UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C.  20549




FORM 10-K




ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2010




Commission File Number:001-12575




UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)




Utah
87-0342734(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)7043 S 300 W, Midvale Utah
84047(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
Telephone (801) 566-1200Facsimile (801) 566-7305Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registeredCommon Stock, $.01 Par Value
The NASDAQ Global MarketPreferred Stock Purchase RightsSecurities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:(Title of Class)None





Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.


Yes o   No x




Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.


Yes o   No x




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes x   No o




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o   No o




Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x




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




Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o   No x




State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.  As of June 30, 2010, the aggregate market value of the voting and nonvoting common equity held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was$80,390,000.




Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.  As of March 2, 2011, common shares outstanding were 3,620,000.




DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.  The Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated by reference into Part III, Item 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Form 10-K.










INDEX TO FORM 10-K





PAGEPART IItem 1
Business
1Item 1A
Risk Factors
12Item 1B
Unresolved Staff Comments
13Item 2
Properties
13Item 3
Legal Proceedings
14Item 4
Reserved
14PART IIItem 5
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
15Item 6
Selected Financial Data
16Item 7
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
17Item 7A
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
26Item 8
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
27Item 9
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
44Item 9A
Controls and Procedures
44Item 9B
Other Information
44PART IIIItem 10
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
45Item 11
Executive Compensation
45Item 12
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
45Item 13
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
46Item 14
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
46PART IVItem 15
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
47SIGNATURES

49















PART I


ITEM 1 – BUSINESS





Dollar amounts throughout this report are in thousands except per-share amounts and where noted.





Utah Medical Products, Inc. (“UTMD” or “the Company”) is in the business of producing high quality cost- effective medical devices that are predominantly proprietary, disposable and for hospital use.  Success depends on 1) recognizing needs of clinicians and patients,  2) rapidly designing or acquiring economical solutions that gain premarketing regulatory concurrence,  3) reliably producing products that meet those clinical needs, and then  4) selling through





a)
UTMD's own direct channels into markets where the Company enjoys an established reputation and has a critical mass of sales and support resources, orb)
establishing relationships with other medical companies that have the resources to effectively introduce and support the Company's products.





UTMD's success in providing reliable solutions comes from its proven ability to integrate a number of engineering and technical disciplines in electronics, software, mechanical packaging, instrumentation, plastics processing and materials.   The resulting proprietary products represent significant incremental improvements in patient safety, clinical outcomes and/or total cost over preexisting clinical tools. UTMD's experience is that, in the case of labor-saving devices, the improvement in cost-effectiveness of clinical procedures also leads to an improvement in overall healthcare including lower risk of complications.  UTMD markets a broad range of medical devices used in critical care areas, especially the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the labor and delivery (L&D) department and the women’s health center in hospitals, as well as products sold to outpatient clinics and physician's offices.




The opportunity to apply solutions to recognized needs results from an excellent core of practicing clinicians who introduce ideas to the Company, and key employees who are both clinical applications savvy and development engineering adept.





UTMD’s products are sold directly to end users in the U.S. domestic market by the Company’s own direct sales representatives and independent manufacturers’ representatives.  In addition, some of UTMD’s products are sold through specialty distributors, national hospital distribution companies and other medical device manufacturers.  Internationally, products are sold through other medical device companies and through independent medical products distributors.  UTMD has representation in all major developed countries through several hundred distributors, 109 of which purchased at least five thousand dollars in UTMD medical devices during 2010.





UTMD was formed as a Utah corporation in 1978.  UTMD sold stock to the public one time in 1982 for $1,750 (before offering costs of $321).  Since 1992, UTMD has returned $112,177 in the form of share repurchases, and an additional $24,490 in the form of cash dividends, to its public shareholders.





In 1995, Utah Medical Products Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary with manufacturing located in Ireland, was formed to better serve UTMD’s international customers. In 1997, UTMD purchased Columbia Medical, Inc. (CMI), a Redmond, Oregon company specializing in silicone injection molding, assembly and marketing vacuum-assisted obstetrical delivery systems.  In 1998, UTMD acquired the neonatal product line of Gesco International, a subsidiary of Bard Access Systems and C.R. Bard, Inc.  In 2004, UTMD acquired Abcorp, Inc., its supplier of fetal monitoring belts.  Sales of the products, or derivatives of the products, from the three acquisitions noted above, comprised about 40% of UTMD’s 2010 sales.  The net book value of intangible assets (goodwill) remaining on UTMD’s balance sheet at the end of 2010 resulting from the three acquisitions, as a ratio of total 2010 sales, was 29%.





UTMD's corporate offices are located at 7043 South 300 West, Midvale, Utah 84047 USA.  The corporate office telephone number is (801) 566-1200.  Ireland operations are located at Athlone Business and Technology Park, Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland.  The Ireland telephone number is 353 (90) 647-3932.





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PRODUCTS





More complete descriptions including part numbers and pictures of UTMD’s devices can be conveniently obtained atwww.utahmed.com.





Labor and Delivery/ Obstetrics:


Fetal Monitoring Accessories.


The majority of births are considered "higher risk" due to lack of prenatal care, or use of anesthesia, among other factors.  In many of these births, labor may become complicated and does not progress normally.  The obstetrician or perinatologist must assess progression of labor to be able to intervene with drug therapy, infuse a solution to augment amniotic fluid, or ultimately if necessary, perform an operative procedure, and then be prepared for complications immediately following childbirth.





To assist the physician in controlling the effectiveness of administration of oxytocin and monitoring effects of amnioinfusion, contraction intensities, uterine resting tones and peak contraction pressures are closely monitored through the use of an invasive intrauterine pressure catheter system.  In addition, to help identify the possible onset of fetal hypoxia, correlation of the changes in fetal heart rate (FHR) relative to the frequency and duration of contractions are often electronically monitored.  UTMD’s intrauterine pressure (IUP) catheters provide for clinician choices from a traditional fluid-filled system to INTRAN® PLUS, the most widely accepted transducer-tipped system.  In addition, adjunct FHR electrodes, leg plates, toco belts and chart paper are provided by UTMD to complete a package of fetal monitoring supplies.  UTMD’s IUP catheters include:





Ÿ
IUP-075 and UTMD’s other custom fluid-filled clear catheter kits utilize a saline-filled catheter that is placed within the uterine cavity, connected to a separate external reusable or disposable transducer.  This product package, utilizing double lumen catheters, was the traditional mode of intrauterine monitoring prior to the introduction of INTRAN.  An intrauterine pressure change is transmitted through the fluid column to the external pressure transducer.Ÿ
Introduced in 1987, INTRAN was the first disposable intrauterine pressure catheter that placed the pressure transducer at the pressure source within the uterine cavity.  This design eliminated the complicated setup of fluid-filled systems and provided more accurate pressure waveforms.  INTRAN I was discontinued in 1995 in favor of the more widely preferred INTRAN PLUS, also covered by UTMD’s original INTRAN patent.Ÿ
INTRAN PLUS was introduced in 1991.  The INTRAN PLUS catheter combines the transducer tip concept of INTRAN I with a refined tip design, a zeroing switch that allows the clinician to reset the reference of the monitor, and a dedicated amnio lumen which provides access to the amniotic fluid environment which may be helpful in the diagnosis and intervention of certain fetal conditions.  In 1996, a viewport enhancement which allows physicians to observe amniotic fluid in a closed system was added to INTRAN PLUS.  In 1997, UTMD introduced several variations to allow user preferences in tip size, zero switch location and amniotic fluid visualization.





UTMD markets tocodynamometer belts, disposable electrodes, catheters and accessories as outlined above, but does not currently market electronic monitors, the capital equipment that process the electrical signals.  In addition to products currently offered, UTMD intends to continue to investigate and introduce tools that enhance fetal monitoring techniques.





Vacuum-Assisted Delivery Systems (VAD).


UTMD’s VAD Systems include CMI® patented soft silicone bell-shaped birthing cups and patented hand-held vacuum pumps which UTMD believes are the safest products available for use in vacuum-assisted operative deliveries.  UTMD’s patented soft silicone cup is a bell-shaped cup design that should be preferred for fetal well-being in low or outlet fetal stations with occiput anterior presentations, which represent more than 90% of the cases where VAD is indicated.  Operative vaginal deliveries using forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery systems provide knowledgeable physicians with a trial vaginal operative delivery prior to a more invasive C-section intervention.  Although there are risks associated with vaginal operative deliveries which may currently represent 4-7% of all U.S. hospital births, the procedures are generally regarded as safer long term for the mother, and at least as safe for the fetus, as abdominal (Cesarean) delivery in comparable clinical situations.  UTMD estimates that the VAD operative approach is used for about 3-7% of all U.S. births, with forceps as the alternative.  UTMD’s patented bell-shaped soft silicone TENDER TOUCH® cups enjoy a low reported complication rate compared to other vacuum cup designs, as evidenced by the FDA Medical Device Reporting System which reports specific names of products used in hospitals.






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Other Obstetrical Tools.


AROM-COTTM is a finger cover with a patented prong design to rupture maternal membranes with less patient pain and anxiety.  MUC-X is an aspiration device used immediately after birth to clear neonatal respiratory passages and reduce exposure to potential infections.  CORDGUARD® is a product which unifies the multiple steps of clamping the neonate’s cord close to the umbilicus, severing the cord without splattering blood, drawing a clean cord blood sample, and assisting in the removal of the placenta.  CORDGUARD’s sharpless, closed system reduces the risk of exposure to potentially infected blood, and consequently reduces the high cost of exposure treatment under OSHA and CDC guidelines.  In addition, CORDGUARD facilitates obtaining neonatal blood that is otherwise hard to obtain safely and cleanly.  BT-Cath®, is a uterine balloon tamponade catheter for controlling severe postpartum hemorrhage.  Its benefits include the ease of rapid deployment and ability to monitor further bleeding after the tamponade has been placed.  Abcorp toco belts and straps for fetal monitoring by an external tocodynamometer are provided in latex-free form in several configurations.





Neonatal Intensive Care:


DISPOSA-HOODTM


The DISPOSA-HOOD is an infant respiratory hood that is used in the NICU to administer oxygen to neonates and flush CO2 (carbon dioxide) while maintaining a neutral thermal environment critical to proper physiologic responses.  The DISPOSA-HOOD, placed over the infant's head, incorporates a round diffusor connection specifically designed to disperse the incoming gases along the inner surfaces of the hood, rather than allowing them to blow directly on the infant's head.  The design allows more precise FIO2 (fractional inspired oxygen) control, minimizes convective heat loss from the head and provides optimum flows for elimination of CO2 by ventilation. DISPOSA-HOOD, in contrast to an incubator, allows for excellent access to and visualization of the underdeveloped infant.  Because it is a disposable product, it also prevents cross-contamination.





DELTRAN® PLUS


UTMD’s DELTRAN blood pressure monitoring system has been adapted specifically for use in the NICU.  The streamlined version eliminates needles used for blood sampling, avoids the loss of scarce neonatal blood volume and provides a closed system that reduces the risk of infection.  The system features excellent visualization of clearing volume, and one-handed use.





GESCO®


In the third quarter of 1998, UTMD acquired the neonatal product line of Gesco International.  GESCO, best known for innovative silicone catheters, gained an early distinctive reputation for its focus on the special developmental needs of tiny, critically-ill babies.





A class of catheters called umbilical vessel catheters (UVCs) are specially designed for administering vital medications and fluids immediately following birth through the infant’s umbilical vessel into the inferior vena cava.  Because of the neonate’s small size and lack of vascular development, there is no better access to vital organs.  The catheters are also called umbilical artery catheters (UACs) when placed in one of the umbilical arteries to measure blood pressure or monitor metabolic processes through blood analysis.  In developing its UMBILI-CATHTM product line, Gesco pioneered the use of soft, biocompatible silicone catheters, helping to reduce the number of insertions required as well as other complications associated with invasive applications.  UTMD has expanded the UVC product line to include catheters made from a proprietary thermosensitive polyurethane (Tecoflex®) that offers many of the flexibility and biocompatibility advantages of silicone after insertion, with the greater rigidity of polyurethane preferred by many clinicians for insertion. In addition, GESCO provides a convenient catheterization procedure tray of implements and supplies necessary to place UVC catheters, as well as perform other similar procedures.






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The primary distinction of GESCO products is that they were developed with the special needs of the neonate in mind, not just cut-down or smaller versions of adult devices.  For example, in the case of invasive catheters, the introducer, the soft rounded distal tip, mode of securing to the patient after insertion to avoid migration, luer-locking hub with minimal dead space, number of lumens, catheter radiopaque striping for visualization, variations in catheter lengths and diameters and special packaging are all features specially designed for neonates.  UTMD continues to modify product features to incorporate current neonatal nurse practitioner preferences.





The soft, biocompatible silicone catheter concept had important advantages in other applications including peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC lines), enteral feeding tubes, urinary drainage catheters, and chest drainage tubes.  GESCO developed and marketed initial versions of all of these neonatal products.  In order to keep pace with the trend of caring for smaller babies, UTMD has added smaller diameter versions of its URI-CATH® and NUTRI-CATH® products. At the request of customers who prefer a stiffer catheter for insertion, UTMD added a Tecoflex polyurethane oral-connection only Nutri-Cath series in 2009.





In 2000, UTMD gained FDA premarketing clearance of a new PICC family of products specifically designed to minimize trauma to the critically ill neonate, named PICC-NATE®.  The PICC-Nate product line was designed with the input of experienced neonatal nurse practitioners for use as a long-term indwelling catheter system for single-use, therapeutic central venous infusion of drug solutions, blood products or other fluids and for blood sampling.  The soft, strong silicone PICC-Nate comes in two diameter sizes and two hub configurations.  In early 2003, UTMD added a Tecoflex polyurethane version that offers many of the flexibility and biocompatibility advantages of silicone after insertion, with the greater rigidity of polyurethane preferred by many clinicians for insertion.





In 2006, UTMD developed a unique enteral feeding-only extension set named NUTRI-LOK® that addresses important safety risks in the NICU – inadvertent connections with IV lines and inadvertent disconnections of components of the system spanning the dispensing container through the infusion catheter.  NUTRI-LOK was launched to the market in January 2007.  In October 2007, UTMD added dispensing syringes with interlocking connectors to its NUTRI-CATH/NUTRI-LOK family of devices.  In 2008, UTMD expanded the NUTRI-LOK system with specialty extension sets for GI tubes and for continuous connection to a fluid pump. In 2009, UTMD added a Kangaroo bag for larger feeds along with other NUTRI-LOK accessories.





In 2006, UTMD completed the replacement of all DEHP plasticizer PVC materials in its Gesco product line that may come in contact with neonatal patients, addressing another evolving safety concern related specifically to the possible maldevelopment of male neonates.





Other GESCO specialty products include a disposable peritoneal dialysis set that is a pre-assembled, sterile, closed system, called DIALY-NATE®;  a patented silicone oral protection device used to prevent palatal soft tissue injury by orotracheal tubes, called PALA-NATE®; and a lumbar sampling kit with a tiny, specially-beveled needle for obtaining cerebral spinal fluid samples, called MYELO-NATE®.





GESCO’s first patented product, HEMO-NATE®, is a disposable filter designed to remove microaggregates from stored blood prior to transfusion into a neonate where any deficiency can have an overwhelmingly negative impact on a neonate’s chances for survival, given an under-developed vasculature and small total blood volume.  In 2001, UTMD introduced a new filter and an improved blood bag spike for Hemo-Nate, and a needleless version.





