
 $763.5
 $719.2
 4.3% 4.3% 6.2 % 8.6 %
              
Single-use products$637.0
 $605.8
 $567.3
 5.2% 5.2% 6.8 % 9.3 %
Capital products159.4
 157.7
 151.9
 1.1% 1.0% 3.8 % 6.1 %
   Net sales$796.4
 $763.5
 $719.2
 4.3% 4.3% 6.2 % 8.6 %


% Change from
2021 to 2022
20222021As ReportedImpact of Foreign Currency
Constant Currency a
Orthopedic surgery$461.5 $438.4 5.3 %1.2 %6.5 %
General surgery584.0 572.2 2.1 %1.0 %3.1 %
   Net sales$1,045.5 $1,010.6 3.4 %1.2 %4.6 %
Single-use products$874.9 $820.1 6.7 %1.1 %7.8 %
Capital products170.6 190.5 -10.5 %1.1 %-9.4 %
   Net sales$1,045.5 $1,010.6 3.4 %1.2 %4.6 %

(a) Refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures below for further details.

Net sales increased 4.3% to $796.4 million19.1% in 2017 and 6.2% in 2016 to $763.5 million from $719.2 million in 2015. The increase in 2017 was2023 due to increases across the continuedmajority of our product lines, including In2Bones and Biorez product lines. Further contributing to sales growth during 2023 was the significant progress and improvement we made with the performance of our warehouse management system and significant reduction in general surgery and the return to growth in orthopedic surgery, as described below. The increase in 2016 sales compared to the same period 2015 was mainly due to growth in our General Surgery product line due to the SurgiQuest acquisition.shipping delays that existed at year-end 2022.


Orthopedic surgery sales increased 1.6%15.5% in 2017 to $428.9 million after2023 as a decreaseresult of 5.1%growth in 2016 to $422.1 million from $445.0 million in 2015. In 2017, the increase was mainly driven by our sports medicine offerings, including newIn2Bones and Biorez product introductions, partially offset by lower capital sales. In 2016, the decrease was mainly due to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange, lower sales in our capital productslines and resection product offering offset by increases in our procedure specificorthopedic product offering.offerings.
General surgery sales increased 7.6% in 2017 to $367.5 million after an increase of 24.5% in 2016 to $341.4 million from $274.2 million in 2015. The increase in 2017 was driven primarily by sales growth of our advanced surgical product offering, particularly in AirSeal® and new product introductions, and endoscopic technologies products, particularly in new product introductions. The increase in 2016 was mainly due to the SurgiQuest acquisition.

General surgery sales increased 21.9% in 2023 as a result of growth in the AirSeal, Buffalo Filter and other surgical product offerings.

Cost of Sales
Cost of sales was $365.4$568.5 million in 2017, $355.22023 compared to $474.2 million in 2016 and $337.5 million in 2015.2022.  Gross profit margins were 54.1%54.3% in 2017, 53.5%2023 and 54.6% in 2016 and 53.1% in 2015.2022.  The increasedecrease in gross profit marginsmargin of 0.60.3 percentage points in 20172023 was mainly the resultdriven by cost increases and inflation in raw materials and other costs of reduced restructuring costs. The increase of 0.4 percentage points in 2016 was mainly a result of the impact of favorable production variances (1.2 percentage points) and product mix (0.3 percentage points), partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates onhigher sales (1.1 percentage points).volumes and more favorable product mix. In addition, during 2023, we incurred costs for the amortization of inventory step-up to fair value of $8.6 million related to the In2Bones acquisition compared to $4.5 million of such costs during 2022. During both 2023 and 2022, we incurred $2.0 million in consulting fees related to a cost improvement initiative.


Selling and Administrative Expense


Selling and administrative expense was $351.8$503.0 million in 2017, $338.42023 compared to $454.0 million in 2016 and $303.1 million in 2015.2022. Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales was 44.2%40.4% in 2017, 44.3%2023 and 43.4% in 2016 and 42.1% in 2015.  2022.  


The factors affecting the 0.1 percentage point decrease in selling and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales in 2017 as compared to the same period 2023 was primarily driven by:

a year ago included (1) a $14.7decrease of $9.3 million decrease in consulting fees, legal fees and other integration related costs associated with the SurgiQuest acquisitionacquisitions of In2Bones and Biorez ($0.8 million in 2016 as further described2023 compared to $10.1 million in Notes 2 and 12 and (2) 2022);
a $5.3 million decrease in severance and other related costs from the restructuring of certain of our sales, marketing and administrative functions as further described in Note 12. These decreases were offset by (1) $12.2$4.9 million in costs associated withrelated to fair value adjustments to contingent consideration ($2.4 million of income in 2023 compared to $2.5 million expense in 2022), see Note 16;
$0.8 million in costs related to a legal settlement during 2022;
a decrease of $0.7 million in costs related to the SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation verdict as further describedimplementation of a new warehouse management system ($6.1 million in Notes 112023 compared to $6.8 million in 2022). These costs mainly consisted of incremental freight, labor and 12, (2) a $1.5 million increase in legal fees associated with this litigation as well as other legal matters as further described in Note 12 (3) the $1.9 million gain on the sale of our Centennial, CO facility in 2016 as further described in Note 12professional fees; and (4) higher selling and administrative expense to support the growth of the Company.



The significant factors affecting the 2.2 percentage point increaseoverall decrease in selling and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales in 2016as compared to 2015 included (1) a $14.5 million increase in business acquisition costs due to the SurgiQuest acquisition as further described in Notes 2we leverage our existing selling and 12, (2) $3.8administrative structure.

These decreases were partially offset by:

$2.1 million in legal fees during 2016 associated with the SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation as further described in Notes 11 and 12 and (3) incremental on-going sales and marketing expenses primarilycosts related to the Airseal® products. These increases were offset by (1) a $7.0termination of distribution agreements during 2023; and
26


an increase of $0.8 million decrease in costs consisting of severance and other related costs fromto the restructuringelimination of certain sales, marketing and administrative functions as further describedpositions ($1.6 million in Note 12 and (2) the $1.92023 compared to $0.8 million gain on the sale of our Centennial, CO facility in 2016 as described in Note 12.2022).
    
Research and Development Expense


Research and development expense was $32.3 million, $32.3 million and $27.4$52.6 million in 2017, 20162023 and 2015, respectively.$47.2 million in 2022.  As a percentage of net sales, research and development expense was 4.1% in 2017, 4.2% in 20162023 and 3.8%4.5% in 2015. Expense remained flat2022. The lower spend as a percentage of net sales in 2017 compared to 2016 due to the timing of projects. The increase of 0.4 percentage points in 2016 is due to2023 was mainly driven by higher project and registration related costs as the Company increased its efforts on new product development and innovation.sales.
    
Other Expense

Other expense in 2016 related to costs associated with our fifth amended and restated senior credit agreement entered into on January 4, 2016 as further described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. These costs include a $2.7 million charge related to commitment fees paid to certain of our lenders, which provided a financing commitment for the SurgiQuest acquisition and a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $0.3 million.

Interest Expense


Interest expense was $18.2 million in 2017 compared to $15.4 million in 2016 and $6.0 million in 2015.  Interest expense increased to $39.8 million in 2017 and 2016 as2023 compared to 2015 due to the additional borrowings and higher interest rates under the fifth amended and restated senior credit agreement as further described$28.9 million in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.2022.  The weighted average interest rates on our borrowings were 3.52%3.12% in 20172023 increasing from 2.93%2.58% in 20162022. The increase in interest expense in 2023 was driven by higher interest rates on our senior credit agreement. In addition, the issuance of the 2.250% Notes in June 2022 contributed to higher interest expense during 2023.

Other Expense

Other expense during the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted of $103.1 million related to the conversion premium on the repurchase and 2.23%extinguishment of 2.625% Notes; $5.5 million related to the settlement of the associated convertible notes hedge transactions and $3.4 million related to the write-off of deferred financing fees associated with the repurchase of $275.0 million of the 2.625% Notes and the pay down of $90.0 million on our term loan as further described in 2015.Note 8.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes


A provision (benefit) for income taxes was recorded at an effective rate of -93.1%, 24.3%20.3% and 32.4%(13.7)% in 2017, 20162023 and 2015, respectively, as2022, respectively. As compared to the federal statutory rate of 35.0%. The21.0%, the 2023 effective tax rate in 2017 iswas lower than that recorded in 2016primarily due to federal tax benefits from the 2017 Tax Cutsresearch credit and Jobs Act and consolidated group restructuring. The effectiveUS tax rate in 2016 is lower than that recorded in 2015 due to a higher proportion ofon worldwide earnings in foreign jurisdictions where the tax rates were lower than the statutory federal rate and benefits recorded in 2016 in connection with the prior year tax return finalization process.at different rates. These benefits were offset by state tax expense relatedand foreign tax expense from jurisdictions with higher statutory tax rates. The 2022 effective tax rate was lower primarily due to nondeductible SurgiQuest acquisition costs recordedthe premium on extinguishment of the 2.625% Notes and the change in 2016.fair value of convertible notes hedges upon settlement as these items were not deductible for tax purposes. A reconciliation of the United States statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate is included in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.9.


Non-GAAP Financial Measures


Net sales “onon a constant currency basis”"constant currency" basis is a non-GAAP measure. The companyCompany analyzes net sales on a constant currency basis to better measure the comparability of results between periods. To measure percentage sales growth in constant currency, the Company removes the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates that affect the comparability and trend of net sales.


Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare this financial measure with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. This adjusted financial measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for reported net sales growth, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. This non-GAAP financial measure is an additional way of viewing net sales that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of our business. The Company strongly encourages investors and shareholders to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.


EBITDA is also a non-GAAP measure and is defined as earnings before income tax, interest expense, depreciation and amortization.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our liquidity needs arise primarily from capital investments, working capital requirements and payments on indebtedness under the fifthseventh amended and restated senior credit agreement, described below.agreement. We have historically met these liquidity requirements with funds generated from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. In addition, we have historically used term borrowings, including borrowings under the fifth amended and restated senior credit agreement and borrowings under separate


loan facilities, in the case of real property purchases, to finance our acquisitions. We also have the ability to raise funds through the sale of stock or we may issue debt through a private placement or public offering.
27



We had total cash on hand at December 31, 2023 of $24.3 million, of which approximately $19.7 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries outside the United States with unremitted earnings. During 2023, we redeployed $11.7 million of cash from certain non-U.S. subsidiaries primarily for U.S. debt reduction. We may repatriate funds from certain foreign subsidiaries in the future. Refer to Note 9 for further details.
Operating Cash Flows
Our net working capital position was $304.9 million at December 31, 2023.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $125.3 million in 2023 and $33.4 million in 2022 generated on net income (loss) of $64.5 million in 2023 and $(80.6) million in 2022.   The change in cash provided by operating activities in 2023 as compared to 2022 was mainly driven by higher net income as 2022 experienced higher costs due to the integration associated with acquisitions and the warehouse management system implementation. In addition, below is a summary of significant changes in assets and liabilities:

A decrease in cash flows from accounts receivable as we experienced higher sales in the fourth quarter of 2023 as well as the timing of cash receipts;
An increase in cash flows from inventory as we moderate our inventory levels;
A decrease in cash flows from income taxes due to higher payments; and
An increase in cash flows from accrued compensation and benefits due to higher incentive compensation and commission accruals. During 2022, sales and earnings were generally below incentive targets.
Investing Cash Flows
Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $20.0 million in 2023 compared to $249.5 million in 2022 primarily due to the $144.7 million payment for the In2Bones Acquisition and $83.0 million for the Biorez Acquisition in 2022. In addition, capital expenditures were lower in 2023 compared to 2022.  

Financing Cash Flows

Financing activities in 2023 used cash of $110.4 million compared to providing cash of $225.0 million in 2022. Below is a summary of the significant financing activities impacting the change during 2023 compared to 2022:

During 2022, we received proceeds of $800.0 million in 2.250% Notes as further described in Note 8.
During 2022, we paid $275.0 million in aggregate principal on the repurchase and extinguishment of the 2.625% Notes as further described in Note 8.
During 2022, we paid $187.6 million to purchase hedges related to our 2.250% Notes. Partially offsetting this, were proceeds of $72.0 million from the issuance of warrants as further described in Note 8.
During 2022, we paid $69.5 million to settle warrants related to the 2.625% Notes and received $86.2 million to settle the hedges related to the 2.625% Notes as further described in Note 8.
During 2022, we paid $21.8 million in debt issuance costs mainly related to the 2.250% Notes.
During 2023, we had net payments on our term loan of $20.0 million compared to $93.0 million in 2022 as we prepaid $90.0 million with proceeds from the 2.250% Notes.
During 2023, we had net payments on our revolving line of credit of $68.0 million as compared to $70.0 million in net payments during 2022 as we continued to reduce outstanding borrowings.
During 2023, we paid $13.9 million in contingent consideration related to the In2Bones Acquisition.

Other Liquidity Matters

Our cash balances and cash flows generated from operations may be used to fund strategic investments, business acquisitions, working capital needs, research and development, common stock repurchases and payments of dividends to our shareholders. Management believes that cash flow from operations, including cash and cash equivalents on hand and available borrowing capacity under our fifthseventh amended and restated senior credit agreement, will be adequate to meet our anticipated operating working capital requirements, debt service, funding of capital expenditures, dividend payments and common stock repurchases in the foreseeable future. In addition, management believes we could access capital markets, as necessary, to fund future business acquisitions.


We had total cash on hand at December 31, 2017 of $32.6 million, of which approximately $26.6 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries outside the United States with unremitted earnings. During the fourth quarter of 2017, we redeployed cash from certain non-U.S. subsidiaries for U.S. debt reduction of $15.5 million which consisted of earnings that were taxed in 2017 as part of the deemed repatriation toll charge implementedThe Company is also being impacted by the Tax Cutsmacro-economic environment and Jobs Act.  If we wereare experiencing higher manufacturing and operating costs caused by inflationary pressures and ongoing supply chain challenges. We continue to repatriate the remaining unremitted earnings that have been taxed as part
28


monitor our spending and expenses in light of the deemed repatriation toll charge,these factors. However, we would be requiredmay need to accrue and pay withholding taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions.  We have accrued an estimated provisional deferred tax liability for foreign withholding taxes relatedtake further steps to the amount of unremitted earnings at December 31, 2017 that are not considered permanently reinvested.reduce our costs, or to refinance our debt. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our evaluation of the accounting for deferred taxes on unremitted earnings will be completed within the measurement period prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.Indebtedness."
Operating Cash Flows
Our net working capital position was $206.8 million at December 31, 2017.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $65.6 million in 2017, $39.9 million in 2016 and $50.9 million in 2015 generated on net income of $55.5 million in 2017, $14.7 million in 2016 and $30.5 million in 2015.  

The increase in cash flows from operating activities in 2017 compared to 2016 is mainly related to the prior year having significant cash outflows resulting from the SurgiQuest, Inc. acquisition whereby 2017 has a $12.2 million accrual related to the Lexion trial verdict, as further described in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements. In addition, other significant changes in assets and liabilities affecting cash flows include the following:

A decrease in cash flows from accounts receivable reflects an $18.5 million increase in sales in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the same period a year ago;

A decrease in cash flows from inventory is caused primarily by an increase in production to support anticipated sales growth;

A decrease in cash flows from other assets is due to higher levels of equipment used for demonstration; and

An increase in cash flows from other liabilities is caused primarily by the aforementioned Lexion trial verdict accrual.

The decrease in cash provided by operating activities from 2016 to 2015 is mainly related to lower net income due to costs associated with the SurgiQuest acquisition and related financing costs, as discussed above.

Investing Cash Flows
Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $29.1 million in 2017 compared to $266.0 million in 2016 primarily due to the $16.2 million in payments related to business and asset acquisitions compared to the $256.5 million payment for the SurgiQuest acquisition in 2016. The decrease was offset by $5.2 million in proceeds from the sale of our Centennial, Colorado facility during 2016.

Net cash used in investing activities increased to $266.0 million in 2016 compared to $24.4 million in 2015 primarily due to the $256.5 million payment for the SurgiQuest acquisition in 2016 compared to $9.4 million in payments related to acquiring businesses, assets and a distributor in 2015. This increase was also offset by $5.2 million in proceeds from the sale of our Centennial, Colorado facility during 2016.

Capital expenditures were $12.8 million, $14.8 million and $15.0 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Capital expenditures are expected to be in the $15.0 million to $20.0 million range for 2018.

Financing Cash Flows

Financing activities in 2017 used cash of $34.9 million compared to providing cash of $182.5 million in 2016 and a use of cash of $12.6 million in 2015. Below is a summary of the significant financing activities:



During 2016, we had borrowings of $175.0 million on our term loan and repaid $8.8 million in 2017 and the same amount in 2016 in accordance with the agreement, as further described below. During 2017, we had net repayments on our revolving line of credit of $2.0 million compared to net borrowings of $62.7 million in 2016 and $30.7 million in 2015.

Dividend payments remained consistent at $22.3 million, $22.2 million and $22.1 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In 2016 and 2015, we made the final two payments of $16.7 million associated with the distribution and development agreement with Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation.

Debt issuance costs were $5.6 million and $1.5 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively, in conjunction with our fifth and fourth amended and restated senior credit agreements, respectively.

On January 4, 2016, we entered into a fifth amended and restated senior credit agreement consisting of: (a) a $175.0 million term loan facility and (b) a $525.0 million revolving credit facility both expiring on January 4, 2021. The term loan is payable in quarterly installments increasing over the term of the facility. Proceeds from the term loan facility and borrowings under the revolving credit facility were used to repay the then existing senior credit agreement and to finance the acquisition of SurgiQuest. Interest rates are at LIBOR plus 2.00% (3.57% at December 31, 2017). For those borrowings where we elect to use the alternative base rate, the base rate will be the greater of the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or the one-month Eurocurrency Rate Plus 1.00%.


There were $157.5$114.6 million in borrowings outstanding on the term loan facility as of December 31, 2017.2023. There were $327.0$2.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2017.2023. Our available borrowings on the revolving credit facility at December 31, 20172023 were $194.9$581.4 million with approximately $3.1$1.6 million of the facility set aside for outstanding letters of credit.


The fifth amended and restated senior credit agreement is collateralized by substantially all of our personal property and assets.  The fifthseventh amended and restated senior credit agreement contains covenants and restrictions which, among other things, require the maintenance of certain financial ratios and restrict dividend payments and the incurrence of certain indebtedness and other activities, including acquisitions and dispositions.  We were in full compliance with these covenants and restrictions as of December 31, 2017.2023. We are also required, under certain circumstances, to make mandatory prepayments from net cash proceeds from any issuance of equity and asset sales.


We have a mortgage noteIn February 2024, the Company repaid the $70.0 million then outstanding of the 2.625% Notes through borrowings on our revolving credit facility. In addition, we expect to finance contingent consideration payments related to our Biorez and In2Bones acquisitions in connection with the Largo, Florida propertywhole or in part through borrowings on our revolving credit facility.

See Note 8 for further information on our financing agreements and facilities bearing interest at 8.25% per annum with semiannual payments of principal and interest through June 2019.  The principal balance outstanding on the mortgage note aggregated $2.4 million at December 31, 2017.  The mortgage note is collateralized by the Largo, Florida property and facilities.debt obligations.
    
Our Board of Directors has authorized a $200.0$200.0 million share repurchase program. Through December 31, 2017,2023, we have repurchased a total of 6.1 million shares of common stock aggregating $162.6$162.6 million under this authorization and have $37.4 million remaining available for share repurchases.  The repurchase program calls for shares to be purchased in the open market or in private transactions from time to time.  We may suspend or discontinue the share repurchase program at any time.  We didhave not purchasepurchased any shares of common stock under the share repurchase program during 2017.2023.  We have financed the repurchases and may finance additional repurchases through operating cash flow and from available borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

Management believes thatThe Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash flow from operations, including cashdividend of $0.20 per share in 2022 and cash equivalents on hand and available borrowing capacity under our amended and restated senior credit agreement,2023. Future decisions as to the payment of dividends will be adequateat the discretion of the Board of Directors. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Other Risks Related to meet our anticipated operating working capital requirements, debt service, fundingBusiness - Our Board of Directors may, in the future, limit or discontinue payment of a dividend on common stock."

