UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS INC - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)

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see notes to consolidated condensed financial statements

 

 

(unaudited)

 

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, 2014 or September 30, 2015.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

UTMD manufactures and markets a well-established range of specialty medical devices.  The Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2014 provides a detailed description of products, technologies, markets, regulatory issues, business initiatives, resources and business risks, among other details, and should be read in conjunction with this report.  Because of the relatively short span of time, results for any given three month period in comparison with a previous three month period may not be indicative of comparative results for the year as a whole.  Currency amounts in the report are in thousands, except per-share amounts or where otherwise noted. Currencies in this report are denoted as $ or USD = U.S. Dollars; AUD = Australia Dollars; £ or GBP = UK Pound Sterling; and EUR = Euros.

Analysis of Results of Operations

In the first nine months (9M) of 2015, UTMD met its profit objectives despite continued foreign currency exchange (FX) rate headwinds which reduced total consolidated sales by 4%.  About one-third of UTMD's sales are invoiced in GBP, EUR or AUD foreign currencies, which were down 12.6% in the aggregate on a transaction weighted-average basis.  The average rates from the applicable foreign currency to USD during third quarter (3Q) and 9M 2015 compared to the same periods of 2014 follow:

 

Contrary to what happened in 2014, improved domestic sales in 2015 have offset lower international revenues.  Profit margins remained strong compared to the previous year, even though the stronger USD also put pressure on profit margins as a result of shared overhead costs of foreign subsidiaries with the U.S. (in USD) and  raw materials  and finished devices purchased from the U.S. (in USD) by the foreign subsidiaries. UTMD profit margins in 3Q 2015 and 9M 2015 compared to 3Q 2014 and 9M 2014 follow:

Income statement results in 3Q and 9M 2015 compared to the same periods of 2014 follow:

Total GAAP consolidated sales in 3Q 2015 were $772 lower (7%) than in 3Q 2014, and in 9M 2015 were $460 lower (1%) than in 9M 2014.  Using the same FX rates in 2015 as existed during the same periods in 2014 ("constant FX"), 3Q 2015 consolidated sales were $358 lower (3%) than in 3Q 2014, and in 9M 2015 were $826 higher (+3%) than in 9M 2014.  Of course, all of the negative FX impact only affected international sales which resulted in an international share of total consolidated sales of 50% in 3Q 2015 compared to 55% in 3Q 2014, and 49% in 9M 2015 compared to 52% in 9M 2014.  International sales in 9M 2015 were $1,308 lower (8%) than in 9M 2014, but in constant FX almost the same.  International sales in 3Q 2015 were $950 lower (16%) than in 3Q 2014. Constant FX 3Q 2015 international sales were $535 lower (9%) compared to 3Q 2014. The lower 3Q 2015 constant FX sales were due to a fluctuation in international distributor order patterns.  Domestic sales in 3Q 2015 were $178 higher (+4%) compared to 3Q 2014.  Domestic sales in 9M 2015 were $848 higher (+6%) compared to 9M 2014.

The higher 3Q 2015 Gross Profit Margin (GPM) was the combined result of a more favorable product mix, as 3Q 2015 sales of low margin blood pressure monitoring (BPM) kits to international distributors were $447 lower than in 3Q 2014, and distribution mix, as domestic sales to end users were higher while international sales to distributors at wholesale prices were lower. For 9M 2015 compared to 9M 2014, better absorption of manufacturing overheads in Utah and Ireland due to higher production activity offset the negative FX impacts on gross profits in Ireland, the UK and Australia.

UTMD's higher operating income margins (OPMs) in 2015 resulted from the FX-induced lower foreign subsidiary operating expenses combined with, in the case of 3Q 2015, a significantly higher GPM. The combination of higher OPMs with lower sales yielded Operating Income in both 3Q 2015 and 9M 2015 about the same as in the same periods in 2014.

With Operating Income about the same, Income Before Tax (EBT) in both 3Q 2015 and 9M 2015 improved compared to the same periods in 2014 as a result of changes in non-operating expense/ income. The changes compared to the prior year were comprised of the elimination of interest expense, a gain in remeasured foreign currency bank balances instead of a loss, and a net increase in income from miscellaneous items including royalties, interest earned and rent from underutilized property, less bank fees.