In 2011, UTMD will continue to improve and expand its neonatal product line, seeking to reinforce a reputation as having the most developmentally-friendly NICU specialty products in the medical device industry.  In addition to products already offered and being developed internally, UTMD will look to continue to expand sales through international distribution arrangements, and through selective complementary product acquisitions.





Gynecology /Urology /Electrosurgery:


LETZ® System


The LETZ System (loop excision of the transformation zone) is used to excise cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and other lower genital tract lesions related to human papilloma virus (HPV) infections.  The electrosurgery procedure with hemostasis has become the standard of care for HPV cervical infection treatment, replacing cold knife scalpel, laser and cryotherapy procedural approaches because it is economical, safe, effective, quick and easy to perform, has fewer potential side effects, and requires little physician training.  A major incentive for performing the LETZ procedure is that it may be performed using local anesthetic in a physician's office, eliminating the time and expense of hospital or surgical center admittance.  Most importantly clinically, in contrast to laser (tissue ablation) and cryotherapy (freezing of tissue), LETZ provides a fine tissue specimen for pathological assessment.





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UTMD’s LETZ System includes patented disposable electrodes, the patented FINESSE® electrosurgical generator, and other miscellaneous components.  A disposable loop electrode used to excise the tissue specimen is a pencil-like tube with a thin tungsten wire loop attached.  The loop is available in varying sizes and includes a patented Safe-T-Gauge® that can be positioned so the physician can accurately colposcopically monitor the amount of tissue being excised. Excising too much tissue can compromise fertility and result in premature birth. UTMD continues to augment its specialty electrodes.  For example, the Company introduced a patented conization electrode for deep endocervical disease called C-LETZ®, designed to limit the removal of healthy tissue margins that might compromise adequate cervical function.  UTMD also will continue to provide adapters and other components which allow its market-leading specialty electrodes to be used with other manufacturers’ electrosurgical generators.  The FINESSE electrosurgical generator is the only generator on the market that contains an integral smoke evacuator, required to filter smoke and vapors that contain potentially hazardous particulate material produced during electrosurgery.





As a result of the 2007 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) revised guidelines for the treatment of CIN, which advised greater monitoring of lower grade lesions in lieu of surgical treatment, UTMD observed approximately a 10% decline in use of LETZ electrodes from a consistent gynecology customer base.  The effect of the new guidelines now seems to have stabilized.





FINESSE® Generator; Specialty Loop, Ball, and Needle Electrodes; FILTRESSE® Evacuator; Other Specialty Electrodes; Other Supplies and Gynecologic Tools.


UTMD has FDA clearance to market its electrosurgical system and tools for use in general surgery applications, including dermatology, plastic surgery and otolaryngology.  In 2002, UTMD introduced a product line of ultra-fine tipped microdissection needles, called OptiMicroTM Needles.  These electrosurgical needles are particularly useful in small-scale plastic and reconstructive surgery applications.  In 2009, UTMD added extended length OptiMicro needle versions useful in certain head and neck procedures. FILTRESSE is a stand-alone surgical smoke filtration system that combines high filtration efficiency, low cost and convenient use in a surgical office setting. Other electrosurgery tools and accessories include disposable electrosurgical pens, dispersive pads, footswitches, filter packs, speculums, retractors, forceps, tenacula and hooks.  UTMD acquired the distribution rights to a unique reusable four-way expander system which facilitates access to, and visualization of, the cervix, eliminating the need for less effective specula and lateral retractors.  In 2007, UTMD developed OptiSpec®, a patented ultra-bright light for cervical visualization without physician distraction during exams, pap smears and other vaginal procedures requiring direct cervical visualization without the use of a colposcope. In late 2009, UTMD entered into a distribution agreement for the CompuMed anesthesia injection system for providing computer-controlled, accurate, and pain-free injection of Lidocaine in LETZ procedures.





EPITOME®


EPITOME is a patented electrosurgical scalpel which delivers precise performance in incision and excision with hemostasis while minimizing thermal side effects.  Where rapid yet precise dissection of dense tissue is necessary, such as in mammaplasty or abdominoplasty, UTMD believes that EPITOME has no close substitute.  Furthermore, an independent study concludes that the EPITOME scalpel provides a significant improvement over older devices in wound healing and patient comfort.  EPITOME allows a rapid incision without countertraction, yielding limited morbidity, less post-surgical pain and cosmetically superior results.   EPITOME is useful where minimization of thermal tissue injury is important but control of bleeding needed.  A patented bendable version of EPITOME with a smaller active electrode was introduced in 1998.  Designed to significantly reduce the chance of tissue burns due to inadvertent electrode contact and where a smaller, bent scalpel tip is needed, the bendable EPITOME is of particular value, e.g., to thoracic surgeons in harvesting the internal mammary artery during coronary artery bypass surgery, as well as to otolaryngologists for tonsillectomies or uvulapalatalplasties.








5





LIBERTY® System


LIBERTY is a device for the conservative treatment and effective control of urinary incontinence in women.  UTMD believes that LIBERTY is the easiest-to-use, most cost effective incontinence treatment available that yields a therapeutic effect, not just a cover-up. LIBERTY consists of a battery operated electrical stimulation unit and an intravaginal electrode probe.  This physiotherapy technique, which can be done in the privacy of the home, involves passive strengthening of the periurethral muscles.  Pulsed, low voltage, high frequency current is applied primarily to the pudendal neuromuscular tissue causing the pelvic area muscles to contract, leading to better muscle tone.  Because electrical stimulation has no known adverse side effects, LIBERTY provides women suffering from mild to moderate incontinence an effective, lower cost and lower risk alternative to more traumatic treatments such as surgery and drug therapy.





PATHFINDER PLUSTM


PATHFINDER PLUS is a proprietary endoscopic irrigation device that allows a uro/gyn surgeon to precisely irrigate, clearing the visual field, with the same hand that controls the endoscope, eliminating the need for a separate assistant to irrigate without visualization.  An example of a procedure where Pathfinder has found success is ureteroscopic stone ablation.





ENDOCURETTETM


In cooperation with Mayo Clinic, UTMD developed an advanced curette for uterine endometrial tissue sampling in the doctor’s office.  The sampling procedure is intended primarily to rule out precancer or cancerous change of the uterus in premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding, or women with postmenopausal bleeding.  The device is part of a class of catheters designed to be used without dilitation of the cervix and without general anesthetic.  The inherent weakness of this type of device, which is related to its small size, is that it may not remove enough tissue of the endometrium for an accurate histologic assessment, in contrast to a more invasive D&C hospital procedure.  The patented tip of the EndoCurette was designed to obtain a more thorough tissue specimen without the need for dilitation, and without an increase in patient discomfort.





TVUS/HSG-CathTM


In order to further assess persistent abnormal or dysfunctional uterine bleeding and other suspected abnormalities of the uterus, or as a next step after endometrial tissue sampling with an EndoCurette, gynecologists are increasingly utilizing transvaginal ultrasound imaging of the uterus.  UTMD’s TVUS/HSG-Cath was designed to provide effective cervical occlusion that allows distention of the uterus to differentiate anterior and posterior endometrium, among other irregularities, together with minimal visual obstruction of the uterus near the internal os.  In addition, the TVUS/HSG-Cath may be used in hysterosalpingography radiographic procedures to assess the patency of fallopian tubes.  A patent has been filed on the design of the TVUS/HSG-Cath, which was released for marketing in October 2007.





LUMIN®


LUMIN® is a patented gynecological tool developed by UTMD for reliably and safely manipulating the uterus in laparoscopic procedures.  LUMIN combines the strength, range of motion and versatility of the higher end reusable instruments with the lower cost and cleanliness of the inexpensive less functional disposable instruments presently on the market, while at the same time reducing the number of tools needed to move and secure the uterus.





Blood Pressure Monitoring:


DELTRAN® Disposable Pressure Transducer (DPT)


In pressure monitoring, a transducer is used to convert physiological (mechanical) pressure into an electrical signal that is displayed on electronic monitoring equipment.  UTMD developed, patented and is now distributing its disposable transducer as a stand-alone product, and as a component in sterile blood pressure monitoring kits through direct representatives and other medical companies in the U.S., as well as independent distributors and other medical device companies internationally.





The Company believes that the DELTRAN DPT which it designed over twenty years ago (original patents have expired), and currently manufactures, remains the standard in terms of accuracy, reliability and ease of use.  UTMD has an automated assembly line which allows the Company to effectively compete with larger suppliers on the basis of consistent quality and low manufacturing costs.  Introduced in 1998, the DELTRAN PLUS provides a closed system for blood sampling, without the use of needles, reducing the risk of an unwanted infection for both the patient and the practitioner.  In 2009, in conjunction with its other NICU devices, UTMD continued to configure neonatal Deltran custom kits which satisfy the special needs of conserving limited blood volume and protecting the neonate from infection.






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Pressure Monitoring Accessories, Components and Other Molded Parts.


Components included in blood pressure monitoring kit configurations include flush devices, stopcocks, fluid administration sets, caps, pressure tubing, interface cables and organizers.  The Company sells similar components designed for other medical device company applications which incorporate UTMD’s technologies and designs.  DELTA-CALTM is a calibration device used to check proper functioning of an arterial pressure system.  In addition, UTMD sells plastic molded parts on a subcontract basis to a number of medical and non-medical device companies.  In addition, partly as a result of its excellent quality system and ISO13485 certification, UTMD performs subcontract assembly, testing and packaging of components that are proprietary to other medical device firms.  UTMD believes that this practice helps better utilize its investment in fixed plant and equipment, and spreads overhead costs resulting in better profit margins on finished device sales.





MARKETING and COMPETITION





UTMD divides its sales into three categories: 1) “domestic direct sales” which are sales to U.S. end user customers directly from UTMD or through medical supply distributors, 2) “domestic OEM sales” which are component sales to other companies in the U.S. where products are packaged and resold as part of another company’s finished product offerings and 3) “international sales” which are finished device and component sales to entities outside the U.S.





1)  Domestic direct sales.


For domestic direct sales, which in 2010 represented 64% of total consolidated worldwide sales, marketing efforts are complex and fragmented.  UTMD’s marketing focus is with clinicians who take responsibility for obtaining optimal patient care outcomes, primarily through clinical meetings and trade shows.  In competitive bidding processes, UTMD works primarily with administrators who are responsible for hospital purchasing decisions.





UTMD competes primarily on the basis of improved patient safety and reliable device performance in the hands of a trained clinician.  A number of UTMD’s devices are strong brands because they are well-recognized by clinicians as clinically different and have been in use for decades.  UTMD’s broad offering of finished devices is comprised of dozens of specialty device types.  Although there may be only a few competitors for each type, in the aggregate UTMD has dozens of U.S. medical device competitors.  There are at least two competitors with significant market share for each of UTMD’s device types.





As a general rule, because of UTMD’s differences in design and manufacturing reliability, competitors’ devices represent substitutes rather than equivalent devices.  The Company’s primary marketing challenge is to keep its customers focused on those differences and their important clinical benefits.  In recent years, UTMD’s access to hospital clinicians has become increasingly restricted and the involvement of clinicians in medical device purchasing decisions, which is critical to the Company’s success, has declined.  To the degree hospitals become less focused on patient safety and clinical outcomes and more on out-of-pocket unit price, UTMD’s competitive position weakens.





2)  Domestic OEM sales.


In 2010, UTMD sold components and finished devices to 145 other companies in the U.S., representing about 6% of total sales.  Ten percent of these customers represented 69% of UTMD’s 2010 OEM sales.  For over 30 years, the Company has utilized its manufacturing capabilities and engineering know-how to produce high quality components for other companies.  Because it is well-known in that regard, UTMD does not actively market its OEM business.  UTMD’s website, which lists its capabilities, is often the basis for contacts for new OEM work.





Although there are hundreds of manufacturers in the U.S. with similar manufacturing capabilities, UTMD’s primary competition comes from East Europe, India and China device component manufacturers which have much lower wage rate structures.  To the extent that the U.S. Dollar gains strength in any period of time against foreign currencies, UTMD’s ability to be cost-competitive with foreign manufacturers is additionally diminished.






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3)  International sales.


With only a few exceptions, UTMD’s international sales are to other companies and distributors, not to clinical users.  UTMD relies on those third party representatives to market its products in their geographic territories.  In 2010, sales to 316 international customers represented 31% of total sales. Ten percent of these customers represented 80% of UTMD’s 2010 international sales.





UTMD’s marketing efforts focus on soliciting new distribution partners in geographic areas where it lacks adequate representation.  UTMD’s website provides information that frequently results in unsolicited contacts from foreign entities.  The Company has thousands of competitors worldwide.  Because UTMD primarily conducts its international business through third parties, it is not able to identify which sales are for direct clinical users and which are OEM.





DISTRIBUTION





An important success factor in the current healthcare industry is access to customers.  Although the U.S. hospital supplier environment has been consolidating as a result of group purchasing organizations (GPOs), or their equivalents, the financial relationships and true benefits for hospitals has come under increased scrutiny, both by hospitals’ managements themselves and by the government.  As a potential positive factor to UTMD’s future performance, the increased scrutiny may lead to an understanding consistent with UTMD’s belief that hospitals are not currently saving money under the GPO contracts.





In addition, the longer term overall cost of care will continue to increase, with quality of care lower, as innovative suppliers are excluded from participating in the marketplace as a result of unnecessary regulatory and other purely administrative burdens.  The length of time and number of administrative steps required in evaluating new products for use in hospitals has grown substantially in recent years.  As a potential negative factor to future performance, as UTMD introduces new products it believes are safer and more effective, it may find itself excluded from certain customers because of the existence of long term supply agreements for existing products.  UTMD may also be unable to establish viable relationships with other medical device companies that do have access to users but lack an interest in the Company’s approach or demand too great a financial or administrative burden.





In the U.S., UTMD sells its products through its own directly employed sales force and through selective independent manufacturer representatives.  The direct representatives concentrate on applications for UTMD products where customer training and support may be important.  As of February 2011, the direct sales force is comprised both of “outside” representatives operating remotely in specific geographic areas, and “inside” representatives who operate primarily by telephone from corporate offices.  Direct representatives are trained to understand the medical procedures being performed within UTMD’s clinical focus.  Through the use of its one-on-one contacts with physicians and other clinical practitioners directly involved in patient care, the direct sales force positions UTMD to gain market leadership with solutions to clinical problems.  In addition to its direct representatives, UTMD utilizes third party consulting clinical specialists to augment its customer training programs.





When hospital customers request it, UTMD provides its products through national distribution companies, also known as Med/Surg distributors.  Sales to Med/Surg distributors currently comprise about 10% of total domestic direct sales.  In contrast, fourteen years ago, national distributors and independent stocking distributors in the U.S. represented more than 65% of UTMD’s direct domestic Ob/Gyn and Neonatal products business.





In addition to the above traditional sales approaches, UTMD encourages customers to take advantage of fast and easy online ordering at https://storefront.utahmed.com. UTMD introduced this advanced “portal” website in 2006. It provides a convenient and secure method for placing orders, allows the customer to easily monitor the status of orders and shipments, simplifies the reordering process and gives quick access to account information.





Additionally, UTMD sells component parts to other companies for use with their product lines.  This OEM distribution channel effort is simply maximizing utilization of manufacturing capabilities that are otherwise needed for UTMD's primary business, and does not compete with or dilute UTMD’s direct distribution and marketing programs.


