Utah Medical Products Inc 10-K for FY2023
Utah Medical Products Inc (UTMD)
About this 10-K
Utah Medical Products Inc filed this 10-K on March 26, 2024, covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (FY2023).
Headline figures
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $50.22M
- down 3.9% from $52.28M a year earlier
- Net income
- $16.64M
- up 1.0% from net income of $16.47M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $4.57
- up 1.1% from $4.52 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE |
INDEX TO FORM 10-K
PART I
ITEM 1 – BUSINESS
Currency amounts throughout this report are in thousands except per-share amounts and where noted.
Utah Medical Products, Inc. (“UTMD” or “the Company”) is in the business of producing high quality cost- effective medical devices that are predominantly differentiated by safety and improved patient outcomes. Throughout this report, “UTMD” or “the Company” refers jointly to Utah Medical Products, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. Success depends on 1) recognizing and responding to needs of clinicians and patients, 2) rapidly designing or acquiring economical solutions that gain premarketing regulatory concurrence, 3) reliably producing devices that meet those clinical needs, and then 4) selling through
a)UTMD's own direct channels into markets where the Company enjoys an established reputation and has a critical mass of sales and support resources, or
b)relationship with other companies that have the resources to effectively distribute and support the Company's products.
UTMD's success in providing reliable solutions comes from its proven ability to integrate a number of engineering and technical disciplines in electronics, software, mechanical assembly and packaging, instrumentation, plastics processing and materials. The resulting differentiated devices represent significant incremental improvements in patient safety, clinical outcomes and/or total cost over preexisting clinical tools. UTMD's experience is that, in the case of labor-saving devices, the improvement in cost-effectiveness of clinical procedures also leads to an improvement in overall healthcare including lower risk of complications. UTMD markets a broad range of medical devices used in critical care areas, especially the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the labor and delivery (L&D) department and the women’s health center in hospitals, as well as medical devices sold to outpatient clinics and physician's offices.
The opportunity to apply solutions to recognized needs results from an excellent core of practicing clinicians who introduce ideas to the Company, and key employees who are both clinical applications savvy and development engineering adept.
Domestically, UTMD’s medical devices are sold directly to clinician end-user facilities or a designated stocking distributor for a medical facility. In addition, UTMD manufactures components and finished devices on a subcontract basis for other companies in the medical device business as well as other businesses. Outside the U.S. (OUS), devices are sold directly to end-users in Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), France, Ireland, Australia (AUS) and New Zealand (NZ), and through other medical device companies and independent medical products distributors in other countries. UTMD has representation globally in the major developed countries as well as many underdeveloped countries through more than 200 distributors, 114 of which purchased at least five thousand dollars in UTMD medical devices during 2023.
UTMD was formed as a Utah corporation in 1978. UTMD sold stock to the public one time in 1982 for $1,750 (before offering costs of $321). Since 1992, UTMD has returned $128 million in the form of share repurchases, and an additional $82 million in cash dividends, to its public stockholders.
Utah Medical Products Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary with manufacturing located in Ireland, was formed in 1995 to better serve UTMD’s OUS customers. In 1997, UTMD purchased Columbia Medical, Inc. (CMI), a company specializing in silicone injection molding, assembly and marketing vacuum-assisted obstetrical delivery systems. In 1998, UTMD acquired the neonatal product line of Gesco International, a subsidiary of Bard Access Systems and C.R. Bard, Inc. In 2004, UTMD acquired Abcorp, Inc., its supplier of fetal monitoring belts. In 2011, UTMD purchased all of the common shares of Femcare Holdings Ltd (Femcare) of the United Kingdom, and its subsidiaries including Femcare Australia Pty Ltd as a sales and distribution operation to directly serve AUS medical facilities. The addition of Femcare provided product and distribution channel diversification and expansion. Sales of the products, or derivatives of the products, from the four acquisitions noted above, comprised 48% of UTMD’s consolidated 2023 sales. In late 2016, UTMD formed Utah Medical Products Canada Ltd (dba Femcare Canada) as a sales and distribution operation to directly serve Canadian medical facilities. In 2017, UTMD’s UK subsidiary began to distribute its devices directly to medical facilities in France. In early 2019, UTMD acquired the remaining life of Femcare’s exclusive U.S. distribution agreement for the Filshie Clip System from CooperSurgical Inc. In late 2020, UTMD’s AUS subsidiary incorporated a NZ subsidiary in order to distribute devices directly to medical facilities in NZ. In 2021, due to BREXIT, Utah Medical Products Ltd in Ireland began distributing devices directly to medical facilities in France in lieu of the UK.
UTMD's corporate headquarters are located at 7043 South 300 West, Midvale, Utah 84047 USA. The corporate office telephone number is 01 (801) 566-1200. Ireland operations are located at Athlone Business and Technology Park, Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland. The Ireland telephone number is 353 (90) 647-3932. United Kingdom operations are located at 32 Premier Way, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 9DQ, United Kingdom. The UK phone number is 44 (1794) 525 100. Australia operations are located at Unit 12, 5 Gladstone Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154, Australia. The Australia phone number is 612 9045 4110. Canada operations are located at 6355 Kennedy Road #15, Mississauga, ON L5T 2L5, Canada. The Canada phone number is 01 (905) 795-1102.
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PRODUCTS
More complete descriptions including part numbers and pictures of UTMD’s devices can be conveniently obtained at www.utahmed.com and www.femcare.co.uk.
Labor and Delivery/ Obstetrics:
Fetal Monitoring Accessories.
Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) is the standard of care in labor and delivery throughout the modern world. While not all pregnancies are high risk, fetal emergencies can occur suddenly in seemingly normal labors. The use of EFM allows conservation of nursing personnel and has virtually eliminated intrapartum fetal death. Accurate determination of contraction strength increases the safety of labor augmentation (e.g., oxytocin dose) and reduces the need for Cesarean section for desultory labor. Infusion of fluid through an intrauterine catheter may cushion the umbilical cord and improve oxygenation of the fetus.
To assist the physician in controlling the effectiveness of administration of oxytocin and monitoring effects of amnioinfusion, contraction intensities, uterine resting tones and peak contraction pressures are closely monitored through the use of an invasive intrauterine pressure catheter system. In addition, to help identify the possible onset of fetal hypoxia, correlation of the changes in fetal heart rate (FHR) relative to the frequency and duration of contractions are often electronically monitored. UTMD’s intrauterine pressure (IUP) catheters provide for clinician choices from a traditional fluid-filled system to INTRAN® PLUS, for over thirty years the most widely accepted transducer-tipped system. UTMD’s IUP catheters include:
·UTMD’s initial fluid-filled catheter kits utilized a saline-filled catheter placed within the uterine cavity, connected to a separate external reusable or disposable pressure transducer. This product package, utilizing double lumen catheters, was the traditional mode of intrauterine monitoring prior to the introduction of INTRAN. An intrauterine pressure change was transmitted through the fluid column to the external pressure transducer.
·Introduced in 1987, INTRAN was the first disposable intrauterine pressure catheter that placed the pressure transducer at the pressure source within the uterine cavity. This design eliminated the complicated setup of fluid-filled systems and provided more accurate pressure waveforms. INTRAN I was discontinued in 1995 in favor of the more widely preferred INTRAN PLUS.
·INTRAN PLUS, introduced in 1991, combines the transducer tip concept of INTRAN I with a refined tip design, a zeroing switch or button that allows the clinician to reset the reference of the monitor, and a dedicated amniolumen which provides access to the amniotic fluid environment which may be helpful in the diagnosis and intervention of certain fetal conditions. Subsequent enhancements to INTRAN PLUS included a viewport which allows physicians to observe amniotic fluid in a closed system along with alternative configurations for user preferences in tip size, zero switch/button location and amniotic fluid visualization.
In addition, adjunct tocodynamometer belts are provided by UTMD. Abcorp toco belts and straps for fetal monitoring by an external tocodynamometer are provided in latex-free form in several configurations. UTMD extended the product line to include Bari-Belts™ and Bari-Bands™, a series of abdominal belts designed specifically for bariatric patients and bands to accommodate patients of all shapes and sizes.
UTMD markets tocodynamometer belts, catheters and accessories, but does not market electronic monitors, the capital equipment that processes the electrical signals. UTMD continues to investigate the feasibility of tools that enhance fetal monitoring techniques.
Specialized Labor & Delivery Tools.
BT-CATH® is a patented uterine balloon tamponade catheter for controlling severe postpartum hemorrhage. Obstetric hemorrhage, which is unpredictable and potentially life-threatening, creates a medical emergency that is commonplace. The benefits of BT-CATH include the ease of rapid deployment and ability to monitor further bleeding after the tamponade has been placed.
The CVX-RIPE™ catheter is designed to mechanically improve the favorability of the cervix of pregnant patients at term gestation, for whom induction of labor is medically indicated. CVX-Ripe utilizes two adjacent conical silicone balloons, similar to the shape of an hourglass. This design is intended to allow the clinician to gently apply internal pressure to the cervical canal, as well as both the internal and external os, to reduce the time needed to allow induction as well as the total time to achieve a successful vaginal delivery.
AROM-COT™ is a finger cover with a prong designed to rupture maternal membranes with less patient pain and anxiety.
MUC-X is an aspiration device used immediately after birth to clear neonatal respiratory passages and reduce exposure to potential infections.
CORDGUARD® is a device which unifies the multiple steps of clamping the neonate’s cord close to the umbilicus, severing the cord without splattering blood, drawing a clean cord blood sample and assisting in the removal of the placenta. CORDGUARD’s sharpless, closed system reduces the risk of exposure to potentially infected blood, and consequently reduces the high cost of exposure treatment under OSHA and CDC guidelines. In addition, CORDGUARD facilitates obtaining neonatal blood that is otherwise hard to obtain safely and cleanly.
Vacuum-Assisted Delivery (VAD) Systems.
UTMD’s VAD Systems include CMI® soft silicone bell-shaped birthing cups and reusable hand-held vacuum pumps which are the safest products available for use in vacuum-assisted operative deliveries. UTMD’s soft silicone cup is a bell-shaped cup design that should be preferred for fetal well-being in low or outlet fetal stations with occiput anterior presentations, which represent more than 90% of the cases where VAD is indicated. Operative vaginal deliveries using forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery systems provide knowledgeable physicians with a trial vaginal operative delivery prior to a more invasive C-section intervention. Although there are risks associated with vaginal operative deliveries which may currently represent about 3% of all U.S. hospital births, the procedures are generally regarded as safer long term for the mother, and at least as safe for the fetus, as abdominal (Cesarean) delivery in comparable clinical situations. UTMD’s bell-shaped soft silicone TENDER TOUCH® cups enjoy a significantly lower reported complication rate compared to other vacuum cup designs, as evidenced by the FDA Medical Device Reporting System (MAUDE) which publicly lists serious injuries reported by hospitals using specific brand names of products.
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Neonatal Intensive Care:
DISPOSA-HOOD™
The DISPOSA-HOOD is an infant respiratory hood that is used in the NICU to administer oxygen to neonates and flush CO2 (carbon dioxide) while maintaining a neutral thermal environment (NTE) critical to proper physiologic responses. The DISPOSA-HOOD, placed over the infant's head or body, incorporates a round diffusor connection specifically designed to disperse the incoming gases along the inner surfaces of the hood, rather than allowing them to blow directly on the infant's head. The design allows more precise FIO2 (fractional inspired oxygen) control, minimizes convective heat loss from the head, provides optimum flows for elimination of CO2 by ventilation and allows for humidification. DISPOSA-HOOD, in contrast to an incubator, allows for excellent access to and visualization of the underdeveloped infant. Because it is a disposable product, it also prevents potential cross contamination that might occur with an incubator. Less invasive than nasal cannulae, DISPOSA-HOOD avoids potential damage to fragile premature neonatal nasal/ orotracheal tissues, as well as facial tissues as cannulae are often secured with tape. A nasal cannula by itself cannot provide a NTE.
DELTRAN® PLUS
UTMD’s DELTRAN blood pressure monitoring system has been adapted specifically for use in the NICU. The streamlined version eliminates needles used for blood sampling, avoids the loss of scarce neonatal blood volume and provides a closed system that reduces the risk of infection. The system features excellent visualization of clearing volume, and one-handed use. UTMD continues its customization of Deltran kits for specific hospital applications.
GESCO®
In 1998, UTMD acquired the neonatal product line of Gesco International. GESCO, best known for optimally biocompatible silicone catheters, gained an early distinctive reputation for its focus on the special developmental needs of tiny, critically-ill babies.
A class of catheters called umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) are specially designed for administering vital medications and fluids immediately following birth through the infant’s umbilical vessel into the inferior vena cava. Because of the neonate’s small size and lack of vascular development, there is no better access to vital organs. The catheters are also called umbilical artery catheters (UACs) when placed in one of the umbilical arteries to measure blood pressure or monitor metabolic processes through blood analysis. In developing its UMBILI-CATH™ product line, Gesco pioneered the use of soft, biocompatible silicone catheters, helping to reduce the number of insertions required as well as other complications associated with invasive applications. UTMD has expanded the UVC product line to include catheters made from a proprietary thermosensitive polyurethane (Tecoflex®) that offers many of the flexibility and biocompatibility advantages of silicone after insertion, with the greater rigidity of polyurethane preferred by many clinicians for insertion. In addition, GESCO provides a convenient catheterization procedure tray of instruments and supplies necessary to place UVC catheters, as well as perform other similar procedures.
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The primary distinction of GESCO products is that they were developed with the special needs of the neonate in mind, not just cut-down or smaller versions of adult devices. For example, in the case of invasive catheters, the introducer, the soft rounded distal tip, mode of securing to the patient after insertion to avoid migration, luer-locking hub with minimal dead space, number of lumens, catheter radiopaque striping for visualization, variations in catheter lengths and diameters and special packaging are all features specially designed for neonates. UTMD continues to modify product features to incorporate current neonatal practitioner preferences.
The soft, biocompatible silicone catheter concept had important advantages in other applications including peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC lines), enteral feeding tubes, urinary drainage catheters and chest drainage tubes. GESCO developed and marketed initial versions of all of these neonatal products. In order to keep pace with the trend of caring for smaller babies, UTMD has added smaller diameter versions of its URI-CATH® and NUTRI-CATH® products. At the request of customers who prefer a stiffer catheter for insertion, UTMD added a Tecoflex polyurethane oral-connection only Nutri-Cath series.
PICC-NATE® is a percutaneous intraepithelial central venous catheter family of devices specifically designed to minimize trauma to the critically ill neonate. The product line was designed with the input of experienced neonatal medical practitioners for use as a long-term indwelling catheter system for single-use, therapeutic central venous infusion of drug solutions, blood products or other fluids and for blood sampling. The soft, strong silicone PICC-Nate comes in three diameter sizes, 1.1 Fr, 1.9 Fr and 3.0 Fr, and two hub configurations for securement. UTMD’s most recent addition, the tiny 1.1 Fr catheter, advances the ability of clinicians to care for smaller premature babies. UTMD added Tecoflex polyurethane versions in the same sizes that offer many of the flexibility and biocompatibility advantages of silicone after insertion, with the greater rigidity of polyurethane preferred by many clinicians for insertion.
UTMD developed a unique enteral feeding-only extension set named NUTRI-LOK® that addresses important safety risks in the NICU – inadvertent connections with IV lines and inadvertent disconnections of components of the system spanning the dispensing container through the infusion catheter. UTMD added dispensing syringes with interlocking connectors to its NUTRI-CATH/NUTRI-LOK family of enteral feeding devices. UTMD further expanded the NUTRI-LOK system with specialty extension sets for GI tubes and for continuous connection to a fluid pump. In addition, UTMD added variations in adapters and extension sets used with NUTRI-CATH. Recognizing the important need to prevent misadministration of enteral feeding or medication by the wrong route, the FDA in February 2015 released its guidance, “Safety Considerations to Mitigate the Risks of Misconnections with Small Bore Connectors Intended for Enteral Applications.” The guidance includes compliance with ISO 80369-3 standard connectors. The standard was released to create a universal connection that is not compatible with a luer connection or any other type of small bore medical connector. As a result, UTMD introduced an alternative enteral feeding family of devices incorporating ENFit™ ISO 80369-3 compliant connectors. These purple connectors are designed to replace Nutri-Lok connectors on catheters and extension sets. UTMD also distributes ENFit oral syringes.
