UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
| (Mark one) |
For the fiscal year ended
or
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________.
Commission File Number
INTRICON CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No |
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| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
| Registrant's telephone number, including area code | ( |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
| Large accelerated filer ☐ | |
| Non-accelerated filer ☐ | Smaller reporting company |
| Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C.7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes
The aggregate market value of the voting common shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2021 was $
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common shares on February 28, 2022 was
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Company's definitive proxy statement for the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report; provided, however, that the Audit Committee Report and any other information in such Proxy Statement that is not required to be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, shall not be deemed to be incorporated herein or filed for the purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Merger Agreement
On February 27, 2022, Intricon Corporation (the “Company” or “Intricon”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among the Company, IIN Holding Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”), and IC Merger Sub Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”). Parent and Merger Sub are owned by funds affiliated with Altaris Capital Partners, LLC. The Merger Agreement provides, subject to its terms and conditions, for the acquisition of the Company by Parent through the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”).
As a result of the Merger, each share of common stock of the Company (“Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”) (other than Rollover Shares (as defined below) or shares of Common Stock (a) held in treasury of the Company, (b) owned by any subsidiary of the Company, or owned by Parent, Merger Sub or any other subsidiary of Parent or (c) held by a holder who is entitled to, and who has perfected, appraisal rights for such shares under Pennsylvania law) automatically will be converted into the right to receive cash in an amount of $24.25 per share (the “Merger Consideration”), without interest, subject to any required withholding of taxes.
Prior to the closing of the Merger, Parent and certain members of management may negotiate and enter into contracts providing for a rollover of a portion of such persons’ shares of Common Stock through their contribution of such shares (the aggregate amount of shares to be contributed, if any, the “Rollover Shares”) to an affiliate of Parent in exchange for membership interests in such affiliate of Parent.
The completion of the Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including: (i) the approval of the Merger Agreement by the Company’s shareholders (the “Company Shareholder Approval”); (ii) the expiration or early termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), and the approval of the Merger under the antitrust laws of other jurisdictions, as applicable; (iii) the absence of any laws or court orders making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting the Merger; and (iv) other customary closing conditions, including the accuracy of the representations and warranties of each party (subject to certain materiality exceptions) and material compliance by each party with its covenants under the Merger Agreement. The parties expect the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or the Company’s other public filings and releases, 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”, “scheduled”, “designed”, “seek”, “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 “Business,” “Legal Proceedings”, “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements”, such as the Company’s ability to compete, strategic alliances and their benefits, the adequacy of insurance coverage, government regulation, potential increases in demand for the Company’s products, net operating loss carryforwards, the ability to meet cash requirements for operating needs, the ability to meet liquidity needs, assumptions used to calculate future levels of funding of employee benefit plans, the adequacy of insurance coverage, the impacts of new accounting pronouncements and litigation.
Forward-looking statements also include, without limitation, statements as to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company's expected future results of operations and growth, 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 body-worn device markets, the effect of compliance with environmental protection laws and other government regulations, estimates of goodwill impairments and amortization expense of other intangible assets, estimates of asset impairment, 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.
Risks and uncertainties with respect to the proposed Merger include, but are not limited to: the failure to obtain the required votes of Intricon’s shareholders; the timing to consummate the proposed Merger; the conditions to closing of the proposed Merger might not be satisfied or the closing of the proposed Merger otherwise does not occur; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement, including in circumstances which would require Intricon to pay a termination fee; unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to the proposed Merger; the risk that a regulatory approval that may be required to consummate the proposed Merger is not obtained or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; the diversion of management time on Merger-related issues; expectations regarding regulatory approval of the proposed Merger; results of litigation, settlements and investigations; actions by third parties, including governmental agencies and including the response of customers, service providers and business partners to the announcement of the proposed Merger; global economic or political conditions, including the outbreak of escalation of hostilities; adverse industry conditions; and other economic, business, or competitive factors.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and may be affected by various risks, uncertainties and other factors that can cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the risk factors discussed in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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.
Available Information
The Company files or furnishes its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company’s reports, proxy and information statements and other SEC filings are available on the SEC’s website as part of the EDGAR database (http://www.sec.gov).
The Company maintains an internet website at www.intricon.com. The information on the website is not and should not be considered part of this annual report on Form 10-K and is not incorporated by reference in this document. This website is, and is only intended to be, for reference purposes only.
The Company makes available free of charge on or through its website its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC.
In addition, we will provide, at no cost (other than for exhibits), paper or electronic copies of our reports and other filings made with the SEC. Requests should be directed to:
Corporate Secretary
Intricon Corporation
1260 Red Fox Road
Arden Hills, Minnesota 55112
Company Overview
Intricon Corporation (together with its subsidiaries referred herein as the “Company”, or “Intricon”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is an international company and joint development manufacturer (“JDM”) of micromedical components, sub-assemblies and final devices. The Company serves as a JDM partner to leading medical device original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) by designing, developing, engineering, manufacturing, packaging and distributing micromedical devices, components and subassemblies for high growth medical markets, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular, interventional pulmonology, electrophysiology and hearing healthcare. Our mission is to improve, extend and save lives by advancing innovative micromedical technologies through joint development and manufacturing partnerships with industry leading medical device companies.
The Company is a Pennsylvania corporation formed in 1930 and operates today through subsidiaries. The Company’s core business of body-worn devices was established in 1993 through the acquisition of Resistance Technologies Inc., now known as Intricon, Inc. The Company’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “IIN.” The Company is headquartered in Arden Hills, Minnesota and operates globally with facilities in Minnesota, Illinois, California, Singapore, Indonesia and Germany.
Information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and expressed in U.S. dollars or number of shares are presented in thousands (000s), except for per share data and as otherwise noted.
Business Highlights
During 2021 the Company continued to bolster its leadership team with the addition of David Liebl, Vice President of R&D and Kathleen Pepski, board member. Mr. Liebl has a rich and diverse background combining technology, business and product development, regulatory affairs and M&A making him an ideal fit for this new key leadership position. Ms. Pepski is a recognized business leader in Minneapolis whose background in manufacturing and distribution, as well as mergers and acquisitions, will be instrumental in the Company's long-term growth strategy. These leadership additions support one of the Company's priorities to expand and strengthen its ability to enhance its position as a joint development manufacturer.
COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, a significant impact around the world, prompting governments and businesses to take unprecedented measures in response. There were and continue to be many uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Company is closely monitoring the impact of the pandemic on all aspects of its business, including how it will impact its employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, and business partners. The Company remains fully operational as we abide by local COVID-19 safety regulations at all global locations. To achieve this, the Company has certain employees working remotely and has adopted significant protective measures as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for our on-site employees. Additionally, the Company has taken steps to monitor and work closely with our suppliers to maintain supply of critical materials.
Market Overview:
Intricon serves as a JDM to leading medical device OEMs by designing, developing, engineering, manufacturing and distributing micromedical products, microelectronics, micro-mechanical assemblies, complete assemblies and software solutions. Revenue from these markets is reported on the respective diabetes, other medical, hearing health value based direct-to-end-consumer, hearing health value based indirect-to-end-consumer, hearing health legacy OEM, and professional audio lines in the discussion of our results of operations in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 4 “Revenue Recognition” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included herein.
The Company manufactures microelectronics, micro-mechanical assemblies, high-precision injection-molded plastic components and complete catheter based and body-worn devices for leading and emerging medical device manufacturers. Intricon currently serves this market by offering medical device manufacturers the capabilities to design, develop, manufacture, package and distribute medical devices that are easier to use, smaller, lighter and use less power. Increasingly, the medical device industry is looking to outsource the manufacturing, assembly and packaging of their products.
Diabetes
Intricon currently has a strong presence in the diabetes market by working with Medtronic to manufacture their wireless continuous glucose monitors (CGM), sensor assemblies, and accessories associated with Medtronic’s insulin pump and CGM system. In September 2016, the FDA approved Medtronic’s current generation insulin pump system, the MiniMed 670G system. The MiniMed 670G was the world’s first hybrid closed loop insulin delivery system. In September 2020, Medtronic announced FDA approval for the MiniMed 770G Insulin Pump System with smartphone connectivity. This latest system by Medtronic expands the benefits of hybrid closed loop therapy to younger children living with type 1 diabetes and makes it easier to access and share real-time CGM and pump data. The system will enable caregivers to see user data remotely on their smartphones, with proactive in-app notices sent when glucose levels are out of range. The data can also be shared automatically with clinicians and educators to help facilitate more effective telehealth visits and product trainings. This connectivity also gives Medtronic the ability to provide upgrades to future technology via software updates which will enhance device features. The Company is excited that our components are designed into and support such a revolutionary diabetes management system. Looking ahead, the Company believes there are opportunities to expand our diabetes product offering with Medtronic, as well as move into new markets outside of the diabetes market.
Peripheral Vascular, Interventional Pulmonology and Electrophysiology
Intricon has a suite of micro-coil technology that it offers to various OEM customers. These products are currently used in surgical navigation clinical applications, such as interventional pulmonology and electrophysiology. On May 18, 2020, Intricon acquired Emerald Medical Services Pte., Ltd., a Singapore company ("EMS"), which provides joint engineering and manufacturing services for complex medical devices, including catheters covering a range of applications for cardiology, peripheral vascular, neurology, radiology and pulmonology. EMS’s production capability consists of design, development, manufacturing, testing and non-sterile packaging services. The acquisition expands Intricon’s micro-coil capabilities, including the ability to offer complete full-length catheter-based devices in surgical navigation and accelerates diversification into potential new end-markets.
Drug Delivery
Intricon manufactures bubble sensors and flow restrictors that monitor and control the flow of fluid in an intravenous infusion system. In addition, Intricon has automated the production of a family of safety needle products for an OEM customer that utilizes Intricon’s insert and precision miniature molding capabilities. These products are assembled using full automation, including built-in quality checks within the production lines.
Value-Based Hearing Healthcare
In the United States alone, there are approximately 40 million adults that report some degree of 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 legacy hearing aid distribution channel is made up of five large hearing aid manufacturers who utilize brick-and-mortar and licensed audiologists to sell devices while controlling the channel dynamics. As a result, the average cost of a hearing aid sold in the US market today is over $2,400 per device, more than double the cost from fifteen 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.
The Company believes several factors have come together over the last few years to enable the emergence of a market disruptive, high-quality, low-cost distribution model. These factors include the continued consolidation of retail (causing escalating hearing aid prices) and subsequent consumer outcry, consumer education, advancements in technology (such as behind-the-ear devices, advanced digital signal processing, low-power wireless, and self-fitting software) and pending regulatory change to allow the sale of over-the-counter (“OTC”) hearing aids. On October 19, 2021, the FDA proposed a rule to establish a new regulatory category of OTC hearing aids that when finalized, would allow hearing aids to be sold directly to consumers in stores or online without a medical exam and would allow consumers to self-fit their hearing aids without engaging a licensed person, such as an audiologist.
The Company believes the value-based hearing healthcare (VBHH) market offers significant growth opportunities. To best approach this market opportunity, the Company has sharpened its focus to identify potential high-profile branding partners that value Intricon’s ability to deliver superior hearing aids, self-fitting software and customer care to the U.S. market.
Legacy OEM Hearing Health Channel
In addition to the emerging OTC market, the Company also believes there are niches in the legacy hearing health channel that will embrace outcome-based products and technologies in the United States and Europe. High costs of legacy devices and retail consolidation have constrained the growth potential of the independent audiologist and dispenser. Intricon believes its specific software and product offering can provide independent audiologists and dispensers the ability to compete with larger retailers, and manufacturer owned retail distributors.
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 focused on emergency response needs, military applications and high-end consumer products. The line includes several communication devices that are extremely portable and perform well in noisy and/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.
Core Technical Capabilities Overview:
Over the past several years, the Company has increased investments in the continued development of critical core competencies, including micro-coil winding and assembly, microelectronics assembly, interventional catheter assembly, precision miniature molding, ultra-low power (ULP) digital signal processing (DSP) and wireless communications, as well as self-fitting software for hearing health. These core competencies serve as the foundation of current and future product platform development. While our core competencies are impressive individually, the Company believes that its differentiating value proposition is its ability to integrate various competencies into innovative solutions for challenging clinical applications.
Micro-coil Winding and Assembly
Electromagnetic micro-coils are a core technical capability at Intricon. Working with a complete range of ultra-fine wires and ferromagnetic core materials, we use our proprietary modeling and engineering systems to design and produce micro-coils that meet electromagnetic goals such as induction, resistance, sensitivity and localization performance. We also routinely work within size constraints dictated by the design of the medical device, utilizing our capabilities of winding down to 58 AWG wire (.00991 mm or .00039 inches), about one-third the diameter of a human hair. Finished micro-coils often are small enough to fit through the eye of a needle.
Bonding the coil wire to slightly larger diameter wire (often a twisted pair that runs the length of the device), provides full-length connectivity. Intricon can also assemble the entire device, and many of these programs include embedded ROM chips that calibrate the location of the micro-coil within the finished device so that the device can plug in directly to the navigational systems used by physicians. Today, our micro-coils are used in a wide range of medical applications in tip location sensing such as diagnostic applications, active implants and therapeutic applications such as electrophysiology atrial fibrillation (AF) mapping/ablation and interventional pulmonology.
Microelectronics Assembly
Intricon has decades of experience in microelectronics design and assembly combined with a focus on joint development manufacturing. Our engineers work with our business partners to guide designs to ensure the highest performance and manufacturability. Intricon has state-of-the-art high-speed surface mount technology (SMT) pick-and-place machines to populate flex circuits and/or printed circuit boards. Automated computer-controlled testing equipment is used to download programs and perform electrical testing to verify that all requirements are met. Both proprietary automation equipment and low-cost/highly-skilled hand assembly are available at our facilities in the United States, Singapore and Indonesia.
Interventional Catheters
Intricon provides expertise and capabilities in advanced catheter and delivery systems and extrusion to support state-of-the-art, minimally invasive clinical procedures. Expertise includes tight tolerance, thin wall extrusions, braided and coiled catheter shafts with deflectable tip options while working with a full range of high-performance materials.
