BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS INC

1. Organization and significant accounting policies

Business

BioLife Solutions, Inc. (“BioLife”, “us”, “we”, “our”, or the “Company”) is a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of a portfolio of bioproduction tools and services including proprietary biopreservation media, automated thawing devices, cloud-connected shipping containers, ultra-low temperature mechanical freezers, cryogenic and controlled rate freezers, and biological and pharmaceutical materials storage. Our CryoStor freeze media and HypoThermosol hypothermic storage media are optimized to preserve cells in the regenerative medicine market. These novel biopreservation media products are serum-free and protein-free, fully defined, and are formulated to reduce preservation-induced cell damage and death. Our Sexton cell processing product line includes human platelet lysates (“hPL”) for cell expansion, reducing risk and improving downstream performance over fetal bovine serum, human serum, and other chemically defined media, CellSeal cryogenic vials that are purpose-built rigid containers used in cell and gene therapy (“CGT”) that can be filled manually or with high throughput systems, and automated cell processing machines that bring multiple processes traditionally performed by manual techniques under a higher level of control to protect therapies from loss or contamination. Our ThawSTAR product line is comprised of a family of automated thawing devices for frozen cell and gene therapies packaged in cryovials and cryobags. These products help administer temperature-sensitive biologic therapies to patients by standardizing the thawing process and reducing the risks of contamination and overheating, which are inherent with the use of traditional water baths. Our cryogenic freezer technology provides for controlled rate freezing and cryogenic storage of biologic materials. Our ultra-low temperature mechanical freezers allow biological materials and vaccines to be stored at temperatures which range from negative 20℃ to negative 86℃. Our evo® shipping containers provide cloud-connected passive storage and transport containers for temperature-sensitive biologics and pharmaceuticals. Our biological and pharmaceutical materials storage services provide facilities that allow for real-time tracking of biologic materials and vaccines that can be stored at a wide range of temperatures.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Estimates and assumptions by management affect the Company’s allowance for credit losses, the net realizable value of inventory, fair value of warrant liability, sales tax liabilities, valuation of market based stock awards, valuations and purchase price allocations related to investments and business combinations, expected future cash flows including growth rates, discount rates, terminal values and other assumptions and estimates used to evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets, estimated fair values of intangible assets and goodwill, amortization methods and periods, warranty reserves, certain accrued expenses, share-based compensation, contingent consideration from business combinations, and the provision for income taxes.

The Company regularly assesses these estimates; however, actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Basis of presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

All long-lived assets are maintained in the United States of America and the Netherlands.

Foreign currency translation

The Company translates balance sheet and income statement items into U.S. dollars. For the Company’s subsidiaries that operate in a local currency functional environment, all assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates at the balance sheet date; revenue and expenses are translated using quarterly exchange rates which approximate to average exchange rates in effect during each period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders' equity.

Segment reporting

The Company views its operations and makes decisions regarding how to allocate resources and manages its business asone reportable segment andone reporting unit. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who is the chief operating decision maker, reviews financial information on an aggregate basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance.

Revenue recognition

To determine revenue recognition for contractual arrangements that we determine are within the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, we perform the following five steps: (i) identify each contract with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to our performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy the relevant performance obligation. We only apply the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services we transfer to the customer. Contracts with customers may contain multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the observable and estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised products or services underlying each performance obligation. The Company determines standalone selling prices based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions, the Company estimates the standalone selling price, taking into account available information such as market conditions and internally approved pricing guidelines related to the performance obligations. Payment terms and conditions vary, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 90 days. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized approximately $0.4 million of revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the year.

The Company primarily recognizes product revenues, service revenues, and rental revenues. Product revenues are generated from the sale of biopreservation media, ThawSTAR, and freezer products. We recognize product revenue, including shipping and handling charges billed to customers, at a point in time when we transfer control of our products to our customers, which is upon shipment for substantially all transactions. Shipping and handling costs are classified as part of cost of product revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Service revenues are generated from the storage of biological and pharmaceutical materials. We recognize service revenues over time as services are performed or ratably over the contract term. To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing the expected value method or the most likely amount method, depending on the facts and circumstances relative to the contract. When determining the transaction price of a contract, an adjustment is made if payment from a customer occurs either significantly before or significantly after performance, resulting in a significant financing component. Applying the practical expedient in paragraph 606-10-32-18, the Company does not assess whether a significant financing component exists if the period between when the Company performs its obligations under the contract and when the customer pays is one year or less. None of the Company’s contracts contained a significant financing component as of and during the year ended December 31, 2023.

The Company also generates revenue from the leasing of our property and equipment, operating right-of-use assets, and evo cold chain systems to customers pursuant to service contracts or rental arrangements entered into with the customer. Revenue from these arrangements is not within the scope of FASB ASC Topic 606 as it is within the scope of FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases. All customers leasing shippers currently do so under month-to-month rental arrangements. We account for these rental transactions as operating leases and record rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the rental term.

The Company enters into various customer service agreements (collectively, “Service Contracts”) with customers to provide biological and pharmaceutical storage services. In certain of these Service Contracts, the property and equipment or operating right-of-use assets used to store a customer’s product are used only for the benefit of one customer. This is primarily driven by the customer’s desire to ensure that sufficient storage capacity is available in a specific geographic location for a set period of time. These agreements may include extension and termination clauses. These Service Contracts do not allow for customers to purchase the underlying assets.

The Company has assessed its Service Contracts and concluded that certain of the contracts for the storage of customer products met the criteria to be considered a leasing arrangement (“Embedded Leases”), with the Company as the lessor. The specific Service Contracts that met the criteria were those that provided a single customer with the ability to substantially direct the use of the Company’s property, plant, and equipment or operating right-of-use assets.

The Company recognizes operating right-of-use asset embedded lessor arrangements on its Consolidated Balance Sheets in Operating right-of-use assets. None of the Embedded Leases identified by the Company qualify as a sales-type or direct finance lease. None of the operating leases for which the Company is the lessor include options for the lessee to purchase the underlying asset at the end of the lease term or residual value guarantees, nor are any such operating leases with related parties.

Embedded Leases may contain both lease and non-lease components. We have elected to utilize the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components together as a single combined lease component as the timing and pattern of transfer are the same for the non-lease components and associated lease component and, the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease. Non-lease components of the Company’s rental arrangements include reimbursements of lessor costs.

Total bioproduction tools and services revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 were comprised of the following:

(1)2021 revenue includes product revenue related to Global Cooling from May 3, 2021 through December 31, 2021 and product revenue related to Sexton from September 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.

The following table includes estimated rental revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to embedded leases as well as estimated service revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied as of the end of the reporting periods. The Company elected not to disclose the value of the remaining unsatisfied performance obligation with a duration of one year or less as permitted by the practical expedient in ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The estimated revenue in the following table does not include contracts with the original durations of one year or less, amounts of variable consideration attributable to royalties, or contract renewals that are unexercised as of December 31, 2023.

The balances in the table below are partially based on judgments involved in estimating future orders from customers subject to the exercise of material rights pursuant to respective contracts:

Risks and uncertainties

Supply chain considerations

Our domestic and international supply chain operations were affected during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 by the global pandemic of COVID-19 and the resulting volatility and uncertainty it caused in the U.S. and international markets. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chains globally to become constrained, and these constraints historically impacted our business through both increased difficulty in obtaining semiconductor chips and increased pricing on available parts. However, as of the year ended December 31, 2023, both availability and pricing of semiconductor chips have improved and no longer pose constraints on our supply chain. We currently have sufficient supply for electrical component parts within our operations and do not foresee constraints to return over our supply chain.

Earnings per share

The Company considers its unexercised warrants and unvested restricted shares, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, participating securities, and includes such participating securities in its computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. Basic earnings per share for the two classes of stock (common stock and warrants) is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and warrants outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus the potentially dilutive effect of common equivalent shares outstanding determined under both the two-class method and the treasury stock method, whichever is more dilutive. In periods when we have a net loss, common stock equivalents are excluded from our calculation of earnings per share as their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect.

The following table presents computations of basic and diluted earnings per share:

The following table sets forth the number of shares excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

Cash equivalents consist primarily of interest-bearing money market accounts. We consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. We maintain cash balances that may exceed federally insured limits. We do not believe that this results in any significant credit risk.