UTMD replaced all DEHP plasticizer PVC materials in its Gesco product line that may come in contact with neonatal patients, addressing another safety concern related specifically to the possible maldevelopment of male neonates.
Other GESCO specialty products include a disposable peritoneal dialysis (PD) set that is a pre-assembled, sterile, closed system, called DIALY-NATE®. PD is an ideal method to aid compromised renal function in a neonate because critically-ill pediatric patients may not have sufficient blood volume to support hemodialysis. DIALY-NATE is provided in a form that allows timely PD implementation. A number of custom configurations of DIALY-NATE have been added to satisfy specific clinical preferences.
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Other specialty NICU devices include a silicone oral protection device used to prevent palatal soft tissue injury by orotracheal tubes, called PALA-NATE®; a pre-assembled, closed urinary drainage system, called URI-CATH®, which reduces risk of infection and valuable nursing time, and a lumbar sampling kit with a tiny, specially-beveled needle for obtaining cerebral spinal fluid samples, called MYELO-NATE®.
GESCO’s first patented product, HEMO-NATE®, is a disposable filter designed to remove microaggregates from stored blood prior to transfusion into a neonate where any deficiency can have an overwhelmingly negative impact on a neonate’s chances for survival, given an under-developed vasculature and small total blood volume. UTMD also introduced a new filter and an improved blood bag spike for HEMO-NATE, and a needleless version.
UTMD expects to continue to enhance and expand its neonatal product line, seeking to reinforce a reputation as having the most reliable and developmentally-friendly specialty devices available for the NICU.
Gynecology /Urology /Electrosurgery:
LETZ® System: FINESSE+ Generator; Specialty Loop, Ball, and Needle Electrodes;
The LETZ System (loop excision of the transformation zone) is used to excise pre-cancerous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and other lower genital tract lesions related to human papilloma virus (HPV) infections. The electrosurgery procedure with hemostasis has become the standard of care for HPV cervical infection treatment, replacing cold knife scalpel, laser and cryotherapy procedural approaches because it is economical, safe, effective, quick and easy to perform, has fewer potential side effects and requires little physician training. A major incentive for performing the LETZ procedure is that it may be performed using local anesthetic in a physician's office, eliminating the time and expense of hospital or surgical center admittance. Most importantly clinically, in contrast to laser (tissue ablation) and cryotherapy (freezing of tissue), LETZ provides a fine tissue specimen for pathological assessment and confirmation of diseased tissue removal.
UTMD’s LETZ System includes disposable electrodes, the FINESSE® electrosurgical generators and other miscellaneous components. The UtahLoop® disposable loop electrode, used to excise the tissue specimen, is a pencil-like tube with a thin tungsten wire loop attached. The loop is available in varying sizes and includes a Safe-T-Gauge® that can be positioned so the physician can accurately monitor and control the amount of tissue being excised. Excising too much tissue can compromise fertility and result in premature birth. Excising too little tissue can result in failure to remove the precancerous tissue. UTMD continues to augment its specialty electrodes. For example, the Company markets a unique conization electrode for deep endocervical disease called C-LETZ®, designed by UTMD to limit the removal of healthy tissue that might compromise adequate cervical function. UTMD introduced the patented DXTender® electrode attachment that prevents interference with the colposcope during LETZ. UTMD also will continue to provide other components to augment the use of its market-leading specialty electrodes with other manufacturers’ electrosurgical generators.
The FINESSE+ electrosurgical generator design includes dispersive pad contact monitoring for patient safety, specialized circuitry for computer-controlled output that provides a precise tissue specimen for histopathology, an efficient output stage resulting in minimal heat generation and long electronic component life, an electronic components design which reduces the number of required components and allows a long service life, and an easy change internal filter for integral smoke evacuation, a unique feature of FINESSE.
FILTRESSE® Evacuator; Other Specialty Electrodes; Other UTMD Supplies and Gynecologic Tools; Femcare Trocars and Cannulae; and Femcare Laparoscopic Instruments and accessories.
UTMD has FDA clearance to market its electrosurgical system and tools for use in general surgery applications, including dermatology, plastic surgery and otolaryngology. FILTRESSE is a stand-alone surgical smoke filtration system that combines high filtration efficiency, low cost and convenient use in a surgical office setting. Other electrosurgery tools and accessories include disposable electrosurgical pens, dispersive pads, footswitches, filter packs, speculums, retractors, forceps, tenacula and hooks. UTMD acquired the distribution rights to a unique reusable four-way expander system which facilitates access to, and visualization of, the cervix, eliminating the need for less effective specula and lateral retractors. OptiSpec® is a patented ultra-bright light for cervical visualization without physician distraction during exams, pap smears and other vaginal procedures requiring direct cervical visualization without the use of a colposcope. As part of its acquisition of Femcare, UTMD acquired single patient use trocars and cannulae available in shielded and bladeless designs, suction and irrigation tubing, insufflation tubing and connectors, pressure infusor bags and control valves. Also acquired were Femcare’s hormone replacement therapy (HRT) trocar/obturator and HRT procedure tray for subdermal placement of hormone tablets, and a femoral sponge product used during joint replacement surgery.
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EPITOME® and OptiMicro™ Electrosurgical Devices
After finding the general surgical market lacked a precision electrosurgical blade, UTMD developed EPITOME, an electrosurgical scalpel which delivers precise performance in surgical incision and excision with hemostasis while minimizing thermal side effects. Where rapid yet precise dissection of dense or fatty tissue is necessary, such as in mammaplasty or abdominoplasty, UTMD believes that EPITOME has no close substitute. Furthermore, an independent study concluded that the EPITOME scalpel provides a significant improvement over other devices in wound healing. EPITOME allows a rapid incision without countertraction, yielding limited morbidity, less post-surgical pain and cosmetically superior results. EPITOME is useful where minimization of thermal tissue injury is important but control of bleeding needed. A bendable version of EPITOME with a smaller active electrode was introduced later. Designed to significantly reduce the chance of tissue burns due to inadvertent electrode contact and where a smaller, bent scalpel tip is needed, the bendable EPITOME is of particular value, e.g., to thoracic surgeons in harvesting the internal mammary artery during coronary artery bypass surgery, as well as to otolaryngologists for tonsillectomies or uvulopalatoplasties, or plastic surgeons creating or working in a breast pocket during augmentation or capsulectomy.
UTMD introduced a product line of ultra-fine tipped microdissection needles, called OptiMicro™ Needles, to complement the Epitome Scalpel. Whereas the Epitome Scalpel has been particularly effective for large scale surgeries that entail a great amount of tissue cutting, the OptiMicro electrosurgical needles are particularly useful in small-scale plastic and reconstructive surgery applications where extreme precision and ideal cosmetic results are expected. UTMD added extended length OptiMicro needle versions useful in certain head and neck procedures.
Filshie® Clip System
UTMD acquired the Filshie Clip System as part of its acquisition of Femcare Group Ltd in March 2011. In 2023, sales of Filshie clips, applicators and accessories represented 24% of UTMD’s total U.S. Dollar denominated sales. The Filshie clip is a female surgical contraception device used for tubal ligation, i.e., placed on the fallopian tubes, generally laparoscopically in between pregnancies (interval sterilization), but also postpartum (following childbirth) during C-Sections. The Filshie clip, implanted in over six million women worldwide during the last 40 years, has empirically been proven to be the safest and most effective tubal occlusive device, is as easy or easier to achieve occlusion as any of the alternative surgical techniques, and has a substantially higher probability of reversibility when compared to all of the other approaches for women who later decide that they would like to get pregnant. Femcare has obtained numerous regulatory approvals for the Filshie Clip System, which throughout 2023 was sold OUS directly by UTMD and its subsidiaries to medical facilities in Canada, Ireland, France, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and through specialty distributors in other countries. In February 2019, UTMD purchased the remaining exclusive U.S. distribution rights of CooperSurgical Inc. (CSI), allowing the Company to directly distribute the Filshie Clip System to medical facilities in the U.S.
There have been several tubal ligation methods with varying degrees of effectiveness, safety and opportunity to be reversed. The traditional tubal ligation approach, informally known as “getting one’s tubes tied”, is a form of female sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are severed, sealed and permanently pinched shut. If the sterilization procedure is carried out postpartum, the Pomeroy technique is often adopted. During this procedure a small loop of the fallopian tube is tied with a suture and the top section removed by cutting. A traditional method for interval sterilization is with the use of bipolar cautery (electrocautery). With this method, an electrical current flows between the tips of forceps when applied to the fallopian tube. The current then “burns” a portion of the fallopian tube shut. Bipolar cautery has a higher rate of ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening complication, compared to other tubal occlusion methods. Although these common methods are relatively easy to perform, their failure rate - defined as the percentage of patients having undergone the procedure who subsequently get pregnant - has been reported to be about 3%. The Filshie clip, which can be used either postpartum or at times unrelated to the post-partum period (interval sterilization), is at least as easy to use, has much less intraoperative risk, has a reported failure rate an order of magnitude less than bipolar cautery and is more effective and much simpler to perform than the Pomeroy technique.
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Apart from bipolar cautery and the Pomeroy technique, other mechanical devices have been used but are no longer manufactured: the Falope Ring (or Yoon Ring) and the Hulka clip. Both these older methods had a higher failure rate than the Filshie clip, are associated with more post-operative pain and have generally been abandoned in favor of other sterilization techniques. In addition, two more recent hysteroscopic sterilization methods, the Adiana and the Essure occlusive devices, also are no longer being sold.
Pain associated normally with any laparoscopic procedure generally resolves within 48 hours, and is not severe, nor does it become chronic unless the result of an infection. Sterile Filshie clips are provided to the surgeon in validated sterile packaging. Nevertheless, pain is the most prevalent (but still rare) Filshie clip complaint. In women with implanted clips who have reported chronic pain, several other gynecological symptoms are typically present which are not related to Filshie clips. The obvious recourse for a person experiencing pain that she associates with an implanted device is to remove it. Given widely available imaging and normal laparoscopic skills, Filshie clips can be removed safely, although removal is very rarely requested by patients or recommended by physicians.
A well-known and clinically-reported potential side effect of Filshie clip tubal ligation, as with any other surgical clip or implant, is subsequent clip movement, often called “migration”. A clip-occluded fallopian tube eventually separates into two permanently closed stubs after tissue necrosis under a closed clip. Peritoneal tissue usually encapsulates an implanted clip while still in contact with the fallopian tube. In some cases where tissue encapsulation is slow, movement of a clip may occur after sterilization has been achieved. Although the silicone lining of the clip helps prevent clip migration and reduces the risk of tubal regeneration, one clinical journal publication indicated migration occurs 6% of the time. Dr. Marcus Filshie, the inventor of the clip, expressed his opinion in 2002 that more than 25% of patients will experience a migration of one or more clips, typically within the abdominal cavity. Once detached, the clip typically becomes encompassed in dense adhesive tissue without any symptoms. Rarely, a low-grade inflammatory response can occur. Because clips are biologically inert and small, physicians generally have concluded that removing a migrated clip represents more risk to long term well-being than leaving it in the body. In 2019, UTMD retained an independent clinical expert, Dr. Nader Gad in Australia, who in 2010 had published the results of an almost twenty-year retrospective review of all reported Filshie clip migration events in the English literature, in order to independently review all subsequent reported complaints contained in the US FDA MAUDE website and the Australia TGA DAEN website over the most recent ten years. His February 2019 written report observed that “There were no serious clinical or life-threatening complications that related directly or indirectly to the Filshie clips or their migration.”
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In late 2021, after the Filshie clip had been used in the U.S. for 25 years and implanted in millions of women, a clip migration lawsuit was filed in Texas. Subsequently, the same law firm solicited and recruited claimants in other states. As of the end of January 2024, there were a total of thirteen still open clip migration lawsuits initiated by the same law firm in eleven different states. UTMD has either filed early dispositive motions to dismiss or has filed motions for summary judgement aimed at defeating cases before trial. In UTMD’s view, the current lawsuits, all of which have not gone to trial yet, are without merit as UTMD believes that they are preempted by federal law and that plaintiffs will be unable to show that their complaints were caused by migrated clips.
The U.S. FDA approved the Filshie clip for marketing in the U.S. in 1996 after a Premarket Approval (PMA) submission, which included a prospective clinical trial involving 5,454 women implanted with Filshie clips. As mandated by the FDA, Femcare (the developer and manufacturer of the Filshie Clip System) is required to submit an annual experience report for FDA’s continual review and vigilance of the safety and effectiveness of the PMA device. In late 2016, the FDA approved the use of Femcare’s Sterishot single use applicator for implanting Filshie clips. (An applicator is a precision instrument which closes the implanted Filshie clip on the Fallopian tube to achieve proper permanent tubal ligation.) Reused applicators require extra handling, cleaning, resterilization and storage, which all have the potential to damage or misalign the delicate mechanism. Timely periodic servicing and recalibration is needed, but often not sought by hospitals. In addition, the reuse of a surgical instrument introduces the possibility of infection if not properly cleaned and resterilized between procedures. The precalibrated, single-use sterile Sterishot applicator eliminates these safety, effectiveness and cost exposures. After more than ten years since being introduced outside the U.S. (OUS), the patented Sterishot is used in the majority of Filshie clip ligation procedures OUS, but was not effectively marketed by CSI, Femcare’s distributor in the U.S. until 2019. Beginning in February 2019, UTMD began directly marketing the Filshie Clip System in the U.S., strongly recommending that all hospitals use a Sterishot kit for each procedure.
PATHFINDER PLUS™
PATHFINDER PLUS is a proprietary endoscopic irrigation device that allows a uro/gyn surgeon to precisely irrigate, clearing the visual field, with the same hand that controls the endoscope, eliminating the need for a separate assistant to irrigate without visualization. An example of a procedure where Pathfinder has found particular success is ureteroscopic stone ablation.
SUPRAPUBIC CATHETERIZATION
The Add-a-Cath™ introducer is a Femcare device designed for easy and safe suprapubic introduction of a catheter for bladder drainage. Suprapubic catheterization is generally well-recognized as a drainage method with fewer complications than with urethral catheterization. In 2013, UTMD introduced suprapubic catheterization procedure kits featuring the Add-a-Cath introducer, which UTMD now distributes directly to end-users in the U.S. under the trade name Supra-Foley®.
LIBERTY® System
LIBERTY is a device for the conservative treatment and effective control of urinary incontinence in women. UTMD believes that LIBERTY is the easiest-to-use, most cost-effective incontinence treatment available that yields a therapeutic effect, not just a cover-up. LIBERTY consists of a battery-operated electrical stimulation unit and an intravaginal electrode probe. This physiotherapy technique, which can be done in the privacy of the home, involves passive strengthening of the periurethral muscles. Pulsed, low voltage, low frequency current is applied primarily to the pudendal neuromuscular tissue causing the pelvic area muscles to contract, leading to better muscle tone. Because electrical stimulation has no known adverse side effects, LIBERTY provides women suffering from mild to moderate incontinence an effective, lower cost and lower risk alternative to more traumatic treatments such as surgery and drug therapy.
ENDOCURETTE®
In cooperation with Mayo Clinic, UTMD developed an advanced curette for uterine endometrial tissue sampling in the doctor’s office. The sampling procedure is intended primarily to rule out precancer or cancerous change of the uterus in premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding, or women with postmenopausal bleeding. The device is part of a class of catheters designed to be used without dilatation of the cervix and without general anesthetic. The inherent weakness of this type of device, which is related to its small size, is that it may not remove enough tissue of the endometrium for an accurate histologic assessment, in contrast to a more invasive D&C hospital procedure. The tip of the EndoCurette was specially designed to obtain a more thorough tissue specimen compared to other catheters used without the need for dilatation, and without an increase in patient discomfort.