Full-length connectivity and fine wire bonding bring to life new and unique interventional devices that can be embedded with a range of sensors, electromagnetic micro-coils or various microchips at the distal tip. Intricon also packages and ships fully-assembled devices. Clinical applications for Intricon interventional catheters and delivery systems include cardiology, peripheral vascular, neurovascular, oncology, structural heart and more.
Precision Miniature Molding
Intricon has decades of experience in precision miniature medical molding and routinely achieves tolerances of ±.0005 inches in compliance with ASTM and Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) standards, while utilizing scientific injection molding practices. Intricon works with a broad range of materials such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), nylon, polypropylene, liquid crystal polymer, acrylic, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate and other materials. Intricon has particular expertise with insert-molding techniques which are often employed to reduce human error and lower labor costs compared to manual assembly.
ULP DSP and Wireless Communication
With more than 20 years of experience designing and manufacturing components and devices for hearing health, electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring patches and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), Intricon is at the forefront of digital signal processing and wireless communications solutions that use industry-standard protocols like Bluetooth® and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as well as proprietary wireless technologies developed by Intricon.
Self-Fitting Software
The ability to efficiently and effectively “fit” hearing aids to an individual patient’s hearing loss 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 (AccuFit, used in the conventional channel), Intricon has made significant investments in various advanced fitting software solutions, including its purchase of the source code for the Sentibo Smart Brain self-fitting software, 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.
Market Development:
Intricon intends to allocate more capital and resources in marketing and sales to increase revenue by leveraging its existing core competencies and technologies platforms in order to accelerate the diversification of its revenue base within its core markets of diabetes, peripheral vascular, interventional pulmonology, electrophysiology and hearing healthcare. In addition, the Company believes this will allow it to advance its technology portfolio, advance new product platforms and strengthen its position as a leading JDM.
The Company is committed to increasing investments to support its medical business development efforts. In early 2019, the Company hired a vice president of medical business development, who has further expanded the Company's business development reach by adding resources and evolving its commercial strategy in an effort to leverage our core competencies and diversify our medical revenue base. During 2021, the Company hired a vice president of research and development to provide leadership and insight to further accelerate the Company's expertise in its core competencies and expand into adjacent capabilities. The Company believes it has significant opportunities to serve several of the high-growth medical device markets through its already developed core competencies and capabilities to develop devices that are more technologically advanced, smaller and lightweight.
Currently, Intricon sells some of its hearing device products directly to domestic hearing instrument manufacturers, and distributors and partnerships through an internal sales force. As a result of the investments in Hearing Help Express in 2016 and 2017, the Company began marketing and selling hearing aid devices directly to consumers through direct mail advertising, internet and a call center. In February 2020, however, the Company announced its decision to pivot its Hearing Help Express focus entirely towards supporting product development and testing in order to best capture the near-term benefits. As a result of this re-positioning, the advertising and marketing budget related to Hearing Help Express has decreased significantly in 2020. Sales of other medical and professional audio communications products are also made primarily through an internal sales force.
Internationally, sales representatives employed by Intricon GmbH, a wholly-owned German subsidiary, solicit sales from European hearing instrument, medical device and professional audio communications manufacturers and suppliers.
Intricon markets its high-performance microphone products to the radio communication and professional audio industries and has several larger competitors who have greater financial resources. Intricon holds a small market share in the global market for microphone capsules and other related products.
Product Liability. As a supplier of consumer and medical products and parts, Intricon is subject to claims for personal injuries allegedly caused by its products. The Company maintains what it believes to be adequate insurance coverage.
Employees. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had a total of873 full time equivalent employees, of whom 65 are executive and administrative personnel, 14 are sales personnel, 55 are engineering personnel and 739 are operations personnel.
Intricon Corporation is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all team members demonstrate respect for each other and participate in a community of integrity, trust and collaboration. Team members are integral to fulfilling our mission to improve, extend and save lives by advancing innovative micromedical technologies through joint development and manufacturing partnerships with industry leading medical device companies. The Company is committed to the health, safety and overall well-being of our employees. Intricon has implemented numerous health standards and protocols to protect its employees from infectious disease including COVID-19.
Intricon’s Values
Intricon is committed to maintaining our history as an ethical and moral leader in our business operations and everyday interactions. Intricon remains true to the following values that guide us in how we define ourselves and how we behave.
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Integrity and Humility |
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Discipline and Accountability |
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Collaboration and Inclusiveness |
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Agility and Innovation |
Our Commitment to a Diverse and Respectful Workplace
It is Intricon’s goal is to foster a diverse and vibrant workforce that supports and reflects the communities in which we live and work. We believe that innovative ideas come from having diverse and unique perspectives, and that different ideas, backgrounds, experiences and knowledge contribute to a better outcome for all. Intricon is committed to creating an environment where all team members are free to express their opinions and ideas in a productive and respectful manner.
Our hiring, retention and development activities seek to promote a diverse and more equitable team member community. We value and embrace diversity across the spectrum of backgrounds and experiences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability and religion.
Our Commitment to Discrimination Prevention and Equal Employment Opportunities
Intricon is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and has established policies to support that commitment. All qualified applicants and employees will be considered for employment and advancement without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national, ethnic or social origin, sex, marital or family status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, pregnancy, genetic information or any other protected class under applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all employment practices and terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to promotions, transfers, compensation, discipline, terminations, training and participation in Company sponsored benefits or programs.
Intricon prohibits discrimination and harassment based on the above stated categories. Any team member who engages in discrimination or harassment; who permits team members to engage in such conduct; or who retaliates or permits retaliation against a team member who reports such conduct is in violation of this policy and will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Intricon has implemented policies, procedures and training to ensure any potential discrimination or harassment is reported and appropriately investigated and corrected, if appropriate. Team members have been instructed and have acknowledged their duty to immediately report any non-compliance with our policy and our commitment to a respectful workplace free of discrimination or harassment. Team members have been made aware of the appropriate reporting channels.
Research and Development. Intricon conducts research and development activities primarily to improve its existing products and enhance its proprietary technology portfolio. The Company is committed to investing in the research and development of proprietary technologies that enhance our position in our target markets. The Company believes the continued development of key proprietary technologies is foundational to realize long-term revenue and margin growth. The following research and development expenditures for the two most recent years are net of any customer and grant reimbursements:
| Year Ended December 31, |
Dollars |
Percent of Revenue |
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| 2021 |
$ | 5,315 | 4.2 | % | ||||
| 2020 |
5,248 | 5.1 | % | |||||
Intricon owns numerous United States patents which cover various product designs and processes. Although the Company believes that these patents collectively add value to the Company, the costs associated with the submission of patent applications are expensed as incurred given the uncertainty of the patents providing future economic benefit to the Company.
Regulation. Most, if not all, of our business operates in marketplaces subject to extensive and rigorous regulation by the FDA, by comparable agencies in foreign countries and other regulatory agencies. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") regulates the design control, development, manufacturing, labeling, record keeping, distribution, installation, service and post-market surveillance procedures for medical devices.
United States Food and Drug Administration
FDA regulations classify medical devices based on intended use and perceived risk to public health as either Class I, II or III devices. Class I devices are subject to general controls, Class II devices are subject to special controls and Class III devices are subject to special controls and pre-market approval (“PMA”) requirements. While most Class I devices are exempt from pre-market submission, it is necessary for most Class II devices to be cleared by a 510(k) pre-market notification prior to marketing. A “cleared” 510(k) establishes that the device is “substantially equivalent” to a predicate device which was legally marketed prior to May 28, 1976 or which itself has been found to be substantially equivalent, through the 510(k) process, after May 28, 1976. It is “substantially equivalent” if it has the same intended use and the same technological characteristics as the predicate. The 510(k) pre-market notification must be supported by data establishing the claim of substantial equivalence to the satisfaction of the FDA. The FDA has 90 days to complete the review of a 510(k) submission, and clearance is typically granted within four months, however obtaining a 510(k) clearance can sometimes take significantly longer. If the product is notably new or different and substantial equivalence cannot be established, the FDA will require the manufacturer to submit a PMA application for a Class III device that must be reviewed and approved by the FDA prior to sale and marketing of the device in the United States. The process of obtaining PMA approval can be expensive, uncertain, lengthy and frequently requires anywhere from one to several years from the date of FDA submission, if approval is obtained at all. A “De Novo” application may be submitted for a new type of Class II device for which there is no predicate. The FDA controls the indicated uses for which a product may be marketed and strictly prohibits the marketing of medical devices for unapproved uses. The FDA can require the manufacturer to withdraw products from the market for failure to comply with laws or the occurrence of safety risks.
Our facilities are subject to FDA inspection on a routine basis. The Company is required to adhere to the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (“GMP”) requirements set forth in the Quality System Regulations published by the FDA, which require manufacturers, including third-party manufacturers, to follow design, testing, control, documentation and quality procedures during the manufacturing process.
Intricon’s wireless and non-wireless hearing aids are air-conduction devices and, as such, are Class I and Class II medical devices. Air-conduction hearing aids are exempt from the 510(k) pre-market notification process. These hearing aids may be marketed either through distribution channels owned, in whole or in part, by Intricon or through non-affiliated distribution channels. In the latter sense, Intricon acts as the contract manufacturer to the distributing organization, assisting in design, development and manufacturing. The Company’s manufacturing operations are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA, whose primary purpose is to ensure the Company’s compliance with the Quality System Regulations published by the FDA and other applicable government standards. Strict regulatory action may be initiated in response to identified deficiencies or to product performance problems. Intricon believes that our Quality Management Systems and all regulated operations are in compliance with the requirements of the FDA regulations. Our most recent FDA inspection was conducted in May of 2019. No issues (observations) arising from this inspection were noted.
International Regulation
International regulatory bodies have established varying regulations governing product standards, packaging and labeling requirements, import restrictions, tariff regulations, duties and tax. Many of these regulations are similar to those of the FDA. The Company believes it is in compliance with the regulatory requirements in the foreign countries in which our medical devices are marketed, as evidenced by our continuous certification to the ISO 13485 standard granted by our notified body, British Standards Institution (BSI). A notified body is an organization designated by a European Union (EU) country to assess the conformity of certain products before being placed on the market.
Medical device law in the EU requires that our quality management system conforms to international quality standards and that our medical devices conform to “essential requirements” set forth by the Medical Device Directive (“MDD”). In order to keep pace with accelerating technical reality and manufacturing risks, medical device law in the EU is changing rapidly. Effective May 5, 2017, the MDD has been replaced with a broader, more reaching Medical Device Regulation (“MDR”) with a four-year transition period which came into effect on May 26, 2021. Intricon was compliant with the MDR prior to the end of the transition period. Because all classified medical devices being marketed in the EU for the first time must meet the new MDR, notified bodies are experiencing a significant workload and clearances may take up to a year. For that reason, Intricon recognizes the risk of a lengthy regulatory clearing process if we or our customers choose to launch any new medical devices in the EU requiring a medical CE mark.
Intricon manufacturing facilities are audited at least annually by an International Organization for Standardization (“ISO”) registrar to verify conformity of its quality management systems and products to the relevant standards and regulations. The ISO registrar for our US facilities is BSI while the registrar for our Asian facilities is SGS United Kingdom Ltd.
Technical documentation, including the essential requirements matrix, for each product placed on the market in the EU is audited by our European notified body (also BSI). Successful audits verify conformance to the essential requirements set forth by the MDD for the class of medical devices produced and result in a CE certificate. This entitles us to place the “CE” mark on our devices sold and distributed in Europe. In 2014, Intricon obtained "CE" certification for our own hearing aid devices and we are supplying these devices into the European market. Intricon’s hearing aids may also bear the CE mark of our customers who then assume regulatory responsibilities for those devices they place on the EU market under their own name.
Our European authorized representative, CE Partner 4U, reviews and retains our technical documentation and registers our products as required with applicable authorities in all EU member states. CE Partner 4U also advises Intricon of any changes to relevant laws that will impact the marketability of our products. In addition, CE Partner 4U aids Intricon in conducting required post-market surveillance activities for our products sold and distributed in the EU.
Data Privacy and Security Law
The Company is subject to domestic and foreign data privacy and security laws, regulations, and customer-imposed controls as a result of accessing and processing confidential, personal, and/or sensitive data. Our failure to comply with these laws or significant changes in the laws could significantly impact our business and our future business plans.
The following risks should be considered when evaluating the Company’s business and any forward-looking statements made is this Annual Report on Form 10-K or elsewhere. Any of the risks discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or the Company’s other SEC filings could materially adversely affect the Company’s business and operating results.
Risks Related to Our Business
The Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations for 2022 and beyond could be materially adversely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak and/or subsequent pandemics.
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has evolved into a global pandemic. COVID-19 has spread throughout the world, including North America, Asia and Europe. The full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts Intricon’s future business, operating results and financial condition will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain, cannot be accurately predicted and may be beyond our control. We cannot predict the duration or scope of the COVID-19 pandemic or subsequent pandemics, the efficacy or availability of vaccines, surges in infections or the severity of any variants, actions that may be taken by governments and businesses in response to the pandemic, or the impacts of the pandemic on healthcare systems. These impacts and associated responses of the COVID-19 pandemic could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations in a number of ways, including but not limited to:
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Reduced revenues as a result of disruptions in our operations, supply chain or in demand by our customers, including our major customers. |
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Reduced revenues or earnings may require us to perform impairment assessments of our long-lived assets, goodwill and other assets and result in charges to earnings; |
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Diminished ability, or inability, to complete clinical trials and other activities required to achieve regulatory clearing for our products under development due to lack of access to healthcare facilities, healthcare providers and patients; |
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Potential delays in the over-the-counter hearing aid regulations required to be promulgated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to COVID-19 priorities, which delay will likely have an adverse impact on our hearing health business over the course of 2022 and beyond. |
The duration of future disruptions to our customers and to our supply chain, and related financial impact to us, cannot be estimated at this time. If such disruptions continue for an extended period of time, the impact could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our business has been, and could continue to be, adversely affected by disruptions in our supply chain and our customers' supply chain
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for certain key components and materials needed for our products. We rely upon, and expect to continue to rely upon, certain suppliers for critical components and materials that are not readily available in sufficient volume from other sources. These supply chain characteristics make us susceptible to supply shortages and price increases. If production volumes increase rapidly, there can be no assurance that the suppliers of critical components and materials will be able or willing to meet our future needs on a timely basis. A significant disruption in the supply of components or materials could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our supply chain, as well as our customers' supply chain, is also at risk of unanticipated events such as pandemic or epidemic illness, natural disasters, industrial incidents, changes in governmental regulations and trade agreements, or financial or operational instability of suppliers that could cause a disruption in the supply of critical components to us and our customers. For example, many manufacturers have experienced, and continue to experience, significant disruptions in the supply chain, including a shortage of semiconductor chips used by us and our customers, increased metal and commodity costs, global logistical constraints, increased transportation costs, higher labor costs and labor shortages. As a result, we have experienced increased volatility in our production schedules, including manufacturing downtime, often with little notice from customers, higher inventory levels and increased labor costs, which have negatively impacted our financial condition. Furthermore, the indirect impact of COVID-19 on existing supply chain constraints, whether caused by or exacerbated by the pandemic, has and may continue to negatively affect our financial condition.