We expect an increased level of capital expenditures and common stock repurchases inspending during the foreseeable future. See “Item 1. Business – Forward Looking Statements.”
Restructuring

For the yearsyear ending December 31, 2017, 20162024 compared to 2023. Capital spending will be monitored and 2015, we incurred $2.9 million, $3.1 million and $8.0 million, respectively, in costs associated with operational restructuring. These costs were charged to cost of sales and include severance, inventory and other charges. As part of this plan, we engaged a consulting firm to assist us in streamlining our product offering and improving our operational efficiency. As a result, we identified certain catalog numbers to be discontinued and consolidated into existing product offerings and recorded a $1.3 million charge incontrolled as the year ended December 31, 2017progresses. We expect to write-off inventoryuse operating cash flows to satisfy capital spending requirements.


which will no longer be offered for sale. This amount is included in the above total for 2017.

During 2016, the Company discontinued our Altrus product offering as part of our ongoing restructuring and incurred $4.5 million in non-cash charges primarily related to inventory and fixed assets which were included in cost of sales.

During 2017, 2016 and 2015, we restructured certain sales, marketing and administrative functions and incurred severance and other related costs in the amount of $1.3 million, $6.7 million and $13.7 million. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense.

During 2016, we sold our Centennial, Colorado facility. We received net cash proceeds of $5.2 million and recorded a gain of $1.9 million in selling and administrative expense.

We have reduced our restructuring accrual in current and long term liabilities to $1.3 million at December 31, 2017 primarily through severance payments.  

During recent years we had a number of initiatives to consolidate manufacturing facilities and restructure our sales and administrative functions. Although much of this is complete, we will continue to review our operations and sales and administrative functions to reduce costs and headcount, as necessary. Such cost reductions will result in additional charges, including employee termination costs and other exit costs that will be charged to cost of sales and selling and administrative expense, as applicable. 

Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussions regarding restructuring.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations for the next five years and thereafter (amounts in thousands) as of December 31, 2017.2023.  Purchase obligations represent purchase orders for goods and services placed in the ordinary course of business.  Contingent consideration represents the fair value of the current and non-current portions that while not certain if and/or when the payments will be made, are our best estimate of such payments.
 
 Payments Due by Period
TotalLess than
1 Year
 1-3
Years
 3-5
Years
More than
5 Years
Long-term debt$986,588 $— $186,588 $800,000 $— 
Contingent consideration payments170,144 77,581 92,563 — — 
Purchase obligations166,804 158,078 7,786 940 — 
Lease obligations23,652 8,217 8,004 3,210 4,221 
Total contractual obligations$1,347,188 $243,876 $294,941 $804,150 $4,221 
 Payments Due by Period
 Total 
Less than
1 Year
 
 1-3
Years
 
 3-5
Years
 
More than
5 Years
          
Long-term debt$486,910
 $14,699
 $35,836
 $436,375
 $
Purchase obligations48,832
 48,080
 752
 
 
Lease obligations24,956
 7,078
 9,927
 4,338
 3,613
Total contractual obligations$560,698
 $69,857
 $46,515
 $440,713
 $3,613


In addition to the above contractual obligations, we are required to make periodic interest payments on our long-term debt obligations (see additional discussion under Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Interest Rate Risk” and Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements)8).  The above table also does not include unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $2.6$1.7 million, the timing and certainty of recognition for which is not known (See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements)9).




29


Stock-based Compensation


We have reserved shares of common stock for issuance to employees and directors under threetwo shareholder-approved share-based compensation plans (the "Plans").  The Plans provide for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share units (“PSUs”) and other equity-based and equity-related awards.  The exercise price on all outstanding stock options and SARs is equal to the quoted fair market value of the stock at the date of grant.  RSUs and PSUs are valued at the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant.  PSUs are valued using a Monte Carlo valuation model at the date of grant. Stock options, SARs, and RSUs and PSUs are generally non-transferable other than on death and generally become exercisable over a four to five year period from date of grant.  PSUs are generally non-transferable other than on death and cliff vest after three years from date of grant. Stock options and SARs expire ten years from date of grant.  SARs are only settled in shares of the Company’s stock (See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements)10). Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) was $8.5$24.3 million, $8.4$21.7 million and $7.5$16.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.  






Other Matters

Our credit facility allows us to seek to sell products to certain customers in Iran in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and subject to certain terms and conditions, including pre-approval by us and our lenders of the identity of any distributor and prior review of each of the end-customers. We had sales to a third-party distributor in Iran during 2017 and expect there will be sales prospectively. We intend to limit sales into Iran to products that qualify as “medical supplies” within the meaning of the general license, or covered by specific licenses, provided by the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations set forth in the regulations promulgated by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) of the United States Department of the Treasury set forth at 31 C.F.R. § 560.530. We have implemented certain controls and processes designed to ensure that the ultimate end-users for the products are those permitted under the OFAC general license, and that the sales and transactions with the Iranian distributor otherwise comply with the requirements of the OFAC regulations. The expected revenues and net profits associated with sales to the Iranian distributor are not expected to be material to our results of operations.

We do not believe that our activities to date, and do not expect that our activities in the future, will be subject to required disclosure under Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), which, among other things, requires disclosure of transactions and activities knowingly entered into with the Government of Iran that do not benefit from an OFAC license and with certain designated parties. If, however, any activities in future periods are within the scope of the transactions and activities captured by Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act, we will make the required disclosures and notices.

New Accounting Pronouncements


See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements2 for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk


Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices such as commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.  In the normal course of business, we are exposed to various market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.  We manage our exposure to these and other market risks through regular operating and financing activities and as necessary through the use of derivative financial instruments.


Foreign currency riskCurrency Risk


Approximately 48%44% of our total 20172023 consolidated net sales were to customers outside the United States.  We have sales subsidiaries in a significant number of countries in Europe as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan and Korea.  In those countries in which we have a direct presence, our sales are denominated in the local currency amounting to approximately 33%32% of our total net sales in 2017.2023.  The remaining 15%12% of sales to customers outside the United States was on an export basis and transacted in United States dollars.


Because a significant portion of our operations consist of sales activities in foreign jurisdictions, our financial results may be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the markets in which we distribute products.  During 2017,2023, foreign currency exchange rates, including the effects of the hedging program, caused sales to increase by approximately $0.1 million and income before income taxes to decrease by approximately $0.9 million, compared to sales and income before income taxes in 2016.$16.1 million.


We hedge forecasted intercompany sales denominated in foreign currencies through the use of forward contracts.  We account for these forward contracts as cash flow hedges.  To the extent these forward contracts meet hedge accounting criteria, changes in their fair value are not included in current earnings but are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  These changes in fair value will be recognized into earnings as a component of sales or cost of sales when the forecasted transaction occurs. The notional contract amounts for forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2017 which have been accounted for as cash flow hedges totaled $126.0 million.  Net realized gains (losses) recognized for forward contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges approximated -$0.7 million, $1.2 million and $10.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Net unrealized losses on forward contracts outstanding which have been accounted for as cash flow hedges and which have been included in other comprehensive income totaled $3.5 million at December 31, 2017.  It is expected these unrealized losses will be recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in 2018 and 2019.


We also enter into forward contracts to exchange foreign currencies for United States dollars in order to hedge our currency transaction exposures on intercompany receivables denominated in foreign currencies.  These forward contracts settle each month at month-end, at which time we enter into new forward contracts.  We have not designated these forward contracts as hedges and have not applied hedge accounting to them.  The notional contract amounts for forward contracts outstanding at December 31,


2017 which have not been designated as hedges totaled $30.4 million.  Net realized gains (losses) recognized in connection with those forward contracts not accounted for as hedges approximated -$1.6 million, $0.0 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, offsetting gains (losses) on our intercompany receivables of $1.1 million, -$0.1 million and -$0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  These gains and losses have been recorded in selling and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
We record these forward foreign exchange contracts at fair value; the net fair value for forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2017 was $5.7 million and is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.


Refer to Note 14 in the consolidated financial statements16 for further discussion.


Interest rate riskRate Risk


At December 31, 2017,2023, we had approximately $484.5$116.6 million of variable rate long-term debt outstanding under our senior credit agreement.  Assuming no repayments, if market interest rates for similar borrowings averaged 1.0% more in 20182024 than they did in 2017,2023, interest expense would increase, and income before income taxes would decrease by $4.9$1.2 million.  Comparatively, if market interest rates for similar borrowings average 1.0% less in 20182024 than they did in 2017,2023, our interest expense would decrease, and income before income taxes would increase by $4.9$1.2 million.


30


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data


Our 20172023 Financial Statements are included in this Form 10-K beginning on page 3743 and incorporated by reference herein.


Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures


There were no changes in or disagreement with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.


Item 9A. Controls and Procedures


As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out by CONMED Corporation’s management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.  In addition, no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 20172023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon are set forth in Part IV, Item 15 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Item 9B. Other Information


During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, none of the members of our Board of Directors or Executive Officers adopted, modified or terminated a trading arrangement intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c), under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Not applicable.

31



PART III


Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance


The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Proposal One: Election of Directors”, “Directors, Executive Officers,“Executive & Other Company OfficersOfficers” and Nominees for the Board of Directors”, “Section“Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, “Ethics Disclosure” and "Meetings of Board of Directors and Committees, Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight”Reports" in CONMED Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement or other informational filing to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about April 12, 2018.8, 2024.
 
Item 11. Executive Compensation


The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation”, “Summary Compensation Table”, "Pay Versus Performance Table", “Grants of Plan-Based Awards”, “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End”, “Option Exercises and Stock Vested”, “Pension Benefits”, “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation”, “Potential Payments on Termination or Change-in-Control”Change in Control”, “Director Compensation,” “Pay Ratio Disclosure”Ratio” and “Board of Directors and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in CONMED Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement or other informational filing to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about April 12, 2018.8, 2024.


Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in CONMED Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement or other informational filing to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about April 12, 2018.8, 2024.


Information relating to shareholder approved compensation plans under which equity securities of CONMED Corporation are authorized for issuance is set forth below:

Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan categoryNumber of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders3,758,610 $93.82 2,449,501 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders— — — 
Total3,758,610 93.82 2,449,501 

Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan category 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)
 
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)
 
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 1,885,129
 $42.75
 921,095
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders 
 
 
Total 1,885,129
 $42.75
 921,095

The number of securities included in column (a) above consists of outstanding stock options, share appreciation rights (“SARs”) and performance share units, however the weighted-average exercise price in column (b) is for stock options and SARs only.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence


The information required by this item is incorporatedherein by reference to the section captioned “Directors Executive Officers and Nominees for the Board of Directors”& Nominees”, “Executive & Other Officers” and “Board of Directors and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in CONMED Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement or other informational filing to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about April 12, 2018.8, 2024.




Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
The information required by this item is incorporatedherein by reference to the section captioned “Principal Accounting Fees and Services” in CONMED Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement or other informational filing to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about April 12, 2018.8, 2024.

32




PART IV


Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

Index to Financial Statements
(a)(1)
(a)(1)List of Financial StatementsPage in Form 10-K
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 238)
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 20172023 and 20162022
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2)List of Financial Statement Schedules
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Schedule II) for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(3)List of Exhibits
The exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit Index on page 3436 below are filed as part of this Form 10-K.

33




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 the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the date indicated below.authorized.
 
CONMED CORPORATION
CONMED CORPORATION
By: /s/ Curt R. Hartman
Curt R. Hartman
(Chair of the Board, President and Chief
Chief Executive Officer)
Date:
February 26, 201828, 2024

34





Pursuant to the requirements 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.

SignatureTitleDate
SignatureTitleDate
/s/ MARK E. TRYNISKIChairman of the Board
Mark E. Tryniskiof DirectorsFebruary 26, 2018
/s/ CURT R. HARTMANChair of the Board, President &President, Chief Executive
Curt R. HartmanChief Executive OfficerOfficer and DirectorFebruary 26, 201828, 2024
/s/ TODD W. GARNERExecutive Vice President
Todd W. Garnerand Chief Financial OfficerFebruary 26, 201828, 2024
/s/ TERENCE M. BERGEVice President-
Terence M. BergeCorporate ControllerFebruary 26, 201828, 2024
/s/ MARTHA GOLDBERG ARONSON
Martha Goldberg AronsonLead Independent DirectorFebruary 28, 2024
/s/ DAVID BRONSON
David BronsonDirectorDirectorFebruary 26, 201828, 2024
/s/ BRIAN P. CONCANNON
Brian P. ConcannonDirectorDirectorFebruary 26, 201828, 2024
/s/ LAVERNE COUNCIL
Laverne CouncilDirectorFebruary 28, 2024
/s/ CHARLES M. FARKAS
Charles M. FarkasDirectorDirectorFebruary 26, 201828, 2024
/s/ MARTHA GOLDBERG ARONSON
Martha Goldberg AronsonDirectorFebruary 26, 2018
/s/ JO ANN GOLDEN
Jo Ann GoldenDirectorFebruary 26, 2018
/s/ DIRK M. KUYPER
Dirk M. KuyperDirectorFebruary 26, 2018
/s/ JEROME J. LANDE
Jerome J. LandeDirectorDirectorFebruary 26, 201828, 2024
/s/ BARBARA SCHWARZENTRAUB
Barbara SchwarzentraubDirectorFebruary 28, 2024
/s/ JOHN L. WORKMAN
John L. WorkmanDirectorDirectorFebruary 26, 201828, 2024

35






Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.Description
Exhibit No.Description
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


36


-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
37


-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
38


-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
39


-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


40


-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
14
-
-
-
14-Code of Ethics. The CONMED code of ethics may be accessed via the Company’s website at http:https://www.conmed.com/en/about-us/investors/investor-relationsen-us/corporate-footer/policies
41


-
-
-
-
-
-
101*
101.INS*-XBRL Instance Document - The following materials from CONMED Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K forinstance document does not appear in the year ended December 31, 2017 formatted inInteractive Data File because its XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income fortags are embedded within the three years ended December 31, 2017, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity forInline XBRL document.
101.SCH*-XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*-XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*-XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*-XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*-XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104*-Cover Page Interactive Data File - the three years ended December 31, 2017 (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows forcover page XBRL tags are embedded within the three years ended December 31, 2017, (v) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and (vi) Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, theInline XBRL related informationdocument (included in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.101)
*Filed herewith
++Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

42



MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING


The management of CONMED Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  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 reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Management assessed the effectiveness of CONMED’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.2023.  In making its assessment, management utilized the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework”, released in 2013.  Management has concluded that based on its assessment, CONMED’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.2023.  The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20172023 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
 
/s/  Curt R. Hartman
Curt R. Hartman
Chair of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
 
/s/  Todd W. Garner
Todd W. Garner
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer












43






REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of CONMED Corporation 


Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CONMED Corporation and its subsidiaries(the "Company") as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2023, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2)(collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework(2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).


In our opinion, the consolidatedfinancial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the results of theirits operations and theirits cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20172023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20172023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework(2013)issued by the COSO.


Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for convertible instruments in 2022.

Basis for Opinions


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


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


Our audits of the consolidatedfinancial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidatedfinancial 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 consolidatedfinancial 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 consolidatedfinancial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.


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
44


that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.




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



Critical Audit Matters



The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to theconsolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Valuation of Contingent Consideration from the Biorez and In2Bones Acquisitions

As described in Notes 1 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2023, the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities from the Biorez, Inc. (Biorez) and In2Bones Global Inc. (In2Bones) acquisitions are $128.8 million and $41.4 million, respectively. The contingent consideration was recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition based on the consideration expected to be transferred, estimated as the probability-weighted future cash flows, discounted back to present value.Contingent consideration is remeasured each reporting period using Level 3 inputs, and the change in fair value, including accretion for the passage of time, is recognized as income or expense within selling and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of contingent consideration is measured using projected payment dates, discount rates, revenue volatilities and projected revenues.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of contingent consideration from the Biorez and In2Bones acquisitions is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value estimate of the contingent consideration liabilities; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to discount rates, revenue volatilities, and projected revenues; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the valuation of the contingent consideration. These procedures also included, among others (i) reading the purchase agreements and (ii) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimate of the contingent consideration liabilities. Testing management’s process included (i) evaluating the appropriateness of the valuation methods used by management; (ii) testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the valuation methods; and (iii) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions related to discount rates, revenue volatilities, and projected revenues. Evaluating the reasonableness of the projected revenues involved considering (i) the past performance of the acquired businesses; (ii) the consistency with external market and industry data; and (iii) whether the projected revenues were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of (i) the appropriateness of the valuation methods and (ii) the reasonableness of the assumptions related to discount rates and revenue volatilities.



 /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Rochester,Fairport, New York
February 26, 201828, 2024


We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1982.