Internationally, the Company sells its products through over 300 regional distributors and OEMs (other medical device manufacturers and/or distributors).  The international business is driven by the initiative and resourcefulness of those independent distributors.  UTMD’s Internet website www.utahmed.com is a frequent conduit for international customer inquiries.


8





NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT





New product development has been a key ingredient to UTMD’s market identity.  Product development takes three interrelated forms: 1) improvements, enhancements and extensions of current product lines in response to clinical needs or clinician requests, 2) introduction of new or augmented devices that represent a significant improvement in safety, effectiveness and/or cost of care, and 3) acquisitions of products or technology from others.  Manufacturing process development is an equally important aspect that cannot be separated from the successful design and development of new products.





Because of UTMD’s reputation as a focused product developer, its financial strength and its established clinician user base, it enjoys a substantial inflow of new product development ideas.  Internal development, joint development, product acquisitions and licensing arrangements are all included as viable options in the investigation of opportunities.  Only a small percentage of ideas survive feasibility screening.  For internal development purposes, projects are assigned to a project manager who assembles an interdisciplinary, cross-functional development team.  The team’s objective is to have a clinically acceptable, manufacturable and FDA released product ready for marketing by a specific date.  Approximately ten projects on the average, depending on the level of resources required, are underway at UTMD at any given time.  More than 50% of assigned projects do not succeed in attaining a product that meets all of the Company’s criteria.  In particular, this includes a product that is highly reliable, easy to use, cost-effective, safe, useful and differentiated from the competition. Once a product is developed, tooled, fully tested and cleared for marketing by the FDA, there remains a reasonable probability it cannot be successfully marketed for any number of reasons, not the least of which is being beaten to the market by a competitor with a better solution, or not having access to users because of limitations in marketing and distribution resources or exclusionary contracts of GPOs.





UTMD’s current product development projects are in three areas of focus: 1) labor & delivery, 2) neonatal intensive care, and 3) specialized procedures for the assessment and treatment of cervical/uterine disease.  Internal product development expenses are expected to be in the range of 1-2% of sales in 2011.  In 2010, 2009 and 2008 respectively, new product development expenses were $397 (1.6% of sales), $361 (1.4% of sales) and $359 (1.3% of sales).





EMPLOYEES





At December 31, 2010, the Company had 160 employees, and an additional twelve contract employees.  The contract employees represent UTMD’s desire to provide handicapped persons additional work opportunities, hired through the Utah state-supported Work Activity Center.  The average tenure of UTMD’s employees is over twelve years, which conveys an important benefit due to the level of training required to produce consistently high quality medical devices.  The Company's continued success will depend to a large extent upon its ability to retain skilled employees.  No assurances can be given that the Company will be able to retain or attract such employees in the future, although management is committed to providing an attractive environment in which reliable, creative and high achieving people wish to work.





None of the Company's officers or directors is bound by restrictive covenants from prior employers that limit their ability to contribute to UTMD’s programs.  All professional employees sign a code of conduct and a confidentiality and non-compete agreement as a condition of employment, and as consideration for receipt of stock option awards and participation in the annual sales and management bonus program.  All employees participate in contemporaneous performance-based bonus programs.  None of the Company's employees is represented by labor unions or other collective bargaining groups.





9


PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND TECHNOLOGY LICENSES





The Company owns or exclusively licenses twenty unexpired patents, has four patents pending and is the licensee of certain other technology.  There can be no assurance, however, that patents will be issued with respect to any pending applications, that marketable products will result from the patents or that issued patents can be successfully defended in a patent infringement situation.  The Company also owns twenty-three U.S. registered trademarks which have achieved significant brand recognition.





The ability of the Company to achieve commercial success depends in part on the protection afforded by its patents and trademarks.  However, UTMD believes that the protections afforded by patents and trademarks are less important  to  UTMD’s business, taken as a whole,  than a medical device’s incremental clinical utility, which may be dominated by a number of other factors including relative cost, ease of use, ease of training/adoption, perceived clinical value of different design features, risk of use in applicable procedures, the reliability of achieving a desired outcome in the hands of different users and market access to potential users.  In cases where competitors introduce products that may infringe on UTMD’s technology, the Company has an obligation to its shareholders to defend its intangible property to the extent that it can afford to do so, and that it is material to the Company’s success.  The Company must also defend itself when competitors allege that UTMD may be infringing their technology.





As a matter of policy, UTMD has acquired and will continue to acquire the use of technology from third parties that can be synergistically combined with UTMD proprietary product ideas.  During 2010, ongoing royalties included in cost of goods sold were $2.  Other royalties have been previously paid as a lump sum, or were incorporated into the price of acquisitions or into the cost of purchased components which practice certain patents of third parties.  Also as a matter of policy, UTMD licenses its proprietary technology to others in circumstances where licensing does not directly compete with UTMD's own marketing initiatives.  UTMD’s future financial performance may also depend on the marketing ability of other companies that license UTMD’s technology.  During 2010 and 2009 the Company did not receive royalty income, compared to royalty income of $450 received in 2008. The patents expired in late 2008 under which the $450 annual royalty income of the previous years was received.





GOVERNMENT REGULATION





UTMD's products and manufacturing processes are subject to regulation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”), as well as other regulatory bodies globally.  The FDA has authority to regulate the marketing, manufacturing, labeling, packaging and distribution of medical devices in the U.S.  In addition, requirements exist under other federal laws and under state, local and foreign statutes that may apply to the manufacturing and marketing of the Company's medical devices.





All manufacturers of medical devices must register with the FDA and list all medical devices produced by them.   In addition, prior to commercial distribution of some devices for human use, a manufacturer must file a notice with the FDA, setting forth certain information regarding the safety and effectiveness of the device that is acceptable in content to the FDA.





Devices which are classified in Class I are subject only to the general controls concerning adulteration, misbranding, good manufacturing practices, record keeping and reporting requirements.  Devices classified in Class II must, in addition, comply with special controls or performance standards promulgated by the FDA.





All of UTMD’s present products are unclassified, Class I or Class II devices.  The Company is in compliance with all applicable U.S. regulatory standards including CFR Part 820, the FDA Quality System Regulation (QSR) effective in 1997, also known as cGMPs (current good manufacturing practices).   The Company’s most recent FDA inspection was in March 2010, which did not result in the issuance of any FDA-483 observations.





In 1994, UTMD received certification of its quality system under the ISO9001/EN46001 standards (“ISO” stands for “International Organization of Standardization”) which it maintained until December 2003.  In October 2003, UTMD’s Utah facility was certified under the more stringent ISO13485 standard for medical devices. UTMD’s Ireland facility was certified under the concomitant ISO13488 standard.  In July 2006, both facility ISO certifications were upgraded to the even more stringent ISO13485:2003 standards, which continue to be maintained.  UTMD remains on a continuous periodic audit schedule by its independent notified body in order to stay current with international regulatory standards, and retain its certification. The most recent audit was conducted in January 2010. UTMD has received CE Mark certifications (demonstrates proof of compliance with the European Community’s ISO standards) for essentially all of its products.  The U.S. FDA QSR was developed in harmony with the ISO standards.





10


SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS





Most of the components which the Company purchases from various vendors are readily available from a number of sources.  Alternative sourcing of various components is continually underway.  Vendors are qualified by Corporate Quality Assurance. The Company has a vendor quality monitoring program that includes routinely checking incoming material for conformance to specifications, as required per written procedures.





EXPORTS





UTMD continues to regard the international marketplace as an important element of its growth strategy.   UTMD is keenly aware that not only are international markets different from the U.S. market, but also that each country has its own set of driving influences that affects the dynamics of the nature of care given and medical devices used.  In 1996 UTMD completed construction of a manufacturing facility in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland.  The facility offers a number of advantages: 1) from a marketing point of view, better response to European Union customers, including a better understanding of customer needs, less costly distribution and duty-free access to 500 million patients; 2) from a regulatory point of view, faster new product introductions; and 3) from a manufacturing point of view, reduced dependence on one manufacturing site and increased capacity for existing U.S. facilities.





Revenues from customers outside the U.S. in 2010 were $7,690 (31% of total sales), compared to $7,291 (28% of total sales) in 2009 and $8,668 (31% of total sales) in 2008.  International sales in 2010 increased $399 or 5% compared to 2009.





Blood pressure monitoring devices represented 50% of 2010 international sales, the same as in 2009, compared to 58% in 2008.  International Ob/Gyn and neonatal product sales were $3,836 in 2010, compared to $3,614 in 2009 and $3,612 in 2008.  For financial information by geographic area, please see notes 1, 5, 8 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.





BACKLOG





“Backlog” is defined as orders received and accepted by UTMD which have not shipped yet.  As a supplier of primarily disposable hospital products, the nature of UTMD’s business requires fast response to customer orders.  Virtually all direct shipments to end users are accomplished within a few days of receipt of customer purchase orders.  Consequently, UTMD’s backlog at any point in time is comprised mainly of orders from OEM and international customers, which purchase in larger quantities at less frequent intervals.  Backlog shippable in less than 90 days was $847 as of January 1, 2011, $589 as of January 1, 2010 and $685 as of January 1, 2009.





SEASONAL ASPECTS





The Company's business is generally not affected by seasonal factors.





PRODUCT LIABILITY RISK MANAGEMENT





The risk of product liability lawsuits is a negative factor in the medical device business because devices are frequently used in inherently risky situations to help clinicians achieve a more positive outcome than what might otherwise be the case.  In any lawsuit against a company where an individual plaintiff suffers permanent physical injury, a possibility of a large award for damages exists whether or not a causal relationship exists.  However, no such damages have been awarded against UTMD in its 32 year history.


UTMD is self-insured for product liability risk and reserves funds against its current performance on an ongoing basis to provide for its defense should any lawsuits be filed.  The best defense the Company believes that it has is the consistent conformance to specifications of its proven safe and effective products.  Over the time span of the last seventeen years, UTMD has been named as a defendant, along with each attending physician and hospital, in four lawsuits which involved a patient injury.  All four were related to operative vaginal deliveries where a UTMD VAD birthing cup or hand pump was used by the surgeon.  The VADS devices in all four cases did conform to specifications.  UTMD was ultimately dismissed as a defendant in all of the lawsuits, and legal costs were not material to performance.  During the referenced seventeen year period of time, in which more than 20 million UTMD finished devices were used, no other UTMD product was the subject of a patient injury which resulted in a lawsuit.  However, UTMD was recently named as the defendant in one other lawsuit regarding the use of its endometrial biopsy device where there was no evidence of patient injury. The lawsuit was settled for an immaterial amount to avoid the diversion of management time and substantial costs of litigation, even though UTMD was confident that the case was without merit.  In the current tort system in the U.S., frivolous product liability cases do get filed where aggressive attorneys calculate that a company will find it cheaper to settle for some nominal amount in lieu of substantial defense costs of going to court.


11




FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION





This report contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by management based on information currently available.  When used in this document, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements reflect the current view of the Company respecting future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties stated throughout the document.  Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause the forward statement not to come true as anticipated, believed, projected, expected, or intended.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, projected, estimated, expected or intended.  Financial estimates are subject to change and are not intended to be relied upon as predictions of future operating results, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or disclose revisions to those estimates.





ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS





Legislative healthcare reform in the United States, as embodied in The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (the “Acts”) adds a substantial excise tax slated to begin in 2013, increases administrative costs and may lead to decreased revenues:


The voluminous Acts, administrative rules to enforce the Acts and promised efforts to reform the Acts, make the U.S. medical device marketplace unpredictable, particularly for the thousands of small medical device manufacturers including UTMD that do not have the overhead structure that the large companies can afford.  To the extent that the Acts place additional burdens on small medical device companies in the form of an excise tax on medical device sales, additional oversight of marketing and sales activities and new reporting requirements, the result is likely to be negative for UTMD’s ability to effectively compete and support continued investments in new product development and marketing of specialty devices.





Increasing regulatory burdens including premarketing approval delays may result in significant loss of revenue, unpredictable costs and loss of management focus on helping the Company thrive:


The Company’s experience in 2001-2005, when the FDA sought to shut it down highlights the ongoing risk of being subject to a regulatory environment which can be arbitrary and capricious.  The risks associated with such a circumstance relate not only to the substantial costs of litigation in millions of dollars, but also loss of business, the diversion of attention of key employees for an extended period of time, from new product development and routine quality control management activities, and a tremendous psychological and emotional toll on employees.





Since the FDA reserves to itself the interpretation of which vague industry standards comprise law at any point in time, it is impossible for any medical device manufacturer to ever be confident that it is operating within the Agency’s version of the law.  The result is that companies, including UTMD are considered guilty prior to proving their innocence.  New premarketing submission rules may increase development costs and result in delays to revenues from new or improved products.


The growth of Group Purchasing Organizations adds non-productive costs, typically weakens the Company’s marketing and sales efforts and may result in lower revenues:
 GPOs, theoretically acting as bargaining agents for member hospitals, but actually collecting revenues from the companies that they are negotiating with, have made a concerted effort to turn medical devices that convey special patient safety advantages and better health outcomes, like UTMD’s, into commodities. GPOs have been granted an antitrust exemption by the U.S. Congress. Otherwise, their business model based on “kickbacks” would be a violation of law.  These bureaucratic entities do not recognize the overall cost of care as it relates to safety and effectiveness of devices, and they create a substantial administrative burden that is primarily related to collection of their administrative fees.


12




As the healthcare industry becomes increasingly bureaucratic it puts smaller companies like UTMD at a competitive disadvantage:


An aging population and an extended economic recession are placing greater burdens on healthcare systems, particularly hospitals.  The length of time and number of administrative steps required in adopting new products for use in hospitals has grown substantially in recent years.  Smaller companies like UTMD typically do not have the administrative resources to deal with broad new administrative requirements, resulting in either loss of revenue or increased costs.  As UTMD introduces new products it believes are safer and more effective, it may find itself excluded from certain customers because of the existence of long term supply agreements for preexisting products, particularly from competitors which offer hospitals a broader range of products.  Restrictions used by hospital administrators to limit clinician involvement in device purchasing decisions makes communicating UTMD’s clinical advantages much more difficult.





A product liability lawsuit could result in significant legal expenses and a large award against the Company:


UTMD’s devices are frequently used in inherently risky situations to help physicians achieve a more positive outcome than what might otherwise be the case.  In any lawsuit where an individual plaintiff suffers permanent physical injury, the possibility of a large award for damages exists whether or not a causal relationship exists.





The Company’s reliance on third parties to market its products overseas results in less predictable international revenues:


UTMD’s international distributors have varying expertise in marketing and selling specialty medical devices.  They also sell other devices that may result in less focus on the Company’s products.  International sales may be negatively impacted by other factors of unpredictable magnitude, including: 1) liquidity of distributors, 2) strength and timing of economic recovery in overseas markets, 3) value of the U.S. Dollar in foreign exchange, 4) changes in U.S. government trade policies and the resulting reactions of other governments, particularly if the U.S. becomes more protectionist, and 5) changes in international regulatory requirements and possible restrictions for medical devices.





The loss of one or more key employees could negatively affect UTMD performance:


In a small company with limited resources, the distraction or loss of key personnel at any point in time may be disruptive to performance.  The Company’s benefits programs are key to recruiting and retaining talented employees.  The rapid increase in UTMD’s employee healthcare plan costs, for example, may cause the Company to have to reduce coverages which in turn represents a risk to retaining key employees.





ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS





None





ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES





Office and Manufacturing Facilities.