Restricted cash consists entirely of amounts that will be recovered from escrow in relation to the acquisition of SciSafe. The restricted cash is short term in nature, as the Company anticipates to receive the funds within one year of the balance sheet date.

The following is a summary of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash total as presented in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Available-for-sale securities

Available-for-sale securities consist of U.S. government securities, corporate debt securities, and other debt securities. Management classifies investments at the time of purchase and reevaluates such classification at each balance sheet date. Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-term based on their liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices and other observable market data. Unrealized gains and losses are reported as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income, net of any related tax effect. Realized gains and losses and other-than-temporary impairments on investments are included in other income.

Inventories

Inventories relate to the Company’s cell and gene therapy products. The Company values biopreservation media inventory at cost or, if lower, net realizable value, using the specific identification method. All other inventory is valued at cost or, if lower, net realizable value, using the first-in, first-out method. The Company reviews its inventories at least quarterly and records a provision for inventory that has become obsolete, inventory that has a cost basis in excess of its expected net realizable value, and inventory in excess of expected revenue volume to cost of product revenue. The Company bases its estimates on expected product revenue volume, production capacity and expiration dates of raw materials, work in process, and finished products. A change in the estimated timing or amount of demand for the Company’s products could result in additional provisions for excess inventory quantities on hand. Any significant unanticipated changes in demand or unexpected quality failures could have a significant impact on the value of inventory and reported operating results. During all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, there have been no material adjustments related to a revised estimate of inventory valuations. However, during the year ended December 31, 2023, we assessed nonrecurring write-downs of approximately $5.7 million. For additional information, see Note 5: Inventories. Work-in-process and finished products inventories consist of material, labor, outside testing costs and manufacturing overhead.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable consist of short-term amounts due from our customers (generally 30 to 90 days) and are stated at the amount we expect to collect. We establish an allowance for credit losses based on our assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts.

Accounts receivable are stated at principal amount, do not bear interest, and are generally unsecured. We provide an allowance for credit losses based on an evaluation of the collectability of customer account balances. Accounts considered uncollectible are charged against the established allowance.

Equity investments

We periodically invest in securities of private companies to promote business and strategic objectives. These investments are measured and recorded as follows:

Non-marketable equity securities are equity securities without a readily determinable fair value. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, these investments are comprised of $4.1 million in Series A-1 and A-2 Preferred Stock in iVexSol, Inc. (“iVexSol”) and $995,000 in Series E Preferred Stock in PanTHERA CryoSolutions, Inc. (“PanTHERA”).

In November of 2020, the Company elected to convert a convertible note from its investment in Sexton, which was fully acquired as of September 1, 2021, into Series A-1 Preferred Stock and invest an additional $1.0 million in Series A-2 Preferred Stock in iVexSol. The Preferred Stock investments in iVexSol are carried at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable process changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Gains related to the increase in fair value of this convertible note were zero, $0.7 million, andzero for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

In November of 2020, the Company invested $995,000 in Class E Preferred Shares in PanTHERA CryoSolutions, Inc. In conjunction with this investment, the Company executed a development and license agreement with PanTHERA under which the Company will make milestone development payments up to $2.0 million in the event that certain milestones are met in exchange for exclusive, perpetual, worldwide marketing and distribution rights to the technology for use in cell and gene therapy applications. In June of 2021, PanTHERA satisfied the first milestone and the Company paid $200,000 in accordance with the agreement. The Preferred Stock investments in PanTHERA are carried at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable process changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer.

As of December 31, 2023, management believes there are no indications of impairment or changes in fair value for the investments in iVexSol or PanTHERA.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ofthree toten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the remaining lease term of the respective assets. Gains or losses on disposals of property and equipment are recorded within income from operations. Costs of repairs and maintenance are included as part of operating expenses unless they are incurred in relation to major improvements to existing property and equipment, at which time they are capitalized.

Assets held for rent

Assets held for rent are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. These assets consist of dedicated storage space, evo shippers and related components in production shippers complete and ready to be deployed and placed in service upon a customer order, shippers in the process of being assembled, and components available to build shippers. Assets utilized to provide dedicated storage space are depreciated over their applicable useful lives once placed in service. Shippers are depreciated over a useful life ofthree years when in use by customers.

Our customers rent assets per a rental agreement. Each agreement provides for fixed monthly rent. Rental revenue and fees are recognized over the rental term on a straight-line basis. We retain the ownership of the assets rented. At the end of the rental agreement, the customer returns the asset to the Company.

Assets held for rent are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their net book value may not be recoverable. Carrying values are reviewed for recoverability at the asset grouping level to determine if the facts and circumstances suggest that a potential impairment may have occurred. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and before interest) from the use of the assets is less than the net book value of the asset, an impairment could exist and the amount of the impairment loss, if any, will generally be measured as the difference between the net book value of the assets and their estimated fair values. There wereno impairment losses recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews long-lived assets, including property and equipment, leased assets, and definite life intangible assets for impairment whenever events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. In order to determine if assets have been impaired, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable independent cash flows are available ("asset group"). An impairment loss is recognized when the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset group. The measurement of the impairment loss to be recognized is based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset group. Fair value can be determined using a market approach, income approach or cost approach.

Lease accounting

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Where an arrangement is a lease, we determine if it is an operating lease or a financing lease. At lease commencement, we record a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use (“ROU”)

asset. Lease liabilities represent the present value of our future lease payments over the expected lease term which includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain those options will be exercised. The present value of our lease liability is determined using our incremental collateralized borrowing rate at lease inception. ROU assets represent our right to control the use of the leased asset during the lease and are recognized in an amount equal to the lease liability for leases with an initial term greater than 12 months. Over the lease term we use the effective interest rate method to account for the lease liability as lease payments are made and the ROU asset is amortized in a manner that results in straight-line expense recognition.

We elected to apply the practical expedient for short-term leases and accordingly do not apply lease recognition requirements for short-term leases with a duration less than twelve months. Instead, we recognize payments related to these arrangements in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as lease costs on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Warranty

Our standard warranty terms typically extend betweenone year andseven years from the date of delivery. We accrue for standard warranty costs based on historical trends in warranty charges. The accrual is reviewed regularly and periodically adjusted to reflect changes in warranty cost over the period.

Income taxes

We account for income taxes using an asset and liability method which generally requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax effects of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax effects of differences between tax bases of assets and liabilities, and financial reporting amounts, based upon enacted tax laws and statutory rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. We evaluate the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets and provide an allowance where, in management’s opinion, it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. Our policy for interest and penalties is to recognize interest and penalties as a component of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

We determine any uncertain tax positions based on a determination of whether and how much of a tax benefit taken in the Company’s tax filings or positions is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant income tax authorities.

Judgment is applied in the determination of the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has an unrecognized tax benefit of $2.2 million related to tax attributes being carried forward. The Company is generally subject to examination by U.S. federal and local income tax authorities for all tax years in which loss carryforward is available.

Sales Taxes Payable

The Company records sales tax collected from customers on a net basis, and therefore excludes it from total product, service and rental revenue as defined in ASC 606. Cash collected from customers is recorded in accrued expenses on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet and then remitted to the proper taxing authority. In addition, refer to Note 12: Commitments and contingencies for discussion regarding an estimated sales tax liability the Company recorded in relation to historical activity in certain states. As of December 31, 2023, total interest expenses assessed on sales tax liabilities was $0.4 million.

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $1.5 million, $0.8 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

Concentrations of risk

During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we derived approximately 16%,18%, and 17% of our revenue from the same customer, respectively. No other customers accounted for more than 10% of revenues. Revenue from foreign customers is denominated in United States dollars or euros.

In the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, no suppliers accounted for more than 10% of purchases.

The following table represents the Company’s total revenue by geographic area (based on the location of the customer):

(1) During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company updated its methodology for determining the country of origin for its sales. Sales are now recorded by shipping country rather than billing country. The Company updated the methodology retrospectively, adjusting the prior year presentation for all regions presented.

(2) The line item presented above previously bifurcated sales between the United States and Canada. Due to the updated methodology for determining the country of origin for sales, it was noted that Canada no longer was a material location to separately disclose. Canada sales have been included within the "Other" line item in the table above and United States sales has been retained as its own line item to more accurately reflect origin of sales for material regions.

