UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

March 31, 2018

 

or

 

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

For the transition period from _____ to _____

 

Commission File Number: 1-5005

 

 

INTRICON CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Pennsylvania 23-1069060
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
1260 Red Fox Road  
Arden Hills, Minnesota 55112
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 (651) 636-9770 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 N/A 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

  

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

 

☒  Yes ☐  No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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 ☐ No

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer  ☐Accelerated filer  ☐
  
Non-accelerated filer  ☐  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting company  ☒

 

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

 

☐ Yes ☒  No

 

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, $1.00 par value, on October 31, 2017April 30, 2018 was 6,869,013.6,964,458.

 

 

 

 

INTRICON CORPORATION

 

I N D E X

   
Page
Numbers
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 Item 1.Financial Statements 
    
  Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 (Unaudited) and December 31, 201620173
    
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 20164
    
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 20165
    
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the NineThree Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 20166
    
  Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)7-157-21
    
 Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations16-2521-31
    
 Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk2631
    
 Item 4.Controls and Procedures2731
    
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION 
  
 Item 1.Legal Proceedings2833
    
 Item 1A.Risk Factors2833
   
 Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds2833
    
 Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities2833
    
 Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures2833
    
 Item 5.Other Information2833
    
 Item 6.Exhibits2934
    
 Signatures3035
   
 Exhibit Index3136

2


PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.Financial Statements

 

INTRICON CORPORATION
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

       
  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited)    
Current assets:        
Cash $332  $667 
Restricted cash  649   595 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $235 at September 30, 2017 and $170 at December 31, 2016  6,853   7,289 
Inventories  14,899   12,343 
Other current assets  1,105   957 
Current assets of discontinued operations     123 
Total current assets  23,838   21,974 
         
Machinery and equipment  40,700   40,152 
Less:  Accumulated depreciation  34,412   33,546 
Net machinery and equipment  6,288   6,606 
         
Goodwill  10,555   10,555 
Intangible assets, net  2,779   2,920 
Investment in partnerships  1,468   146 
Other assets, net  914   1,557 
Total assets (a) $45,842  $43,758 
         
Current liabilities:        
Current maturities of long-term debt $2,411  $2,346 
Accounts payable  8,410   6,722 
Accrued salaries, wages and commissions  2,831   2,413 
Other accrued liabilities  2,830   1,914 
Liabilities of discontinued operations     123 
Total current liabilities  16,482   13,518 
         
Long-term debt, less current maturities  7,014   9,284 
Other postretirement benefit obligations  468   501 
Accrued pension liabilities  754   737 
Other long-term liabilities  685   707 
Total liabilities (a)  25,403   24,747 
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)        
Shareholders’ equity:        
Common stock, $1.00 par value per share; 20,000 shares authorized; 6,860 and 6,820 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively  6,860   6,820 
Additional paid-in capital  22,140   21,383 
Accumulated deficit  (7,349)  (8,633)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (740)  (1,014)
Total shareholders’ equity  20,911   18,556 
Non-controlling interest  (472)  455 
Total equity  20,439   19,011 
Total liabilities and equity $45,842  $43,758 

(a) Assets of Hearing Help Express (HHE), a consolidated variable interest entity, that can only be used to settle obligations of HHE were $6,408 at September 30, 2017 and $5,159 at December 31, 2016, respectively. Liabilities of HHE, for which creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of IntriCon, were $6,167 at September 30, 2017 and $3,833 at December 31, 2016, respectively.
 
(See accompanying notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements)

 

3

  March 31,  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
  (Unaudited)  (as adjusted) 
Current assets:        
Cash $381  $373 
Restricted cash  675   644 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $483 at March 31, 2018 and $332 at December 31, 2017  11,249   9,052 
Inventories  14,862   13,708 
Contract assets  4,766   2,979 
Other current assets  1,380   1,544 
Total current assets  33,313   28,300 
         
Machinery and equipment  34,636   40,124 
Less:  Accumulated depreciation  27,089   32,949 
Net machinery and equipment  7,547   7,175 
         
Goodwill  10,808   10,808 
Intangible assets, net  2,701   2,740 
Investment in partnerships  1,931   1,616 
Other assets, net  3,702   3,835 
Total assets $60,002  $54,474 
         
Current liabilities:        
Current maturities of long-term debt  2,063   2,040 
Accounts payable  12,966   10,423 
Accrued salaries, wages and commissions  2,503   3,113 
Other accrued liabilities  4,286   3,739 
Total current liabilities  21,818   19,315 
         
Long-term debt, less current maturities  10,948   9,321 
Other postretirement benefit obligations  444   455 
Accrued pension liabilities  795   772 
Other long-term liabilities  3,114   3,172 
Total liabilities  37,119   33,035 
Commitments and contingencies        
Shareholders’ equity:        
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, authorized 1,000 shares; none issued and outstanding      
Common stock, $1.00 par value per share; 20,000 shares authorized; 6,944 and 6,900 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively  6,944   6,900 
Additional paid-in capital  22,138   21,581 
Accumulated deficit  (5,287)  (6,056)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (647)  (733)
Total shareholders’ equity  23,148   21,692 
Non-controlling interest  (265)  (253)
Total equity  22,883   21,439 
Total liabilities and equity $60,002  $54,474 

 

(See accompanying notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements)


INTRICON CORPORATION
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
 (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
             
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
                
Sales, net $24,034  $15,570  $66,083  $50,262 
Cost of sales  16,469   12,028   46,261   37,789 
Gross profit  7,565   3,542   19,822   12,473 
                
Operating expenses:                
Sales and marketing  2,342   1,041   6,857   3,357 
General and administrative  2,698   2,221   7,961   6,570 
Research and development  1,047   1,076   3,312   3,562 
Restructuring charges           132 
Total operating expenses  6,087   4,338   18,130   13,621 
Operating income (loss)  1,478   (796)  1,692   (1,148)
                 
Interest expense  (177)  (135)  (548)  (387)
Other expense  (337)  (181)  (328)  (472)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations  964   (1,112)  816   (2,007)
Income tax expense  47   33   165   119 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations  917   (1,145)  651   (2,126)
Loss on sale of discontinued operations (Note 3)        (164)   
Loss from discontinued operations (Note 3)     (194)  (128)  (759)
Net income (loss)  917   (1,339)  359   (2,885)
Less: Loss allocated to non-controlling interest  (186)  (35)  (925)  (106)
Net income (loss) attributable to IntriCon shareholders $1,103  $(1,304) $1,284  $(2,779)
                 
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to IntriCon shareholders:                
Continuing operations $0.16  $(0.16) $0.23  $(0.32)
Discontinued operations     (0.03)  (0.04)  (0.12)
Net income (loss) per share: $0.16  $(0.19) $0.19  $(0.44)
                 
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to IntriCon shareholders:                
Continuing operations $0.15  $(0.16) $0.22  $(0.32)
Discontinued operations     (0.03)  (0.04)  (0.12)
Net income (loss) per share: $0.15  $(0.19) $0.18  $(0.44)
                 
Average shares outstanding:                
Basic  6,853   6,796   6,836   6,287 
Diluted  7,251   6,796   7,179   6,287 

  Three Months Ended 
  March 31,  March 31, 
  2018  2017 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited and as adjusted) 
       
Sales, net $25,363  $21,215 
Cost of sales  16,951   15,381 
Gross profit  8,412   5,834 
         
Operating expenses:        
Sales and marketing  2,840   2,311 
General and administrative  3,061   2,558 
Research and development  1,159   1,153 
Total operating expenses  7,060   6,022 
Operating income (loss)  1,352   (188)
         
Interest expense  (188)  (182)
Other income (expense)  (220)  56 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations  944   (314)
Income tax expense  187   64 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations  757   (378)
Loss on sale of discontinued operations (Note 3)     (164)
Loss from discontinued operations (Note 3)     (113)
Net income (loss)  757   (655)
Less: Loss allocated to non-controlling interest  (12)  (385)
Net income (loss) attributable to IntriCon shareholders $769  $(270)
         
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to IntriCon shareholders:        
Continuing operations $0.11  $0.00 
Discontinued operations    $(0.04)
Net income (loss) per share: $0.11  $(0.04)
         
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to IntriCon shareholders:        
Continuing operations $0.10  $0.00 
Discontinued operations     (0.04)
Net income (loss) per share: $0.10  $(0.04)
         
Average shares outstanding:        
Basic  6,929   6,826 
Diluted  7,843   6,826 
         

 

(See accompanying notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements)


INTRICON CORPORATION
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 (In Thousands)
             
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Net income (loss) $917  $(1,339) $359  $(2,885)
Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $0  3   26   18   (15)
Pension and postretirement obligations, net of taxes of $0  5   5   15   15 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $0  116   (33)  241   (158)
Comprehensive income (loss) $1,041  $(1,341) $633  $(3,043)

       
  Three Months Ended 
  March 31,  March 31, 
  2018  2017 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited and as adjusted) 
Net income (loss) $757  $(655)
Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $0  4   12 
Pension and postretirement obligations, net of taxes of $0  5   5 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $0  78   45 
Comprehensive income (loss) $844  $(593)

 

(See accompanying notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements)


INTRICON CORPORATION
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 (In Thousands)

 

 Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30, September 30,  March 31, March 31, 
 2017 2016  2018 2017 
 (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) (Unaudited and as adjusted) 
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net income (loss) $359  $(2,885) $757  $(655)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  1,659   1,543   654   562 
Stock-based compensation  634   506   333   218 
Gain on disposition of property     (55)
Loss on sale of discontinued operations  164         164 
Change in allowance for doubtful accounts  65   (68)  151   (3)
Equity in loss of partnerships  281   175   116   12 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable  249   2,346   (2,407)  (888)
Inventories  (2,615)  1,189   (1,183)  (553)
Other assets  (658)  (527)  (1,648)  (631)
Accounts payable  1,712   (1,856)  2,262   1,670 
Accrued expenses  1,228   (954)  (316)  (531)
Other liabilities  62   12   26   51 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  3,140   (574)
Net cash used in operating activities  (1,255)  (584)
                
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Purchases of property, plant and equipment  (984)  (1,557)  (485)  (273)
Investment in Soundperience and Other  (730)  (164)
Investment in partnerships  (164)  (94)
Net cash used in investing activities  (1,714)  (1,721)  (649)  (367)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Proceeds from long-term debt  10,906   14,923 
Repayments of long-term debt  (13,110)  (15,921)
Proceeds from equity offering, net of offering costs     3,678 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings  6,106   4,520 
Repayments of long-term borrowings  (4,550)  (3,920)
Proceeds from employee stock purchases and exercise of stock options  164   83   267   60 
Change in restricted cash  (85)  (31)  (55)  (21)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  (2,125)  2,732 
Net cash provided by financing activities  1,768   639 
                
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  364   (202)  144   25 
                
Net increase (decrease) in cash  (335)  235   8   (287)
Cash, beginning of period  667   369   373   667 
                
Cash, end of period $332  $604  $381  $380 
        
Noncash investing and financing:        
Investment in partnerships through liability incurred $308  $ 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment in accounts payable  305    

 

 (See accompanying notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements)


INTRICON CORPORATION

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

1.General

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly IntriCon Corporation’s (“IntriCon” or the “Company”) consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, and the consolidated results of its operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 and for the cash flows for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016.2017. Results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations expected for the full year or any other interim period.

 

In December 2016, the Company’s board of directors approved plans to discontinue its cardiac diagnostic monitoring business. The Company sold the cardiac diagnostic monitoring business on February 17, 2017 to Datrix, LLC. For all periods presented, the Company classified this business as discontinued operations, and, accordingly, has reclassified historical financial data presented herein. See Note 3.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company evaluates its voting and variable interests in entities on a qualitative and quantitative basis. The Company consolidates entities in which it concludes it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact an entity’s economic success and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entity.