TVUS/HSG-Cath™
In order to further assess persistent abnormal or dysfunctional uterine bleeding and other suspected abnormalities of the uterus, or as a next step after endometrial tissue sampling with an EndoCurette, gynecologists may utilize transvaginal ultrasound imaging of the uterus. UTMD’s TVUS/HSG-Cath was designed and released for marketing in 2007 to provide effective cervical occlusion that allows distention of the uterus to differentiate anterior and posterior endometrium, among other irregularities, together with minimal visual obstruction of the uterus near the internal os. In addition, the TVUS/HSG-Cath may be used in hysterosalpingography radiographic procedures to assess the patency of fallopian tubes. A related device acquired in 2011 is Femcare’s Spackman Style uterine cannula designed for the manipulation of the uterus and injection of fluid to test the patency of the fallopian tubes.
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LUMIN®
LUMIN® is a gynecological tool developed by UTMD for reliably and safely manipulating the uterus in laparoscopic procedures. LUMIN combines the strength, range of motion and versatility of the higher end reusable instruments with the lower cost and cleanliness of the inexpensive less functional disposable instruments presently on the market, while at the same time reducing the number of tools needed to move and secure the uterus.
Pressure Monitoring:
DELTRAN® Disposable Pressure Transducer (DPT)
In pressure monitoring, a transducer is used to convert physiological (mechanical) pressure into an electrical signal that is displayed on electronic monitoring equipment. UTMD developed and is now distributing its disposable transducer as a stand-alone product, and as a component in sterile blood pressure monitoring kits through direct representatives and other medical companies in the U.S., as well as independent distributors and other medical device companies OUS.
The Company believes that the DELTRAN DPT which it designed over thirty years ago and currently manufactures, remains the standard in terms of accuracy, reliability and ease of use. Introduced in 1998, the DELTRAN PLUS provides a closed system for blood sampling, without the use of needles, reducing the risk of an unwanted infection for both the patient and the practitioner. In 2009, in conjunction with its other NICU devices, UTMD continued to configure neonatal Deltran custom kits which satisfy the special needs of conserving limited blood volume and protecting the neonate from infection.
BioPharm HP-PRT™
Over 15 years ago, on behalf of an OEM customer, UTMD was the original developer of high pressure, piezo-resistive transducer assemblies used in accurately sensing static and dynamic fluid pressures in biopharmaceutical manufacturing systems including filtration processes, chromatography processes, bioreactors, and filling operations, among other key processes in the rapidly growing biopharmaceutical industry. Beginning in 2024, UTMD will begin offering its technology directly to biopharmaceutical manufacturing companies worldwide.
Pressure Monitoring Accessories, Components and Other Molded Parts.
Components included in blood pressure monitoring kit configurations include transducers, flush devices, stopcocks, fluid administration sets, caps, pressure tubing, interface cables and organizers. The Company sells similar components designed for other medical device company applications which incorporate UTMD’s technologies and designs. DELTA-CAL™ is a calibration device used to check proper functioning of an arterial pressure system. In addition, UTMD sells plastic molded parts on a subcontract basis to a number of medical and non-medical device companies. In addition, partly as a result of its excellent quality system and ISO13485 certification, UTMD performs subcontract assembly, testing and packaging of components that are proprietary to other medical device firms. UTMD believes that this practice helps better utilize its investment in fixed plant and equipment, and spreads overhead costs resulting in better gross profit margins on finished device sales.
MARKETING and COMPETITION
UTMD divides its sales into “domestic” U.S. sales and “outside the U.S.” (OUS) sales, which are finished device and component sales to entities outside the U.S.
1) Domestic sales.
For domestic sales to end-users of finished devices, marketing efforts are complex and fragmented. UTMD’s marketing focus is with clinicians who take responsibility for obtaining optimal patient care outcomes, primarily through clinical meetings, trade shows and the Internet. In competitive bidding processes, UTMD must work primarily with administrators who are responsible for hospital purchasing decisions.
UTMD competes primarily on the basis of improved patient safety and reliable device performance in the hands of a trained clinician. A number of UTMD’s devices are strong brands because they are well-recognized by clinicians as clinically different and have been in trusted use for decades. UTMD’s broad offering of finished devices is comprised of dozens of specialty device types. Although there may be only a few competitors for each type, in the aggregate UTMD has dozens of U.S. medical device competitors. There are at least two competitors with significant market share for each of UTMD’s device types.
As a general rule, because of UTMD’s differences in design and reliability, competitors’ devices represent substitutes rather than equivalent devices. The Company’s primary marketing challenge is to keep its customers focused on those differences and their important clinical benefits. In recent years, access to U.S. hospital clinicians has become increasingly restricted and the involvement of clinicians in medical device purchasing decisions, which is critical to the Company’s success, has declined. To the degree that U.S. hospitals become less focused on patient safety and clinical outcomes and more on out-of-pocket unit price, UTMD’s competitive position weakens.
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In 2023, UTMD sold components and finished devices to 129 other companies in the U.S. (OEM sales). For over 40 years, the Company has utilized its manufacturing capabilities and engineering know-how to produce high quality components and finished devices for other companies. For U.S. companies which wish to distribute their products outside the U.S., UTMD’s maintenance of certification to current ISO 13485 medical device quality standards is an important benefit. UTMD’s website, which lists its capabilities, is often the basis for contacts for new OEM work.
Although there are other manufacturers in the U.S. with similar manufacturing capabilities, UTMD’s primary competition comes from Mexico, East Europe, India and China device component manufacturers which have much lower wage rate structures. To the extent that the U.S. Dollar (USD) gains strength in any period of time against foreign currencies, UTMD’s ability to be cost-competitive with foreign manufacturers is diminished.
2) Outside the U.S. (OUS) sales.
OUS sales in 2023, as a percentage of consolidated total USD sales, represented 44% compared to 39% in 2022 and 38% in 2021. In USD terms, 68% of 2023 OUS sales were invoiced in foreign currencies. In addition, foreign subsidiary expenses are in the native currency of the respective country. Therefore, changes in foreign currency exchange (FX) rates can have a significant impact on UTMD’s USD-reported financial results.
Prior to 2011, with only a few exceptions, UTMD’s OUS sales were to other medical device companies and distributors, not to clinical end-user facilities. After the acquisition of Femcare in 2011, UTMD began a transition to marketing directly to end-users in countries where the Filshie Clip System had achieved significant acceptance. This also allowed increased distribution opportunities for other UTMD devices which previously did not have significant third-party distributor interest. In 2023, UTMD distributed directly to OUS medical facilities in Canada, the UK, France, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the Company’s devices are sold in other countries OUS through over 200 independent regional distributors. UTMD’s website provides information that frequently results in unsolicited contacts from OUS entities.
DISTRIBUTION
An important success factor in the medical device industry is access to medical practitioners. In the U.S., the hospital supplier environment has consolidated as a result of group purchasing organizations (GPOs), or their equivalents. It is UTMD’s assessment that U.S. hospitals are not saving costs under GPO contracts when it comes to specialty medical devices that can reduce complications, utilization rates, clinician time and unwanted side effects, because administrators are focused primarily on out-of-pocket costs and miss the broader total cost of care issues.
The longer-term overall cost of care in the U.S. will continue to increase, with quality of care lower, as innovative suppliers are excluded from participating in the marketplace as a result of unnecessary regulatory and other purely administrative burdens. The length of time and number of administrative steps required in evaluating new products for use in hospitals has grown substantially. As a potential negative factor to future performance, as UTMD introduces new products it believes are safer and more effective, it may find itself excluded from certain customers because of the existence of long-term supply agreements for existing products. UTMD may also be unable to establish viable relationships with other medical device companies that do have access to users but lack an interest in the Company’s approach or demand too great a financial or administrative burden.
When U.S. hospital customers request it, UTMD provides its devices through national distribution companies, also known as Med/Surg distributors. Sales to Med/Surg distributors in 2023 comprised 13% of total domestic direct sales (excluding domestic OEM sales).
In the U.S., Canada, Ireland, France, the UK, NZ and AUS, UTMD sells its products with the support of its own directly employed customer service and sales force, independent consultants and selective independent manufacturer representatives. Direct sales representatives focus on applications for UTMD devices where customer training and support may be important. The direct employee sales force is comprised primarily of “inside” representatives who operate by telephone and email from corporate offices. The Company also utilizes independent sales representatives primarily on a growth commission basis. Direct representatives are trained to understand the medical procedures being performed within UTMD’s clinical focus. Through the use of its one-on-one contacts with physicians and other clinical practitioners directly involved in patient care, the direct sales force positions UTMD to gain market leadership with specific solutions to clinical issues. In addition to its direct representatives, UTMD utilizes third party consulting clinical specialists to augment its customer training programs.
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Additionally, UTMD sells component parts as well as finished devices to over 100 other companies for use with their product lines. This OEM distribution channel is simply maximizing utilization of manufacturing capabilities that are otherwise needed for UTMD's primary business, and does not compete with or dilute UTMD’s direct distribution and marketing programs. UTMD’s largest OEM customer represented 17% ($8.6 million) of total consolidated sales in 2023, compared to 22% ($11.6 million) in 2022 and 18% ($8.9 million) in 2021.
OUS, the Company and its subsidiaries distribute directly to end-user facilities in Canada, the UK, France, Ireland, NZ and AUS, and in 2023 sold to more than 200 regional distributors and OEMs (other medical device manufacturers and/or distributors) in over a hundred countries. Ten percent of UTMD’s independent OUS distributors comprised 78% of UTMD’s indirect OUS sales in the years of 2021 - 2023.
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
New product development has been a key ingredient to UTMD’s market identity. Product development takes several interrelated forms: 1) improvements, enhancements and extensions of current product lines in response to clinical needs or clinician requests, 2) introduction of new or augmented devices that represent a significant improvement in safety, effectiveness and/or total cost of care, and 3) acquisitions of products or technology from others. Manufacturing process development is an equally important aspect that cannot be separated from the successful design and development of devices.
Because of UTMD’s reputation as a focused product developer, its financial strength and its established clinician user base, it enjoys a substantial inflow of new product development ideas. Internal development, joint development, product acquisitions and licensing arrangements are all included as viable options in the investigation of opportunities. Only a small percentage of ideas survive feasibility screening. For internal development purposes, projects are assigned to a project manager who assembles an interdisciplinary, cross-functional development team. The team’s objective is to have a clinically acceptable, manufacturable and regulatory-released product ready for marketing by a specific date. Several projects, depending on the level of resources required, are underway at UTMD at any given time. Only a few assigned projects succeed in attaining a product that meets all of the Company’s criteria. In particular, this includes a product that is highly reliable, easy to use, cost-effective, safe, useful and differentiated from the competition. Once a product is developed, tooled, fully tested and cleared for marketing by the applicable regulatory entity(ies) in the U.S. and/or other countries, there remains a reasonable probability it cannot be successfully marketed for any number of reasons, not the least of which is being beaten to the market by a competitor with a better solution, or not having access to users because of limitations in marketing and distribution resources or exclusionary contracts of GPOs.
UTMD’s current product and process development projects are in the following areas: 1) augmentation and internal manufacturing of existing UTMD devices, 2) neonatal intensive care, 3) specialized procedures for the assessment and treatment of cervical/uterine disease, 4) labor and delivery procedures, 5) pressure sensors needed for biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes and 6) product and process development for OEM customers. Internal product development expenses are expected to be closer to 2% of sales in 2024 as UTMD validates and qualifies its BioPharm HP-PRT devices.
EMPLOYEES AND OTHERS
At December 31, 2023, the Company worldwide had 169 full-time employees, 21 part-time employees, 7 regular consultants, 19 independent sales representatives and 8 outside directors of UTMD and its subsidiaries. The Company utilizes independent consultants and directors, some of which were prior employees. Almost all of UTMD’s internally-manufactured devices are made either in Utah or in Ireland. At the end of 2023, the average tenure with the Company of the combined 169 full-time employees worldwide is over 13 years. In Utah, 20% of full-time employees have been with the Company for more than 30 years. This experience conveys an important benefit due to the level of training required to produce consistently high quality medical devices and appreciation of how UTMD’s devices provide unique benefits for clinicians and patients. The Company's continued success will depend to a large extent upon its ability to retain skilled and experienced employees and consultants. No assurances can be given that the Company will be able to retain or attract such people in the future, although management is committed to providing an environment in which reliable, creative and high achieving people wish to work.
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None of the Company's officers or directors is bound by restrictive covenants from prior employers that limit their ability to contribute to UTMD’s programs. All employees agree to a code of conduct and sign a strict confidentiality agreement as a condition of employment, and as consideration for receipt of stock option awards and participation in the annual profit-sharing bonus program. All employees participate in contemporaneous performance-based bonus programs. None of the Company's employees is represented by labor unions or other collective bargaining groups.
PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND TECHNOLOGY LICENSES
The Company currently owns seven unexpired U.S. patents, numerous associated patents in sovereignties OUS, and is the licensee of certain other technology. There can be no assurance, however, that patents will be issued with respect to any pending applications, that marketable products will result from the patents or that issued patents can be successfully defended in a patent infringement situation. The Company also owns thirty-one registered trademarks which have achieved significant brand recognition. The Company believes that its trademarks and tradenames, many of which have become well known in the global medical community through decades of successful use of the associated medical devices, likely have and will continue to have substantially more intangible value than its patents.
The ability of the Company to achieve commercial success depends in part on the protection afforded by its patents and trademarks. However, UTMD believes that the protections afforded by patents and trademarks are less important to UTMD’s business, taken as a whole, than a medical device’s established incremental clinical utility, which may be dominated by a number of other factors including relative cost, ease of use, ease of training/adoption, perceived clinical value of different design features, risk of use in applicable procedures, the reliability of achieving a desired outcome in the hands of different users and market access to potential users. In cases where competitors introduce products that may infringe on UTMD’s technology or trademarks, the Company has an obligation to its stockholders to defend its intangible property to the extent that it can afford to do so, and that it is material to the Company’s success. The Company must also defend itself if competitors allege that UTMD may be infringing their technologies.
As a matter of policy, UTMD has acquired and will continue to acquire the use of technology from third parties that can be synergistically combined with UTMD proprietary product ideas. During 2023, royalties included in cost of goods sold were $172. Other royalties have been previously paid as a lump sum, or were incorporated into the price of acquisitions or into the cost of purchased components which practice certain patents of third parties. Also as a matter of policy, UTMD licenses its proprietary technology to others in circumstances where licensing does not directly compete with UTMD's own marketing initiatives. During 2023 the Company received $20 in royalty income compared to $20 in 2022 and $15 in 2021.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
UTMD and its subsidiaries’ products and manufacturing processes are subject to regulation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”), as well as many other regulatory entities globally. The FDA has authority to regulate the marketing, manufacturing, labeling, packaging and distribution of medical devices in the U.S. Requirements exist under other federal laws and under state, local and foreign statutes that apply to the manufacturing and marketing of the Company's medical and biopharma devices.
All manufacturers of medical devices must register with the FDA and list all medical devices produced by them. In addition, prior to commercial distribution of some devices for human use, a manufacturer must file a notice with the FDA, setting forth certain information regarding the safety and effectiveness of the device that is acceptable in content to the FDA.
Devices which are classified in Class I are subject only to the general controls concerning adulteration, misbranding, good manufacturing practices, record keeping and reporting requirements. Devices classified in Class II must, in addition, comply with special controls or performance standards promulgated by the FDA.
Except for the Filshie Clip System, all of UTMD’s present devices are unclassified, Class I or Class II devices. The Filshie Clip System is a Class III device which has more stringent regulatory controls. The Company is in compliance with all applicable U.S. regulatory standards including CFR Part 820, the FDA Quality System Regulation (QSR) effective in 1997, also known as cGMPs (current good manufacturing practices).