The following table represents the Company’s long-lived assets by geographic area as of December 31:

As of December 31, 2023, one customer accounted for 14% of gross accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2022, two customers accounted for 26% of gross accounts receivable. No other customers accounted for more than 10% of our gross accounts receivable.

As of December 31, 2023, one supplier accounted for 12% of accounts payable. As of December 31, 2022, a different supplier accounted for 23% of accounts payable. No other suppliers accounted for more than 10% of our accounts payable.

Research and development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Stock-based compensation

We measure and record compensation expense using the applicable accounting guidance for share-based payments related to stock options, time-based restricted stock, market-based restricted stock awards and performance-based restricted stock awards granted to our directors and employees. The fair value of stock options, including performance awards, without a market-based condition is determined by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock awards with a market condition is estimated at the date of grant using the Monte Carlo Simulation model. The Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo Simulation valuation models incorporate assumptions as to stock price volatility, the expected life of options or awards, a risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. The fair value of restricted stock, including performance awards, without a market condition is estimated using the current market price of our common stock on the date of grant.

We expense stock-based compensation for stock options, restricted stock awards, and performance awards over the requisite service period. For awards with only a service condition, we expense stock-based compensation using the straight-line method over the requisite service period for the entire award. For awards with a market condition, we expense the grant date fair value over the vesting period regardless of the value that the award recipients ultimately receive.

We have, from time to time, modified the terms of restricted stock awards awarded to employees. We account for the incremental increase in the fair value over the original award on the date of the modification as an expense for vested awards or over the remaining service (vesting) period for unvested awards. The incremental compensation cost is the excess of the fair value of the modified award on the date of modification over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification.

Business combinations

The Company accounts for business acquisitions using the acquisition method as required by FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The Company’s identifiable assets acquired and liabilities, including identified intangible assets, assumed in a business combination are recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The valuation requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to long-lived and intangible assets. Critical estimates in valuing intangible assets include, but are not limited to i) future expected cash flows, including revenue and expense projections; ii) discount rates to determine the present value of recognized assets and liabilities and; iii) revenue volatility to determine contingent consideration using option pricing models. The excess of the acquisition price over the fair value of net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets is the resulting goodwill. Acquisition-related costs, including advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other costs, are expensed in the periods in which these costs are incurred. The results of operations of an acquired business are included in the consolidated financial statements beginning at the acquisition date.

The Company estimates the acquisition date fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration using various valuation approaches, including option pricing models, as well as significant unobservable inputs, reflecting the Company’s assessment of the assumptions market participants would use to value these liabilities. The fair value of the contingent consideration is remeasured each reporting period.

During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, any refinements made to the fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, or contingent consideration are recorded in the period in which the adjustments are recognized. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, or contingent consideration, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the net amount of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination measured at fair value. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount (a triggering event). The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test described in FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles– Goodwill and Other. The more likely than not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test is unnecessary and goodwill is considered to be unimpaired. However, if based on the qualitative assessment the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company will proceed with performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test. In performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the Company determines the fair value of its reporting unit and compares it to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company records an impairment loss equal to the difference. The Company operates asone reporting unit as of the goodwill impairment measurement date in the fourth quarter of 2023. As of the testing date and the period after that date through the issuance date of our financial statements, the Company has observed no indicators of potential goodwill impairment at any point during the period based on its required assessment.

Intangible assets with a definite life are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method and the amortization expense is recorded within intangible asset amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. If the estimate of a definite-lived intangible asset’s remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life. Definite-lived intangible assets and their related estimated useful lives are reviewed at least annually to determine if any adverse conditions exist that would indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. Refer to Note 2: Impairment of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets for further details of impairment charges assessed during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Indefinite-lived intangibles are carried at the initially recorded fair value less any recognized impairment. Indefinite-lived intangibles are tested annually for impairment. Impairment assessments are conducted more frequently if certain conditions exist, including a change in the competitive landscape, any internal decisions to pursue new or different technology strategies, a loss of a significant customer, or a significant change in the marketplace, including changes in the prices paid for the Company’s products or changes in the size of the market for the Company’s products. If impairment indicators are present, the Company determines whether the underlying intangible asset is recoverable through estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the asset is not found to be recoverable, it is written down to the estimated fair value of the asset based on the sum of the future discounted cash flows expected to result from the use and disposition of the asset. Refer to Note 2: Impairment of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets for further details.

Recent accounting pronouncements

As of January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which later was codified as ASC 326 (CECL). In addition to the adoption of ASC 326, the Company adopted the accompanying Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. Both standards mark a significant change requiring the immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial assets. ASU 2022-02 specifically eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings and requires disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of loan origination. Additionally, ASU 2022-02 updates the accounting for credit losses under ASC 326 and adds enhanced disclosures with respect to loan refinancings and restructurings in the form of principal forgiveness, interest rate concessions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, or term extensions when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. ASC 326 is intended to improve financial reporting by corporations by requiring earlier recognition of credit losses on loans from corporations, held-to-maturity (HTM) securities, and certain other financial assets. ASC 326 also amended the impairment guidance for available-for-sale (AFS) debt securities in that it eliminated the Other Than Temporary Impairment (OTTI) impairment model. Under Subtopic ASC 326-30, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses—Available-for-Sale Debt Securities, changes in expected cash flows due to credit on AFS debt securities will be recorded through an allowance, rather than permanent write-downs for negative changes and prospective yield adjustments for positive changes, as required by the current OTTI model. ASC 326 replaces the current incurred loss impairment model that recognizes losses when a probable threshold is met with a requirement to recognize lifetime expected credit losses immediately when a financial asset is originated or purchased. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the adoption of ASC 326 did not result in a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which requires additional disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information increasing transparency of income taxes paid. The standard is intended to benefit investors by providing more detailed income tax disclosures that would be useful in making capital allocation decisions. This ASU is effective for public companies with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects adoption of this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segments Disclosures. While ASU 2023-07 requires incremental disclosures, it does not change how an entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates those operating segments, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine reportable segments. This ASU is effective for all public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Entities must adopt the changes to the segment reporting guidance on a retrospective basis. We do not expect a material impact as a result of adopting this amendment.

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative, which amends U.S. GAAP to reflect updates and simplifications to certain disclosure requirements referred to FASB by the SEC. The targeted amendments incorporate 14 of the 27 disclosures referred by the SEC into Codification. Some of the amendments represent clarifications to, or technical corrections of, the current requirements. Each amendment in ASU 2023-06 will only become effective if the SEC removes the related disclosure or presentation requirement from its existing regulation by June 30, 2027. No amendments were effective at December 31, 2023. The Company is still currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the new standard but does not expect a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sales Restrictions (“ASC Topic 820”). The FASB issued ASU 2022-03 to (1) clarify the guidance in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, when measuring the fair value of an equity security subject to contractual restrictions that prohibit the sale of an equity security, (2) to amend a related illustrative example, and (3) to introduce new disclosure requirements for equity related securities subject to contractual sale restrictions that are measured at fair value in accordance with Topic 820. ASU 2022-03 clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating when to adopt the amendments in ASU 2022-03. We do not expect a material impact as a result of adopting this amendment.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02 Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. ASU 2022-02 eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings and requires disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of loan origination. Additionally, ASU 2022-02 updates the accounting for credit losses under ASC 326 and adds enhanced disclosures with respect to loan refinancings and restructurings in the form of principal forgiveness, interest rate concessions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, or term extensions when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. ASU 2022-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this guidance and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance, to increase the transparency of government assistance including the disclosure of the types of assistance an entity receives, an entity’s method of accounting for government assistance, and the effect of the assistance on an entity’s financial statements. The guidance in this update will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, with early application of the amendments allowed. The amendments are to be applied prospectively to all transactions within the scope of the amendments that are reflected in financial statements at the date of initial application and new transactions that are entered into after the date of initial application or, retrospectively to those transactions. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. This update amends guidance to require that an entity (acquirer) recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). At the acquisition date, an acquirer should account for the related revenue contracts in accordance with Topic 606 as if it had originated the contracts. ASU 2021-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted including adoption in an interim period. The Company adopted this guidance and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedient and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. In response to the concerns about structural risks of interbank offered rates and, particularly, the risk of cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), regulators in several jurisdictions around the world have undertaken reference rate reform initiatives to identify alternative reference rates that are more observable or transaction-based and less susceptible to manipulation. The ASU provides companies with optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform—Scope, which clarified the scope and application of the original guidance. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform—Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. This update extends the sunset provision of ASU 2020-04 to December 31, 2024. The Company has not yet adopted this ASU and is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance.