 

On January 19,In December 2017, the Company announced that it had exercised its option to acquireacquired the remaining 80 percent80-percent stake in HHE. The transaction is expectedHearing Help Express, Inc. (referred to closeas “Hearing Help Express” or “HHE”), a direct-to-consumer mail order hearing aid provider, for $650 in the fourth quartercash, repayment of 2017.$1,833 in debt to HHE’s 80% holder and an earn-out. The results of HHE were consolidated into the Company’s financial statements beginning October 31, 2016. ThePrior to the acquisition of 100% ownership in December 2017, the Company allocatesallocated income and losses to the noncontrolling interest based on current ownership percentage, however, as part of the closing, IntriCon will likely absorb a portion of the losses previously allocated to the majority owner. The amount of losses previously allocated to the majority owner that we may have to absorb could range $500,000 and $700,000. Losses incurred by HHE to date include non-cash amortization, acquisition related costs and operating results, all of which are related to prior periods and have no future cash impact

The Company notes that HHE’s pro forma financial results were not included for 2016 as the company was in bankruptcy for the majority of 2016 and as such was not reflective of the normal operations of HHE.percentage.

 

In April 2017,January 2018, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire a 49%closed on the additional 33% stake in Soundperience, for 1,200 Euros. As of September 30, 2017, the Company holds a 16% stake in Soundperience, which will increasebringing its total ownership to 49% upon the completionand its total investment to 1,500 Euros consisting of certain milestones and payment of the purchase price for that equity. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has an equity investment and advance in Soundperience of $1,255.license agreement. Soundperience has designed self-fitting hearing aid technology. The Company’sCompany does not anticipate the Soundperience business will have a notable financial impact on operating results, but rather will provide the Company with exclusive access in the United States to critical software technology. Soundperience’s self-fitting hearing aid technology is being used in the German market today, most notably through our Signison, the Company’s joint venture with the majority owner of Soundperience. Both Soundperience and Signison will beare accounted for in the Company’s financial statements using the equity method.

 

The Company has evaluated subsequent events occurring after the date of the consolidated financial statements for events requiring recording or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

 

2.New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-07, Retirement Benefits – Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,Cost. This guidance that requires entities to present the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement line items where they report compensation cost. Entities will present all other components of net benefit cost outside operating income, if this subtotal is presented. The rules related to the timing of when costs are recognized or how they are measured have not changed. This amendment only impacts where those costs are reflected within the income statement. In addition, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization in inventory and other assets. This guidance becomesbecame effective January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this new standard willdid not have a material impact on itsthe Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” This new standard simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendments in this update are effective for annual impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed on or after January 1, 2017. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this new standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (the “Task Force”). The new standard requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Entities will also be required to reconcile such total to amounts on the balance sheet and disclose the nature of the restrictions. This update is effective for years beginning after December 31, 2018. The Company has restricted cash balances and anticipates that the adoption of this new standard will change the cash amounts and financing activities on its statement of cash flows on its consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this new standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on accounting for leases. This standard, issued as ASU 2016-02, requires that an entity that is a lessee recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. This update is effective for financial statement periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with earlier application permitted. The Company has not yet determined the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to revenue recognition, ASC 606. This new standard will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance on this topic and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. The new revenue recognition standard provides a unified model to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidancedisclosures but anticipates it will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018required to record additional lease liabilities and can be applied either retrospectivelycorresponding rights to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company has established a timeline related to the implementation of the standard and believes the timeline is sufficient to implement the new standard. We are currently assessing the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The FASB has issued ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12, which are also related to the revenue recognition standard ASC 606. The Company will adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.use assets.

 

3.Discontinued Operations

 

The following table shows the discontinued cardiac diagnostic monitoring business balance sheet as of December 31, 2016:

  December 31, 2016 
Accounts receivable, net $123 
Current assets of discontinued operations $123 
     
Accounts payable  22 
Accrued compensation and other liabilities  101 
Current liabilities of discontinued operations $123 

The following table shows the results of the cardiac diagnostic monitoring discontinued operations:

 

     
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31, March 31, 
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  2018 2017 
 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016      
Sales, net $  $445  $140  $987  $  $140 
Operating costs and expenses     (639)  (268)  (1,746)     (253)
Net loss from discontinued operations     (194)  (128)  (759)
Loss from discontinued operations     (113)

 

The Company sold the cardiac diagnostic monitoring business on February 17, 2017 to Datrix, LLC for a future revenue earn-out that was valued by the Company at $0. The Company recorded a loss on the sale of $164. The net loss was computed as follows:

 

   
Accounts receivable, net $179  $179 
Accrued liabilities  (15)  (15)
Net assets sold  164  $164 
Fair value of consideration received      
Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of income taxes $164  $164 

 

4.Changes in Accounting Policies

The Company’s significant accounting policies are detailed in “Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 “Topic 606. Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606). Topic 606 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements previously set forth in the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition,” and requires entities to recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted Topic 606 with a date of initial application of January 1, 2018.

The Company applied Topic 606 retrospectively using the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-65-1(f)(3). The Company notes that all previously reported historical amounts are adjusted for the impact of ASC 606.


Changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies as a result of adopting Topic 606 are discussed below:

Revenue recognition - Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in the contract with a customer, adjusted for any applicable estimates of variable consideration and other factors affecting the transaction price, including noncash consideration, consideration paid or payable to customers and significant financing components. Revenue from all customers is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of a distinct good or service to a customer, as further described below under “Performance obligations”.

Individual promised goods and services in a contract are considered a performance obligation and accounted for separately if the individual good or service is distinct, i.e., the customer can benefit from the good or service on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer and the good or service is separately identifiable from other promises in the arrangement. When an arrangement includes multiple performance obligations, the consideration is allocated between the performance obligations in proportion to their estimated stand-alone selling price. Costs related to products delivered are recognized in the period incurred, unless criteria for capitalization of costs under ASC 340-40 or other applicable guidance are met. Cost of revenues consist primarily of direct labor, manufacturing overhead, materials and components.

The Company excludes from revenue taxes collected from a customer that are assessed by a governmental authority and imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction.

The Company includes shipping and handling fees in sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of sales.

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (contract assets), and customer advances and deposits (contract liabilities) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as further described below under “Receivables, net”, “Contract assets” and “Contract liabilities”.

When more than one party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, an entity determines whether it is a principal or an agent in these transactions by evaluating the nature of its promise to the customer. An entity is a principal and therefore records revenue on a gross basis if it controls a promised good or service before transferring that good or service to the customer. An entity is an agent and records as revenue the net amount it retains for its agency services if its role is to arrange for another entity to provide the goods or services.

Performance obligations - A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account under ASC Topic 606. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation in proportion to the standalone selling price for each and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The Company’s various performance obligations and the timing or method of revenue recognition in each of the Company’s markets are discussed below:

Medical market - Customer orders from the medical market consist of a specified number of assembled and customized parts that the customer further integrates into their production process to produce market ready products. Customer orders do not include additional follow-on goods or services.

With the exception of prompt payment discounts, the transaction price for medical market products is the invoiced amount, as variable consideration in the form of refunds, credits, rebates, price concessions, pricing incentives or other items impacting transaction price are not present.

All of the Company’s products manufactured for the medical market are designed to each customer’s specifications, do not have an alternative use and cannot be sold or redirected by the Company to others. The Company has an enforceable right to payment for any finished or in-process units, including a reasonable margin, if the customer terminates the contract for reasons other than the Company’s failure to perform as promised. Control of these units is deemed to transfer to the customer over time during the manufacturing process, using the same measure of progress toward satisfying the promise to deliver the units to the customer. Each order is for a series of distinct units that comprise a single performance obligation. Consequently, the transaction price is recognized as revenue over time based on actual costs incurred in the manufacturing process to date relative to total expected costs to produce all ordered units.


Medical market products are invoiced when shipped and paid within normal commercial terms. The Company records a contract asset for revenue recognized over time in the production process for customized products that have not been shipped or invoiced to the customer.

Hearing health market - Customer orders from the hearing health market consist of hearing aid devices and related accessories. Each unit of product delivered under a customer order represents a distinct and separate performance obligation as the customer can benefit from each unit on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer and each unit of product is separately identifiable from other products in the arrangement.

With the exception of prompt payment discounts, the transaction price for the hearing health markets products is the invoiced amount, as variable consideration in the form of refunds, credits, rebates, price concessions, pricing incentives or other items impacting transaction price are not present.

Nearly all of the Company’s products manufactured for the hearing health market could be reworked without significant cost and sold to another customer in the event of the customer’s termination of an order before delivery, and therefore have an alternative use to the Company. Generally, revenue is recognized upon the transfer of control of the products which is based on shipment terms; however, in certain cases the amount of shipment is adjusted for expected future returns and related consideration received.

Professional audio market - The Company sells body-worn audio devices with application in the aviation, fire, law enforcement, safety and military markets as well as for performers and production staff in the music and stage performance markets. Each unit on a customer’s purchase order represents a distinct and separate performance obligation as the customer can benefit from each unit on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer and each unit is separately identifiable from the others because one does not significantly affect, modify or customize another.

Variable consideration in the form of refunds, credits, rebates, price concessions, pricing incentives or other items impacting the transaction price are not present. Invoiced amounts are deemed to approximate standalone selling price, such that a relative standalone selling price allocation between performance obligations is not required.

The products manufactured for the professional audio market could be reworked without significant cost and sold to another customer in the event of the customer’s termination of an order before delivery and therefore have an alternative use to the Company. Transfer of control of the goods, and revenue recognition, occurs at the point in time of shipment or delivery of the products to the customer depending on the applicable shipping terms. Professional audio market products are billed when shipped and paid within normal commercial terms.

Hearing health direct-to-consumer (DTC) market - The hearing health DTC business distributes hearing aids and related accessories to the end consumer and is the Company’s only business market that generates revenue from sales to the end consumer. The Company also sells a limited number of service plans for the hearing aids. Each product or service is a distinct performance obligation as each is independently useful either on its own or together with other products procured from the Company or other vendors and each product or service is separately identifiable from the others because one does not significantly affect, modify or customize another. Invoiced amounts are deemed to approximate standalone selling price, therefore a relative standalone selling price allocation between performance obligations is not required.

The hearing health DTC business offers a 60-day trial period to the end consumer for hearing aids, during which customers can return the hearing aids for a full refund or exchange for a different hearing aid. The Company invoices for the hearing aids and recognizes revenue only after completion of the 60-day trial period, when the customer’s commitment to the arrangement is deemed to exist and an enforceable right to payment is established.

The transaction price for hearing aid accessories and service plans is the invoiced amount, as variable consideration in the form of refunds, credits, rebates, price concessions, pricing incentives or other items impacting transaction price are not present. Hearing aid accessories are billed and revenue is recognized upon shipment to the customer. Invoices are paid within normal commercial terms. Annual service plans are billed along with the hearing aid at the end of the 60-day trial period or upon renewal of the service plan, and paid within normal commercial terms. As the customer consumes the benefits of the service plan relatively evenly over the plan term, revenue for service plans is recognized on a straight-line basis commencing at the end of the trial period.


Receivables, net – Excluding the hearing health direct-to-consumer market, amounts recorded in receivables, net, on the consolidated balance sheet include amounts billed and currently due from customers. The amounts due are stated at their net estimated realizable value. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained to provide for the estimated amount of receivables that will not be collected. The allowance is based upon an assessment of customer creditworthiness, historical payment experience and the age of outstanding receivables. For the hearing health direct-to-consumer market, receivables, net, include amounts billed and currently due from customers and amounts to become due from customers on trial programs. The amounts due are stated at their net estimated realizable value. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained to provide for the estimated amount of receivables that will not be collected.