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In 1994, UTMD received certification of its quality system under the ISO9001/EN46001 standards (“ISO” stands for “International Organization of Standardization”) which it maintained until December 2003. In October 2003, UTMD’s Utah facility was certified under the more stringent ISO13485 standard for medical devices. UTMD’s Ireland facility was certified under the concomitant ISO13488 standard. In July 2006, both facility ISO certifications were upgraded to the even more stringent ISO13485:2003 standard. Currently, UTMD’s facilities in the UK, Ireland and Utah are all certified under the most recent ISO13485:2016 standard. In 2020, UTMD’s manufacturing facilities in Ireland and UK were audited and certified by a recognized authorized auditing organization under the MDSAP. In 2023, UTMD’s manufacturing facility in Ireland was inspected by the FDA in conjunction with manufacturing Filshie clips in Ireland. No FDA-483 observations were issued.
The Company’s most recent Utah FDA QSR inspection was in July 2014, which did not result in the issuance of any FDA-483 observations. Since 2019, UTMD’s manufacturing facilities in Utah have been annually audited and certified by a recognized authorized auditing organization under the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP). The MDSAP allows a recognized Auditing Organization to conduct a single regulatory audit of a medical device manufacturer that satisfies the relevant requirements of the regulatory authorities of Australia, Brazil, Canada, USA and Japan. In other words, the FDA accepts MDSAP audit reports as a substitute for routine periodic FDA QSR inspections. UTMD and Femcare remain on a continuous periodic audit schedule by its independent notified body and authorized MDSAP auditing organization in order to stay current with international regulatory standards, and retain certifications. UTMD and Femcare have received CE Mark certifications (demonstrates proof of compliance with the European Community’s ISO standards) for all major products. Femcare’s most recent UK FDA QSR inspection was in July 2019, which also did not result in the issuance of any FDA-483 observations.
SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS
Most of the components which the Company purchases from various vendors are available from a number of sources and in a number of locations worldwide. That notwithstanding, the Company maintains safety stocks that anticipate potential disruption to its supply chain from changes in government policies including tariffs, including the time required to source and qualify new vendors. Fortunately, given availability of its significant cash reserves, UTMD has had the financial ability to mitigate supply chain risk by carrying extra inventories during periods of increased uncertainty.
Alternative sourcing of various components is continually underway. Vendors are qualified by UTMD’s Quality Assurance. In the few cases where the Company has a sole source, it either maintains or has agreement with the supplier to maintain excess safety stocks that would cover the time required to develop and qualify a new source. The Company has a vendor quality monitoring program that includes routinely checking incoming material for conformance to specifications, as required per written procedures.
U.S. EXPORTS
UTMD regards the OUS marketplace as an important element of its growth strategy. UTMD is keenly aware that not only are OUS markets different from the U.S. market, but also that each country has its own set of driving influences that affect the dynamics of the nature of care given and medical devices used. The Company operates four OUS facilities; in Romsey, Hampshire, England; in Castle Hill, NSW, Australia; in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland. These facilities offer a number of advantages: 1) from a marketing point of view, better response to Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia customers, including a better understanding of customer needs, less costly distribution and, in the EU, duty-free access to 500 million patients; 2) from a regulatory point of view, faster new product introductions; and 3) from a manufacturing point of view, reduced dependence on one manufacturing site and increased capacity for meeting customer needs.
Total 2023 trade USD revenues from customers OUS were $22,020 (44% of total consolidated USD sales) compared to $20,310 (39% of total consolidated USD sales) in 2022 and $18,395 (38% of sales) in 2021. OUS trade sales (U.S. exports) from the U.S. to OUS customers were $4,516 in 2023 compared to $4,256 in 2022 and $3,994 in 2021. U.S. exports represented 21% of total OUS trade sales in both 2023 and 2022, and 22% in 2021. The U.S. export numbers exclude Utah intercompany sales of components and finished devices to UTMD foreign subsidiaries, which then distribute Utah-made components and finished devices as part of their sales to OUS customers.
For sales by OUS geographic area, please see note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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BACKLOG
Backlog is defined as orders received and accepted by UTMD which have not shipped yet. As a supplier of primarily disposable hospital products, the nature of UTMD’s non-distributor and non-OEM business requires fast response to customer orders. Virtually all direct shipments to end-user facilities are accomplished within a few days of acceptance of purchase orders. Consequently, UTMD’s backlog at any point in time is comprised mainly of orders from OEM and independent distributors, which purchase in larger quantities, at less frequent intervals with fluctuating order patterns. Backlog shippable in less than 90 days was $3,650 as of January 1, 2024 compared to $5,605 as of January 1, 2023 and $4,956 as of January 1, 2022. The decline in the beginning of 2024 backlog was due to lower orders from UTMD’s largest OEM customer.
SEASONAL ASPECTS
The Company's business is generally not affected by seasonal factors, but it is affected by uneven purchasing patterns of OEM customers and independent distributors.
PRODUCT LIABILITY RISK MANAGEMENT
The risk of product liability lawsuits is a negative factor in the medical device industry because devices are frequently used in inherently risky situations to help clinicians achieve a more positive outcome than what might otherwise be the case, and even the use of the safest medical devices may still result in injury. In any lawsuit against a company where an individual plaintiff claims to have suffered permanent physical injury, a possibility of a large award for damages exists whether or not a causal relationship exists.
UTMD is self-insured for product liability risk, and reserves funds against its current performance on an ongoing basis to provide for its costs of defense should any lawsuits be filed. UTMD was named as a defendant on six product liability lawsuits over the time span of the last twenty-nine years, excluding the Filshie Clip System acquired twelve years ago. Four of the six lawsuits involved a patient injury related to operative vaginal deliveries where a UTMD VAD birthing cup or hand pump was used. The VADS devices in all four cases did conform to specifications. UTMD was ultimately dismissed as a defendant in all four VADS lawsuits, and legal costs were not material to performance. In a fifth lawsuit, regarding the use of EndoCurette, there was no evidence of patient injury. The lawsuit was settled in 2010 for an immaterial amount to avoid the diversion of management time and substantial costs of litigation, even though UTMD was confident that the case was without merit. In a sixth, UTMD was brought into the lawsuit by a defendant physician, speculating a design deficiency in a Finesse electrosurgical generator (ESU) which had been in use for eighteen years before the injury event, and used successfully by the same physician in multiple procedures after the event. The injured patient did not allege any fault by UTMD. The case was settled in 2012 without any UTMD involvement or liability. The Company’s average cost of defense of the six lawsuits was $15/year, well below the deductible level of product liability insurance policies and hundreds of thousands of dollars less than product liability insurance premiums. The best defense the Company believes that it has is the consistent conformance to specifications of its proven safe and effective products.
After acquisition by UTMD in 2011 and prior to late 2021, there were three Filshie Clip System lawsuits, all of which were dismissed with prejudice prior to the conclusion of discovery. The average annual cost of those Filshie Clip System lawsuits since 2011 up to late 2021 was $7 per year (less than $25 per lawsuit to achieve resolution). However, in late 2021, Femcare was added as a defendant in a clip migration lawsuit in Texas, which expanded to thirteen other states with a total of eighteen lawsuits as plaintiffs’ lawyers have sought to solicit and recruit claimants in other states. Five lawsuits in three states have been dismissed as of January 31, 2024. Unfortunately, social media is being used by aggressive attorneys to solicit plaintiffs using statements that have not been proven to be true. Nevertheless, the filing of new lawsuits died down considerably in 2023.
There is no basis for a claim of either a poor device design, which was approved as safe and effective by the U.S. FDA, and has remained FDA approved since 1996 during more than two decades of use, or no evidence to-date of any defective clips implanted in the patients who have filed complaints, or no lack of proper disclosure of side effects to physicians who are learned intermediaries. Filshie clips have been prescribed by knowledgeable U.S. physicians for decades, and implanted in millions of patients in the U.S. and worldwide. Although the cost of defense has been unusually high compared to UTMD’s historical average, and will continue to increase should cases go to trial, the Company believes that the costs can be absorbed without a material impact on UTMD’s overall consolidated financial performance.
Other than the Filshie clip claims, there have been no product liability lawsuits for any UTMD device during the last twelve years. Except for the six non-Filshie Clip System lawsuits described above, there have been no other product liability claims filed over the last 30 years after distribution and use of over 20 million UTMD critical care and surgical finished devices.
Since 1993, during which time over one hundred million finished devices and OEM components were manufactured and distributed by UTMD and its subsidiaries, there have been no adverse judgments resulting from a claim of defect in UTMD’s or its subsidiaries’ designs or manufacture of products, or a fault in informational materials. Although it hasn’t happened in the past 45 years, a product liability lawsuit could result in a significant damages award against the Company. In the current tort system, particularly in the U.S., meritless product liability cases do get filed where aggressive attorneys calculate that a company will find it cheaper to settle for what they consider a nominal amount in lieu of potentially substantial defense costs of discovery and going to court.
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FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
This report contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by management based on information currently available. When used in this document, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of the Company respecting future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties stated throughout the document. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause the forward statement not to come true as anticipated, believed, projected, expected, or intended. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, projected, estimated, expected or intended. Financial estimates are subject to change and are not intended to be relied upon as predictions of future operating results, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or disclose revisions to those estimates.
ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS
Legislative or executive order healthcare interference in the United States renders the U.S. medical device marketplace unpredictable. A fully government-run healthcare system would likely eliminate healthcare consumer choice as well as commercial incentives for innovation.
Increasing regulatory burdens, including premarketing approval delays, may result in significant loss of revenue, unpredictable costs and loss of management focus on developing and marketing products that improve the quality of healthcare:
Thousands of small focused medical device manufacturers including UTMD that do not have the overhead structure that the few large medical device companies can afford are increasingly burdened with bureaucratic and underqualified regulator demands that are not reasonably related to assuring the safety or effectiveness of the devices that they provide. Premarketing submission administrative burdens, and substantial “user fees” or notified body review fees, represent a significant non-clinical and/or non-scientific barrier to new product introduction, resulting in lack of investment or delays to revenues from new or improved devices. The risks associated with such circumstances relate not only to substantial out-of-pocket costs, including potential litigation in millions of dollars, but also loss of business and a diversion of attention of key employees for an extended period of time from managing normal responsibilities, particularly in new product development and routine quality assurance activities.
Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) in the U.S. add non-productive costs, weaken the Company’s marketing and sales efforts and cause lower revenues by restricting access:
GPOs, theoretically acting as bargaining agents for member hospitals, but actually collecting revenues from the companies that they are negotiating with, have made a concerted effort to turn medical devices that convey special patient safety advantages and better health outcomes, like UTMD’s, into undifferentiated commodities. GPOs have been granted an antitrust exemption by the U.S. Congress. In other industries their business model based on “kickbacks” would be a violation of law. Despite rhetoric otherwise, 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 driven by collection of administrative fees.
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 and overly cumbersome 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 uncontrolled immigration is 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 more difficult.
15
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 suffered 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, 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. An 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 USD can result in significant differences in period-to-period financial results:
Since a significant portion of UTMD’s sales are invoiced in foreign currencies and consolidated financial results are reported in USD terms, a stronger USD can have negative revenue effects. Conversely, a weaker USD would increase foreign subsidiary operating costs in USD terms. 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 are reduced, but also gross profits may be reduced because finished distributed devices and/or U.S. made raw materials and components are likely being purchased in fixed USD.
Trade restrictions and /or tariffs resulting from changing government geopolitical trade policies have the potential to disrupt UTMD’s supply chain.
Current lack of predictability of demand from a major OEM customer representing 17% of total consolidated sales in 2023.
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ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 1C - CYBERSECURITY
Risk Management and Strategy
The Company considers cybersecurity to be an important part of its overall business strategy and risk management. UTMD continuously monitors its information systems to assess, identify and manage risks from both inside and outside forces. Functional modules are fully-integrated, which provides for transaction checks and balances. Software systems have been validated for effectiveness of intended uses. Policies and procedures have been implemented which all employees acknowledge in writing, and agree to follow as a condition of employment. Access is documented and controlled by business function. Regular employee user training is conducted to promote awareness of outside threats and the importance of following procedures.
UTMD utilizes state-of-art cybersecurity devices and software to timely identify and prevent intrusion from external actors. The corporate information systems operations manager continuously monitors activity, and reports weekly to the CEO. Additional sources for assessing security effectiveness are annual outside audits of the information technology environment, risk and performance assessments provided by vendors of the routers and firewalls used by the Company and the news media.
There have been no events in at least the last thirty years that have been considered material enough to warrant changes to systems, processes or controls.
Governance
The Governance Committee of the Board of Directors maintains overall responsibility to oversee and assess the effectiveness of the Company’s cybersecurity strategy. The Board meets quarterly and any potential threats are reviewed and discussed at that time, unless the information systems team and/or the CEO decide earlier notification is warranted.
ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES
Office and Manufacturing Facilities.
UTMD is a vertically-integrated manufacturing company. Capabilities include silicone and plastics-forming operations including injection molding, insert and over-molding, thermoforming and extrusion; sensor production; manual and automated assembly of mechanical, electrical and electronic components; parts printing; various testing modalities; advanced packaging in clean room conditions; and a machine shop for mold-making and fabrication of assembly tools and fixtures. Capabilities also include an R&D laboratory for both electronic and chemical processes, software development resources, communications and computer systems networked real time OUS, and administrative offices.
UTMD owns all of its property and facilities with the exception of a long-term lease with 9 years remaining on one section of its Midvale parking lot. As of the beginning of 2024, the Company's operations were located in 105,000 square feet of facilities in Midvale, Utah, a 77,000 square foot facility in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland, a 38,600 square foot facility in Romsey, Hampshire, England, a 3,200 square foot facility in Castle Hill NSW, Australia, and a 4,700 square foot facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Manufacturing is currently carried out primarily in the Utah and Ireland facilities.
ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company may be a party from time to time in litigation incidental to its business. Presently, except for Filshie clip lawsuits, there is no litigation or threatened litigation where UTMD is a defendant. The Company expects that the outcome of the Filshie clip litigation will not be material to overall consolidated financial results.
ITEM 4 - MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
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PART II
ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information.
UTMD's common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market (stock symbol: UTMD). The following table sets forth the high and low sales price information as reported by NASDAQ for the periods indicated:
| 2023 |
| 2022 | ||||||
|
| High |
| Low |
|
| High |
| Low |
1st Quarter | $ | 101.41 | $ | 80.75 |
| $ | 102.99 | $ | 85.46 |
2nd Quarter |
| 100.59 |
| 87.54 |
|
| 91.99 |
| 80.31 |
3rd Quarter |
| 99.46 |
| 83.63 |
|
| 97.03 |
| 80.10 |
4th Quarter |
| 87.99 |
| 75.00 |
|
| 109.50 |
| 80.68 |
Stockholders.
The number of beneficial stockholders of UTMD’s common stock as of March 1, 2024 was at least 2,000.
Dividends.
The following sets forth cash dividends paid during the past two years:
Record Date | Payable Date | Per Share Amount |
March 18, 2022 | April 5, 2022 | 0.290 |
June 17, 2022 | July 6, 2022 | 0.290 |
September 16, 2022 | October 5, 2022 | 0.290 |
December 16, 2022 | January 4, 2023 | 0.295 |
March 17, 2023 | April 4, 2023 | 0.295 |
June 16, 2023 | July 6, 2023 | 0.295 |
September 15, 2023 | October 3, 2023 | 0.295 |
|
|
|
2022 total cash dividends paid per share | $ 0.870 | |
2023 total cash dividends paid per share | $ 1.180 | |
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
UTMD did not purchase any of its own securities in 2023. UTMD purchased 30,105 shares of its common stock for $2,495 including commissions and fees in second quarter 2022.
ITEM 6 - RESERVED
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ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Currency amounts are in thousands except per-share amounts and where noted. Currencies are abbreviated as follows: the U.S. Dollar (USD or $), the Great Britain Pound (GBP or £), the Euro (EUR or €), the Australian Dollar (AUD or A$), the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and the Canadian Dollar (CAD or C$).