At the beginning of 2011, the Company's operations were located in 110,000 square feet of facilities near Salt Lake City, Utah, and a 77,000 square foot facility in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland.  During 2010 the Company expanded its Midvale, Utah facility which allowed consolidation of injection molding operations previously located in Redmond, Oregon.  UTMD owns all of its property and facilities, with the exception of a long-term lease with 21 years remaining on one section of its Midvale parking lot.


UTMD is a vertically-integrated manufacturing company.  Capabilities include silicone and plastics-forming operations including injection molding, insert and over-molding, thermoforming and extrusion; sensor production; manual and automated assembly of mechanical, electrical and electronic components; parts printing; various testing modalities; advanced packaging in clean room conditions; and a machine shop for mold-making and fabrication of assembly tools and fixtures.  Capabilities also include an R&D laboratory for both electronic and chemical processes, software development resources, communications and computer systems networked real time internationally, and administrative offices.


13




ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS





The Company may be a party from time to time in litigation incidental to its business.  Presently, there is no litigation for which the Company believes the outcome may be material to its financial results.





ITEM 4 - RESERVED








14





PART II





ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES





Market Information.


UTMD's common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market (symbol:UTMD).  The following table sets forth the high and low sales price information as reported by NASDAQ for the periods indicated:





2010


2009High


Low


High


Low1st Quarter

$
29.82


$
26.06


$
24.90


$
21.312nd Quarter


29.00



24.76



26.87



20.143rd Quarter


29.51



24.11



30.01



26.114th Quarter


30.46



26.02



30.21



27.80





Stockholders.


The approximate number of beneficial stockholders of UTMD’s common stock as of March 2, 2011 was 2,000.





Dividends.


The following sets forth cash dividends declared or paid during the past two years:





Record Date

Payable Date

PerShareAmountMarch 13, 2009

April 3, 2009

$
0.230June 16. 2009

July 6, 2009


0.230September 16, 2009

October 5, 2009


0.230December 16, 2009

December 30, 2009


0.235March 12, 2010

April 2, 2010


0.235June 15, 2010

July 2, 2010


0.235September 16, 2010

October 5, 2010


0.235December 15, 2010

December 30, 2010


0.9602009 total paid per share

$
0.9252010 total paid per share

$
1.665





Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.


UTMD did not purchase any of its own securities during fourth quarter 2010.  During 2010, UTMD purchased 17,570 of its shares for $439 including commissions and fees, compared to 5,367 shares for $116 in 2009 and 320,905 shares for $7,792 in 2008.





15





ITEM 6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


Dollar amounts are in thousands, except per share data.





The following selected consolidated financial data of UTMD and its subsidiaries for the five years ended December 31, 2010, are derived from the audited financial statements and notes of UTMD and its subsidiaries, certain of which are included in this report.  The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with UTMD’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes included elsewhere in this report.




Year Ended December 312010


2009


2008


2007


2006Net Sales

$
25,121


$
25,916


$
27,782


$
28,502


$
28,753Net Income


6,014



6,258



7,205



7,905



8,168Earnings Per Common Share (Diluted)


1.65



1.72



1.86



1.98



2.02Total Assets


41,238



41,754



38,821



45,986



44,187Working Capital


23,239



24,472



21,511



26,767



25,030Long-term Debt


909



1,403



1,828



3,689



4,383Cash Dividends Per Common Share


1.665



0.925



1.13



0.87



0.74Quarterly Data for 2010First Quarter


Second Quarter


Third Quarter


Fourth QuarterNet Sales





$
6,436


$
6,276


$
6,201


$
6,208Gross Profit






3,323



3,267



3,336



3,284Net Income






1,527



1,467



1,512



1,509Earnings Per Common Share (Diluted)






.42



.40



.42



.41Quarterly Data for 2009First Quarter


Second Quarter


Third Quarter


Fourth QuarterNet Sales





$
6,445


$
6,305


$
6,673


$
6,493Gross Profit






3,500



3,335



3,500



3,455Net Income






1,592



1,504



1,615



1,547Earnings Per Common Share (Diluted)






.44



.42



.44



.42





16





ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Dollar amounts are in thousands except per-share amounts and where noted.





The following comments should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements.





Overview


Despite a 3% decline in consolidated sales and a 4% decline in eps in 2010, UTMD continued excellent overall financial performance. The profitability allowed the Company to continue UTMD’s consistent long-term program of providing excellent shareholder returns including payment of dividends and share repurchases.  Measures of the Company’s liquidity and overall financial condition in 2010 built on an already strong condition at the end of 2009. For example, UTMD’s current ratio (current assets to current liabilities) remained high at 13 despite payment of a $3,474 special dividend to shareholders just before the end of the year.  UTMD’s total debt ratio (total liabilities to total assets) decreased to 8% from 9% at the end of 2009 despite the fact that UTMD paid out all of its net profits in dividends to shareholders in 2010.  Shareholder dividends reduce a company’s net worth.  Ending days in accounts receivable decreased to 42 from 43 and A/R over 90 days from invoice date declined to 1.5% of total receivables from 2.0% at the end of 2009.   Inventory balances declined more than sales, yielding higher inventory turns.




Consolidated global sales were down $796.  The decline was due to weaker domestic business, primarily as a result of lower physician-preference device utilization rates in U.S. hospitals.  International sales increased 5% in 2010 after a decline of 16% in 2009.  UTMD’s largest international customer in 2008 purchased $1,824 in UTMD BPM devices in 2008, compared to only $236 in 2009 but $602 in 2010.  International sales of neonatal devices in 2010 increased by $281 or 31%.  UTMD believes that international sales will continue to lead its growth in 2011.  Notwithstanding, there are a number of significant risk factors that may negatively impact UTMD’s international sales, including those listed above under “Risk Factors”.




UTMD’s Ireland subsidiary shipped 40% of UTMD’s total international sales in 2010 compared to 43% in 2009. The difference was essentially due to variation in foreign exchange rates.  If the average conversion rate of UTMD Ltd shipments had been the same in 2010 as 2009, it would have added $200 to international sales and Ireland’s portion of total international sales would have been 42%.  In USD terms, UTMD Ltd shipped 12% of UTMD’s global sales in 2010, and generated 7% of UTMD’s consolidated net profits.  This compares to 12% of global sales and 5% of net profits in 2009.




Domestic sales, comprised of domestic OEM and domestic direct sales, declined $1,194 or about 6%.  Domestic OEM sales were down $98 as other companies reduced inventories in 2010.  Domestic direct sales declined $1,096 primarily due to lower hospital utilization rates of UTMD’s physician-preference devices.




In order to reduce manufacturing overhead costs going forward, UTMD completed a $1,145 expansion of its Utah facilities, and consolidated Oregon operations into Utah during 2010.  Operating expenses continued to be rationalized relative to the changing environment, resulting in operating expenses in 2010 of about 17% as a ratio of sales.





Non-operating income was $29 lower in 2010 compared to 2009 as a result of low interest rates on UTMD’s cash deposits, but the income tax provision rate was also about 1.2 percentage points of EBT (earnings before taxes) lower compared to the consolidated tax rate in 2009.  The lower tax provision rate was primarily due to a larger portion of consolidated pretax income generated in Ireland at much lower income tax rates than in the U.S. Due to a slow economic recovery and continued low interest rates, UTMD expects that its non-operating income may be even lower in 2011, but still targets a net profit margin close to 24% of sales in 2011.





Productivity of Assets and Working Capital.


a)  Assets.  Year-end 2010 total assets were $41,238 compared to $41,754 at the end of 2009. The decrease was due to a $719 decrease in year-end cash and investment balances.  In 2010, UTMD repurchased 17,600 of its shares for $439 and paid $6,030 in dividends to shareholders.  In 2009, UTMD repurchased 5,400 of its shares for $116 and paid $3,337 in dividends to shareholders.  2010 productivity of total assets (average total asset turns = total sales divided by average total assets for the year) was 61% compared to 64% in 2009.  Both years’ asset turns were diminished by UTMD’s substantial cash-equivalent balances. Year-end 2010 and 2009 cash and investment balances were $18,536 and $19,255, representing 45% and 46% of total assets, respectively.  Excluding average cash and investment balances, average total asset turns were 1.11 in 2010 and 1.14 in 2009.  In 2011, total assets excluding cash and investment balances are expected to remain less than annual sales, which benefits return on average shareholders equity (ROE).






17





Property, plant and equipment (PP&E) assets are comprised of Utah and Ireland manufacturing molds, production tooling and equipment, test equipment, computer/communications equipment and software, and facilities.  In 2010, net consolidated PP&E (depreciated book value of all fixed assets) increased $617 as a result of $563 in depreciation, capital expenditures of $1,532 and the effect of currency exchange rates on PP&E in Ireland.  The net book value of PP&E in the U.S. increased $1,040, and in Ireland decreased $423.  The year-end 2010 net book value (after accumulated depreciation) of consolidated PP&E was 33% of actual acquisition cost.  Since UTMD’s PP&E is in good working order and capable of supporting increased sales activity, the continued productivity of fixed assets will remain a source of future profitability.  In 2010, the Utah facility was expanded to house the transfer of equipment from consolidation of Oregon operations.  In 2011, new PP&E purchases are not expected to exceed depreciation of fixed assets.





Despite 3% lower 2010 sales, year-end inventories decreased 9% from the beginning of the year, and average 2010 inventory turns improved to 3.7 from 3.6 in 2009. Net (after allowance for doubtful accounts) year-end trade accounts receivable (A/R) balances decreased $156, or 5%.  The resulting average days in A/R on December 31, 2010 of 42 days, based on 4Q 2010 shipments, was down from 43 days at the end of 2009. This performance remained well within management’s continuing objective of 55 days.  A/R over 90 days from invoice date at year-end 2010 were 1.5% of total A/R, down from 2.0% at the end of 2009. The Company believes the older A/R will be collected or are within its reserve balances for uncollectible accounts.





Working capital at year-end 2010 was $23,239 compared to $24,472 at year-end 2009.  The difference was mainly due to a $719 decrease in cash and investments and a $310 decrease in inventories. Both of those year-end working capital amounts exceed UTMD’s needs for internally financing growth in normal operations. UTMD’s year-end current ratio decreased to 13.2 from 14.9 primarily due to the use of cash for a one-time special dividend near the end of 2010 which reduced cash by $2,625 more than the dividend which was paid at the end of 2009.  For the 2010 year, UTMD paid $6,030 in shareholder cash dividends, compared to $3,337 during 2009.  Noncash year end working capital was $4,703 in 2010 and $5,217 in 2009.  Although the current ratio in 2011 may be diminished by use of cash for share repurchases, dividends or an acquisition, UTMD expects that current assets will continue to be a healthy multiple of current liabilities.





Net (after accumulated amortization) intangible assets, which are comprised of goodwill resulting from acquisitions and the costs of obtaining patents and other intellectual property including technology rights, were $7,346 at the end of 2010 compared to $7,388 at the end of 2009. UTMD’s goodwill balance remained at $7,191. Under current GAAP, goodwill is not expensed unless and until the market value of the acquired entity becomes impaired. The three acquisitions of 1997, 1998 and 2004 continue to be viable parts of UTMD’s overall business, representing 40% of total sales in 2010 when including derivative new devices that ensued the acquisitions. UTMD does not expect the current intangible value of goodwill associated with the acquisitions to become impaired in 2011.  Purchases of other intangibles of $2 in 2010 were offset by $44 in amortization expense. Net intangible assets at the end of 2010 represented 18% of total assets, the same as at the end of 2009.





b) Liabilities. In 2010, UTMD’s total liabilities decreased $326 from the end of 2009.  The resulting 2010-end total debt ratio was 8%, compared to 9% at the end of 2009.  Total liabilities decreased by 9% primarily because the note payable by UTMD’s Ireland subsidiary, UTMD’s only debt, declined by $544 in book value compared to actual principal payments of $413.  The difference resulted from currency exchange in the value of the USD compared to the Euro. In Euro terms (all Euro amounts in this report are in thousands), the note payable declined 27% from €1,158 at the end of 2009 to €849 at the end of 2010.  As a reminder to shareholders, the note was initiated in December 2005 to finance repatriation of profits achieved in Ireland since 1996 through 2005 under The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.  UTMD Ltd. (Ireland) estimates that it will repay this note from profits generated by its operations over the next three years.  Year-end consolidated current liabilities were 8% higher than at year-end 2009 as a result of normal timing differences in year-end accruals and payables.  In addition to liabilities on the balance sheet, UTMD has operating lease and purchase obligations described in note 7.




18


Results of Operations.


a)  Revenues.  Global consolidated sales in 2010 were $25,121, compared to $25,916 in 2009 and $27,782 in 2008.





Domestic sales were $17,431 in 2010, compared to $18,625 in 2009 and $19,113 in 2008. UTMD divides its domestic sales into two distribution categories: “direct sales” which are sales to end user customers by UTMD’s direct sales force, independent commissioned sales reps, specialty distributors and national hospital distribution companies, and “OEM sales” which are component sales to other companies where products are packaged and resold as part of another company’s finished product offerings.  As a percentage of total domestic sales, direct domestic sales were 92% in all three years of 2010, 2009 and 2008.  Therefore, domestic OEM sales were 8% of total domestic sales in each year.  Domestic direct sales represented 64% of global consolidated sales in 2010, compared to 66% in 2009 and 63% in 2008.





International (foreign) sales in 2010 were $7,690 compared to $7,291 in 2009 and $8,668 in 2008.  International sales were 31% of global consolidated sales in 2010, 28% in 2009 and 31% in 2008.  Of the 2010 international sales, 44% were to customers in Europe compared to 42% in 2009 and 55% in 2008.  UTMD’s Ireland subsidiary (UTMD Ltd.) shipped 40% of international sales (in USD terms) in 2010, compared to 43% in 2009 and 46% in 2008.  UTMD Ltd. 2010 trade shipments were up 5% in Euro terms, and down 1% in USD terms, compared to 2009.





UTMD groups its sales into four general product categories:  1) obstetrics, comprised of labor and delivery management tools for monitoring fetal and maternal well-being, for reducing risk in performing difficult delivery procedures and for improving clinician and patient safety;  2) gynecology/ electrosurgery/ urology, comprised of tools for gynecological procedures associated primarily with cervical/ uterine disease including LETZ, endometrial tissue sampling, transvaginal uterine sonography, diagnostic laparoscopy, and other MIS procedures; specialty excision and incision tools; conservative urinary incontinence therapy devices; and urology tools;  3) neonatal critical care, comprised of devices that provide developmentally-friendly care to the most critically ill babies, including providing vascular access, enteral feeding, administering vital fluids, maintaining a neutral thermal environment, providing protection and assisting in specialized applications; and 4) blood pressure monitoring/ accessories/ other, comprised of specialized components as well as molded parts sold on an OEM basis to other companies.  In these four categories, UTMD’s primary revenue contributors enjoy a significant market share and may have differentiated product features protected by patents.





Global revenues by product category:


2010


%


2009


%


2008


%Obstetrics

$
5,940



24


$
6,543



25


$
7,054



25Gynecology/ Electrosurgery/ Urology


5,888



23



6,220



24



6,157



22Neonatal


7,295



29



7,252



28



7,334



27Blood Pressure Monitoring and Accessories*


5,998



24



5,902



23



7,236



26Total:

$
25,121



100


$
25,916



100


$
27,782



100*includes molded components sold to OEM customers.