Contract Assets - Contract assets primarily include unbilled amounts recognized as revenue for customized products manufactured for the medical market. The customized goods have no alternative use to the Company and the Company has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. The Company begins revenue recognition when these goods enter the manufacturing process and continues based on a measure of progress toward completion using a cost-to-cost input method that considers labor and overhead costs incurred and materials used to date in the manufacturing process relative to total expected production costs. Given the relatively short duration of the production process, contract assets are classified as current. Contract assets are reclassified to accounts receivable upon shipment of and invoicing for the products, at which point the right to consideration becomes unconditional.

Sales Commissions - Sales commissions paid to sales representatives are eligible for capitalization as they are incremental costs that would not have been incurred without entering into a specific sales arrangement and are recoverable through the expected margin on the transaction. The company has elected to apply the practical expedient provided by ASC 340-40-25-4 and recognize the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred, as the amortization period of the assets that would have otherwise been recognized is one year or less. These costs are included in sales and marketing expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

Product Warranty - The Company offers warranties on various products and services. These warranties are assurance type warranties not sold on a standalone basis, and therefore are not considered distinct performance obligations. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the product is sold.

5.Significant Changes Due to Topic 606

Sales of Customized Medical Products -The primary factor impacting the timing of the Company’s reported net income (loss) in the financial statements as a result of the adoption of Topic 606 is the acceleration of revenue and associated cost of sales recognized from the sale of customized medical products. For sales of these products, the Company previously recognized revenue at a point in time when the products were completed and shipped to the customer. Under Topic 606, if control of the products is transferred to the customer over the manufacturing process and the criteria for over time revenue recognition are otherwise met, revenue is recognized as products are manufactured utilizing an appropriate measure of progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company’s contracts with customers for the production of customized medical products meet the criteria for over time revenue recognition; therefore, the Company utilizes an input method based on actual costs incurred in the manufacturing process to date relative to total expected production costs as a measure of progress toward transfer of control of the products to the customer and recognizes revenue on that basis. Amounts recognized as revenue but not yet shipped or billed to the customer are recorded as contract assets. See Note 4 for further discussion.

Principal vs. Agent Role in Sales under Supply Arrangement -The Company has determined that the nature of its promise to a third-party supplier is a performance obligation to provide the integrated hearing aid products to its customers and that the associated sales contracts meet the control criteria necessary to qualify the Company as the principal in the transactions. As a result, gross reporting of revenues for sales under the supply arrangement is appropriate under Topic 606 and the profit sharing amount due to the third party is reported as cost of sales.

Impacts on financial statements

Previously reported amounts for sales, cost of sales, contract assets and contract liabilities have been retrospectively adjusted to provide amounts comparable to the reporting under Topic 606. The following tables summarize the effects of adopting this accounting standard on the Company’s unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


Consolidated Statement of Operations:

          
  Three Months
Ended March
31, 2017, as
reported
  Effect of
Adoption of
ASC 606
  Three Months
Ended March
31, 2017, as
adjusted
 
          
Sales, net $20,088  $1,127  $21,215 
Cost of sales  14,412   969   15,381 
Gross profit  5,676   158   5,834 
             
Operating expenses:            
Sales and marketing  2,311      2,311 
General and administrative  2,558      2,558 
Research and development  1,153      1,153 
Total operating expenses  6,022      6,022 
Operating income (loss)  (346)  158   (188)
             
Interest expense  (182)     (182)
Other income  56      56 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations  (472)  158   (314)
Income tax expense  64      64 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations  (536)  158   (378)
Loss on sale of discontinued operations (Note 3)  (164)     (164)
Loss from discontinued operations (Note 3)  (113)     (113)
Net income (loss)  (813)  158   (655)
Less: Loss allocated to non-controlling interest  (385)     (385)
Net income (loss) attributable to IntriCon shareholders $(428) $158  $(270)
             
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to IntriCon shareholders:            
Continuing operations $(0.02) $0.02  $0.00 
Discontinued operations  (0.04)    $(0.04)
Net income (loss) per share: $(0.06) $0.02  $(0.04)
             
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to IntriCon shareholders:            
Continuing operations $(0.02) $0.02  $0.00 
Discontinued operations  (0.04)     (0.04)
Net income (loss) per share: $(0.06) $0.02  $(0.04)
             
Average shares outstanding:            
Basic  6,826   6,826   6,826 
Diluted  6,826   6,826   6,826 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss):

          
  Three Months
Ended March
31, 2017, as
reported
  Effect of
Adoption of
ASC 606
  Three Months
Ended March
31, 2017, as
adjusted
 
          
Net income (loss) $(813) $158  $(655)

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:

          
  Three Months
Ended March
31, 2017, as
reported
  Effect of
Adoption of
ASC 606
  Three Months
Ended March
31, 2017, as
adjusted
 
          
Net income (loss) $(813) $158  $(655)
Inventories  (905)  352   (553)
Other current assets  (121)  (510)  (631)

Prior Year Consolidated Balance Sheet:

          
  December 31,
2017, as
reported
  Effect of
Adoption of
ASC 606
  December 31,
2017, as
adjusted
 
          
Inventories $15,397  $(1,689) $13,708 
Contract assets     2,979   2,979 
Other accrued liabilities  3,224   515   3,739 
Accumulated deficit  (6,831)  775   (6,056)

In addition, the cumulative impact to the Company’s retained earnings at January 1, 2017 was $518.

Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations - The Company’s remaining performance obligations as of March 31, 2018 primarily include uncompleted production of customized products for which control transfers to the customer over time, certain uncompleted product sales for orders received and future obligations under service plan arrangements recognized over time. The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient provided in ASC 606-10-50-14 and not disclose information about the amount of transaction price allocated to these remaining performance obligations as they all have original expected durations of one year or less.

The following table provides information about receivables, contracts assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.

  March 31, 2018  December 31,
2017, as
adjusted
 
       
Receivables, included in “Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts” $11,249  $9,052 
Contract assets, included in other current assets  4,766   2,979 
Contract liabilities, included in other current liabilities  515    

Significant changes in contract assets and contract liabilities during the period are as follows:

       
  For the three months ended
March 31, 2018
 
  Contract assets
increase
(decrease)
  Contract
liabilities
(increase)
decrease
 
         
Reclassification of beginning contract liabilities to revenue, as a result of performance obligations satisfied $  $298 
Cash received in advance and not recognized as revenue     (312)
Reclassification of beginning contract assets to accounts receivable, as a result of right to consideration becoming unconditional      
Contract assets recognized, net of reclassification to accounts receivable  1,787     
Cumulative catch-up from a change in the timeframe for recognition of revenue arising from a contract liability      
Increase as a result of cumulative catch-up adjustment arising from changes in the estimate of costs incurred relative to total amounts projected, excluding amounts transferred to receivables during the period.       
Net Change $1,787  $(14)


6.Segment Reporting

 

The Company currently operates in two reportable segments: body-worn devices and hearing health direct-to-consumer. The nature of distribution and services has been deemed separately identifiable. Therefore, segment reporting has been applied.

 

Income (loss) from operations is total net revenues less cost of sales and operating expenses. Identifiable assets by industry segment include assets directly identifiable with those operations. The accounting policies applied to determine segment information are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies described in and incorporated by reference from “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Note 1 to the financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017. The Company evaluates the performance of each segment based on income and loss from continuing operations before income taxes. The following table summarizes data by industry segment:

 

At and for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Body Worn Devices  Hearing Health Direct-to-Consumer  Total 
       
At and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Body Worn
Devices
  Hearing Health
Direct-to-
Consumer
  Total 
Revenue, net $22,271  $1,763  $24,034  $23,572  $1,791  $25,363 
Income (loss) from continuing operations  1,121   (204)  917   1,210   (453)  757 
Identifiable assets (excluding goodwill)  29,883   5,404   35,287   42,121   6,640   48,761 
Goodwill  9,551   1,004   10,555   9,551   1,257   10,808 
Depreciation and amortization  506   48   554   604   50   654 
Capital expenditures  350   16   366   475   10   485 
            
At and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 (as adjusted) Body Worn
Devices
  Hearing Health
Direct-to-
Consumer
  Total 
Revenue, net $19,799  $1,416  $21,215 
Income (loss) from continuing operations  75   (453)  (378)
Identifiable assets (excluding goodwill)  30,416   4,036   34,452 
Goodwill  9,551   1,004   10,555 
Depreciation and amortization  495   67   562 
Capital expenditures  213   60   273 

 


At and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Body Worn Devices  Hearing Health Direct-to-Consumer  Total 
Revenue, net $61,495  $4,588  $66,083 
Income (loss) from continuing operations  1,736   (1,085)  651 
Identifiable assets (excluding goodwill)  29,883   5,404   35,287 
Goodwill  9,551   1,004   10,555 
Depreciation and amortization  1,500   159   1,659 
Capital expenditures  836   148   984 

5.7.Geographic Information

 

The geographical distribution of long-lived assets to geographical areas consisted of the following at:

     
 March 31, December 31, 
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016  2018 2017 
United States $4,570  $4,640  $5,834  $5,407 
Singapore  1,195   1,413   1,205   1,254 
Other – primarily United Kingdom and Indonesia  523   553 
All other  508   514 
Consolidated $6,288  $6,606  $7,547  $7,175 

 

Long-lived assets consist of property and equipment. Excluded from long-lived assets are investments in partnerships, patents, license agreements, intangible assets and goodwill. The Company capitalizes long-lived assets pertaining to the production of specialized parts. These assets are periodically reviewed to assure the net realizable value from the estimated future production based on forecasted cash flows exceeds the carrying value of the assets.

 

The geographical distribution of net sales to geographical areas for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended      
 Three Months Ended 
Net Sales to Geographical Areas March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017
(as adjusted)
 
 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016      
United States $19,605  $11,201  $52,804  $35,154  $20,459  $16,650 
Europe  2,317   2,706   7,102   8,523   2,278   2,478 
Asia  1,740   1,380   5,541   5,918   2,468   1,910 
All other countries  372   283   636   667 
All other  158   177 
Consolidated $24,034  $15,570  $66,083  $50,262  $25,363  $21,215 

 

Geographic net sales are allocated based on the location of the customer.

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, one customer accounted for 51% and 49%, respectively,54% of the Company’s consolidated net sales. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, one customer accounted for 38% and 39%, respectively,45% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.

 

At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, two customers combined accounted for 23%39% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable. At December 31, 2016,2017, two customers combined accounted for 31%33% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable.

 

At March 31, 2018, one customer combined accounted for 83% of the Company’s consolidated contract assets. At December 31, 2017, one customer combined accounted for 62% of the Company’s consolidated contract assets.

8.Investment in Partnerships

Investment in partnerships consisted of the following:

       
  March 31,  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Investment in Soundperience $1,196  $842 
Investment in Signison  482   498 
Other  253   276 
Total $1,931  $1,616 


6.Inventories

As of March 31, 2018, the Company held a 49% ownership interest in Soundperience. In January 2018, the Company acquired an additional 33% stake in Soundperience. Soundperience is accounted for in the Company’s financial statements using the equity method as of January 31, 2018. Prior to this time period the investment was accounted for under the cost method.

The Company’s investment in Soundperience exceeded the underlying interest in net equity of the Company. As a result, the Company assigned the excess investment to related intangible assets, and includes the amortization of those intangibles within the equity in the income (losses) of Soundperience, which are included in other income (expenses) in the consolidated statements of operations. Soundperience’s income (loss) in earnings is immaterial for the periods presented. The Company is finalizing the impact of Soundperience and the investment in the second quarter of 2018.

The Company has a 50% stake in Signison as of March 31, 2018. Signison is accounted for in the Company’s financial statements using the equity method.