45





CONMED CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 20172023 and 20162022
(In thousands except share and per share amounts)
 20232022
ASSETS  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$24,296 $28,942 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful  
accounts of $6,034 in 2023 and $5,508 in 2022242,279 191,345 
Inventories318,324 332,320 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets30,750 28,619 
Total current assets615,649 581,226 
Property, plant and equipment, net120,722 115,611 
Deferred income taxes11,211 9,650 
Goodwill806,844 815,429 
Other intangible assets, net649,484 681,799 
Other assets96,111 93,877 
Total assets$2,300,021 $2,297,592 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  
Current liabilities:  
Current portion of long-term debt$708 $69,746 
Accounts payable88,224 73,393 
Accrued compensation and benefits70,069 54,733 
Other current liabilities151,728 98,680 
Total current liabilities310,729 296,552 
Long-term debt973,140 985,076 
Deferred income taxes60,902 66,725 
Other long-term liabilities121,028 203,694 
Total liabilities1,465,799 1,552,047 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders' equity:  
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized  
500,000 shares, none issued or outstanding— — 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000  
authorized; 31,299,194 issued in 2023 and 2022, respectively313 313 
Paid-in capital446,535 413,235 
Retained earnings452,531 412,631 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(50,170)(57,858)
Less:  Treasury stock, at cost;  
534,000 and 811,532 shares in  
2023 and 2022, respectively(14,987)(22,776)
Total shareholders' equity834,222 745,545 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$2,300,021 $2,297,592 
 2017 2016
ASSETS   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$32,622
 $27,428
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful 
  
accounts of $2,137 in 2017 and $2,031 in 2016167,037
 148,244
Inventories141,436
 135,869
Prepaid expenses and other current assets15,688
 18,971
Total current assets356,783
 330,512
Property, plant and equipment, net116,229
 122,029
Deferred income taxes4,721
 3,712
Goodwill401,954
 397,664
Other intangible assets, net414,940
 419,549
Other assets63,334
 55,517
Total assets$1,357,961
 $1,328,983
    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
Current portion of long-term debt$14,699
 $10,202
Accounts payable42,044
 41,647
Accrued compensation and benefits34,258
 32,036
Other current liabilities59,002
 30,067
Total current liabilities150,003
 113,952
    
Long-term debt471,744
 488,288
Deferred income taxes77,668
 119,143
Other long-term liabilities27,114
 27,024
Total liabilities726,529
 748,407
    
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

 

    
Shareholders' equity: 
  
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized 
  
500,000 shares, none issued or outstanding
 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 
  
authorized; 31,299,194 issued in 2017 and 2016, respectively313
 313
Paid-in capital333,795
 329,276
Retained earnings440,085
 406,932
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(49,078) (58,526)
Less:  Treasury stock, at cost; 
  
3,338,015 and 3,471,121 shares in 
  
2017 and 2016, respectively(93,683) (97,419)
Total shareholders' equity631,432
 580,576
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$1,357,961
 $1,328,983
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


CONMED CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except per share amounts)

 2017 2016 2015
Net sales$796,392
 $763,520
 $719,168
Cost of sales365,351
 355,190
 337,466
      
Gross profit431,041
 408,330
 381,702
      
Selling and administrative expense351,799
 338,400
 303,091
Research and development expense32,307
 32,254
 27,436
Operating expenses384,106
 370,654
 330,527
      
Income from operations46,935
 37,676
 51,175
Other expense
 2,942
 
Interest expense18,203
 15,359
 6,031
      
Income before income taxes28,732
 19,375
 45,144
      
Provision (benefit) for income taxes(26,755) 4,711
 14,646
      
Net income$55,487
 $14,664
 $30,498
      
Per share data:   
  
      
Basic$1.99
 $0.53
 $1.10
Diluted$1.97
 $0.52
 $1.09
      
Dividends per share of common stock$0.80
 $0.80
 $0.80
      
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:     
Foreign currency translation adjustments$13,879
 $(4,501) $(16,775)
Pension liability1,023
 (755) 7,578
Cash flow hedging gain (loss)(8,051) 547
 (3,291)
Other comprehensive income, before tax62,338
 9,955
 18,010
Provision (benefit) for income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income(2,597) (77) 1,584
Comprehensive income$64,935
 $10,032
 $16,426


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

46





CONMED CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITYCOMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015
(In thousands)
 Common Stock 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Shareholders’
Equity
 Shares Amount     
Balance at December 31, 201431,299
 $313
 $319,752
 $406,145
 $(39,822) $(105,090) $581,298
              
Common stock issued 
  
  
  
  
  
  
under employee plans 
  
 (6,297) 

  
 4,323
 (1,974)
              
Tax benefit arising from 
  
  
  
  
  
  
common stock issued under 
  
  
  
  
  
  
employee plans 
  
 3,961
  
  
  
 3,961
              
Stock-based compensation 
  
 7,499
  
  
  
 7,499
              
Dividends on common stock      (22,137)     (22,137)
              
Comprehensive income (loss):             
              
Foreign currency translation adjustments        (16,775)    
              
Pension liability (net of income tax expense $2,800)        4,778
    
              
Cash flow hedging loss (net of income tax benefit of $1,216)        (2,075)    
              
Net income      30,498
      
              
Total comprehensive income            16,426
Balance at December 31, 201531,299
 $313
 $324,915
 $414,506
 $(53,894) $(100,767) $585,073
              
Common stock issued 
  
  
  
  
  
  
under employee plans 
  
 (4,217) 

  
 3,348
 (869)
              
Tax benefit arising from 
  
  
  
  
  
  
common stock issued under 
  
  
  
  
  
  
employee plans 
  
 203
  
  
  
 203
              
Stock-based compensation 
  
 8,375
  
  
  
 8,375
              
Dividends on common stock      (22,238)     (22,238)
              
Comprehensive income (loss):             
              
Foreign currency translation adjustments        (4,501)    
              
Pension liability (net of income tax benefit of $279)        (476)    
              
Cash flow hedging gain (net of income tax expense of $202)        345
    
              
Net income      14,664
      
            
Total comprehensive income       
  
   10,032
Balance at December 31, 201631,299
 $313
 $329,276
 $406,932
 $(58,526) $(97,419) $580,576


 Common Stock 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Shareholders’
Equity
 Shares Amount     
              
Common stock issued 
  
  
    
  
  
under employee plans 
  
 (3,953) 

  
 3,736
 (217)
              
Stock-based compensation 
  
 8,472
  
  
  
 8,472
              
Dividends on common stock      (22,334)     (22,334)
              
Comprehensive income (loss):            

              
Foreign currency
translation adjustments
        13,879
    
              
Pension liability (net of income tax expense of $378)        645
    
              
Cash flow hedging loss (net of income tax benefit of $2,975)        (5,076)    
              
Net income      55,487
      
              
Total comprehensive income            64,935
Balance at December 31, 201731,299
 $313
 $333,795
 $440,085
 $(49,078) $(93,683) $631,432

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



CONMED CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 20152021
(In thousands)thousands except per share amounts)
202320222021
Net sales$1,244,744 $1,045,472 $1,010,635 
Cost of sales568,499 474,227 442,599 
Gross profit676,245 571,245 568,036 
Selling and administrative expense503,040 454,039 414,754 
Research and development expense52,602 47,152 43,565 
Operating expenses555,642 501,191 458,319 
Income from operations120,603 70,054 109,717 
Interest expense39,775 28,905 35,485 
Other expense— 112,011 1,127 
Income (loss) before income taxes80,828 (70,862)73,105 
Provision for income taxes16,369 9,720 10,563 
Net income (loss)$64,459 $(80,582)$62,542 
Per share data: 
Basic$2.10 $(2.68)$2.14 
Diluted$2.04 $(2.68)$1.94 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax:
Cash flow hedging$(3,141)$(1,530)$12,660 
Pension liability6,576 7,817 9,163 
Foreign currency translation adjustments5,085 (8,418)(7,072)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax$8,520 $(2,131)$14,751 
Provision for income taxes related to items in other comprehensive income (loss)832 1,524 5,273 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax$7,688 $(3,655)$9,478 
Comprehensive income (loss)$72,147 $(84,237)$72,020 
 2017 2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$55,487
 $14,664
 $30,498
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
  
Depreciation20,079
 20,479
 18,704
Amortization38,469
 34,830
 25,175
Stock-based compensation8,472
 8,375
 7,499
Deferred income taxes(40,021) (2,871) 2,251
Gain on sale of facility
 (1,890) 
Income tax benefit of stock option exercises
 203
 3,961
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises
 (483) (4,081)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 254
 
Increase (decrease) in cash flows from changes in assets and   
  
liabilities, net of acquired assets:   
  
Accounts receivable(13,631) (6,380) (9,643)
Inventories(3,926) 3,103
 (18,581)
Accounts payable(286) 2,094
 11,508
Income taxes4,288
 (200) (1,357)
Accrued compensation and benefits336
 (2,598) (3,964)
Other assets(22,401) (23,234) (12,005)
Other liabilities18,700
 (6,465) 952
 10,079
 25,217
 20,419
Net cash provided by operating activities65,566
 39,881
 50,917
      
Cash flows from investing activities:   
  
Payments related to business and asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired(16,212) (256,450) (9,353)
Proceeds from sale of a facility
 5,178
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(12,842) (14,753) (15,009)
Net cash used in investing activities(29,054) (266,025) (24,362)
      
Cash flows from financing activities:   
  
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises
 483
 4,081
Payments on term loan(8,750) (8,750) 
Proceeds from term loan
 175,000
 
Payments on revolving line of credit(157,000) (162,347) (112,000)
Proceeds from revolving line of credit155,000
 225,000
 142,680
Payments related to distribution agreement
 (16,667) (16,667)
Payments on mortgage notes(1,452) (1,339) (1,234)
Payments related to debt issuance costs
 (5,556) (1,485)
Dividends paid on common stock(22,307) (22,213) (22,105)
Other, net(372) (1,068) (5,892)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(34,881) 182,543
 (12,622)
      
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents3,563
 (1,475) (7,761)
      
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents5,194
 (45,076) 6,172
      
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year27,428
 72,504
 66,332
      
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$32,622
 $27,428
 $72,504
      


 2017 2016 2015
Non-cash investing activities:     
Contractual obligations for acquisition of a business$
 $
 $440
      
Non-cash financing activities:     
  Dividends payable$5,592
 $5,566
 $5,542
      
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:   
  
      
Cash paid during the year for:   
  
Interest$16,157
 $13,758
 $5,434
Income taxes8,869
 9,588
 10,261


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

47




CONMED CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021


(In thousands)

 Common StockPaid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Treasury
Stock
Shareholders’
Equity
 SharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 202031,299 $313 $382,628 $457,417 $(63,681)$(67,639)$709,038 
Common stock issued under employee plans  (2,192) 13,588 11,396 
Stock-based compensation  16,335    16,335 
Dividends on common stock ($.80 per share)(23,354)(23,354)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Cash flow hedging gain, net9,601 
Pension liability, net6,949 
Foreign currency translation adjustments(7,072)
Net income62,542 
Total comprehensive income      72,020 
Balance at December 31, 202131,299 $313 $396,771 $496,605 $(54,203)$(54,051)$785,435 
Common stock issued under employee plans  3,385  5,385 8,770 
Stock-based compensation  21,729    21,729 
Dividends on common stock ($.80 per share)(24,183)(24,183)
Shares issued for the settlement of convertible notes(25,890)25,890 — 
Convertible notes premium on extinguishment103,125 103,125 
Settlement of convertible notes hedge transactions118,912 118,912 
Settlement of warrants(96,758)(96,758)
Issuance of convertible notes hedge transactions, net of tax(142,128)(142,128)
Issuance of warrants72,000 72,000 
Comprehensive income (loss):
Cash flow hedging loss, net(1,159)
Pension liability, net5,922 
Foreign currency translation adjustments(8,418)
Net income (loss)(80,582)
Total comprehensive income (loss)(84,237)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(1)
(37,911)20,791 (17,120)
Balance at December 31, 202231,299 $313 $413,235 $412,631 $(57,858)$(22,776)$745,545 
Common stock issued under employee plans9,043 7,789 16,832 
Stock-based compensation24,257 24,257 
Dividends on common stock ($.80 per share)(24,559)(24,559)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Cash flow hedging loss, net(2,380)
Pension liability, net4,983 
Foreign currency translation adjustments5,085 
Net income64,459 
Total comprehensive income72,147 
Balance at December 31, 202331,299 $313 $446,535 $452,531 $(50,170)$(14,987)$834,222 
(1)We recorded the cumulative impact of adopting ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity in 2022.


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
48


CONMED CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands)
202320222021
Cash flows from operating activities: 
Net income (loss)$64,459 $(80,582)$62,542 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: 
Depreciation16,200 16,055 16,494 
Amortization of debt discount— — 10,217 
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs6,058 4,910 3,726 
Amortization55,674 53,464 54,249 
Stock-based compensation24,257 21,729 16,335 
Deferred income taxes700 (6,042)3,005 
Non-cash adjustment to fair value of contingent consideration liability(2,421)2,518 — 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt— 3,426 899 
Loss on convertible notes conversion premium— 103,125 — 
Loss on convertible notes hedge transactions settlement— 5,460 — 
Increase (decrease) in cash flows from changes in assets and 
liabilities, net of acquired assets: 
Accounts receivable(47,068)(5,203)(9,159)
Inventories14,071 (78,564)(37,806)
Accounts payable14,849 13,302 4,890 
Income taxes(3,921)6,726 (1,675)
Accrued compensation and benefits14,425 (8,968)11,067 
Other assets(21,845)(17,735)(24,005)
Other liabilities(10,090)(256)991 
Net cash provided by operating activities125,348 33,365 111,770 
Cash flows from investing activities: 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(19,032)(21,785)(14,866)
Payments related to business acquisitions, net of cash acquired— (227,744)— 
Other(1,000)— — 
Net cash used in investing activities(20,032)(249,529)(14,866)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
Payments on term loan(20,000)(92,981)(66,654)
Proceeds from term loan— — 52,411 
Payments on revolving line of credit(760,000)(530,000)(393,753)
Proceeds from revolving line of credit692,000 460,000 326,753 
Payments to redeem convertible notes— (275,000)— 
Proceeds from convertible notes— 800,000 — 
Payments related to contingent consideration(13,867)(798)(6,222)
Payments related to debt issuance costs— (21,830)(2,000)
Dividends paid on common stock(24,502)(23,960)(23,256)
Purchases of convertible notes hedges— (187,600)— 
Proceeds from issuance of warrants— 72,000 — 
Proceeds from settlement of convertible notes hedge transactions— 86,228 — 
Payment for settlement of warrants— (69,534)— 
Other, net15,937 8,475 11,173 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(110,432)225,000 (101,548)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents470 (741)(1,865)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(4,646)8,095 (6,509)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year28,942 20,847 27,356 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$24,296 $28,942 $20,847 
49


202320222021
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
  Contingent consideration$— $183,914 $— 
  Dividends payable6,153 6,098 5,874 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: 
Cash paid during the year for: 
Interest$33,687 $26,081 $21,797 
Income taxes19,879 9,074 8,559 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
50


CONMED CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands except per share amounts)


Note 1 - Operations and Significant Accounting Policies
 
Organization and operations
 
CONMED Corporation (“CONMED”, the “Company”, “we” or “us”) is a medical technology company that provides surgical devices and equipment for minimally invasivesurgical procedures.  The Company’s products are used by surgeons and physiciansother healthcare professionals in a variety of specialties including orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgerythoracic surgery and gastroenterology.
 
Principles of consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CONMED Corporation and its controlled subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
Use of estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and judgments which affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. DueWhile there has been uncertainty and disruption in the global economy and financial markets, we are not aware of any specific event or circumstance that would require an update to our estimates or judgments or a revision of the inherent uncertainty involved in makingcarrying value of our assets or liabilities as of February 28, 2024, the date of issuance of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These estimates actualmay change, as new events occur and additional information is obtained. Actual results reported in future periods maycould differ materially from those estimates.  these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.


Cash and cash equivalents


We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
Inventories


Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value determined on the FIFO (first-in, first-out) cost method.
 
We write-off excess and obsolete inventory resulting from the inability to sell our products at prices in excess of current carrying costs.  We make estimates regarding the future recoverability of the costs of our products and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventories based on historical experience and expected future trends. 


Property, plant and equipment


Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
 
Building and improvements12 to 40 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of life of asset or life of lease
Machinery and equipment2 to 15 years

51


Leases

The Company leases various manufacturing facilities, office facilities and equipment under operating and finance leases. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Right-of-use ("ROU") assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. We use the implicit rate when readily determinable. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain of our leases include variable lease payments, mainly when a lease is tied to an index rate. These variable lease payments are recorded as expense in the period incurred and are not material.

The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which we account for separately. For certain equipment leases, we apply a portfolio approach to efficiently account for the operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities. We also elected the short-term lease exemption and do not recognize leases with terms less than one year on the balance sheet. The related short-term lease expense is not material.

Our leases have remaining lease terms of one year to 13 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to five years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year. We only account for such extensions or early terminations when it is reasonably certain we will exercise such options. Refer to Note 6 for further detail on leases.

The Company places certain of our capital equipment with customers on a loaned basis and at no charge in exchange for commitments to purchase related single-use products over time periods generally ranging from one to three years. Placed equipment is loaned and subject to return if minimum single-use purchases are not met. The Company accounts for these placements as operating leases but applies a practical expedient and does not separate the non-lease and lease components from the combined component. Accordingly, the Company accounts for the combined component as a single performance obligation with revenue recognized upon shipment of the related single-use products. The cost of the equipment is amortized over its estimated useful life which is generally five years.

Goodwill and other intangible assets


We have a history of growth through acquisitions.  Assets and liabilities of acquired businesses are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition.  Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses.   Factors that contribute to the recognition of goodwill include synergies that are specific to our business and are expected to increase net sales and profits; acquisition of a talented workforce; cost savings opportunities; the strategic benefit of expanding our presence in core and adjacent markets; and diversifying our product portfolio.Customer and distributor relationships, trademarks, tradenames, developed technology, patents and other intangible assets primarily represent allocations of purchase price to identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses. Promotional,Sales representation, marketing and distributionpromotional rights represent intangible assets created under our Sports Medicine Joint Development and Distribution Agreement (the "JDDA")agreement with Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (“MTF”).


 
Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to at least annual impairment testing. It is our policy to perform our annual impairment testing in the fourth quarter. The identification and measurement of goodwill impairment involves the estimation of the fair value of our business. Estimates of fair value are based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment. We completed our goodwill impairment testing of our single reporting unit during the fourth quarter of 2017.2023. We performed our impairment test utilizing the market capitalization approach to determine whether the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Based upon our assessment, the fair value of our reporting unit continues to exceed carrying value.


Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset and are evaluated each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization.  Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of an intangible asset subject to amortization is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset.  An impairment loss is recognized by reducing the carrying amount of the intangible asset to its current fair value.


For all other indefinite-lived intangible assets, we perform a qualitative impairment test. Based upon this assessment, we have determined that our indefinite-lived intangible assets are not impaired.

52



Other long-lived assets
 
We review other long-lived assets consisting of intangible assets subject to amortization, property, plant and equipment and field inventory for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized by reducing the recorded value to its current fair value.


The Company maintains field inventory consisting of capital equipment for customer demonstration and evaluation purposes. Field inventory is generally not sold to customers but rather continues to be used over its useful life for demonstration, evaluation and loaner purposes. An annual wear and tear provision has been recorded on field inventory. The net book value of such equipment at December 31, 20172023 and 20162022 is $52.4$43.4 million and $44.8$41.3 million, respectively.
Contingent consideration

Certain acquisitions involve potential payments of future consideration that is contingent upon the acquired businesses reaching certain performance milestones. The Company records contingent consideration at fair value at the date of acquisition based on the consideration expected to be transferred, estimated as the probability-weighted future cash flows, discounted back to present value. The fair value of contingent consideration is measured using projected payment dates, discount rates, revenue volatilities and projected revenues. Projected revenues are based on the Company’s most recent internal operational budgets and long-range strategic plans. The discount rate used is determined at the time of measurement in accordance with accepted valuation methodologies. Changes in projected revenues, revenue volatilities, discount rates, and projected payment dates may result in adjustments to the fair value measurements. Contingent consideration is remeasured each reporting period using Level 3 inputs, and the change in fair value, including accretion for the passage of time, is recognized as income or expense within selling and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Contingent consideration payments made soon after the acquisition date are classified as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Contingent consideration payments not made soon after the acquisition date that are related to the acquisition date fair value are reported as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows, and amounts paid in excess of the original acquisition date fair value are reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Translation of foreign currency financial statements


Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries have been translated into United States dollars at the applicable rates of exchange in effect at the end of the period reported. Revenues and expenses have been translated at the applicable weighted average rates of exchange in effect during the period reported. Translation adjustments are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Transaction gains and losses are included in net income.income (loss).


Foreign exchange and hedging activity


We manage our foreign currency transaction risks through the use of forward contracts to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency transaction exposures. We account for these forward contracts as cash flow hedges. To the extent these forward contracts meet hedge accounting criteria, changes in their fair value are not included in current earnings but are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss. These changes in fair value will be reclassified into earnings as a component of sales or cost of sales when the forecasted transaction occurs. These cash flows are recorded in operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.


We also enter into forward contracts to exchange foreign currencies for United States dollars in order to hedge our currency transaction exposures on intercompany receivables denominated in foreign currencies. These forward contracts settle each month at month-end, at which time we enter into new forward contracts. We have not designated these forward contracts as hedges and have not applied hedge accounting to them. We record these forward contracts at fair value with resulting gains and losses included in selling and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.income (loss).


Income taxes


Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards as measured by the enacted tax rates that are anticipated to be in effect in the respective jurisdictions when these differences reverse. The deferred income tax provision generally represents the net change in the assets and liabilities for deferred income taxes. A valuation allowance is established when it is necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to amounts for which realization is likely. In assessing the need for a valuation
53


allowance, we


estimate future taxable income, considering the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies and the realizability of tax loss carryforwards.carryforwards following tax law ordering rules. Valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets may be impacted by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates, reversal of temporary differences and ongoing and future taxable income levels.
 