2. Impairment of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets

Impairment testing as of September 30, 2023

Subsequent to the second quarter of 2023, the Company began to initially seek divestment of its Freezer Business. The announcement, coupled with broader economic uncertainty leading to reductions in spending across the biopharma industry and the Company's customer base constituted interim triggering events that required further analysis with respect to potential impairment to goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles, and its long-lived asset groups. The Company performed an interim quantitative impairment test as of the September 30, 2023 balance sheet date.

To assess any potential impairment of goodwill, the Company compared the carrying value of its single reporting unit against its market capitalization, noting that the market capitalization exceeded the carrying value. As such, goodwill was not impaired as of September 30, 2023.

As a part of the interim quantitative impairment analysis performed, the Company determined that decreases in the market price of the GCI long-lived asset group and historical operating cash flow losses for both GCI and CBS were indicative of potential impairment. The recoverability tests performed over the asset groups of the Freezer Business resulted in a $9.7 million non-cash impairment charge over property and equipment and a $5.8 million non-cash impairment charge over definite-lived intangible assets.

In order to determine the fair value of the property and equipment, acquired technology, customer relationships, and tradename definite-lived intangible assets, the Company utilized the market approach and discounted cash flow analyses to determine if the recoverability of the Freezer Business asset groups were above its carrying value. The key assumptions associated with determining the estimated fair value include (i) the amount and timing of projected future cash flows (including revenue and expenses), (ii) the discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows, (iii) the assessment of the asset’s life cycle, and (iv) the competitive trends impacting the asset. As a result of the analysis, we recognized non-cash impairment charges of $9.7 million, $3.1 million, $0.2 million, and $2.5 million during the period ended September 30, 2023 for the property and equipment, acquired technology, customer relationships, and tradename definite-lived intangible assets, respectively, which represents the difference between the estimated fair value of the Company’s definite-lived intangible assets and their carrying values.

Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions, estimates and market factors. Estimating the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit and definite-lived intangible assets requires us to make assumptions and estimates regarding our future plans, as well as industry, economic, and regulatory conditions. These assumptions and estimates include projected future revenue growth rates, EBITDA margins, terminal growth rates, discount rates, royalty rates and other market factors. If current expectations of future growth rates, margins and cash flows are not met, or if market factors outside of our control change significantly, then our reporting unit, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and definite-lived intangible assets might become impaired in the future, negatively impacting our operating results and financial position. As the carrying amounts of the Company’s definite-lived intangible assets were impaired as of September 30, 2023 and written down to fair value, those amounts are more susceptible to an impairment risk if there are unfavorable changes in assumptions and estimates.

Impairment testing during the year ended December 31, 2022

In the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company experienced a significant decline in its market capitalization. In July 2022, the Company abandoned an in-process research and development project within the asset group acquired in the acquisition of Global Cooling and revised its forecasts for net income and net cash flows to be generated by that asset group. The Company determined that these three events constituted interim triggering events that required further analysis with respect to potential impairment to goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles, and definite-lived intangibles. The Company performed an interim quantitative impairment test as of the June 30, 2022 balance sheet date.

To assess any potential impairment of goodwill, the Company compared the carrying value of its single reporting unit against its market capitalization, noting that the market capitalization exceeded the carrying value. As such, goodwill was not impaired as of June 30, 2022.

Additionally, the Company annually performs an impairment assessment as of October 1. To assess any potential impairment of goodwill, the Company compared the carrying value of its single reporting unit against its market capitalization, noting that the market capitalization exceeded the carrying value. As such, goodwill was not impaired as of October 1, 2022.

In order to determine the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired from Global Cooling, which included an in-process research and development project, the Company utilized a discounted cash flow analysis. In order to determine the fair value of our in-process research and development intangible assets not related to the abandoned project, the Company utilized an average of a discounted cash flow analysis and comparable public company analysis. The key assumptions associated with determining the estimated fair value for both asset groups include projected future revenue growth rates, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") margins, the terminal growth rate, and the discount rate. As a result of the changes in these assumptions in addition to the abandonment of the aforementioned in-process research and development project, we recognized a $67.4 million non-cash impairment charge during the year-ended December 31, 2022 in the line item Asset impairment charges in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations, which represents full impairment of the carrying value of the Company’s in-process research and development intangible asset.

In order to determine the fair value of the acquired technology, customer relationships, tradename, and non-compete definite-lived intangible assets, the Company utilized the excess earnings approach, distributor method, relief from royalty method, and with and without approach, respectively. The key assumptions associated with determining the estimated fair value include (i) the amount and timing of projected future cash flows (including revenue and expenses), (ii) the discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows, (iii) the assessment of the asset’s life cycle, and (iv) the competitive trends impacting the asset. As a result of the analysis, we recognized non-cash impairment charges of $14.1 million, $6.2 million, $21.9 million, and $0.8 million during the year-ended December 31, 2022 for the acquired technology, customer relationships, tradename, and non-compete definite-lived intangible assets, respectively, in the line item Asset impairment charges in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations, which represents the difference between the estimated fair value of the Company’s definite-lived intangible assets and their carrying values.

3. Fair value measurement

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, (“ASC Topic 820”), the Company measures its financial instruments at fair value on a recurring basis. The carrying values of certain of our financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The carrying value of our marketable debt securities, which are accounted for as available-for-sale, are classified within either Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy because we use quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs to determine their fair value. The carrying values of our long-term debt, which is classified within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, approximates fair value as our borrowings with lenders are at interest rates that approximate market rates for comparable loans. The fair values of investments and contingent consideration classified as Level 3 were derived from management assumptions. The Company also measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis when applying acquisition accounting. ASC Topic 820 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-tier value fair hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities.

Level 3 – Unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

The fair value of the SciSafe contingent consideration liability was initially valued based on unobservable inputs using a Monte Carlo simulation. These inputs included the estimated amount and timing of projected future revenue, a discount rate of 4.5%, a risk-free rate of approximately 0.2%, asset volatility of 60%, and revenue volatility of 15%. Significant changes in any of those inputs in isolation would result in significant changes in fair value measurement. Generally, changes used in the assumptions for projected future revenue and revenue volatility would be accompanied by a directionally similar change in the fair value measurement. Conversely, changes in the discount rate would be accompanied by a directionally opposite change in the related fair value measurement. However, due to the contingent consideration having a maximum payout amount, changes in these assumptions would not affect the fair value of the contingent consideration if they vary beyond certain amounts. At the acquisition date, the contingent consideration was determined to have a fair value of $3.7 million. Subsequent to the acquisition date, the contingent consideration liability was re-measured to fair value with changes recorded in the Change in fair value of contingent consideration line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the most recent re-measurement of the contingent consideration liability as of December 31, 2023, the Company determined it appropriate to write-off the remaining balance of the SciSafe contingent consideration liability. The target revenue required for earnout was not met during the year ended December 31, 2023 and has been determined to not be probable to achieve in future years. This contingent consideration liability was included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 in the amount of $4.3 million. The changes in fair value of contingent consideration of $2.1 million and $5.6 million associated with this liability are included within the Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

There were no remeasurements to fair value during the year ended December 31, 2023 of financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, based on the three-tier fair value hierarchy:

(In thousands)

There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities between the fair value measurement levels.

The following table presents the changes in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities which are measured using Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021:

The following table presents the changes in fair value of warrant liabilities which are measured using Level 3 inputs for the year ended December 31, 2021:

There was no warrant liability activity as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

4. Investments

Available-for-sale securities

The Company’s portfolio of available-for-sale marketable securities consists of the following:

There were no outstanding available-for-sale marketable securities as of December 31, 2022.

As of December 31, 2023, none of our available-for-sale marketable securities exhibited risk of credit loss and therefore no allowance for credit losses was recorded.

