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

utahmedical.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For quarter ended: June 30, 2015
Commission File No. 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 South 300 West
Midvale, Utah  84047
Address of principal executive offices

Registrant's telephone number:
(801) 566-1200



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and; (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes x   No o

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

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 x No o

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of August 6, 2015: 3,758,300.
 
 
 

 
 
UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q




PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PAGE
       
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
       
   
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
1
       
   
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014
2
       
   
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014
3
       
   
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
4
       
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
6
       
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
15
       
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
15
       
       
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
       
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
16
       
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
16
       
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
18
       
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
19
       
SIGNATURES
19

 
 

 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Financial Statements
           
UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF
 
JUNE 30, 2015 AND DECEMBER 31, 2014
 
(in thousands)
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(audited)
 
ASSETS
 
JUNE 30,
2015
   
DECEMBER 31,
2014
 
Current assets:
           
Cash
  $ 19,169     $ 19,274  
Investments, available-for-sale
    59       58  
Accounts & other receivables, net
    5,613       4,703  
Inventories
    4,473       4,872  
Other current assets
    662       768  
Total current assets
    29,976       29,675  
Property and equipment, net
    7,746       8,236  
Goodwill
    15,216       15,145  
Other intangible assets
    40,015       39,675  
Other intangible assets - accumulated amortization
    (13,023 )     (11,655 )
Other intangible assets, net
    26,992       28,020  
Total assets
  $ 79,930     $ 81,076  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 932     $ 929  
Accrued expenses
    4,401       4,148  
Current portion of notes payable
    -       3,894  
Total current liabilities
    5,333       8,971  
Notes payable
    -       973  
Deferred tax liability - intangible assets
    5,370       5,581  
Deferred income taxes
    1,034       995  
Total liabilities
    11,737       16,520  
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock - $.01 par value; authorized - 5,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock - $.01 par value; authorized - 50,000 shares; issued - June 30, 2015, 3,757 shares and December 31, 2014, 3,748 shares
    38       37  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (3,408 )     (3,234 )
Additional paid-in capital
    3,029       2,890  
Retained earnings
    68,534       64,863  
Total stockholders' equity
    68,193       64,556  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 79,930     $ 81,076  

see notes to consolidated condensed financial statements
 
 
1

 

UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE
 
THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 AND JUNE 30, 2014
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts - unaudited)
 
   
   
Three Months Ended
    Six Months Ended  
   
June 30,
    June 30,  
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Sales, net
  $ 10,397     $ 10,491     $ 20,630     $ 20,318  
                                 
Cost of goods sold
    4,298       4,142       8,419       7,919  
                                 
Gross profit
    6,099       6,349       12,211       12,399  
                                 
Operating expense
                               
                                 
Selling, general and administrative
    1,992       2,172       4,071       4,256  
Research & development
    140       115       296       238  
                                 
Total operating expenses
    2,132       2,287       4,367       4,494  
                                 
Operating income
    3,967       4,062       7,844       7,905  
                                 
Other income (expense)
    (43 )     (132 )     (252 )     (193 )
                                 
Income before provision for income taxes
    3,924       3,930       7,592       7,712  
                                 
Provision for income taxes
    1,006       1,096       2,006       2,156  
                                 
Net income
  $ 2,918     $ 2,834     $ 5,586     $ 5,556  
                                 
Earnings per common share (basic)
  $ 0.78     $ 0.76     $ 1.49     $ 1.48  
                                 
Earnings per common share (diluted)
  $ 0.77     $ 0.75     $ 1.48     $ 1.47  
                                 
Shares outstanding - basic
    3,755       3,750       3,753       3,750  
                                 
Shares outstanding - diluted
    3,773       3,775       3,775       3,778  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Foreign currency translation net of taxes of $0 in all periods
  $ 2,360     $ 859     $ (175 )   $ 1,110  
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments net of taxes of $2, ($0), $0 and ($2)
    2       (0 )     1       (3 )
Total comprehensive income
  $ 5,280     $ 3,693     $ 5,412     $ 6,663  
 
see notes to consolidated condensed financial statements
 
 
2

 

UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 AND JUNE 30, 2014
 
(in thousands - unaudited)
 
   
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 5,586     $ 5,556  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Depreciation
    301       311  
Amortization
    1,259       1,376  
(Gain) loss on investments
    -       -  
Provision for (recovery of) losses on accounts receivable
    (9 )     6  
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
    1       4  
Deferred income taxes
    (213 )     (282 )
Stock-based compensation expense
    44       24  
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (828 )     (1,016 )
Accrued interest and other receivables
    (81 )     (31 )
Inventories
    218       (472 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    104       118  
Accounts payable
    5       91  
Accrued expenses
    (654 )     75  
Total adjustments
    147       204  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    5,733       5,760  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Capital expenditures for:
               