The loss of one or more of our major customers could adversely affect our results of operations.
The Company is dependent on a small number of customers for a majority of our revenues. In fiscal year 2021, Medtronic, our largest customer accounted for approximately 64 percent of our net revenue. A significant decrease or delay in sales or loss of any of our major customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Our revenues are largely dependent upon the ability of customers to develop and sell products that incorporate our products. No assurance can be given that our major customers will not experience financial, technical, regulatory or other difficulties or delays that could adversely affect their operations and, in turn, our results of operations.
Several of our customers in the hearing health market have undergone mergers or acquisitions, resulting in a smaller customer base with larger customers. If the Company is unable to maintain satisfactory relationships with the current customer base, it may adversely affect our operating profits and revenue.
We have in the past and may in the future explore acquisitions that complement or expand our business. Acquisitions pose significant risks, including the potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, and may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
As part of our business strategy, the Company has in the past and may in the future pursue acquisitions of other businesses or technologies that the Company believes could complement, enhance or expand our current business or product lines, diversify our revenue base, allow for geographic expansion or that might otherwise offer growth opportunities. We may have difficulty finding these opportunities or, if we do identify these opportunities, we may not be able to complete the transactions for various reasons, including insufficient available cash and/or failure to secure financing.
Our prior acquisitions have resulted, and future acquisitions may result, in the recording of goodwill and intangible assets subject to potential impairment in the future if we are not able to realize the value paid, adversely affecting our operating results. For example, in 2020 we completed the acquisition of EMS and recorded goodwill and intangible assets. Refer to Notes 9 and 10 in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Acquisitions involve a number of risks, including: the diversion of our management’s attention from our existing business to integrate the operations and personnel of the acquired or combined business or joint venture; possible adverse effects on our operating results during the integration process; unanticipated liabilities and litigation; and our possible inability to achieve the intended objectives or achieve the anticipated benefits of the transaction. In addition, the Company may not be able to successfully or profitably integrate, operate, maintain and manage our newly acquired operations or employees. Future acquisitions also may result in dilutive issuances of equity securities or the incurrence of additional debt.
Downturns in the domestic economic environment could cause a severe disruption in our operations.
Adverse changes in the economy could negatively affect our business, which could exacerbate many of the risk factors we have identified including, but not limited to, the following:
Liquidity:
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The domestic economic environment, including credit markets, could worsen and reduce liquidity and this could have a negative impact on financial institutions and the country’s financial system, which could, in turn, have a negative impact on the business of our customers and on our business. |
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Investments held by the Company are subject to market conditions which could decline in value and reduce liquidity. |
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If interest rates rise, this could disrupt domestic and world markets and could adversely affect the economy as a whole and our liquidity, costs of borrowing and results of operations. |
Demand:
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Any downturn in the economy or a return to recession could result in lower sales to our customers. Additionally, our customers may not have access to sufficient cash or short-term credit to obtain our products or services. |
Inflation:
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Changes in economic conditions and supply chain constraints and steps taken by governments and central banks, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other stimulus and spending programs, have led to higher inflation than previously experienced or expected. In an inflationary environment, we may be unable to raise the prices of our products sufficiently to keep up with the rate of inflation. |
Our failure, or the failure of our customers, to obtain required governmental approvals and maintain regulatory compliance for regulated products would adversely affect our ability to generate revenue from those products.
The markets in which we and our customers operate are subject to extensive and rigorous regulation by the FDA and by comparable agencies in foreign countries. For medical devices sold and distributed in the United States by Intricon and our customers, the FDA regulates the design control, development, manufacturing, labeling, record keeping, and surveillance procedures.
The process of obtaining marketing clearance or approvals from the FDA for new products and new applications for existing products can be time-consuming and expensive, and there is no assurance that such clearance/approvals will be granted, or that the FDA review will not involve delays that would adversely affect our ability to commercialize additional products or additional applications for existing products. Some of our products in the research and development stage may be subject to a lengthy and expensive pre-market approval process with the FDA. The FDA has the authority to control the indicated uses of a device. Products can also be withdrawn from the market due to failure to comply with regulatory standards or the occurrence of unforeseen problems. The FDA regulations depend heavily on administrative interpretation, and there can be no assurance that future interpretations made by the FDA or other regulatory bodies, with possible retroactive effect, will not adversely affect us.
The Company is in the process of preparing the Sentibo Smart Brain self-fitting software technology for submission to the FDA for approval. This technology is crucial to our development of the over-the-counter market for our hearing aids. Any delays in FDA approval could have an adverse impact on our entry into this market.
The registration system for our medical devices in the EU requires that our quality system conform to international quality standards. Manufacturing facilities and processes under which our hearing aid devices and OEM components and assemblies are produced, are inspected and audited by various certifying bodies. These audits verify our compliance with applicable requirements and standards. Further, the FDA, various state agencies and foreign regulatory agencies inspect our facilities to determine whether the Company is in compliance with various regulations relating to quality systems, such as manufacturing practices, validation, testing, quality control, product labeling and product surveillance. A determination that the Company is in violation of such regulations could lead to imposition of civil penalties, including fines, product recalls or product seizures, suspensions or shutdown of production and, in extreme cases, criminal sanctions, depending on the nature of the violation.
Further, to the extent that any of our customers to whom we supply products become subject to regulatory actions or delays, our sales to those customers could be reduced, delayed or suspended, which could have a material adverse effect on our sales and earnings.
Implementation of our growth strategy may not be successful, which could affect our ability to increase revenues.
Our growth strategy includes developing new products and entering new markets, as well as identifying and integrating acquisitions. Our ability to compete in new markets will depend upon a number of factors including, among others:
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ability to stay competitive by developing quality products that are technologically advanced and inexpensive to manufacture; |
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our ability to create demand for products in new markets; |
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our ability to strengthen our sales and marketing presence; |
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our ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions; and |
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our ability to fund growth. |
The failure to do any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may face competition in these new markets from various companies that may have substantially greater research and development resources, marketing and financial resources, manufacturing capability and customer support organizations.
Our need for continued investment in research and development may increase expenses and reduce our profitability.
Our industry is characterized by the need for continued investment in research and development. If we fail to invest sufficiently in research and development, our products could become less attractive to existing and potential customers and our business and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. As a result of the need to maintain or increase spending levels in this area and the difficulty in reducing costs associated with research and development, our operating results could be materially harmed if our research and development efforts fail to result in new products or if revenues fall below expectations. In addition, as a result of our commitment to invest in research and development, management believes that research and development expenses as a percentage of revenues could increase in the future.
The Company is subject to risks arising from its international sales and operations.
We derived approximately 26 percent of our 2021 revenues from customers located outside of the U.S. In 2021, we operated in Singapore, Indonesia, and Germany. Approximately 16 percent of our revenues were derived from our facilities in these countries in 2021. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 11 percent of our long-lived assets are located in these countries. The outbreak of hostilities or armed conflicts or other political or economic instability in foreign countries could have an adverse impact on our results of operations due to disruption of supplies or production or diminished revenues in these countries. Our future revenues, costs of operations and profit results could be affected by a number of factors related to our international operations, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in economic conditions from country to country, changes in a country's political condition, trade protection measures, licensing and other legal requirements and local tax issues. Unanticipated currency fluctuations in the Euro, Singapore dollar and other currencies could lead to lower reported consolidated revenues due to the translation of this currency into U.S. dollars when we consolidate our revenues and results from operations.
The Company is subject to tax legislation in numerous countries; changes in tax laws or challenges to our tax positions could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company is a global corporation with a presence in the United States, Singapore, Indonesia and Germany. As such, the Company is subject to tax laws, regulations and policies of the U.S. federal, state and local governments and of comparable taxing authorities in other country jurisdictions. Changes in tax laws, as well as other factors, could cause us to experience fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rates in 2021 and thereafter and otherwise adversely affect our tax positions and/or our tax liabilities. There can be no assurance that our effective tax rates, tax payments, tax credits or incentives will not be adversely affected by these or other initiatives.
Our success depends on our senior management team and the Company’s ability to retain them as well as continued service of our engineering and technical personnel.
We are highly dependent upon the continued services and experience of our senior management team to, among other things, continue the development and implementation of our business strategies and maintain and develop our client relationships. Certain members of our management team are approaching retirement and the Company must locate and employ suitable replacements from within or outside the Company. If we fail to successfully and timely attract and hire replacements for members of senior management as they retire with persons with the appropriate level of expertise, we could experience adverse impacts on our business and results of operations. Any significant leadership change and accompanying senior management transition, such as the recent change in our president and chief executive officer, and the hiring of other new leaders in key roles, involves inherent risk and any failure to ensure a smooth transition could hinder our strategic planning, execution and future performance.
We do not maintain key-man life insurance for any members of our senior management team.
There is intense competition for qualified engineering and technical personnel in our markets. We may not be able to continue to attract and retain engineers or other qualified personnel necessary for the development and growth of our business. The failure to retain and recruit key technical personnel could cause additional expense and potentially have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our business could be adversely affected by disruption at our sites or those of our major customers or suppliers.
Our main headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area. In addition, we have manufacturing facilities in Singapore and Batam. We rely on these facilities to house our operations, manufacture our products and store finished goods. Severe weather, natural disasters and other calamities, such as pandemics (including COVID-19), earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes, fires and explosions, accidents, mechanical failures, unscheduled downtimes, civil unrest, strikes, transportation interruptions, unpermitted discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances, other environmental risks, sabotage or terrorist attacks, could severely disrupt our operations, or those of our major customers and suppliers. While the Company has taken steps to manage operational risks and while insurance coverage may reimburse, in whole or part, site disruption could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any significant disruption to our sites for any reason also could adversely affect our sales and customer relationships.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property and Cybersecurity
We and/or our customers may be unable to protect our and their proprietary technology and intellectual property rights or keep up with that of competitors.
Our ability to compete effectively against other companies in our markets depends, in part, on our ability and the ability of our customers to protect our and their current and future proprietary technology under patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret and unfair competition laws. We cannot assure that our means of protecting our proprietary rights in the United States or abroad will be adequate, or that others will not develop technologies similar or superior to our technology or design around the proprietary rights we own or license. In addition, we may incur substantial costs in attempting to protect our proprietary rights.
We attempt to protect and maintain proprietary technology and intellectual property through confidentiality agreements and patents. Despite the steps taken by us to protect our proprietary rights, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy or reverse-engineer aspects of our and our customers’ products, develop similar technology independently or otherwise obtain and use information that we or our customers regard as proprietary. The process of identifying and managing patent disputes is time consuming and costly. Accordingly, our ability or our customer’s ability to maintain a competitive advantage over competitors may be diminished.
If we become subject to material intellectual property infringement claims, we could incur significant expenses and could be prevented from selling specific products.
We may become subject to material claims that we infringe the intellectual property rights of others in the future. We cannot assure that, if made, these claims will not be successful. Any claim of infringement could cause us to incur substantial costs defending against the claim even if the claim is invalid and could distract management from other business. Any judgment against us could require substantial payment in damages and could also include an injunction or other court order that could prevent us from offering certain products.
Moreover, in recent years, individuals and groups that are non-practicing entities, commonly referred to as “patent trolls,” have purchased patents and other intellectual property assets for the purpose of making claims of infringement in order to extract settlements. From time to time, we may receive threatening letters or notices or may be the subject of claims that our solutions and underlying technology infringe or violate the intellectual property rights of others. Responding to such claims, regardless of their merit, can be time consuming, costly to defend in litigation, divert management's attention and resources, damage our reputation and brand, and cause us to incur significant expenses.
Cybersecurity incidents could disrupt business operations, result in the loss of critical and confidential information, and adversely impact our reputation and results of operations.
Global cybersecurity threats can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information technology (IT) systems to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats. While we employ comprehensive measures to prevent, detect, address and mitigate these threats (including access controls, insurance, vulnerability assessments, continuous monitoring of our IT networks and systems, maintenance of backup and protective systems and user training and education), cybersecurity incidents, depending on their nature and scope, could potentially result in the misappropriation, destruction, corruption or unavailability of critical data and confidential or proprietary information (our own or that of third parties) and the disruption of business operations. The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident include monetary damages, reputational damage, loss of customers, litigation with customers and other parties, loss of trade secrets and other proprietary business data, diminution in the value of our investment in research, development and engineering, and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs, which in turn could adversely affect our competitiveness and results of operations.