Net Income increased 8% in 3Q 2015 and 3% in 9M 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 as a result of the higher EBT combined with lower income tax provision rates.  The consolidated average income tax provision rate was 26.2% of EBT in 3Q 2015 compared to 27.6% in 3Q 2014, and 26.3% in 9M 2015 compared to 27.8% in 9M 2014.  As of April 1, 2015, the UK corporate income tax rate was reduced to 20% from 21%.  A shift of EBT proportion toward Ireland, the lowest tax rate sovereignty, accounted for the remainder of the one and half percentage point reduction in consolidated income tax provision rate.

Earnings Per Share (EPS) in 3Q 2015 increased 5.9 cents (8%) compared to 3Q 2014 as a result of the 8% increase in net income, despite 7% lower revenues. For 9M 2015, EPS increased 6.9 cents (3%) compared to 9M 2014 due to the 3% increase in net income. Diluted shares used to calculate EPS were 3,768,100 in 3Q 2015 compared to 3,764,000 in 3Q 2014.  Diluted shares were 3,771,900 in 9M 2015 compared to 3,774,000 in 9M 2014. The fluctuations in diluted shares outstanding are primarily due to the timing and volume of option exercises versus share repurchases.

During 9M 2015, the liquidity of UTMD's Balance Sheet improved. Working Capital increased to $26,565 at September 30, 2015 (Current Ratio 5.6) from $20,704 at December 31, 2014 (Current Ratio 3.3).  Total liabilities declined $4,718 and Shareholders' Equity increased $3,797 after paying $1,914 in cash dividends.  Total Assets were $921 lower primarily because of the lower FX rates for foreign subsidiary assets, but also because depreciation of fixed assets exceeded capital expenditures for new equipment by $310.  UTMD's FX rates for balance sheet purposes are the applicable rates at the end of each reporting period. The FX rates from the applicable foreign currency to USD for assets and liabilities at the end of 9M 2015 and the end of 2014 follow:

In addition to the FX impact on foreign subsidiary assets and liabilities, the changes in UTMD's Balance Sheet at September 30, 2015 from December 31, 2014 resulted from continued excellent cash generation, allowing eliminating the remaining principal balances of loans obtained in 2011 to help finance the Femcare acquisition.

The Company believes that revenue should be recognized at the time of shipment as title generally passes to the customer at the time of shipment, or completion of services performed under contract.  Revenue recognized by UTMD is based upon documented arrangements and fixed contracts in which the selling price is fixed prior to acceptance and completion of an order.  Revenue from product or service sales is generally recognized at the time the product is shipped or service completed and invoiced, and collectibility is reasonably assured.  There are no post-shipment obligations which have been or are expected to be material to financial results.

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.

Terms of sale are established in advance of UTMD's acceptance of customer orders.  In the U.S., Ireland, UK and Australia, UTMD generally accepts orders directly from and ships directly to end user clinical facilities, as well as third party med/surg distributors, under UTMD's Standard Terms and Conditions (T&C) of Sale. About 14% of UTMD's domestic end user sales go through third party med/surg distributors which contract separately with U.S. clinical facilities to provide purchasing, storage and scheduled delivery functions for the applicable facility.  UTMD's T&C of Sale are substantially the same in the U.S., Ireland, UK and Australia.

UTMD may have separate discounted pricing agreements with a clinical facility or group of affiliated facilities based on volume of purchases.  Pricing agreements with clinical facilities, or groups of affiliated facilities, if applicable, are established in advance of orders accepted or shipments made.  For existing customers, past actual shipment volumes determine the fixed price by part number for the next agreement period of one or two years.  For new customers, the customer's best estimate of volume is accepted by UTMD for determining the ensuing fixed prices for the agreement period.  New customers typically have one-year agreements. Prices are not adjusted after an order is accepted. For the sake of clarity, the separate pricing agreements with clinical facilities based on volume of purchases disclosure is not inconsistent with UTMD's disclosure above that the selling price is fixed prior to the acceptance of a specific customer order.

Total GAAP consolidated sales in 3Q 2015 were $772 lower than in 3Q 2014, and $460 lower in 9M 2015 than in 9M 2014. The negative impact of FX changes on consolidated sales in 3Q 2015 was $414, and in 9M 2015 was $1,286.  In other words, non-GAAP constant FX consolidated sales were down 3% in 3Q 2015 compared to 3Q 2014, and up 3% in 9M 2015 compared to 9M 2014.