International revenues by product category:


2010


%


2009


%


2008


%Obstetrics

$
708



9


$
614



8


$
572



7Gynecology/ Electrosurgery/ Urology


1,935



25



2,088



29



2,193



25Neonatal


1,193



16



912



13



847



10Blood Pressure Monitoring and Accessories*


3,854



50



3,677



50



5,056



58Total:

$
7,690



100


$
7,291



100


$
8,668



100*includes molded components sold to OEM customers.





As a summary description of revenues in the above tables:


1.  Obstetrics.  The $603 decline in total obstetrics (L&D) device sales in 2010 was primarily the result of a lower utilization of specialty devices in U.S. hospitals, which UTMD estimates was down about 10% in 2010. The U.S. hospital decline in utilization now seems to have stabilized. In addition, restrictive U.S. GPO administrative agreements continue to violate the mandate by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee in April 2002 that GPOs only allow multi-source contracting and not bundle unlike products when it comes to clinician-preference devices.  In the U.S., 2010 sales of flagship Intran Plus intrauterine pressure catheters (IUPCs) declined $569. UTMD estimates that about 75% of the decline resulted from lower utilization rates in accounts which remain UTMD customers.  Of the remaining 25%, about 20% was due to lost business from restrictive GPO agreements and 5% from lower prices. The silver lining of this decline is that the Company’s reliance on a single product is much less concentrated; i.e., in 2010, U.S. Intran IUPC sales were 15% of total sales compared to 2004 when U.S. IUPC sales were 31% of total sales.




19





2.  Domestic gynecology/ electrosurgery/ urology (ES/gyn) product sales decreased $179 (4%), while International ES/gyn sales declined $153 (7%).  As a result of the 2007 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) revised guidelines for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, which advised greater monitoring of lower grade lesions in lieu of surgical treatment, in the U.S. UTMD observed approximately a 20% decline in use of LETZ electrodes from a consistent gynecology customer base.  The effect of the new guidelines now seems to have stabilized.  The decline in ES/gyn international sales was due to cessation of purchase of UTMD’s Finesse ESU in China.  Sales of ESUs to China were $7 in 2010, $360 in 2009 and $366 in 2008.  This illustrates the risk of selling proprietary devices into the China market, as it is only a matter of time before the product is copied. Ignoring the China distribution change, ES/gyn international sales increased by $202 (12%).




3.  Neonatal critical care device (NICU) sales increased $281 (31%) internationally and decreased $238 (4%) in the U.S.  Hospital utilization rates in the U.S. were lower, whereas international market opportunities for increased NICU device sales continue to exist.




4.  Blood pressure monitoring and accessories (BPM).   U.S. BPM sales decreased $81 (4%), while international BPM sales increased $177 (5%).  Ninety-six percent of UTMD’s 2010 domestic OEM sales were included in the BPM category.  Domestic OEM sales decreased $99 (7%) compared to 2009.  The BPM category includes molded components (some of which are not related to medical devices) sold to other companies for use in their products.  In contrast to the other product categories, international sales of BPM devices comprise most (64% in 2010 and 62% in 2009) of UTMD’s BPM sales. UTMD’s BPM sales depend heavily on successful marketing by international distributors. UTMD’s largest international customer (in 2008) purchased $602 in 2010 compared to $236 in 2009 and $1,824 in 2008.  The U.S. Dollar was about 6% stronger on the average relative to the Euro in 2010 than in 2009.  If the average conversion rate of UTMD Ltd shipments in 2010 had been the same as in 2009, it would have added $200 to international sales and international sales as a whole would have been up 10%.





Looking forward to 2011, UTMD anticipates a slow worldwide economic recovery, continued pressure on prices and continued austere utilization in U.S. hospitals.  Excluding the possibility of an acquisition of a new product line with established sales, UTMD management projects overall revenues in 2011 about the same as in 2010.  This assumes a continued small decline in domestic sales offset by an increase in international sales.





b)  Gross Profit.  UTMD’s 2010 gross profit, the surplus after subtracting costs of manufacturing, inspecting, packaging, sterilizing and shipping products from net revenues, was $13,209 compared to $13,789 in 2009 and $15,018 in 2008.  Gross profit margins (GPMs), gross profits expressed as a percentage of net sales, were 52.6% in 2010 compared to 53.2% in 2009 and 54.1% in 2008. The GPM in 2010 was lower for several reasons:





1) The absolute cost of direct materials in the U.S. increased while sales declined.  In addition, labor productivity in Utah declined slightly. A significant part of this was due to start up costs of injection molding operations in Utah which were previously in Oregon.





2)  Because many of UTMD’s manufacturing overhead expenses are relatively fixed in order to preserve capabilities, the lower consolidated sales activity in 2010 had a higher overhead content.  UTMD continues to maintain facilities and other manufacturing infrastructure well in excess of its current needs, which will help improve GPM when sales do increase.


Ireland subsidiary gross profits are disproportionately lower than total UTMD gross profits because all of the finished  devices sold by UTMD Ltd are to third party international distributors at heavily discounted wholesale prices, The BPM devices themselves are generally commodities now, and the costs of manufacturing in Ireland, in particular labor-related costs, are higher than in Utah.  Ireland subsidiary gross profits in Euros were €448 in 2010 compared to €436 in 2009 and €821 in 2008.  The associated GPMs were 19.0% in 2010, 19.5% in 2009 and 30.9% in 2008.


20





In the second-half of 2010, after review of accounting principles, UTMD reallocated its expenses of shipping products to customers previously included in cost of goods sold (manufacturing expense) to sales and marketing (operating expense).  This reallocation of expenses did not impact operating profits, EBT or net income.  The net impact of this accounting change was to increase the Company’s gross profit margin by about 0.6% for the year relative to what it would have been prior to the reallocation of shipping expenses. The following table illustrates the change:




2010


2009


2008Cost of goods sold (prior to reallocation)

$
12,052


$
12,127


$
12,764Percent of sales


48.0
%


46.8
%


45.9
%Reallocated shipping costs

$
(141
)


-



-Cost of goods sold (as reported)

$
11,911


$
12,127


$
12,764Percent of sales


47.4
%


46.8
%


45.9
%





As a result of continued pricing pressure from U.S. hospitals, growth in sales coming primarily from lower margin international business, higher cost of employee benefits including medical plan costs and unemployment taxes, and inflation in the cost of raw materials, UTMD does not expect to improve its GPM in 2011.





UTMD utilizes OEM sales as a means to help maximize utilization of its capabilities established to satisfy its direct sales business.  As a general rule, prices for OEM sales expressed as a multiple of direct variable manufacturing expenses are lower than for direct sales because, in the OEM and international channels, UTMD’s business partners incur significant expenses of sales and marketing.  Because of UTMD’s small size and period-to-period fluctuations in OEM business activity, allocations of fixed manufacturing overhead expenses cannot be meaningfully allocated between direct and OEM sales. Therefore, UTMD does not report GPM by sales channels.





c)  Operating Income.  Operating income is the surplus after operating expenses are subtracted from gross profits.  Operating expenses include sales and marketing (S&M) expenses, product development (R&D) expenses and general and administrative (G&A) expenses.  Combined operating expenses were $4,288 in 2010, compared to $4,357 in 2009 and $4,629 in 2008.  The following table provides a comparison of operating expense categories for the last three years.   Note that there were shipping expenses of $141 in S&M expense in 2010 that were not included in S&M expenses in 2009 and 2008, as explained above.





2010


2009


2008S&M expenses

$
1,537


$
1,584


$
1,816R&D expenses


397



361



359G&A – a) litigation expense provision


50



60



80G&A – b) corporate legal expenses


19



12



48G&A – c) stock option compensation expense


83



98



120G&A – d) management bonus accrual


335



299



148G&A – e) outside accounting audit/tax expenses


117



123



167G&A – f) all other expenses


1,750



1,820



1,891G&A expenses – total


2,354



2,412



2,454Total operating expenses

$
4,288


$
4,357


$
4,629





Operating income in 2010 was $8,922 compared to $9,432 in 2009 and $10,389 in 2008.  UTMD’s operating profit margin (operating income divided by total sales) was 35.5% in 2010, compared to 36.4% in 2009 and 37.4% in 2008.  Looking forward to 2011, UTMD projects an operating profit margin about the same as in 2010.


i)  S&M expenses:  S&M expenses are the costs of communicating UTMD’s differences and product advantages, providing training and other customer service in support of the use of UTMD’s solutions, attending clinical meetings and medical trade shows, processing orders, paying commissions to outside representatives and funding GPO fees. Because UTMD sells internationally through third party distributors, its S&M expenses are predominantly for U.S. business activity where it sells directly to clinical users.  The largest component of S&M expenses is the cost of directly employing inside representatives and paying commissions to outside reps that solicit product sales and provide customer support across the U.S.  The decline in S&M expenses primarily reflects fewer inside direct sales representatives.  As a percent of total sales, S&M operating expenses were 6.1% in 2010, 6.1% in 2009 and 6.5% in 2008.  Without the reallocation of $141 in 2010 shipping expenses described above, 2010 S&M expenses would have been $1,396, or 5.6% of sales.  In 2011, with shipping expenses included in S&M for the full year, UTMD expects the ratio of S&M expenses to total sales will be about 6.4%.


21





ii)  R&D expenses:  R&D expenses include the costs of investigating clinical needs, developing innovative concepts, testing concepts for viability, validating methods of manufacture, completing premarketing regulatory documentation and other activities required for design control, responding to customer requests for product enhancements, and assisting manufacturing engineering on an ongoing basis in developing new processes or improving existing processes.  As a percent of sales, R&D expenses were 1.6% in 2010 compared to 1.4% in 2009 and 1.3% in 2008.  UTMD will continue to opportunistically invest in R&D.  In 2011, R&D expenses should remain about the same as 2010 as a percentage of sales.





iii)  G&A expenses:  G&A expenses include the “front office” functional costs of executive management, finance and accounting, corporate information systems, human resources, shareholder relations, corporate risk management, protection of intellectual property and legal costs.  Aggregate G&A expenses as a percent of sales were 9.4% in 2010, 9.3% in 2009 and 8.8% in 2008. Except for the categories of G&A expenses isolated in the table above, UTMD’s G&A expenses have remained consistent over the last three years. The following lettered items refer to the same G&A subcategories in the table above:





a)
Absent unforeseen litigation, UTMD expects a litigation expense provision in 2011 about the same as in 2010.b)
The higher 2008 corporate legal expenses were essentially due to the legal costs associated with the filing of SEC Form S-3, Registration Statement Under the Securities Act of 1933 that year.  In 2011, UTMD expects routine expenses consistent with those in 2010.c)
Stock option expense in 2010 was calculated using a Black-Scholes pricing model for unvested options.   Please see Note 9 to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further explanation.  In 2011, UTMD expects option expense about $15 lower than in 2010.d)
The main difference in 2008 management bonus accrual compared to 2010 and 2009 was due to the fact that UTMD’s CEO did not receive a 2008 management bonus.  Accrued bonuses in 2011 will continue to depend both on UTMD’s overall profit performance and each individual employee’s contribution to the financial and non-financial success of the Company.e)
UTMD’s personnel, fundamental business activities, internal control systems and financial reporting mechanisms have remained relatively unchanged over the last several years.  Management expects 2011 financial and internal controls audit and tax consulting costs will be about the same as 2010 costs.





d)  Non-operating Income, Non-operating Expense and EBT.  Non-operating income (NOI) includes royalties from licensing UTMD’s technology, rent from leasing underutilized property to others, income earned from investing the Company’s excess cash and gains or losses from the sale of assets, offset by non-operating expenses which include interest on the Ireland bank loan, bank service fees and excise taxes.  NOI was $119 in 2010, compared to $147 in 2009 and $388 in 2008.





UTMD expects total 2011 NOI will be approximately $60.  The estimated 2011 NOI may be lower if UTMD utilizes its invested cash for an acquisition, unexpected litigation costs or substantial share repurchases.





22


1)  Investment of excess cash.  Investment income (including gains and losses on sales) in 2010 was $39, compared to $212 in 2009 and $115 in 2008.  In 2010, average interest rates were much lower than prior years.  Capital gains (or losses) and dividends from investments in common stocks were ($9) in 2010, $6 in 2009 and ($407) in 2008.  The Company holds investments in Citigroup (C), General Electric (GE) and Lockheed Martin (LMT) common stock which together were about $311 below their aggregate purchase price at the end of 2010.  When purchased, these holdings at cost represented less than 3% of UTMD’s total investment portfolio. At the end of 2010, they represented less than 1.3% of UTMD’s total investment portfolio. Unless one or all of the companies fail, UTMD will not sell the holdings at current prices, expecting that the current value is immaterial and they may recover somewhat in value.  Therefore, UTMD does not expect an associated NOI loss which impacts 2011 earnings. Currently, 98% of UTMD’s cash investments are being held in interest bearing money market securities yielding about 0.2%.





2)  Royalties.  There were no royalties received in 2010 and 2009, compared to $450 received in 2008.  The 2008 royalties resulted from the license of patents which expired during 2008.  Presently, there are no other patents under which UTMD is receiving royalties from other parties.





3)  Interest Expense.  In 2010, UTMD paid $25 in interest expense on the Ireland loan, compared to $51 in 2009 and $198 in 2008.  The interest expense results from borrowing €4,500 ($5,336) in December 2005 to allow the repatriation of profits generated by UTMD’s Ireland subsidiary since inception in 1996 through 2005.  Due to a lower loan balance and expected higher interest rates, UTMD estimates that its interest expense should be about the same in 2011 as in 2010.





4)  Other NOI.  Income received from renting underutilized warehouse space in Ireland and parking lot space in Utah for a cell phone tower, offset by bank fees and excise taxes, was $104 in 2010, ($14) in 2009 and $21 in 2008.  Conservatively estimating its ability to rent warehouse space in 2011, UTMD expects Other NOI will be about $55 in 2011.





Earnings before income taxes (EBT) result from adding UTMD’s non-operating income to its operating income. Consolidated EBT was $9,041 in 2010, compared to $9,580 in 2009 and $10,777 in 2008.  EBT margin is EBT divided by total sales.  UTMD’s EBT margin was 36.0% in 2010, 37.0% in 2009 and 38.8% in 2008.  The EBT of UTMD Ltd. was €350 ($469) in 2010, €269 ($380) in 2009 and €555 ($861) in 2008. UTMD is targeting consolidated 2011 EBT and EBT margin about the same as in 2010.





e)  Net Income, EPS and ROE.  Net income is EBT minus income taxes, often called the “bottom line”.  Net income was $6,014 in 2010, $6,258 in 2009 and $7,205 in 2008.   The effective consolidated corporate income tax provision rate was 33.5%, 34.7% and 33.1% for the same periods respectively.  Year to year fluctuations in the tax rate may result from:  1) variations in profits of the Ireland subsidiary which is taxed at a 10% rate on exported manufactured products and a 25% rate on rental and other types of income; 2) special U.S. tax exclusions such as the manufacturing profit deduction; 3) higher marginal tax rates for EBT above $10 million; and 4) other permanent factors such as R&D tax credits.  Management expects the 2011 consolidated income tax provision rate to be close to the 2010 rate.





UTMD’s net profit margin (net income expressed as a percentage of sales) was 23.9% in 2010, 24.1% in 2009 and 25.9% in 2008.  UTMD’s profitability has consistently ranked it in the top performance tier of all U.S. publicly-traded companies, and has been a primary driver for UTMD’s past excellent returns on shareholders’ equity (ROE).