Risks Related to Litigation and Environmental Liabilities
The Company is subject to numerous asbestos-related lawsuits, which could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
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 we sold in March 2005. Due to the non-informative nature of the complaints, we do not know whether any of the complaints state valid claims against us. Certain insurance carriers have informed us 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, we have other primary and excess insurance policies that we believe afford coverage for later years. Some of these other primary insurers have accepted defense and insurance coverage for these suits, or have accepted the tenders but asserted a reservation of rights, or have advised us that they need to investigate further. In addition, some of the primary and excess insurers have gone out of business, and thus coverage is not available. There are also some primary policies for years earlier than 1970 that were purchased by us, and coverage under those policies will be investigated. Because settlement payments are applied to all years a litigant was deemed to have been exposed to asbestos, we believe that we 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 we will be required to pay; accordingly, we expect that our litigation costs will increase in the future. Further, most 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. If our insurance policies do not cover the costs and any awards for the asbestos-related lawsuits, we will have to use our cash or obtain additional financing to pay the asbestos-related obligations and settlement costs. There is no assurance that we will have the cash or be able to obtain additional financings on favorable terms to pay asbestos related obligations or settlements should they occur. The ultimate outcome of any legal matter cannot be predicted with certainty. In light of the significant uncertainty associated with asbestos lawsuits, there is no guarantee that these lawsuits will not materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. As of December 31, 2021, we recorded $129 and $709 within other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, within our Consolidated Balance Sheet for estimated future claims. An insurance receivable of $129 and $709 was recorded within other current assets and other assets, net, respectively, within our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021 for estimated insurance recoveries.
Environmental liability and compliance obligations may affect our operations and results.
Our manufacturing operations are subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations as well as internal programs and policies governing:
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air emissions; |
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wastewater discharges; |
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the storage, use, handling, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances, wastes and chemicals; |
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employee health and safety; |
If violations of environmental laws occur, we could be held liable for damages, penalties, fines and remedial actions. Our operations and results could be adversely affected by any material obligations arising from existing laws, as well as any required material modifications arising from new regulations that may be enacted in the future. We may also be held liable for past disposal of hazardous substances generated by our business or former businesses or businesses we acquire. In addition, it is possible that we may be held liable for contamination discovered at our present or former facilities.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock has been and is likely to continue to be volatile and there has been and could be limited trading volume in our stock.
Over the last several years, stock markets in general, as well as the market price of our common stock, has been volatile and is likely to continue to be volatile and there has been limited trading volume in our stock. which may make it difficult for shareholders to sell common stock when they want to and at prices they find attractive. For example, our stock traded between a low sale price of $12.47 and a high sale price of $28.16 in 2021.
Our common stock market price could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a variety of factors, including the following:
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operating results that vary from our financial guidance or the expectations of securities analysts and investors; |
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performance of the major end markets we target including regulatory or other delays affecting our or our customers’ products; |
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the timing and announcement of strategic developments, acquisitions, or other material events by us or our competitors; |
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adverse or unfavorable publicity about our products, technologies or us; |
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downgrades of our stock by securities analysts or other unfavorable commentary or research; |
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additions or departures of key personnel; and |
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changes in general market conditions, global financial markets, and global economies. |
These broad fluctuations and limited trading volume may materially adversely affect the market price of our common stock, and your ability to sell our common stock.
Most of our outstanding shares are available for resale in the public market without restriction. The sale of a large number of these shares could adversely affect the share price and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of equity securities or make acquisitions for common stock.
“Anti-takeover” provisions may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if the change in control would be beneficial to shareholders.
The Company is a Pennsylvania corporation. Anti-takeover provisions in Pennsylvania law and our charter and bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us. These provisions could adversely affect the market price of the common stock and could reduce the amount that shareholders might receive if the Company is sold. For example, our charter provides that the board of directors may issue preferred stock without shareholder approval. In addition, our bylaws provide for a classified board, with each board member serving a staggered three-year term. Directors may be removed by shareholders only with the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of all shares outstanding and entitled to vote.
Risks Related to Being a Public Company
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, current and potential shareholders and customers could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which could harm our business, the trading price of our stock and our ability to retain our current customers or obtain new customers.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, referred to as Section 404, the Company is required to include in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, reports of our management and our independent registered public accounting firm on our internal control over financial reporting. While we have reported no “material weaknesses” in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, we cannot guarantee that we will not have material weaknesses in the future. Compliance with the requirements of Section 404 is expensive and time-consuming. If in the future we fail to complete this evaluation in a timely manner, or if we determine that we have a material weakness, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny and a loss of public confidence in our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, any failure to establish an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures could cause our current and potential investors and customers to lose confidence in our financial reporting and disclosure required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which could adversely affect our business and the market price of our common stock.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
The Company leases nine facilities, six domestically and three internationally, as follows:
| Location |
Description |
Annual Base Rent |
Lease Expiration |
|||
| Arden Hills, Minnesota |
47,000 square foot manufacturing facility which also serves as Company's headquarters |
$530 |
January 2022 |
|||
| Arden Hills, Minnesota |
49,000 square foot manufacturing facility |
$427 |
July 2023 |
|||
| Vadnais Heights, Minnesota |
46,000 square foot manufacturing facility |
$407 |
December 2022 |
|||
| DeKalb, Illinois |
8,100 square foot facility housing Hearing Help Express's sales and administrative office and warehouse |
$96 |
March 2022 |
|||
| Riverside, California |
3,300 square foot housing Emerald Extrusion Services' administrative office and warehouse |
$34 |
January 2022 |
|||
| Riverside, California |
4,400 square foot manufacturing facility |
$40 |
May 2024 |
|||
| Singapore |
49,000 square foot facility housing production facilities, warehouse and administrative offices |
$856 |
October 2025 |
|||
| Indonesia |
29,000 square foot facility housing production facilities, warehouse and administrative offices |
$95 |
April 2027 |
|||
| Germany |
2,000 square foot facility housing sales and administrative offices |
$32 |
June 2022 |
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See Note 15 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
Asbestos Litigation
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, or have accepted the tenders but asserted a reservation of rights, or have advised the Company that they need to investigate further. In addition, some of the primary and excess insurers have gone out of business, and thus coverage is not available. There are also primary policies for years earlier than 1970 that were purchased by the Company, and coverage under those policies will be investigated. 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, most 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. As of December 31, 2021, we recorded $129 and $709 within other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, within our Consolidated Balance Sheet for estimated future claims. An insurance receivable of $129 and $709 was recorded within other current assets and other assets, net, respectively, within our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021 for estimated insurance recoveries.
TCPA Litigation
On October 9, 2019, plaintiff Mark Hoffman (“Hoffman”) filed a putative class action lawsuit against defendant Hearing Help Express, Inc. (“HHE”), a subsidiary of the Company, in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Washington (the “Court”) alleging violations of the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”). HHE’s investigation revealed third-party lead generator Triangular Media Corp. (“Triangular”) provided Hoffman’s information to HHE. Hoffman claims he did not provide the requisite prior express written consent for autodialed telemarketing calls regarding hearing aids to be placed to his cellphone. He also claims he did not provide the requisite permission for telemarketing calls to his number registered on the Do-Not-Call (“DNC”) registry. Since the initial complaint was filed, Hoffman amended his complaint several times to add additional parties, including Triangular, Triangular’s alleged owner, an alleged entity related to Triangular called LeadCreations.Com, LLC, Intricon, Inc., and Intricon Corporation. With respect to HHE, Hoffman sought to certify a class of certain automated outbound telemarketing calls HHE allegedly made without prior consent and calls made to numbers on the DNC registry, in the last four years. Hoffman also sought to hold the Company vicariously liable for all of the calls HHE made without prior consent. The potential exposure under the TCPA is $500 per call, or $1,500 per call if the violation is deemed willful or knowing.
On July 26, 2021, the Company and the other defendants entered into a Class Action Settlement Agreement and Release (“Settlement Agreement”) with Hoffman for himself and on behalf of the settlement class relating to this matter. In entering into the Settlement Agreement, the Company and the other defendants are making no admission of liability. The Settlement Agreement was submitted to the Court for approval on July 28, 2021, which was granted. The Court set a fairness and final approval for January 5, 2022.
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, among other things, (a) the Company agreed to pay total cash consideration of $1.3 million into a settlement fund, and (b) Hoffman and the settlement class members agreed to a release of claims against the Company, Intricon, Inc. and HHE relating to any claim or potential claim relating to the marketing activities described in the complaint. The class members releasing claims include any person who received, on or after October 9, 2015, a non-emergency telephone call from or on behalf of HHE and whose contact information was received either directly or indirectly from Triangular (or its purported affiliated entity, LeadsCreations) and one other vendor who supplied phone numbers to HHE.
On January 5, 2022, the parties attended the Final Approval Hearing with the Court on the class settlement. The Court granted the motion for final approval of the class settlement and Plaintiff's Motion for Attorneys' Fees, Costs and Service Payment. The deadline to file a notice for appeal was February 4, 2022; no appeal was filed by that date, the Settlement Agreement became effective and the $1.3 million settlement fund payment was paid. The release will be effective as to all class members who did not validly opt out of the class, regardless of whether they file a claim form and receive a payment.
The $1.3 million settlement fund was fully accrued for in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet in the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.
Other Litigation Matters
The Company is also involved from time to time 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 the Company’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
ITEM 4A. Information about our Executive Officers
The names, ages and positions (as of March 1, 2022) of the Company's executive officers were as follows:
| Name |
Age |
Position |
||
| Scott Longval |
45 |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
||
| Annalee Lutgen |
40 |
Interim Chief Financial Officer |
||
| Michael P. Geraci |
63 |
Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing |
||
| Dennis L. Gonsior |
63 |
Senior Vice President, Global Operations |
Mr. Longval was appointed as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and a director effective October 1, 2020. Prior to that Mr. Longval served as Executive Vice President (since January 2019) and Chief Operating Officer (since April 2019). Mr. Longval also served as Chief Financial Officer from July 2006 through February 8, 2021 and, prior to that, as the Company’s Corporate Controller from September 2005. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Longval was Principal Project Analyst at ADC Telecommunications, Inc., a provider of innovative network infrastructure products and services, from March 2005 until September 2005. From May 2002 until March 2005, he was employed by Accellent, Inc., formerly MedSource Technologies, a provider of outsourcing solutions to the medical device industry, most recently as Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis. From September 1998 until April 2002, he was employed by Arthur Andersen, most recently as experienced audit senior. Mr. Longval received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of St. Thomas.
Ms. Lutgen was appointed as the Company's Interim Chief Financial Officer effective October 29, 2021. Ms. Lutgen joined the Company in April 2010 as Corporate Controller and was promoted to Director of Finance in 2013 and appointed as Treasurer in 2019. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Lutgen was a manager with Grant Thornton. She is a Certified Public Accountant (Minnesota) and holds an MBA from St. Cloud State University.
Mr. Geraci joined the Company in October 1983. He has served as the Company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing since January 1995. Mr. Geraci received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Bradley University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Business.
Mr. Gonsior joined the Company in February 1982. He has served as the Company’s Vice President of Operations since January 1996. Mr. Gonsior received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State University.
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “IIN”.
The closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on February 28, 2022, was $23.93 per share.
At February 28, 2022, the Company had 287 shareholders of record of common stock. Such number does not reflect shareholders who beneficially own common stock in nominee or street name.
The Company currently intends to retain any future earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of its business and does not intend to pay cash dividends on its common stock for the foreseeable future. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, the Company’s earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to the payment of dividends, and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant. Terms of the Company’s banking agreements prohibit the payment of cash dividends without prior bank approval.
See “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters — Equity Compensation Plans” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for disclosure regarding our equity compensation plans.
ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Company Overview
Intricon Corporation (together with its subsidiaries referred herein as the “Company”, or “Intricon”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is an international company and JDM of micromedical components, sub-assemblies and final devices. The Company serves as a JDM partner to leading medical device OEMs by designing, developing, engineering, manufacturing, packaging and distributing micromedical products for high growth markets, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular, interventional pulmonology, electrophysiology and hearing healthcare. Our mission is to improve, extend and save lives by advancing innovative micromedical technologies through joint development and manufacturing partnerships with industry leading medical device companies.
Selected Financial Data
| Year Ended December 31, |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 (a) |
2017(a) |
|||||||||||||||
| Revenue, net |
$ | 125,206 | $ | 102,773 | $ | 113,493 | $ | 113,948 | $ | 86,954 | ||||||||||
| Gross profit |
31,385 | 26,175 | 30,986 | 36,231 | 25,270 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses |
30,898 | 29,250 | 33,026 | 27,856 | 21,686 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest (expense) income, net |
(21 | ) | 331 | 920 | (314 | ) | (716 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Other (expense) income, net |
(395 | ) | 316 | (743 | ) | (815 | ) | (406 | ) | |||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations |
71 | (2,428 | ) | (1,863 | ) | 7,246 | 2,462 | |||||||||||||
| Income tax expense |
(135 | ) | (61 | ) | (201 | ) | (484 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||||||
| (Loss) income from continuing operations before discontinued operations |
(64 | ) | (2,489 | ) | (2,064 | ) | 6,762 | 2,454 | ||||||||||||
| Loss on disposal of discontinued operations |
- | - | (1,116 | ) | - | (164 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
- | - | (597 | ) | (1,215 | ) | (1,170 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income |
(64 | ) | (2,489 | ) | (3,777 | ) | 5,547 | 1,120 | ||||||||||||
| Less: Income (loss) allocated to non-controlling interest |
42 | 35 | - | - | (938 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to shareholders |
$ | (106 | ) | $ | (2,524 | ) | $ | (3,777 | ) | $ | 5,547 | $ | 2,058 | |||||||
| Basic (loss) income per share attributable to shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations |
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.28 | ) | $ | (0.23 | ) | $ | 0.89 | $ | 0.50 | |||||||
| Discontinued operations |
- | - | (0.20 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.20 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income |
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.28 | ) | $ | (0.43 | ) | $ | 0.73 | $ | 0.30 | |||||||
| Diluted (loss) income per share attributable to shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations |
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.28 | ) | $ | (0.23 | ) | $ | 0.78 | $ | 0.46 | |||||||
| Discontinued operations |
- | - | (0.20 | ) | (0.14 | ) | (0.18 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income |
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.28 | ) | $ | (0.43 | ) | $ | 0.64 | $ | 0.28 | |||||||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding during year: |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic |
9,082 | 8,894 | 8,748 | 7,599 | 6,852 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted |
9,082 | 8,894 | 8,748 | 8,630 | 7,307 | |||||||||||||||
Other Financial Highlights
| Year Ended December 31, |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 (a) |
2017 (a) |
|||||||||||||||
| Working capital (b) |
$ | 54,169 | $ | 50,611 | $ | 53,349 | $ | 62,897 | $ | 8,985 | ||||||||||
| Total assets |
122,459 | 121,296 | 113,593 | 115,248 | 54,474 | |||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt |
- | - | - | - | 9,321 | |||||||||||||||
| Equity |
93,750 | 91,199 | 90,492 | 91,974 | 21,439 | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization |
5,541 | 4,622 | 3,277 | 2,891 | 2,134 | |||||||||||||||
| (a) |
In 2019, the Company classified its United Kingdom operations as discontinued operations. The Company revised its financial statements for all periods to reflect the discontinued operations. |
| (b) |
Working capital is equal to current assets less current liabilities. |
Overall Results
For fiscal year 2021, the Company experienced a 21.8 percent increase in net revenues driven by a combination of factors including strong growth in demand in our Diabetes business and a full year of sales derived from Emerald Medical Services Pte., Ltd., ("EMS"), acquired in May 2020. The Company derived net revenue of $14,573 in 2021 from EMS compared to $7,361 in 2020. The Company posted a net loss of $106 or $.01 per diluted share in 2021 compared to a net loss of $2,524 or $.28 per diluted share in 2020.