An easy way to think about the FX impact on consolidated UTMD sales follows: About one-third of UTMD sales are in currencies other than the USD (two-thirds of international sales).  If the USD is 12% stronger for the applicable period(s) as a weighted average for all foreign currencies combined, then the impact is about a 4% decrease in consolidated USD GAAP sales (one-third of 12%). This is essentially what happened both in 3Q 2015 and in 9M 2015.

U.S. domestic sales (obviously in constant USD currency) were 4% higher in 3Q 2015 compared to 3Q 2014, and 6% higher in 9M 2015 than in 9M 2014.  Sales of Femcare's Filshie Clip System devices to CooperSurgical Inc. (CSI) for distribution in the U.S. were 11% higher in 3Q 2015 compared to 3Q 2014, and 13% higher in 9M 2015 than in 9M 2014.  Filshie Clip System sales to CSI were 16% of total domestic sales in 3Q 2015 compared to 15% in 3Q 2014, and 23% in 9M 2015 compared to 21% in 9M 2014.  Direct sales of UTMD devices to medical facilities were 1% higher in 3Q 2015 compared to 3Q 2014, and 2% higher in 9M 2015 compared to 9M 2014. U.S. domestic OEM sales were 11% higher in 3Q 2015 compared to 3Q 2014, and 15% higher in 9M 2015 compared to 9M 2014.

International GAAP sales were 16% lower in 3Q 2015 than in 3Q 2014. Constant currency international sales were 9% lower in 3Q 2015 than in 3Q 2014. The lower 3Q sales were due both to the unfavorable FX rates noted above and to less favorable 3Q 2015 economic conditions internationally, including an uneven order pattern of two large distributors of BPM kits, which combined for $349 lower purchases in constant currency terms. International GAAP sales were 8% lower in 9M 2015 than in 9M 2014, but they were the same in constant currency in 9M 2015 and 9M 2014.

Trade sales by UTMD's UK subsidiary, Femcare-Nikomed Ltd, were 28% of total international sales in 3Q 2015 compared to 42% in 3Q 2014, and 30% in 9M 2015 compared to 44% in 9M 2014. Trade sales of Sterishot kits to international customers outside the UK which were included in UK subsidiary sales in 9M 2014 were shipped directly from UTMD's Ireland subsidiary in 9M 2015.  In addition, intercompany sales of Sterishot kits to UTMD's Australia distribution subsidiary which were included in 9M 2014 UK sales were shipped directly from UTMD Ireland in 9M 2015. Total UK subsidiary sales were GBP 1,447 in 3Q 2015 compared to GBP 2,159 in 3Q 2014, and GBP 5,314 in 9M 2015 compared to GBP 6,870 in 9M 2014.

Ireland subsidiary trade sales were 30% of total international sales in 3Q 2015 compared to 22% in 3Q 2014, and 28% in 9M 2015 compared to 17% in 9M 2014. The transfer of Sterishot manufacturing to Ireland increased Ireland's share of international sales as it decreased UK's share. Ireland shipments, including trade sales to international third parties as well as intercompany sales, were EUR 1,487 in 3Q 2015 compared to EUR 1,122 in 3Q 2014, and EUR 4,757 in 9M 2015 compared to EUR 2,264 in 9M 2014.

Sales by UTMD's Australia subsidiary, Femcare Australia Pty Ltd, were 13% of total international sales in 3Q 2015 compared to 14% in 3Q 2014, and 13% in 9M 2015 compared to 15% in 9M 2014. All sales by the Australia subsidiary are domestic trade sales to end user facilities in Australia. In 3Q 2015, Australia subsidiary sales were AUD 898 compared to AUD 928 in 3Q 2014, and AUD 2,534 in 9M 2015 compared to AUD 2,605 in 9M 2014.

International trade sales exported from the U.S. invoiced in USD were 29% of total international sales in 3Q 2015 compared to 21% in 3Q 2014, and 29% in 9M 2015 compared to 24% in 9M 2014.  Total U.S. international sales including intercompany sales were $1,579 in 3Q 2015 compared to $1,382 in 3Q 2014, and $4,847 in 9M 2015 compared to $4,309 in 9M 2014.

For global GAAP sales (not constant FX) in general product categories, 3Q 2015 blood pressure monitoring device/ components (BPM) sales were down 15%, neonatal device sales were the same, gynecology/ electrosurgery device sales were down 7% and obstetrics device sales were down 5% compared to 3Q 2014.  For 9M 2015 compared to 9M 2014, BPM sales were up 6%, neonatal device sales were up 9%, gynecology/ electrosurgery device sales were down 6% and obstetrics device sales were down 1%.