Property and equipment
    (109 )     (836 )
Intangible assets
    (7 )     -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (116 )     (836 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from issuance of common stock - options
    245       271  
Common stock purchased and retired
    (215 )     (818 )
Payment of taxes for exchange of stock options
    (42 )     -  
Tax benefit attributable to exercise of stock options
    107       120  
Repayment of notes payable
    (4,778 )     (2,035 )
Payment of dividends
    (957 )     (938 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (5,640 )     (3,400 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (82 )     20  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (105 )     1,544  
                 
Cash at beginning of period
    19,274       14,395  
                 
Cash at end of period
  $ 19,169     $ 15,939  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
  $ 2,781     $ 1,551  
Cash paid during the period for interest
    65       167  
 
see notes to consolidated condensed financial statements
 
 
3

 

UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

 
(1)       The unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Utah Medical Products, Inc. ("UTMD" or "the Company") annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.  In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to summarize fairly the Company's financial position and results of operations. Currency amounts are in thousands except per-share amounts and where noted.

(2)       Recent Accounting Standards. In May 2014, new accounting guidance was issued that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The guidance is based on the principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to fulfill a contract.  Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new standard.  This guidance becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted.  UTMD is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements when it is adopted in 2017.

(3)       Inventories at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following:
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Finished goods
  $ 1,554     $ 1,847  
Work-in-process
    1,101       1,103  
Raw materials
    1,818       1,922  
Total
  $ 4,473     $ 4,872  
 
(4)      Stock-Based Compensation. At June 30, 2015, the Company has stock-based employee compensation plans which authorize the grant of stock options to eligible employees and directors.  The Company accounts for stock compensation under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Stock Compensation.  This statement requires the Company to recognize compensation cost based on the grant date fair value of options granted to employees and directors.  In the quarters ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized $22 and $18, respectively, in stock based compensation cost.  In the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized $44 and $24, respectively, in stock based compensation cost.

(5)      Notes Payable.  In March 2011, the Company obtained a $14,000 loan from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and  a $12,934 loan from JP Morgan Chase, London Branch to help finance UTMD’s purchase of Femcare.  The notes were fully paid off in February 2015.

(6)      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, 2014 or June 30, 2015.

 
4

 
 
(7)      Investments.  Changes in the unrealized holding gain/loss on investment securities available-for-sale and reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
 
     
2Q 2015
     
2Q 2014
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
8
   
$
5
 
Realized loss from securities included in beginning balance
   
-
     
-
 
Gross unrealized holding gains (losses), in equity securities
   
4
     
(0)
 
Deferred income taxes on unrealized holding (gain)loss
   
(2)
     
0
 
Balance, end of period
 
$
10
   
$
5
 

(8)      Fair Value Measurements.  The Company follows ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement to determine fair value of its financial assets.  The following table provides financial assets carried at fair value measured as of June 30, 2015:

         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Description
 
Total Fair Value
at 6/30/2015
   
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
 Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3 )
 
Equities
 
$
59
   
$
59
   
$
0
   
$
0
 
 
(9)      Subsequent Events. UTMD has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued, and concluded there were no other events or transactions during this period that required recognition or disclosure in its financial statements.

 
5

 

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

a)     Overview
 
In the second calendar quarter (2Q) and first half (1H) of 2015, UTMD achieved results which are on track to meet its previously announced goals for 2015, despite greater than expected foreign currency exchange (FX) rate headwinds.  The key issue in comparing 2015 financial results to 2014 results is FX.  The FX headwinds reduced consolidated USD sales and had a leveraged negative effect on consolidated USD Gross Profit.
 
Income statement results in 2Q and 1H 2015 compared to the same periods of 2014 follow:
 
      2Q 2015       2Q 2014    
change
      1H 2015       1H 2014    
change
 
Net Sales
  $ 10,397     $ 10,491       (0.9 %)   $ 20,630     $ 20,318       +1.5 %
Gross Profit
    6,099       6,349       (3.9 %)     12,211       12,399       (1.5 %)
Operating Income
    3,967       4,062       (2.3 %)     7,844       7,905       (0.8 %)
Income Before Tax
    3,924       3,930       (0.1 %)     7,592       7,712       (1.6 %)
Net Income
    2,918       2,834       +3.0 %     5,586       5,556       +0.5 %
Earnings per Diluted Share
    .773       .751       +3.0 %     1.480       1.470       +0.6 %
 
UTMD’s FX rates for income statement purposes are transaction-weighted averages. The average rates from the applicable foreign currency to USD during 2Q and 1H 2015 compared to the same periods of 2014 follow:
 
      2Q 2015       2Q 2014    
change
      1H2015       1H 2014    
change
 
GBP
    1.531       1.682       (9.0 %)     1.522       1.669       (8.8 %)
EUR
    1.110       1.370       (18.9 %)     1.114       1.371       (18.7 %)
AUD
    0.778       0.933       (16.5 %)     0.781       0.917       (14.8 %)

Total GAAP consolidated sales in 2Q 2015 were $94 lower than in 2Q 2014, but $312 higher in 1H 2015 than in 1H 2014. Using the same FX rates in 2015 as existed during the same periods in 2014 (“constant FX”), 2Q 2015 consolidated sales would have been $475 higher, and 1H 2015 sales would have been $872 higher.  In other words, non-GAAP constant FX consolidated sales were up 4% in 2Q 2015 compared to 2Q 2014, and up 6% in 1H 2015 compared to 1H 2014.  Approximately one-third of UTMD’s sales were invoiced in foreign currencies. The weighted average FX rate on foreign currency invoiced sales was about 13% lower in 2015 than in 2014.