The following comments should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements.
Overview.
In 2023, Utah Medical Products, Inc. (Nasdaq: UTMD) was able to achieve higher Net Income and Earnings Per Share (EPS) despite 4% lower consolidated total revenues caused by $3 million lower sales to its largest OEM customer. A lower Gross Profit Margin from less absorption of manufacturing overhead costs together with ongoing challenges related to supply chain disruption and higher input costs from inflation, together with higher litigation costs, resulted in Operating Income, although very respectable at 33.4% of sales, that was 15% lower than in the prior year. However, higher non-operating income together with a lower income tax provision rate offset the higher operating costs, allowing a UTMD record annual EPS of $4.57.
Consolidated Income Statement | 2023 | 2023 Compared to 2022 | 2022 |
Worldwide Revenues | $ 50,224 | (3.9%) | $ 52,281 |
Gross Profit | 30,038 | (6.7%) | 32,196 |
Operating Income | 16,777 | (15.2%) | 19,790 |
Earnings Before Income Tax | 20,089 | (2.8%) | 20,659 |
Net Income (US GAAP) | 16,635 | +1.0% | 16,473 |
Earnings Per Share (US GAAP) | $ 4.574 | +1.2% | $ 4.522 |
Changes in foreign currency exchange (FX) rates on sales and expenses, in contrast to recent prior years, did not have a significant impact on financial results in 2023. Using the prior year’s FX rates, annual outside the U.S. (OUS) foreign currency sales would have been 1% lower and OUS operating expenses 1% lower.
Key profit margins (profits as a percentage of sales) in 2023 compared to 2022 follow:
| 2023 | 2022 |
Gross Profit Margin (GPM) | 59.8% | 61.6% |
Operating Income Margin | 33.4% | 37.9% |
Income Before Tax Margin | 40.0% | 39.5% |
Net Income Margin | 33.1% | 31.5% |
Measures of the Company’s liquidity and overall financial condition improved as of the end of 2023 compared to the end of 2022 with year-end working capital up 21% and Stockholders’ Equity up 12% despite $4,282 in dividends paid to stockholders which reduced both cash and Stockholders’ Equity. The improvement was the result of continued strong positive cash flow from normal operations. In comparison, UTMD paid $3,163 in stockholder cash dividends and used another $2,495 cash for share repurchases in 2022. The Company also used $639 in cash in 2023 along with $809 in 2022 to invest in new manufacturing equipment and fixtures, as well as maintaining existing Property, Plant and Equipment (PP&E) in good working order. The two-year capital expenditures exceeded depreciation by $213.
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Productivity of Fixed Assets and Working Capital Assets.
Assets.
Year-end 2023 total consolidated assets were $135,458 comprised of $106,269 in current assets, $10,551 in consolidated net PP&E and $18,637 in net intangible assets. This compares to $123,874 total assets at the end of 2022 comprised of $89,919 in current assets, $10,224 in consolidated net PP&E and $23,731 in net intangible assets. Total asset turns (total consolidated sales divided by average total assets for the year) in 2023 were 39% compared to 44% in 2022, as sales decreased while average assets (primarily cash) increased.
Current assets increased $16,350 due to the $17,817 increase in year-end cash and investments and $768 higher inventories, offset by $2,148 lower accounts and other receivables and $87 lower other current assets. Year-end 2023 and 2022 cash and investment balances were $92,869 and $75,052, representing 69% and 61% of total assets, respectively. Net (after allowance for doubtful accounts) year-end trade accounts receivable (A/R) balances were $2,148 lower at the end of 2023 compared to 2022 due to 4Q 2023 sales $1,242 lower than in 4Q 2022, and average days in A/R of 24 days based on 4Q trade sales instead of 37 days at the end of 2022. A/R over 90 days from invoice date declined from 4.2% of total A/R at the end of 2022 to 3.3% at the end of 2023. The Company believes any older A/R will be collected or are within its reserve balances for uncollectible amounts. Inventories net of reserves for obsolescence at 2023 year-end were 9% higher from the end of 2022.
Working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) at year-end 2023 was 21% higher at $101,559 compared to $83,959 at year-end 2022. Consistent with Federal and State rules, the TCJA repatriation tax current liability at the end of 2023 was $558 compared to $419 at the end of 2022, as the payment percentage ramps up at the end of the payout period. The end of 2023 working capital exceeds UTMD’s needs for normal operations in an uncertain economic environment, funding of future organic growth and timely payment of accrued tax liabilities, in addition to allowing for substantial funding of any future acquisition without diluting stockholder interest, as well as continued payment of stockholder dividends and repurchase of UTMD shares. Despite a negative impact on Return on Stockholders’ Equity of retaining a high cash balance, UTMD believes that in times of high economic uncertainty and change, maintaining substantial cash balances increases its likelihood of being able to take advantage of opportunities that will benefit stockholders in the longer term, and retain key resources that will help ensure UTMD’s continued excellent long-term performance.
December 31, 2023 net $10,552 total PP&E includes Utah, Ireland and England manufacturing molds, production tooling and equipment, test equipment, and product development laboratory equipment. In addition, PP&E includes computers and software, warehouse equipment, furniture and fixtures, facilities and real estate for all five locations in Utah, Ireland, UK, Canada and Australia. Manufacturing facilities in Utah, Ireland and the UK are standalone buildings with a combined 220,000 square feet on 15 acres of land. The distribution facilities in Australia and Canada with a combined 8,000 square feet are part of larger industrial condominiums. Management estimates the fair market value of the five owned facilities to be at least $35 million excluding the contents, the fungible value of which increases stockholder enterprise value relative to most of UTMD’s industry peers which lease their facilities.
Ending 2023 net consolidated PP&E (depreciated book value of all fixed assets) increased $328 as a result of the combination of capital expenditures of $639, depreciation of $623 and the effect of foreign currency exchange (FX) rates on year-end foreign subsidiary asset balances.
The following end-of-year FX rates to USD were applied to assets and liabilities of each applicable foreign subsidiary:
| 12-31-23 | 12-31-22 |
EUR | 1.1059 | 1.0694 |
GBP | 1.2739 | 1.2077 |
AUD | 0.6825 | 0.6805 |
CAD | 0.7573 | 0.7390 |
The year-end 2023 net book value (after accumulated depreciation) of consolidated PP&E was 31% of purchase cost. End-of-year PP&E turns (Net Sales divided by Net PP&E) was 4.8 in 2023 compared to 5.1 in 2022 due to 4% lower 2023 sales and higher USD asset values of foreign subsidiaries, together with investment in new PP&E assets needed for the future which are not in use yet. A future leverage in productivity of fixed assets which will not have to be further increased to support new business activity will be a source of incremental profitability.
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Net intangible assets (after accumulated amortization) are comprised of the capitalized costs of obtaining patents and other intellectual property, as well as the value of identifiable intangible assets (IIA) and goodwill resulting from acquisitions. Net intangible assets were $18,637 (14% of total assets) at the end of 2023 compared to $23,731 (19% of total assets) at the end of 2022. Per US GAAP, intangible assets are categorized as either 1) IIA, which are amortized over the estimated useful life of the assets, or 2) goodwill, which is not amortized or expensed until the associated economic value of the acquired asset becomes impaired. Those two categories of Femcare intangibles at year-end 2023 were net IIA of $4,561 and goodwill of $6,500. The accumulated amortization of Femcare IIA as of December 31, 2023 since the March 18, 2011 acquisition was $26,088. The remaining Femcare IIA will be fully amortized in 2 more years. The goodwill portion of intangible assets resulting from the Femcare acquisition, which is not amortized, increased $338 due to a stronger GBP at year-end, i.e. the different FX rate on fixed goodwill in GBP terms. In early 2019, UTMD acquired an additional $21,000 IIA from the purchase of the remaining life of exclusive U.S. distribution rights for the Filshie Clip System from CSI, all of which has now been amortized through 2023. UTMD’s goodwill balance from prior acquisitions including Femcare, Columbia Medical, Gesco and Abcorp was $13,692 at the end of 2023.
Because the products associated with UTMD’s acquisitions of Columbia Medical in 1997, Gesco in 1998, Abcorp in 2004 and Femcare in 2011 continue to be viable parts of UTMD’s overall business, UTMD does not expect the current goodwill value associated with the four acquisitions to become impaired in 2024. Amortization of IIA was $5,692 in 2023 compared to $6,417 in 2022. The difference was mainly due to the CSI IIA becoming fully-amortized in October 2023, resulting in $737 lower 2023 expense. The 2023 non-cash amortization expense of CSI IIA was $3,684 compared to $4,421 in 2022. The Femcare IIA amortization expense was the same in both 2023 and 2022 at £1,589. But because of a difference in FX rates, the 2023 non-cash amortization expense of Femcare IIA was $1,977 compared to $1,965 in 2022. The 2024 non-cash amortization expense (included as part of consolidated G&A operating expenses) of Femcare IIA will also be £1,589, or $2,002 if the USD/GBP average FX rate is 1.26. In other words, UTMD expects the GBP to be stronger against the USD in 2024 than it was in 2023.
Liabilities.
As a reminder, payments for the Federal and State repatriation (REPAT) tax liability which resulted from the U.S. TCJA enacted in 2017 were 8% of the respective tax liability per year for the first five years, 15% in the sixth year, and will be 20% in the seventh year and 25% in the eighth year. UTMD’s total REPAT tax liability was $2,792. Calendar year 2024 represents the seventh year, so $558 is the current liability at 20% of the total liability, and $698 is the long-term REPAT tax liability to be paid in 2025, representing the remaining 25%.
Year-end 2023 current liabilities were $1,250 lower than at the end of 2022. Ending accrued liabilities were $940 lower due primarily to $781 lower customer deposits. Total liabilities were $2,475 lower at the end of 2023 compared to the end of 2022. The resulting 2023 year-end total debt ratio was just 5% compared to 8% at the end of 2022.
The year-end 2023 Deferred Tax Liability balance created as a result of the fifteen-year deferred tax consequence of the amortization of Femcare’s IIA was $1,120, down from $1,513 at the end of 2022. The difference in the $393 decline compared to the $494 tax effect of 25% (current UK tax rate) times $1,977 in 2023 amortization of IIA was due to the difference in the GBP FX rate on the remaining DTL balance at the end of 2023 as well as the USD/GBP currency exchange conversion of the IIA amortization during 2023. In addition to liabilities stated on the balance sheet, UTMD has operating lease and purchase obligations described in Note 14 and Note 12, respectively, to the financial statements.
Results of Operations.
a)Revenues.
Under accounting standards applicable for 2023, the Company believed 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 collectability is reasonably assured. Over 99% of UTMD’s revenue is recognized at the time UTMD ships a physical device to a customer’s designated location, where the selling price for the item shipped was agreed prior to UTMD’s acceptance and completion of the customer order. There are no post-shipment obligations which have been or are expected to be material to financial results.
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There are circumstances under which revenue may be recognized when product is not shipped, which have met the criteria of ASC 606: 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, France, Australia and Canada since the beginning of 2017, UTMD has generally accepted orders directly from and shipped directly to end-user clinical facilities, as well as third party medical/surgical distributors, under UTMD’s Standard Terms and Conditions (T&C) of Sale. About 13% of UTMD’s domestic end-user sales went through third party med/surg distributors which contract separately with clinical facilities to provide purchasing, storage and scheduled delivery functions for the applicable facility. UTMD’s T&C of Sale to end-user medical facilities are substantially the same in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, UK, France, Australia and New Zealand.
UTMD may allow separate discounted pricing agreements with a specific clinical facility or group of affiliated facilities based on volume of purchases. Pricing agreements which are documented arrangements 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 typically determine the fixed price by part number for the next agreement period. For new customers, the customer’s best estimate of volume is usually accepted by UTMD for determining the ensuing fixed prices for the agreement period. 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.
UTMD’s global consolidated trade sales are comprised of domestic and OUS sales. Domestic sales in 2023 included 1) direct domestic sales, sales of finished devices to end-user facilities and med/surg distributors in the U.S., and 2) domestic OEM sales, sales of components or finished products, which may not be medical devices, to other companies for inclusion in their products. OUS sales are export sales from UTMD in the U.S. to customers outside the U.S. invoiced in USD, and sales from UTMD subsidiaries in Ireland, Canada, Australia and the UK which may be invoiced in EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD or USD. The term “trade” means sales to customers which are not part of UTMD. Each UTMD manufacturing entity had 2023 intercompany sales of components and/or finished devices to other UTMD entities.
The following table shows the 2023 USD-denominated revenues by sales channel compared to 2022. Because domestic sales in foreign countries were invoiced in native currencies, the comparison in USD terms includes the change in foreign currency translation (FX) rates. In other words, just the FX rate relative to the USD in 2023 compared to 2022 reduced Canada domestic sales by 3.6% and Australia sales by 3.9%. On the other hand, the FX rate difference increased Ireland domestic sales by 3.0%, UK domestic sales by 1.2% and France domestic sales by 2.6%.
Revenue [USD denominated] | 2023 | 2023 Compared to 2022 | 2022 |
U.S. domestic (excluding OEM) | $19,758 | (6.3%) | $21,087 |
Canada domestic | 1,102 | (14.8%) | 1,294 |
Ireland domestic | 508 | +14.1% | 445 |
UK domestic | 3,320 | +20.8% | 2,748 |
France domestic | 1,318 | +6.8% | 1,235 |
Australia domestic | 1,050 | (17.2%) | 1,267 |
Subtotal, Direct to End-User: | $27,056 | (3.6%) | $28,076 |
|
|
|
|
All Other OUS (Sales to Int’l Distributors) | 14,722 | +10.5% | 13,321 |
U.S. OEM Sales | 8,446 | (22.4%) | 10,884 |
Worldwide Revenues | $50,224 | (3.9%) | $52,281 |
In summary, UTMD total worldwide (WW) consolidated USD sales in 2023 at $50,224 were $2,057 (4%) lower than in 2022 at $52,281. The decline essentially resulted from the fact that 2023 WW shipments by UTMD to its largest OEM customer were $2,925 (25%) lower. Total U.S. domestic sales including OEM were $3,767 (11.8%) lower in 2023 at $28,204 compared to $31,971 in 2022. On the other hand, OUS sales including sales to foreign distributors were up $1,710 (+8.4%) at $22,020 compared to $20,310 in 2022. Constant currency OUS sales were up 7.6%.
Domestic Sales.
Domestic U.S. sales in 2023, which were $3,767 (11.8%) lower than in 2022, were $28,204 (56.2% of total sales) compared to $31,971 (61.2% of total sales) in 2022. All three categories of domestic sales were lower, led by U.S. OEM sales which were $2,438 (22.4%) lower than in 2022. Domestic sales to UTMD’s biopharma OEM customer were $2,581 (28.7%) lower. Aggregate sales to 128 other U.S. OEM customers were $143 higher. Domestic Filshie device sales, representing 17% of total domestic sales, were $470 (9.0%) lower in 2023 compared to 2022.
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Direct device sales other than Filshie, representing 53% of total domestic sales, were $859 (5.4%) lower in 2023 than in 2022. In this category, domestic neonatal device sales alone were $866 lower, predominantly in 2Q 2023 as a result of continued raw materials and sterilization supply chain disruption. The nature of NICU sales is low volume, specialized configuration devices for which hospitals need quick delivery based on their changing patient needs. If preferred devices are unavailable for quick delivery, a hospital NICU must find a substitute to meet immediate needs, and those sales are lost to UTMD. This is what happened especially in early 2023 when UTMD could not obtain medical grade silicone from a validated supplier, and twice in 2023 when its contract sterilizer had to shut down its operations. UTMD expects 2024 domestic direct sales of its well-established devices to increase at a low single-digit percentage rate.
Filshie sales have not recovered as well as the other domestic sales categories since the COVID-19 pandemic. There appears to be some negative impact on patient choice as a result of attorneys advertising on social media. Nevertheless, UTMD expects U.S. Filshie device sales in 2024 will remain about the same as in 2023 based on surgeons’ understanding of the safety and effectiveness of the device.