9. Inventories

 

Inventories consisted of the following at:

 

 Raw materials Work-in process Finished products and components Total  Raw materials Work-in process Finished products and
components
 Total 
September 30, 2017                 
March 31, 2018                 
Domestic  $6,334  $1,577  $3,150  $11,061   $7,660  $2,107  $1,360  $11,127 
Foreign   2,125   810   903   3,838    2,143   601   991   3,735 
Total  $8,459  $2,387  $4,053  $14,899   $9,803  $2,708  $2,351  $14,862 
                                  
December 31, 2016                 
Decemr 31, 2017 (as adjusted)                 
Domestic  $5,731  $1,324  $2,609  $9,664   $6,924  $1,791  $1,366  $10,081 
Foreign   1,751   284   644   2,679    2,258   514   855   3,627 
Total  $7,482  $1,608  $3,253  $12,343   $9,182  $2,305  $2,221  $13,708 

 

7.10.Short and Long-Term Debt

 

Short and long-term debt is summarized as follows:

  September 30, 2017  December 31, 2016 
Domestic Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility $1,755  $3,218 
Note Payable  2,000   2,000 
Foreign Overdraft and Letter of Credit Facility  1,256   1,243 
Domestic Term-Loan  4,500   5,250 
Unamortized Finance Costs  (86)  (81)
Total Debt  9,425   11,630 
Less: Current Maturities  (2,411)  (2,346)
Total Long-Term Debt $7,014  $9,284 
       
  March 31,  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
       
Domestic asset-based revolving credit facility $5,865  $4,000 
Capital expenditure loan facility      
Foreign overdraft and letter of credit facility  1,253   1,250 
Domestic term loan  6,000   6,250 
Unamortized finance costs  (107)  (139)
Total debt  13,011   11,361 
Less: current maturities  (2,063)  (2,040)
Total long-term debt $10,948  $9,321 

 


Domestic Credit Facilities

 

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries are parties to a credit facility with CIBC Bank USA (formerly known as The PrivateBank and Trust Company.Company). The credit facility, as amended through September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, provides for:

 

a $9,000 revolving credit facility, with a $200 sub facility for letters of credit. Under the revolving credit facility, the availability of funds depends on a borrowing base composed of stated percentages of the Company’s eligible trade receivables and eligible inventory, and eligible equipment less a reserve;

a $2,500 capital expenditure loan facility under which the Company at its election, can draw up to $2,500 for qualifying capital expenditures over the period ending December 15, 2018, with monthly amortization commencing after such time; and

 

a term loan in the original amount of $6,000.$6,500.

 

On March 9, 2017, the Company and its domestic subsidiary, IntriCon, Inc., entered into a Tenth Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement and Waiver (the “Tenth Amendment”) with The PrivateBank and Trust Company. The Tenth Amendment, among other things:credit facility matures on December 15, 2022.

amended the minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Loan and Security Agreement), funded debt to EBITDA ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants; and


waived defaults in the funded debt to EBITDA ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants as of December 31, 2016.

 

All of the borrowings under this agreement have been characterized as either a current or long-term liability on our balance sheet in accordance with the repayment terms described more fully below.

 

Weighted average interest on the revolving credit facility was 7.11%5.26% for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 4.82%5.51% for the year ended December 31, 2016. The outstanding balance of the revolving credit facility was $1,755 and $3,218 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.2017. The total availability on the revolving credit facility was approximately $5,632$3,135 and $5,121$5,000 at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.

 

The outstanding principal balance of the term loan, as amended, is payable in quarterly installments of $250. Any remaining principal and accrued interest is payable on February 28, 2019.December 15, 2022. IntriCon is also required to use 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales (excluding inventory and certain other dispositions), sale of capital securities or issuance of debt to pay down the term loan.

 

The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under the facility as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.

 

Foreign Credit Facility

 

In addition to its domestic credit facilities, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, IntriCon, PTE LTD., entered into an international senior secured credit agreement with Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd. that provides for an asset based line of credit. Borrowings bear interest at a rate of .75% to 2.5% over the lender’s prevailing prime lending rate. Weighted average interest on the international credit facilities was 3.95%4.26% and 3.50%3.87% for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2016. The outstanding balance was $1,256 and $1,243 at September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively. The total remaining availability on the international senior secured credit agreement was approximately $524$571 and $455$545 at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.

Note Payable

HHE has a $2,000 note payable to the party holding 80% of its equity interest. The note is secured by substantially all of the assets of HHE. The note is payable over 48 months in quarterly installments with interest at 5% per year, except that interest only will be paid in the first twelve months, with the deferred payments to be made at maturity.

 

8.11.Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was $47 and $165$187 compared to $33 and $119, respectively,$64 for the same periodsperiod in 2016.2017. The expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, was primarily due to both domestic and foreign operations. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and, consequently, minimal federal or state benefit or expense fromhowever, due to the domestic operations was recognized asnew tax legislation, there are limitations on the deferred tax asset has a full valuation allowance.use of certain of the carryforwards.

 

The following was the income (loss) before income taxes for each jurisdiction in which the Company has operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016.2017.

 

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016  March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017
(as adjusted)
 
United States $1,008  $(1,250) $1,049  $(2,664) $840  $(229)
Singapore  245   212   168   779   248   (93)
Indonesia  20   18   54   54   21   16 
United Kingdom  (184)  (191)  (595)  (490)  (236)  (125)
Germany  (125)  99   140   314   71   117 
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations $964  $(1,112) $816  $(2,007)
Income (loss) before income taxes $944  $(314)

 


9.12.Shareholders’ Equity and Stock-based Compensation

 

The Company has a 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and a 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2015 Equity Incentive Plan replaced the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and new grants may not be made under the 2006 Plan.

 

Under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company may grant stock options, stock awards, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and other equity-based awards, although no such awards, other than stock options, had been granted as of September 30, 2017.awards. Under all awards, the terms are fixed on the grant date. Generally,

The Company granted 87 RSUs in the exercise pricefirst quarter of stock options equals the market2018. The closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant was $20.25. The RSUs vest in equal, annual installments over a three year period beginning on the grant.first anniversary of the date of grant at which time the units are unrestricted and become common stock.

The Company also has granted stock options under the plans. Options granted under the plans generally vest over three years and have a maximum term of 10 years.

 

The Compensation CommitteeStock award activity as of the Board of Directors has established a non-employee directors’ stock fee election program, referred to as the director’s program, and a non-employee director and executive officer stock purchase program, referred to as the management purchase program, as an award under the 2015 Plan. There were no shares purchased under the director program or the management purchase program during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was as follows:

 

  Number of Shares  Weighted-average Exercise Price  Aggregate Intrinsic Value 
Outstanding at December 31, 2016  1,385  $6.54     
Options forfeited or cancelled  (5)  7.36     
Options granted  222   7.36     
Options exercised  (69)  5.50     
             
Outstanding at September 30, 2017  1,533  $6.71  $8,566 
             
Exercisable at September 30, 2017  1,118  $6.52  $6,539 
             
Available for future grant at December 31, 2016  404         
             
Available for future grant at September 30, 2017  189         
  Outstanding Awards     Weighted-average  Aggregate 
  Stock Options  RSUs  Total  Exercise Price (a)  Intrinsic Value 
                
Outstanding at December 31, 2017  1,453      1,453  $5.95     
    Forfeited, cancelled or expired  (18)     (18)  7.93     
    Granted     87   87        
    Exercised  (45)     (45)  6.55     
                     
Outstanding at March 31, 2018  1,390   87   1,477  $5.62  $21,233 
                     
Exercisable at March 31, 2018  1,056      1,056  $5.57  $15,248 
                     
Available for future grant at December 31, 2017          251         
                     
Available for future grant at March 31, 2018          197         
                     
(a)   The weighted average exercise price calculation does not include outstanding RSUs     

 

The number of shares available for future grants at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 does not include a total of up to 1,084886 shares subject to options outstanding under the 2006 Equity Incentive Planplan as of March 31, 2018, which will become available for grant under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan in the event of the expiration, cancellation or surrender of such options.

 

The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option-pricing models require the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s options have characteristics different from those of traded options, in the opinion of management, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its options. The weighted average exercise pricefair value of options granted was $7.05 and $7.36$3.98 for options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2017. The weighted average exercise price of options granted was $7.14 for options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 


The Company calculates expected volatility for stock options and awards using the Company’s historical volatility.

 


The Company currently estimates a zero percent forfeiture rate for stock options, but will continue to review this estimate in future periods.options.

 

The risk-free rates for the expected terms of the stock options and awards are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2017 was 4.02 years.5.84 years and 4.62 years as of March 31, 2018.

 

The Company recorded $209 and $634$333 of non-cash stock optioncompensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.March 31, 2018. The Company recorded $159 and $506$218 of non-cash stock optioncompensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.March 31, 2017. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, there was $1,198$1,097 and $1,623 of total unrecognized stock compensation costs related to non-vested stock option and RSU awards, respectively, that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.951.93 and 2.77 years.

 

The Company also has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”). The Purchase Plan, as amended, through September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, provides that a maximum of 300 shares may be sold under the Purchase Plan. There were a total of 3 and 10 shares purchased under the plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 and a total of 5 and 144 shares purchased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.March 31, 2017.

 

10.13.Income (Loss)(loss) Per Share

 

The following table presents a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016  March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017
(as adjusted)
 
Numerator:              
Income (loss) from continuing operations before discontinued operations $917  $(1,145) $651  $(2,126)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations $757  $(378)
Loss on sale of discontinued operations        (164)        (164)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes     (194)  (128)  (759)     (113)
        
Net income (loss)  917   (1,339)  359   (2,885)  757   (655)
                        
Less: loss allocated to non-controlling interest  (186)  (35)  (925)  (106)  (12)  (385)
                        
Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders $1,103  $(1,304) $1,284  $(2,779) $769  $(270)
                        
Denominator:                        
Basic – weighted shares outstanding  6,853   6,796   6,836   6,287   6,929   6,826 
Weighted shares assumed upon exercise of stock options  398      343      914    
Diluted – weighted shares outstanding  7,251   6,796   7,179   6,287   7,843   6,826 
                        
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to IntriCon shareholders:                        
Continuing operations $0.16  $(0.16) $0.23  $(0.32) $0.11  $0.00 
Discontinued operations     (0.03)  (0.04)  (0.12)    $(0.04)
Net income (loss) per share: $0.16  $(0.19) $0.19  $(0.44) $0.11  $(0.04)
                        
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to IntriCon shareholders:                        
Continuing operations $0.15  $(0.16) $0.22   (0.32) $0.10  $0.00 
Discontinued operations     (0.03)  (0.04)  (0.12)    $(0.04)
Net income (loss) per share: $0.15  $(0.19) $0.18  $(0.44) $0.10  $(0.04)

 


The dilutive impact summarized above relates to the periods when the average market price of Company stock exceeded the exercise price of the potentially dilutive option securities granted. Earnings per common share was based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods when computing the basic earnings per share. When dilutive, stock options and unvested restricted stock units are included as equivalents using the treasury stock method when computing the diluted earnings per share. Individual components of basic and diluted income (loss) per share may not sum to the total income (loss) per share due to rounding.

 

Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 were outstanding in the money options to purchase approximately 73 and 161294 common shares respectively, because the effect would have been anti-dilutive due to the Company’s net loss in the period.