UTMD profit margins in 2Q 2015 and 1H 2015 compared to 2Q 2014 and 1H 2014 follow:
 
      2Q 2015       2Q 2014       1H 2015       1H 2014  
Gross Profit Margin (gross profit/ sales):
    58.7 %     60.5 %     59.2 %     61.0 %
Operating Income Margin (operating profit/ sales):
    38.2 %     38.7 %     38.0 %     38.9 %
EBT Margin (profit before income taxes/ sales):
    37.7 %     37.5 %     36.8 %     38.0 %
Net Income Margin (profit after taxes/ sales):
    28.1 %     27.0 %     27.1 %     27.3 %
 
 
6

 
 
UTMD’s 2Q and 1H 2015 Gross Profit Margins (GPMs) were lower than in 2Q and 1H 2014 due to the impact of a stronger USD on the cost of goods purchased in fixed USD terms by foreign subsidiaries, along with a less favorable product mix.

UTMD’s Operating Income Margins in 2015 were less diluted than its GPM since the lower FX rates reduced foreign subsidiary operating expenses in USD terms.  Operating expenses were 20.5% of sales in 2Q 2015 compared to 21.8% of sales in 2Q 2014, and were 21.2% of sales in 1H 2015 compared to 22.1% of sales in 1H 2014.

Income Before Tax (EBT) of $3,924 (37.7% of sales) in 2Q 2015 was almost the same as  $3,930 (37.5% of sales) in 2Q 2014 because of the lack of any interest expense in 2Q 2015 on loans required to finance the acquisition of Femcare in 2011, which had been fully repaid in 1Q 2015.  Interest expense in 2Q 2014 was $78.   On the other hand, 1H 2015 EBT of $7,592 (36.8% of sales) was $120 lower than 1H 2014 EBT of $7,712 (38.0% of sales), despite $100 lower interest expense, because of  $61 lower operating income coupled with a $159 greater foreign currency exchange (FX) loss on the remeasured value of EUR cash balances in the UK.  The value of EUR bank balances in USD terms declined by more than 8% during 1H 2015.

Net Income (NP) in 2Q 2015 of $2,918 (28.1% of sales) was 3% higher than the $2,834 (27.0% of sales) in 2Q 2014, with EBT about the same, as a result of a lower income tax provision.  The average consolidated income tax provision rate was 25.6% in 2Q 2015 compared to 27.9% in 2Q 2014.  NP in 1H 2015 was $5,586 (27.1% of sales) compared to $5,556 (27.4% of sales) in 1H 2014.  The average consolidated income tax provision in 1H 2015 was 26.4% compared to 28.0% in 1H 2014. The lower average tax rates in 2015 were primarily due to 1) lower corporate income tax rates in the UK, and 2) a greater portion of UTMD’s consolidated EBT in Ireland, the sovereignty with the lowest tax rate.

Earnings per share (EPS) were $.773 in 2Q 2015 compared to $.751 in 2Q 2014, and $1.480 in 1H 2015 compared to $1.470 in 1H 2014. Diluted shares used to calculate EPS were 3,773,400 in 2Q 2015 compared to 3,774,700 in 2Q 2014.  Diluted shares were 3,775,000 in 1H 2015 compared to 3,778,400 in 1H 2014. The 2015 decreases in diluted shares were due to less dilution from outstanding option shares and a small amount of shares repurchased in 2Q 2015.

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 1H 2015 and the end of 1H 2014 follow:
 
   
June 30, 2015
   
June 30, 2014
   
change
 
GBP
    1.573       1.710       (8.1 %)
EUR
    1.115       1.369       (18.5 %)
AUD
    0.770       0.943       (18.3 %)
 
In addition to the FX impact on foreign subsidiary assets and liabilities, the changes in UTMD’s Balance Sheet at June 30, 2015 from December 31, 2014 resulted primarily from continued excellent cash generation, allowing paying off the remaining principal balances of loans obtained in 2011 to help finance the Femcare acquisition.

b)     Revenues

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.
 