Domestic OEM sales in 2023 were 30% of total U.S. domestic sales compared to 34% in 2022. UTMD sold components and finished devices to 129 different U.S. companies in 2023 compared to 146 different companies in 2022, for use in their product-market offerings. Sales to UTMD’s largest domestic OEM customer represented 76% of total domestic OEM sales in 2023 compared to 83% of total domestic OEM sales in 2022. UTMD’s largest OEM customer markets biopharmaceutical manufacturing control systems which previously exclusively utilized UTMD’s pressure monitoring sensors and other components. But in 2023, domestic sales to this customer declined $2.6 million domestically. Looking forward to 2024, UTMD expects domestic demand from this customer may decline another $3.7 million as it seeks to vertically integrate manufacturing of its products.
OUS USD-denominated sales in 2023 were $1,710 (+8.4%) higher at $22,020 compared to $20,310 in 2022. OUS sales in all product categories were higher. Sales invoiced in foreign currencies, which were $14,871 when converted to USD, represented 68% of OUS sales and 30% of consolidated total sales. A net slightly weaker USD added $166 in OUS foreign currency sales compared to constant currency terms. FX rates for income statement purposes are transaction-weighted averages. The weighted-average FX rates from the applicable foreign currency to USD during 2023 and 2022 for revenue purposes follow:
| 2023 | 2022 | Change |
GBP | 1.2428 | 1.2287 | +1.2% |
EUR | 1.0808 | 1.0520 | +2.7% |
AUD | 0.6660 | 0.6932 | (3.9%) |
CAD | 0.7409 | 0.7683 | (3.6%) |
The combined weighted-average favorable FX impact on 2023 foreign currency OUS sales was 1.1%, increasing reported USD sales by $166 (+0.3% of total consolidated 2023 sales) relative to the same foreign currency sales in 2022. In constant currency terms, OUS sales in 2023 were 7.6% higher than OUS sales in 2022. The portion of OUS sales invoiced in foreign currencies in USD terms was 30% of total consolidated 2023 USD sales compared to 25% in 2022. Including the impact of changed FX rates, OUS 2023 direct to end-user sales in USD terms were 14% higher in Ireland, 15% lower in Canada, 7% higher in France and 21% higher in the UK. Direct to end-user sales in Australia, which included New Zealand, were 17% lower. USD denominated sales to OUS distributors were 11% higher in 2023 than in 2022.
Sixty-eight percent of (USD denominated) 2023 OUS sales were invoiced in foreign currencies compared to 64% in 2022. As a portion of total USD WW consolidated sales, 30% of UTMD’s USD-equivalent sales were invoiced in foreign currencies in 2023 compared to 25% in 2022. The GBP, EUR, AUD and CAD converted sales represented 8%, 18%, 2% and 2% of total 2023 USD sales, respectively. This compares to 6%, 14%, 2% and 3% of total 2022 USD sales.
USD-denominated trade (excludes intercompany) sales of devices to OUS customers (excluding France) by UTMD’s Ireland facility (UTMD Ltd) were $10,686 in 2023 (13% higher) compared to $9,478 in 2022. In addition, UTMD Ltd also sold devices that it had manufactured directly to France in 2023 due to BREXIT, which earlier were sold to Femcare Ltd in the UK on an intercompany basis and then sold by Femcare Ltd directly to French medical facilities. USD-denominated sales to France in 2023 were $1,319 (7% higher) compared to $1,235 in 2022. The total FX rate difference in 2023 relative to 2022 increased Ireland’s USD-denominated sales by $244.
In 2023, UTMD’s UK subsidiary, Femcare Ltd., had $3,347 trade sales of devices to domestic UK and certain international distributor customers, which was 20% higher compared to $2,781 in 2022. The total FX rate change increased the UK’s USD-denominated sales in 2023 by $10.
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USD-denominated sales of devices to end-users in Australia and New Zealand by Femcare’s Australia distribution subsidiary (Femcare Australia Pty Ltd) were $1,050 (17% lower) in 2023 compared to $1,267 in 2022. A weaker AUD in 2023 reduced USD-denominated Australia sales by $46.
UTMD’s Canada distribution subsidiary (Utah Medical Products Canada, Inc.) USD-denominated sales of devices to end-users in Canada were $1,102 (15% lower) compared to $1,294 in 2022. A weaker CAD reduced Canada sales by $43.
UTMD groups its sales into four general product categories: 1) obstetrics, comprised of labor and delivery management tools for monitoring fetal and maternal well-being, for reducing risk in performing difficult delivery procedures and for improving clinician and patient safety; 2) gynecology/ electrosurgery/ urology, comprised of tools for gynecological procedures associated primarily with cervical/ uterine disease including LETZ, endometrial tissue sampling, transvaginal uterine sonography, diagnostic laparoscopy, surgical contraception and other MIS procedures; specialty excision and incision tools; conservative urinary incontinence therapy devices; and urology surgical procedure devices; 3) neonatal critical care, comprised of devices that provide developmentally-friendly care to the most critically ill babies, including providing vascular access, enteral feeding, administering vital fluids, oxygen therapy while maintaining a neutral thermal environment, providing protection and assisting in specialized applications; and 4) blood pressure monitoring/ accessories/ other, comprised of specialized transducers and components as well as molded parts and assemblies sold on an OEM basis to other companies. In these four categories, UTMD’s primary revenue contributors enjoy significant brand awareness by clinical users.
Global revenues by product category:
| 2023 | % | 2022 | % |
Obstetrics | $4,592 | 9 | $4,661 | 9 |
Gynecology/ Electrosurgery/ Urology | 22,300 | 44 | 21,841 | 42 |
Neonatal | 6,863 | 14 | 7,567 | 14 |
Blood Pressure Monitoring and Accessories* | 16,469 | 33 | 18,212 | 35 |
Total: | $50,224 | 100 | $52,281 | 100 |
OUS revenues by product category:
| 2023 | % | 2022 | % |
Obstetrics | $ 1,041 | 5 | $ 676 | 3 |
Gynecology/ Electrosurgery/ Urology | 11,992 | 54 | 11,603 | 57 |
Neonatal | 1,678 | 8 | 1,517 | 8 |
Blood Pressure Monitoring and Accessories* | 7,309 | 33 | 6,514 | 32 |
Total: | $ 22,020 | 100 | $ 20,310 | 100 |
* includes molded components and finished medical and non-medical devices sold to OEM customers.
Looking forward to 2024, UTMD’s largest OEM customer representing $8.6 million in 2023 WW consolidated revenues, including 76% of $8,446 total U.S. OEM sales and 22% of Ireland’s $10,178 international distributor sales, has not provided visibility for demand for the last half of 2024, despite knowledge of significant lead times required for UTMD to obtain necessary custom raw materials. Consequently, UTMD management is conservatively projecting another $5.5 million reduction in annual sales to this OEM customer in 2024. Worst case would be a $6.5 million decline if no more orders were placed in 2024. In addition, UTMD’s largest OUS distributor, located in China, representing $4.0 million 2023 sales of BPM kits manufactured in Ireland, has placed an annual order for 2024 which is $1.6 million lower than in 2023. On the basis of these two largest 2023 customers, if net other revenues are flat, 2024 revenues would be about $7.1 million lower than in 2023.
Another key to 2024 sales results will be retaining U.S. Filshie device sales at a similar level as in 2023 with the continuing cloud of unresolved product liability lawsuits. UTMD prefers to not raise prices in 2024, given cost pressures on U.S. hospitals which are dealing with open U.S. immigration. In summary, with a higher level of uncertainty than in the recent past, management’s best estimate at this time is that 2024 consolidated WW revenues may be in the range of $42 to $43 million, a 14-16% decline. This projection does not include UTMD’s potential success in entering the biopharmaceutical manufacturing controls market directly, or acquiring another source of revenues not currently in UTMD’s portfolio.
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b)Gross Profit (GP).
UTMD’s 2023 consolidated GP, the surplus after subtracting costs of manufacturing, which includes purchasing and transporting raw materials, forming components, assembling, inspecting, testing, packaging and sterilizing products, from net revenues, was $30,038 (59.8% of sales) compared to $32,196 (61.6% of sales) in 2022. GP in 2023 was $2,158 (6.7%) lower with a 3.9% decrease in revenues.
The Gross Profit Margin (GPM), which is GP divided by sales, although still very heathy, contracted 1.4 percentage points in 2023 due to the fact manufacturing overhead costs increased while sales decreased. This overhead dilution effect will continue in 2024, as happened during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when sales declined, because management has decided to not reduce important manufacturing overhead resources in the same proportion as the expected decline in sales. Doing so would sacrifice future UTMD capabilities to grow the Company. UTMD generally did not increase prices after February 2023, except on a specific case-by-case basis for custom OEM work. Although supplier costs for raw materials have continued to increase while the Company also implemented further cost-of-living salary adjustments during 2023 for direct labor employees, management expects to be able to control the productivity of variable manufacturing costs in 2024 consistent with the past after severance is paid for some employees. In addition, quality assurance costs included in manufacturing overhead are projected to be substantially higher from implementing required clinical reviews under the new Medical Device Regulation for devices used OUS. The resulting 2024 GPM might be five percentage points lower than in 2023, resulting in a decline in GP in the range of 20-23%.
UTMD’s Ireland subsidiary’s (UTMD Ltd’s) 2023 GP was EUR 8,084 compared to EUR 8,538 in 2022. The associated GPMs were 58.9% in 2023 and 60.0% in 2022. Femcare UK 2023 GP was GBP 1,579 compared to GBP 1,297 in 2022. The 2023 UK GPM was 55.3% compared to 52.0% in 2022. A substantial increase in UK Filshie device sales diluted UK manufacturing overhead expense, as UK manufacturing overhead costs are relatively fixed. Femcare Australia and Femcare Canada are simply distribution facilities for UTMD finished devices in their respective countries. GP is the result of subtracting intercompany purchase prices of devices, plus incoming freight, from revenues. Australia 2023 GP was AUD 841 (53.0% of sales) compared to AUD 940 (51.4% of sales) in 2022. Canada 2023 GP was CAD 874 (58.6% of sales) compared to CAD 870 (51.7% of sales) in 2022. In the U.S., GP was $17,750 in 2023 compared to $20,699 in 2022. The U.S. GPM was 51.2% in 2023 compared to 54.8% in 2022. A summation of the above GP of each subsidiary will not yield UTMD’s consolidated total GP because of elimination of profit in inventory of intercompany sales.
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c)Operating Income.
Operating Income results from subtracting Operating Expenses from GP. For the year 2023, Operating Income was $16,777 compared to $19,790 in 2022, a 15.2% decrease. The $3,012 decrease in Operating Income was from a combination of $2,158 lower GP and $854 higher Operating Expenses.
The UTMD Ltd (Ireland) Operating Income margin in 2023 was 55.9% compared to 57.2% in 2022. Femcare UK’s Operating Income margin per US GAAP, which includes the IIA amortization expense of the 2011 acquisition, was negative in both 2023 and 2022. Femcare Australia’s 2023 Operating Income margin was 32.2% compared to 30.9% in 2022. Femcare Canada’s 2023 Operating Income margin was 41.8% compared to 37.3% in 2022. UTMD’s 2023 Operating Income margin in the U.S. was 23.5% compared to 31.2% in 2022. For clarity, the CSI IIA amortization expense hit the U.S. Operating Income margin, and the Femcare IIA amortization expense hit the Femcare UK Operating Income margin.
Operating expenses include sales and marketing (S&M) expenses, product development (R&D) expenses and general and administrative (G&A) expenses. Consolidated WW operating expenses were $13,261 (26.4% of sales) in 2023 compared to $12,407 (23.7% of sales) in 2022. The following table provides a comparison of operating expense categories, as well as further segmentation of G&A expenses:
| 2023 | 2022 | |
S&M expenses | $ 1,685 | $ 1,507 | |
R&D expenses | 560 | 493 | |
G&A expenses: |
|
| |
| a) litigation expense provision | 1,660 | 670 |
| b) corporate legal | 13 | 4 |
| c) outside directors fees | 144 | 131 |
| d) stock option compensation | 225 | 183 |
| e) profit-sharing bonus accrual | 718 | 746 |
| f) outside accounting audit/tax | 224 | 188 |
| g) Femcare IIA amortization | 1,977 | 1,965 |
| h) CSI IIA amortization | 3,684 | 4,421 |
| i) property & liability insurance premiums | 108 | 101 |
| j)all other G&A expenses | 2,263 | 1,998 |
G&A expenses – total | 11,016 | 10,407 | |
Total Consolidated Operating Expense: | $ 13,261 | $ 12,407 | |
Percent of sales: | 26.4% | 23.7% | |
Description of Operating Expense Categories:
i) S&M expenses:
S&M expenses in 2023 were $1,685 (3.4% of sales) compared to $1,507 (2.9% of sales) in 2022. The higher expenses were primarily due to higher salaries from cost-of-living adjustments. Consolidated OUS S&M expenses in 2023 compared to 2022 were not affected by FX rate changes as stronger EUR and GBP currency expenses were offset by weaker CAD and AUD expenses.
S&M expenses are the costs of communicating UTMD’s differences and product advantages, providing training and other customer service in support of the use of UTMD’s solutions, attending clinical meetings and medical trade shows, administering customer agreements, advertising, processing orders, shipping, and paying commissions to outside independent representatives. In markets where UTMD sells directly to end-users, which in 2022-2023 included the U.S., Ireland, UK, Australia, New Zealand, France and Canada, the largest components of S&M expenses were the cost of customer service required to timely process orders and the distribution costs associated with shipping products.
S&M expenses include all customer support costs including training. In general, training is not required for UTMD’s products 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 provide hospital in-service and clinical training as required and reasonably requested.
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UTMD promises prospective customers that it will provide, at no charge in reasonable quantities, electronic media and other instructional materials developed for the use of its products. UTMD provides customer support from offices in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, UK and Australia by telephone 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 in-service and training expenses are routinely expensed as they occur. Except for the consulting services of independent practitioners and occasional use of marketing consultants, all of these services are allocated from fixed S&M overhead costs. Historically, additional consulting costs have been immaterial to financial results, which is also UTMD’s expectation for the future.
ii) R&D expenses:
R&D expenses in 2023 were $560 (1.1% of sales) compared to $493 (0.9% of sales) in 2022. R&D expenses include the costs of investigating clinical needs, developing innovative concepts, testing concepts for viability, validating methods of manufacture, completing any necessary premarketing clinical trials, regulatory documentation and other activities required for design control, responding to customer requests for product enhancements, and assisting manufacturing engineering on an ongoing basis in developing new processes or improving existing processes. Product development (R&D) expenses increased as a result of cost-of-living adjustments. R&D also played a significant role in manufacturing process improvements. No new UTMD devices were launched in 2023. Due to stringent materials validation requirements for the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry, UTMD projects R&D expenses in 2024 will be more than 40% higher than in 2023 and represent approximately 2% of revenues.
iii) G&A expenses:
G&A expenses in 2023 were $11,016 (21.9% of sales) compared to $10,407 (19.9% of sales) in 2022. G&A expenses include the “front office” functional costs of executive management and outside directors, finance and accounting, corporate information systems, human resources, stockholder relations, corporate risk management, corporate governance, protection of intellectual property, amortization of identifiable intangibles and legal costs. The table above helps identify certain specific categories of G&A expenses which might be of interest to stockholders.
The increase in G&A expenses was due to $990 higher U.S. litigation costs, as well as higher salaries (except the CEO) due to cost-of-living adjustments. Stronger EUR and GBP relative to the USD increased net foreign currency G&A expenses by $30, compared to what they would have been in 2022. This includes an FX rate change unfavorable USD impact of $24 (out of the $30 total) from the amortization of Femcare acquisition IIA, which was £1,589 in both 2023 and 2022.