Deferred income taxes are not provided on the unremitted earnings of certain subsidiaries outside of the United States whenearned after December 31, 2017 as it is expected that these earnings are permanently reinvested. Such earnings may become taxable upon a repatriation of assets from a subsidiary or the sale or liquidation of a subsidiary. Deferred income taxes are provided when the Company no longer considers subsidiary earnings to be permanently invested, such as in situations where the Company’s subsidiaries plan to make future dividend distributions. In accordance with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, estimated provisional federal and state tax liabilities have been accrued on cumulative foreign subsidiary earnings at December 31, 2017. In addition, we have accrued an estimated provisional liability for foreign withholding taxes related to the amount of unremitted earnings at December 31, 2017 as they are not considered permanently reinvested.  However, additional time is required to complete the evaluation of our accounting for deferred taxes on permanently reinvested earnings.  Adjustments will be completed within the measurement period prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.


Revenue recognition

RevenueThe Company recognizes revenue when we have satisfied a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service (that is recognizedan asset) to a customer. An asset is transferred when title has been transferred to the customer which is at the timeobtains control of shipment.that asset. The following policies apply to our major categories of revenue transactions:


Title and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customerRevenue is recognized when product is shipped under our stated shipping terms.  Payment byat which point the performance obligation is satisfied and the customer is due under fixed payment terms and collectability is reasonably assured.obtains control of the product.


We place certain of our capital equipment with customers on a loaned basis and at no charge in returnexchange for commitments to purchase related single-use products over time periods generally ranging from one to three years.  In these circumstances, no revenue is recognized upon capital equipment shipment as the equipment is loaned and subject to return if certain minimum single-use purchases are not met.  Revenue is recognized upon the sale and shipment of the related single-use products.  The cost of the equipment is amortized over its estimated useful life.life which is generally five years.


We recognize revenues related to the promotion and marketing of sports medicine allograft tissue in accordance with the contractual terms of our agreement with Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (“MTF”)MTF on a net basis as our role is limited to that of an agent earning a commission or fee. MTF records revenue when the tissue is shipped to the customer. Our services are completed at this time and net revenuesresponsible for the “Service Fee”sourcing, processing and distribution of allograft tissue for our promotionalsports medicine procedures while the Company represents, markets and marketing efforts are then recognized based onpromotes MTF’s sports medicine allograft tissues to customers. The Company is paid a fee by MTF which is calculated as a percentage of the net amounts billedinvoiced by MTF to its customers.customers for sports medicine allograft tissues. The timingCompany accounts for the services provided to MTF as a series of revenue recognitiondistinct performance obligations and each service is determined through review ofrecognized over time as MTF simultaneously receives and consumes the net billings made by MTF each month. Our net commission Service Fee is based on the contractual terms of our agreement and is currently 50%. This percentage can vary over the term of the agreement but is contractually determinable. Our Service Fee revenues are recorded net of amortization of the acquired assets, which are being amortized over the expected useful life of 25 years.benefit.


Product returns are only accepted at the discretion of the Company and in accordance with our “Returned Goods Policy”.  Historically, the level of product returns has not been significant.  We accrue for sales returns, rebates and allowances based upon an analysis of historical customer returns and credits, rebates, discounts and current market conditions.


Our terms of sale to customers generally do not include any obligations to perform future services.  Limited warranties are provided for capital equipment sales and provisions for warranty are provided at the time of product sale based upon an analysis of historical data.


Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling have been included in net sales.  Shipping and handling costs included in selling and administrative expense were $13.1$26.3 million, $13.4$21.7 million and $12.6$17.0 million for 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.


We sell to a diversified base of customers around the world and, therefore, believe there is no material concentration of credit risk.


We assess the risk of loss on accounts receivable and adjust the allowance for doubtful accounts based on this risk assessment.  We do so by applying historical loss rates to our accounts receivable aging schedule to estimate expected credit losses. We further adjusted expected credit losses for specifically identified and forecasted credit losses. Historically, losses on accounts receivable have not been material.  Management believes that the allowance


for doubtful accounts of $2.1 million at December 31, 2017 is adequate to provide for probable losses resulting from accounts receivable.


54


We sell extended warranties to customers that are typically for a period of one to three years. The related revenue is recorded as a contract liability and recognized over the life of the contract on a straight-line basis, which is reflective of our obligation to stand ready to provide repair services.

Please refer to Note 11 for further detail on revenue.

Earnings (loss) per share


Basic earnings (loss) per share (“basic EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share (“diluted EPS”) gives effect to all dilutive potential shares. As the Company was in a net loss position for the year ended December 31, 2022, there were no dilutive potential shares outstanding resulting from employee stock options, restricted stock units, performance share units and stock appreciation rights duringincluded in the period.computation of diluted shares outstanding. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share at December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively: 

 2017 2016 2015
      
Net income$55,487
 $14,664
 $30,498
      
Basic-weighted average shares outstanding27,939
 27,804
 27,653
      
Effect of dilutive potential securities232
 160
 205
      
Diluted-weighted average shares outstanding28,171
 27,964
 27,858
      
Net income (per share)     
Basic$1.99
 $0.53
 $1.10
Diluted1.97
 0.52
 1.09


 202320222021
Net income (loss)$64,459 $(80,582)$62,542 
Basic-weighted average shares outstanding30,668 30,040 29,162 
Stock Compensation727 — 1,275 
Warrants11 — 506 
Convertible notes142 — 1,273 
Diluted-weighted average shares outstanding31,548 30,040 32,216 
Net income (loss) (per share)
Basic$2.10 $(2.68)$2.14 
Diluted2.04 (2.68)1.94 

The shares used in the calculation of diluted EPS exclude stock options to purchase shares and stock appreciation rights ("SARs") to purchase shares where the exercise price was greater than the average market price of common shares for the year and the effect of the inclusion would be anti-dilutive. Such shares aggregated approximately 1.2 million, 1.41.7 million and 0.50.6 million at December 31, 2017, 20162023 and 2015,2021, respectively.  As the Company was in a net loss position for the year ended December 31, 2022, there were no anti-dilutive shares.


The 2.625% convertible notes due in 2024 (the "2.625% Notes") and 2.250% convertible notes due in 2027 (the "2.250% Notes"), more fully described in Note 8, are convertible under certain circumstances, as defined in the respective indentures for each series of notes, into a combination of cash and CONMED common stock. The following is intended to describe the impact of the 2.625% Notes and 2.250% Notes and related hedge transactions on the calculation of diluted EPS. Additional shares to be issued pursuant to the terms of the Notes and related hedge transactions, if any, would occur at settlement.

Effective with our adoption of Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity ("ASU 2020-06") on January 1, 2022 (see Note 2), the Company began using the if-converted method to compute diluted EPS. Under the if-converted method, in the calculation of diluted EPS, the numerator is adjusted for interest expense applicable to the convertible notes (net of tax) and the denominator is adjusted to include additional common shares assuming the principal portion of the notes and the conversion premium are settled in common shares, when permitted or required.Under the if-converted method, when convertible notes require the principal to be paid in cash, then only the conversion premium affects the calculation of diluted EPS.

On June 6, 2022, the Company repurchased and extinguished $275.0 million principal value of 2.625% Notes as further discussed in Note 8. Concurrently, the Company entered into a Supplemental Indenture related to the remaining
55


$70.0 million in 2.625% Notes, pursuant to which the Company irrevocably elected to settle the principal value of the 2.625% Notes in cash. Similarly, the 2.250% Notes, issued on June 6, 2022, require the principal to be paid in cash. As a result, in periods in which the Company has net income, only the conversion premium will affect the dilutive share count. Accordingly, for periods prior to adoption of ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2022 and after June 6, 2022, in periods in which the Company has net income, the calculation of diluted EPS includes potential diluted shares upon conversion of the 2.625% Notes and the 2.250% Notes, only when the average market price per share of our common stock for the period is greater than the conversion price and only for the conversion premium, with the principal portion required to be settled in cash.

We have entered into convertible note hedge transactions to increase the effective conversion price of the 2.625% Notes from $88.80 to $114.92. However, our convertible notes hedges are not included when calculating potential dilutive shares since their effect is always anti-dilutive. Concurrent with entering into the hedge transactions, we entered into warrant transactions under which we agreed to sell shares of our common stock at $114.92. In periods in which the company has net income, the calculation of diluted EPS includes potential diluted shares to be issued under the warrants when the average market price per share of our common stock for the period is greater than $114.92, calculated under the treasury stock method.

On June 6, 2022, we entered into convertible notes hedge transactions to increase the effective conversion price of the 2.250% Notes from $145.33 to $251.53. However, our convertible notes hedges are not included when calculating potential dilutive shares since their effect is always anti-dilutive. Concurrent with entering into the hedge transactions, we entered into warrant transactions under which we agreed to sell shares of our common stock at $251.53. In periods in which the Company has net income, the calculation of diluted EPS includes potential diluted shares to be issued under the warrants when the average market price per share of our common stock for the period is greater than $251.53, calculated under the treasury stock method.

Stock-based compensation


All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, restricted stock units, performance share units and stock appreciation rights are recognized in the financial statements based at their fair values.  Compensation expense is generally recognized using a straight-line method over the vesting period. Compensation expense for performance share units is recognized using the graded vesting method.
 
We issue shares under our stock based compensation plans out of treasury stock whereby treasury stock is reduced by the weighted average cost of such treasury stock.  To the extent there is a difference between the cost of the treasury stock and the exercise price of shares issued under stock based compensation plans, we record gains to paid in capital;  losses are recorded to paid in capital to the extent any gain was previously recorded, otherwise the loss is recorded to retained earnings.
 
56


Accumulated other comprehensive loss


Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of the following:

Cash Flow
Hedging
Gain (Loss)
Pension
Liability
Foreign Currency Translation
Adjustments
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
Balance, December 31, 2020$(5,945)$(36,620)$(21,116)$(63,681)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax6,560 4,426 (7,072)3,914 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before tax(a)
4,010 3,327 — 7,337 
Income tax(969)(804)— (1,773)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)9,601 6,949 (7,072)9,478 
Balance, December 31, 2021$3,656 $(29,671)$(28,188)$(54,203)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax10,981 3,961 (8,418)6,524 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before tax(a)
(16,024)2,589 — (13,435)
Income tax3,884 (628)— 3,256 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(1,159)5,922 (8,418)(3,655)
Balance, December 31, 2022$2,497 $(23,749)$(36,606)$(57,858)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax4,158 3,370 5,085 12,613 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before tax(a)
(8,630)2,129 — (6,501)
Income tax2,092 (516)— 1,576 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(2,380)4,983 5,085 7,688 
Balance, December 31, 2023$117 $(18,766)$(31,521)$(50,170)

 
Cash Flow
Hedging
Gain (Loss)
 
Pension
Liability
 
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustments
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
        
Balance, December 31, 2014$3,276
 $(30,760) $(12,338) $(39,822)
        
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications, net of tax
4,482
 2,739
 (16,775) (9,554)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before taxa
(10,399) 3,233
 
 (7,166)
Income tax provision (benefit)3,842
 (1,194) 
 2,648
        
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(2,075) 4,778
 (16,775) (14,072)
        
Balance, December 31, 2015$1,201
 $(25,982) $(29,113) $(53,894)
        
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications, net of tax
1,088
 (2,229) (4,501) (5,642)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before taxa
(1,179) 2,780
 
 1,601
Income tax provision (benefit)436
 (1,027) 
 (591)
        
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)345
 (476) (4,501) (4,632)
        
Balance, December 31, 2016$1,546
 $(26,458) $(33,614) $(58,526)
        
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications, net of tax
(5,529) (1,142) 13,879
 7,208
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before taxa
718
 2,835
 
 3,553
Income tax provision (benefit)(265) (1,048) 
 (1,313)
        
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(5,076) 645
 13,879
 9,448
        
Balance, December 31, 2017$(3,530) $(25,813) $(19,735) $(49,078)

(a) The cash flow hedging gain (loss) and pension liability accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in sales or cost of sales and as a component of net periodic pension cost, respectively. Refer to Note 1416 and Note 10,13, respectively, for further details.



Note 2 – Business Acquisition- New Accounting Pronouncements

OnRecently Adopted Accounting Standards

In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity ("ASU 2020-06"), which simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by removing certain separation models requiring separate accounting for embedded conversion features which will result in more convertible debt instruments accounted for as a single liability. The ASU eliminates certain settlement conditions that are required for equity classification to qualify for the derivative scope exception. The ASU addresses how convertible instruments are accounted for in the calculation of diluted
57


earnings per share by using the if-converted method. The Company adopted this standard on January 4, 2016, we acquired1, 2022 using the modified retrospective method.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards, Not Yet Adopted

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 - Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The standard requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation in specified categories as well as information on income taxes paid. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. This ASU should be applied on a prospective basis with retrospective application permitted. We expect this ASU to only impact our disclosures with no impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 - Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires public entities to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis, and provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment's profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. The ASU does not change how a public entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates them or applies the quantitative threshold to determine its reportable segments. The new disclosure requirements are also applicable to entities that account and report as a single operating segment entity. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted and the guidance is to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. We expect this ASU to only impact our disclosures with no impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the stockEffects of SurgiQuest, Inc. ("SurgiQuest")Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional guidance if certain criteria are met for $257.7 million in cash (based on an aggregate purchase price of $265 million as adjusted pursuantentities that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or other reference rates expected to the merger agreement governing the acquisition). SurgiQuest developed, manufactured and marketed the AirSeal® System, the first integrated access management technology for use in laparoscopic and robotic procedures. This proprietary and differentiated access system is complementary to our current general surgery offering. The acquisition was funded through a combination of cash on hand and long-term borrowings.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumedbe discontinued as a result of the SurgiQuest acquisition.



Cash$1,305
Accounts receivable10,032
Inventory4,267
Other current assets728
Current assets acquired16,332
Property, plant & equipment3,332
Goodwill136,687
Customer and distributor relationships76,420
Developed technology49,600
Trademarks and tradenames4,780
Other non-current assets1,553
Total assets acquired$288,704
  
Accounts payable$5,012
Other current liabilities6,004
Current liabilities assumed11,016
Deferred income taxes19,505
Other long-term liabilities454
Total liabilities assumed30,975
Net assets acquired$257,729

The unaudited pro forma information for the years endedreference rate reform. This ASU was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 20162022 and 2015, assuming SurgiQuest occurredwas extended through December 31, 2024 by ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. The Company has not adopted these ASUs as of January 1, 2015 are presented below. This information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which actually would have resulted had the SurgiQuest acquisition occurred on the dates indicated, or which may result in the future.

 December 31,
 2016 2015
Net sales$763,520
 $768,726
Net income29,153
 (9,673)
These pro forma results include certain adjustments, primarily due to increases in amortization expense due to fair value adjustments of intangible assets, increases in interest expense due to additional borrowings incurred to finance the acquisition, and acquisition related costs including transaction costs such as legal, accounting, valuation and other professional services as well as integration costs such as severance and retention.

Acquisition related costs included in the determination of pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $20.6 million. Such amounts are excluded2023. Our seventh amended and restated senior credit agreement includes language to address the change from the determination of pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2016.LIBOR to SOFR, an alternative base rate, therefore we do not believe reference rate reform will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.


Net sales associated with SurgiQuest of $68.4 million have been recorded in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2016. It is impracticable to determine the earnings recorded in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income associated with the SurgiQuest acquisition for the year ended December 31, 2016 as these amounts are not separately measured.

Note 3 — Inventories
Inventories consist of the following at December 31:


 2017 2016
Raw materials$41,844
 $42,821
Work in process14,666
 13,315
Finished goods84,926
 79,733
 $141,436
 $135,869

Note 4 — Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at December 31:
 2017 2016
Land$4,027
 $4,027
Building and improvements91,766
 90,780
Machinery and equipment219,675
 205,674
Construction in progress7,837
 7,229
 323,305
 307,710
Less:  Accumulated depreciation(207,076) (185,681)
 $116,229
 $122,029
We lease various manufacturing facilities, office facilities and equipment under operating and capital leases.  Leasehold improvements related to these facilities are included in building and improvements above. Rental expense on operating leases was approximately $6,507, $6,043 and $5,464 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During 2017, we entered into capital lease obligations of $762 in connection with the purchase of computer equipment. The aggregate future minimum lease commitments for leases at December 31, 2017 are as follows:
 
Operating
Leases
Capital
Leases
2018$6,832
$246
20196,117
246
20203,448
116
20212,239

20222,099

Thereafter3,613


Note 3 – Business Acquisitions
On June 13, 2022, we acquired In2Bones Global, Inc. ("In2Bones") and all of its stock (the "In2Bones Acquisition") for an aggregate upfront payment of $145.2 million in cash. In addition, there are potential earn-out payments to In2Bones’ equity holders in an amount up to $110.0 million based on the achievement of certain revenue targets for In2Bones products during the sixteen (16) successive quarters commencing on July 1, 2022. In2Bones was a global developer, manufacturer and distributor of medical devices for the treatment of disorders and injuries of the lower (foot and ankle) extremities. The In2Bones Acquisition was funded through a combination of cash on hand and long-term borrowings as further described in Note 8. Proforma information for In2Bones is immaterial for disclosure for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Purchase accounting has been completed for the In2Bones Acquisition.

On August 9, 2022, we acquired Biorez, Inc. ("Biorez") and all of its stock (the "Biorez Acquisition") for an aggregate upfront payment of $85.5 million in cash. We paid $84.2 million as of December 31, 2023, with a $1.3 million holdback, pursuant to the merger agreement for the Biorez Acquisition. In addition, there are potential earn-out payments to Biorez’ equity holders in an amount up to $165.0 million based on the achievement of certain revenue targets for Biorez products during the sixteen (16) successive quarters commencing on October 1, 2022. Biorez was a medical device start-up focused on advancing the healing of soft tissue using its proprietary BioBrace® implant technology. The Biorez Acquisition was funded through a combination of cash on hand and long-term borrowings. Proforma information for Biorez is immaterial for disclosure for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Purchase accounting has been completed for the Biorez Acquisition.

We incurred costs for the amortization of inventory step-up to fair value of $8.6 million and $4.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to the In2Bones acquisition, which are included in cost of sales. Inventory step-up to fair value for the In2Bones acquisition is fully amortized as of December 31, 2023. During 2023, we recognized $0.8 million in integration costs and professional fees related to the In2Bones and Biorez acquisitions that were included in selling and administrative expense. During 2022, we recognized $10.1 million in consulting fees, legal fees and other integration related costs associated with the acquisitions of In2Bones and Biorez, which were included in selling and administrative expense.
58



Note 4 - Inventories
Inventories consist of the following at December 31:
 20232022
Raw materials$107,262 $110,677 
Work in process29,463 26,166 
Finished goods181,599 195,477 
 $318,324 $332,320 
Note 5 - Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at December 31:

 20232022
Land$4,027 $4,027 
Building and improvements100,299 97,214 
Machinery and equipment283,470 269,745 
Construction in progress25,088 22,161 
 412,884 393,147 
Less:  Accumulated depreciation(292,162)(277,536)
 $120,722 $115,611 
Internal-use software, included in gross machinery and equipment at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $50.0 million and $49.4 million, respectively, with related accumulated depreciation of $47.1 million and $45.7 million, respectively. Internal use software depreciation expense was $1.7 million, $2.1 million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Note 6 - Leases

Lease costs for the years ended December 31, consist of the following:

202320222021
Operating lease cost:
     Straight-line lease cost$8,118 $7,685 $7,720 
Total operating lease cost8,118 7,685 7,720 
Finance lease cost:
     Depreciation344 396 389 
     Interest on lease liabilities55 17 30 
Total finance lease cost399 413 419 
Total lease cost$8,517 $8,098 $8,139 

59


Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of December 31, is as follows:

20232022
Operating leases
Other assets$16,606 $17,710 
Other current liabilities$7,509 $6,919 
Other long-term liabilities9,897 11,759 
Total operating lease liabilities$17,406 $18,678 
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, gross$3,901 $1,924 
Accumulated depreciation(1,304)(1,510)
Property, plant and equipment, net$2,597 $414 
 
Current portion of long-term debt$708 $178 
Long-term debt1,657 52 
Total finance lease liabilities$2,365 $230 
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
Operating leases4.93 years5.17 years
Finance leases3.76 years1.92 years
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases5.56 %5.39 %
Finance leases4.79 %4.54 %
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the years ended December 31, was as follows:

202320222021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$8,178 $7,383 $7,791 
Financing cash flows from finance leases436 313 287
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases5,864 5,167 4,704 
Finance leases2,523 — 305 

60


Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

Finance LeaseOperating Lease
2024$708 $7,509 
2025682 4,329 
2026680 2,313 
2027436 1,722 
202879 973 
Thereafter— 4,221 
Total lease payments2,585 21,067 
Less imputed interest(220)(3,661)
Total lease liabilities$2,365 $17,406 

As of December 31, 2023, we have not entered into any operating or finance leases that have not yet commenced.