 
7

 
 
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 2Q 2015 were $94 lower than in 2Q 2014, but $312 higher in 1H 2015 than in 1H 2014.  In constant FX, 2Q 2015 consolidated sales would have been $475 higher, and 1H 2015 sales would have been $872 higher.  In other words, non-GAAP constant FX consolidated sales were up 4% in 2Q 2015 compared to 2Q 2014, and up 6% in 1H 2015 compared to 1H 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 sales (one-third of 12%). This is essentially what happened in 1H 2015. Since actual 1H 2015 consolidated USD sales were up 2%, constant FX USD sales for 1H 2015 were up 6%.

The most helpful categories of increased sales in 1H 2015 compared to 1H 2014, were 1) the resumption of purchases by UTMD’s China distributor of Deltran blood pressure monitoring (BPM) transducer kits, which were $775 in 1H 2015 compared to zero in 1H 2014, and 2) a $314 increase in neonatal device sales to third party international distributors.  Both of these categories of international sales were invoiced in USD terms.

Despite the two improved international sales categories above, international sales as a whole in 2Q 2015 were $229 (4%) lower than in 2Q 2014, and in 1H 2015 were $359 (3%) lower than in 1H 2014.  About two-thirds of total international sales were invoiced in weaker foreign currencies. Using constant FX rates, 2Q 2015 international sales would have been $246 higher (+5%) rather than $229 lower, and 1H 2015 international sales would have been $513 higher (+5%) rather than $359 lower.

Ireland subsidiary shipments, including trade sales to international third parties as well as intercompany sales, were EUR 1,542 in 2Q 2015 compared to EUR 670 in 2Q 2014, and EUR 3,269 in 1H 2015 compared to 1,142 in 1H 2014. The large increases resulted from trade sales of blood pressure monitoring (BPM) kits to UTMD’s China distributor in 2015 which did not occur in 2014, trade shipments of Filshie Sterishot kits, manufactured by UTMD Ireland in 1H 2015, directly to international customers located outside the UK, and intercompany shipments of Sterishot kits to UTMD subsidiaries in the UK and Australia for direct distribution to end user facilities within their local markets.  Although 2Q 2015 Ireland direct domestic sales to end user facilities in Ireland were up 17% in EUR terms, they were down 5% in USD terms because of the weaker EUR.  First half 2015 Ireland domestic sales were up 13% in EUR terms, but were down 8% in USD terms.

Sales by UTMD’s UK subsidiary, Femcare-Nikomed Ltd, were GBP 1,738 in 2Q 2015 compared to GBP 2,330 in 2Q 2014, and GBP 3,867 in 1H 2015 compared to GBP 4,711 in 1H 2014.  As noted above, trade sales of Sterishot kits to international customers outside the UK which were included in UK sales in 1H 2014 were shipped directly from UTMD Ireland in 1H 2015.  In addition, intercompany sales of Sterishot kits to Australia which were included in 1H 2014 UK sales were shipped directly from UTMD Ireland in 1H 2015. UK direct domestic sales to end user facilities in the UK in 2Q 2015 were 6% lower in GBP terms, but 15% lower in USD terms because of the weaker GBP.  First half 2015 UK domestic sales were 10% lower in GBP terms, but were down 19% in USD terms.
UK subsidiary sales to Femcare’s U.S. distributor of the Filshie Clip System (which are included in the U.S. domestic sales category and are invoiced in USD) were up $60 (5% higher) in 2Q 2015, and up $330 (14% higher) in 1H 2015.

 
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All sales by UTMD’s Australia subsidiary, Femcare Australia Pty Ltd, are domestic trade sales to end user facilities in Australia.  In 2Q 2015, Australia sales were essentially the same in AUD terms as in 2Q 2014, but because of the weaker AUD, were 17% lower in USD. For 1H 2015, Australia subsidiary sales were AUD 1,636 ($1,278) compared to AUD 1,677 ($1,537) in 1H 2014.

As a result of the FX rate changes, consolidated USD international sales were only 49% of total consolidated sales in 2Q 2015 compared to 51% in 2Q 2014, and 48% of 1H 2015 sales compared to 51% of 1H 2014 sales. International sales exported from the U.S. in fixed USD terms were 8% higher in 2Q 2015, and 12% higher in 1H 2015, compared to the same periods of 2014, while international sales by UTMD’s foreign subsidiaries converted USD were 9% lower in 2Q 2015, and 8% lower in 1H 2015, compared to the same periods of 2014.  Constant FX international sales by UTMD foreign subsidiaries in 2Q 2015 were up 4% rather than down 8%, and in 1H 2015 were up 3% rather than down 9%.

U.S. domestic sales, which include direct sales to U.S. clinical user facilities, sales of the Filshie Clip System to CooperSurgical, Inc. (CSI) and sales to U.S. OEM customers were $5,277 in 2Q 2015 (3% higher) compared to $5,142  in 2Q 2014, and $10,654 in 1H 2015 (7% higher) compared to $9,984 in 1H 2014.  Direct sales of devices to U.S. user facilities were up $42 (1% higher) in 2Q 2015 and up $157 (2% higher) in 1H 2015.  In addition to Filshie Clip System sales to CSI up $60 (5% higher) in 2Q 2015 and up $330 (14% higher) in 1H 2015, UTMD’s sales of components and finished devices to other U.S. companies for use in their products (OEM customers) were up $33 (6% higher) in 2Q 2015 and up $183 (18% higher) in 1H 2015.