The following table provides USD denominated sales divided into general product categories for total sales, and the subset of international sales:

Global GAAP revenues by product category:

 

International revenues by product category:

 

*includes molded components sold to OEM customers.

Gross Profit (GP) results from subtracting the cost of manufacturing products (direct materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead), or the purchase price of finished products which are resold, from revenues. At UTMD, manufacturing overhead costs fully absorb indirect costs including depreciation on manufacturing equipment and facilities, quality assurance, materials requirements planning and purchasing, manufacturing engineering, production supervision, shipping, royalties paid to other entities and health plan benefits for both direct and indirect manufacturing personnel. UTMD's GP margin (GPM) is GP as a percentage of revenues. In 3Q 2015, GP was $6,079 (61.1% GPM) compared to $6,196 (57.8% GPM) in 3Q 2014. In 9M 2015, GP was $18,290 (59.8% GPM) compared to $18,595 (59.9% GPM) in 9M 2014. The higher GPM in 3Q 2015 was the combined result of a more favorable product mix, as 3Q 2015 sales of low margin blood pressure monitoring (BPM) kits to international distributors were $441 lower than in 3Q 2014, and distribution mix, as domestic sales to end users were higher while international sales to distributors at wholesale prices were lower. UTMD Ltd (Ireland subsidiary) had a full quarter of manufacturing and directly shipping Filshie Sterishot kits to international users, in addition to intercompany sales to UTMD's UK and Australia subsidiaries, compared to 3Q 2014 when the Ireland in-house manufacturing of Sterishot had just begun. In the U.S., self-insured employee health plan costs were $95 lower than in 3Q 2014.  This one-time savings equates to one full percentage point in the 3Q 2015 consolidated GPM. For 9M 2015 compared to 9M 2014, better absorption of manufacturing overheads in Utah and Ireland due to higher production activity almost offset the negative FX impact on GP in Ireland, the UK and Australia.

Operating Income (OP) is the profit remaining after subtracting operating expenses from GP.  Operating expenses include sales and marketing (S&M) expenses, product development (R&D) expenses and general and administrative (G&A) expenses.  UTMD's OP margin (OPM) is its operating income divided by revenues.  OP in 3Q 2015 was $4,000 (40.2% OPM) compared to $4,002 (37.3% OPM) in 3Q 2014, and $11,845 (38.7% OPM) in 9M 2015 compared to $11,907 (38.4% OPM) in 9M 2014.  Compared to the prior year's same periods, even though GP were $117 and $304 lower in 3Q 2015 and 9M 2015 respectively, because operating expenses were $115 and $242 lower in 3Q 2015 and 9M 2015, OP were about the same,  just $2 and $62 lower in 3Q 2015 and 9M 2015 compared to 3Q 2014 and 9M 2014, respectively.

Consolidated 3Q 2015 operating expenses were $2,079 (20.9% of sales) compared to $2,194 (20.5% of sales) in 3Q 2014.  Operating expenses in 9M 2015 were $6,445 (21.1% of sales) compared to $6,688 (21.5% of sales) in 9M 2014.  When consolidating foreign subsidiary operating expenses, the lower 2015 FX rates were helpful. In constant FX, 3Q 2015 and 9M 2015 operating expenses of UTMD foreign subsidiaries in the aggregate would have been $103 and $346 higher, respectively.

Consolidated S&M expenses in 3Q 2015 were $533 (5.4% of sales) compared to $524 (4.9% of sales) in 3Q 2014.  Consolidated S&M expenses in 9M 2015 were $1,658 (5.4% of sales) compared to $1,674 (5.4% of sales) in 9M 2014.  S&M expenses in 3Q 2015 included $74 in U.S. Medical Device Excise Tax (MDET) compared to $73 in 3Q 2014. The MDET was $212 in 9M 2015 compared to $209 in 9M 2014.  The MDET, imposed as a component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), is levied as a 2.3% excise tax on domestic sales of medical devices.

S&M expenses include all customer support costs including training. In general, training is not required for UTMD's devices since they are well-established and have been clinically widely used. Written "Instructions For Use" are packaged with all finished devices. Although UTMD does not have any explicit contracts with customers to provide training, it does have agreements in the U.S. and UK under which it agrees to provide hospital members inservice and clinical training as required and reasonably requested.