 

11.14.Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is a defendant along with a number of other parties in lawsuits alleging that plaintiffs have or may have contracted asbestos-related diseases as a result of exposure to asbestos products or equipment containing asbestos sold by one or more named defendants. These lawsuits relate to the discontinued heat technologies segment which was sold in March 2005. Due to the non-informative nature of the complaints, the Company does not know whether any of the complaints state valid claims against the Company. Certain insurance carriers have informed the Company that the primary policies for the period August 1, 1970-1978 have been exhausted and that the carriers will no longer provide defense and insurance coverage under those policies. However, the Company has other primary and excess insurance policies that the Company believes afford coverage for later years. Some of these other primary insurers have accepted defense and insurance coverage for these suits, and some of them have either ignored the Company’s tender of defense of these cases, or have denied coverage, or have accepted the tenders but asserted a reservation of rights and/or advised the Company that they need to investigate further. Because settlement payments are applied to all years a litigant was deemed to have been exposed to asbestos, the Company believes that it will have funds available for defense and insurance coverage under the non-exhausted primary and excess insurance policies. However, unlike the older policies, the more recent policies have deductible amounts for defense and settlements costs that the Company will be required to pay; accordingly, the Company expects that its litigation costs will increase in the future. Further, many of the policies covering later years (approximately 1984 and thereafter) have exclusions for any asbestos products or operations, and thus do not provide insurance coverage for asbestos-related lawsuits. The Company does not believe that the asserted exhaustion of some of the primary insurance coverage for the 1970-1978 period will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, liquidity, or results of operations. Management believes that the number of insurance carriers involved in the defense of the suits, and the significant number of policy years and policy limits under which these insurance carriers are insuring the Company, make the ultimate disposition of these lawsuits not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

The Company’s former French subsidiary, Selas SAS, filed for insolvency in France. The Company may be subject to additional litigation or liabilities as a result of the French insolvency proceeding, including liabilities under guarantees aggregating approximately $460.$480.

 

The Company is also involved in other lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. While it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these matters, management is of the opinion that the disposition of these lawsuits and claims will not materially affect our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

 

12.15.Related-Party Transactions

 

One of the Company’s subsidiaries leases office and factory space from a partnership consisting of one present and two former officers of the subsidiary, including Mark Gorder, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The subsidiary is required to pay all real estate taxes and operating expenses. The total base rent expense, real estate taxes and other charges incurred under the lease were approximately $124 and $372 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and approximately $121 and $364 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The term of the lease runs to January 31, 2022. The partnership sold the property to an unaffiliated third party on October 13, 2017.


The Company uses the law firm of Blank Rome LLP for legal services. A partner of that firm is the son-in-law of the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors.   For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the Company paid that firm approximately $29 and $94, respectively,$103 for legal services and costs.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the Company paid that firm approximately $50 and $183, respectively,$72 for legal services and costs.  The Chairman of our Board of Directors is considered independent under applicable Nasdaq and Securities and Exchange Commission rules because (i) no payments were made to the Chairman or the partner directly in exchange for the services provided by the law firm and (ii) the amounts paid to the law firm did not exceed the thresholds contained in the Nasdaq standards. Furthermore, the aforementioned partner does not provide any legal services to the Company and is not involved in billing matters.

 

The Company has a 50% ownership in Signison, which is a German based hearing health company. Signison owes the Company a note receivable balance of $465 as of September 30, 2017.


13.16.Revenue by Market

 

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by market and timing of revenue recognition. The following tables set forth,table also includes a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenue with the reportable segments. See Note 7, Geographic Information for the periods indicated, net revenue disaggregated by market:geographical market.

 

Timing of revenue recognition for the three months ended March 31, 2018:Timing of revenue recognition for the three months ended March 31, 2018:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  Products and
services
transferred at
point in time
 Products and
services
transferred over
time
 Total 
 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 
         
Body Worn Devices Segment:            
Medical $14,840  $8,814  $39,904  $27,832  $  $15,933  $15,933 
Hearing Health  5,816   4,927   17,086   16,722   5,810      5,810 
Hearing Health Direct-to-Consumer  1,763      4,588    
Professional Audio Communications  1,615   1,829   4,505   5,708   1,829      1,829 
Hearing Health DTC Segment:            
Hearing Health DTC  1,791      1,791 
Total Revenue $24,034  $15,570  $66,083  $50,262  $9,430  $15,933  $25,363 
            
Timing of revenue recognition for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (as adjusted):            
 Products and
services
transferred at
point in time
 Products and
services
transferred over
time
 Total 
Body Worn Devices Segment:            
Medical $  $12,180  $12,180 
Hearing Health  6,237      6,237 
Professional Audio Communications  1,382      1,382 
Hearing Health DTC Segment:           
Hearing Health DTC  1,416      1,416 
Total Revenue $9,035  $12,180  $21,215 

17.Subsequent Events

None noted

 

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

 

Business Overview

 

Headquartered in Arden Hills, Minnesota, IntriCon Corporation (together with its subsidiaries referred to as the “Company”, “IntriCon,” “we”, “us” or “our”) is an international company engaged in designing, developing, engineering, manufacturing and distributing body-worn devices. In addition to its operations in Minnesota, the Company has facilities in Illinois, Singapore, Indonesia, Germany and the United Kingdom.Kingdom and Germany.

 

In December 2016, the Company’s Boardboard of Directorsdirectors approved plans to discontinue its cardiac diagnostic monitoring business. The Company sold the cardiac diagnostic monitoring business on February 17, 2017 to Datrix, LLC. For all periods presented, the Company classified this business as discontinued operations, and, accordingly, has reclassified historical financial data presented herein.

 


The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company evaluates its voting and variable interests in entities on a qualitative and quantitative basis. The Company consolidates entities in which it concludes it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact an entity’s economic success and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entity.

 

On January 19,In December 2017, the Company announced that it had exercised its option to acquireacquired the remaining 80 percent80-percent stake in HHE. The transaction is expectedHearing Help Express, Inc. (referred to closeas “Hearing Help Express” or “HHE”), a direct-to-consumer mail order hearing aid provider, for $650 in the fourth quartercash, repayment of 2017.$1,833 in debt to HHE’s 80% holder and an earn-out. The results of HHE were consolidated into the Company’s financial statements beginning October 31, 2016. ThePrior to the acquisition of 100% ownership in December 2017, the Company allocatesallocated income and losses to the noncontrolling interest based on current ownership percentage, however, as part of the closing, IntriCon will likely absorb a portion of the losses previously allocated to the majority owner. The amount of losses previously allocated to the majority owner that we may have to absorb could range $500,000 and $700,000. Losses incurred by HHE to date include non-cash amortization, acquisition related costs and operating results, all of which are related to prior periods and have no future cash impactpercentage.

 


In April 2017,January 2018, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire a 49%closed on the additional 33% stake in Soundperience, for 1,200 Euros. As of September 30, 2017, the Company holds a 16% stake in Soundperience, which will increasebringing its total ownership to 49% upon the completionand its total investment to 1,500 Euros consisting of certain milestones and payment of the purchase price for that equity. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has an equity investment and advance inlicense agreement. Soundperience of $1,255.has designed self-fitting hearing aid technology. The Company does not anticipate the Soundperience business will have a notable financial impact on operating results, but rather will provide the companyCompany with exclusive access in the United States to critical software technology. Soundperience has designed self-fitting hearing aid technology. The Company’sSoundperience’s self-fitting hearing aid technology is being used in the German market today, most notably through our Signison, the Company’s joint venture with the majority owner of Soundperience. Both Soundperience and Signison will beis accounted for in the Company’s financial statements using the equity method.method in 2018, however it was accounted for using the cost method in 2017.

The Company’s significant accounting policies are detailed in “Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 “Topic 606. Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606). Topic 606 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements previously set forth in the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition,” and requires entities to recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted Topic 606 with a date of initial application of January 1, 2018. The Company applied Topic 606 retrospectively using the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-65-1(f)(3). The Company notes that all previously reported historical amounts are adjusted for the impact of ASC 606

 

Information contained in this section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and expressed in U.S. dollars is presented in thousands (000s), except for per share data and as otherwise noted.

 

Market Overview

 

IntriCon serves the body-worn device market by designing, developing, engineering, manufacturing and distributing micro-miniature products, microelectronics, micro-mechanical assemblies, complete assemblies and software solutions, primarily for the medical bio-telemetry market, the emerging value basedvalue-based hearing healthcare market (which includes the hearing health direct to consumer market), the hearing health market, the medical bio-telemetry market and the professional audio communication market. Revenue from these markets is reported on the respective medical and hearing health hearing health direct to consumer and professional audio lines in the discussion of our results of operations in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 1316 “Revenue by Market” to the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements included herein.

 

Value Based Hearing Healthcare Market

 

The Company believes the value based hearing healthcare (VBHH) market offers significant growth opportunities. In the United States alone, there are approximately 37.540 million adults that report some degree of hearing loss. In adults, the most common cause of hearing loss is aging and noise. In fact, by the age of 65, one out of three people have hearing loss. The hearing-impaired population is expected to grow significantly over the next decade due to an aging population and more frequent exposure to loud sounds that can cause noise-induced hearing loss. It is estimated that hearing aids can help more than 90 percent of people with hearing loss, however the current market penetration into the U.S. hearing impaired population is approximately 20 percent, a percentage that has remained essentially unchanged for the last four decades. The primary deterrents to greater penetration are cost and access. The average cost of a hearing aid in the US market today is over $2,400 per device, more than double the cost from twelve years ago. Approximately 70 percent of the hearing impaired have hearing loss in both ears (referred to as a binaural loss), driving the total cost to almost $5,000 on average for a set of hearing aids.


We believe a perfect vortex of factors has come together over the last few years to enable the emergence of a market disruptive,high-quality, low cost distribution model, includingcontinued consolidation of retail (causing escalating hearing aid prices), consumer outcry, consumer education, advancements in technology (such as behind-the-ear devices, advanced digital signal processing, low-power wireless, and self-fitting software) as well as regulatory actions and pronouncements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.

 

Today in the US market, the conventionallegacy channel pushes all hearing impaired through the same bloated,inefficient, costly channel. However, a very large portion of the hearing-impaired market – mostly notably those with mild to moderate losses – could be properly served with the proper combination of high quality, outcome basedoutcome-based devices, advanced fitting software and consumer services/care best practices – all at much lower cost. We believefundamental change is needed and are excited about the opportunity that we created through thoughtful hard work and planning: a chance to deliver superior outcomes-based affordable hearing healthcare, by combining state-of-the-art devices and software technology, along with best practices customer service and at a much lower cost directly to consumers across the country, many of whom have not been able to afford care previously.

 

In early January 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) weighed in on low hearing aid penetration rates with an announcement that highlighted statistics from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. They found that 37.5 million U.S. adults aged 18 and older report some form of hearing loss. However, only 30 percent of adults over 70, and 16 percent of those aged 20 to 69, who could benefit from wearing hearing aids, have ever used them. Based on these statistics, the FDA reopened the public comment period on draft guidance related to the agency’s premarket requirements for hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs). In April 2016, the FDA hosted a public workshop to gather stakeholder and public input on draft guidance related to the agency’s premarket requirements for hearing aids and PSAPs. The FDA’s intent is to consider ways in which regulation can support further device penetration into the hearing market. In December 2016, the FDA announced important steps to better support consumer access to hearing aids. The agency issued a guidance document explaining that it does not intend to enforce the requirement that individuals age 18 and older receive a medical evaluation orsign a waiver prior to purchasing most hearing aids, effective immediately. It also announced its commitment to consider creating a category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids that could deliver new, innovative and lower-cost products to millions of consumers.