As stockholders likely remember, the non-cash IIA amortization expense related to the Filshie Clip System includes IIA from both the 2011 acquisition of Femcare Group Ltd and the 2019 purchase of the CSI exclusive U.S. distribution rights for the Filshie Clip System. The combined IIA amortization expense in 2023 was 11.3% of total WW consolidated sales ($5,661) compared to 12.2% in 2022 ($6,386). The decline in percent of sales was due to the completion of the CSI IIA amortization expense in October 2023.
The Femcare IIA amortization expense will continue at the same £397 per calendar quarter rate ending in 1Q 2026 (or until the value of any remaining IIA becomes impaired), subject to changes in the FX rate when converted to USD.
Excluding the non-cash Femcare and CSI IIA amortization expenses, UTMD consolidated operating expenses were $7,599 (15.1% of sales) in 2023 compared to $6,021 (11.5% of sales) in 2022. The difference was mainly due to $990 higher litigation expenses. Without the IIA amortization and litigation expenses, UTMD consolidated operating expenses were $5,940 (11.8% of sales) in 2023 compared to $5,351 (10.2% of sales) in 2022.
As none of the U.S. Filshie product liability lawsuits has gone to trial yet, and UTMD’s summary judgement motions remain undecided, projecting 2024 litigation expenses remains difficult if not impossible. With that said, for purposes of creating a conservative operating plan, management is projecting $2,432 in 2024 litigation expenses compared to $1,660 in 2023.
In summary, with lower revenues, a lower GPM, higher litigation and R&D expenses, offset by the lack of amortization expense of CSI identifiable intangible assets completed in 2023, management projects 2024 Operating Income 24-27% lower than in 2023.
d)Non-operating income/ Non-operating expense, and Income Before Taxes (EBT).
Non-operating income includes royalties from licensing UTMD’s technology, rent from leasing underutilized property to others, income earned from investing the Company’s excess cash and gains from the sale of assets. Non-operating expense includes interest on bank loans, bank service fees, excise taxes and losses from the sale of assets. Also, the period-to-period remeasured value of EUR cash balances held in the UK, and GBP balances held in Ireland, generates a gain or loss which is booked at reporting period end as non-operating income or expense, as applicable.
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Net non-operating income (combination of non-operating income and non-operating expense) was $3,312 in 2023 and $869 in 2022. The higher non-operating income in 2023 compared to 2022 was due to higher interest income on UTMD’s cash balances. A description of components of UTMD’s non-operating income or expense follows:
1) Interest Expense. There was no interest expense in 2023 or 2022. Absent an acquisition or large repurchase of shares that requires new borrowing, UTMD does not expect any interest expense in 2024.
2) Investment of excess cash. Consolidated investment income (including gains and losses on sales of investments) was $3,036 in 2023 compared to $661 in 2022. Average cash balances were almost $16 million higher in 2023 than in 2022, with average interest rates higher. UTMD is projecting current interest rates to continue in 2024, leading to another substantial increase in non-operating income if cash is not used to repurchase shares at an attractive price, or acquire another entity or product line. Although UTMD has been repurchasing shares during 1Q 2024, for purposes of providing an estimate of 2024 financial results, management has included $1,000 higher interest income in 2024 compared to 2023.
3) Royalties. Royalties in both 2023 and 2022 were $20. Presently, there is only one arrangement which began in 2020 under which UTMD is receiving royalties on its technology.
4) Gains/ losses from remeasured currency in bank accounts. UTMD recognized a $5 loss in 2023 compared to a $20 loss in 2022 from losses on remeasured foreign currency bank balances. EUR currency cash balances in the UK, and GBP currency cash bank balances in Ireland, are subject to remeasured currency translation gains/ losses as a result of period-to-period changes in FX rates.
5) Other non-operating income or expense. Income received from renting unused warehouse space in Ireland and parking lot space in Utah for a cell phone tower, offset by bank fees, and other miscellaneous non-operating expenses resulted in net non-operating income of $254 in 2023 compared to a net non-operating income of $196 in 2022.
EBT results from adding net non-operating income to or subtracting net non-operating expense from Operating Income. Consolidated EBT was $20,089 (40.0% of sales) in 2023 compared to $20,659 (39.5% of sales) in 2022. In other words, despite the inflationary cost pressures diluting UTMD’s GPM and much higher litigation expenses, the Company expanded its EBT Margin (EBT as a percentage of sales) on 3.9% lower sales, yielding just a 2.8% decrease in EBT. In essence, in 2023 higher non-operating income offset lower gross profits from a lower GPM on lower sales and higher litigation expenses. With much uncertainty surrounding the projections for income and expense categories above, management is estimating about a 16% decline in 2024 EBT compared to 2023.
The 2023 EBT of UTMD Ltd. (Ireland) was €7,680 (56.0% of sales) compared to €8,013 (56.3% of sales) in 2022. Femcare Ltd’s (UK) 2023 EBT was (£469) compared to (£574) in 2022. Femcare Ltd, as the legal manufacturer of the Filshie Clip System, supports worldwide regulatory requirements in addition to absorbing the IIA amortization expense of the 2011 Femcare Group acquisition. Femcare AUS’s 2023 EBT was AUD 544 (34.3% of sales) compared to AUD 573 (31.3% of sales) in 2022. Femcare Canada’s 2023 EBT was CAD 620 (41.6% of sales) compared to CAD 622 (36.9% of sales) in 2022.
EBITDA is a non-US GAAP metric that UTMD management believes is of interest to investors because it provides meaningful supplemental information to both management and investors that represents profitability performance without factoring in effects of financing, accounting decisions regarding non-cash expenses, capital expenditures or tax environments. If the Company were to need to borrow to pay for a major asset or acquisition, the projected EBITDA metric would be of primary interest to a lending institution to determine UTMD’s credit worthiness. Although the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission advises that EBITDA is a non-GAAP metric, UTMD’s non-US GAAP EBITDA is the sum of the following elements in the table below, each of which is a US GAAP number:
| 2023 | 2022 |
EBT | $20,089 | $20,659 |
Depreciation Expense | 623 | 612 |
Femcare IIA Amortization Expense | 1,977 | 1,965 |
CSI IIA Amortization Expense | 3,684 | 4,421 |
Other Non-Cash Amortization Expense | 31 | 31 |
Stock Option Compensation Expense | 225 | 183 |
Remeasured Foreign Currency Balances | 6 | 20 |
UTMD non-US GAAP EBITDA: | $26,635 | $27,891 |
In summary, UTMD’s 2023 non-US GAAP EBITDA declined 4.5% compared to 2022. With the above projections for 2024 financial performance in mind, non-US GAAP EBITDA in 2024 is expected to be in the range of $19-20 million.
e)Net Income, Earnings Per Share (EPS) and Return on Equity (ROE).
i) Net Income
Net Income results after subtracting a provision for estimated income taxes from EBT. UTMD’s Net Income in 2023 was $16,635 (33.1% of sales) compared to $16,473 (31.5% of sales) in 2022. The higher Net Income, despite 2.8% lower EBT, resulted from a lower income tax provision rate, which was 17.2% in 2023 compared to 20.3% in 2022. The primary reason for the lower rate was due to a portion of UTMD’s significant interest income being non-taxable.
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In general, year-to-year fluctuations in the combined average income tax provision rate will result from variation in EBT contribution from subsidiaries in jurisdictions with different corporate income tax rates. Taxes in foreign subsidiaries are based on taxable EBT in those sovereignties, which can be different from the contribution to consolidated EBT per US GAAP. UTMD estimates, barring any new tax law changes which are currently unknown, and assuming cash will be allocated as previously invested, that its combined income tax rate for 2024 will be within the 18%-19% range, yielding Net Income approximately 17% lower than in 2023.
The UK had a corporate income tax rate of 19% for 2022 and 1Q 2023, followed by a 25% rate for the last nine months of 2023. The UK also allowed a tax deduction for sales of UK patented products which varied from year-to-year based on somewhat complicated rules which are sorted out for UTMD by independent UK tax specialists. The income tax rate for AUS was 30% for both 2023 and 2022. The income tax rate for Canada was about 27.5% for both years. Profits of the Ireland subsidiary were taxed at a 12.5% rate on exported manufactured products, and a 25% rate on rental and other types of income including income from sales of medical devices in Ireland domestically. As UTMD stockholders likely remember, in the U.S., the Federal income tax rate was changed after 2017 to 21% from 34% prior to the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA). Federal taxes are not 21% of U.S. EBT, however, as income taxes paid to the State are a deductible expense for Federal tax purposes, other expenses are not deductible and there remains an R&D tax credit along with other credits, not to mention a special GILTI tax related to foreign income and FDII tax credit related to profits on export sales. The Utah state income tax rate declined to 4.95% from 5% prior to the 2017 TCJA, and the State of Utah enacted income apportionment rules that provide for additional tax relief.
ii) Earnings Per Share (EPS)
EPS are Net Income divided by the number of shares of stock outstanding (diluted to take into consideration stock option awards which are “in the money,” i.e., have exercise prices below the applicable period’s weighted average market value). Diluted EPS in year 2023 were $4.574 compared to $4.522 in 2022, a 1.2% increase. The increase in EPS was in contrast to a decrease in Operating Income as a result of the 2023 net non-operating income and a stock buy-back in 2Q 2022. Diluted shares were 3,637,071 for the year 2023 compared to 3,643,256 in 2022. Dilution for “in the money” unexercised options for the year 2023 was 8,303 shares compared to 5,934 shares in 2022. Actual outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2023 were 3,629,525. The 2023 EPS exceeded management’s projection at the beginning of the year.
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iii) ROE
Achieving a high ROE remains a key management objective for UTMD in order to grow without diluting stockholder interest. ROE is the quotient of Net Income divided by average Stockholders’ Equity, but more specifically it is the product of the Net Income margin, productivity of assets and financial leverage. UTMD’s high Net Income margin is the primary factor that continues to drive its ROE, with low financial leverage and decreasing asset productivity as cash balances rapidly grow. Cash dividends to stockholders and repurchase of shares, on the other hand, help in lowering average Stockholders’ Equity, reducing the denominator in calculating ROE. Building cash balances that increase Stockholders’ Equity, without proportionately increasing Net Income, reduces ROE. UTMD’s 2023 ROE before stockholder dividends was 13.7%. In comparison, 2022 ROE was 14.9%.
The lower 2023 ROE compared to 2022 was the result of 1.0% higher Net Income coupled with 9.6% higher average Stockholders’ Equity. Average Stockholders’ Equity was $121,284 in 2023 compared to $110,696 in 2022. UTMD’s Stockholders’ Equity has more than doubled over the last eleven years to $128 million at the end of 2023, despite being reduced by $50 million in dividends plus $16 million in share repurchases over that same period of time. UTMD’s average ROE over the last 31 years was 24%.
Looking forward to 2024, it will obviously be a rebuilding year as it appears likely that revenues from UTMD’s two previous largest customers are likely to be at least $7 million lower. If so, this will pressure UTMD’s GPM as much as five percentage points lower as a result of less absorption of fixed manufacturing overheads which are important resources to retain for the future. In addition, although impossible to predict reliably, litigation expenses may be another $1 million higher than in 2023 given the slowness of the U.S. judicial system, particularly if some cases eventually go to trial. Offsetting those negative impacts on financial performance, non-cash CSI IIA amortization expense will be $3.6 million lower than in 2023 and non-operating income from cash balances may be as much as $1 million higher, assuming that a substantial new investment or stock buy-back is not implemented to increase long-term stockholder value. Although with a high level of uncertainty, management is estimating that UTMD consolidated revenues and net income in 2024 will be about 15% lower and 17% lower, respectively. Despite a difficult year in comparison to the recent past, the Company expects to continue to operate at a high level in terms of profitability and positive cash generation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2023 totaled $22,281 compared to $21,147 in 2022. Net Income at $162 higher in 2023 compared to 2022 allowed net cash provided by operating activities in 2023, including adjustments for depreciation and other non-cash operating expenses, along with changes in working capital and the tax benefit attributable to exercise of employee incentive stock options, to be $1,134 higher than in 2022. Along with higher Net Income, working capital changes help fund operating activities. Accounts receivable had a $2,780 lower use of cash as a result of decreasing trade accounts receivable (A/R) $2,270 instead of the $511 increase in 2022, and inventories had a $1,683 lower use of cash with just a $670 increase in 2023 compared to a $2,353 increase in 2022 (second order derivatives). On the other hand, uses of cash included 1) a $1,422 decline in 2023 year-ending accrued expenses instead of a $252 increase at year-end 2022, 2) $714 lower depreciation and amortization in 2023 compared to 2022 and 3) a $293 greater decline in deferred income taxes. The inventory increase was a hedge against continued supply chain disruption.
In investing activities, during 2023 UTMD used $639 in capital expenditures to purchase new molds and manufacturing equipment and fixtures for expanded capabilities as well as to maintain and improve existing operating capabilities, compared to investing $809 in 2022. Capital expenditures in 2023 exceeded depreciation by $16.
In 2023 UTMD received $117 and issued 1,758 shares of stock upon the exercise of employee stock options. Option exercises in 2023 were at an average price of $66.40 per share. The Company received a $12 tax benefit from option exercises in 2023. UTMD did not repurchase shares of its stock in the open market during 2023.
In comparison, in 2022 UTMD received $174 and issued 3,135 shares of stock upon the exercise of employee and director stock options. Employees exercised a total of 3,501 option shares in 2022, with 366 shares immediately being retired as a result of optionees trading the shares in payment of the exercise price of the options. Option exercises in 2022 were at an average price of $60.34 per share. The Company received a $6 tax benefit from option exercises in 2022. UTMD repurchased 30,105 shares of its stock in the open market during 2022 at an average cost of $82.88 per share.
UTMD did not borrow in the years 2023 and 2022. Cash dividends paid to stockholders were $4,282 in 2023 compared to $3,162 in 2022.
Management believes that future income from operations and effective management of working capital will continue to provide the liquidity needed to finance internal growth plans. In an uncertain economic environment, UTMD’s cash balances allow management to operate with the long-term best interest of stockholders in mind. Planned 2024 capital expenditures for ongoing operations are expected to be less than depreciation of PP&E, although additional capital expenditure opportunities are being considered.
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Management plans to opportunistically utilize cash not needed to support normal operations in one or a combination of the following: 1) in general, to continue to invest at opportune times in ways that will enhance future profitability; 2) to make additional investments in new technology and/or processes; and/or 3) to acquire a product line or company that will augment revenue and EPS growth and better utilize UTMD’s existing infrastructure. If there are no better strategic uses for UTMD’s cash, the Company will continue to return cash to stockholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases when the stock appears undervalued.
Management's Outlook.
UTMD remains small compared to many other companies, but its employees are experienced and remain diligent in their work. UTMD’s passion is in providing differentiated clinical solutions that will help improve the outcomes of medical procedures and reduce health risks, particularly for women and their babies.
The safety, reliability and performance of UTMD’s medical devices are consistently high and represent significant clinical benefits while providing minimum total cost of care. UTMD will continue to leverage its reputation as a device innovator and reliable manufacturer which will responsively take on challenges to work with clinicians who use its specialty devices. In doing so, UTMD will continue to differentiate itself, especially from its commodity-oriented competitors. In 2024, UTMD plans to
1) exploit its pre-qualified status to introduce a line of high-pressure process control transducer configurations directly to biopharmaceutical manufacturers;
2) continue to leverage OUS distribution and manufacturing synergies by further integrating capabilities and resources in multinational operations;
3) focus on defending the proven safety and effectiveness of the Filshie Clip System in the U.S.;
4) introduce additional products helpful to clinicians through product development;
5) continue to achieve excellent overall financial operating performance despite a contraction in revenues;
6) utilize positive cash generation to continue providing cash dividends to stockholders and make open market share repurchases if/ when the UTMD share price seems undervalued; and
7) remain vigilant for affordable accretive acquisition opportunities which may be brought about by difficult economic conditions on small, innovative companies.