UTMD promises prospective customers that it will provide, at no charge in reasonable quantities, copies of instruction materials developed for the use of its devices. UTMD provides customer support from offices in the U.S., UK, Ireland and Australia by telephone, and employed representatives on a geographically dispersed basis, to answer user questions and help troubleshoot any user issues. Occasionally, on a case-by-case basis, UTMD may utilize the services of an independent practitioner to provide educational assistance to clinicians. All inservice and training expenses are routinely expensed as they occur.  All of these services are allocated from S&M overhead costs included in Operating Expenses.  Historically, marginal consulting costs have been immaterial to financial results.

R&D expenses were $110 (1.1% of sales) in 3Q 2015 compared to $114 (1.1% of sales) in 3Q 2014, and $406 (1.3% of sales) in 9M 2015 compared to $352 (1.1% of sales) in 9M 2014.

Consolidated G&A expenses in 3Q 2015 were $1,436 (14.4% of sales) compared to $1,555 (14.5% of sales) in 3Q 2014, and $4,381 (14.3% of sales) in 9M 2015 compared to $4,661 (15.0% of sales) in 9M 2014. The G&A expenses in 3Q 2015 included $625 (6.3% of sales) of non-cash expense from the amortization of identifiable intangible assets (IIA) resulting from the Femcare acquisition in 2011, which were $674 (6.3% of sales) in 3Q 2014. The $49 difference was due to FX rate conversion into USD since the GBP 404 IIA amortization expense was the same in both periods.  IIA amortization expense for 9M 2015 and 9M 2014 were $1,854 (6.1% of sales) and $2,021 (6.5% of sales), respectively, with the difference in USD again being due to FX rate differences.

G&A expenses also include the cost of outside financial auditors and corporate governance activities related to the implementation of SEC rules resulting from the Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank Acts, as well as estimated stock-based compensation cost, a noncash expense. Option compensation expense included in G&A expenses was $22 in 3Q 2015 compared to $25 in 3Q 2014, and $66 in 9M 2015 compared to $49 in 9M 2014.

Operating expense summary:

 

Net NOE includes 1) loan interest, 2) bank fees and 3) FX loss from remeasuring the USD value of EUR cash bank balances in the UK and GBP cash balances in Ireland, minus non-operating income from 1) rent of underutilized property, 2) investment income and 3) royalties received from licensing the Company's technology.  Net NOI is the converse of the above.  In 3Q 2015, net NOI was $127 compared to net NOE of $107 in 3Q 2014. The $234 lower net NOE between 3Q 2015 and 3Q 2014 was due to 1) a $91 gain in remeasured foreign currency bank balances compared to a $66 loss in 3Q 2014, both primarily on EUR held in the UK; 2) the lack of any interest on debt in 3Q 2015, which was $68 in 3Q 2014; and 3) $9 higher royalties et al. In 9M 2015, net NOE was $126 compared to $300 in 9M 2014.  The $174 lower net NOE in 9M 2015 was essentially due to $65 in interest expense in 9M 2015 compared to $234 in 9M 2014.

EBT results from subtracting net NOE from OP. Consolidated EBT in 3Q 2015 was $4,127 (41.5% of sales) compared to $3,895 (36.3% of sales) in 3Q 2014. The 5.9% higher EBT in 3Q 2015 resulted from OP about the same (despite 7.2% lower revenue), together with the substantially lower net NOE (higher net NOI). Consolidated EBT in 9M 2015 was $11,719 (38.3% of sales) compared to $11,607 (37.4% of sales) in 9M 2014. The 1.0% higher 9M 2015 EBT resulted from $174 lower net NOE offset by $63 lower operating income compared to 9M 2014.

The EBT of UTMD Ltd. (Ireland) was EUR 1,843 in 9M 2015 compared to EUR 452 in 9M 2014.  The EBT of Femcare Group Ltd (Femcare-Nikomed, Ltd., UK and Femcare Australia) was GBP 2,456 in 9M 2015 compared to GBP 3,299 in 9M 2014. The differences were due primarily to the fact that in 2014, Filshie Sterishot kits were purchased from third party subcontract manufacturers and shipped from Femcare-Nikomed in the UK to international customers, while in 2015 the kits are being manufactured by UTMD in-house in Ireland and shipped and invoiced to international customers directly from UTMD Ltd in Ireland.

Excluding the noncash effects of depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and stock option expense, 3Q 2015 consolidated EBT excluding the remeasured bank balance currency translation loss and interest expense ("Non-GAAP adjusted consolidated EBITDA") were $4,857 compared to $4,906 in 3Q 2014.  Non-GAAP adjusted consolidated EBITDA in 9M 2015 were $14,348 compared to $14,565 in 9M 2014.