Equity investments

The Company periodically invests in non-marketable equity securities of private companies without a readily determinable fair value to promote business and strategic objectives. The non-marketable equity securities are carried at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable process changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. These securities included Series A-1 and A-2 Preferred Stock in iVexSol, Inc. with a fair value of $4.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and Series E Preferred Stock in PanTHERA CryoSolutions, Inc. with a fair value of $995,000 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

5. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded a $5.7 million inventory write-down for potentially unusable products. The products consisted of slow moving inventory, product defects, and supplier defects in raw materials.

6. Leases

We have various operating lease agreements for office space, warehouses, manufacturing, and production locations as well as vehicles and other equipment. Our real estate leases had original lease terms ofthree toeleven years and remaining lease terms ofone toeight years. We exclude options that are not reasonably certain to be exercised from our lease terms, ranging fromone tofive years. Our lease payments consist primarily of fixed rental payments for the right to use the underlying leased assets over the lease terms, with all other lease payments consisting of variable lease costs. For certain leases, we receive incentives from our landlords, such as rent abatements, which effectively reduce the total lease payments owed for these leases. Vehicle and other equipment operating leases had original lease terms offour andfive years and have remaining lease terms betweenone andfive years.

Our financing leases relate to research equipment, machinery, and other equipment.

The table below presents certain information related to the weighted average discount rate and weighted average remaining lease term for the Company’s leases as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

The components of lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 were as follows:

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

7. Assets held for rent

Assets held for rent consist of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Shippers and related components in production include shippers complete and ready to be deployed and placed in service upon a customer order, shippers in the process of being assembled, and components available to build shippers. We recognized $3.5 million, $3.5 million, and $1.9 million in depreciation expense related to assets held for rent during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

8. Property and equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $3.6 million, $3.3 million, and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

9. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

10. Warranty reserve liability

We reserve estimated exposures on known claims, as well as on a portion of anticipated claims, for product warranty and rework cost, based on historical product liability claims. Claim costs are deducted from the accrual when paid. Factors that could have an impact on the warranty accrual in any given period include the following: changes in manufacturing quality, changes in product costs, changes in product mix and any significant changes in sales volume.

A rollforward of our warranty liability is as follows:

(1)Both the Provision for warranties and Settlements of warranty claims balances include reclassifications of $1.6 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, to reflect changes in warranty utilization on pre-existing claims.

11. Goodwill and intangible assets

The following table represents the components of the carrying value of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2023:

Intangible assets, net consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

(1) The entirety of the gross carrying values and accumulated amortization of the specified intangible assets above associated with the Freezer Business were impaired during the three months ended September 30, 2023. Refer to Note 2: Impairment of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assetsfor more information on the assessed non-cash impairment charges.

(1) Both the Gross Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization balances as of December 31, 2022 contain immaterial adjustments to reflect impairments taken during the year ended December 31, 2022 on each of the intangible asset classes presented here. Each intangible asset class was adjusted as follows: Customer relationships: $0.8 million; Tradenames: $2.4 million, Technology - acquired: $4.1 million, Non-compete agreements: $0.4 million. The Weighted Average Useful Life was additionally adjusted to reflect the updated balances subsequent to the impairment charges.

Impairment expense for both finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets was $5.8 million, $110.4 million, andzero for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was

$5.2 million, $9.7 million, and $8.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the Company expects to record the following amortization expense:

12. Commitments and contingencies

Employment agreements

We have employment agreements with certain key employees. None of these employment agreements is for a definitive period, but rather each will continue indefinitely until terminated in accordance with its terms. The agreements provide for a base annual salary, payable in monthly (or shorter) installments. Under certain conditions and for certain of these officers, we may be required to pay additional amounts upon terminating the officer or upon the officer resigning for good reason.

Litigation

From time to time, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, none of which are currently material to the Company’s business. The Company’s industry is characterized by frequent claims and litigation, including claims regarding intellectual property. As a result, the Company may be subject to various legal proceedings from time to time. The results of any future litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, and regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors. Management is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation.

Indemnification

As permitted under Delaware law and in accordance with the Company’s bylaws, the Company is required to indemnify its officers and directors for certain errors and occurrences while the officer or director is or was serving in such capacity. The Company is also party to indemnification agreements with its directors. The Company believes the fair value of the indemnification rights and agreements is minimal. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded any liabilities for these indemnification rights and agreements as of December 31, 2023.

Non-income related taxes

Companies are required to collect and remit sales tax from certain customers if the company is determined to have nexus in a particular state. Upon the determination of nexus, which varies by state, companies are additionally required to maintain detailed record of specific product and customer information within each jurisdiction in which it has established nexus to appropriately determine their sales tax liability, requiring technical knowledge of each jurisdiction’s tax case law. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company determined that a sales tax liability related to the periods of 2019 through 2022 is probable. The estimated liability was determined to be approximately $5.4 million and $3.7 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Due to the variety of jurisdictions in which this estimated liability relates to and our ongoing assessment of sales taxes owed, we cannot predict when final liabilities will be satisfied. We will reevaluate the estimated liability and timing of satisfaction each reporting period.

Settlement of Global Cooling Escrow

On May 3, 2021, the Company acquired GCI pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 19, 2021 (the “GCI Merger Agreement”). Pursuant to the GCI Merger Agreement, the aggregate consideration paid to former stockholders of GCI (collectively, the “GCI Stockholders”) was 6,646,870 newly issued shares of common stock (the “GCI Merger Consideration”) were provided with the requirement that the GCI Merger Consideration otherwise payable to GCI Stockholders were subject to reduction for indemnification obligations. Approximately 9% of the GCI Merger Consideration (the "GCI Escrow Shares") otherwise issuable to the GCI Stockholders were deposited into a segregated escrow account (the “GCI Escrow Account”) in accordance with an escrow agreement entered into in connection with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the GCI Merger Agreement (the “GCI Escrow Agreement”). Of the GCI Escrow Shares, an amount equal to 5% of the GCI Merger Consideration were considered general escrow shares (the “General Escrow Shares”). The General Escrow Shares were eligible to be held in escrow for a period of up to 18 months after the closing of the GCI acquisition as the sole and exclusive source of payment for any indemnification claims made by the Company.

On September 28, 2022, BioLife asserted an indemnification claim pursuant to the GCI Merger Agreement. On June 5, 2023, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement with the representatives of the GCI Stockholders, pursuant to which the parties agreed to release 65% of the General Escrow Shares, totaling 216,024 shares, to the Company from the GCI Escrow Account. These shares were returned to the Company and subsequently cancelled. As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded a $5.1 million gain recognizing the return of the shares during the second quarter of 2023.

13. Long-term debt

In May 2021, the Company assumed three term notes in the acquisition of Global Cooling. At the time of acquisition, these notes carried aggregate outstanding principal balances of $4.4 million. These term notes bore interest at a floating rate equal to the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 6.50%. The term notes included financial covenants tied to the performance of Global Cooling.

In October 2021, the Company entered into amended and restated term notes for allthree term notes with two lenders (the “Global Cooling Term Note Agreements”). The principal amount borrowed pursuant to the Global Cooling Term Note Agreements (the “Global Cooling Term Notes”) consisted of an aggregate $4.6 million, with one lender providing two term notes in the amounts of $1.4 million and $1.4 million and a separate lender providing one term note in the amount of $1.8 million. The maturity dates for these notes are July 17, 2024, September 7, 2024, and December 18, 2027, respectively. Allthree term notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4%, were interest-only with one balloon principal payment at maturity, and could be pre-paid without penalty at any time. The Company fully extinguished the term notes with maturity dates of September 7, 2024 and July 17, 2024 on September 20, 2022 and July 17, 2023, respectively. All financial covenants included in the original agreements previously in effect were removed by the Global Cooling Term Note Agreements.