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

Global revenues by product category:
 
      2Q 2015       2Q 2014       1H 2015       1H 2014  
Obstetrics
  $ 1,174     $ 1,134     $ 2,309     $ 2,303  
Gynecology/ Electrosurgery/ Urology
    5,758       6,282       11,712       12,403  
Neonatal
    1,680       1,538       3,213       2,810  
Blood Pressure Monitoring and Accessories*
    1,785       1,537       3,396       2,802  
Total:
  $ 10,397     $ 10,491     $ 20,630     $ 20,318  

International revenues by product category:
 
      2Q 2015       2Q 2014       1H 2015       1H 2014  
Obstetrics
  $ 197     $ 156     $ 382     $ 324  
Gynecology/ Electrosurgery/ Urology
    3,325       3,952       6,736       7,848  
Neonatal
    565       403       1,020       705  
Blood Pressure Monitoring and Accessories*
    1,033       838       1,838       1,458  
Total:
  $ 5,120     $ 5,349     $ 9,976     $ 10,335  
*includes molded components sold to OEM customers.
 
c)      Gross Profit
 
Gross profits (GP) result 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 2Q 2015, GP were $6,099 (58.7% GPM) compared to $6,349 (60.5% GPM) in 2Q 2014. In 1H 2015, GP were $12,211 (59.2% GPM) compared to $12,399 (61.0% GPM) in1H 2014. With a stronger USD, the consolidated GPM is squeezed, assuming that unit prices to customers invoiced in foreign currencies are kept constant, because raw materials and finished devices sold to UTMD’s foreign subsidiaries in fixed USD increase the cost of goods sold by the foreign subsidiary. In addition, 2Q and 1H 2015 product mix was less favorable than in 2Q and 1H 2014. BPM kit sales to UTMD’s China distributor, at a low GPM, were 3.8% of total consolidated sales in 1H 2015 compared to none in 1H 2014.

 
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d)      Operating Income (OP)

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 2Q 2015 was $3,967 (38.2% OPM) compared to $4,062 (38.7% OPM) in 2Q 2014, and $7,844 (38.0% OPM) in 1H 2015 compared to $7,905 (38.9% OPM) in 1H 2014.  Even though GP were $250 and $188 lower in 2Q 2015 and 1H 2015 respectively, compared to the prior year’s same periods, OP were just $95 and $61 lower in 2Q 2015 and 1H 2015, respectively.

Consolidated 2Q 2015 operating expenses were $2,132 compared to $2,287 in 2Q 2014.  Operating expenses in 1H 2015 were $4,367 compared to $4,494 in 1H 2014.  For consolidating foreign subsidiary expenses, the lower 2015 FX rates were helpful. In constant FX, 2Q 2015 and 1H 2015 operating expenses of UTMD foreign subsidiaries in the aggregate would have been $127 and $242 higher, respectively.

Consolidated S&M expenses in 2Q 2015 were $552 (5.3% of sales) compared to $608 (5.8% of sales) in 2Q 2014.  Consolidated S&M expenses in 1H 2015 were $1,125 (5.5% of sales) compared to $1,150 (5.7% of sales) in 1H 2014.  S&M expenses in 2Q of both 2015 and 2014 included $70 in U.S. Medical Device Excise Tax (MDET). The MDET was $138 in 1H 2015 compared to $136 in 1H 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 $140 (1.4% of sales) in 2Q 2015 compared to $115 (1.1% of sales) in 2Q 2014, and $296 (1.4% of sales) in 1H 2015 compared to $238 (1.2% of sales) in 1H 2014.

Consolidated G&A expenses in 2Q 2015 were $1,439 (13.8% of sales) compared to $1,564 (14.9% of sales) in 2Q 2014, and $2,946 (14.3% of sales) in 1H 2015 compared to $3,106 (15.3% of sales) in 1H 2014. The G&A expenses in 2Q 2015 included $618 (5.9% of sales) of non-cash expense from the amortization of identifiable intangible assets (IIA) resulting from the Femcare acquisition in 2011, which were $679 (6.5% of sales) in 2Q 2014. The $61 difference was due to FX rate conversion into USD since the IIA amortization expense in GBP was the same in both periods.  IIA amortization expense for 1H 2015 and 1H 2014 were $1,230 (6.0% of sales) and $1,347 (6.6% of sales), respectively, with the $117 lower 2015 expense 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 2Q 2015 compared to $18 in 2Q 2014, and $44 in 1H 2015 compared to $24 in 1H 2014.