 


Furthermore, there have been significant public policy developments during 2017. On August 18, 2017, President Donald Trump signed into law H.R. 2430, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Reauthorization Act, which includes the Over-the-Counter (“OTC”) Hearing Aid Act of 2017. The legislation is designed to enable adults with mild- to moderate-hearing loss to access OTC hearing aids without being seen by a hearing care professional. The OTC Hearing Aid Act requires the FDA to create and regulate a category of OTC hearing aids to ensure they meet the same high standards for safety, consumer labeling, and manufacturing protection that all other medical devices must meet. Additionally, the OTC Hearing Aid Act mandates that the FDA establish an OTC hearing aid category for adults with “perceived” mild- to moderate-hearing loss within three years of passage of the legislation. The FDA also must finalize a rule within 180 days after the close of the comment period, detailing what level of safety, labeling and consumer protections will be included. We believe this legislation has the potential to remove the significant barriers existing today that prevent innovative hearing health solutions. We believe that this legislation will invigorate competition, spur innovation and facilitate the development of an ecosystem of hearing health care that provides affordable and accessible solutions to millions of unserved or underserved Americans. Additionally, these public policy changes all further support our strategic focus to gain direct access to consumersToday, IntriCon serves both the value-based hearing healthcare channel and the underserved market.Legacy OEM channel.

Value-Based Hearing Healthcare 

 

The Company isbelieves the value-based hearing healthcare (VBHH) market offers significant growth opportunities. We have focused our efforts to serve both the value-based Direct-to-End-Consumer (DTEC) and value-based Indirect-to-End-Consumer (ITEC) channels. Over the past decade we have invested in the final stages of commercializing its PhysioLink™ 2 wirelessmanufacturing footprint, product technology which will be incorporated into product platforms serving the traditional and value basedfitting software to provide individuals access to affordable, quality outcomes-based hearing healthcare markets. This technology is an integrated platform that incorporates IntriCon’s Audion™ 8 amplifier and 2.4 GHz Bluetooth® low energy, enabling wireless connectivity from any Bluetooth® enabled device operating IntriCon’s propriety software over distances up to ten meters.healthcare.

 

We are also currently developingOur DTEC represents a channel that sells products and services directly to the end consumer, which today consists of our third generation PhysioLink™ technology, leveraging industry leading wireless IC technology to enable concurrent audio streaming and data transmission over Bluetooth® low energy. This technology will be incorporated into product platforms serving traditional and value based hearing healthcare markets, providing end users with an unprecedented experience through breakthrough audio and wireless performance.

HHE business. In OctoberDecember of 2016,2017, we purchased 20%the remaining 80% of HHE, a direct-to-consumer mail order hearing aid provider. In January 2017, we exercised an option to acquire the remaining 80% equity interest and expect to close the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2017. HHE is a key next step in our value based hearing healthcare strategy. Over the last decade, we have invested in the technology and low-cost manufacturing to design and build superior devices and fitting solutions, to address what we estimate to be a $1$2+ billion annually value basedannual value-based hearing healthcare market. With this acquisition, we believe we now have the channel infrastructure to directly reach consumers and—importantly for millions—the ability to offer high-quality hearing healthcare at a fraction of the cost. Through our other VBHH initiatives and tests, we have formed alliances with other key partners, which have given us experience and vital insight as we move aggressively into a more consumer-facing role. HHE provides an efficient, traditional direct-to-consumer channel to reach consumers who likely do not have insurance that will cover hearing devices. This is a channel that we can build on and expand via technology—and one that is complementary with many of our existing relationships.

 


The Company is also focused on serving its value-based IDEC customers, those companies selling products and services directly to the end consumer. We have established ourselves as a leader in supplying this portion of the market with advanced, outcome-based products and accessories. The Company has formed strong relationships with various customers in the channel, including insurance providers, and geriatric product retailers and other DTC hearing aid providers.

In April 2017,January 2018, we entered intoacquired an agreement to acquire a 49% stake in Soundperience. As of September 30, 2017, we hold a 16%additional 33% stake in Soundperience which will increasefor 1,100 Euros, bringing out total ownership to 49% upon the completion of certain milestones and payment of the purchase price for that equity.our total investment to 1,500 Euros. Soundperience has designed self-fitting hearing aid technology. This company’sSoundperience’s self-fitting hearing aid technology is being used in the German market today, most notably thoughthrough our Signison joint venture with Soundperience.

Currently, the Soundperience technology is PC based and is wired to the hearing aid during programing. However, the system will be integrated with IntriCon’s wireless hearing aids over the next few months, and initially rolled out in Germany through our Signison joint venture.majority owner of Soundperience.

 

We believe strongly that incorporating self-fitting technology is a critical step in creating our high-quality, low-cost hearing healthcare ecosystem. Soundperience’s technology has the potential to drastically reduce the price of hearing aids, drive greater access and increase customer satisfaction.

 


The Company also has various international VBHH initiatives. On November 3, 2015, the Company acquired the assets of PC Werth through its IntriCon UK subsidiary to gain direct access to the NHS and to have greater control over its efforts to accelerate new market penetration into the United Kingdom. IntriCon UK has been appointed as a supplier to the NHS Supply Chain’s National Framework. The NHS is widely seen as the most efficient hearing aid delivery system in the world, supplying an estimated 1.4 million hearing aids annually. We believe IntriCon is well positioned to serve their needs, and we are developing new technologies to further enhance delivery efficiencies and product standards in the future.Legacy OEM Hearing Health

 

We also believe there are niches in the conventionallegacy hearing health channel that will embrace our VBHH propositionoutcomes-based products and technologies in the United States and Europe. High costs of conventionallegacy devices and retail consolidation have constrained the growth potential of the independent audiologist and dispenser. We believe our software and product offering can provide independent audiologists and dispensers the ability to compete with larger retailers, such as Costco, and manufacturer owned retail distributors. In the third quarter of 2015, we announced a joint venture with The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) to provide hearing instruments and educational resources to audiologists and their patients. The joint venture operates as a limited liability company under the name “earVenture LLC”. EarVenture was officially launched in November 2015 at the ADA conference. To date, more than 400 of the 1,200 ADA members have registered to join the earVenture program and we have delivered initial units. In 2016, earVenture began rolling-out a comprehensive marketing and sales plan to convert those registered members to consistent customers, as well as solicit non-registered ADA members to join the program. While we do not view earVenture, near term, as a meaningful contributor to sales, it continues to provide valuable industry insights and has the potential for future value by connecting it to our emerging direct-to-consumer channel.

 

Medical Bio-Telemetry

 

In the medical bio-telemetry market, the Company is focused on sales of bio-telemetry devices for life-critical diagnostic monitoring. Using our nanoDSP and BodyNet™ technology platforms, theThe Company manufactures microelectronics, micro-mechanical assemblies, high-precision injection-molded plastic components and complete bio-telemetry devices for emerging and leading medical device manufacturers. The medical industry is faced with pressures to reduce the cost of healthcare. Driven by its core technologies, such as the IntriCon Physiolink™ that wirelessly connects patients and care givers in non-traditional ways, IntriCon helps shift the point of care from expensive traditional settings, such as hospitals, to less expensive non-traditional settings like the home. IntriCon currently serves this market by offering medical manufacturers the capabilities to design, develop, manufacture and distribute medical devices that are easier to use, are more miniature, use less power, and are lighter. Increasingly, the medical industry is looking for wireless, low-power capabilities in their devices.

 

IntriCon currently has a strong presence in the diabetes, and other bio-telemetrycardiac, catheter positioning markets. For diabetes, IntriCon has partneredworks with Medtronic to manufacture their wireless continuous glucose monitors (CGM), sensors assemblies, and accessories associated with Medtronic’s CGM system, including the MiniMed Connect, which links the MiniMed pump and CGM to certain smart devices providing users with a discrete and real-time view of their blood sugar information. Our Medtronic business posted record revenue in 2015, led by the MiniLink REAL-Time Transmitter and related accessories sales, which are incorporated in Medtronic’s MiniMed 530G insulin pump and CGM system. In August 2016, the FDA approved the MiniMed 630G system which willwas intended to replace theMedtronic’s MiniMed 530G system. In addition toSeptember 2017, the FDA approved the next generation MiniMed 630G670G insulin pump system, which IntriCon is also designed into the MiniMed 670G system which was approved by the FDA in September 2016.Theinto.. The MiniMed 670G is the world’s first hybrid closed loop insulin delivery system and we are excited to be designed into and supporting such a revolutionary diabetes management system. In June 2017, the 670G was launched in the U.S. Medtronic began fulfilling orders from patients enrolled in their Priority Access Program. In parallel, Medtronic began taking new orders from interested customers who want to be next in line to receive the system after the Priority Access orders are filled. In March 2018, the FDA approved the Guardian Connect, its standalone CGM system that allows patients to stay ahead of high and low glucose events. Looking ahead, we believe there are opportunities to expand our diabetes product offering with Medtronic, as well as move into new markets outside of the diabetes market.

 

IntriCon has a suite of medical coils and micro coils that it offers to various original equipment manufacturing (OEM) customers. These products are currently used in pacemaker programming and interventional catheter positioning applications.

 

IntriCon manufactures bubble sensors and flow restrictors that monitor and control the flow of fluid in an intravenous infusion system as well as a family of safety needle products for an OEM customer that utilizes IntriCon’s insert and straight molding capabilities. These products are assembled using full automation, including built-in quality checks within the production lines.

 


Over the last few quarters, key medical customers have invested in, or made commitments to invest in, $4.5 million in capital equipment. In response to these commitments and our rapid medical growth, we are expanding our manufacturing footprint. We have leased an additional 37,000 square feet of manufacturing floor space near our existing locations in Minnesota, to accommodate robotic assembly of medical components and systems. In conjunction with the added space, we are also increasing our molding capacity. During the last two quarters, the company added six presses and has another twelve presses on order for delivery throughout 2018. The expansion of our robotic and molding capacity not only positions us to meet current demand but enables us to pursue new medical opportunities that would benefit from our core competencies. We expect to be fully operational in the additional space by mid-2018.

Lastly, in 2018 IntriCon is targeting otherhas committed to invest in the resources required to expand its medical business. IntriCon intends to target new customers that serve the emerging biotelemetry and home care markets thatwhich could benefit from itsIntriCon’s capabilities to develop devices that are more technologically advanced, smaller and lightweight. To do so, IntriCon is leveraging its resources in sales and marketing and research and development to expand its reach to other large medical device and health care companies.

 

In order to focusTo provide greater financial and operational resources on value based hearing healthcare and the growing DTC opportunity,focus, IntriCon made the strategic decision to divest its non-core CDMcardiac diagnostic monitoring business in 2016. The Company sold the cardiac diagnostic monitoringthis business on February 17, 2017 to Datrix, LLC.

 

Professional Audio Communications

 

IntriCon entered the high-quality audio communication device market in 2001, and now has a line of miniature, professional audio headset products used by customers focusing on emergency response needs. The line includes several communication devices that are extremely portable and perform well in noisy or hazardous environments. These products are well suited for applications in the fire, law enforcement, safety, aviation and military markets. In addition, the Company has a line of miniature ear- and head-worn devices used by performers and support staff in the music and stage performance markets. We believe performance in difficult listening environments and wireless operations will continue to improve as these products increasingly include our proprietary nanoDSP, wireless nanoLink and PhysioLink technologies.

 

Core Technologies Overview

 

Our core technologies expertise is focused on three main markets: medical bio-telemetry, value based hearing healthcare and professional audio communications. Over the past several years, the Company has increased investments in the continued development of five critical core technologies: Ultra-Low-Power (ULP) Digital Signal Processing (DSP), ULP Wireless, Fitting Software, ULP Wireless, Microminiaturization, and Miniature Transducers. These five core technologies serve as the foundation of current and future product platform development, designed to meet the rising demand for smaller, portable, more advanced devices and the need for greater efficiencies in the delivery models. The continued advancements in this area have allowed the Company to further enhance the mobility and effectiveness of miniature body-worn devices.