NP is EBT minus consolidated provisions for income taxes in the applicable sovereignties. The higher 2015 EBT in both 3Q and 9M periods were leveraged by a lower consolidated tax rate.  NP in 3Q 2015 was $3,047 (+8.0%) compared to $2,822 in 3Q 2014.   NP in 9M 2015 was $8,633 (+3.0%) compared to $8,378 in 9M 2014.  The average consolidated income tax provision (as a % of EBT) in 3Q 2015 was 26.2% compared to 27.6% in 3Q 2014, and in 9M 2015 was 26.3% compared to 27.8% in 9M 2014.

The approximate one and one-half percentage point lower tax provision rate in both 2015 periods of  time resulted from a reduced corporate income tax rate in the UK together with a redistribution of EBT toward UTMD Ltd (Ireland), taxed at the lowest rate of all sovereignties.

UTMD's combined state and federal income tax provision rate in the U.S. after all allowable deductions was 34.0% in 9M 2015 compared to 34.3% in 9M 2014.  The average corporate income tax provision rate in the UK was 19.9% in 9M 2015 compared to 21.5% in 9M 2014. The average income tax provision rate in Australia was 28.1% in 9M 2015 compared to 30.0% in 9M 2014. The average UTMD Ltd (Ireland) tax provision rate was 12.1% in 9M 2015 compared to 14.6% in 9M 2014.  A number of factors, such as the mix of EBT from subsidiaries with differing income tax rates, the amount of non-GAAP taxable EBT in each foreign subsidiary and the amount of U.S. deductions such as the R&D tax credit, result in period to period tax provision fluctuations. UTMD's income tax provision is trued-up each quarter for cumulative year-to-date estimated income tax liability.

NP divided by revenues is UTMD's Net Income margin (NPM).  UTMD's respective NPMs were 30.6% in 3Q 2015 compared to 26.3% in 3Q 2014, and 28.2% in 9M 2015 compared to 27.0% in 9M 2014.

EPS are consolidated NP 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 stock market value).  Diluted 3Q 2015 EPS were $0.809 (+7.9%) compared to $0.750 in 3Q 2014, and $2.289 (+3.1%) in 9M 2015 compared to $2.220 in 9M 2014.  EPS for the most recent twelve months were $3.08.

The weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding used to calculate 3Q 2015 EPS were 3,768,148 compared to 3,763,972 in 3Q 2014.  The number of shares added as a dilution factor in 3Q 2015 was 14,649 compared to 22,564 in 3Q 2014.  Increases and decreases in UTMD's stock market price impact EPS as a result of the dilution calculation for unexercised options with exercise prices below the average stock market value during each period.  Diluted shares outstanding used to calculate 9M 2015 EPS were 3,771,926 compared to 3,774,024 in 9M 2014.  The number of shares added as a dilution factor in 9M 2015 was 19,020 compared to 26,980 in 9M 2014.

Actual outstanding shares at the end of 3Q 2015 were 3,749,655 which included 3Q 2015 employee and outside director option exercises of 1,431 shares. The number of shares used for calculating earnings per share was higher than ending shares because of a time-weighted calculation of average outstanding shares plus dilution from unexercised employee and director options.  The total number of outstanding unexercised employee and outside director options at September 30, 2015 was 64,220 shares at an average exercise price of $38.60/ share, including shares awarded but not vested. This compares to 100,500 unexercised option shares outstanding at September 30, 2014 at an average exercise price of $35.94/ share.  No option shares have been awarded to date in 2015.

UTMD repurchased 9,000 of its shares in the open market during 3Q 2015 at an average cost, including commissions and fees, of $51.96 per share ($468 total). The total shares repurchased in 9M 2015 were 13,000 at an average cost of $52.54 per share ($683 total). The Company repurchased 4,083 shares in 3Q 2014 at an average cost of $48.70 per share ($199 total), and  21,427 shares in 9M 2014 at an average cost of $47.47 ($1,017 total). UTMD retains its program for repurchasing shares when they seem undervalued.