Note 7 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, are as follows:
 
 20232022
Balance as of January 1,$815,429 $617,528 
Goodwill resulting from business combinations— 199,162 
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments(8,585)(1,261)
Balance as of December 31,$806,844 $815,429 
 2017 2016
Balance as of January 1,$397,664
 $260,651
    
Goodwill resulting from business acquisitions2,209
 136,687
    
Foreign currency translation2,081
 326
    
Balance as of December 31,$401,954
 $397,664


During 2017, we entered into a business acquisition for which we recorded $2.2 million to goodwill. During 2016,2022, the Company acquired SurgiQuest,In2Bones Global, Inc. (SurgiQuest)and Biorez, Inc. as further described in Note 2.3. Goodwill resulting from the acquisitionIn2Bones Acquisition amounted to $136.7$138.5 million and acquired amortizing intangible assets including customerdistributor relationships and distributor relationships,developed technology amounted to $64.9 million. Goodwill resulting from the Biorez Acquisition amounted to $51.6 million and acquired intangible assets including developed technology and trademarks and tradenames amounted to $130.8$177.9 million. The 2023 change in goodwill includes an immaterial correction of $9.0 million to record deferred tax assets associated with the deductibility of contingent consideration related to purchase accounting from 2022.




Total accumulated goodwill impairment losses aggregated $106,991$107.0 million at December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, respectively.


61


Other intangible assets consist of the following:

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Intangible assets with definite lives:Intangible assets with definite lives:22  
Customer and distributor relationships
Customer and distributor relationships
Customer and distributor relationships
Sales representation, marketing and promotional rights
Sales representation, marketing and promotional rights
Sales representation, marketing and promotional rights
Patents and other intangible assets
Patents and other intangible assets
Patents and other intangible assets
Developed technology
Developed technology
Developed technology
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
Trademarks and tradenames
Trademarks and tradenames
Trademarks and tradenames
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:        
        
Customer and distributor relationships29$214,685
 $(86,137) $213,259
 $(75,164)
     

 

Promotional, marketing and distribution rights25149,376
 (36,000) 149,376
 (30,000)
        
Patents and other intangible assets1469,668
 (42,127) 67,509
 (40,335)
     

 

Developed technology1762,283
 (3,352) 49,600
 (1,240)
        
Unamortized intangible assets:
  
  
  
  
     

 

Trademarks and tradenames 86,544
 
 86,544
 
        
25$582,556
 $(167,616) $566,288
 $(146,739)

On January 3, 2012, the Company entered into the JDDA with MTF to obtain MTF's worldwide promotion rights with respect to allograft tissues within the field of sports medicine and related products. The initial consideration from the Company included a $63.0 million up-front payment for the rights and certain assets, with an additional $84.0 million contingently payable over a four year period depending on MTF meeting supply targets for tissue. On January 6, 2016 and January 5, 2015, we paid the final two $16.7 million additional consideration installments.


Amortization expense related to intangible assets which are subject to amortization totaled $21.3$35.2 million, $20.0$33.7 million and $12.6$33.3 million for the years ending December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively, and is included as a reduction of revenue (for amortization related to our promotional,sales representation, marketing and distributionpromotional rights) and in selling and administrative expense (for all other intangible assets) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Included in developed technology is $12.7 million acquired during the third quarter of 2017 with a weighted average useful life of 15 years. Included in patents and other intangible assets at December 31, 2017 is an in-process research and development asset that is not currently amortized.income (loss).

The estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets at December 31, 2017 and2023 for each of the five succeeding years is as follows:


Amortization included in expenseAmortization recorded as a reduction of revenueTotal
2024$28,755 $6,000 $34,755 
202529,626 6,000 35,626 
202629,360 6,000 35,360 
202730,396 6,000 36,396 
202833,528 6,000 39,528 

62
 Amortization included in expense Amortization recorded as a reduction of revenue Total
201817,117
 6,000
 $23,117
201916,825
 6,000
 $22,825
202016,838
 6,000
 $22,838
202115,730
 6,000
 $21,730
202214,413
 6,000
 $20,413



Note 6 —8 - Long Term Debt


Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31:



 20232022
Revolving line of credit$2,000 $70,000 
Term loan, net of deferred debt issuance costs of $524 and $729 in 2023 and 2022, respectively114,064 133,858 
2.625% convertible notes, net of deferred debt issuance costs of $432 in 202270,000 69,568 
2.250% convertible notes, net of deferred debt issuance costs of $14,581 and $18,834 in 2023 and 2022, respectively785,419 781,166 
Finance leases2,365 230 
Total debt973,848 1,054,822 
Less:  Current portion708 69,746 
Total long-term debt$973,140 $985,076 

 2017 2016
Revolving line of credit$327,000
 $329,000
Term loan, net of deferred debt issuance costs of $467 and $622 in 2017 and 2016, respectively157,033
 165,628
Mortgage notes2,410
 3,862
Total debt486,443
 498,490
Less:  Current portion14,699
 10,202
Total long-term debt$471,744
 $488,288
Seventh Amended and Restated Senior Credit Agreement


On January 4, 2016,July 16, 2021, we entered into a fifthseventh amended and restated senior credit agreement consisting of: (a) a $175.0$233.5 million term loan facility and (b) a $525.0$585.0 million revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility both expiringwill terminate and the loans outstanding under the term loan facility will expire on January 4, 2021.July 16, 2026. The term loan iswas payable in quarterly installments increasing over the term of the facility. During 2022, we made a $90.0 million prepayment on the term loan facility resulting in the elimination of such quarterly payments with the remaining balance due upon the expiration of the term loan facility. The $90.0 million prepayment was accounted for as an extinguishment and resulted in a write-off to other expense of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.5 million. Proceeds from the term loan facility and borrowings under the revolving credit facility were used to repay the then existing senior credit agreementagreement. During 2021, we recorded $1.1 million to other expense related to the loss on the early extinguishment and to financethird-party fees associated with the acquisition of SurgiQuest.seventh amended and restated credit agreement. Interest rates are at LIBORthe Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 2.00% (3.57%0.114% ("Adjusted Term SOFR") (5.489% at December 31, 2017)2023) plus an interest rate margin of 1.125% (6.614% at December 31, 2023). For those borrowings where we elect to use the alternativealternate base rate, the initial base rate will beis the greatergreatest of (i) the Prime Rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or (iii) the one-month Eurocurrency Rate PlusAdjusted Term SOFR plus 1.00%., plus, in each case, an interest rate margin.

In conjunction with this agreement, we incurred charges included in other expense in the 2016 statement of comprehensive income related to commitment fees paid to certain of our lenders, which provided a financing commitment for the SurgiQuest acquisition totaling $2.7 million and recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $0.3 million.


There were $157.5$114.6 million in borrowings outstanding on the term loan facility as of December 31, 2017.2023. There were $327.0$2.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2017.2023. Our available borrowings on the revolving credit facility at December 31, 20172023 were $194.9$581.4 million with approximately $3.1$1.6 million of the facility set aside for outstanding letters of credit. The carrying amounts of the term loan and revolving credit facility approximate fair value.


The fifthseventh amended and restated senior credit agreement is collateralized by substantially all of our personal property and assets. The fifthseventh amended and restated senior credit agreement contains covenants and restrictions which, among other things, require the maintenance of certain financial ratios and restrict dividend payments and the incurrence of certain indebtedness and other activities, including acquisitions and dispositions. We were in full compliance with these covenants and restrictions as of December 31, 2017.2023. We are also required, under certain circumstances, to make mandatory prepayments from net cash proceeds from any issuance of equity and asset sales.


We2.625% Convertible Notes

On January 29, 2019, we issued $345.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.625% convertible notes due in 2024. Interest was payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing August 1, 2019. The 2.625% Notes were scheduled to mature on February 1, 2024, unless earlier repurchased or converted. In February 2024, the Company repaid the $70.0 million then outstanding of the 2.625% Notes through borrowings on our revolving credit facility. Accordingly, we have classified the 2.625% Notes as long-term obligations as of the December 31, 2023 balance sheet date in accordance with the repayment terms of the revolving credit facility with which we refinanced the obligation.

The 2.625% Notes represented subordinated unsecured obligations and were convertible under certain circumstances, as defined in the indenture, into a mortgage note outstandingcombination of cash and CONMED common stock.  The 2.625% Notes were converted at an initial conversion rate of 11.2608 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2.625% Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $88.80 per share of common stock). Holders of the 2.625% Notes could have converted the 2.625% Notes at their option at any time on or after November 1, 2023 through the second scheduled trading day preceding the maturity date. Holders of the 2.625% Notes also had the right to convert the 2.625% Notes prior to November 1, 2023, but only upon the occurrence of specified events. The conversion rate was subject to anti-dilution adjustments if certain
63


events occurred. A portion of the net proceeds from the offering of the 2.625% Notes was used as part of the financing for the Buffalo Filter acquisition and $21.0 million was used to pay the cost of certain convertible notes hedge transactions as further described below.

On June 6, 2022, the Company repurchased and extinguished $275.0 million principal amount of the 2.625% Notes for aggregate consideration consisting of $275.0 million in cash and approximately 0.9 million shares of the Company's common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of $103.1 million to other expense based on the fair value of the shares of the Company’s common stock issued in connection with the Largo, Florida property and facilities bearingextinguishment. This loss was not deductible for tax purposes. We also recorded a write-off to other expense of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the 2.625% Notes of $2.9 million. Concurrently, the Company entered into a Supplemental Indenture related to the remaining $70.0 million in 2.625% Notes, in which the Company irrevocably elected to settle the principal value of those 2.625% Notes in cash.

Our effective borrowing rate for nonconvertible debt at the time of issuance of the 2.625% Notes was estimated to be 6.14%, which resulted in $51.6 million of the $345.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.625% Notes issued, or $39.1 million after taxes, being attributable to equity.  For the year ended December 31, 2021, we have recorded interest at 8.25% per annum with semiannual paymentsexpense related to the amortization of principal and interest through June 2019.  The principal balance outstandingdebt discount on the mortgage note aggregated $2.42.625% Notes of $10.2 million at the effective interest rate of 6.14%. On January 1, 2022, we adopted ASU 2020-06 using the modified retrospective approach as further described in Note 2. This ASU eliminated the equity component separately recorded for the conversion features associated with the convertible notes and related debt discount.  For the years ended December 31, 20172023, 2022 and 2021, we recorded interest expense on the 2.625% Notes of $1.8 million, $4.8 million and $9.1 million, respectively, at the contractual coupon rate of 2.625%.

The estimated fair value of the 2.625% Notes was approximately $86.1 million as of December 31, 2023 based on a market approach which represents a Level 2 valuation in the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value was determined based on the estimated or actual bids and offers of the 2.625% Notes in an over-the-counter market transaction on the last business day of the period.

2.250% Convertible Notes

On June 6, 2022, we issued $800.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.250% Notes. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing December 15, 2022. The 2.250% Notes will mature on June 15, 2027, unless earlier repurchased or converted. The 2.250% Notes represent subordinated unsecured obligations and are convertible under certain circumstances, as defined in the indenture, into a combination of cash and CONMED common stock, with the principal required to be paid in cash. The 2.250% Notes may be converted at an initial conversion rate of 6.8810 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2.250% Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $145.33 per share of common stock). Holders of the 2.250% Notes may convert the 2.250% Notes at their option at any time on or after March 15, 2027 through the second scheduled trading day preceding the maturity date. Holders of the 2.250% Notes will also have the right to convert the 2.250% Notes prior to March 15, 2027, but only upon the occurrence of specified events. The conversion rate is subject to anti-dilution adjustments if certain events occur. A portion of these proceeds were used to repurchase and extinguish a portion of the 2.625% Notes, pay off our then outstanding balance on our revolving line of credit, pay down $90.0 million of our term loan and partially pay for the In2Bones Acquisition. In addition, approximately $115.6 million of the proceeds were used to pay the cost of certain convertible notes hedge transactions related to the 2.250% Notes.

For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we have recorded interest expense on the 2.250% Notes of $18.0 million and $10.3 million, respectively, at the contractual coupon rate of 2.250%.

The estimated fair value of the 2.250% Notes was approximately $802.4 million as of December 31, 2023 based on a market approach which represents a Level 2 valuation in the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value was determined based on the estimated or actual bids and offers of the 2.250% Notes in an over-the-counter market transaction on the last business day of the year.

Convertible Notes Hedge Transactions

In connection with the offerings of the 2.625% and 2.250% Notes, we entered into convertible notes hedge transactions with a number of financial institutions (each, an “option counterparty”). The mortgage noteconvertible notes hedge transactions cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the respective Notes, the number of shares of our common stock underlying the 2.625% and 2.250% Notes. Concurrent with entering into the convertible notes hedge transactions, we also entered into separate warrant transactions with each option counterparty whereby we sold to such option counterparty warrants to purchase, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the same number of shares of our common stock.

In connection with the repurchase and extinguishment of $275.0 million principal amount of the 2.625% Notes, the Company entered into agreements with the option counterparties to terminate a corresponding portion of the hedges on the 2.625% Notes. The transactions had a net fair value due the Company on execution date of $22.2 million which was recorded as
64


an adjustment to Paid-in Capital. The Company recorded a $5.5 million charge to other expense as a result of a subsequent decline in fair value between execution date and settlement date with the Company receiving net cash of $16.7 million. The termination of the convertible notes hedge resulted in the release of the related deferred tax asset. In connection with the issuance of 2.250% Notes, the Company purchased hedges for $187.6 million ($142.1 million net of tax) and received proceeds from the issuance of warrants totaling $72.0 million, recorded to paid-in capital.

The convertible notes hedge transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution upon conversion of the Notes and/or offset any cash payments we are required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes, as the case may be, in the event that the market price per share of our common stock, as measured under the terms of the convertible notes hedge transactions, is collateralized bygreater than the Largo, Florida propertystrike price of the convertible notes hedge transactions, which initially corresponds to the conversion price of the Notes and facilities.is subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the conversion rate of the Notes. If, however, the market price per share of our common stock, as measured under the terms of the warrant transactions, exceeds the strike price ($114.92 for the 2.625% Notes and $251.53 for the 2.250% Notes) of the warrants, there would nevertheless be dilution to the extent that such market price exceeds the strike price of the warrants as noted in Note 1, unless we elect to settle the warrants in cash.

The scheduled maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 20172023 are as follows:


2024$— 
2025— 
2026186,588 
2027800,000 
2028— 
2018$14,699
201918,336
202017,500
2021436,375
2022
Thereafter
The above amounts exclude deferred debt issuance costs and finance leases.


Note 7 —9 - Income Taxes


The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021 consists of the following:



 202320222021
Current tax expense (benefit): 
Federal$2,066 $98 $(97)
State3,826 1,582 609 
Foreign9,777 14,082 7,046 
 15,669 15,762 7,558 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
Federal2,826 (4,096)3,466 
State(893)(1,636)1,449 
Foreign(1,233)(310)(1,910)
700 (6,042)3,005 
Provision for income taxes$16,369 $9,720 $10,563 

65


 2017 2016 2015
Current tax expense:     
Federal$1,744
 $312
 $4,208
State2,101
 159
 1,238
Foreign9,421
 7,111
 6,949
 13,266
 7,582
 12,395
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)(40,021) (2,871) 2,251
Provision (benefit) for income taxes$(26,755) $4,711
 $14,646

A reconciliation between income taxes computed at the statutory federal rate and the provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021 follows:


 202320222021
Tax provision at statutory rate based on income before income taxes21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit2.9 (1.4)3.7 
Foreign income taxes2.8 (1.8)3.1 
Non-deductible/non-taxable items2.0 (2.9)0.8 
US tax on worldwide earnings at different rates(3.1)(1.8)(0.4)
Federal research credit(3.0)2.4 (2.3)
Contingent consideration(1.8)— — 
Valuation allowance(0.5)2.5 (2.2)
Stock-based compensation— 1.5 (9.4)
Non-deductible premium on extinguishment and change in fair value of convertible notes— (32.2)— 
Other, net— (1.0)0.1 
 20.3 %(13.7)%14.4 %
 2017 2016 2015
Tax provision at statutory rate based on income before income taxes35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
      
Tax reform(111.0) 
 
      
Consolidated group restructuring(7.4) 
 
      
Foreign income taxes(5.3) (6.8) (3.6)
      
Federal research credit(2.8) (5.6) (2.0)
      
Settlement of taxing authority examinations(2.1) (3.5) (0.6)
      
Stock-based compensation(2.1) 
 
      
European permanent deduction(0.5) (3.4) (2.1)
      
Non deductible/non-taxable items(0.5) 7.2
 1.8
      
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit2.8
 1.7
 3.2
      
Impact of repatriation of foreign earnings
 
 2.5
      
Other, net0.8
 (0.3) (1.8)
      
 (93.1)% 24.3 % 32.4 %


The 2017Company has elected to account for Global Intangible Low Tax Cuts and Jobs ActIncome ("Tax Reform"GILTI") was enacted on December 22, 2017.using the period cost method. The Tax Reform includes a numbernet impact of changes in existing tax law impacting businesses,GILTI including a one-time deemed repatriation of cumulative undistributed foreign earnings and a permanent reductionthe allowable GILTI deduction is presented in the U.S. federal statutory rate from 35% to 21%, effective on January 1, 2018. Under U.S. GAAP, changes in tax rates and tax law are accounted for in the period of enactment and deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the enacted tax rate. The rate reconciliation includes the Company’s assessmentas a component of the accounting under the Tax Reform which is preliminary and is based“US tax on information that was available to managementworldwide earnings at the time the consolidated financial statements were prepared. Estimated provisional amounts were recorded for the deemed repatriation toll charge implemented by the Tax Reform, related foreign tax credits, deferred tax revaluation amounts and deferred tax liabilities on unremitted earnings. Accordingly, the Company has determined a preliminary $31.9 million of tax benefit related to Tax Reform. This initial assessment is subject to adjustment in future periods for factors including the completion of federal and state tax returns for 2017 and finalization of gross deferred tax differences, future interpretive guidance expected to be issued by U.S. Treasury, future interpretive guidance issued by states regarding conformity with the Internal Revenue Code provisions as of December 31, 2017, ongoing IRS examinations and the additional time required to refine calculations.  Further, additional time is required to complete the accountingdifferent rates”.




for deferred taxes on permanently reinvested earnings and valuation allowance assessments.  Adjustments will be completed within the measurement period prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.



66


The tax effects of the significant temporary differences which comprise the deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 20172023 and 20162022 are as follows:

2017 2016 20232022
Assets:   Assets: 
Inventory$2,420
 $3,769
Net operating losses11,091
 34,669
Capitalized research and development8,557
 6,257
Deferred compensation1,749
 2,544
Accounts receivable1,855
 3,186
Compensation and benefits4,138
 6,645
Accrued pension2,695
 4,530
Research and development credit8,957
 8,164
Interest limitation
Convertible notes hedge
Lease liabilities
Other9,342
 2,001
Foreign tax credit
 1,112
Less: valuation allowances(570) (441)
120,477
50,234
 72,436
   
Liabilities:
Liabilities:
Liabilities:   
 
Goodwill and intangible assets102,099
 168,509
Depreciation3,333
 9,099
State taxes11,709
 10,123
Unremitted foreign earnings6,000
 
Contingent interest40
 136
Lease right-of-use assets
123,181
 187,867
   
Net liability$(72,947) $(115,431)
Net liability
Net liability


Income (loss) before income taxes consists of the following U.S. and foreign income:income (loss):


2017 2016 2015 202320222021
U.S. income (loss)$1,492
 $(6,128) $18,119
Foreign income27,240
 25,503
 27,025
Total income$28,732
 $19,375
 $45,144
Total income (loss)
 
As of December 31, 2017,2023, the amount of federal net operating loss carryforward was $50.1$1.9 million and begins to expire in 2026.2027. As of December 31, 2017,2023, the amount of federal research credit carryforward available was $9.0$13.1 million.  These credits begin to expire in 2027.  2028.  