Results of Operations: 2021 Compared with 2020
Consolidated Net Revenue
Below is a summary of our revenue by main markets for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Change |
||||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
Dollars |
Percent |
|||||||||||||
| Diabetes |
$ | 69,733 | $ | 59,311 | $ | 10,422 | 17.6 | % | ||||||||
| Interventional Catheters |
14,572 | 7,361 | 7,211 | 98.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Other Medical |
14,084 | 12,365 | 1,719 | 13.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Hearing Health Value Based DTEC |
3,479 | 4,430 | (951 | ) | (21.5 | )% | ||||||||||
| Hearing Health Value Based ITEC |
8,048 | 5,558 | 2,490 | 44.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Hearing Health Legacy OEM |
10,848 | 8,968 | 1,880 | 21.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Professional Audio Communications |
4,442 | 4,780 | (338 | ) | (7.1 | )% | ||||||||||
| Total Net Revenue |
$ | 125,206 | $ | 102,773 | $ | 22,433 | 21.8 | % | ||||||||
In 2021, we experienced a 17.6 percent increase in diabetes medical net revenue driven by increased demand for products as COVID-19 restrictions eased and new products originally launched in 2020 being more widely distributed. Intricon has a strong presence in the diabetes market with its Medtronic partnership. The Company believes there are growth opportunities in this market that could benefit from the Company’s capabilities to develop devices that are more technologically advanced, smaller and lightweight.
Interventional catheters net revenues increased 98.0 percent, driven by a full year of sales from EMS, acquired in May 2020, and continued business growth within the existing customer base. Net revenues derived from EMS were $14,572 in 2021, compared to $7,361 in 2020.
Other medical net revenue increased 13.9 percent compared to 2020. The increase was driven by commercialization of newly developed products as the Company continues to expand its surgical navigation product offering.
Net revenue in our hearing health direct-to-end-consumer (DTEC) business for the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased 21.5 percent compared to the same period in 2020 due to reduced investment and strategic restructuring of the business that began in the second quarter of 2020.
Net revenue in our hearing health indirect-to-end-consumer (ITEC) business for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased 44.8 percent compared to the same period in 2020. The revenue increase was largely attributed to the launch of a customer OTC hearing aid pilot program which began early in 2021.
Net revenue in our hearing health legacy OEM business for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased 21.0 percent compared to the same period in 2020 due to increasing international orders for hearing aids and hearing aid accessories as COVID-19 restrictions started easing.
As it relates to our overall hearing health business, we believe the FDA has been delayed in promulgating regulations regarding OTC hearing aids due to COVID-19 priorities. This delay has had an adverse impact on hearing health markets over the course of 2021. The Company is 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, including the DTEC channel and pending over-the-counter channel. Intricon believes it is very well positioned to serve these value-based hearing healthcare market channels. The Company believes long-term success in the hearing health market will largely be driven by the indirect-to-end consumer channel. As such, the Company continues to prioritize investments to more clearly focus on securing high-profile partners that value our ability to deliver an “eco-system of care” platform, which includes superior hearing aids, self-fitting software and customer care to the U.S. market.
Net revenue in the professional audio device sector decreased 7.1 percent in 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 due to order delays as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic's continuing effect on the Singapore government. 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 revenue, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:
| 2021 |
2020 |
Change |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent |
Percent |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dollars |
of Revenue |
Dollars |
of Revenue |
Dollars |
Percent |
|||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit |
$ | 31,385 | 25.1 | % | $ | 26,175 | 25.5 | % | $ | 5,210 | 19.9 | % | ||||||||||||
Our 2021 gross profit increased by $5,210, primarily due to higher sales volumes. However, gross profit as a percentage of revenue decreased slightly over the prior year due to supply chain and labor market inefficiencies throughout 2021.
Sales and Marketing, General and Administrative and Research and Development Expenses
Sales and marketing, general and administrative and research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were:
| 2021 |
2020 |
Change |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent |
Percent |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dollars |
of Revenue |
Dollars |
of Revenue |
Dollars |
Percent |
|||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and Marketing |
$ | 8,275 | 6.6 | % | $ | 6,671 | 6.5 | % | $ | 1,604 | 24.0 | % | ||||||||||||
| General and Administrative |
16,579 | 13.2 | % | 15,007 | 14.6 | % | 1,572 | 10.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Research and Development |
5,315 | 4.2 | % | 5,248 | 5.1 | % | 67 | 1.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Other Operating Expenses |
729 | 0.6 | % | 660 | 0.6 | % | 69 | 10.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Restructuring Charges |
- | 0.0 | % | 1,171 | 1.1 | % | (1,171 | ) | (100.0 | )% | ||||||||||||||
| Acquisition Costs |
- | 0.0 | % | 493 | 0.5 | % | (493 | ) | (100.0 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses increased from the prior year due to the Company's continued expansion of its business development function, an increase in internal sales compensation tied to year-over-year sales improvement and the reclassification of $792 of technology intangible amortization expense from research and development expenses to sales and marketing expenses in 2021.
General and administrative expenses increased from the prior year primarily due to bonus compensation, a full year of expenses attributable to EMS and one-time charges associated with the CFO transition.
Research and development expenses were in line with the prior year.
Other operating expenses remained relatively consistent over the prior year. However, there were several notable items impacting both periods. In 2021, the Company incurred $1,468 in one-time charges for settlement payments, legal fees and associated costs for settling the TCPA litigation related to the class action lawsuit against HHE for automated telemarketing calls to a number in the Do-Not-Call registry. These charges were partially offset by a reduction in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities in connection with the acquisition of EMS for $739.
In 2020, $660 of other operating expenses were due to changes in the fair value of contingent consideration related to the purchase of EMS.
Restructuring charges of $1,171 in 2020 were related to the strategic restructuring plan completed in June of 2020 to focus resources on our highest potential growth business lines.
Acquisition costs of $493 in 2020 included legal and financial services that were associated with the purchase of EMS in May of 2020.
Interest (Expense) Income, net
Interest expense for 2021 was ($21) compared to interest income of $331 in 2020. The change was primarily due to a reduction in interest rates adversely impacting the return on our investment securities.
Other (Expense) Income, net
In 2021, other expense was $395 compared to $316 of other income in 2020. The decrease over the prior year was primarily due to Singapore government funds paid to our subsidiaries for COVID-19 relief in 2020.
Income Tax Expense
Income taxes were as follows:
| 2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
| Income tax expense |
$ | 135 | $ | 61 | ||||
| Percentage of income tax expense of income (loss) before income taxes |
(190.14 | )% | 2.51 | % | ||||
The expense in 2021 and 2020 were primarily due to foreign taxes on international operations. The Company is in a net operating loss (“NOL”) position for US federal and state income tax purposes, but our deferred tax asset related to the NOL carry forwards has been largely offset by a full valuation allowance. We incur minimal income tax expense for domestic operations. We have approximately $35,933 of gross NOL carry forwards available to offset future U.S. federal income taxes that begin to expire in 2023.
Net loss and non-GAAP adjusted net income
Net loss and non-GAAP adjusted net income are as follows:
| Fiscal Year Ended |
||||||||
| December 31, |
December 31, |
|||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
| Net loss - GAAP attributable to Intricon |
$ | (106 | ) | $ | (2,524 | ) | ||
| Identified adjustments attributable to Intricon: |
||||||||
| Depreciation (1) |
3,167 | 3,017 | ||||||
| Amortization of intangibles (2) |
2,007 | 1,456 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation (3) |
1,925 | 1,982 | ||||||
| Other amortization (4) |
367 | 150 | ||||||
| Legal settlement and related fees (5) |
1,468 | 530 | ||||||
| Fair value of contingent consideration (6) |
(739 | ) | 660 | |||||
| COVID-19 Singapore government support (7) |
(185 | ) | (779 | ) | ||||
| Executive transition costs (8) |
649 | 843 | ||||||
| EMS acquisition costs (9) |
- | 493 | ||||||
| Restructuring charges (10) |
- | 1,171 | ||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Intricon (11) |
$ | 8,553 | $ | 6,999 | ||||
| Average basic shares outstanding |
9,082 | 8,894 | ||||||
| Average diluted shares outstanding |
9,613 | 9,312 | ||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Intricon per diluted share |
$ | 0.89 | $ | 0.75 | ||||
| (1) Depreciation represents the expense of property, plant and equipment. |
| (2) These expenses represent amortization expenses of intangible assets. |
| (3) Stock-based compensation represents expenses related to awards under the Company's equity incentive plans. |
| (4) These expenses represent amortization of other assets. |
| (5) The Company's subsidiary, Hearing Help Express, Inc., settled its Telephone Consumer Protection Act litigation in the second quarter of 2021 for $1,300. The settlement will be paid during the 2022 first quarter. Additional fees included herein relate to the legal fees associated with the TCPA defense. |
| (6) These expenses represent changes in the fair value of contingent consideration in the period for the purchase of EMS. |
| (7) Singapore Government provided COVID-19 financial assistance to our Singapore subsidiaries during the periods. |
| (8) Executive transition costs include; (i) a payment of $390 (equal to one year's salary and other benefits) and $259 of RSUs issued to our former CFO in 2021 and (ii) a payment of $443 (equal to one year's salary) and issuance of $400 of RSUs to our retiring CEO, Mark Gorder in 2020. |
| (9) In May of 2020, the Company acquired EMS and recorded $493 in acquisition related costs in the 2020 second quarter. |
| (10) On May 20, 2020, the Company announced a strategic restructuring plan designed to accelerate the Company’s future growth by focusing resources on the highest potential growth areas. Total restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were $1,171, including $732 related to one-time employee termination benefits, $326 for lease modification costs at Hearing Help Express and $113 for losses on disposal of assets. |
| (11) None of these adjustments have a material income tax impact. |
This Report contains financial measures that have not been calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP). These non-GAAP measures include:
| ● |
Non-GAAP adjusted net income |
| ● |
Non-GAAP adjusted net income per diluted share |
These non-GAAP financial measures reflect adjustments for expenses and gains that we believe do not reflect the Company’s core operating performance. We have presented these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe this presentation, when reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures, provides useful information to investors in evaluating our operational performance. Management uses these non-GAAP measures internally to evaluate our performance and in making financial, operational and planning decisions, including with respect to incentive compensation. We believe that the presentation of these measures provides investors with greater transparency with respect to our results of operations and that these measures are useful for period-to-period comparison of results and trends. We further believe that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors in comparing our financial results with the financial results of other companies.
We periodically reassess the components of non-GAAP adjustments for changes in how we evaluate Intricon’s performance, changes in how we makes financial and operational decisions, and considers the use of these measures by our competitors and peers to ensure the adjustments are still relevant and meaningful.
Non-GAAP financial measures should not be used as a substitute for GAAP measures, or considered in isolation, for the purpose of analyzing our operating performance. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that future results will not be affected by similar items.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company believes we continue to maintain adequate liquidity to operate our businesses. As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately $5,584 of cash and cash equivalents as well as $19,420 of short-term investment securities maturing within the next twelve months for a total of $25,004 of liquid capital. Sources of our cash for the year ended December 31, 2021 were from our operating activities, as described below. For the last two years, cash has been used to support the Company's growth, including the acquisition of EMS, as well as purchases of equipment to support growth.
Consolidated net working capital increased to $54,169 as of December 31, 2021 from $50,611 at December 31, 2020. Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, are summarized as follows:
| 2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
| Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations: |
||||||||
| Operating activities |
$ | 438 | $ | 5,613 | ||||
| Investing activities |
(2,224 | ) | (3,504 | ) | ||||
| Financing activities |
(1,152 | ) | (1,992 | ) | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
(113 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash from continuing operations |
(3,051 | ) | 115 | |||||
| Cash provided by discontinued operations, net |
- | 3 | ||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash |
$ | (3,051 | ) | $ | 118 | |||
Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $5,175 lower than in 2020. The variance to the prior year was primarily attributable to $6,830 in higher net outflows from operating assets and liabilities compared to the prior year, primarily attributable to $7,195 increase in net cash outflows as a result of changes in inventories and contract assets, driven by new product offerings and supply chain inefficiencies. This was partially offset by cash earnings (income from continuing operations plus non-cash adjustments) being $1,655 higher than the prior year, driven primarily by easing COVID restrictions, resulting in strong demand and no restructuring costs in the current year, which were $1,171 in 2020.
Cash generated from operations may be affected by a number of factors. See “Forward Looking Statements” and “Item 1A Risk Factors” contained in this Form 10-K for a discussion of some of the factors that can negatively impact the amount of cash we generate from our operations.
Investing Activities. In 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $2,224, compared to $3,504 in 2020. The variance of $1,280 was primarily due to $7,128 of cash paid for the purchase of EMS in 2020 and a decrease of $1,125 in capital expenditures in 2021 compared to 2020.