ROE is the NP retained by UTMD to internally finance its growth, divided by the average accumulated shareholders' equity for the applicable time period.  Annualized ROE in 9M 2015 (before payment of dividends to shareholders) was 17% compared to 18% in 9M 2014. The lower ROE in 9M 2015 in spite of higher NP was due to 6.5% growth in average 9M 2015 shareholders' equity compared to 9M 2014. Targeting ROE over 20% remains a key financial objective for UTMD management.  ROE can be increased by effectively deploying capital to increase NP, by reducing shareholders' equity from paying cash dividends to shareholders or by repurchasing shares.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Net cash provided by operating activities, including adjustments for depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses along with changes in working capital, totaled $9,895 in 9M 2015 compared to $10,858 in 9M 2014. The most significant changes in the two periods were a $669 use of cash for lower accrued expenses and a $500 use of cash for a higher increase in trade accounts receivable.  There was also a $255 benefit to cash from higher net income in 9M 2015 compared to 9M 2014.

The Company's reduction of its bank loan principal balances was the most significant use of cash in both years. UTMD repaid the remaining $4,778 principal balance as of December 31, 2014 in 1Q 2015, compared to $3,052 loan principal repaid during 9M 2014. UTMD made cash dividend payments to shareholders of $1,914 in 9M 2015 compared to $1,874 in 9M 2014, a 2% increase.

Capital expenditures for plant, property and equipment (PP&E) were $151 in 9M 2015 compared to $953 in 9M 2014.  In the first half of 2014, UTMD invested $550 in completing its new distribution facility in Castle Hill NSW Australia.  Depreciation of PP&E was $461 in 9M 2015 compared to $474 in 9M 2014.  Except for the possibility of a facility purchase in the UK or an acquisition, planned capital expenditures during the remainder of 2015 are expected to remain less than depreciation of PP&E. The Company continues to keep its facilities, equipment and tooling in good working order.

During 9M 2015, UTMD received a net of $298 and issued 14,256 shares of its stock upon the exercise of employee and director stock options.  The shares issued were net of 5,794 shares retired upon optionees trading those shares in payment of the stock option exercise price and related taxes.  Option exercises in 9M 2015 were at an average price of $38.60 per share.  In comparison, in 9M 2014, the Company received $361 from issuing 20,531 shares of stock on the exercise of employee and director stock options, net of 5,907 shares retired upon optionees trading shares in payment of the stock option exercise price.

UTMD repurchased and retired 13,000 of its own shares during 9M 2015 at a cost of $683, compared to 21,427 shares repurchased in 9M 2014 at a cost of $1,017.

Management believes that income from operations and effective management of working capital will provide the liquidity necessary to finance its internal growth plans.  In addition, the Company may use cash for marketing or product manufacturing rights to broaden the Company's product offerings; for continued share repurchases when the price of the stock is undervalued; for cash dividends to stockholders; and if available for a reasonable price, an acquisition that might strategically fit UTMD's business and be accretive to financial performance.

September 30, 2015 total consolidated assets were $921 lower than at December 31, 2014.  The decrease was due to a $2,884 decrease in identifiable intangible assets (IIA) from amortization together with a weaker GBP converting the remaining UK IIA asset balance into USD. Other changes were a $790 increase in accounts and other receivables, $668 lower net PP&E book value from $310 in depreciation less new purchases, and a weaker EUR and AUD in UTMD Ltd (Ireland) and Femcare (Australia) where UTMD owns facilities. The accounts and other receivables balances remain well within management's aging targets.  Consolidated inventories declined $423, getting back to management's targets after hedging for the start-up of manufacturing Sterishot II in Ireland.  The principal balance of the JPMorgan Chase loans associated with the Femcare acquisition has been zero since February 2015.

Working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) increased 28% to $26,565 at September 30, 2015, compared to $20,704 at December 31, 2014.  Current liabilities decreased $3,230 due to elimination of the $3,894 current portion of notes payable as of December 31, 2014. Accrued liabilities increased $671 due to the 3Q 2015 quarterly dividend payment to shareholders accrued but not paid until after September 30, whereas the 4Q 2014 dividend was paid before the end of December 2014.  UTMD management believes that its working capital remains sufficient to meet normal operating needs and projected cash dividend payments to shareholders.

At September 30, 2015, net intangible assets including goodwill were 50% of total assets compared to 53% at December 31, 2014.