Earnings per share (EPS) is net income divided by the number of shares of stock outstanding (diluted to take into consideration stock option awards which are “in the money,” i.e., have exercise prices below the applicable period’s weighted average market value).  Diluted EPS were $1.651 in 2010, $1.724 in 2009 and $1.858 in 2008.  If UTMD achieves the projections above, EPS in 2011 will be approximately the same as in 2010.





The 2010-ending weighted average number of diluted common shares (the number used to calculate diluted EPS) were 3,643 (in thousands), compared to 3,630 shares in 2009 and 3,878 shares in 2008.  Dilution for “in the money” unexercised options for the year 2010 was 22 shares (in thousands), compared to 23 in 2009 and 35 in 2008.  Actual outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2010 were 3,618,800.






23





Return on shareholders’ equity (ROE) is the portion of net income retained by UTMD (after payment of dividends) to internally finance its growth, divided by the average accumulated shareholders’ equity during the applicable time period. ROE includes balance sheet measures as well as income statement measures.  ROE for 2010 was zero because in 2010 UTMD paid out all of its net income to shareholders in the form of cash dividends.  Prior to the payment of dividends, UTMD’s 2010 ROE was 16%.  ROE was 8% (17% before dividends), in 2009. ROE was 10% (20% before dividends) excluding the fifth dividend payment in 2008.  The fifth 2008 dividend payment  normally would have been paid in January 2009.  UTMD’s ROE is primarily driven by its high net profit margin. ROE (before dividends) was reduced by a lower debt ratio as UTMD continued to reduce its bank loan balance in Ireland, and by slightly lower total asset turns. UTMD’s ROE (before dividends) has averaged 30% per year over the last 25 years.  This ratio determines how fast the Company can afford to grow without diluting shareholder interest.  For example, a 30% ROE will financially support 30% annual growth in revenues without having to issue more stock.  In 2010, as UTMD did not need additional capital to finance growth, it could afford to pay out all of its earnings to shareholders.





Looking forward, unless UTMD utilizes its cash to make an acquisition or repurchase shares, 2011 ROE (before dividends) will be lower than 2010 because 2011 net profits will be about the same, financial leverage will be lower as debt is repaid and asset utilization will be lower by increasing cash balances (assets) with about the same amount of sales.  In other words, retaining a high cash balance which returns less than 1% dilutes overall ROE.





Liquidity and Capital Resources.


Cash Flows.


Net cash provided by operating activities, including adjustments for depreciation and other non-cash operating expenses, along with changes in working capital and the tax benefit attributable to exercise of employee incentive stock options, totaled $7,157 in 2010, compared to $7,226 in 2009 and $7,762 in 2008.  Compared to 2009, net cash provided by operating activities in 2010 was similar – down just $69.  The largest changes were net income being $244 lower and reduction in inventories providing $369 more cash in 2010 compared to 2009. Other changes were generally consistent with effective working capital management in the presence of lower sales activity.





The Company’s use of cash for investing activities in 2010 was split quite evenly between capital expenditures of $1,532 for property and equipment and $1,600 as a result of purchases of liquid investments in an effort to maximize returns on excess cash balances while maintaining safety and liquidity.  In comparison, UTMD made capital expenditures of $466 in 2009 and $274 in 2008 for property and equipment, and expended $3,800 in 2009 and $2,650 in 2008 on investments.  The large difference in capital expenditures in 2010 compared to the two prior years was due to UTMD’s $1,145 investment in facility expansion in order to consolidate Oregon operations into Utah. In 2010, UTMD received $5,839 from selling investments, compared to $1,116 in 2009 and $7,792 in 2008.  No acquisition of another company requiring investment of cash was made in any of the three years.





In 2010, UTMD received $425 and issued 24,700 shares of stock upon the exercise of employee stock options.  Employees exercised a total of 27,230 option shares in 2010, with 2,530 shares immediately being retired as a result of optionees trading the shares in payment of the exercise price of the options.  The Company received a $38 tax benefit from option exercises in 2010.  UTMD repurchased 17,570 shares of stock in the open market at a cost of $439 during 2010.  Option exercises in 2010 were at an average price of $18.25 per share.  Share repurchases in the open market were at an average cost of $24.98 per share, including commissions and fees.  In comparison, in 2009 UTMD received $132 from issuing 14,289 shares of stock on the exercise of employee stock options, including 2,145 shares retired upon optionees trading those shares in payment of the stock option exercise price. In 2008, the Company received $224 from issuing 18,369 shares of stock on the exercise of employee and director stock options, including 1,800 shares retired upon optionees trading those shares in payment of the stock option exercise price. UTMD received a $14 tax benefit in 2009 from option exercises, and a benefit of $42 in 2008.





UTMD did not borrow during 2010, 2009 or 2008.  In December 2005, UTMD’s foreign subsidiary borrowed €4,500 ($5,336) to allow repatriation (from Ireland to the U.S.) of profits achieved since 1996, per The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.  In 2008, the Bank of Ireland loan terms were modified to no longer require a guarantee by UTMD’s line of credit in the U.S.  In 2010, UTMD made repayments of $413 on the Ireland note, compared to $463 in 2009 and $1,917 in 2008.






24





Management believes that future income from operations and effective management of working capital will provide the liquidity needed to finance internal growth plans.  In an uncertain economic environment, UTMD’s cash balances allow management to operate with the long-term best interest of shareholders in mind.  Planned 2011 capital expenditures are expected to be more consistent with years before 2010 since expansion of UTMD’s Utah facility has been completed.





Management plans to utilize cash not needed to support normal operations in one or a combination of the following:  1) in general, to invest at an opportune time in ways that will enhance future profitability; 2) to make investments in new technology and/or processes; and/or  3) to acquire a product line or company that will augment revenue and eps growth and better utilize UTMD’s existing infrastructure.  If there are no better strategic uses for UTMD’s cash, the Company will continue to return cash to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases when the stock appears undervalued.





Management's Outlook.


In summary, in 2011 UTMD plans to


1)  work to retain its significant market niche shares of its established key specialty products in the U.S., and expand market shares in international markets;


2)  continue to promote clinical acceptance of newer products;


3)  develop additional proprietary products helpful to clinicians through internal new product development;


4)  continue achieving excellent overall financial operating performance;


5)  look for accretive acquisitions to augment sales and eps growth;  and


6)  utilize current cash balances in shareholders’ best long-term interest, including continued cash dividends and open market share repurchases when the UTMD share price seems undervalued.





The safety, reliability and performance of UTMD’s medical devices are high and represent significant clinical benefits while providing minimum total cost of care.  In the U.S., UTMD will continue to leverage its reputation as an innovator which will responsively take on challenges to work with clinicians who use its specialty devices. Internationally, where UTMD must depend on the knowledge, focus, relationships and energy of independent distributors, management will continue to closely monitor performance and recruit needed business partners.





UTMD will continue to focus on differentiating itself, especially from commodity-oriented competitors.  UTMD is small, but its employees are experienced and diligent in their work.  UTMD’s passion is in providing innovative clinical solutions that will help reduce health risks, particularly for women and their babies.  The Company has a fundamental focus to do an excellent job in meeting customers’ and patients’ needs, while providing shareholders with excellent returns.





Despite UTMD’s decline in EPS in recent years, looking back ten years to the end of 2000, UTMD’s EPS have increased 84% (from $.90 to $1.65) and the year-ending share price has more than tripled (up 258% from $7.50/ share to $26.88/share).  Combining a long term steady performance with growing dividends since 2004, longer term UTMD shareholders have experienced excellent returns.  In comparison, the NASDAQ Composite and DJIA were each up just over 7% while the S&P 500 Index declined 5% over that same ten-year time span.





In 2011, the year-ending share price declined 8%. However, UTMD increased normal dividends/share by 2% and paid a special dividend at the end of the year representing approximately the magnitude of one year’s total dividend. This was accomplished by UTMD continuing to achieve a high positive cash flow.





UTMD’s balance sheet remains strong enough to be able to finance a substantial acquisition in 2011 without issuing stock, should an immediately accretive one become available.  UTMD looks to acquire reasonably valued, cash flow positive companies with established products or technologies that will enhance UTMD’s specialist focus, but not significantly increase business risk and not dilute financial performance.




Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 None
 
 Contractual Obligations
 The following is a summary of UTMD’s significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2010.  Long-term debt obligations are comprised solely of future payments required to pay off the Ireland note:
  Contractual Obligations andCommitments

Total


2011



2012-2013



2014-2015


2016 and thereafterLong-term debt obligations

$
1,186


$
237


$
474


$
474


$
-Operating lease obligations


923



39



84



84



716Purchase obligations


1,206



1,105



101



-



-Total

$
3,315


$
1,381


$
659


$
558


$
716


25




Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates


The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.





Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience, current economic and industry conditions and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. This forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Management has identified the following as the Company’s most critical accounting policies which require significant judgment and estimates. Although management believes its estimates are reasonable, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.


Ÿ
Allowance for doubtful accounts: The majority of the Company’s receivables are with U.S. hospitals and medical device distributors.  Although the Company has historically not had significant write-offs of bad-debt, the possibility exists, particularly with foreign customers where collection efforts can be difficult or in the event of widespread U.S. hospital bankruptcies.Ÿ
Inventory valuation reserves:  The Company strives to maintain a good balance of inventory to 1) meets its customer’s needs and 2) optimize manufacturing lot sizes while 3) not tying-up an unnecessary amount of the Company’s capital increasing the possibility of, among other things, obsolescence.  The Company believes its method of reviewing actual and projected demand for its existing inventory allows it to arrive at a fair inventory valuation reserve. While the Company has historically not had significant inventory write-offs, the possibility exists that one or more of its products may become unexpectedly obsolete for which a reserve has not previously been created. The Company’s historical write-offs have not been materially different from its estimates.





Accounting Policy Changes





The Company’s management has evaluated the recently issued accounting pronouncements through the filing date of these financial statements and has determined that the application of these pronouncements will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.





ITEM 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK





The Company had manufacturing operations, including related assets, in Ireland denominated in the Euro, and sold products under agreements denominated in various Western European currencies.  The Euro and other currencies have been and are subject to exchange rate fluctuations that are beyond the control of UTMD.  The exchange rate for the Euro was .7550, .6944 and .7096 per U.S. Dollar as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Please see note 1 in Item, 8, below under “Translation of Foreign Currencies” for more information.  UTMD manages its foreign currency risk without separate hedging transactions by converting currencies as transactions occur.








26





ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


Dollar amounts are in thousands except per-share amounts and where noted.








TABLE OF CONTENTSManagement’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
28Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statements and the Company’s Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
29Consolidated Balance Sheet
30Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
31Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow
32Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
33Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
34











27





MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL


OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING










Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company's internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:




Ÿ
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;Ÿ
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; andŸ
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.





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




As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.




Based on its assessment and those criteria, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.




The Company's independent registered public accounting firm, Jones Simkins, P.C., has audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, and its report is shown on the next page.













By:   /s/ Kevin L. Cornwell


Kevin L. Cornwell


Chief Executive Officer











By:   /s/ Paul O. Richins


Paul O. Richins


Principal Financial Officer





28





REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM





To the Board of Directors and Stockholders


of Utah Medical Products, Inc.





We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Utah Medical Products, Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010. We also have audited Utah Medical Products, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Utah Medical Products, Inc.’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.




We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.




A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.




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




In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Utah Medical Products, Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, Utah Medical Products, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).




/s/ Jones Simkins, P.C.





JONES SIMKINS, P.C.


Logan, Utah


February 25, 2011





29





UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 December 31, 2010 and 2009
 (In thousands)


ASSETS

2010


2009Current assets:Cash

$
3,818


$
410Investments, available-for-sale (notes 3 and 4)


14,718



18,845Accounts and other receivables, net (note 2)


3,164



3,157Inventories (note 2)


3,097



3,407Prepaid expenses and other current assets


161



222Deferred income taxes (note 8)


185



192Total current assets


25,142



26,233Property and equipment, net (note 5)


8,750



8,133Goodwill


7,191



7,191Other intangible assets - net (note 2)


155



197Total assets

$
41,238


$
41,754LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYCurrent liabilities:Accounts payable

$
398


$
345Accrued expenses (note 2)


1,290



1,152Current portion of note payable (note 6)


215



264Total current liabilities


1,903



1,761Note payable (note 6)


909



1,403Deferred income taxes (note 8)


634



608Total liabilities


3,446



3,773Commitments and contingencies (notes 7 and 12)


-



-Stockholders' equity:Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding


-



-Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000 shares authorized, issued 3,619 shares in 2010 and 3,611 shares in 2009


36



36Accumulated other comprehensive income


(1,275
)


(994
)Additional paid-in capital


107



-Retained earnings


38,924



38,939Total stockholders' equity


37,792



37,981Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$
41,238


$
41,754





See  accompanying notes to financial statements.





30




UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME


AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008


2010


2009


2008Sales, net (notes 10 and 11)

$
25,121


$
25,916


$
27,782Cost of goods sold


11,911



12,127



12,764Gross profit


13,209



13,789



15,018Operating expense:Sales and marketing


(1,537
)


(1,584
)


(1,816
)Research and development


(397
)


(361
)


(359
)General and administrative


(2,354
)


(2,412
)


(2,454
)Operating income


8,922



9,432



10,389Other income (expense):Dividend and interest income


48



206



543Capital gains and (losses) on investments


(9
)


6



(428
)Royalty income (note 12)


-



-



450Interest expense


(25
)


(51
)


(198
)Other, net


104



(14
)


21Income before provision for income taxes


9,041



9,580



10,777Provison for income taxes (note 8)


3,026



3,322



3,572Net income

$
6,014


$
6,258


$
7,205Earnings per common share (basic) (note 1):

$
1.66


$
1.73


$
1.87Earnings per common share (diluted) (note 1):

$
1.65


$
1.72


$
1.86Other comprehensive income:Foreign currency translation net of taxes of $(127), $44 and $(93)

$
(199
)

$
68


$
(146
)Unrealized gain (loss) on investments net of taxes of $29, $10 and $(60)


45



15



(94
)Total comprehensive income

$
5,860


$
6,341


$
6,965








See  accompanying notes to financial statements.





31





UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
 Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
 (In thousands)


2010


2009


2008Cash flows from operating activities:Net income

$
6,014


$
6,258


$
7,205Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Depreciation and amortization


607



588



591Gain on investments


(38
)


(212
)


(94
)Provision for (recovery of) losses on accounts receivable


6



7



(42
)Loss on disposal of assets


0



1



0Deferred income taxes


-



230



(46
)Stock-based compensation expense


83



98



120(Increase) decrease in:Accounts receivable


110



290



365Accrued interest and other receivables


(165
)


69



27Inventories


286



(83
)


(70
)Prepaid expenses and other current assets


58



(10
)


60Increase (decrease) in:Accounts payable


52



(73
)


25Accrued expenses


143



63



(380
)Net cash provided by operating activities


7,157



7,226



7,762Cash flows from investing activities:Capital expenditures for:Property and equipment


(1,532
)


(466
)


(274
)Intangible assets


(2
)


(8
)


(13
)Purchases of investments


(1,600
)


(3,800
)


(2,650
)Proceeds from the sale of:Investments


5,839



1,116



7,792Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities


2,705



(3,158
)


4,856Cash flows from financing activities:Proceeds from issuance of common stock - options


425



132



224Common stock purchased and retired


(439
)


(116
)


(7,792
)Tax benefit attributable to exercise of stock options


38



14



42Repayments of note payable


(413
)


(463
)


(1,917
)Dividends paid


(6,030
)


(3,337
)


(4,329
)Net cash used in financing activities


(6,419
)


(3,770
)


(13,772
)Effect of exchange rate changes on cash


(35
)


15



1Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


3,408



313



(1,153
)Cash at beginning of year


410



97



1,251Cash at end of year

$
3,818


$
410


$
97SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:Cash paid during the year for:Income taxes

$
2,810


$
3,075


$
3,360Interest


25



51



198





See accompanying notes to financial statements.