On September 20, 2022, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a term loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”), which provides for up to $60 million in aggregate principal to be drawn. Principal amounts borrowed pursuant to the Loan Agreement (the “Term Loan”) mature on June 1, 2026. The Loan Agreement permitted the Company to borrow up to $30 million upon the initial closing of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Agreement (the “Term Loan Closing”), and provided options to borrow (i) up to $10 million between the Term Loan Closing and June 30, 2023, (ii) up to $10 million upon the achievement of certain revenue milestones by the Company, and (iii) an additional $10 million at the discretion of the lender. The Company borrowed $20 million at the Term Loan Closing and accounts for the Term Loan at cost. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had not drawn additional funding nor had it met the revenue milestones outlined within the Loan Agreement. The Company had until December 31, 2023 to draw an additional $10 million, subject to approval from the lender, and therefore has no additional opportunities under current loan terms to draw upon the Loan Agreement. Payments on the borrowing are interest-only through June 2024, with additional criteria allowing for interest-only payments to continue through June 2025. Tranches borrowed under the term loan agreement bear interest at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 0.5%. However, the interest rate is subject to a ceiling that restricts the interest rate for each tranche from exceeding 1.0% above the overall rate applicable to each tranche at their respective funding dates and has a balloon payment due at the earliest of term loan maturity, repayment of the term loan in full, or termination of the loan agreement at $1.2 million. As of December 31, 2023 the implied interest rate of the Term Loan is 6.7% and the implied value of the Term Loan is $20.3 million. The term loan agreement contains customary representations and warranties as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants. As of December 31, 2023, the Company is in compliance with the covenants set forth in the Loan Agreement. In the event that borrowings under the Loan Agreement exceed $20 million, the Company will become subject to financial covenants.

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

The Term Loan is secured by substantially all assets of BioLife, SAVSU, CBS, SciSafe, Global Cooling and Sexton, other than intellectual property. The Global Cooling Term Notes are secured by substantially all assets of Global Cooling and is effectively subordinated to the security interest established by the Loan Agreement. Equipment loans are secured by the financed equipment.

As of December 31, 2023, the scheduled maturities of loans payable for each of the next five years and thereafter were as follows:

14. Warrants

As of January 1, 2021, there were 79,100 warrants to purchase the Company's common stock outstanding. In March 2021, all remaining outstanding warrants were exercised via a “cashless” exercise. As a result of the cashless exercise, the Company issued an aggregate of 70,030 shares of Company common stock.

The following table summarizes warrant activity for the year ended December 31, 2021:

There was no warrant activity during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

15. Stock-based compensation

Stock compensation plans

Our stock-based compensation programs are long-term retention programs that are intended to attract, retain, and provide incentives for talented employees, officers, and directors, and to align stockholder and employee interests. Compensation expense associated with equity-based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, with awards generally vesting over a 4 year period, and forfeitures recognized as incurred. We have the following stock-based compensation plans and programs:

During 2013, we adopted the 2013 Performance Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which allowed us to grant options or restricted stock awards to all employees, including executive officers, outside consultants and non-employee directors. An aggregate of 3.1 million shares of common stock was initially reserved for issuance under the 2013 Plan. In May 2017, July 2020, June 2021, and June 2022, the shareholders approved an increase in the number of shares available for issuance to 4.1 million shares,5.0 million shares,6.5 million shares, and 8.5 million shares, respectively. As of April 25, 2023, the 2013 Plan expired as to future awards in accordance with its terms. As of December 31, 2023, there were outstanding options to purchase 217,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and 1.6 million unvested restricted stock awards outstanding under the 2013 Plan.

On July 21, 2023, our stockholders approved the 2023 Omnibus Performance Incentive Plan (the "2023 Plan"). The 2023 Plan allows us to grant equity awards to employees, directors, and outside consultants. An aggregate of 4.2 million shares of common stock were initially reserved for issuance under the 2023 Plan, plus any shares subject to awards under the 2013 Plan that were outstanding as of July 21, 2023, and which are subsequently forfeited or lapsed and not issued under the 2013 Plan. As of December 31, 2023, there were 1.2 million unvested restricted stock awards outstanding under the 2023 Plan.

Issuance of shares

When options and warrants are exercised, it is the Company’s policy to issue new shares.

Stock option activity

Service vesting-based stock options

The following is a summary of service vesting-based stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the status of service vesting-based stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

We did not recognize stock compensation expense related to service-based options during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. We recognized $25,000 in stock compensation expense related to service-based options during the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2023, there was $3.1 million of aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding service vesting-based stock options, including $3.1 million of aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable service vesting-based stock options. Intrinsic value is the total pretax intrinsic value for all “in-the-money” options (i.e., the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the year and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2023. This amount will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock. Intrinsic value of service vesting-based awards exercised during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $3.9 million, $4.1 million, and $6.9 million, respectively. There wereno service based-vesting options granted during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. The weighted average remaining contractual life of service vesting-based options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2023 is 2.1 years. There wereno unrecognized compensation costs for service vesting-based stock options as of December 31, 2023.

The following table summarizes information about service vesting-based stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2023:

Performance-based stock options

There wasno performance-based stock option grant activity during the year ended December 31, 2023.

No stock compensation expense was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 related to performance-based options. The intrinsic value of performance-based awards exercised during the years ending December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 waszero, zero, and $27.4 million, respectively. There wereno stock options granted to employees and non-employee directors in the years ending December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Restricted stock

Service vesting-based restricted stock

The following is a summary of service vesting-based restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the status of unvested service vesting-based restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

On November 4, 2021, the Board of Directors approved to modify certain restricted stock awards that were awarded to one executive that otherwise would have expired upon the executive’s intended retirement in early 2023. The modification accelerated the vesting of the awards to vest equally over four quarters in the year ended December 31, 2022. We recorded incremental stock-based compensation expense of $666,000 in the year ended December 31, 2021 for this stock option modification.

The aggregate fair value of the service vesting-based awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $25.0 million, $34.7 million, and $37.8 million, respectively. The aggregate fair value of the service vesting- based awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $20.5 million, $12.6 million, and $15.9 million, respectively.

On October 19, 2023, Michael Rice, the Chief Executive Officer at that time, announced his resignation from the company. In accordance with his separation agreement, all unvested stock grants, excluding the 99,038 market-based restricted stock units awarded to him January 3, 2023 and the 70,094 market-based restricted stock units awarded to him on February 24, 2022 by the board of directors, were accelerated and vested as of the date of his separation. The Company recognized stock compensation expense in connection with the acceleration of his unvested stock grants of $1.7 million, representing 150,155 shares.

During the months of August through December 2023, our board of directors granted 22,675 restricted stock units in lieu of salary for executive leadership. The awards vested in full on the date of grant, regardless of employment status on that date. Salary expenses incurred in connection with the restricted stock units awarded in lieu of salary totaled $0.2 million. For all specific grant information related to these awards, refer to the Equity Incentive Compensation discussion of Part III within this filing.

During the months of May through August 2022, our board of directors granted 21,566 restricted stock awards in lieu of salary for executive leadership. The awards vested in full on the date of grant, regardless of employment status on that date. All expenses related to these awards were incurred in the year ended December 31, 2022.

We recognized stock compensation expense of $25.2 million, $21.0 million, and $12.7 million related to service vesting-based awards during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, there was $37.8 million in unrecognized compensation costs related to service vesting-based awards. We expect to recognize those costs over 2.7 years.

Market-based restricted stock

The following is a summary of market-based restricted stock activity under our stock option plan for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the status of market-based restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

On March 25, 2020, the Company granted 109,140 shares of market-based stock to its executives in the form of restricted stock. The shares granted contain a market condition based on TSR. The TSR market condition measures the Company’s performance against a peer group. On February 24, 2022, the Company determined the TSR attainment was 200% of the targeted shares, resulting in 109,140 shares being granted and 218,280 shares vesting to current employees of the Company based on our total shareholder return during the period beginning on January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 as compared to the total shareholder return of 20 of our peers. The market-based restricted stock awards will vest as to between 0% and 200% of the number of restricted shares granted to each recipient based on our total shareholder return during the period beginning on January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 as compared to the total shareholder return of 20 of our peers. The fair value of this award was determined at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions: a historical volatility of 78%,0% dividend yield and a risk-free interest rate of 0.3%. The historical volatility was based on the most recent 2-year period for the Company and correlated with the components of the peer group. The stock price projection for the Company and the components of the peer group assumes a 0% dividend yield. This is mathematically equivalent to reinvesting dividends in the issuing entity over the performance period. The risk-free interest is based on the yield on the U.S. Treasury Strips as of the Measurement Date with a maturity consistent with the 2-year term associated with the market condition of the award. The fair value of this award of $1.2 million was expensed on a straight-line basis over the grant date to the vesting date of December 31, 2021.