UTMD eliminated all of its remaining bank debt in February 2015. The principal balance of bank debt at December 31, 2014 was 1) $1,750 to JP Morgan Chase in the U.S., of which $350 was long term debt, and 2) $3,117 (2,000 GBP) to JP Morgan Chase in the U.K., of which $2,494 (1,600 GBP) was long term debt. The deferred tax liability balance for Femcare identifiable intangible assets ($9,084 on the date of the acquisition), was $5,039 at September 30, 2015 compared to $5,581 at December 31, 2014.  Reduction of the deferred tax liability occurs as the book/tax difference of IIA amortization is eliminated over the remaining useful life of the IIA. UTMD's total debt ratio (total liabilities/total assets) as of September 30, 2015 declined to 15% from 20% as of December 31, 2014.

As outlined in its December 31, 2014 SEC 10-K report, UTMD's plan for 2015 is to

 

Despite the much larger than anticipated negative impact of FX rates on 9M 2015 consolidated revenues, operating performance in the first nine months of the 2015 year was on track to meet UTMD's previously stated financial objectives for the year.

None.

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 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

UTMD has manufacturing and trading operations, including related assets, in the U.S. denominated in the U.S. Dollar (USD), in Ireland denominated in the Euro (EUR), in England denominated in the British Pound (GBP) and in Australia denominated in the Australia Dollar (AUD).  The currencies are subject to exchange rate fluctuations that are beyond the control of UTMD.  The exchange rates were .8958, .8258 and .7922 EUR per USD as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.  Exchange rates were .6616, .6416 and .6165 GBP per USD as of September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.  Exchange rates were 1.4241, 1.2223 and 1.1452 AUD per USD on September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.  UTMD manages its foreign currency risk without separate hedging transactions by conducting as much business in local currencies as is practicable, and by optimizing global account structures through liquidity management accounts.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company's management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 30, 2015. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2015, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

There were no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

The Company may be a party from time to time in litigation incidental to its business.  Presently, there is no litigation.

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, investors should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in UTMD's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which could materially affect its business, financial condition or future results.  The risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to UTMD or currently deemed to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and/or operating results.

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 larger medical device companies can afford.  To the extent that the Acts continue to place additional burdens on small medical device companies in the form of the excise tax on medical device sales, additional oversight of marketing and sales activities and new reporting requirements, the result is likely to continue to be negative for UTMD's ability to effectively compete and support continued investments in new product development and marketing of specialty devices in the U.S.

The Company's experience in 2001-2005, when the FDA improperly 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 administrative burdens and substantial increases in "user fees" increase product development costs and result in delays to revenues from new or improved devices.

GPOs, theoretically acting as bargaining agents for member hospitals, but actually collecting their 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 undifferentiated commodities. GPOs have been granted an antitrust exemption by the U.S. Congress. In any other industry, their business model based on "kickbacks" would be a violation of law.  These bureaucratic entities do not recognize or understand 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.

As the level of complexity and uncertainty in the medical device industry increases, evidenced, for example, by the unpredictable regulatory environment, the Company's views of the future and product/ market strategy may not yield financial results consistent with the past.

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 clinical users because of the existence of long term supply agreements for preexisting products, particularly from competitors which offer hospitals a broader range of products and services.  Restrictions used by hospital administrators to limit clinician involvement in device purchasing decisions makes communicating UTMD's clinical advantages much more difficult.

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.

UTMD's 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.  In some countries, notably China, Pakistan and India not subject to similarly rigorous standards, by copying, a distributor of UTMD's products may eventually become a competitor with a cheaper but lower quality version of UTMD's devices.

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.

Since a significant portion of UTMD's sales are outside the U.S. and consolidated financial results are reported in USD terms, a stronger USD can have negative effects. For the portion of sales to foreign entities made in fixed USD terms, a stronger USD makes the devices more expensive and weakens demand.  For the portion invoiced in a foreign currency, not only USD denominated sales and profits are reduced, but also gross profits and operating profits in foreign currency terms are reduced because finished distributed products and/or U.S. made raw materials and components are being purchased in fixed USD.

 

The following table details purchases by UTMD of its own securities during 3Q 2015.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The frequency of UTMD's open market share repurchases depends on the availability of sellers and the price of the stock.  The board of directors has not established an expiration date or a maximum dollar or share limit for UTMD's continuing and long term consistent pattern of open market share repurchases.

The purpose of UTMD's ongoing share repurchases is to maximize the value of the Company per share for its continuing shareholders, and maximize its return on shareholder equity by employing excess cash generated by effectively managing its business. Although UTMD has repurchased approximately 70% of its shares that were outstanding 22 years ago, it does not intend to repurchase shares that would result in terminating its Nasdaq Global Market listing.

Item 6.  Exhibits

SIGNATURES

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