32


UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
 (In thousands)


AccumulatedAdditional


Other





TotalCommon Stock


Paid-in


Comprehensive


Retained


Stockholders'Shares


Amount


Capital


Income


Earnings


EquityBalance at December 31, 2007


3,905


$
39


$
-


$
(789
)

$
39,539


$
38,789Shares issued upon exercise of employee stock options for cash


20



0



278



-



-



278Shares received and retired upon exercise of stock options


(2
)


(0
)


(54
)


-



-



(54
)Tax benefit attributable to appreciation of stock options


-



-



42



-



-



42Stock option compensation expense


-



-



120



-



-



120Common stock purchased and retired


(321
)


(3
)


(386
)


-



(7,404
)


(7,792
)Foreign currency translation adjustment


-



-



-



(239
)


-



(239
)Unrealized holding loss from investments, available-for-sale, net of taxes


-



-



-



(94
)


-



(94
)Common stock dividends


-



-



-



-



(3,449
)


(3,449
)Net income


-



-



-



-



7,205



7,205Balance at December 31, 2008


3,603


$
36


$
-


$
(1,122
)

$
35,891


$
34,805Shares issued upon exercise of employee stock options for cash


16



0



186



-



-



186Shares received and retired upon exercise of stock options


(2
)


(0
)


(54
)


-



-



(54
)Tax benefit attributable to appreciation of stock options


-



-



14



-



-



14Stock option compensation expense


-



-



98



-



-



98Common stock purchased and retired


(5
)


(0
)


(243
)


-



127



(116
)Foreign currency translation adjustment


-



-



-



112



-



112Unrealized holding gain from investments, available-for-sale, net of taxes


-



-



-



15



-



15Common stock dividends


-



-



-



-



(3,337
)


(3,337
)Net income


-



-



-



-



6,258



6,258Balance at December 31, 2009


3,612


$
36


$
-


$
(994
)

$
38,939


$
37,981Shares issued upon exercise of employee stock options for cash


27



0



497



-



-



497Shares received and retired upon exercise of stock options


(3
)


(0
)


(73
)


-



-



(73
)Tax benefit attributable to appreciation of stock options


-



-



38



-



-



38Stock option compensation expense


-



-



83



-



-



83Common stock purchased and retired


(18
)


(0
)


(439
)


-



-



(439
)Foreign currency translation adjustment


-



-



-



(326
)


-



(326
)Unrealized holding gain from investments, available-for-sale, net of taxes


-



-



-



45



-



45Common stock dividends


-



-



-



-



(6,030
)


(6,030
)Net income


-



-



-



-



6,014



6,014Balance at December 31, 2010


3,619


$
36


$
107


$
(1,275
)

$
38,924


$
37,792








See accompanying notes to financial statements.





33





Dollar amounts are in thousands except per-share amounts and where noted.





Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies





Organization





Utah Medical Products, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Utah Medical Products Ltd., which operates a manufacturing facility in Ireland, and Columbia Medical, Inc., (the Company) are in the primary business of producing specialized medical devices for the healthcare industry.  The Company’s broad range of products includes those used in critical care areas and the labor and delivery departments of hospitals, as well as outpatient clinics and physicians’ offices.  Products are sold in both domestic U.S. and international markets.





Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements





The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Although actual results could differ from those estimates, management believes it has considered and disclosed all relevant information in making its estimates that materially affect reported performance and current values.





Principles of Consolidation





The consolidated financial statements include those of the Company and its subsidiaries.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.





Cash and Cash Equivalents





For purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows, the Company considers cash on deposit and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.





Investments





The Company classifies its investments as “available for sale.”  Securities classified as “available for sale” are carried in the financial statements at fair value.  Realized gains and losses, determined using the specific identification method, are included in operations; unrealized holding gains and losses are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.  Declines in fair value below cost that are other than temporary are included in operations.  As of December 31, 2010 the Company’s investments are in Fidelity Cash Reserves (FDRXX), Fidelity Institutional Money Market (FMPXX), General Electric (GE), Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Citigroup (C).





Concentration of Credit Risk





The primary concentration of credit risk consists of trade receivables.  In the normal course of business, the Company provides credit terms to its customers.  Accordingly, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for possible losses which, when realized, have been within the range of management's expectations as reflected by its reserves.





The Company's customer base consists of hospitals, medical product distributors, physician practices and others directly related to healthcare providers, as well as other manufacturing companies.  Although the Company is affected by the well-being of the global healthcare industry, management does not believe significant trade receivable credit risk exists at December 31, 2010 except under an extreme global financial crisis.





The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts in addition to Fidelity Investment accounts.  The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to a significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalent balances unless the Fidelity mutual funds FDRXX or FMPXX is at risk of “breaking the buck” and the Federal Reserve does not provide support to prevent that from happening.








34





Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)





Accounts Receivable





Accounts receivable are amounts due on product sales and are unsecured.  Accounts receivable are carried at their estimated collectible amounts.  Credit is generally extended on a short-term basis; thus accounts receivable do not bear interest although a finance charge may be applied to such receivables that are past the due date.  Accounts receivable are periodically evaluated for collectibility based on past credit history of customers.  Provisions for losses on accounts receivable are determined on the basis of loss experience, known and inherent risk in the account balance and current economic conditions (see note 2).





Inventories





Finished products, work-in-process, raw materials and supplies inventories are stated at the lower of cost (computed on a first-in, first-out method) or market (see note 2).





Property and Equipment





Property and equipment are stated at cost.  Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line and units-of-production methods over estimated useful lives as follows:





Building and improvements
15-40 yearsFurniture, equipment and tooling
3-10 years





Long-Lived Assets





The Company evaluates its long-lived assets in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 360, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.”  Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their net book value may not be recoverable.  When such factors and circumstances exist, the Company compares the projected undiscounted future cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amounts.  Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets and is recorded in the period in which the determination was made.





Intangible Assets





Costs associated with the acquisition of patents, trademarks, license rights and non-compete agreements are capitalized and are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging from 5 to 20 years. UTMD’s goodwill is tested for impairment annually, in the fourth quarter of each year, using a fair value measurement test, in accordance with ASC 350. UTMD would also perform an impairment test, between annual tests, if circumstances changed that would more than likely reduce the fair value of goodwill below its net book value.  If UTMD determined that its goodwill were impaired, a second step would be completed to measure the amount of the impairment loss. UTMD does not expect its goodwill to become impaired in the foreseeable future.  Estimated future amortization expense on intangible assets currently held is $27 in 2011 and 2012, $26 in 2013, $22 in 2014 and $21 in 2015 (see note 2).





Loans to Related Parties





As a general policy, the Company does not make loans to related entities including employees, directors, shareholders, suppliers or customers.  In 2010, UTMD did extend trade accounts receivable (A/R) payment terms to certain established customers on an interim basis to assist them with staying in business in an exceptionally difficult financial year worldwide.  However, UTMD was able to manage its A/R balances to achieve an average aging of 43 days from date of invoice by the end of the year, and A/R balances over 90 days from date of invoice to 2% of total A/R.  Both of these measures are historically lower than normal.  As another exception in 2009, the Company extended partial payment terms to an OEM customer that converted to a three-year term loan of $70 on July 1, 2010.  The balance on the note was $62 at year-end 2010.  The loan is secured by personal guarantees provided by the principals of the customer. UTMD believes that this was a wise use of its liquidity to build goodwill with a customer at an unusual time, which should ultimately help grow UTMD's business.





Presentation of Sales and Similar Taxes





Sales tax on revenue-producing transactions is recorded as a liability when the sale occurs.  UTMD is not required to withhold sales tax on international sales, and at least 86% of domestic 2010 sales were to customers who are tax exempt or who are in jurisdictions where UTMD is not required to withhold sales tax.


35


Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)





Revenue Recognition





The Company recognizes revenue at the time of shipment as title generally passes to the customer at the time of shipment. Revenue recognized by UTMD is based upon documented arrangements and fixed contracts in which the selling price is fixed prior to completion of an order. Revenue from product and service sales is generally recognized at the time the product is shipped or service completed and invoiced, and collectibility is reasonably assured.  There are circumstances under which revenue may be recognized when product is not shipped, which meet the criteria of SAB 104: the Company provides engineering services, for example, design and production of manufacturing tooling that may be used in subsequent UTMD manufacturing of custom components for other companies.  This revenue is recognized when UTMD’s service has been completed according to a fixed contractual agreement.





Income Taxes





The Company accounts for income taxes under ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” whereby deferred taxes are computed under the asset and liability method.




The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, in Utah and in Ireland.  UTMD is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007.  In 2008, the Internal Revenue Service examined the Company’s federal income tax returns for 2005 – 2006 and proposed one adjustment related to the one-time tax deduction allowed by Congress under The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act) for repatriating foreign subsidiary earnings in 2005.  The Company disagreed and still believes that the unprecedented proposed adjustment clearly contradicted the intent of the Act, but agreed under the Fast Track Settlement process of the IRS conducted in March 2009 to 10% of the IRS proposed adjustment in order to avoid unnecessary costs of tax court.  The resulting adjustment was immaterial to results and included in the Company’s 2009 tax provision.  There were no penalties associated with the adjustment.  In 2010, the IRS examined the Company’s federal income tax return for 2008 and did not propose any adjustments.





The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expenses and any related penalties in income taxes.  During the year ended December 31, 2009 the Company recognized $10 in interest expense related to the 2009 settlement noted above, compared to none in  2010 and 2008.  The Company did not have any related tax penalties in all three years.





Legal Costs





The Company has been involved in lawsuits which are an expected consequence of its operations and in the ordinary course of business.  The Company maintains a reserve for legal costs which are probable and estimated based on previous experience.  The reserve for legal costs at December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $74 and $45, respectively (see note 2).





Earnings per Share





The computation of basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year.





The computation of earnings per common share assuming dilution is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average common stock equivalents which would arise from the exercise of stock options outstanding using the treasury stock method and the average market price per share during the year.





The shares (in thousands) used in the computation of the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per share are reconciled as follows:




2010


2009


2008Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic


3,621



3,607



3,843Dilutive effect of stock options


22



23



35Weighted average number of shares outstanding, assuming dilution


3,643



3,630



3,878








36





Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)





Stock-Based Compensation





At December 31, 2010, the Company has stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in note 9.  The Company accounts for stock compensation under ASC 718, Share-Based Payment.  This statement requires the Company to recognize compensation cost based on the grant date fair value of options granted to employees and directors.  In 2010, the Company recognized $83 in compensation cost compared to $98 in 2009 and $120 in 2008.





Translation of Foreign Currencies





Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiary are translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rates at year-end.  Net gains or losses resulting from the translation of the Company’s assets and liabilities are reflected as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.  A negative translation impact on stockholders’ equity reflects a current relative U.S. Dollar value higher than at the point in time that assets were actually acquired in a foreign currency.  A positive translation impact would result from a U.S. dollar weaker in value than at the point in time foreign assets were acquired.





Income and expense items are translated at the weighted average rate of exchange (based on when transactions actually occurred) during the year.





Note 2 – Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts





December 31,2010


2009Accounts and other receivables:Accounts receivable

$
2,968


$
3,119Income tax receivable


128



-Accrued interest and other


116



80Less allowance for doubtful accounts


(48
)


(42
)$
3,164


$
3,157Inventories:Finished products

$
1,008


$
1,391Work-in-process


757



851Raw materials


1,332



1,165$
3,097


$
3,407Other intangible assets:Patents

$
1,913


$
1,968License rights


-



293Trademarks


252



224Other


-



1752,165



2,660Accumulated amortization


(2,010
)


(2,463
)$
155


$
197Accrued expenses:Income taxes payable

$
197


$
69Payroll and payroll taxes


878



842Reserve for litigation costs


74



45Other


141



196$
1,290


$
1,152








37





Note 3 – Investments





The Company’s investments, classified as available-for-sale consist of the following:





December 31,2010


2009Investments, at cost

$
15,029


$
19,230Equity securities:-Unrealized holding gains


-



--Unrealized holding (losses)


(311
)


(385
)Investments, at fair value

$
14,718


$
18,845





Changes in the unrealized holding loss on investment securities available-for-sale and reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:





December 31,2010


2009Balance, beginning of year

$
(235
)

$
(250
)Realized loss from securities included in beginning balance


43



100Gross unrealized holding gains (losses) in equity securities


31



(75
)Deferred income taxes on unrealized holding loss


(29
)


(10
)Balance, end of year

$
(190
)

$
(235
)





During 2010, 2009 and 2008, UTMD had proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities of $5,839, $1,116 and $7,792, respectively.





Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements





The Company follows a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).  A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.




The Company uses the following valuation techniques to measure fair value for its assets and liabilities:





Level 1 -
Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;Level 2 -
Significant other observable inputs (e.g. quoted prices for similar items in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar items in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rate and yield curves, and market-corroborated inputs);Level 3 -
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are valued based on management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.





The following table provides financial assets carried at fair value measured as of December 31 for the past two years:





Level 1


Levels 2 & 3


Total2010


2009


2010


2009


2010


2009Money market funds

$
14,490


$
18,772



-



-


$
14,490


$
18,772Equities


228



73



-



-



228



73$
14,718


$
18,545



-



-


$
14,718


$
18,545







38





Note 5 – Property and Equipment





Property and equipment consists of the following:





December 31,2010


2009Land

$
1,381


$
1,115Buildings and improvements


10,369



9,917Furniture, equipment and tooling


14,364



14,154Construction-in-progress


65



4826,179



25,235Accumulated depreciation and amortization


(17,429
)


(17,102
)$
8,750


$
8,133





Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet are the assets of its manufacturing facilities in Utah and Ireland.  Property and equipment, by location, are as follows:





December 31, 2010Utah


Ireland


TotalLand

$
926


$
455


$
1,381Building and improvements


5,570



4,799



10,369Furniture, equipment and tooling


13,408



956



14,364Construction-in-progress


65



-



65Total


19,969



6,210



26,179Accumulated depreciation


(15,182
)


(2,247
)


(17,429
)Property and equipment, net

$
4,787


$
3,963


$
8,750








December 31, 2009Utah


Oregon


Ireland


TotalLand

$
621


$
-


$
494


$
1,115Building and improvements


4,667



32



5,218



9,917Furniture, equipment and tooling


11,867



1,296



991



14,154Construction-in-progress


46



2



-



48Total


17,202



1,330



6,703



25,235Accumulated depreciation


(13,490
)


(1,295
)


(2,317
)


(17,102
)Property and equipment, net

$
3,712


$
35


$
4,386


$
8,133





Note 6 – Long-term Debt





In December 2005, the Company borrowed €4,500 ($5,336) from the Bank of Ireland to finance repatriation of profits achieved since 1996 under The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.  The loan term is 10-years at an interest rate of 1.10% plus the bank’s money market rate, which is a total of the bank’s cost of funds and cost of liquidity.  The balance on the note at December 31, 2010 was $1,124 (€849).