 

ULP DSP

DSP converts real-world analog signals into a digital format. Through our nanoDSP™ technology, IntriCon offers an extensive range of ULP DSP amplifiers for hearing, medical and professional audio applications. Our proprietary nanoDSP incorporates advanced ultra-miniature hardware with sophisticated signal processing algorithms to produce devices that are smaller and more effective. The Company further expanded its DSP portfolio including improvements to its Reliant CLEAR™ feedback canceller, offering increased added stable gain and faster reaction time. Additionally, the DSP technologies are utilized in the Audion8™, our eight-channel hearing aid amplifier, and the Audion16™, our wide dynamic range compression sixteen-channel hearing aid amplifier announced in April 2016.amplifier. The amplifiers are feature-rich and are designed to fit a wide array of applications. In addition to multiple compression channels, the amplifiers have a complete set of proven adaptive features which greatly improve the user experience.

 

ULP Wireless

Wireless connectivity is fast becoming a required technology, and wireless capabilities are especially critical in new body-worn devices. IntriCon’s BodyNet™ ULP technology, including the nanoLink™ and PhysioLink™ wireless systems, offers solutions for transmitting the body’s activities to caregivers and wireless audio links for professional communications and surveillance products, including diabetes monitoring and audio streaming for hearing devices.

 


IntriCon is in the final stages of commercializing its PhysioLink2 and Physiolink3 wireless technology, which will be incorporated into product platforms serving the medical, hearing health and professional audio communication markets. This system is based on 2.4GHz proprietary digital radio protocol in the industrial-scientific-medical (ISM) frequency band and enables audio and data streaming and command and control to ear-worn and body-worn applications over distances of up to fiveten meters. The Physiolink2Physiolink3 technology can be used to increase productivity in the emerging VBHH channels through in office wireless programming, remote cloud based fitting and consumer directed self-fitting of hearing aids. This will provide both greater access and lower costs for patients. In addition, remote control functions will improve the patient experience while using the device especially for those with diminished dexterity. The Physiolink3 technology builds on the Physiolink2 capabilities by adding wireless streaming at, what we believe, are much lower power levels than any technology currently on the market. This will allow for accessories to enhance the user experience in noisy environments by allowing audio streaming directly to the hearing aid.

 


Fitting Software

The ability to efficiently and effectively fit hearing aids is critical to building a value based eco-system of hearing healthcare. By developing more advanced fitting software systems, individuals can benefit from fittings that conform to their specific loss, while eliminating the need for an in-person appointment. In addition to the traditional fitting software, IntriFit, used in the conventional channel, IntriCon has made significant investments in various advanced fitting software solutions, including its investment in Soundperience, that can enable remote and self-fitting solutions. IntriCon believes these advanced fitting solutions, along with the other components of the eco-system, will drive access, affordability and superior customer satisfaction to the millions of individuals that cannot receive care today, primarily due to high cost and low access. IntriCon will be introducingexpects to introduce our advanced fitting solutions through our various VBHH channels later in 2017.2018.

In January 2018, we acquired an additional 33% stake in Soundperience bringing out total ownership to 49%. Soundperience has developed the Sentibo Smart Brain System, the first psycho-acoustic way of analyzing peripheral hearing and central hearing processing. It was developed by an international research team based on the latest scientific findings from the fields of audiology and brain research. The software is a sophisticated self-fitting hearing aid and brain training software technology that is being used in the German market today, most notably through our Signison joint venture. We view this software technology as a critical component to our domestic value-based hearing healthcare model. Sentibo, as well as our other proprietary fitting systems, are designed to improve both channel productivity and the quality of first-time fittings, resulting in lower prices, greater access and increased customer satisfaction. IntriCon expects to introduce our advanced fitting solutions through our various VBHH channels later in 2018.

 

Microminiaturization

IntriCon excels at miniaturizing body-worn devices. We began honing our microminiaturization skills over 30 years ago, supplying components to the hearing health industry. Our core miniaturization technology allows us to make devices for our markets that are one cubic inch and smaller. We also are specialists in devices that run on very low power, as evidenced by our ULP wireless and DSP. Less power means a smaller battery, which enables us to reduce size even further, and develop devices that fit into the palm of one’s hand.

 

Miniature Transducers

IntriCon’s advanced transducer technology has been pushing the limits of size and performance for over a decade. Included in our transducer line are our miniature medical coils and micro coils used in pacemaker programming and interventional catheter positioning applications. We believe that with the increase of greater interventional care, our coil technology harbors significant value.

 

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

 

Certain statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are not historical facts, or that include forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “should”, “optimistic” “continue”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “would”, “could”, “guidance”, “potential”, “opportunity”, “project”, “forecast”, “confident”, “projections”, “schedule”, “designed”, “future”, “discussion”, “if” or the negative thereof or other variations thereof, are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and the regulations thereunder), which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. These statements may include, but are not limited to statements in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Notes to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” such as net operating loss carryforwards, the ability to meet cash requirements for operating needs, the ability to meet liquidity needs, assumptions used to calculate future level of funding of employee benefit plans, the adequacy of insurance coverage and the impact of new accounting pronouncements and litigation. Forward-looking statements also include, without limitation, statements as to the Company’s expected future results of operations and growth, strategic alliances and their benefits, government regulation, potential increases in demand for the Company’s products, the Company’s ability to meet working capital requirements, the Company’s business strategy, the expected increases in operating efficiencies, anticipated trends in the Company’s markets, estimates of goodwill impairments and amortization expense of other intangible assets, the effects of changes in accounting pronouncements, the effects of litigation and the amount of insurance coverage, and statements as to trends or the Company’s or management’s beliefs, expectations and opinions.

 


Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and may be affected by various factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. In addition to the factors discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, certain risks, uncertainties and other factors can cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the following:

 

our ability to successfully implement our business and growth strategy;

risks arising in connection with the insolvency of our former subsidiary, Selas SAS, and potential liabilities and actions arising in connection with the insolvency;

the volume and timing of orders received by the Company, particularly from Medtronic and hi HealthInnovations;Health;

changes in estimated future cash flows;

our ability to collect our accounts receivable;

foreign currency movements in markets that we serve;

changes in the global economy and financial markets;


weakening demand for our products due to general economic conditions;

changes in the mix of products sold;

our ability to meet demand;

changes in customer requirements;

timing and extent of research and development expenses;

FDA approval, timely release and acceptance of our products and thosethe products of our customers;

competitive pricing pressures;

pending and potential future litigation;

cost and availability of electronic components and commodities for our products;

our ability to create and market products in a timely manner and develop products that are inexpensive to manufacture;

our ability to comply with covenants in our debt agreements or to obtain waivers if we do not comply;

our ability to repay debt when it comes due;

our ability to obtain extensions of our current credit facility or a new credit facility;

the loss of one or more of our major customers;

our ability to identify, complete and integrate acquisitions;

effects of legislation;

effects of foreign operations;

our ability to develop new products;

our ability to recruit and retain engineering and technical personnel;

the costs and risks associated with research and development investments;

the recent recessions in Europe and the debt crisis in certain countries in the European Union;

our ability and the ability of our customers to protect intellectual property;

cybersecurity threats;

loss of members of our senior management team; and

other risk factors set forth in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any prior Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated by reference into this Report.

 

For a description of these and other risks, see Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, and other risks described elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or in other filings the Company makes from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period.

 

Certain accounting estimates and assumptions are particularly sensitive because their significance to the consolidated condensed financial statements and the possibility that future events affecting them may differ markedly. The accounting policies of the Company with significant estimates and assumptions include the Company’s consolidated and variable interest entities, revenue recognition, accounts receivable reserves, inventory valuation, goodwill, long-lived assets, deferred taxes policies and employee benefit obligations. These and other significant accounting policies are described in and incorporated by reference from “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Note 1 to the financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017. Please refer to Note 4 for an update to our accounting polices due to Topic 606.

 


Results of Operations

 

Sales, net

 

Our net sales are comprised of two segments: our body-worn device segment (consisting of three main markets: medical, hearing health, and professional audio) and our hearing health direct-to-consumer segment. Below is a summary of our sales by main markets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016:2017:

        Change 
Three Months Ended September 30 2017  2016  Dollars  Percent 
Medical $14,840  $8,814  $6,026   68.4%
Hearing Health  5,816   4,927   889   18.0%
Hearing Health Direct-to-Consumer  1,763      1,763    
Professional Audio Communications  1,615   1,829   (214)  -11.7%
Consolidated Net Sales $24,034  $15,570  $8,464   54.4%

Nine Months Ended September 30         
         
     Change 
Three Months Ended March 31 2018 2017 Dollars Percent 
Medical $39,904  $27,832  $12,072   43.4% $15,933  $12,180  $3,753   30.8%
Hearing Health  17,086   16,722   364   2.2%  5,810   6,237   (427)  -6.8%
Hearing Health Direct-to-Consumer  4,588      4,588      1,791   1,416   375   26.5%
Professional Audio Communications  4,505   5,708   (1,203)  -21.1%  1,829   1,382   447   32.3%
Consolidated Net Sales $66,083  $50,262  $15,821   31.5% $25,363  $21,215  $4,148   19.6%

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we experienced increasesan increase of 68.4% and 43.4%30.8% in net sales in the medical market compared to the same periodsperiod in 2016.2017. Medtronic revenues were up significantlyyear-over-year and we continue to anticipate Medtronic revenue growth throughout 2018 driven by market share growth for legacy products and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 while the restintroduction of the medical segment remained relatively stable.new products. IntriCon currently serves this market by offering medical manufacturers the capabilities to design, develop and manufacture medical devices that are easier to use, are more miniature, use less power, and are lighter. IntriCon has a strong presence in the diabetes market with its Medtronic partnership. The Company believes there are growth opportunities in this market as well other emerging biotelemetry and home care markets that could benefit from its capabilities to develop devices that are more technologically advanced, smaller and lightweight.

 

Net sales in our hearing health business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased 18.0% and 2.2%, respectively,March 31, 2018 decreased 6.8% compared to the same periodsperiod in 2016.2017. The increases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 weredecrease was primarily due to increasesthe conventional hearing health channel partially offset by gains in theour value based hearing healthcare markets and hi Health markets partially offset by decreases in our traditional hearing health market.Health. The Company is very optimistic about the progress that has been made and the long-term prospects of the value based hearing healthcare market. Market dynamics, such as low penetration rates, an aging population, regulatory scrutiny, and the need for reduced cost and convenience, have resulted in the emergence of alternative care models, such the insurance channel and PSAP channel. IntriCon believes it is very well positioned to serve these value based hearing healthcare market channels. The Company will beis aggressively pursuing larger customers who can benefit from our value proposition. Over the past several years, the Company has invested heavily in core technologies, product platforms and its global manufacturing capabilities geared to provide high-tech, lower-cost hearing devices.

 

Net sales in our hearing health direct-to-consumer business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 increased 26.5% compared to the same period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of the 20% equity interest and control of HHE during the fourth quarter of 2016.an increase in advertising which drove a larger customer base.

 

Net sales to the professional audio device sector decreased 11.7% and 21.1%increased 32.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 compared to the same periodsperiod in 2016.2017. IntriCon will continue to leverage its core technology in professional audio to support existing customers, as well as pursue related hearing health and medical product opportunities.

 

Gross profit

 

Gross profit, both in dollars and as a percent of sales, for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, was as follows:

 2017 2016 Change              
   Percent   Percent      2018 2017 Change 
Three Months Ended September 30 Dollars of Sales Dollars of Sales Dollars Percent 
   Percent   Percent     
Three Months Ended March 31 Dollars of Sales Dollars of Sales Dollars Percent 
Gross Profit $7,565   31.5% $3,542   22.7% $4,023   113.6% $8,412   33.2% $5,834   27.5% $2,578   44.2%
Nine Months Ended September 30                        
Gross Profit $19,822   30.0% $12,473   24.8% $7,349   58.9%

 


The 20172018 gross profit increase as a percentage of sales over the comparable prior year periodsperiod was primarily due to higher overall sales volume, the addition of our direct-to-consumer businessvolumes and a favorable sales mix.