During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company repatriated $9.3 million of 2015 foreign earnings and recorded a tax charge of $1.1 million. The repatriated earnings represented a portion of the 2015 earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates and thus were not previously permanently reinvested.  There had been no change in our longer term international plans as our intent to indefinitely reinvest the remaining foreign earnings accumulated through the year ended December 31, 2016 had not changed.

In accordance with Tax Reform, estimated provisional federal and stateWe have accrued tax liabilities have been accrued on cumulative foreign subsidiary earnings at December 31, 2017. In addition, we have accrued an estimated provisional liability for foreign withholding taxes related to the amount of unremitted earnings at December 31, 2017 and certain subsequent unremitted earnings as theythese are not considered permanently reinvested.  However, as previously noted, additional time isDeferred taxes have not been accrued on unremitted earnings subsequent to December 31, 2017 that are considered permanently reinvested. The amount of such untaxed foreign earnings for the periods occurring after December 2017 totaled $26.9 million. If we were to repatriate these funds, we would be required to complete the accounting for deferredaccrue and pay taxes on permanentlysuch amounts. The Company has estimated foreign withholding taxes of $1.0 million would be due if these earnings were repatriated.



67

reinvested earnings.  Adjustments will be completed within the measurement period prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.


The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various states and foreign jurisdictions. Taxing authority examinations can involve complex issues and may require an extended period of time to resolve. Our federal income tax returns have been examined by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for calendar years ending through 2016.2019.


We recognize tax liabilities in accordance with the provisions for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. Such guidance prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
 
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits for the years ending December 31,:


 202320222021
Balance as of January 1,$200 $200 $200 
Increases for positions taken in prior periods1,504 — — 
Decreases in unrecorded tax positions related to settlement with the taxing authorities— — — 
Decreases in unrecorded tax positions related to lapse of statute of limitations— — — 
Balance as of December 31,$1,704 $200 $200 
 2017 2016 2015
Balance as of January 1,$1,839
 $616
 $581
      
Increases (decreases) for positions taken in prior periods(246) 
 100
      
Increases for positions taken in current periods1,957
 1,584
 
      
 Decreases in unrecorded tax positions related to settlement with the taxing authorities(607) (361) 
      
Decreases in unrecorded tax positions related to lapse of statute of limitations
 
 (65)
      
Balance as of December 31,$2,943
 $1,839
 $616


If the total unrecognized tax benefits of $2.9$1.7 million at December 31, 20172023 were recognized, it would reduce our annual effective tax rate.  The amount of interest accrued in 2015, 20162021, 2022 and 20172023 related to these unrecognized tax benefits was not material and is included in the provision (benefit) for income taxes in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. income (loss). 
 
Note 8 –10 - Shareholders’ Equity
 
On February 29, 2012, the Board of Directors adopted a cash dividend policy and declared an initial quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share. On October 28, 2013, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend to $0.20 per share. The total dividend per share was $0.80 for each of 2023, 2022 and 2021. The fourth quarter dividend for 20172023 was paid on January 5, 20182024 to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2017.18, 2023. The total dividend payable was $5.6$6.2 million and $6.1 million at both December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, respectively, and is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.


Our shareholders have authorized 500,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01$.01 per share, which may be issued in one or more series by the Board of Directors without further action by the shareholders. As of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, no preferred stock had been issued.
 
Our Board of Directors has authorized a $200.0 million share repurchase program. Through December 31, 2017,2023, we have repurchased a total of 6.1 million shares of common stock aggregating $162.6 million under this authorization and have $37.4 million remaining available for share repurchases. The repurchase program calls for shares to be purchased in the open market or in private transactions from time to time.  We may suspend or discontinue the share repurchase program at any time.  During 2017, 2016,2023, 2022, and 20152021 we did not repurchase any shares.


We have reserved 8.96.3 million shares of common stock for issuance to employees and directors under threetwo shareholder approved share-based compensation plans (the "Plans") of which approximately 0.92.4 million shares remain available for grant at December 31, 2017.2023.  The exercise price on all outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) is equal to the quoted fair market value of the stock at the date of grant.  Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”) are valued at the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant.  Performance stock units (“PSUs”) are valued using a Monte Carlo valuation model at the date of grant. Stock options, SARs and RSUs and PSUs are generally non-transferable other than on death and generally become exercisable over a five4 to 5 year period from date of grant.  PSUs are generally non-transferable other than on death and cliff vest after 3 years from date of grant. Stock options and


SARs expire ten10 years from date of grant.  SARs are only settled in shares of the Company’s stock.  The issuance of shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options and SARs and vesting of RSUs and PSUs are from the Company’s treasury stock.


68


Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) was $8.5$24.3 million, $8.4$21.7 million and $7.5$16.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.  These amounts are included in selling and administrative expenses, and in 2016 and 2015, $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of the total relates to acceleration of awards associated with the Company's restructuring as further described in Note 12.expense. Tax related benefits of $2.0$4.0 million, $3.1$3.8 million and $2.7$3.9 million were also recognized for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.  Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $1.0$16.2 million, $0.0$8.9 million and $0.2$19.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively, and is reflected in cash flows from financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.


The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options and SARs at the date of grant. Use of a valuation model requires management to make certain assumptions with respect to select model inputs. Expected volatilities are based upon historical volatility of the Company’s stock over a period equal to the expected life of each stock option and SAR grant. The risk freerisk-free interest rate is based on the stock option and SAR grant date for a traded U.S. Treasury bond with a maturity date closest to the expected life. The expected annual dividend yield is based on the Company's anticipated cash dividend payouts. The expected life represents the period of time that the stock options and SARs are expected to be outstanding based on a study of historical data of option holder exercise and termination behavior. Forfeitures are recognized as incurred.
 
The following table illustrates the assumptions used in estimating fair value in the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015:2021:

2017 2016 2015
2023202320222021
Grant date fair value of stock options and SARs$10.07
 $8.61
 $11.37
Expected stock price volatility27.63% 26.88% 25.96%Expected stock price volatility41.84 %38.45 %39.27 %
Risk-free interest rate2.11% 1.45% 1.49%Risk-free interest rate4.14 %1.68 %0.81 %
Expected annual dividend yield1.87% 2.10% 1.55%Expected annual dividend yield0.82 %0.56 %0.64 %
Expected life of options & SARs (years)5.8
 6.0
 5.7
Expected life of options & SARs (years)5.45.45.5


The following table illustrates the stock option and SAR activity for the year ended December 31, 2017:
2023:
 
Number
of
Shares
(in 000’s)
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Outstanding at December 31, 20161,753
 $42.16
    
Granted848
 $42.30
Forfeited(148) $44.49
Exercised(145) $31.12
    
Outstanding at December 31, 20172,308
 $42.75
Exercisable at December 31, 2017504
 $42.46
Stock options & SARs expected to vest1,804
 $42.83


Number
of
Shares
(in 000’s)
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Outstanding at December 31, 20223,701 $92.98 
Granted564 $97.77 
Forfeited(241)$118.06 
Exercised(260)$67.30 
Outstanding at December 31, 20233,764 $93.82 
Exercisable at December 31, 20232,097 $77.53 
Stock options & SARs expected to vest1,667 $114.32 

The weighted average remaining contractual term for SARs and stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 20172023 was 8.16.1 years and 7.04.7 years, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value of SARs and stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 20172023 was $19.3$87.2 million and $4.4$74.3 million,, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options and SARs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021 was $2.7$12.9 million,, $1.4 $13.6 million and $2.8$49.2 million,, respectively.


69


The following table illustrates the RSU and PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2017:  2023:  



Number
of
Shares
(in 000’s)
Number
of
Shares
(in 000’s)
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2022
Number
of
Shares
(in 000’s)
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2016297
 $41.01
   
Granted
Granted
Granted29
 $48.32
Vested(84) $41.06
Forfeited(14) $44.64
   
Outstanding at December 31, 2017228
 $41.66
Outstanding at December 31, 2023
Outstanding at December 31, 2023
Outstanding at December 31, 2023
 
The weighted average fair value of awards of RSUsRSU and PSUsPSU awards granted in the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021 was $48.32, $40.27$127.59, $136.35 and $45.75,$129.94, respectively.
 
The total fair value of sharesRSUs vested was $3.4$2.4 million, $4.7$2.6 million and $6.0$2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.
 
As of December 31, 2017,2023, there was $18.6$54.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options, SARs, RSUsPSUs and PSUsRSUs granted under the Plans which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.13.2 years.
 
We offer to our employees a shareholder-approved Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Employee Plan”), under which we have reserved 1.0 million shares of common stock for issuance to our employees.  The Employee Plan provides employees with the opportunity to invest from 1% to 10% of their annual salary to purchase shares of CONMED common stock at a purchase price equal to 95% of the fair market value of the common stock on the exercise date.  During 2017,2023, we issued approximately 20,30019,005 shares of common stock under the Employee Plan.  No stock-based compensation expense has been recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as a result of common stock issuances under the Employee Plan.


Note 9 —11 - Revenues

The following tables present revenue disaggregated by product line and timing of revenue recognition for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:

2023
 Orthopedic SurgeryGeneral SurgeryTotal
Timing of Revenue Recognition
Goods transferred at a point in time$494,002 $704,041 $1,198,043 
Services transferred over time39,156 7,545 46,701 
Total sales from contracts with customers$533,158 $711,586 $1,244,744 

2022
 Orthopedic SurgeryGeneral SurgeryTotal
Timing of Revenue Recognition
Goods transferred at a point in time$422,648 $577,625 $1,000,273 
Services transferred over time38,880 6,319 45,199 
Total sales from contracts with customers$461,528 $583,944 $1,045,472 

70


2021
 Orthopedic SurgeryGeneral SurgeryTotal
Timing of Revenue Recognition
Goods transferred at a point in time$398,963 $567,244 $966,207 
Services transferred over time39,461 4,967 44,428 
Total sales from contracts with customers$438,424 $572,211 $1,010,635 

Revenue disaggregated by primary geographic market where the products are sold is included in Note 12.
Contract liability balances related to the sale of extended warranties to customers are as follows:

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Contract Liability$17,962 $19,114 

Revenue recognized during years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 from amounts included in contract liabilities at the beginning of the period were $12.5 million, $11.5 million and $10.3 million, respectively. There were no material contract assets as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Note 12 - Business Segments and Geographic Areas
    
We are accounting and reporting for our business as a single operating segment entity engaged in the development, manufacturing and sale on a global basis of surgical devices and related equipment. Our chief operating decision maker (the executive management team)CEO) evaluates the various global product portfolios on a net sales basis and evaluates profitability, investment, cash flow metrics and allocates resources on a consolidated worldwide basis due to shared infrastructure and resources.
Beginning in fiscal year 2017, we adjusted our product line disclosures to align with the way we review net sales. In doing so, we consolidated our surgical visualization product line into our orthopedic surgery product line for all periods presented. Our product lines consist of orthopedic surgery and general surgery. Orthopedic surgery consists of sports medicine and lower extremities instrumentation and implants, small bone, large bone and specialty powered surgical instruments as well as imaging systems for use in minimally invasive surgerysurgical procedures including 2DHD and 3DHD vision technologies and service fees related to thesales representation, promotion and marketing of sports medicine allograft tissue. General surgery consists of a complete line of endo-mechanical instrumentation for minimally invasive laparoscopic and gastrointestinal procedures, smoke evacuation devices, a line of cardiac monitoring products as well as electrosurgical generators and related instruments. These product lines' net sales and primary geographic market where the products are sold, are as follows:follows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
 
2023
 Orthopedic SurgeryGeneral SurgeryTotal
Primary Geographic Markets
United States$199,568 $500,592 $700,160 
Europe, Middle East & Africa127,637 98,616 226,253 
Asia Pacific123,043 74,358 197,401 
Americas (excluding the United States)82,910 38,020 120,930 
Total sales from contracts with customers$533,158 $711,586 $1,244,744 
2022
 Orthopedic SurgeryGeneral SurgeryTotal
Primary Geographic Markets
United States$173,176 $405,777 $578,953 
Europe, Middle East & Africa113,649 84,288 197,937 
Asia Pacific103,353 59,124 162,477 
Americas (excluding the United States)71,350 34,755 106,105 
Total sales from contracts with customers$461,528 $583,944 $1,045,472 
71


 2017 2016 2015
Orthopedic surgery$428,944
 $422,103
 $444,978
General surgery367,448
 341,417
 274,190
Consolidated net sales$796,392
 $763,520
 $719,168
2021
 Orthopedic SurgeryGeneral SurgeryTotal
Primary Geographic Markets
United States$158,553 $393,980 $552,533 
Europe, Middle East & Africa108,457 81,238 189,695 
Asia Pacific107,590 63,628 171,218 
Americas (excluding the United States)63,824 33,365 97,189 
Total sales from contracts with customers$438,424 $572,211 $1,010,635 


Net sales information for geographic areas consists of the following:


 2017 2016 2015
United States$411,041
 $399,107
 $361,452
Americas (excluding the United States)91,169
 87,532
 86,867
Europe, Middle East & Africa155,849
 147,985
 145,565
Asia Pacific138,333
 128,896
 125,284
Total$796,392
 $763,520
 $719,168

Sales are attributed to countries based on the location of the customer. There were no significant investments in long-lived assets located outside the United States at December 31, 20172023 and 2016.  2022.  No single customer represented over 10% of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015.2021.


Note 10 —13 - Employee Benefit Plans


We sponsor an employee savings plan (“401(k) plan”) covering substantially all of our United States based employees. We also sponsor a defined benefit pension plan (the “pension plan”) that was frozen in 2009. It covered substantially all our United States based employees at the time it was frozen.


Total employer contributions to the 401(k) plan were $7.5$8.2 million, $7.1$9.9 million and $7.6$9.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.


We use a December 31, measurement date for our pension plan.  Beginning in 2016, cumulativeCumulative gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the expected average remaining life expectancy of the plan's participants or 12 years. For each subsequent year after 2016, the limit11.13 and 11.38 years at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The limits of 1211.13 and 11.38 years, isrespectively, are adjusted to reflect the percentage change in the average remaining service period for the plan's active membership.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the projected benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status of the pension plan at December 31:


 20232022
Accumulated benefit obligation$70,588 $71,203 
Change in benefit obligation  
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$71,203 $95,508 
Service cost776 1,077 
Interest cost3,646 2,148 
Actuarial gain(806)(23,607)
Benefits paid(3,018)(2,805)
Settlements(1,213)(1,118)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year$70,588 $71,203 
Change in plan assets  
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year$62,356 $79,404 
Actual gain (loss) on plan assets7,771 (13,125)
Benefits paid(3,018)(2,805)
Settlements(1,213)(1,118)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year$65,896 $62,356 
Funded status$(4,692)$(8,847)

72


 2017 2016
Accumulated benefit obligation$87,765
 $82,005
    
Change in benefit obligation 
  
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$82,005
 $78,437
Service cost603
 452
Interest cost2,773
 2,878
Actuarial loss6,556
 4,844
Benefits paid(1,976) (1,814)
Settlement(2,196) (2,792)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year$87,765
 $82,005
    
Change in plan assets 
  
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year$69,061
 $67,168
Actual gain on plan assets10,043
 6,499
Benefits paid(1,976) (1,814)
Settlement(2,196) (2,792)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year$74,932
 $69,061
    
Funded status$(12,833) $(12,944)
The projected benefit obligation decreased $0.6 million from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023. This reduction was mainly due to demographic changes and participants delaying benefit commencement, which decreased the obligation, offset by the decrease in the discount rate from 5.41% at December 31, 2022 to 5.15% at December 31, 2023, which increased the obligation.


Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following at December 31,:



 20232022
Other long-term liabilities$(4,692)$(8,847)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(24,770)(31,346)


Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 consists of net actuarial losses not yet recognized in net periodic pension cost (before income taxes).
 2017 2016
Other long-term liabilities$(12,833) $(12,944)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(40,937) (41,960)


The following actuarial assumptions were used to determine our accumulated and projected benefit obligations as of December 31,:


 20232022
Discount rate5.15 %5.41 %
 2017 2016
Discount rate3.69% 4.28%


Accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 consists of net actuarial losses of $40,937 and $41,960, respectively, not yet recognized in net periodic pension cost (before income taxes).

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) in 20172023 and 2022 are as follows:
 
202320232022
Current year actuarial loss$(1,812)
Amortization of actuarial loss2,835
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss$1,023
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

The estimated portion of net actuarial loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic pension cost in 2018 is $2.7 million.


Net periodic pension cost for the years ended December 31, consists of the following:


 202320222021
Service cost$776 $1,077 $991 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation3,646 2,148 1,803 
Expected return on plan assets(4,130)(5,295)(5,155)
Amortization of loss2,129 2,589 3,327 
Net periodic pension cost$2,421 $519 $966 
 2017 2016 2015
Service cost$603
 $452
 $240
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation2,773
 2,878
 3,394
Expected return on plan assets(5,300) (5,189) (5,697)
Amortization of loss2,835
 2,780
 3,233
Net periodic pension cost$911
 $921
 $1,170


Non-service pension cost/(benefit) was immaterial for the years ended 2023, 2022 and 2021.

The following actuarial assumptions were used to determine our net periodic pension benefit cost for the years ended December 31,:

2017 2016 2015 202320222021
Discount rate on benefit obligation4.28% 4.54% 3.81%Discount rate on benefit obligation5.41 %2.81 %2.44 %
Effective rate for interest on benefit obligation3.49% 3.77% 3.81%Effective rate for interest on benefit obligation5.34 %2.33 %1.83 %
Expected return on plan assets8.00% 8.00% 8.00%Expected return on plan assets7.00 %7.00 %7.00 %
 
In 2016, we changedThe Company’s discount rate and mortality assumptions are the method we used to estimatesignificant assumptions in determining the projected benefit obligation of the Company’s pension plan.

The discount rate represents the interest cost componentrate used in estimating the present value of net periodicprojected cash flows to settle the Company’s pension cost. Historically, we estimated the interest cost component using a single weighted-averageobligations. The discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. We have elected to useassumption is determined by management using a full yield curve approach, in the estimation of this component of benefit cost bywhich involves applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation that correlatecorrelates to the relevant projected cash flows ("spot rate approach"). This change provides a more precise measurementflows.
73



Mortality assumptions are based on published mortality studies developed primarily based on past experience of interest cost. This change did not affect the measurement of our total benefit obligation. We accountedbroad population and modified for this change as a change in estimateprojected longevity trends. The mortality assumptions used for 2023 and therefore accounted for it prospectively in 2016.2022 are based on the Pri-2012 Mortality Tables using the MP-2021 mortality improvement scale.


In determining the expected return on pension plan assets, we consider the relative weighting of plan assets, the historical performance of total plan assets and individual asset classes and economic and other indicators of future performance.  In addition, we consult with financial and investment management professionals in developing appropriate targeted rates of return.




Asset management objectives include maintaining an adequate level of diversification to reduce interest rate and market risk and providing adequate liquidity to meet immediate and future benefit payment requirements.