The following table shows estimated minimum required amortization of the note during the next five years using the December 31, 2010 interest rate of 2.15%, starting with a December 31, 2010 balance of $1,124:





EndingYear

Payments


Interest


Principal


Balance2011

$
237


$
22


$
215


$
9092012


237



17



220



6892013


237



13



225



4642014


237



8



230



2352015


237



3



235



-Total

$
1,186


$
63


$
1,124





39





Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies





Operating Leases





The Company has a lease agreement for land adjoining its Utah facility for a term of forty years commencing on September 1, 1991.  On September 1, 2001 and subsequent to each fifth lease year, the basic rental was and will be adjusted for published changes in a price index.  The Company leased its CMI building in Oregon until its lease expired on May 31, 2010.  Rent expense charged to operations under these operating lease agreements was approximately $62, $114 and $112 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.





Future minimum lease payments under its lease obligations as of December 31, 2010 were as follows:





Years ending December 31:

Amount2011

$
392012


422013


422014


422015


42Thereafter


716Total future minimum lease payments

$
923





Purchase Obligations





The Company has obligations to purchase raw materials for use in its manufacturing operations.  The Company has the right to make changes in, among other things, purchase quantities, delivery schedules and order acceptance.





Product Liability





The Company is self-insured for product liability risk. “Product liability” is an insurance industry term for the cost of legal defense and possible damages awarded as a result of use of a company’s product during a procedure which results in an injury of a patient.  The Company maintains a reserve for product liability litigation and damages consistent with its previous long-term experience.  Actual product liability litigation costs and damages during the last three reporting years have been immaterial, which is consistent with the Company’s overall history.





The Company absorbs the costs of clinical training and trouble-shooting in its on-going operating expenses.





Warranty Reserve





The Company’s published warranty is: “UTMD warrants its products to conform in all material respects to all published product specifications in effect on the date of shipment, and to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days for supplies, or twenty-four (24) months for equipment, from date of shipment.  During the warranty period UTMD shall, at its option, replace any products shown to UTMD's reasonable satisfaction to be defective at no expense to the Purchaser or refund the purchase price.”





UTMD maintains a warranty reserve to provide for estimated costs which are likely to occur. The amount of this reserve is adjusted, as required, to reflect its actual experience. Based on its analysis of historical warranty claims and its estimate that existing warranty obligations were immaterial, no warranty reserve was made at December 31, 2010.  The following table summarizes changes to UTMD’s warranty reserve during 2010:




Beginning balance, January 1, 2010

$
0Changes in warranty reserve during 2010:Aggregate reductions for warranty repairs


-Aggregate changes for warranties issued during reporting period


-Aggregate changes in reserve related to preexisting warranties


-Ending balance, December 31, 2010

$
0








40





Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued)





Litigation





The Company has been involved in lawsuits which are an expected consequence of its operations and in the ordinary course of business.  Presently, there is no litigation for which the Company believes the outcome may be material to its financial results. The Company applies its accounting policy to accrue legal costs that can be reasonably estimated.





Irish Development Agency





In order to satisfy requirements of the Irish Development Agency in assisting the start-up of its Ireland subsidiary, the Company agreed to invest certain amounts and maintain a certain capital structure in its Ireland subsidiary.  The effect of these financial relationships and commitments are reflected in the consolidated financial statements and do not represent any significant credit risk that would affect future liquidity.








Note 8 – Income Taxes





Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following temporary differences:





December 31,2010


2009Current


Long-term


Current


Long-termInventory write-downs and differences due to UNICAP

$
69


$
-


$
74


$
-Allowance for doubtful accounts


17



-



14



-Accrued liabilities and reserves


99



-



104



-Other


-



(81
)


-



(232
)Depreciation and amortization


-



(674
)


-



(527
)Unrealized investment gains


-



121



-



150Deferred income taxes, net

$
185


$
(634
)

$
192


$
(609
)





The components of income tax expense are as follows:





Years ended December 31,2010


2009


2008Current

$
3,022


$
3,087


$
3,463Deferred


4



235



109Total

$
3,026


$
3,322


$
3,572





Income tax expense differed from amounts computed by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income as follows:





Years ended December 31,2010


2009


2008Federal income tax expense at the statutory rate

$
3,074


$
3,257


$
3,664State income taxes


298



316



323ETI, manufacturing deduction and tax credits


(275
)


(193
)


(206
)Other


(71
)


(58
)


(209
)Total

$
3,026


$
3,322


$
3,572





The domestic and foreign components of income before income tax expense were as follows:





Years ended December 31,2010


2009


2008Domestic

$
8,571


$
9,200


$
9,916Foreign


469



380



861Total

$
9,041


$
9,580


$
10,777






41


Note 9 – Options





The Company has stock option plans which authorize the grant of stock options to eligible employees, directors and other individuals to purchase up to an aggregate of 965,535 shares of common stock, of which 216,938 are outstanding as of December 31, 2010.  All options granted under the plans are granted at current market value at the date of grant, and may be exercised between six months and ten years following the date of grant.  The plans are intended to advance the interest of the Company by attracting and ensuring retention of competent directors, employees and executive personnel, and to provide incentives to those individuals to devote their utmost efforts to the advancement of shareholder value.  Changes in stock options were as follows:





Price RangeShares


Per Share2010Granted


7,700


$
28.06 -


$
28.06Expired or canceled


5,243



17.71 -



31.33Exercised


27,230



6.75 -



28.13Total outstanding at December 31


216,938



9.13 -



31.33Total exercisable at December 31


173,178



9.13 -



31.332009Granted


56,600


$
24.00 -


$
24.00Expired or canceled


6,712



18.00 -



31.33Exercised


16,434



6.50 -



25.59Total outstanding at December 31


241,711



6.75 -



31.33Total exercisable at December 31


167,501



6.75 -



31.332008Granted


26,100


$
28.13 -


$
29.41Expired or canceled


9,919



18.00 -



31.33Exercised


20,169



6.50 -



25.59Total outstanding at December 31


208,257



6.50 -



31.33Total exercisable at December 31


168,457



6.50 -



31.33





For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company reduced current income taxes payable and increased additional paid-in capital by $38, $14 and $42, respectively, for the income tax benefit attributable to sale by optionees of common stock received upon the exercise of stock options.





Stock-Based Compensation





In 2010, the Company recognized $83 in equity compensation cost, compared to $98 in 2009 and $120 in 2008.





The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:





Years ended December 31,2010


2009


2008Expected dividend amount per quarter

$
0.2471


$
0.2466


$
0.2737Expected stock price volatility


22.0
%


21.6
%


16.3
%Risk-free interest rate


2.08
%


1.76
%


2.92
%Expected life of options

4.5 years


4.7 years


5.3 years





The per share weighted average fair value of options granted during 2010, 2009 and 2008 is $3.71, $2.62 and $2.91, respectively.








42





Note 9 – Options (continued)




All UTMD options vest over a four-year service period.  Expected dividend amounts were estimated based on the actual cash dividend rate at the time the options were granted and an estimate of future dividends based on past dividend rate changes as well as management’s expectations of future dividend rates over the expected holding period of the options.  Expected volatility is based on UTMD’s historical volatility over recent periods of time and trends in that volatility, giving weight to more recent periods.  Risk free interest rates were estimated based on actual U.S. Treasury Securities Interest rates as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank for periods of time equivalent to the holding periods estimated for the options on the dates the options were granted.  Expected term of options were estimated based on historical holding periods for similar options previously granted by UTMD to employees and directors.


The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2010:





Options Outstanding


Options ExercisableWeightedAverageRemaining


Weighted





WeightedRange of





Contractual


Average





AverageExercise


Number


Life


Exercise


Number


ExercisePrices


Outstanding


(Years)


Price


Exercisable


Price$
9.13-



15.01



9,766



1.05


$
14.37



9,766


$
14.3717.71-



24.02



97,135



5.67



22.64



68,966



22.0925.59-



31.33



110,037



4.87



27.53



94,446



27.32$
9.13-



31.33



216,938



5.05


$
24.74



173,178


$
24.51





Note 10 – Geographic Sales Information





The Company had sales in the following geographic areas:





UnitedStates


Europe


Other2010

$
17,431


$
3,367


$
4,3232009


18,626



3,030



4,2602008


19,114



4,779



3,889





Note 11 – Revenues by Product Category





The Company had revenues in the following product categories:





ProductCategory

2010


2009


2008Obstetrics

$
5,940


$
6,543


$
7,054Gynecology/Electrosurgery/Urology


5,888



6,220



6,157Neonatal


7,295



7,252



7,408Blood Pressure Monitoring and Accessories


5,998



5,902



7,163





Note 12 - Product Sale and Purchase Commitments





The Company has had license agreements for the rights to develop and market certain products or technologies owned by unrelated parties.  The confidential terms of such agreements are unique and varied, depending on many factors relating to the value and stage of development of the technology licensed.  Royalties on future product sales are a normal component of such agreements and are included in the Company’s cost of goods sold on an ongoing basis.





Prior to 2009, the Company received royalties as a result of a license agreement with an unrelated company that allowed rights to the Company’s technology through the life of the applicable patents.  As of the start of 2009 there are no patents under which UTMD is receiving royalties from other parties.






43





Note 13 – Employee Benefit Plan





The Company sponsors a contributory 401(k) savings plan for U.S. employees, and a contributory retirement plan for Irish employees.  The Company’s matching contribution is determined annually by the board of directors.  Company contributions were approximately $103, $106 and $115 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.





Note 14 – Fair Value Financial Instruments





None of the Company’s financial instruments, which are current assets and liabilities that could be readily traded, are held for trading purposes.  Detail on investments is provided in note 3, above.  The Company estimates that the fair value of all financial instruments at December 31, 2010 does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying value of its financial instruments recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.





Note 15 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements


The Company’s management has evaluated the recently issued accounting pronouncements through the filing date of these financial statements and has determined that the application of these pronouncements will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.





Note 16 – Subsequent Events




The Company evaluated its December 31, 2010 financial statements for subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.  The Company is not aware of any subsequent events which would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.





ITEM 9 – CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE





None.





ITEM 9A – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES





Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.


UTMD Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e).  UTMD’s Board of Directors, operating through its audit committee, provides oversight to its financial reporting process.





During 2010, UTMD evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, UTMD’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, its disclosure controls and procedures were effective.





Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.


Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company has included, as part of this Form 10-K, a report of management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal controls as of December 31, 2010.  Jones Simkins, P.C., the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company, has audited the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Management's report, and the report of Jones Simkins, P.C. appear on pages 28 and 29 of this Form 10-K under the captions "Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting" and "Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and are incorporated herein by reference.





Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.


There have been no changes in UTMD’s internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and there were no material weaknesses.





ITEM 9B – OTHER INFORMATION





None.








44





PART III




ITEM 10 – DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE





The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders under the captions,





Ÿ
“PROPOSAL NO. 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: General,” and “Directors and Nominees,”Ÿ
“SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN PERSONS,” andŸ
“EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION: 2010 Director Compensation,”





is incorporated herein by reference.





UTMD adopted a Code of Ethics for its executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer and outside directors, in October 2003.  The Code of Ethics, along with UTMD’s Code of Conduct, which covers all exempt employees (including all officers and outside directors) and certain non-exempt employees, is posted on UTMD’s web site at www.utahmed.com.  UTMD intends to post on its website any waivers of or amendments to its Code of Ethics.





ITEM 11 - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION





The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders under the captions,





Ÿ
“EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION,”Ÿ
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS,” andŸ
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS: Compensation and Option Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” specifically excluding the “Report of the Compensation Committee”





is incorporated herein by reference.





ITEM 12 - SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS





The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders under the captions,





Ÿ
“SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN PERSONS” andŸ
“DISCLOSURE RESPECTING THE COMPANY’S EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS”





is incorporated herein by reference.







45





ITEM 13 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE





The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders under the captions,





Ÿ
“CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS”Ÿ
“BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS: Director Independence”





is incorporated herein by reference.





The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders in the first paragraph under the caption, “Report of the Audit Committee” is incorporated herein by reference.





ITEM 14 – PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES





The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders under the caption “PROPOSAL NO 2. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM: Fees billed by Jones Simkins P.C.,” “Audit Committee Policy and Approval,” and “Auditor Independence” are incorporated herein by reference.








46





PART IV





ITEM 15 – EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES





(a)  The following documents are filed as part of this report or incorporated herein by reference.





1.       Financial Statements.


(See Table of Contents to Item 8, above.)





2.       Supplemental Schedule.


Financial Statement Schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable or the required information is otherwise included in the accompanying Financial Statements and the notes thereto.





3.       Exhibits.


Exhibit #
SEC

Reference#
Title of Document

Location1
3
Articles of Restatement of the Articles of Incorporation

Incorporated by Reference (1)2
3
Articles of Correction to the Restated Articles of Incorporation

Incorporated by Reference (1)3
3
Bylaws

Incorporated by Reference (2)4
4
Rights Agreement dated as of July 30, 2004, between Utah Medical Products, Inc., and Registrar and Transfer Company

Incorporated by Reference (3)5
4
Designation of Rights, Privileges, and Preferences of Series “A” Preferred Stock

Incorporated by Reference (2)6
10
Employment Agreement dated December 21, 1992 with Kevin L. Cornwell*

Incorporated by Reference (4)7
10
Amendment, effective May 15, 1998, to Employment Agreement dated December 21, 1992 with Kevin L. Cornwell*

Incorporated by Reference (4)8
10
Utah Medical Products, Inc., 2003 Employees’ and Directors’ Incentive Plan*

Incorporated by Reference (5)9
10
Loan Agreement, signed 6-December-2005 between Utah Medical Products Limited and Bank of Ireland

Incorporated by Reference (6)10
10
Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated 12-March-2008 between Utah Medical Products Limited and Bank of Ireland

Incorporated by Reference (7)11
10
Guarantee and Indemnity, dated 13-June-2008, by Utah Medical Products, Inc. to Bank of Ireland

Incorporated by Reference (7)12
10
Summary of Officer and Director Compensation

This Filing13
21
Subsidiaries of Utah Medical Products, Inc.

Incorporated by Reference (8)14
23
Consent of Jones Simkins, P.C., Company’s independent auditors for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

This Filing15
31
Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

This Filing16
31
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

This Filing








47








Exhibit #
SEC

Reference #
Title of Document

Location17
32
Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

This Filing18
32
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

This Filing





* Management contract of compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed pursuant to Item 14(c).





(1)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s annual report on form 10-K filed with the Commission for the year ended December 31, 2004.(2)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s registration statement on form S-8 filed with the Commission effective February 10, 1995.(3)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 1, 2004.(4)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s annual report on form 10-K filed with the Commission for the year ended December 31, 2003.(5)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s annual report on form 10-K filed with the Commission for the year ended December 31, 2002.(6)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 12, 2005.(7)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s annual report on form 10-K/A filed with the Commission for the year ended December 31, 2008.(8)
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s annual report on form 10-K filed with the Commission for the year ended December 31, 1999.








48





SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned this 3rd day of March, 2011.





UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.








By:
/s/ Kevin L. CornwellKevin L. CornwellChief Executive Officer








Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on this 3rd day of March, 2011.








By:
/s/ James H. BeesonJames H. Beeson, DirectorBy:
/s/ Kevin L. CornwellKevin L. Cornwell, Chief Executive Officer & DirectorBy:
/s/ Ernst G. HoyerErnst G. Hoyer, DirectorBy:
/s/ Barbara A. PayneBarbara A. Payne, DirectorBy:
/s/ Paul O. RichinsPaul O. Richins, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer & Director