Financing Activities. In 2021, net cash used in financing activities were $1,152, compared to $1,992 in 2020. The decrease in cash used of $840 was primarily related to the timing of payments for intangible assets, slightly offset by higher payments in 2021 for contingent consideration liabilities related to the acquisition of EMS.
Credit Facilities
Intricon had $14,294 and $14,347 of borrowing capacity under its credit facilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. During 2021 and 2020, we did not borrow on any of our available facilities.
Domestic Credit Facilities
The Company and its domestic subsidiaries are parties to a credit facility with CIBC Bank USA. The credit facility, as amended through the date of this filing, provides for a $12,000 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. The credit facility matures on December 15, 2022.
The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants under the credit facility as of December 31, 2021.
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.
Capital Adequacy
The Company believes that funds expected to be generated from operations, funds maintained in liquid investments and funds available under our revolving credit loan facility will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for operating needs for at least the next 12 months. While management believes we will be able to meet our liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months, no assurance can be given that we will be able to do so.
Contractual Obligations
The following table represents our contractual obligations and commercial commitments, excluding interest expense, as of December 31, 2021.
| Payments Due by Period |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual Obligations |
Total |
Less than 1 Year | 1-3 Years |
4-5 Years |
More than 5 Years | |||||||||||||||
| Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations |
$ | 1,270 | $ | 177 | $ | 300 | $ | 237 | $ | 556 | ||||||||||
| Leases |
5,703 | 2,055 | 2,638 | 1,010 | - | |||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration liability |
1,783 | 148 | 1,635 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Technology access liability |
1,034 | 493 | 541 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Total contractual obligations |
$ | 9,790 | $ | 2,873 | $ | 5,114 | $ | 1,247 | $ | 556 | ||||||||||
Foreign Currency Fluctuation
Generally, the effect of changes in foreign currencies on our results of operations is partially or wholly offset by our ability to make corresponding price changes in the local currency. From time to time, the impact of fluctuations in foreign currencies may have a material effect on the financial results of the Company. Foreign currency transaction amounts included in the statements of operations include losses of $173 and $131 in 2021 and 2020 respectively. See Note 16 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included herein.
Off-Balance Sheet Obligations
We had no material off-balance sheet obligations as of December 31, 2021.
Related Party Transactions
We had no reportable related party transactions in 2021 or 2020.
Litigation
For a discussion of litigation, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” and Note 19 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included herein.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements, see Note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included herein.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The significant accounting policies of the Company are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements and have been reviewed with the audit committee of our Board of Directors. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates particularly as it relates to estimates reliant on forecasts and other assumptions impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The accounting policies of the Company with significant estimates and assumptions are described below.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of a distinct good or service to a customer. The Company considers contractual arrangements, laws and legal precedent in determining enforceable right. 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 within our medical diabetes market and a select customer within our other medical market. For contractual arrangements in which an enforceable right exists, 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. Consequently, the transaction price is recognized as revenue over time for contractual arrangements with an enforceable right, based on actual costs incurred in the manufacturing process to date relative to total expected costs to produce all ordered units. The transaction price for contractual arrangements without an enforceable right to payment for any finished or in-process units including a reasonable margin is recognized as revenue at a point in time.
For its hearing health direct-to-end-consumer market, the Company recognizes revenue after the customer trial period has ended (generally 60 days from shipment).
Customers generally have 30 days from the date of delivery 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, other than for non-conformance; however, the Company may elect in certain circumstances to accept returns of products. The Company records revenue for product sales net of returns and discounts. Sales and use tax are reported on a net basis.
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.
Intangible Assets
The Company has definite-lived technology and customer relationship intangible assets that are evaluated for impairment periodically or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible assets may not be recoverable. The Company evaluated the recoverability of its technology intangible assets due to delays in clinical trials to obtain the approval for new hearing products as well as the delay in the promulgation of the OTC regulations. The Company’s evaluation of the recoverability of technology intangible assets involves the comparison of undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the products using these technologies over the remaining useful life of the technology assets to their respective carrying amounts. The Company’s recoverability analysis requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to future cash flows, timing of the OTC regulations and the remaining useful life of the assets. Significant changes in any of these estimates and assumptions could affect the cash flows used in evaluating recoverability.
The Company concluded that no impairment of intangible assets occurred during the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Contingent Consideration
Contingent consideration liabilities depend on certain future events and are measured at fair value based on various level 3 inputs and assumptions including forecasts, probabilities of payment and discount rates. Amounts are classified current if expected to be paid within the next twelve months. The liability for contingent consideration is subject to fair value adjustments each reporting period that will be recognized through the statement of operations.
A number of estimates are used when determining the fair value of the contingent consideration liability, including projected revenues, risk-adjusted discount rates and timing of contractual payments. The preparation of revenue forecasts for use in the estimated liability involve significant judgments that we base primarily on existing orders, expected timing and amount of future orders, anticipated pricing changes and general market conditions. We discount the cash flow forecasts using comparable market interest rates to those enacted in our existing credit facilities.
Significant changes in our actual or forecasted revenues could affect the discounted cash flows used in revaluing the contingent consideration to fair value each reporting period. As of December 31, 2021, a 10 percent increase and a 10 percent decrease in forecasted revenues would result in an 8 percent increase and an 8 percent decrease, respectively, in the fair value of the contingent consideration. Subsequent revaluations of the contingent consideration liability after the acquisition date have generally resulted in decreases to the fair value of the liability principally due to updated revenue forecasts, as a result of the delays in FDA approval for specific products related to the contingent consideration.
Business Combinations
We record identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and net intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. This requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate purchase price consideration between goodwill and assets that are depreciated and amortized. Significant assets and liabilities estimated included intangible assets and liabilities for contingent consideration. Management estimated the fair value of the intangible asset using the multi-period excess earnings method, which is a specific discounted cash flow method. This required management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to future cash flows of certain products and the selection of the discount rate. Management estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration liability using scenario-based methods and forecasts of future revenues. This required management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to future revenue levels of certain products and the selection of discount rate. Our estimates are based on historical experience, information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and, when appropriate, include assistance from independent third-party appraisal firms. These estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. In addition, unanticipated events or circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such estimates.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
| Table of Contents to the Financial Statements |
| Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations |
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
| Consolidated Statements of Equity |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of Intricon Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, using criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on this assessment, the Company’s management believes that, as of December 31, 2021, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, as stated in the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm appearing under Item 8.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Intricon Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Intricon Corporation (the "Company") as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and equity for the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 7, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Intangible Assets — Refer to Notes 1 and 10 to the financial statements.
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company has technology assets that are definite-lived intangible assets. As of December 31, 2021, the carrying value of these intangible assets are $3.9 million. The Company’s intangible assets are evaluated for impairment periodically or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible assets may not be recoverable. The Company evaluated the recoverability of its technology intangible assets due to delays in clinical trials and approval of hearing products. The Company’s evaluation of the recoverability of technology intangible assets involves the comparison of undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the products using these technologies over the remaining useful life of the technology assets to their respective carrying amounts. The Company’s recoverability analysis requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to future cash flows over the remaining useful life of the assets.
We identified the evaluation of technology intangible assets for potential impairment as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management makes related to future cash flows expected to be generated by these products over the intangible assets’ lives. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s future cash flows over the remaining useful life of the technology intangible assets.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the future cash flows over the remaining useful life of the technology intangible assets included the following, among others:
| ● |
We tested the effectiveness of controls over the review of the business assumptions related to the forecasted undiscounted future cash flows used in impairment testing. |
|
| ● |
We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecasts of undiscounted future cash flows by comparing management’s projections to the Company’s historical results. |
|
| ● |
Due to the lack of historical experience available for the new product line, we evaluated the reasonableness of management’s revenue, gross margin and operating expense forecasts of the new product line by comparing the forecasts to (1) the historical operating results of the Company’s similar existing products, (2) internal communications from management to the board of directors, (3) executed and draft sales agreements, (4) external communications made by management to analysts and investors, and (5) industry and third party information related to the potential market. |
|
| ● |
We evaluated the sensitivity of the assumptions that impact the overall outcome of the cash flow model, including projected revenue growth, margin and cost rates, timing of FDA approval and timing of branding partner identification. |
|
| ● |
We evaluated whether the estimated future cash flows over the remaining useful life were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. |
/s/
March 7, 2022
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Intricon Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Intricon Corporation (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021, of the Company and our report dated March 7, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/
March 7, 2022
| INTRICON CORPORATION |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations |
| (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) |
| Year Ended December 31, |
2021 |
2020 |
||||||
| Revenue, net |
$ | $ | ||||||
| Cost of goods sold |
||||||||
| Gross profit |
||||||||
| Operating expenses: |
||||||||
| Sales and marketing |
||||||||
| General and administrative |
||||||||
| Research and development |
||||||||
| Other operating expenses |
||||||||
| Restructuring charges |
||||||||
| Acquisition costs |
||||||||
| Total operating expenses |
||||||||
| Operating income (loss) |
( |
) | ||||||
| Interest (expense) income, net |
( |
) | ||||||
| Other (expense) income, net |
( |
) | ||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes |
( |
) | ||||||
| Income tax expense |
||||||||
| Net loss |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Less: Income allocated to non-controlling interest |
||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Intricon shareholders |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | ||
| Loss per share attributable to Intricon shareholders: |
||||||||
| Basic |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | ||
| Diluted |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Average shares outstanding: |
||||||||
| Basic |
||||||||
| Diluted |
||||||||
(See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements)
| INTRICON CORPORATION |
|||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
|||||||||
| (In Thousands) |
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
| Net loss |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | ||
| Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment |
||||||||
| Realized pension and postretirement obligations |
||||||||
| Other |
( |
) | ||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) |
$ | $ | ( |
) | ||||
| (See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements) |
| INTRICON CORPORATION |
|||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets |
|||||
| (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) |
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||
| Short-term investment securities | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable, less provision for doubtful accounts of $ at December 31, 2021 and $ at December 31, 2020 | ||||||||
| Inventories | ||||||||
| Contract assets | ||||||||
| Other current assets | ||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | ||||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||
| Net property, plant and equipment | ||||||||
| Goodwill | ||||||||
| Intangible assets | ||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | ||||||||
| Investment in partnership | ||||||||
| Long-term investment securities | ||||||||
| Other assets, net | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Current financing leases | $ | $ | ||||||
| Current operating leases | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | ||||||||
| Accrued salaries, wages and commissions | ||||||||
| Other accrued liabilities | ||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||
| Noncurrent operating leases | ||||||||
| Pension and postretirement benefit obligations | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities, net | ||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | ||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 20) | ||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity: | ||||||||
| Common stock, $ par value per share; shares authorized; and shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 respectively | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total shareholders' equity | ||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | ||||||||
| Total equity | ||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | $ | ||||||
(See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements)
| INTRICON CORPORATION |
||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
||||||||
| (In Thousands) |
| Year Ended December 31, |
2021 |
2020 |
||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization |
||||||||
| Equity in loss of partnership |
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| Stock-based compensation |
||||||||
| Change in fair value of contingent consideration |
( |
) | ||||||
| Provision for doubtful accounts |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Loss on disposal of assets |
||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
| Accounts receivable |
||||||||
| Inventories |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Contract assets |
( |
) | ||||||
| Other assets |
( |
) | ||||||
| Accounts payable |
( |
) | ||||||
| Accrued expenses |
||||||||
| Other liabilities |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations |
||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations |
||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities |
||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
| Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Payments for acquisition of a business |
( |
) | ||||||
| Payments for acquisition of intangible assets |
( |
) | ||||||
| Purchase of investment securities |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Proceeds from maturities of investment securities |
||||||||
| Investment in partnership |
( |
) | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
| Payment of financing leases |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Payments for contingent consideration liabilities |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Payments on liabilities for acquisition of intangible assets |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares |
||||||||
| Withholding of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
( |
) | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
| (See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements) |
| INTRICON CORPORATION |
|||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Equity |
|||||||||||||||||||
| (In Thousands) |
| Common Stock Number of Shares |
Common Stock Amount |
Additional Paid-in Capital |
Accumulated Deficit |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income |
Non-Controlling Interest |
Total Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances December 31, 2019 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options, net |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Withholding of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under the employee stock purchase plan |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of Emerald Medical Services |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Controlling interest acquired in subsidiary |
- | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation |
- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income |
- | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive loss |
- | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances December 31, 2020 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options, net |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Withholding of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under the employee stock purchase plan |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation |
- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income |
- | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other |
- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income |
- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances December 31, 2021 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
(See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements)
Intricon Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Intricon Corporation is an international company and joint development manufacturer (“JDM”) of micromedical components, sub-assemblies and final devices. The Company serves as a JDM partner to leading medical device original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) by designing, developing, engineering, manufacturing, packaging and distributing micromedical products for high growth markets, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular, interventional pulmonology, electrophysiology and hearing healthcare. Our mission is to improve, extend and save lives by advancing innovative micromedical technologies through joint development and manufacturing partnerships with industry leading medical device companies.
The Company is headquartered in Arden Hills, Minnesota and operates globally with facilities in Minnesota, Illinois, California, Singapore, Indonesia and Germany.
Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Principles of 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.
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.
Individual promised goods and services in a contract are considered a performance obligation and accounted for separately if 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 stand-alone selling price. Costs related to products delivered are recognized in the period incurred, unless criteria for capitalization of costs are met. Cost of goods sold 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 revenue. 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 goods sold.
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.
When more than one party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, the Company determines whether it is a principal or an agent in these transactions by evaluating the nature of its promise to the customer. The Company 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. The Company 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 considers contractual arrangements, laws and legal precedent in determining enforceable right. 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 within our medical diabetes market and a select customer within our other medical market. For contractual arrangements in which an enforceable right exists, 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. Consequently, the transaction price is recognized as revenue over time for contractual arrangements with an enforceable right, based on actual costs incurred in the manufacturing process to date relative to total expected costs to produce all ordered units. The transaction price for contractual arrangements without an enforceable right to payment for any finished or in-process units including a reasonable margin is recognized as revenue at a point in time.
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. 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 can 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.