The allocation of pension plan assets by category is as follows at December 31,:


Percentage of Pension
Plan Assets
Target
Allocation
 202320222024
Equity securities72 %72 %75 %
Debt securities28 %28 %25 %
Total100 %100 %100 %
 
Percentage of Pension
Plan Assets
 
Target
Allocation
 2017 2016 2018
Equity securities87% 86% 75%
Debt securities13
 14
 25
Total100% 100% 100%


As of December 31, 2017,2023, the pension plan held 27,562 shares of our common stock, which had a fair value of $1.4$3.0 million.  We believe that our long-term asset allocation on average will approximate the targeted allocation. We regularly review our actual asset allocation and periodically rebalance the pension plan’s investments to our targeted allocation when deemed appropriate.


FASB guidance defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value and related disclosure requirements as described in Note 14.16. Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value.our pension assets. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 20172023 and 2016:2022:


Common Stock:Common stock is valued at the closing price reported on the common stock’s respective stock exchange and is classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.
Money Market Fund:Fixed Income Securities:These investmentsValued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are public investment vehicles valued using $1 for the Net Asset Value (NAV). The money market fund istraded and are classified within level 21 of the valuation hierarchy.
Mutual Funds:Money Market Fund:These investments are public investment vehicles valued using the NAVNet Asset Value (NAV).
Mutual Funds:These investments are public investment vehicles valued using the Net Asset Value (NAV) provided by the administrator of the fund. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of shares outstanding. The NAV is a quoted price in an active market and is classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.
Fixed Income Securities:Valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded and are classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.


The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the pension plan believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.


74


The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy,of the pension plan's assets at fair value as of December 31, 20172023 and December 31, 2016:2022:

202320232022
Investments measured at fair value:
Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Common Stock
Common Stock
Common Stock
Fixed Income Securities
Total Investments measured at fair value
December 31, 2017Level 1 Level 2 Total
Common Stock$36,643
 $
 $36,643
Investments measured at NAV:
Investments measured at NAV:
Investments measured at NAV:
Money Market Fund
Money Market Fund
Money Market Fund
 1,517
 1,517
Mutual Funds28,798
 
 28,798
Fixed Income Securities7,974
 
 7,974
Total Investments measured at NAV
$73,415
 $1,517
 $74,932
Total Investments
Total Investments
Total Investments




December 31, 2016Level 1 Level 2 Total
Common Stock$34,856
 $
 $34,856
Money Market Fund
 1,710
 1,710
Mutual Funds24,626
 
 24,626
Fixed Income Securities7,869
 
 7,869
 $67,351
 $1,710
 $69,061

We do not expect to make any contributions to our pension plan for 2018.2024.


The following table summarizes the benefits and settlements expected to be paid by our pension plan in each of the next five years and in aggregate for the following five years. The expected payments are estimated based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2017 and reflect the impact of expected future employee service.2023.
 
2024$5,213 
20255,670 
20265,740 
20275,314 
20285,224 
2029-203324,730 
2018
$4,715
20195,539
20205,593
20214,974
20225,250
2023-202725,696


Note 11 —14 - Legal Matters and Contingencies


From time to time, we are subject to claims alleging product liability, patent infringement or other claims incurred in the ordinary course of business. These may involve our United States or foreign operations, or sales by foreign distributors. Likewise, from time to time, the Company may receive an information request, subpoena or subpoenawarrant from a government agency such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Justice, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the United States Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Labor, the Treasury Department or other federal and state agencies or foreign governments or government agencies. These information requests, subpoenas or subpoenaswarrants may or may not be routine inquiries, or may begin as routine inquiries and over time develop into enforcement actions of various types. Likewise, if we receive reports of alleged misconduct from employees andor third parties, which we investigate as appropriate.


Manufacturers of medical devices have been the subject of various investigations and enforcement actions relating to interactions with health care providers domestically or internationally whereby companies are claimed to have provided health care providers with inappropriate incentives to purchase their products. Similarly, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") prohibits U.S. companies and their representatives from offering or making payments to foreign officials for the purpose of securing a business advantage; and in many countries, the healthcare professionals with whom we regularly interact may meet the definition of a foreign government official for purposes of this law. Similar anti-bribery laws are in effect in many of the countries in which we operate. The FCPA also imposes obligations on manufacturers with respect to interactions with health care providers who may be considered government officials basedlisted on their affiliation with public hospitals. The FCPA also requires publicly listed manufacturersU.S. stock exchanges to maintain accurate books and records, and maintain internal accounting controls sufficient to provide assurance that transactions are accurately recorded, lawful and in accordance with management'smanagement’s authorization.The FCPA posescan pose unique challenges both becausefor manufacturers that operate in foreign cultures in whichwhere conduct illegal underprohibited by the FCPA may not be viewed as illegal in local jurisdictions, and because, in some cases, a United States manufacturer may face risks under the FCPA based on the conduct of third parties (e.g., distributors) over whom the manufacturer may not have complete control. While CONMED has not experienced any material enforcement action to date, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be subject to a material enforcement action in the future, or that the Company will not incur costs including, in the form of fees for lawyers and other consultants, that are material to the Company’s results of operations in the course of responding to a future inquiry or investigation.

75



In addition, as a manufacturer of U.S. FDA-approved devices reimbursable by federal healthcare programs, we are subject to the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires us to annually report certain payments and other transfers of value we make to U.S.-licensed physicians, U.S. teaching hospitals or other U.S. covered recipients. Any failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us or our officers and employees to criminal and civil financial penalties.

Manufacturers of medical products may face exposure to significant product liability claims.claims, as well as patent infringement and other claims incurred in the ordinary course of business. To date, we have not experienced any product liability claims that have been material to our financial statements or financial condition, but any such claims arising in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or cash flows. We currently maintain commercial product liability insurance of $25$35 million per incident and $25$35 million in the aggregate annually, which we believe is adequate. This coverage is on a claims-made basis. There can be no assurance that claims will not exceed insurance coverage, that the carriers will be solvent or that such insurance will be available to us in the future at a reasonable cost.

We establish reserves sufficient to cover probable losses associated with any such pending claims. We do not expect that the resolution of any pending claims, investigations or reports of alleged misconduct will have a material adverse effect on our


financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. There can be no assurance, however, that future claims or investigations, or the costs associated with responding to such claims, investigations or reports of misconduct, especially claims and investigations not covered by insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


Our operations are subject, and in the past have been subject, to a number of environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, air emissions; wastewater discharges; the use, handling and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes; soil and groundwater remediation and employee health and safety. Likewise, the operations of our suppliers and sterilizers are subject to similar environmental laws and regulations. In some jurisdictions, environmental requirements may be expected to become more stringent in the future. In the United States, certain environmental laws can impose liability for the entire cost of site restoration upon each of the parties that may have contributed to conditions at the site regardless of fault or the lawfulness of the party’s activities. While we do not believe that the present costs of environmental compliance and remediation are material, there can be no assurance that future compliance or remedial obligations would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


In April 2017,CONMED has been defending two Georgia State Court actions. The first action was filed in Cobb County by various employees, former employees, contract workers and others against CONMED and against a contract sterilizer (the "Cobb County Action"). Plaintiffs alleged personal injury and related claims purportedly arising from or relating to exposure to Ethylene Oxide, a chemical used to sterilize certain products. CONMED’s motion to dismiss action was heard on January 10, 2022, and the previously disclosed lawsuit involving false advertising claimCourt issued a ruling on June 15, 2022 dismissing 44 of the 51 plaintiffs' claims as precluded by Lexion Medical ("Lexion") against SurgiQuest arising prior to the acquisition of SurgiQuest by CONMED went to trial in federal court in the District of Delaware.  The claims arose under the Lanham Act,exclusive workers' compensation remedy, as well as Delaware state laws.  Lexion sought damagesone claim from a non-employee plaintiff. After discovery closed in November 2023, the plaintiffs filed a voluntary dismissal without prejudice for the remaining plaintiffs in the case. The remaining plaintiffs have until June 2024 to refile.

The second action was filed in Douglas County against CONMED’s landlord and other allegedly related entities (the "Douglas County Action"). Plaintiff alleged the same injuries as the Cobb County Action. Discovery closed in November 2023. As with any litigation, there are risks, including the risk that CONMED may not prevail with respect to the defense of $22.0 millionthe underlying claims, or with respect to securing adequate insurance coverage for alleged lost profitsthe indemnification claims.

CONMED submitted the foregoing claims for insurance coverage. One insurer is providing coverage for certain of the claims asserted directly against the Company. CONMED litigated two lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York ("the Northern District") with Federal Insurance Company (“Chubb”): one involving CONMED’s claim for coverage for the indemnification claims arising from the Cobb County Action, and $18.7 millionthe other concerning CONMED’s claim for costs related to alleged “corrective advertising,” as well as damages claimedcoverage for disgorgement of SurgiQuest’s alleged profits and attorneys' fees.the indemnification claims arising from the Douglas County Action. On January 4, 2016, SurgiQuest became a subsidiaryMarch 10, 2022, the Court ruled in favor of CONMED as further describedwith respect to coverage for the indemnification claims arising from the Cobb County Action. Chubb's motion for reconsideration was denied, and Chubb filed a notice of appeal. On August 9, 2022, CONMED won a similar ruling finding in Note 2,its favor and we assumed the costs and liabilities relatedagainst Chubb as to the Lexion lawsuit subjectcoverage case concerning the Douglas County Action. Chubb appealed that decision as well. Chubb subsequently withdrew its appeal in connection with a settlement between the parties. Chubb disputes the amount it owes in fees incurred by the Company's attorneys defending the Douglas County action going forward. Accordingly, CONMED has commenced a third action against Chubb in the Northern District to enforce the terms of the mergersettlement agreement, referenced in Note 2.  On April 11, 2017, a jury returned a verdict finding SurgiQuest liable for $2.2 million in compensatory damages with an additional $10.0 million in punitive damages. These costs are recorded in selling and administrative expense as of December 31, 2017 and are accrued in other current liabilities at December 31, 2017. The Court entered judgment on April 13, 2017.  CONMED and Lexion have each filed post-verdict motions, with Lexion seeking an equitable award for disgorgement of SurgiQuest’s alleged profits, for so-called corrective advertising and for attorney’s fees, with CONMED seeking to vacate the award of punitive damages.  There is no fixed time frame within which the District Court will decide the post-verdict motions.  We are currently evaluating our plans for an appeal. There can be no assurance an appeal will be successful, if we pursue one.

In 2014, the Company acquired EndoDynamix, Inc. The agreement governing the terms of the acquisition provide that, if various conditions are met, certain contingent payments relating to the first commercial sale of the products (the milestone payment), as well as royalties based on sales (the revenue based payments), are due to the seller. We have notified the seller that there is a need to redesign the product, and that as a consequence, the first commercial sale has been delayed. Consequently, the payment of contingent milestone and revenue-based payments have been delayed. On January 18, 2017, the seller provided notice ("the Notice") seeking $12.7 million, which essentially represents the seller’s view as to the sum of the projected contingent milestone and revenue-based payments on an accelerated basis. CONMED responded to the Notice denying that there was any basis for acceleration of the payments due under the acquisition agreement. On February 22, 2017, the representative of the former shareholders of EndoDynamix filed a complaint in Delaware Chancery Court claiming breach of contract with respect to the duty to commercialize the product and seeking the contingent payments on an accelerated basis. We believe that there was a legitimate contractual basis to support the Company’s decision to redesign the product, such that there was no legitimate basis for seeking the acceleration of the contingent payments. We expect to defend the claims asserted by the sellers of EndoDynamix in the Delaware Court, although there can be no assurance that weCONMED will prevailprevail.

In addition, one of CONMED’s contract sterilizers, which is defending toxic tort claims asserted by various residents in the litigation.areas around its processing facility, has placed CONMED on notice of a claim for indemnification relating to some of those claims. CONMED reviewed the notice and reached out to the contract sterilizer for more information. At this time, the contract sterilizer has not responded.


The government of Italy passed a law in late 2015 to tax medical device companies on revenue derived from sales to public hospitals. The tax is calculated and based on provincial spending over and above certain thresholds. The Italy medical device tax represents variable consideration in the form of a retroactive discount potentially owed to the customer, which is
Note 12 — Acquisition, Restructuring
76


ultimately the Italian government. Since the law was enacted through September 2022, the Italian government essentially made no effort to administer or collect the tax. A lack of interpretative guidance and Other Expensethe complexity of the law resulted in uncertainty as to the actual amount of liability. In September 2022, the Italian government passed a further decree which, amongst other provisions, delegated administration and collection to the provincial level for the years 2015 – 2018. The Company is challenging the imposition of the medical device tax in Italy, as have many other medical device companies, on the grounds that the law was never implemented properly with regulations. While the Company is informed that its position is well-grounded in the law, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail. The Company has recorded reserves in accordance with the provisions of the law, although no amounts have been remitted to date.


Acquisition, restructuringIn December 2023, the Company voluntarily informed the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) of potential issues with certain royalty payments related to design surgeons. The Company is fully cooperating with the DOJ and their review of the matter.

From time to time, we are also subject to negligence and other expense for the year ended December 31, consistsclaims arising out of the following:ordinary conduct of our business, including, for example, automobile or other accidents our employees may experience within the course of their employment or otherwise and which may, on occasion, involve potentially significant personal injuries.




 2017 2016 2015
Consolidation costs$2,903
 $3,066
 $8,016
Termination of a product offering
 4,546
 
Restructuring costs included in cost of sales$2,903
 $7,612
 $8,016
      
Restructuring costs$1,347
 $6,670
 $13,655
Business acquisition costs2,336
 17,029
 2,543
Legal matters17,480
 3,773
 
Gain on sale of facility
 (1,890) 
Acquisition, restructuring and other expense included in selling and administrative expense$21,163
 $25,582
 $16,198
      
Debt refinancing costs included in other expense$
 $2,942
 $
During 2017We record reserves sufficient to cover probable and 2016, we incurred $2.3 millionestimable losses associated with pending claims. With respect to the matters described above, except as noted related to the medical device tax in Italy, the Company is unable to estimate a range of possible loss at this time, nor does it believe any potential loss is probable, and $17.0 million, respectively,as a result has not recorded any reserves related to the potential outcomes in connection with these matters. We do not expect that the resolution of any pending claims, investigations or reports of alleged misconduct will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. There can be no assurance, however, that future claims, investigations or reports of alleged misconduct, or the costs associated with the January 4, 2016 acquisitionresponding to such claims, investigations or reports of SurgiQuest, Inc. as further described in Note 2. The costs incurred in 2017 consistalleged misconduct, especially when not covered by insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of costs associated with expensing of unvested options acquired and integration related costs. The costs incurred in 2016 consist of investment banking fees, consulting fees, legal fees associated with the acquisition, costs associated with expensing of unvested options acquired and integration related costs. During 2015, we incurred $2.5 million in costs associated with the acquisition of SurgiQuest and other acquisitions during the year.operations or cash flows.


During 2017, we incurred $12.2 million in costs associated with the SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation verdict whereby SurgiQuest was found liable for $2.2 million in compensatory damages with an additional $10.0 million in punitive damages as further described in Note 11. These costs are accrued in other current liabilities at December 31, 2017. In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we incurred $5.3 million and $3.8 million, respectively, in costs associated with this litigation and other legal matters.

During 2016, we incurred a $2.7 million charge related to commitment fees paid to certain of our lenders, which provided a financing commitment for the SurgiQuest acquisition and recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $0.3 million in conjunction with the fifth amended and restated senior credit agreement as further described in Note 6.

For the years ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we incurred $2.9 million, $3.1 million and $8.0 million, respectively, in costs associated with operational restructuring. These costs were charged to cost of sales and included severance, inventory and other charges. As part of this plan, we engaged a consulting firm to assist us in streamlining our product offering and improving our operational efficiency. As a result, we identified certain catalog numbers to be discontinued and consolidated into existing product offerings and recorded a $1.3 million charge in the year ended December 31, 2017 to write-off inventory which will no longer be offered for sale. This amount is included in the above total for 2017.

During 2016, the Company discontinued our Altrus product offering as part of our ongoing restructuring and incurred $4.5 million in non-cash charges primarily related to inventory and fixed assets which were included in cost of sales during 2016.

During 2016, we sold our Centennial, Colorado facility. We received net cash proceeds of $5.2 million and recorded a gain of $1.9 million on the sale.

During 2017, 2016 and 2015, we restructured certain selling and administrative functions and incurred $1.3 million, $6.7 million and $13.7 million, respectively, in related costs consisting principally of severance charges.

We have recorded a restructuring accrual in current and other long term liabilities of $1.3 million at December 31, 2017 mainly related to severance costs associated with restructuring. Below is a rollforward of the costs incurred and cash expenditures associated with these activities during 2017, 2016 and 2015:



Balance as of January 1, 2015 $8,254
   
Expenses incurred 21,671
   
Payments made (22,750)
   
Balance as of December 31, 2015 7,175
   
Expenses incurred 9,736
   
Payments made (14,268)
   
Balance as of December 31, 2016 2,643
   
Expenses incurred 4,250
   
Payments made (5,635)
   
Balance as of December 31, 2017 $1,258
A portion of this accrual will be paid out in 2018.
Note 13 —15 - Guarantees


We provide warranties on certain of our products at the time of sale and sell extended warranties.  The standard warranty period for our capital and reusable equipment is generally one year and our extended warranties cantypically vary in length.from one to three years.  Liability under service and warranty policies is based upon a review of historical warranty and service claim experience.  Adjustments are made to accruals as claim data and historical experience warrant.


Changes in the carrying amount of service and productstandard warranties for the yearyears ended December 31, are as follows:


 202320222021
Balance as of January 1,$1,944 $2,344 $1,826 
Provision for warranties614 224 1,458 
Claims made(756)(624)(940)
Balance as of December 31,$1,802 $1,944 $2,344 
 2017 2016 2015
Balance as of January 1,$1,954
 $2,509
 $2,286
      
Provision for warranties3,432
 2,967
 3,836
Claims made(3,636) (3,522) (3,613)
      
Balance as of December 31,$1,750
 $1,954
 $2,509


Note 14 – Fair Value Measurement
We enter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes only.  We operate internationallyCosts associated with extended warranty repairs are recorded as incurred and in the normal course of business, are exposedamounted to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates$4.8 million, $5.9 million and commodity prices. These fluctuations can increase the costs of financing, investing and operating the business. We use forward contracts, a type of derivative instrument, to manage certain foreign currency exposures.
By nature, all financial instruments involve market and credit risks. We enter into forward contracts with major investment grade financial institutions and have policies to monitor the credit risk of those counterparties.  While there can be no assurance, we do not anticipate any material non-performance by any of these counterparties.


Foreign Currency Forward Contracts. We hedge forecasted intercompany sales denominated in foreign currencies through the use of forward contracts.  The notional contract amounts for forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2017 which have been accounted for as cash flow hedges totaled $126.0 million.  Net realized gains (losses) recognized for forward contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges approximated -$0.7$6.8 million, $1.2 million and $10.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021 respectively.  Net unrealized losses on forward contracts outstanding which have been accounted for as cash flow hedges and which have been included in other comprehensive income totaled $3.5 million at December 31, 2017.  It is expected these unrealized losses will be recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in 2018 and 2019.


We also enter into forward contracts to exchange foreign currencies for United States dollars in order to hedge our currency transaction exposures on intercompany receivables denominated in foreign currencies.  The notional contract amounts for forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2017 which have not been designated as hedges totaled $30.4 million.  Net realized gains (losses) recognized in connection with those forward contracts not accounted for as hedges approximated -$1.6 million, $0.0 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, offsetting gains (losses) on our intercompany receivables of $1.1 million, -$0.1 million and -$0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  These gains and losses have been recorded in selling and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

We record these forward foreign exchange contracts at fair value; the following tables summarize the fair value for forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
December 31, 2017Asset Fair
Value
 Liabilities Fair
Value
 Net
 Fair
Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:     
Foreign exchange contracts$346
 $(5,945) $(5,599)
      
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: 
  
  
Foreign exchange contracts4
 (78) (74)
      
Total derivatives$350
 $(6,023) $(5,673)

December 31, 2016
Asset Fair
Value
 
Liabilities Fair
Value
 
Net
 Fair
Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:     
Foreign exchange contracts$3,962
 $(1,510) $2,452
      
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:     
Foreign exchange contracts48
 (54) (6)
      
Total derivatives$4,010
 $(1,564) $2,446

Our forward foreign exchange contracts are subject to a master netting agreement and qualify for netting in the consolidated balance sheets.  Accordingly, at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 we have recorded the net fair value of $5.7 million in other current liabilities and $2.4 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets, respectively.