 


Sales and Marketing, General and Administrative and Research and Development Expenses

 

Sales and marketing, general and administrative and research and development expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 2017 2016 Change              
Three Months Ended September 30 Dollars Percent
of Sales
 Dollars Percent
of Sales
 Dollars Percent 
 2018 2017 Change 
   Percent   Percent     
Three Months Ended March 31 Dollars of Sales Dollars of Sales Dollars Percent 
Sales and Marketing $2,342   9.7% $1,041   6.7% $1,301   125.0% $2,840   11.2% $2,311   10.9% $529   22.9%
General and Administrative  2,698   11.2%  2,221   14.3%  477   21.5%  3,061   12.1%  2,558   12.1%  503   19.7%
Research and Development  1,047   4.4%  1,076   6.9%  (29)  -2.7%  1,159   4.6%  1,153   5.4%  6   0.5%
                        
Nine Months Ended September 30                        
Sales and Marketing $6,857   10.4% $3,357   6.7% $3,500   104.3%
General and Administrative  7,961   12.0%  6,570   13.1%  1,391   21.2%
Research and Development  3,312   5.0%  3,562   7.1%  (250)  -7.0%

 

Sales and marketing expenses increased over the prior year due to the addition ofincreased HHE during 2017.marketing and bad debt expense, other outsider services and support costs. General and administrative expenses were greater than the prior year period primarily due to increased other outsider services and support costs along with costs at HHE.costs. Research and development decreased overremained steady with the prior year due to decreased outside service costs.three month period.

 

Restructuring charges

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $0 and $132, related to IntriCon UK’s facility moving costs.

Interest expense

 

Net interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was $177 and $548$188 compared to $135 and $387$182 for the comparable three and nine month periodsthree-month period in 2016. The increase in interest2017. Interest expense was primarily due to higher average interest rates alongremained relatively flat with interest expenses generated from HHE that were not incurred in the prior year comparable period.

Other expense

 

Other expenseincome (expense)

Other income (expense) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was $337 and $328($220) compared to other expenseincome of $181 and $472$56 for the same periodsperiod in 2016.2017. The change in other expenseincome (expense) primarily related to changes in the currency exchange rate along with losses incurred in our 50% owned Signison partnership.joint ventures accounted for under the equity method during the current quarter.

 

Income tax expense

 

Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was $47 and $165$187 compared to $33 and $119$64 for the same periodsperiod in 2016.2017. The expense increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2018 was primarily due to taxable income generated by both domestic and foreign operations and a minimum domestic state tax payment made in the current year.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we had $332$381 of cash on hand. Sources of our cash for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017 wereMarch 31, 2018 have been from our operatingfinancing activities, as described below. The Company’s cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the statement of cash flows, are summarized as follows:

     
 Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016  March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 
Cash provided by (used in):                
Operating activities $3,163  $(574) $(950) $(584)
Investing activities  (1,714)  (1,721)  (954)  (367)
Financing activities  (2,101)  2,732   1,768   639 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  317   (202)  144   25 
Net increase (decrease) in cash $(335) $235 
Increase (decrease) in cash $8  $(287)

 


NetThe most significant items that contributed to the $(950) of cash provided by operations of $3,163 was primarily drivenused in operating activities were increases in accounts receivable, inventory and other assets partially offset by net income, an increase in accounts payable and add backs for non-cash depreciation and amortization and stock based compensation along with increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses partially offset by increases in other assets and inventory.expense.

 

Net cash used in investing activities of $1,714$(954) consisted primarily of $984 of purchases of property, plant and equipment and $631 of an investmentalong with investments in Soundperience.partnerships.

 

Net cash used inprovided by financing activities of $2,101$1,768 was comprised primarily of proceeds from long-term borrowings partially offset by repayments of borrowings under our credit facilities partially offset by proceeds from long-term borrowings.facilities.

 

The Company had the following bank arrangements:

 

 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016  March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 
          
Total borrowing capacity under existing facilities $13,667  $15,287  $19,324  $19,545 
                
Facility borrowings:        
Facility Borrowings:        
Domestic revolving credit facility  1,755   3,218   5,865   4,000 
Domestic term loan  4,500   5,250   6,000   6,250 
Foreign overdraft and letter of credit facility  1,256   1,243   1,253   1,250 
Total borrowings and commitments  7,511   9,711   13,118   11,500 
                

Remaining availability under existing facilities

 $6,156  $5,576  $6,206  $8,045 

Domestic Credit Facilities

 

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries are parties to a credit facility with CIBC Bank USA (formerly known as The PrivateBank and Trust Company.Company). The credit facility, as amended through September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, provides for:

 

a $9,000 revolving credit facility, with a $200 sub facility for letters of credit. Under the revolving credit facility, the availability of funds depends on a borrowing base composed of stated percentages of the Company’s eligible trade receivables and eligible inventory, and eligible equipment less a reserve;

a $2,500 capital expenditure loan facility under which the Company at its election, can draw up to $2,500 for qualifying capital expenditures over the period ending December 15, 2018, with monthly amortization commencing after such time; and

 

a term loan in the original amount of $6,000.$6,500.

 

On March 9, 2017, the Company and its domestic subsidiary, IntriCon, Inc., entered into a Tenth Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement and Waiver (the “Tenth Amendment”) with The PrivateBank and Trust Company. The Tenth Amendment, among other things:credit facility matures on December 15, 2022.

amended the minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Loan and Security Agreement), funded debt to EBITDA ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants; and

waived defaults in the funded debt to EBITDA ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants as of December 31, 2016.;

 

All of the borrowings under this agreement have been characterized as either a current or long-term liability on our balance sheet in accordance with the repayment terms described more fully below.


 

Weighted average interest on the revolving credit facility was 7.11%5.26% for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 4.36%5.51% for the year ended December 31, 2016. The outstanding balance of the revolving credit facility was $1,755 and $3,218 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.2017. The total availability on the revolving credit facility was approximately $5,632$3,135 and $5,121$5,000 at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.

 

The outstanding principal balance of the term loan, as amended, is payable in quarterly installments of $250. Any remaining principal and accrued interest is payable on February 28, 2019.December 15, 2022. IntriCon is also required to use 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales (excluding inventory and certain other dispositions), sale of capital securities or issuance of debt to pay down the term loan.

 

The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under the facility as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.

 


Foreign Credit Facility

 

In addition to its domestic credit facilities, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, IntriCon, PTE LTD., entered into an international senior secured credit agreement with Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd. that provides for an asset based line of credit. Borrowings bear interest at a rate of .75% to 2.5% over the lender’s prevailing prime lending rate. Weighted average interest on the international credit facilities was 3.95%4.26% and 3.50%3.87% for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively. The outstanding balance was $1,256 and $1,243 at September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively. The total remaining availability on the international senior secured credit agreement was approximately $524$571 and $455$545 at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.

 

Note Payable

HHE has a $2,000 note payable to the party holding 80% of its equity interest. The note is secured by substantially all of the assets of HHE. The note is payable over 48 months in quarterly installments with interest at 5% per year, except that interest only will be paid in the first twelve months, with the deferred payments to be made at maturity.

Capital Adequacy

 

We believe that funds expected to be generated from operations, the available borrowing capacity through our revolving credit loan facilities the ability of the Company to meet its financial covenants and the control of capital spending will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for operating needs and for repayment of maturing debt for at least the next 12 months. If, however, we do not generate sufficient cash from operations, or if we incur additional unanticipated liabilities, we may be required to seek additional financing or sell equity or debt on terms which may not be as favorable as we could have otherwise obtained. No assurance can be given that any refinancing, additional borrowing or sale of equity or debt will be possible when needed or that we will be able to negotiate acceptable terms. In addition, our access to capital is affected by prevailing conditions in the financial and equity capital markets, as well as our own financial condition. Furthermore, if we fail to meet our financial and other covenants under our loan agreements, absent waiver, we will be in default of the loan agreements and our lenders could take action that would adversely affect our business. There can be no assurance that our lenders will provide a waiver of any default in our loan covenants. While management believes that we will be able to meet our liquidity needs for at least the next 14 months, no assurance can be given that we will be able to do so.

Revenue Recognition

For its body-worn device segment, the Company recognizes revenue when the customer takes ownership, primarily upon product shipment, and assumes risk of loss, collection of the relevant receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the sales price is fixed or determinable. For its direct to consumer segment, the Company recognizes revenue after the customer trial period has ended (generally 60 days from shipment). For changes to the Company’s revenue recognition policies required by ASC 606, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

 Body-worn device segment customers have 30 days to notify the Company if the product is damaged or defective. Beyond that, there are no significant obligations that remain after shipment other than warranty obligations. Contracts with customers do not include product return rights; however, the Company may elect in certain circumstances to accept returns of products. The Company records revenue for product sales net of returns. Sales and use tax are reported on a net basis. The Company defers recognition of revenue on discounts to customers if discounts are considered significant.

 In general, the Company warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship and will fully conform to and perform to specifications for a period of one year. The Company develops a warranty reserve based on historical experience. While the Company’s warranty costs have historically been within its expectations, the Company cannot guarantee that it will continue to experience the same warranty return rates or repair costs that it has experienced in the past.

 

ITEM 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Not applicable.


 

ITEM 4.Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 (the “Disclosure Controls Evaluation”). Based on the Disclosure Controls Evaluation, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide a reasonable level of assurance that: (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files or submits under Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, all in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).

 


ThereExcept for the implementation of certain internal controls related to the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard (Topic 606), there were no changes in the Company’sour internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), during the quarter ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’sour internal control over financial reporting. The Company implemented new controls as part of its effort to adopt Topic 606. The adoption of Topic 606 required the implementation of new accounting processes which changed the Company’s internal controls over revenue recognition and financial reporting. We implemented these internal controls to ensure we adequately evaluated our contracts and properly assessed the impact of the new revenue recognition standard on our financial statements to facilitate its adoption.

 

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.Legal Proceedings

 

The information contained in note 11Note 14 to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in Part I of this quarterly report is incorporated by reference herein.

 

ITEM 1A.Risk Factors

 

In addition to the foregoing and the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results. The risk factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K have not materially changed. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

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

 

None.

 

ITEM 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.Other Information

None.

 



ITEM 6.Exhibits

 

(a)Exhibits

+10.1Form of Performance Stock Option Agreement issued to employees pursuant to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.)

+10.2Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement issued to employees pursuant to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.)

+10.3Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement issued to directors pursuant to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.)

 

31.1*Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2*Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1*Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2*Certification of principal financial officer to U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

101*The following materials from IntriCon Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, (Unaudited) and December 31, 2016;2017; (ii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 and 2016;2017; (iii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 and 2016;2017; (iv) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the NineThree Months Ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 and 2016;2017; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)*.

 

 

*Filed herewith.

+Denotes management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

INTRICON CORPORATION 

(Registrant)

 

INTRICON CORPORATION (Registrant)
Date: November 14, 2017May 15, 2018By:/s/ Mark S. Gorder
 Mark S. Gorder
 President and Chief Executive Officer
 (principal executive officer)

Date: November 14, 2017May 15, 2018
By:/s/ Scott Longval
 Scott Longval
 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 (principal financial officer)


30 



EXHIBIT INDEX

 

+10.1Form of Performance Stock Option Agreement issued to employees pursuant to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.)

+10.2Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement issued to employees pursuant to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.)

+10.3Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement issued to directors pursuant to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.)

31.1*Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2*Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1*Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2*Certification of principal financial officer to U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

101*The following materials from IntriCon Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, (Unaudited) and December 31, 2016;2017; (ii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 and 2016;2017; (iii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 and 2016;2017; (iv) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the NineThree Months Ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 and 2016;2017; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)*.

 

 

*Filed herewith.

+Denotes management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.