 
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Operating expense summary:
 
      2Q 2015       2Q 2014       1H 2015       1H 2014  
S&M Expense
  $ 552     $ 608     $ 1,125     $ 1,150  
R&D Expense
    140       115       296       238  
G&A Expense
    1,439       1,564       2,946       3,106  
Total Operating Expenses:
  $ 2,132     $ 2,287     $ 4,367     $ 4,494  

e)     Non-operating expense (NOE)/ Non-operating income (NOI)

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 NOE in 2Q 2015 was $43 compared to $132 in 2Q 2014, and $252 in 1H 2015 compared to $193 in 1H 2014. The 2Q 2015 lower Net NOE resulted from the lack of any interest on debt, which was $78 in 2Q 2014. For 1H 2015, the increase in Net NOE was due to recognizing $159 higher currency translation loss on remeasured foreign currency cash balances, less $100 lower interest expense on loans fully repaid in 1Q 2015.

f)     Income Before Tax (EBT)

EBT results from subtracting NOE from OP. 2Q 2015 consolidated EBT was $3,924 (37.7% of sales) compared to $3,930 (37.5% EBTM) in 2Q 2014.  2Q EBT was about the same in both 2015 and 2014 because $89 lower NOE almost offset the $95 lower OP.  1H 2015 consolidated EBT was $7,592 (36.8% of sales) compared to $7,712 (38.0% of sales) in 1H 2014. The $120 lower 1H 2015 EBT resulted from  $61 lower operating income coupled with a $159 greater foreign currency exchange (FX) loss on the remeasured value of EUR cash balances in the UK, less $100 lower interest expense.

The EBT of UTMD Ltd. (Ireland) was EUR 1,272 in 1H 2015 compared to EUR 223 in 1H 2014.  The EBT of Femcare Group Ltd (Femcare-Nikomed, Ltd., UK and Femcare Australia) was GBP 1,709 in 1H 2015 compared to GBP 2,239 in 1H 2014. The differences are due primarily to the fact that in 2014, Filshie Sterishot kits were purchased from third party vendors 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, 2Q 2015 consolidated EBT excluding the remeasured bank balance currency loss and interest expense (“Non-GAAP adjusted consolidated EBITDA”) were $4,793 compared to $4,946 in 2Q 2014. The $153 lower non-GAAP adjusted consolidated EBITDA resulted primarily from $78 lower interest expense, plus $250 lower GP offset by $155 lower operating expenses and $61 lower IIA amortization expense emanating from the significant FX rate changes. Non-GAAP adjusted consolidated EBITDA in 1H 2015 were $9,491 compared to $9,659 in 1H 2014. The $168 lower non-GAAP EBITDA resulted from $100 lower interest expense plus the combination of the following differences emanating primarily from FX rate changes: 1) $188 lower GP offset by $127 lower operating expenses, 2) $117 lower USD-denominated IIA amortization expense, and 3) $158 higher loss from remeasured foreign currency bank balances.
 
g)     Net Income (NP)

NP is EBT minus a provision for income taxes.  Despite the negative impact of FX rates on sales, GP and the remeasured value of foreign currency bank balances, UTMD achieved higher NP in 2Q 2015 ($2,918) than in 2Q 2014 ($2,834).  Similarly, NP in 1H 2015 ($5,586) was slightly higher than the NP in 1H 2014 ($5,556).  In addition to factors described in EBT, this was due to a lower average income tax provision rate. The average consolidated income tax provisions (as a % of EBT) in 2Q 2015 and 1H 2015 were 25.6% and 26.4%, respectively, compared to 27.9% and 28.0% in 2Q 2014 and 1H 2014 respectively.

The combined income tax provision rate was lower in 2Q and 1H 2015 compared to 2Q and 1H 2014 because of a reduced corporate income tax rate in the UK, and because UTMD Ltd (Ireland), taxed at the lowest rate of all sovereignties, had a larger share of total EBT in 2Q and 1H 2015 compared to those periods of 2014.

 
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UTMD’s combined state and federal income tax provision rate in the U.S. after all allowable deductions was 33.4% in 2Q 2015 compared to 34.5% in 2Q 2014, and 33.8% in 1H 2015 compared to 34.2% in 1H 2014.  The corporate income tax rate in the UK was 20% in 2Q 2015 compared to 21% in 2Q 2014, and 21% in 1Q 2015 compared to 23% in 1Q 2014. The income tax rate in Australia remained 30% in both years’ periods. The UTMD Ltd (Ireland) tax rate on export profits remains 12.5%.  A number of factors, such as the mix of EBT from subsidiaries with differing income tax rates 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).  The NPM was 28.1% and 27.1% in 2Q 2015 and 1H 2015 respectively. The NPM for 2Q 2014 and 1H 2014 was 27.0% and 27.4% respectively.

h)     Earnings Per Share (EPS)

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 EPS were $0.773 in 2Q 2015 compared to $0.751 in 2Q 2014, and $1.480 in 1H 2015 compared to $1.470 in 1H 2014. EPS were up as a result of higher NP divided by slightly fewer diluted shares. EPS benefited from the open market purchase of 4,000 shares during 2Q 2015.  EPS for the most recent twelve months were $3.02.

The weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding used to calculate 2Q 2015 EPS declined to 3,773,431 from 3,774,680 in 2Q 2014.  The number of shares added as a dilution factor in 2Q 2015 was 18,521 compared to 24,557 in 2Q 2014.  Increases and decreases in UTMD’s stock 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 1H 2015 EPS declined to 3,774,964 from 3,778,395 in 1H 2014.  The number of shares added as a dilution factor in 1H 2015 was 22,359 compared to 28,487 in 1H 2014.

Actual outstanding shares at the end of 2Q 2015 were 3,757,200 which included 2Q 2015 employee and outside director option exercises of 13,632 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 June 30, 2015 was 67,719 shares at an average exercise price of $38.75/ share, including shares awarded but not vested. This compares to 108,080 unexercised option shares outstanding at June 30, 2014 at an average exercise price of $35.68/ share.  No option shares have been awarded to date in 2015.

UTMD repurchased 4,000 of its shares in the open market during 2Q 2015 at an average cost, including commissions and fees, of $53.87 per share ($215 total). Since no shares were repurchased in 1Q 2015, this is also the amount for 1H 2015. The Company repurchased 17,344 shares in 2Q 2014 at an average cost of $47.18 per share ($818 total).  Since no shares were repurchased in 1Q 2014, this is also the amount for 1H 2014. UTMD retains its program for repurchasing shares when they seem undervalued.

i)     Return on Equity (ROE)

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 1H 2015 (before payment of dividends to shareholders) was 17% compared to 18% in 1H 2014.  The lower ROE in 1H 2015, in spite of higher NP, was due to 6% growth in average 1H 2015 shareholders’ equity compared to 1H 2014. Targeting a high ROE over 20% remains a key financial objective for UTMD management.  ROE can be increased by effectively deploying capital to increase NP, or by reducing shareholders’ equity by paying cash dividends to shareholders or particularly by repurchasing shares.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

j)     Cash flows
 
Net cash provided by operating activities, including adjustments for depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses along with changes in working capital, totaled $5,733 in 1H 2015 compared to $5,760 in 1H 2014. The most significant change in the two periods was a $729 use of cash for lower accrued expenses, partially offset by a $690 benefit to cash from lower inventories.  There was also a $188 benefit to cash from a lower increase in accounts receivable in 1H 2015 compared to 1H 2014.

 
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The Company’s reduction of its bank loan principal balances was the most significant use of cash in both periods. UTMD repaid the remaining $4,778 principal balance as of December 31, 2014 in 1Q 2015, compared to $2,035 principal repaid during 1H 2014. UTMD made cash dividend payments to shareholders of $957 in 1H 2015 compared to $938 in 1H 2014, a 2% increase in dividends.

Capital expenditures for property and equipment (PP&E) were $109 in 1H 2015 compared to $836 in 1H 2014. UTMD paid $550 in 1H 2014 in completing its new distribution facility in Castle Hill NSW Australia.  Depreciation of PP&E was $301 in 1H 2015 compared to $311 in 1H 2014.  Except for the possibility of a facility purchase in the UK or an acquisition, planned capital expenditures during 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 1H 2015, UTMD received a net of $203 and issued 12,825 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 1H 2015 were at an average price of $28.36 per share.  In comparison, in 1H 2014, the Company received $271 from issuing 16,412 shares of stock on the exercise of employee and director stock options, net of 5,049 shares retired upon optionees trading shares in payment of the stock option exercise price.

UTMD repurchased and retired 4,000 of its own shares during 1H 2015 at a cost of $215, compared to 17,344 shares repurchased in 1H 2014 at a cost of $818.

Management believes that income from operations and effective management of working capital will provide the liquidity needed 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.

k)     Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2015 total consolidated USD assets were $1,146 lower than at December 31, 2014.  The decrease was due to a $958 decrease in intangible assets from $1,259 1H 2015 period amortization offset by a stronger GBP converting the remaining UK balance into USD. UK subsidiary GBP-denominated assets were translated into USD at an FX rate 0.9% higher (stronger GBP) than the rate at the end of 2014. Other changes were a $910 increase in accounts and other receivables, $490 lower net PP&E book value from $192 in depreciation less new purchases, and a weaker EUR and AUD in UTMD Ltd (Ireland) and Femcare (Australia) where UTMD owns its facilities. UTMD’s Ireland subsidiary EUR-denominated assets were translated into USD at an FX rate 7.9% lower (weaker EUR) than the rate at the end of 2014. UTMD’s Australia subsidiary AUD-denominated assets were translated into USD at an FX rate 5.9% lower (weaker AUD) than the rate at the end of 2014.  The $910 increase in accounts and other receivables remain well within management’s aging targets.  Consolidated inventories declined $399, 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 is now zero.