On February 8, 2021, the Company granted 30,616 shares of market-based stock to its executives in the form of restricted stock. The shares granted contain a market condition based on TSR. The TSR market condition measures the Company’s performance against a peer group. On January 3, 2023, the Company determined the TSR attainment was 100% of the targeted shares, resulting in 30,616 shares being granted and 30,616 shares vesting to current employees of the Company based on our total shareholder return during the period beginning on January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022 as compared to the total shareholder return of 20 of our peers. The market-based restricted stock awards will vest as to between 0% and 200% of the number of restricted shares granted to each recipient based on our total shareholder return during the period beginning on January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023 as compared to the total shareholder return of 20 of our peers. The fair value of this award was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions: a historical volatility of 68%,0% dividend yield, and a risk-free interest rate of 0.1%. The historical volatility was based on the most recent 2-year period for the Company and correlated with the components of the peer group. The stock price projection for the Company and the components of the peer group assumes a 0% dividend yield. This is mathematically equivalent to reinvesting dividends in the issuing entity over the performance period. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on the U.S. Treasury Strips as of the Measurement Date with a maturity consistent with the 2-year term associated with the market condition of the award. The fair value of this award of $1.3 million is being expensed on a straight-line basis over the grant date to the vesting date of December 31, 2022.

On February 24, 2022, the Company granted 240,428 shares of market-based stock to its executives in the form of restricted stock. The shares granted contain a market condition based on TSR. The TSR market condition measures the Company’s performance against a peer group. The market-based restricted stock awards will vest as to between 0% and 200% of the number of restricted shares granted to each recipient based on our total shareholder return during the period beginning on January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023 as compared to the total shareholder return of 20 of our peers. The fair value of this award was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions: a historical volatility of 63%,0% dividend yield, and a risk-free interest rate of 1.5%. The historical volatility was based on the most recent 2-year period for the Company and correlated with the components of the peer group. The stock price projection for the Company and the components of the peer group assumes a 0% dividend yield. This is mathematically equivalent to reinvesting dividends in the issuing entity over the performance period. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on the U.S. Treasury Strips as of the Measurement Date with a maturity consistent with the 2-year term associated with the market condition of the award. The fair value of this award of $6.7 million is being expensed on a straight-line basis over the grant date to the vesting date of December 31, 2023.

On January 3, 2023, the Company granted 268,738 shares of market-based stock to its executives in the form of restricted stock. The shares granted contain a market condition based on TSR. The TSR market condition measures the Company’s performance against a peer group. The market-based restricted stock awards will vest as to between 0% and 200% of the number of restricted shares granted to each recipient based on our total shareholder return during the period beginning on January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024 as compared to the total shareholder return of 20 of our peers. The fair value of this award was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions: a historical volatility of 78%,0% dividend yield, and a risk-free interest rate of 4.4%. The historical volatility was based on the most recent 2-year period for the Company and correlated with the components of the peer group. The stock price projection for the Company and the components of the peer group assumes a 0% dividend yield. This is mathematically equivalent to reinvesting dividends in the issuing entity over the performance period. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on the U.S. Treasury Strips as of the Measurement Date with a maturity consistent with the 2-year term associated with the market condition of the award. The fair value of this award of $6.8 million is being expensed on a straight-line basis over the grant date to the vesting date of December 31, 2024.

We recognized stock compensation expense of $6.5 million, $4.3 million, and $1.4 million related to market-based restricted stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. As of December 31, 2023, there was $3.3 million in unrecognized non-cash compensation costs related to market-based restricted stock awards expected to vest. We expect to recognize those costs over 1 year.

The aggregate fair value of the market-based awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $6.5 million, $6.7 million, and $1.8 million, respectively. The aggregate fair value of the market-based awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $0.7 million, $5.0 million, and $10.2 million, respectively.

Total stock compensation expense

We recorded total stock compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, as follows:

16. Income taxes

The following are the domestic and foreign components of the Company's loss before income taxes:

Income tax expense (benefit)consists of the following:

In the year ended December 31, 2021, income tax benefit included excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation of $10.5 million. The tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 didnot contain excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

In connection with the 2021 Global Cooling acquisition, the Company recognized a deferred tax liability estimated to be $24.1 million. As a result, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $8.0 million for the release of valuation allowance on our existing U.S. deferred tax assets as a result of the offset of the deferred tax liabilities established for intangible assets from the acquisition. In connection with the 2021 Sexton acquisition, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability estimated to be $1.5 million with an offset to goodwill.

A reconciliation of income taxes computed using the U.S. federal statutory rate to that reflected in operations follows:

The principal components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets are as follows as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income, if any, the timing and amount of which are uncertain. The assessment regarding whether a valuation allowance is required on deferred tax assets considers the evaluation of both positive and negative evidence when concluding whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets are realizable. The valuation allowance recorded as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 primarily relates to deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards.

The changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets were as follows:

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had U.S. federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $151.9 million. Approximately $39.2 million of NOL will expire from 2024 through 2037, and approximately $112.7 million of NOL will be carried forward indefinitely. The NOL carryforwards may become subject to an annual limitation in the event of certain cumulative changes in the ownership interest. This limited the amount of tax attributes that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income or tax liabilities. Subsequent ownership changes may further affect the limitation in future years.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act contained a provision which requires the capitalization of Section 174 costs incurred in years beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Section 174 costs are expenditures which represent research and development costs that are incident to the development or improvement of a product, process, formula, invention, computer software, or technique. This provision changes the treatment of Section 174 costs such that the expenditures are no longer allowed as an immediate deduction but rather must be capitalized and amortized. We have included the impact of this provision, which results in a deferred tax asset of approximately $4.8 million as of December 31, 2023.

The Company determines its uncertain tax positions based on a determination of whether and how much of a tax benefit taken by the Company in its tax filings or positions is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant income tax authorities.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of uncertain tax positions in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

The Company is generally subject to examination by U.S. federal and local income tax authorities for all tax years in which loss carryforward is available, which includes 2004 through 2023.

17. Acquisitions

Sexton acquisition

General terms and effects

On August 9, 2021, BioLife entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Sexton Merger Agreement”) with BLFS Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Sexton Merger Sub”), Fortis Advisors LLC, in its capacity as the representative of the stockholders of Sexton (the “Sexton Seller Representative”) and Sexton, a Delaware corporation. The acquisition strengthens BioLife’s offerings in the cell and gene therapy and broader biopharma markets.

On September 1, 2021, the Company completed the merger of Sexton Merger Sub with and into Sexton and Sexton became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Sexton Merger”). As consideration for the Sexton Merger (the “Sexton Merger Consideration”), holders of common stock, preferred stock and options of Sexton, other than the Company

(collectively, the “Sexton Participating Holders”), are entitled to receive an aggregate of 530,502 newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain post-closing adjustments, of which 477,452 shares of Common Stock were issued to the Sexton Participating Holders at the Closing, and 53,050 shares of Common Stock, or approximately 10% of the Merger consideration, were deposited into an escrow account for indemnification and post-closing purchase price adjustment purposes. Prior to the merger, the Company held preferred stock in Sexton, which was accounted for using a measurement alternative that measures the securities at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable process changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. The Company accounted for the merger as a step acquisition, which required remeasurement of the Company’s existing ownership in Sexton to fair value prior to completing the acquisition method of accounting. Using step acquisition accounting, the Company increased the value of its existing equity interest to its fair value, resulting in the recognition of a non-cash gain of $6.5 million, which was included in the gain on acquisition of Sexton Biotechnologies, Inc. in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company utilized a market-based valuation approach to determine the fair value of the existing equity interest based on the total merger consideration offered and the Company’s stock price at acquisition.

Total consideration transferred (in thousands, except number of shares and stock price):

Transaction costs related to the acquisition are expensed as incurred and are not included in the calculation of consideration transferred.

Fair value of net assets acquired

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Sexton were calculated as of the merger date, at their respective fair values, and consolidated with those of BioLife. The gross contractual accounts receivable acquired in the acquisition was $509,000. Of the acquired accounts receivable, $17,000 is estimated to be uncollectible. The fair value calculations required critical estimates, including, but not limited to, future expected cash flows, revenue and expense projections, discount rates, revenue volatility, and royalty rates.