Fair Value Disclosure. FASB guidance defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value and related disclosure requirements. This guidance applies when fair value measurements are required or permitted. The guidance indicates, among other things, that a fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Fair value is defined based upon an exit price model.

Valuation Hierarchy. A valuation hierarchy was established for disclosure of the inputs to the valuations used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted)


in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, including interest rates, yield curves and credit risks, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There have been no significant changes in the assumptions.
Valuation Techniques. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 consist of forward foreign exchange contracts and contingent liabilities associated with a business acquisition. The Company values its forward foreign exchange contracts using quoted prices for similar assets. The most significant assumption is quoted currency rates. The value of the forward foreign exchange contract assets and liabilities were valued using Level 2 inputs and are listed in the table above.  
Certain acquisitions involve the potential for the payment of future contingent consideration upon the achievement of certain revenue targets. Contingent consideration is recorded at the estimated fair value of the revenue based payments on the acquisition date. The fair value of the contingent consideration is remeasured at the estimated fair value at each reporting period with the change in fair value recognized as income or expense within selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We remeasure the liability on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined under authoritative guidance for fair value measurements.

The carrying amounts reported in our balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt approximate fair value.  
Note 1516 - New Accounting PronouncementsFair Value Measurement

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, along with amendments issued in 2015 and 2016. This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services.

The guidance in this ASU was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2017. The standard allows the option of either a full retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented, or a modified retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period. The Company adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2018, and is applying the modified retrospective approach.

We assessedenter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes only.  We operate internationally and, in the impactnormal course of adopting these ASUs on eachbusiness, are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. These fluctuations can increase the costs of our revenue streamsfinancing, investing and performedoperating the business. We use forward contracts, a detailed reviewtype of derivative instrument, to manage certain foreign currency exposures.
By nature, all financial instruments involve market and credit risks. We enter into forward contracts with customers on a sample basis. As a resultmajor investment grade financial institutions and have policies to monitor the credit risk of our assessment,those counterparties.  While there can be no assurance, we do not expectanticipate any material non-performance by any of these counterparties.
77


Foreign Currency Forward Contracts. We hedge forecasted intercompany sales denominated in foreign currencies through the use of forward contracts.  We account for these forward contracts as cash flow hedges.  To the extent these forward contracts meet hedge accounting criteria, changes in their fair value are not included in current earnings but are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  These changes in fair value will be recognized into earnings as a component of sales or cost of sales when the forecasted transaction occurs.  

We also enter into forward contracts to exchange foreign currencies for United States dollars in order to hedge our currency transaction exposures.  These forward contracts settle each month at month-end, at which time we enter into new guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.forward contracts.  We have identified certain costs currently included in sellingnot designated these forward contracts as hedges and administrative expense and principally relatedhave not applied hedge accounting to administrative fees paidthem.  


The following table presents the notional contract amounts for forward contracts outstanding:

As of
FASB ASC Topic 815 DesignationDecember 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Forward exchange contractsCash flow hedge$223,839 $198,473 
Forward exchange contractsNon-designated55,789 81,929 

The remaining time to group purchasing organizations that the new standard requires be recordedmaturity as a reduction of revenue beginning in 2018. These costs were approximately $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. We believe there2023 is no material impactwithin two years for hedge designated foreign exchange contracts and approximately one month for non-hedge designated forward exchange contracts.

Statement of comprehensive income (loss) presentation

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

Foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges had the following effects on netaccumulated other comprehensive income or earnings per share as a result of this change.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. An entity should measure inventory within the scope of this ASU at the lower of cost(loss) ("AOCI") and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary courseearnings on our consolidated statements of business, less reasonably predictable costscomprehensive income (loss) and our consolidated balance sheets:

Amount of Gain Recognized in AOCIConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI
Years EndedTotal Amount of Line Item PresentedYears Ended
Derivative Instrument202320222021Location of amount reclassified202320222021202320222021
Foreign exchange contracts$5,489 $14,494 $8,650 Net Sales$1,244,744 $1,045,472 $1,010,635 $3,790 $15,085 $(5,421)
  Cost of Sales568,499 474,227 442,599 4,840 939 1,411 
Pre-tax gain (loss)$5,489 $14,494 $8,650 $8,630 $16,024 $(4,010)
Tax expense (benefit)1,331 3,513 2,090 2,092 3,884 (969)
Net gain (loss)$4,158 $10,981 $6,560 $6,538 $12,140 $(3,041)

At December 31, 2023, $0.4 million of completion, disposal and transportation. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We implemented this new guidance during the first quarter of 2017 and it did not have a material impactnet unrealized gains on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). This requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets but recognize the expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to current practice. ASU 2016-02 states that a lessee would recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-to-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. We adopted this new guidance effective January 1, 2017. This ASU requires the following:



All tax effects are now recorded in the statement of operations and areforward contracts accounted for as an operating activitycash flow hedges, and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, are expected to be recognized in earnings in the statementnext twelve months.

78


Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges

Net losses from derivative instruments not accounted for as hedges and losses on our intercompany receivables on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) were:

Years Ended
Derivative InstrumentLocation on Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)202320222021
 
Net loss on currency forward contractsSelling and administrative expense$(891)$(240)$(451)
Net loss on currency transaction exposuresSelling and administrative expense$(1,305)$(1,950)$(1,832)

Balance sheet presentation

We record these forward foreign exchange contracts at fair value. The following tables summarize the fair value for forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022:

December 31, 2023Location on Consolidated Balance SheetAsset Fair
Value
Liabilities Fair
Value
Net
 Fair
Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:   
Foreign exchange contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets$3,761 $(3,197)$564 
Foreign exchange contractsOther long-term liabilities24 (433)(409)
$3,785 $(3,630)$155 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:   
Foreign exchange contractsOther current liabilities39 (209)(170)
Total derivatives$3,824 $(3,839)$(15)

December 31, 2022Location on Consolidated Balance SheetAsset Fair
Value
Liabilities Fair
Value
Net
 Fair
Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:  
Foreign exchange contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets$6,757 $(3,121)$3,636 
Foreign exchange contractsOther long-term liabilities60 (400)(340)
$6,817 $(3,521)$3,296 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:  
Foreign exchange contractsOther current liabilities48 (395)(347)
Total derivatives$6,865 $(3,916)$2,949 

Our forward foreign exchange contracts are subject to a master netting agreement and qualify for netting in the consolidated balance sheets.  

Fair Value Disclosure. FASB guidance defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value and related disclosure requirements. This guidance applies when fair value measurements are required or permitted. The guidance indicates, among other things, that a fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability
79


occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Fair value is defined based upon an exit price model.

Valuation Hierarchy. A valuation hierarchy was established for disclosure of the inputs to the valuations used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, including interest rates, yield curves and credit risks, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There have been no significant changes in the assumptions.
Valuation Techniques. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 consist of forward foreign exchange contracts and contingent consideration. The Company values its forward foreign exchange contracts using quoted prices for similar assets. The most significant assumption is quoted currency rates. The value of the forward foreign exchange contract assets and liabilities were valued using Level 2 inputs and are listed in the table above.  

The Company values contingent consideration from the In2Bones and Biorez acquisitions using Level 3 inputs. The contingent consideration was recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition based on the consideration expected to be transferred, estimated as the probability-weighted future cash flows, on a prospective basis. Historically, tax benefitsdiscounted back to present value. The fair value of contingent consideration is measured using projected payment dates, discount rates, revenue volatilities, and projected revenues. The recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of contingent consideration for which the liabilities are recorded include the following significant unobservable inputs as of December 31, 2023:

Assumptions
Unobservable InputIn2BonesBiorez
Discount rate7.62%12.25%
Revenue volatility15.49%21.39%
Projected year of payment2024-20262024-2026

Adjustments to the fair value of contingent consideration relate to the passage of time and changes in excess of compensation cost were recorded in equitymarket and were accounted forbusiness assumptions. Changes in the financing sectionfair value of the cash flow. This ASU resulted in a $0.6 million tax benefit during the year ended December 31, 2017.

All cash payments made to taxing authorities on the employee's behalfcontingent consideration liabilities for withheld shares are to be presented as financing activities in the statement of cash flows on a retrospective basis. As a result, we reclassified a $1.7 million and $2.8 million cash outflow from operating activities to financing activities for the years ended December 31, 20162023 and 2015, respectively.December 31, 2022 are as follows:


In
In2BonesBiorez
Balance at January 1, 2022$— $— 
Purchase price contingent consideration69,402 114,512 
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration796 1,722 
Balance at December 31, 2022$70,198 $116,234 
Payments(13,867)— 
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration(14,938)12,517 
Balance at December 31, 2023$41,393 $128,751 
80


Contingent consideration of $77.6 million and $92.5 million is included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the diluted net earnings per share calculation, when applyingconsolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023. Contingent consideration of $18.6 million and $167.8 million is included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the treasury stock methodconsolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022.

The carrying amounts reported in our balance sheets for shares that could be repurchased, the assumed proceeds no longer include the amount of excess tax benefit. This did not have a material impact on the Company's diluted net earnings per share calculation.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receiptscash and Cash Payments (A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). This ASU provides amendments to specific statement of cash flows classification issues. This new guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, however early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this new guidance effective January 1, 2017 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. The amendments in this ASU require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in total cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, however early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect this update to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This ASU states when substantially all of thevariable long-term debt approximate fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or a group of similar assets), the assets acquired would not represent a business. In addition, this guidance states in order to be a business, an input and a substantive process must significantly contribute to the ability to produce outputs. This new guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted for interim or annual periods during which an applicable transaction occurs. We adopted this new guidance as of July 1, 2017.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. This new guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2019, however early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07 Compensation Retirement Benefits (ASC 715) - Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.  This ASU requires companies to record the service component of net periodic pension cost in the same income statement line as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period.  The other components of net periodic pension cost would be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented.  This guidance is applicable for periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and must be applied retrospectively.  Early adoption is permitted.  We do not expect this update to materially impact our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Based Compensation (ASC 718) - Scope of Modification Accounting. This ASU does not change the accounting for modifications but clarifies that modification accounting guidance should be applied if there is a change to the value, vesting conditions, or award classification and would not be required if the changes are considered non-substantive. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. This guidance is in line with the Company’s current interpretation of ASC 718, Stock Compensation, and we do not expect this clarification to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12 Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This ASU makes more financial and non-financial hedging strategies eligible for hedge


accounting. It also amends the presentation and disclosure requirements and changes how companies assess effectiveness. It is intended to more closely align hedge accounting with companies’ risk management strategies, simplify the application of hedge accounting, and increase transparency as to the scope and results of hedging programs. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.


Note 16 — Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Selected quarterly financial data for 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
 Three Months Ended
 March June September December
2017       
Net sales$186,567
 $197,154
 $190,117
 $222,555
Gross profit99,885
 104,652
 102,547
 123,958
Net income (loss)(4,545) 6,139
 7,197
 46,696
EPS: 
  
  
  
Basic$(.16) $.22
 $.26
 $1.67
Diluted(.16) .22
 .26
 1.65

 Three Months Ended
 March June September December
2016       
Net sales$181,201
 $193,433
 $184,792
 $204,094
Gross profit97,740
 102,422
 101,209
 106,959
Net income (loss)(2,265) 2,884
 7,337
 6,708
EPS: 
  
  
  
Basic$(.08) $.10
 $.26
 $.24
Diluted(.08) .10
 .26
 .24

Items Included In Selected Quarterly Financial Data:

2017

First Quartervalue.  
 
During the first quarter of 2017, we incurred $1.2 million in costs associated with operational restructuring. These costs were charged to cost of sales and include severance and other charges - see Note 12.
81

During the first quarter of 2017, we incurred $0.5 million in costs associated with the expensing of unvested options acquired and integration related costs associated with the acquisition of SurgiQuest, Inc. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Note 12.


During the first quarter of 2017, we incurred $12.2 million in costs associated with the SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation verdict whereby SurgiQuest was found liable for $2.2 million in compensatory damages with an additional $10.0 million in punitive damages. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 11 and 12.

During the first quarter of 2017, we incurred $2.0 million in costs associated with a patent settlement, legal fees associated with the SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation and other legal matters. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 11 and 12.

During the first quarter of 2017, we restructured certain selling and administrative functions and incurred $1.3 million in related costs consisting principally of severance charges. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense- see Note 12.



Second Quarter

During the second quarter of 2017, we incurred $0.3 million in costs associated with operational restructuring. These costs were charged to cost of sales and include severance and other charges - see Note 12.

During the second quarter of 2017, we incurred $0.4 million in costs associated with the expensing of unvested options acquired and integration related costs associated with the acquisition of SurgiQuest, Inc. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Note 12.

During the second quarter of 2017, we incurred $2.5 million in costs associated with SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation and other legal matters. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 11 and 12.

Third Quarter

During the third quarter of 2017, we incurred $1.3 million in costs associated with operational restructuring. These costs were charged to cost of sales and include the write-off of inventory no longer being offered for sale and other charges - see Note 12.

During the third quarter of 2017, we incurred $0.1 million in integration related costs associated with the acquisition of SurgiQuest, Inc. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Note 12.

During the third quarter of 2017, we incurred $0.3 million in costs associated with SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation and other legal matters. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 11 and 12.

Fourth Quarter

During the fourth quarter of 2017, we incurred $0.1 million in costs associated with operational restructuring. These costs were charged to cost of sales - see Note 12.

During the fourth quarter of 2017, we incurred $1.3 million in integration related costs associated with the acquisition of SurgiQuest, Inc. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Note 12.

During the fourth quarter of 2017, we incurred $0.4 million in costs associated with SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation and other legal matters. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 11 and 12.

During the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded an income tax benefit of $31.9 million resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - see Note 7.

2016

First Quarter

During the first quarter of 2016, we incurred $0.9 million in costs associated with the consolidation of our Centennial, Colorado manufacturing operations into other existing CONMED manufacturing facilities. These costs were charged to cost of sales and include severance and other charges associated with the consolidation – see Note 12.

During the first quarter of 2016, we incurred $8.2 million in costs associated with the January 4, 2016 acquisition of SurgiQuest, Inc. These costs include investment banking fees, consulting fees, legal fees associated with the acquisition, costs associated with expensing of unvested options acquired and integration related costs and were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 2 and 12.

During the first quarter of 2016, we incurred $0.8 million in costs associated with SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 11 and 12.
During the first quarter of 2016, we incurred a $2.7 million charge related to commitment fees paid to certain of our lenders, which provided a financing commitment for the SurgiQuest acquisition and recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $0.3 million in conjunction with the fifth amended and restated senior credit agreement. These costs were charged to other expense - see Notes 6 and 12.



During the first quarter of 2016, we recorded a charge of $2.8 million to selling and administrative expense related to the restructuring of certain selling and administrative functions which includes severance and other related costs - see Note 12.

Second Quarter

During the second quarter of 2016, we incurred $0.1 million in costs associated with the consolidation of our Centennial, Colorado manufacturing operations into other existing CONMED manufacturing facilities. These costs were charged to cost of sales and include severance and other charges associated with the consolidation – see Note 12.

During the second quarter of 2016, the Company discontinued our Altrus product offering as part of our ongoing restructuring and incurred $4.5 million in non-cash charges which were included in cost of sales - see Note 12.

During the second quarter of 2016, we incurred $3.6 million in costs associated with the acquisition of SurgiQuest, Inc. which include consulting fees, legal fees associated with the acquisition, costs associated with expensing of unvested options acquired and integration related costs. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 2 and 12.

During the second quarter of 2016, we incurred $1.4 million in costs associated with SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation and other legal matters. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 11 and 12.

During the second quarter of 2016, we recorded a charge of $1.0 million to selling and administrative expense related to the restructuring of certain selling and administrative functions which includes severance and other related costs - see Note 12.

Third Quarter

During the third quarter of 2016, we incurred $2.7 million in costs associated with the acquisition of SurgiQuest, Inc. which include consulting fees, legal fees associated with the acquisition, costs associated with expensing of unvested options acquired and integration related costs. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 2 and 12.

During the third quarter of 2016, we incurred $0.6 million in costs associated with SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation and other legal matters. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 11 and 12.

During the third quarter of 2016, we sold our Centennial, Colorado facility. We received net cash proceeds of $5.2 million and recorded a gain of $1.9 million on the sale of our facility in selling and administrative expense - see Note 12.

During the third quarter of 2016, we recorded a charge of $0.4 million to selling and administrative expense related to the restructuring of certain selling and administrative functions which includes severance and other related costs - see Note 12.

Fourth Quarter

During the fourth quarter of 2016, we incurred $2.1 million in severance and other related costs associated with restructuring. These costs were charged to cost of sales - see Note 12.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, we incurred $2.5 million in costs associated with the acquisition of SurgiQuest, Inc. which include consulting fees, legal fees associated with the acquisition, costs associated with expensing of unvested options acquired and integration related costs. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense - see Notes 2 and 12.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, we incurred $1.0 million in costs associated with SurgiQuest, Inc. vs. Lexion Medical litigation and other legal matters. These costs were charged to selling and administrative expense- see Notes 11 and 12.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded a charge of $2.6 million to selling and administrative expense related to the restructuring of certain selling and administrative functions which includes severance and other related costs - see Note 12.




SCHEDULE II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In thousands)

    
    
 Additions  
 Balance at
Beginning of
Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Charged to
Other Accounts(1)
 
Balance at End
of Period
Description         Deductions
2023    
Allowance for bad debts$5,508 $1,525 $— $(999)$6,034 
Sales returns and    
allowance6,388 1,533 — (1,275)6,646 
Deferred tax asset    
valuation allowance543 — — (543)— 
2022    
Allowance for bad debts$4,528 $1,400 $230 $(650)$5,508 
Sales returns and    
allowance4,441 2,923 — (976)6,388 
Deferred tax asset    
valuation allowance786 — 1,571 (1,814)543 
2021    
Allowance for bad debts$3,876 $2,305 $— $(1,653)$4,528 
Sales returns and    
allowance3,684 1,261 — (504)4,441 
Deferred tax asset    
valuation allowance2,721 621 — (2,556)786 
(1) During 2022, allowances were assumed as part of the In2Bones acquisition.

        
        
    Additions    
  
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
 
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
    
      
Balance at End
of Period
Description            Deductions 
2017        
Allowance for bad debts $2,031
 $1,031
 $(925) $2,137
Sales returns and  
  
  
  
allowance 1,817
 424
 (22) 2,219
Deferred tax asset  
  
  
  
valuation allowance 441
 129
 
 570
         
         
2016  
  
  
  
Allowance for bad debts $1,336
 $983
 $(288) $2,031
Sales returns and  
  
  
  
allowance 1,814
 268
 (265) 1,817
Deferred tax asset  
  
  
  
valuation allowance 124
 317
 
 441
         
         
2015  
  
  
  
Allowance for bad debts $1,239
 $493
 $(396) $1,336
Sales returns and  
  
  
  
allowance 1,636
 373
 (195) 1,814
Deferred tax asset  
  
  
  
valuation allowance 293
 
 (169) 124

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary


Registrants may voluntarily provide a summary of information required by Form 10-K under this Item 16. The Company has elected not to include such summary information.

7382