Working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) increased 19% to $24,643 at June 30, 2015, compared to $20,704 at December 31, 2014.  Current liabilities decreased $3,638 due to elimination of the $3,894 current portion of notes payable as of December 31, 2014. Accrued liabilities increased $253 due to the 2Q 2015 quarterly dividend payment to shareholders accrued but not paid until after June 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 June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, net intangible assets including goodwill were 53% of total assets.

 
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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 $5,370 at June 30, 2015 compared to $5,581 at December 31, 2014.  Reduction of the deferred tax liability occurs as the book/tax difference of amortization is eliminated over the remaining useful life of the Femcare identifiable intangible assets. UTMD’s total debt ratio (total liabilities/ total assets) as of June 30, 2015 declined to 15% compared to 20% as of December 31, 2014.

l)     Management's Outlook.

As outlined in its December 31, 2014 SEC 10-K report, UTMD’s plan for 2015 is to
1)  continue to exploit distribution and manufacturing synergies by further integrating capabilities and resources in its multinational operations;
2)  introduce additional products helpful to clinicians through internal new product development;
3)  continue achieving excellent overall financial operating performance;
4)  utilize positive cash generation to eliminate debt remaining from the Femcare acquisition, continue cash dividends to shareholders and continue open market share repurchases if/when the UTMD share price seems undervalued; and
5)  be vigilant for accretive acquisition opportunities which may be increasingly brought about by difficult burdens on small, innovative companies, including especially the MDET.

Despite the much larger than anticipated negative impact of FX rates on 1H 2015 sales and gross profits, operating performance in the first half of the 2015 year was on track to meet UTMD’s previously stated financial objectives for the year.  However, continued strengthening of the USD relative to the GBP, EUR and AUD in 2H 2015 would likely put that in jeopardy for the year as a whole.

UTMD is now well-positioned financially for completing an acquisition that could significantly contribute to its future performance without diluting shareholder interest.  Although some interesting opportunities were pursued in 1H 2015, it has become even more clear that UTMD needs to remain very patient and focused in order to meet its shareholder return criteria after operational consolidation with another entity, particularly if the target comes in an auction situation.  Despite the very real and increasing burdens that make selling attractive to some business owners, valuations remain very high.

m)      Accounting Policy Changes.

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.
 
 
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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 .8966, .8258 and .7305 EUR per USD as of June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively.  Exchange rates were .6359, .6416 and .5847 GBP per USD as of June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively.  Exchange rates were 1.2986, 1.2223 and 1.0609 AUD per USD on June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and June 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 June 30, 2015. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 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 June 30, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.              Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A.           Risk Factors

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.

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 that began in 2013, increases administrative costs and has lead to decreased revenues in the U.S.:
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.

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 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.

The growth of Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) 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 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.

 
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The Company’s business strategy may not be successful in the future:
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.

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 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.

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 party distributors in some markets may result in less predictable revenues:
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.

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.

Fluctuations in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar (USD) can result in significant differences in period to period financial results:
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.

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

The following table details purchases by UTMD of its own securities during 2Q 2015.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Period
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share
   
Total Number
of Shares
 Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
 Plans
 or Programs (1)
 
Maximum
 Number (or
 Approximate
 Dollar Value)
 of Shares
 that May
be Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs (1)
4/01/15 – 4/30/15
    2,000     $ 54.05       2,000    
5/01/15 – 5/31/15
    2,000     $ 53.68       2,000    
6/01/15 – 6/30/15
    -       -       -    
Total
    4,000     $ 53.87       4,000    
 
(1)  
In 2Q 2015 UTMD repurchased the above shares pursuant to a continued open market repurchase program initially announced in August 1992.  Since 1993 through 2Q 2015, the Company has repurchased 6.8 million shares at an average cost of $12.67 per share including broker commissions and fees in open market transactions.  In addition, the Company conducted tender offer transactions in which it purchased an additional 2.8 million shares at an average cost of $9.76 per share including fees and administrative costs.  In total, UTMD has repurchased 9.5 million of its shares at an average price of $11.82 per share since 1993.  To complete the picture relating to current shares outstanding, since 1993 the Company’s employees and directors have exercised and purchased 1.9 million option shares at an average price of $10.97 per share.  All options were awarded at the market value of the stock on the date of the award.

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.

 
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Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibit #
SEC Reference #
Title of Document
     
1
31
Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
2
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
     
3
32
Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
4
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
     
5
101 ins
XBRL Instance
     
6
101.xsd
XBRL Schema
     
7
101.cal
XBRL Calculation
     
8
101.def
XBRL Definition
     
9
101.lab
XBRL Label
     
10
101.pre
XBRL Presentation

 
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.

 
UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
 
REGISTRANT
   
Date: 8/7/15
By: /s/ Kevin L. Cornwell
 
Kevin L. Cornwell
 
CEO
   
Date: 8/7/15
By:  /s/ Paul O. Richins
 
Paul O. Richins
 
Principal Financial Officer
 
 
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