The table below represents the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which were recorded as of the merger date (amounts in thousands).

We recorded a measurement period adjustment in the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2021 of $198,000 to the fair value of goodwill and the deferred tax liability. This adjustment related to the tax attributes of the business combination.

The fair value of Sexton’s identifiable intangible assets and useful lives are as follows (amounts in thousands, except years):

Fair value measurement methodologies used to calculate the value of any asset can be broadly classified into one of three approaches, referred to as the cost, market and income approaches. In any fair value measurement analysis, all three approaches must be considered, and the approach or approaches deemed most relevant will then be selected for use in the fair value measurement of that asset. The estimated fair values of developed technology were estimated using a multi-period excess earnings approach. The estimated fair values of customer relationships and non-compete agreements were estimated using a “with and without” approach, comparing projected cash flows under scenarios assuming the customer relationships and non-compete agreements were and were not in place. The estimated fair value of the tradenames is based on the relief from royalty method, which estimates the value of the trade names based on the hypothetical royalty payments that are saved by owning the asset.

Some of the more significant assumptions inherent in the development of intangible asset fair values, from the perspective of a market participant, include, but are not limited to (i) the amount and timing of projected future cash flows (including revenue and expenses), (ii) the discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows, (iii) the assessment of the asset’s life cycle, and (iv) the competitive trends impacting the asset.

Acquired goodwill

The goodwill of $28.5 million represents future economic benefits expected to arise from synergies from combining operations and commercial organizations to increase market presence and the extension of existing customer relationships. The goodwill recorded is not deductible for income tax purposes.

Global Cooling acquisition

General terms and effects

On March 19, 2021, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “GCI Merger Agreement”) with BLFS Merger Subsidiary, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GCI Merger Sub”), Global Cooling, a Delaware corporation and Albert Vierling and William Baumel, in their capacity as the representatives of the stockholders of GCI (collectively, the “GCI Seller Representative”). The acquisition strengthens BioLife’s offerings in the cell and gene therapy and broader biopharma markets.

On May 3, 2021, pursuant to the GCI Merger Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the transactions contemplated by the GCI Merger Agreement were consummated (the “GCI Closing”), GCI Merger Sub merged with and into GCI (the “GCI Merger” and, together with other transactions contemplated by the GCI Merger Agreement, the “GCI Transactions”), with GCI continuing as the surviving corporation in the GCI Merger and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. In the GCI Merger, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of GCI immediately prior to the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (other than those properly exercising any applicable dissenter’s rights under Delaware law) were converted into the right to receive the GCI Merger Consideration (as defined below). The Company paid the GCI Merger Consideration to the holders of common stock and preferred stock of GCI (collectively, the “GCI Stockholders”).

Merger consideration

The aggregate merger consideration paid pursuant to the GCI Merger Agreement to the GCI Stockholders was 6,646,870 newly issued shares of common stock, provided, however, that the GCI Merger Consideration otherwise payable to GCI Stockholders is subject to the withholding of the GCI Escrow Shares (as defined below) and is subject to reduction for indemnification obligations. The GCI Merger Consideration allocable to one GCI stockholder was reduced by 10,400 shares to satisfy an outstanding note receivable of $374,000. In accordance with ASC 805, the Company recognized the settlement of pre-existing relationships in the forms of cash deposits, trade receivables, and trade payables, which are included in the consideration transferred. The GCI Merger Consideration is not subject to any purchase price adjustments.

Total consideration transferred (in thousands, except number of shares, stock price, and consideration percentage):

Transaction costs related to the acquisition are expensed as incurred and are not included in the calculation of consideration transferred.

Escrow shares

At the GCI Closing, approximately nine percent (9%) of the GCI Merger Consideration (the “Escrow Shares”, along with any other dividends, distributions or other income on the GCI Escrow Shares, the “GCI Escrow Property”) otherwise issuable to the GCI Stockholders (allocated pro rata among the GCI Stockholders based on the GCI Merger Consideration otherwise issuable to them at the GCI Closing), was deposited into a segregated escrow account in accordance with an escrow agreement to be entered into in connection with the GCI Transactions (the “GCI Escrow Agreement”).

The GCI Escrow Property will be held for a period of up to twenty-four (24) months after the GCI Closing as the sole and exclusive source of payment for any post-GCI Closing indemnification claims (other than fraud claims), unless earlier released in accordance with the terms of the GCI Escrow Agreement.

Fair value of net assets acquired

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Global Cooling were calculated as of the merger date, at their respective fair values, and consolidated with those of BioLife. The gross contractual accounts receivable acquired in the acquisition was $7.1 million. Of the acquired accounts receivable, $53,000 was estimated to be uncollectible. The fair value calculations required critical estimates, including, but not limited to, future expected cash flows, revenue and expense projections, discount rates, revenue volatility, and royalty rates.

The table below represents the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which were recorded as of the merger date (amounts in thousands).

We recorded a measurement period adjustment in the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2021 of $607,000 to the fair value of goodwill and the deferred tax liability. This adjustment related to the tax attributes of the business combination.

The fair value of Global Cooling’s identifiable intangible assets and useful lives are as follows (amounts in thousands, except years):

Fair value measurement methodologies used to calculate the value of any asset can be broadly classified into one of three approaches, referred to as the cost, market and income approaches. In any fair value measurement analysis, all three approaches must be considered, and the approach or approaches deemed most relevant will then be selected for use in the fair value measurement of that asset. The fair values of developed technology and in-process research and development were estimated using a multi-period excess earnings approach. The fair values of customer relationships were estimated using the “distributor method”. The fair value of the tradenames is based on the relief from royalty method, which estimates the value of the trade names based on the hypothetical royalty payments that are saved by owning the asset. The fair values of non-compete agreements were estimated using a “with and without” approach, comparing projected cash flows under scenarios assuming the non-compete agreements were and were not in place. The fair value of inventory and property, plant and equipment were determined using the “market approach”.

Some of the more significant assumptions inherent in the development of intangible asset fair values, from the perspective of a market participant, include, but are not limited to (i) the amount and timing of projected future cash flows (including revenue and expenses), (ii) the discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows, (iii) the assessment of the asset’s life cycle, and (iv) the competitive trends impacting the asset.

Acquired goodwill

The goodwill of $137.8 million represents future economic benefits expected to arise from synergies from combining operations and commercial organizations to increase market presence and the extension of existing customer relationships. The goodwill recorded is not deductible for income tax purposes.

Revenue, net income, and pro forma presentation

The Company recorded revenue from Sexton of $1.8 million and a net loss of $1.0 million from September 1, 2021, the date of acquisition, to December 31, 2021. The Company recorded revenue from Global Cooling of $39.1 million and a net loss of $19.6 million from May 3, 2021, the date of acquisition, to December 31, 2021. The Company has included the operating results of the acquisitions in its Consolidated Statements of Operations since their respective acquisition date.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Sexton as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2021 after giving effect to certain pro forma adjustments. These pro forma adjustments include intangible amortization, stock-based compensation expense and salary expense related to a key employee, and the income tax effect of the adjustments made:

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Global Cooling as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2021 after giving effect to certain pro forma adjustments. These pro forma adjustments include intangible amortization, amortization of increased inventory basis, depreciation expense, lease expense, transaction costs, interest expense, stock-based compensation expense and salary expense related to a key employee, and the income tax effect of the adjustments made:

18. Employee benefit plan

The Company sponsors 401(k) defined contribution plans for its employees. These plans provide for pre-tax and post-tax contributions for all employees. Employee contributions are voluntary. Employees may contribute up to 100% of their annual compensation to these plans, as limited by an annual maximum amount as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company matches employee contributions in amounts to be determined at the Company’s sole discretion. The Company made contributions of $1.1 million, $1.0 million, and $0.8 million to the plans for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.

19. Subsequent events

On January 1, 2024, the Company failed to comply with Section 5.7 (a) and Section 5.7 (c) of the Loan Agreement related to its Term Loan with respect to the depository account requirements and the requirement to deliver a Control Agreement for any Permitted Temporary Account upon the expiration of the Transition Period to transfer all cash holdings to the Lender's bank. On February 26, 2024, the Lender waived the existing defaults under the Loan Agreement and entered into the Waiver and First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement ("the Amendment").