The products manufactured for the professional audio market can 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-end-consumer (DTEC) market - The hearing health DTEC 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 approximate standalone selling price.
The hearing health DTEC 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 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. 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.
Fair Value Measurements – The Company follows the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures with respect to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis. Fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The authoritative guidance also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The categorization of financial assets and financial liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels defined as follows:
| ● | Level 1 – Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| ● | Level 2 – Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly. |
| ● | Level 3 – Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability. |
The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the ability to observe valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers into and out of levels within the fair value hierarchy at the end of the fiscal quarter in which the actual event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurs. There were
The carrying value of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable, contract assets, notes payable, and trade accounts payables approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The fair values of the Company’s long-term debt obligations, pension and post-retirement obligations approximate their carrying values based upon current market rates of interest.
Restricted Cash – Restricted cash consists of deposits required to secure a credit facility at our Singapore location and deposits required to fund retirement related benefits for certain employees.
Goodwill - Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events suggest impairment exists. The Company may apply a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. If the Company does not pass the qualitative assessment, or choses to skip the assessment, it performs a test comparing fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company would need to recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value.
The Company concluded that
Intangible Assets - The Company has definite-lived technology and customer relationship intangible assets that are evaluated for impairment periodically or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible assets may not be recoverable. The Company evaluated the recoverability of its technology intangible assets due to delays in clinical trials to obtain the approval for new hearing products as well as the delay in the promulgation of the OTC regulations. The Company’s evaluation of the recoverability of technology intangible assets involves the comparison of undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the products using these technologies over the remaining useful life of the technology assets to their respective carrying amounts. The Company’s recoverability analysis requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to future cash flows and the remaining useful life of the assets.
The Company concluded that
Leases – At inception of a contract a determination is made whether an arrangement meets the definition of a lease. A contract contains a lease if there is an identified asset and the Company has the right to control the asset. Operating leases are recorded as right-of-use (“ROU”) assets with corresponding current and noncurrent operating lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Financing leases are included within property, plant, and equipment with corresponding current and noncurrent financing lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the duration of the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Recognition on the commencement date is based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term using an incremental borrowing rate. Leases with a term of 12 months or less at the commencement date are not recognized on the balance sheet and are expensed as incurred.
The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for as a single lease component for all asset classes. Leases are accounted for at a portfolio level when similar in nature with identical or nearly identical provisions and similar effective dates and lease terms.
Employee Benefit Obligations – The Company provides pension and health care insurance for certain domestic retirees and employees of its operations discontinued in 2005. These obligations have been included in continuing operations as the Company retained these obligations. The Company also provides retirement related benefits for certain foreign employees. The Company measures the costs of its obligation based on actuarial determinations. The net periodic costs are recognized as employees render the services necessary to earn the post-retirement benefit and the obligation is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as accrued pension liabilities.
Assumptions about the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets are determined by the Company. The Company believes the assumptions are within accepted guidelines and ranges. However, these actuarial assumptions could vary materially from actual results due to economic events and different rates of retirement, mortality and withdrawal.
Product Warranty – The Company offers a warranty on various products and services. 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. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims and cost per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. The amount of the reserve recorded is equal to the costs to repair or otherwise satisfy the claim. Historically, the Company has not incurred any significant amounts of warranty expense on its products.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform Topic 848, which provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. Topic 848 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020. This standard update did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flow.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses Topic 326, which requires certain financial assets to be measured at amortized cost net of an allowance for estimated credit losses, such that the net receivable represents the present value of expected cash collection. In addition, this standard update requires that certain financial assets be measured at amortized cost reflecting an allowance for estimated credit losses expected to occur over the life of the assets. The estimate of credit losses must be based on all relevant information including historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the amounts. Topic 326 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2022 for smaller reporting companies. This standard update did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
2. BUSINESS COMBINATION
On May 18, 2020, Intricon Pte. Ltd. (“Buyer”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired all of the outstanding shares of Emerald Medical Services Pte., Ltd., a Singapore company (“EMS”), pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement dated the same date among Buyer, EMS and the direct and indirect owners of EMS. EMS, based in Singapore, is a provider of joint development medical device manufacturing services for complex catheter applications.
In addition, EMS has a
The total purchase price of $
At the time of the acquisition, May 18, 2020, certain Level 3 inputs were used to determine the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration liability. These included revenue volatility of
The reconciliation of the contingent consideration liability measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:
| Carrying amount at December 31, 2019 | $ | |||
| Addition for acquisition of Emerald Medical Services | ||||
| Change in fair value | ||||
| Less payments | ( | ) | ||
| Carrying amount at December 31, 2020 | $ | |||
| Change in fair value | ( | ) | ||
| Less payments | ( | ) | ||
| Carrying amount at December 31, 2021 | $ |
Since the acquisition, the Company has paid $
In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded acquisition costs of $
Our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 include revenues of $
The final purchase price allocation of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is included in the table below. Cash consideration of $7,128 was paid at closing, including a post-closing working capital adjustment of $291, the issuance of 80 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $982 issued at closing, which resulted in preliminary goodwill of $
The final purchase price was allocated as follows:
| Current assets | $ | |||
| Machinery and equipment | ||||
| Intangible assets | ||||
| Goodwill | ||||
| Noncurrent assets | ||||
| Current liabilities | ( | ) | ||
| Noncurrent liabilities | ( | ) | ||
| Total consideration paid | $ |
3. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
On May 20, 2020, the Company announced a strategic restructuring plan designed to accelerate the Company’s future growth by focusing resources on the highest potential growth areas. The plan, which was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”), was completed as of June 30, 2020, and consisted primarily of transitioning our direct-to-end-consumer operations at Hearing Help Express to solely support partnership initiatives including the reduction of advertising expenses as well as global net workforce reductions. Total restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $
4. REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in the contract with a customer. Revenue from all customers is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of a distinct good or service to a customer. For contractual arrangements in which an enforceable right to payment exists, control of these units is deemed to transfer over time during the manufacturing process. Consequently, the transaction price is recognized over time. The transaction price for contractual arrangements without enforceable right to payment including a reasonable margin is recognized as revenue at a point in time.
The Company's revenue recognition policy is further detailed in "Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies".
The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, net revenue by market:
Timing of revenue recognition for the year ended December 31, 2021:
| Products and services transferred at point in time | Products and services transferred over time | Total | ||||||||||
| Diabetes | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Interventional Catheters | ||||||||||||
| Other Medical | ||||||||||||
| Hearing Health Value Based DTEC | ||||||||||||
| Hearing Health Value Based ITEC | ||||||||||||
| Hearing Health Legacy OEM | ||||||||||||
| Professional Audio Communications | ||||||||||||
| Total Revenue, net | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Timing of revenue recognition for the year ended December 31, 2020:
| Products and services transferred at point in time | Products and services transferred over time | Total | ||||||||||
| Diabetes | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Interventional Catheters | ||||||||||||
| Other Medical (a) | ||||||||||||
| Hearing Health Value Based DTEC | ||||||||||||
| Hearing Health Value Based ITEC | ||||||||||||
| Hearing Health Legacy OEM | ||||||||||||
| Professional Audio Communications | ||||||||||||
| Total Revenue, net | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
(a) During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, we recorded a cumulative adjustment of $
Net revenue by geography is allocated based on shipment location and set forth below:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| Net Revenue to Geographical Areas | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| United States | $ | $ | ||||||
| Europe | ||||||||
| Asia | ||||||||
| All other countries | ||||||||
| Consolidated | $ | $ | ||||||
Geographic net revenue is allocated based on shipment location of the Company's direct OEM customers. These customers then distribute products globally.
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, customer accounted for
customers combined accounted for
customers accounted for
5. LOSS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Numerator: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Less: Income allocated to non-controlling interest | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net loss attributable to Intricon shareholders | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Denominator: | ||||||||
| Basic – weighted shares outstanding | ||||||||
| Dilutive effect from stock awards | ||||||||
| Diluted – weighted shares outstanding | ||||||||
| Basic loss per share attributable to Intricon shareholders | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Net loss per share: | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Diluted loss per share attributable to Intricon shareholders | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Net loss per share: | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
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 are included as equivalents using the treasury stock method when computing the diluted earnings per share. Shares represented by RSUs are also included in the dilution calculation, net of assumed proceeds and equivalent share repurchases. The Company excluded all stock awards outstanding in 2021 and 2020 from the computation of the diluted income per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive due to the Company’s net loss for all periods presented.
6. DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN INCOME TAXES
Domestic and foreign income taxes (benefits) were comprised as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Current | ||||||||
| Federal | $ | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| State | ||||||||
| Foreign | ||||||||
| Total Current | $ | $ | ||||||
| Deferred | ||||||||
| Federal | ||||||||
| State | ||||||||
| Foreign | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total Deferred | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Income Tax Expense | $ | $ | ||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | ||||||||
| Foreign | ( | ) | ||||||
| Domestic | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | ) | ||||
The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate based on income (loss):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Tax provision at statutory rate | % | % | ||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | ( | ) | ||||||
| Impact of permanent items, including stock based compensation expense and impairment loss | ( | ) | ||||||
| Effect of foreign tax rates | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| State taxes net of federal benefit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Prior year provision to return true-up | ( | ) | ||||||
| Non-controlling interest | ||||||||
| Domestic and foreign income tax rate | % | ( | )% | |||||
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2021, and 2020 are presented below:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Deferred tax assets: | ||||||||
| Net operating loss carry forwards | $ | $ | ||||||
| Inventory | ||||||||
| Compensation accruals | ||||||||
| Accruals and reserves | ||||||||
| Credits | ||||||||
| Contract assets | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total Deferred tax assets | ||||||||
| Less: valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Identified intangibles | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total deferred tax liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net deferred tax | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
The valuation allowance is maintained against deferred tax assets which the Company has determined are more likely than not to be unrealized. The change in valuation allowance was ($
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. The Company considers projected future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies, then records a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of the net deferred taxes to an amount that is more likely than not able to be realized. Based upon the Company’s assessment of all available evidence, including the previous three years of United States based taxable income and loss after permanent items, estimates of future profitability, and the Company’s overall prospects of future business, the Company determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be able to realize a portion of the deferred tax assets in the future. The Company will continue to assess the potential realization of deferred tax assets on an annual basis, or an interim basis if circumstances warrant. If the Company’s actual results and updated projections vary significantly from the projections used as a basis for this determination, the Company may need to change the valuation allowance against the gross deferred tax assets.
The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant taxing authority. The Company has analyzed all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remains open. As a result of the assessment, the Company has recorded any liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits or retained earnings. The Company does have any unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. The Company is still subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years to 2005, 2009 to 2013, 2016 and 2018. There are no on-going or pending IRS, state, or foreign examinations.
The Company recognizes penalties and interest accrued related to liability on unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense for all periods presented. As of December 31, 2021, and 2020, the Company has
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December of 2017 introduced a new Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) provision that requires certain income earned by foreign subsidiaries to be included currently in the gross income of the U.S. shareholder. The Company has chosen to treat GILTI as a current-period cost when incurred.
7. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following:
| Raw materials | Work-in process | Finished products and components | Total | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| Domestic | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Foreign | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
| Domestic | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Foreign | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Inventories are net of reserves of $
8. Property, Plant, and Equipment
The geographical distribution of long-lived assets net of accumulated depreciation, consisting of machinery and equipment is forth below:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| United States | $ | $ | ||||||
| Singapore | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Consolidated | $ | $ | ||||||
Long-lived assets consist of machinery and equipment with useful lives from
9. GOODWILL
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years presented are as follows:
| Carrying amount at December 31, 2019 | $ | |||
| Acquisition of Emerald Medical Services | ||||
| Carrying amount at December 31, 2020 | ||||
| Purchase accounting adjustment | ||||
| Carrying amount at December 31, 2021 | $ |
10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The changes in the carrying amount of intangible assets for the years presented are as follows:
| Carrying amount at December 31, 2019 | $ | |||
| Acquisition of Emerald Medical Services | ||||
| Additional self-fitting software costs | ||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | ( | ) | ||
| Carrying amount at December 31, 2020 | $ | |||
| Technology access costs | ||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | ( | ) | ||
| Carrying amount at December 31, 2021 | $ |
Intangible assets consisted of the following at:
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||
| Customer list | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||
| Technology intangibles | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||
| Customer list | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||
| Technology intangibles | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||
Original useful lives for the customer list and technology intangible assets are between
11. INVESTMENT IN PARTNERSHIP
Investment in partnership consisted of the following:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Investment in Signison | $ | $ | ||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
The Company has a
12. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The Company invests in commercial paper, corporate notes and bonds with original maturities of less than years. The Company classifies these investments as held to maturity based on its intent and ability to hold these investments until maturity. Investments are classified current if expected to mature within the next twelve months. These investments are recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value, using level 2 inputs. Amortization related to discounts on investment securities was $
The maturity dates of our investments as of December 31, 2021 are as follows:
| Less than one year | 1-5 years | Total | ||||||||||
| Commercial Paper Original Maturities of 91 Days or More | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Corporate Notes and Bonds | ||||||||||||
| Total Investments | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
The maturity dates of our investments as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
| Less than one year | 1-5 years | Total | ||||||||||
| Commercial Paper Original Maturities of 91 Days or More | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Corporate Notes and Bonds | ||||||||||||
| Total Investments | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
The Company also maintains excess funds within level 1 money market accounts included within cash and cash equivalents. Cash available in our money market accounts at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $
13. OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following at:
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Pension and postretirement benefit obligations | $ | $ | ||||||
| Deferred revenue | ||||||||
| Current technology access liability | ||||||||
| Current earn-out contingent consideration liability | ||||||||
| Customer funded projects | ||||||||
| TCPA litigation accrual (Note 19) | ||||||||
| Accrued corporate expenses | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
The technology access liability, reflected above, relates to amounts owed related to the Company's wireless and self-fitting hearing aid technologies.
The earn-out liability is contingent on certain future events and is measured at fair value based on various level 3 inputs and assumptions including forecasts, probabilities of payment and discount rates. Amounts are classified as current if expected to be paid within the next twelve months. The liability for contingent consideration is subject to fair value adjustments each reporting period that will be recognized through the Statement of Operations. See Note 2.
14. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following at:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Noncurrent technology intangible liability | $ | $ | ||||||
| Noncurrent earn-out contingent consideration liability | ||||||||
| Litigation liability (Note 19) | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
15. LEASES
The Company’s leases pertain primarily to engineering, manufacturing, sales and administrative facilities, with an initial term of year or more. The Company has leased facilities in Minnesota, that expire in 2022 and that expires in 2023, leased facility in Illinois that expires in 2022, leased facilities in California that expire in 2022 and 2024, leased facility in Singapore that expires in 2025, leased facility in Indonesia that expires in 2027, and leased facility in Germany that expires in 2022. Effective January 2022, the Company renewed the lease of its headquarters in Arden Hills, Minnesota, which was set to expire. The renewed lease terms were extended to January 2027.
Certain foreign leases allow for variable lease payments that depend on an index or a market rate adjustment for the respective country and are adjusted on an annual basis. The adjustment is recognized as incurred in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The facility leases include options to extend for terms ranging from year to years. Lease options that the Company is reasonably certain to execute are included in the determination of the ROU asset and lease liability. The Company also leases equipment that include bargain purchase options at termination. These leases have been classified as finance leases.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company has a weighted-average lease term of
The following table summarizes lease costs by type:
| Year Ended December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Lease cost | ||||||||
| Finance lease cost: | ||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | ||||||||
| Operating lease cost | ||||||||
| Variable lease cost* | ||||||||
| Total lease cost | $ | $ | ||||||
*Variable lease costs consist primarily of taxes, insurance, and common area or other maintenance costs for our domestic and foreign building leases.
Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:
| Operating Leases | Financing Leases | Total | ||||||||||
| 2022 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||
| 2025 | ||||||||||||
| 2026 and thereafter | ||||||||||||
| Total lease payments | ||||||||||||
| Less: Interest | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Present value of lease liabilities | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
16. CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND TRANSACTION ADJUSTMENTS
All assets and liabilities of foreign operations in which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated using average rates of exchange for the year. Adjustments resulting from the process of translating the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars are reported as a separate component of equity, net of tax, where appropriate.
Realized foreign currency transaction amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations include losses of $
17. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The Company records deferred gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) related to foreign currency translation and actuarial gains (losses) related to pension and postretirement obligations. The Company recognized $
Balances by classification included within AOCI on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, were as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Foreign currency translation | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Pension and postretirement obligations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
18. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company has a 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and an Amended and Restated 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2015 plan, which was approved by the shareholders on April 24, 2015, replaced the 2006 plan. New grants may not be made under the 2006 plan; however certain option grants under these plans remain exercisable as of December 31, 2021. The aggregate number of shares of common stock for which awards could be granted under the 2015 plan as of the date of adoption was
Under the plans, executives, employees and outside directors receive awards of restricted stock units (RSUs), performance based restricted stock units (PRSUs) and/or options to purchase common stock. The Company may also grant stock awards, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other equity-based awards. Under all awards, the terms are fixed on the grant date. Generally, the exercise price of stock options equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. RSUs generally vest over years, except that RSUs granted to directors in 2021 vest over year. PRSUs vest upon the achievement of designated financial performance targets(s). Options under the plans generally vest over years, and have a maximum term of
The Company granted
Stock award activity during the periods indicated was as follows:
| Outstanding Awards | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock Options | RSUs | Total | Stock Option Weighted-Average Exercise Price (a) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | ||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Awards forfeited or cancelled | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Awards granted | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Awards exercised or released | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Awards forfeited or cancelled | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Awards granted | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Awards exercised or released | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | 8,696 | |||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2020 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Available for future grant at December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
The number of shares available for future grant at December 31, 2021, does not include a total of up to
The weighted-average remaining contractual term of options exercisable and options outstanding at December 31, 2021 was
The weighted-average per share grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted was $
The Company recorded $
The Company also has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”). The Purchase Plan, as amended, provides that a maximum of
19. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
Asbestos Litigation
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, or have accepted the tenders but asserted a reservation of rights, or advised the Company that they need to investigate further. In addition, some of the primary and excess insurers have gone out of business, and thus coverage is not available. There are also some primary policies for years earlier than 1970 that were purchased by the Company, and coverage under those policies will be investigated. 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, most 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. As of December 31, 2021, we recorded $
TCPA Litigation
On October 9, 2019, plaintiff Mark Hoffman (“Hoffman”) filed a putative class action lawsuit against defendant Hearing Help Express, Inc. (“HHE”), a subsidiary of the Company, in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Washington (the "Court") alleging violations of the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”). HHE’s investigation revealed third-party lead generator Triangular Media Corp. (“Triangular”) provided Hoffman’s information to HHE. Hoffman claims he did not provide the requisite prior express written consent for autodialed telemarketing calls regarding hearing aids to be placed to his cellphone. He also claims he did not provide the requisite permission for telemarketing calls to his number registered on the Do-Not-Call (“DNC”) registry. Since the initial complaint was filed, Hoffman amended his complaint several times to add additional parties, including Triangular, Triangular’s alleged owner, an alleged entity related to Triangular called LeadCreations.Com, LLC, Intricon, Inc., and Intricon Corporation. With respect to HHE, Hoffman sought to certify a class of certain automated outbound telemarketing calls HHE allegedly made without prior consent and calls made to numbers on the DNC registry, in the last four years. Hoffman also sought to hold the Company vicariously liable for all of the calls HHE made without prior consent. The potential exposure under the TCPA is $500 per call, or $1,500 per call if the violation is deemed willful or knowing.
On July 26, 2021, the Company and the other defendants entered into a Class Action Settlement and Release ("Settlement Agreement") with Hoffman for himself and on behalf of the settlement class relating to this matter. In entering into the Settlement Agreement, the Company and the other defendants are making no admission of liability. The Settlement Agreement was submitted to the Court for preliminary approval on July 28, 2021, which was granted. The Court set a fairness and final approval hearing for January 5, 2022.
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, among other things, (a) the Company agreed to pay total cash consideration of $
On January 5, 2022, the parties attended the Final Approval Hearing with the Court on the class settlement. The Court granted the motion for final approval of the class settlement and Plaintiff's Motion for Attorneys' Fees, Costs, and Service Payment. The deadline to file a notice of appeal was February 4, 2022; no appeal was filed by that date, the Settlement Agreement became effective and the $1.3 million settlement fund payment was paid. The release will be effective as to all class members who did not validly opt out of the class, regardless of whether they file a claim form and receive a payment.
Other Litigation Matters
The Company is also involved from time to time 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 the Company’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.
20. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company has a defined contribution plan for most of its domestic employees. Under these plans, eligible employees may contribute amounts through payroll deductions supplemented by employer contributions for investment in various investments specified in the plans. The Company contributions to these plans were $
The Company provides post-retirement medical benefits to certain former domestic employees who met minimum age and service requirements. In 1999, a plan amendment was instituted which limits the liability for post-retirement benefits beginning January 1, 2000 for certain employees who retire after that date. This plan amendment resulted in a $
The following table presents the amounts recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2021 and 2020 for post-retirement medical benefits:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Change in Projected Benefit Obligation: | ||||||||
| Projected benefit obligation at January 1 | $ | $ | ||||||
| Interest cost | ||||||||
| Actuarial loss | ( | ) | ||||||
| Participant contributions | ||||||||
| Benefits paid | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Projected benefit obligation at December 31 | $ | $ | ||||||
| Change in fair value of plan assets: | ||||||||
| Employer contributions | ||||||||
| Participant contributions | ||||||||
| Benefits paid | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Funded status | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Noncurrent liabilities | ||||||||
| Net amount recognized | $ | $ | ||||||
| Amount recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||
| Amount recognized in the consolidated statement of operations | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
Accrued post-retirement medical benefit costs are classified as Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Net periodic post-retirement medical benefit costs for 2021 and 2020 included the following components:
For measurement purposes, a
The assumptions used for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Annual increase in cost of benefits | % | % | ||||||
| Discount rate used to determine year-end obligations | % | % | ||||||
| Discount rate used to determine year-end expense | % | % | ||||||
In addition to the post-retirement medical benefits, the Company provides retirement related benefits to certain former executive employees and to certain employees of foreign subsidiaries. The combined liabilities established for all retirement benefits at December 31, 2021 and 2020 are illustrated below.
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Current portion | $ | $ | ||||||
| Long-term portion | ||||||||
| Total liability at December 31 | $ | $ | ||||||
The Company recorded $
Employer benefit payments (medical and pension), which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid in the following years:
| 2022 | $ | |||
| 2023 | ||||
| 2024 | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| Years 2027 and thereafter |
21. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Interest received | $ | $ | ||||||
| Interest paid | ||||||||
| Income taxes received | ||||||||
| Income taxes paid | ||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| Noncash Investing and Financing Transactions: | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Acquisition of a business through contingent consideration liabilities incurred | ||||||||
| Acquisition of a business through issuance of common stock | ||||||||
| Investment in partnerships | ||||||||
Property, plant, and equipment purchases that remain in accounts payable as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $
22. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On February 27, 2022, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among the Company, IIN Holding Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”), and IC Merger Sub Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”). Parent and Merger Sub are owned by funds affiliated with Altaris Capital Partners, LLC. The Merger Agreement provides, subject to its terms and conditions, for the acquisition of the Company by Parent through the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”).
As a result of the Merger, each share of common stock of the Company (“Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”) (other than Rollover Shares (as defined below) or shares of Common Stock (a) held in treasury of the Company, (b) owned by any subsidiary of the Company, or owned by Parent, Merger Sub or any other subsidiary of Parent or (c) held by a holder who is entitled to, and who has perfected, appraisal rights for such shares under Pennsylvania law) automatically will be converted into the right to receive cash in an amount of $
Prior to the closing of the Merger, Parent and certain members of management may negotiate and enter into contracts providing for a rollover of a portion of such persons’ shares of Common Stock through their contribution of such shares (the aggregate amount of shares to be contributed, if any, the “Rollover Shares”) to an affiliate of Parent in exchange for membership interests in such affiliate of Parent.
The completion of the Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including: (i) the approval of the Merger Agreement by the Company’s shareholders (the “Company Shareholder Approval”); (ii) the expiration or early termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), and the approval of the Merger under the antitrust laws of other jurisdictions, as applicable; (iii) the absence of any laws or court orders making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting the Merger; and (iv) other customary closing conditions, including the accuracy of the representations and warranties of each party (subject to certain materiality exceptions) and material compliance by each party with its covenants under the Merger Agreement. The parties expect the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions.
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and the Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. The report of management required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.”
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Attestation Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. The attestation report of Deloitte and Touche, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, required under this Item 9A, is contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this report that would have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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.
None.
ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
None.
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information called for by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, including but not necessarily limited to the sections of the 2022 proxy statement entitled “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”
The information concerning executive officers contained in Item 4A hereof is incorporated by reference into this Item 10.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its directors, officers and employees, including its principal executive officer, principal financial and accounting officer, controller and persons performing similar functions. A copy of the code of ethics is available on the Company's website: www.intricon.com. The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding any future amendments to a provision of its code of ethics by posting such information on the Company’s website.
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, including but not necessarily limited to the sections of the 2022 proxy statement entitled “Director Compensation for 2022,” and “Executive Compensation”.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, including but not necessarily limited to the section of the 2022 proxy statement entitled “Share Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Certain Officers.”
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table details information regarding the Company’s existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2021:
| Plan Category |
(a) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (1) | (b) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (2) | (c) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (3) | |||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
764 | $ | 6.69 | 553 | ||||||||
| Equity Compensation plans not approved by security holders. |
- | - | - | |||||||||
| Total |
764 | $ | 6.69 | 553 | ||||||||
| (1) |
The amount in column (a) includes outstanding options to purchase 547 shares of common stock and unvested restricted stock units for 217 shares of common stock. |
| (2) |
The weighted average exercise price in column (b) is based only on outstanding stock options. |
| (3) |
The amount shown in column (c) includes 497 shares issuable under the Company's Amended and Restated 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2015 Plan") and 38 shares available for purchase under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Under the terms of the 2015 Plan, as outstanding options under the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan expire, terminate, are cancelled or forfeited or are withheld in a net exercise or for withholding taxes, the shares of common stock subject to such options will become available for issuance under the 2015 Plan. As of December 31, 2021, 215 shares of common stock were subject to outstanding options under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Accordingly, if any of these options expire, terminate, are cancelled or forfeited or are withheld in a net exercise or for withholding taxes, the shares of common stock subject to such options also will be available for issuance under the 2015 Plan. |
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, including but not necessarily limited to the sections of the 2022 proxy statement entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Independence of the Board of Directors.”
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information called for by Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement relating to its 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, including but not necessarily limited to the sections of the 2022 proxy statement entitled “Independent Registered Public Accountant Fee Information.”
ITEM 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
| (a) |
The following documents are filed as a part of this report: |
| 1) |
Financial Statements –The consolidated financial statements of the Registrant are set forth in Item 8 of Part II of this report. |
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
| 3) |
Exhibits – |
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| 101 |
The following materials from Intricon Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020; (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020; (v) Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL Document and include in Exhibit 101) |
| * |
Filed herewith. |
| + |
Denotes management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement. |
None.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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INTRICON CORPORATION (Registrant) |
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By: |
/s/ Scott Longval |
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Scott Longval |
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President and Chief Executive Officer Dated: March 7, 2022 |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 7, 2022.
| /s/ Scott Longval | |
| Scott Longval President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer) |
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| /s/ Annalee Lutgen | |
| Annalee Lutgen Interim Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) |
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| /s/Nicholas A. Giordano | |
| Nicholas A. Giordano Director |
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| /s/ Mark S. Gorder | |
| Mark S. Gorder Director |
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| /s/ Raymond O. Huggenberger | |
| Raymond O. Huggenberger Director |
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| /s/ Kathleen P. Pepski | |
| Kathleen P. Pepski Director |
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| /s/ Heather D. Rider | |
| Heather D. Rider Director |
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| /s/ Philip I. Smith | |
| Philip I. Smith Director |