The Company has a fundamental focus to do an excellent job in meeting clinicians’ and patients’ needs, while providing stockholders with excellent returns. In the combined form of cash dividends and share repurchases, UTMD “returned” $4,282 (26% of Net Income) in 2023 compared to $5,658 (34% of Net Income) in 2022 to stockholders.
In 2023, the value of UTMD’s stock declined 16%, ending the year at $84.22/ share, while $1.18 in cash dividends/ share were paid to stockholders. The DJIA, S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite (where UTMD is traded) indices were all higher in 2023, respectively by 14%, 24% and 43%.
In comparison, in 2022, the value of UTMD’s stock increased, albeit less than 1%, ending the year at $100.53/ share, while $0.87 in cash dividends/ share were paid to stockholders. The DJIA, S&P 500 and NASDAQ (where UTMD is traded) indices were all lower in 2022, respectively by 9%, 19% and 33%.
The average annually compounded appreciation in UTMD stock value for the last 25 years was 11% per year, substantially outpacing all of the major indices. Adding dividends, UTMD stockholder value increased at an annually compounded rate of 11.8% over the last 25 years since 1998.
Combining share price appreciation as a result of a long-term financial performance and a capital allocation strategy that includes opportunistic share repurchases with steadily growing quarterly cash dividends paid to stockholders since 2004, longer-term UTMD stockholders have experienced excellent returns. Management is committed to continue that performance.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
None
31
Contractual Obligations
The following is a summary of UTMD’s significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2023:
Contractual Obligations and Commitments |
Total |
2024 |
2025-2026 |
2027-2028 |
2029 and thereafter |
Long-term debt obligations | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ - |
Operating lease obligations | 381 | 57 | 97 | 97 | 130 |
Purchase obligations | 4,152 | 4,152 | - | - | - |
Total | $ 4,533 | $ 4,209 | $ 97 | $ 97 | $ 130 |
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience, current economic and industry conditions and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. This forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Management has identified the following as the Company’s most critical accounting policies which require significant judgment and estimates. Although management believes its estimates are reasonable, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
·Allowance for doubtful accounts: The majority of the Company’s receivables are with healthcare facilities and medical device distributors. Although the Company has historically not had significant write-offs of bad debt, the possibility exists, particularly with foreign distributors where collection efforts can be difficult or in the event of widespread hospital bankruptcies.
·Inventory valuation reserves: The Company strives to maintain inventory to 1) meet its customers’ needs and 2) optimize manufacturing lot sizes while 3) not tying-up an unnecessary amount of the Company’s capital increasing the possibility of, among other things, obsolescence. The Company believes its method of reviewing actual and projected demand for its existing inventory allows it to arrive at a fair inventory valuation reserve. While the Company has historically not had significant inventory write-offs, the possibility exists that one or more of its products may become unexpectedly obsolete for which a reserve has not previously been created. The Company’s historical write-offs have not been materially different from its estimates.
Accounting Policy Changes
The Company’s management has evaluated the recently issued accounting pronouncements through the filing date of these financial statements and has determined that the application of these pronouncements will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
32
ITEM 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company had manufacturing operations, including related assets, in the U.S. denominated in the U.S. Dollar (USD), in Ireland denominated in the Euro (EUR), and in England denominated in the British Pound (GBP). UTMD also has trading activities in the U.S. and in subsidiaries in other countries denominated in the USD, EUR, GBP, the Australian Dollar (AUD) and the Canadian Dollar (CAD). The currencies are subject to exchange rate fluctuations that are beyond the control of UTMD. The exchange rates were .9042, .9351 and .8790 EUR per USD as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Exchange rates were .7850, .8280 and .7388 GBP per USD as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Exchange rates were 1.4652, 1.4695 and 1.3759 AUD per USD on December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Exchange rates were 1.3204, 1.3532 and 1.2656 CAD per USD on December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Please see note 1 in Item 8 below under “Translation of Foreign Currencies” for more information. UTMD manages its foreign currency risk without separate hedging transactions by either invoicing customers in the local currency where costs of production were incurred, or by converting currencies as transactions occur.
ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Currency amounts are in thousands except per-share amounts and where noted.
TABLE OF CONTENTS | |
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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting | 34 |
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Haynie) on Financial Statements | 35 |
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Nortons) on Financial Statements | 36 |
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Consolidated Balance Sheets | 37 |
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Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income | 38 |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow | 39 |
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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity | 40 |
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 41 |
33
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company's internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that
·pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
·provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
·provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).
Based on its assessment and those criteria, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023.
By: /s/ Kevin L. Cornwell
Kevin L. Cornwell
Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ Brian L. Koopman
Brian L. Koopman
Principal Financial Officer
34
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Utah Medical Products, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Utah Medical Products, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We did not audit portions of the consolidated financial statements for Femcare Group Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary. The portions not audited by us include assets of $20,479,014 and $23,055,729 as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively and total revenues of $4,581,877, $4,333,431 and $4,419,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Those portions of the consolidated financial statements were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as they relate to the amounts included for Femcare Group Limited, is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Evaluation of income taxes
Description of the Matter:
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company operates in many parts in the world through its subsidiaries. The Company or one of its subsidiaries will file a tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, in the United Kingdom, in Australia, in Ireland, and in Canada. Due to the complexity with dealing in multiple currencies/countries, along with the various tax laws and significant management judgment, we believe the account to be a critical audit matter.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit:
We evaluated the appropriateness and consistency of management's methods and assumptions used in the identification, recognition, measurement, and disclosures of its taxes. We performed a walkthrough of the processes and controls over the income tax process. We read and evaluated management's documentation, including relevant accounting policies and information obtained by management from the outside tax specialists engaged to assist with their taxes. We identified and evaluated the reasonableness of significant assumptions in the provision and evaluated for potential bias. We verified the account balances, reperformed the provision calculation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and verified all tax rates used.
/s/ Haynie & Company
March 25, 2024
Firm ID:
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.
35
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of Utah Medical Products, Inc .
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Femcare Group Limited (the Company), including its subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
The accounting policy in respect of revenue is that revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes.
We identified the assessment of the revenue as a critical audit matter due to its inherent risk of understatement. The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following. We tested certain internal controls over the Company’s process for dispatching goods and raising invoices to customers. We tested a sample of orders during the year to establish that these were dispatched and invoiced. We evaluated the Company’s determination of the recoverability of any unpaid receivables at 31 December 2023.
We also identified the assessment of the valuation of intangible assets as a critical audit matter. Intangible assets are valued at cost and amortised using the straight-line method over the useful economic life of the asset. Goodwill is carried at cost and tested for impairment annually. We identified the valuation of intangible assets and goodwill as a critical audit matter due to their materiality to the financial statements. We reviewed and tested the Company’s calculations in respect of amortisation and evaluated the Company’s determination of the carrying value as at 31 December 2023.
NORTONS ASSURANCE LIMITED
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2011.
Reading, United Kingdom
25 March, 2024
36
UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC. | |||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF | |||
DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 | |||
(In thousands) | |||
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2023 |
| 2022 | |
ASSETS |
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Current assets: |
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Cash | $ |
| $ |
Accounts and other receivables, net (note 2) |
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Inventories (note 2) |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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Total current assets |
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Property and equipment, net (notes 4 and 10) |
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Goodwill |
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Other intangible assets (note 2) |
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Other intangible assets - accumulated amortization | ( |
| ( |
Other intangible assets, net (note 2) |
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Total assets | $ |
| $ |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable | $ |
| $ |
Accrued expenses (note 2) |
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Total current liabilities |
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Long term lease liability |
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Long term income tax payable (REPAT tax) (note 7) |
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Deferred tax liability - intangible assets |
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Deferred income taxes (note 7) |
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Total liabilities |
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Commitments and contingencies (notes 6 and 12) |
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Stockholders' equity: |
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Common stock, $ |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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Retained earnings |
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Total stockholders' equity |
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Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ |
| $ |
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See accompanying notes to financial statements. |
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37
UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC. | ||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE | ||||||
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023, 2022 AND 2021 | ||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||
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| 2021 | |
Sales, net (notes 1, 3, 9 and 11) |
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Cost of goods sold |
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Gross profit |
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Operating expense: |
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Sales and marketing |
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Research and development |
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General and administrative |
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Operating income |
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Other income (expense): |
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Dividend and interest income |
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Royalty income (note 12) |
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Other, net |
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Income before provision for income taxes |
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Provision for income taxes (note 7) |
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Net income |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
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Earnings per common share (basic) (note 1) |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
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Earnings per common share (diluted) (note 1) |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
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Other comprehensive income (loss): |
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Foreign currency translation net of taxes of $ |
| $ |
| $ ( |
| $ ( |
Total comprehensive income |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
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See accompanying notes to financial statements. |
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38
UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC. | ||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW FOR THE | ||||||
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023, 2022 AND 2021 | ||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||
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| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net income |
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| $ |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net |
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Depreciation |
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Amortization |
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Provision for losses on accounts receivable |
| ( |
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Amortization of operating lease assets |
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Deferred income taxes |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Stock-based compensation expense |
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Tax benefit attributable to exercise of stock options |
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(Increase) decrease in: |
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Accounts receivable |
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Other receivables |
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| ( | |
Inventories |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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Increase (decrease) in: |
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Accounts payable |
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Accrued expenses |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Capital expenditures for: |
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Property and equipment |
| ( |
| ( |
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Intangible assets |
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| ( |
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Net cash (used in) investing activities |
| ( |
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| ( |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Proceeds from issuance of common stock - options |
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Common stock purchased and retired |
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Dividends paid |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net cash (used in) financing activities |
| ( |
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Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
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Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
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Cash at beginning of year |
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Cash at end of year |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
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SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |
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Cash paid during the year for income taxes |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
Cash paid during the year for interest |
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See accompanying notes to financial statements. |
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39
UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC. | |||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY FOR THE | |||||||||||
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023, 2022 AND 2021 | |||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||
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| Accumulated |
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| Additional |
| Other |
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| Total |
| Common Stock |
| Paid-in |
| Comprehensive |
| Retained |
| Stockholders' | ||
Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Income |
| Earnings |
| Equity | |
Balance at December 31, 2020 | |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ ( |
| $ |
| $ |
Shares issued upon exercise of employee | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Shares received and retired upon exercise | ( |
| |
| ( |
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| ( |
Stock option compensation expense | |
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Foreign currency translation adjustment | |
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| ( |
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| ( |
Common stock dividends | |
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| ( |
| ( |
Net income | |
| |
| |
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| |
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Balance at December 31, 2021 | |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ ( |
| $ |
| $ |
Shares issued upon exercise of employee | |
| |
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| |
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Shares received and retired upon exercise | ( |
| |
| ( |
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| ( |
Stock option compensation expense | |
| |
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| |
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Common stock purchased and retired | ( |
| |
| ( |
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| ( |
| ( |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | |
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| ( |
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| ( |
Common stock dividends | |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Net income | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
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Balance at December 31, 2022 | |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ ( |
| $ |
| $ |
Shares issued upon exercise of employee | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Stock option compensation expense | |
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| |
| |
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Foreign currency translation adjustment | |
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Common stock dividends | |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Net income | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
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Balance at December 31, 2023 | |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ ( |
| $ |
| $ |
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See accompanying notes to financial statements. |
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40
Utah Medical Products, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Currency amounts are in thousands except per-share amounts and where noted.
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Utah Medical Products, Inc. with headquarters in Midvale, Utah and its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Femcare Limited located in Romsey, Hampshire, England, Femcare Australia Pty Ltd located in Castle Hill, NSW, Australia, Utah Medical Products Canada, Inc. (dba Femcare Canada) located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and Utah Medical Products Ltd., which operates a manufacturing facility in Athlone, Ireland, (in the aggregate, the Company) are in the primary business of developing, manufacturing and globally distributing specialized medical devices for the healthcare industry. The Company’s broad range of products includes those used in critical care areas and the labor and delivery departments of hospitals, as well as outpatient clinics and physicians’ offices. Products are sold directly to end-user facilities in the U.S., Ireland, UK, Canada, France and Australia, and through third party distributors in other outside the U.S. (OUS) markets. Domestically, until February 1, 2019, Femcare Ltd had an exclusive U.S. distribution relationship with CooperSurgical, Inc. (CSI) for the Filshie Clip System. UTMD also sells subcontract manufactured components and finished products to over 120 companies in the U.S. for their medical and non-medical products.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although actual results could differ from those estimates, management believes it has considered and disclosed all relevant information in making its estimates that materially affect reported performance and current values.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include those of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows, the Company considers cash on deposit and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The primary concentration of credit risk consists of trade receivables. In the normal course of business, the Company provides credit terms to its customers. Accordingly, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for possible losses which, when realized, have been within the range of management's expectations as reflected by its reserves.
The Company's customer base consists of hospitals, medical device distributors, physician practices and others directly related to healthcare providers, as well as other manufacturing companies. Although the Company is affected by the well-being of the global healthcare industry, management does not believe significant trade receivable credit risk exists at December 31, 2023 except under an extreme global financial crisis.
The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts in addition to Fidelity Investment money market accounts. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to a significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalent balances.
41
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are amounts due on product sales and are unsecured. Accounts receivable are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Credit is generally extended on a short-term basis; thus, accounts receivable do not bear interest although a late charge may be applied to such receivables that are past the due date. Accounts receivable are periodically evaluated for collectability based on past credit history of customers and current market conditions. Provisions for losses on accounts receivable are determined on the basis of loss experience, known and inherent risk in the account balance and current economic conditions (see note 2).
Inventories
Finished products, work-in-process, raw materials and supplies inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value (NRV) computed on a first-in, first-out method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation (see note 2).
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:
| |
Building and improvements | |
Furniture, equipment and tooling | |
Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates its long-lived assets in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 360, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.” Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their net book value may not be recoverable. When such factors and circumstances exist, the Company compares the projected undiscounted future cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets and is recorded in the period in which the determination was made.
Intangible Assets
Costs associated with the acquisition of patents, trademarks, trade names, customer relationships, regulatory approvals & product certifications, license rights and non-compete agreements are capitalized, and are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging from
In 2019, $
42
Stock-Based Compensation
At December 31, 2023, the Company has stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in note 8. The Company accounts for stock compensation under ASC 718, Share-Based Payment. This statement requires the Company to recognize compensation cost based on the grant date fair value of options granted to employees and directors. In 2023, the Company recognized $
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue at the time of product shipment as UTMD meets its contractual performance obligations to the customer at the time of shipment. Revenue recognized by UTMD is based upon the consideration to which UTMD is entitled from its customers as a result of shipping a physical product, in accordance with the documented arrangements and fixed contracts in which the selling price was fixed prior to the Company’s acceptance of an order. Revenue from service sales, which are immaterial to UTMD, is generally recognized when the service is completed and invoiced. As demonstrated by decades of experience in successful and consistent collections, there is very minor and insignificant uncertainty regarding the collectability of invoiced amounts reasonably within the terms of the Company’s contracts. There are circumstances under which insignificant revenue may be recognized when product is not shipped, which meet the criteria of ASC 606: 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 performance obligations have been completed according to a fixed contractual agreement. UTMD includes handling fees charged to customers in revenues.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” whereby deferred taxes are computed under the asset and liability method.
The Company accounts for deferred taxes under ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, which requires that all deferred income taxes are classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position.
The TCJA contains a deemed repatriation transition tax (REPAT tax) on accumulated earnings and profits of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries that have not been subject to U.S. tax. The Company has elected to pay its net REPAT tax over eight years.
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, in Utah, in the United Kingdom, in Australia, in Ireland and in Canada.
The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and any related penalties in income taxes. The Company did not recognize any tax-related interest expense or have any tax penalties in 2023, 2022 or 2021.
Legal Costs
The Company has been involved in lawsuits which are an expected consequence of its operations and in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains a reserve for legal costs which are probable and estimated based on previous experience and known risk. The reserve for legal costs at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $
Earnings per Share
The computation of basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year.
The computation of earnings per common share assuming dilution is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average common stock equivalents which would arise from the exercise of stock options outstanding using the treasury stock method and the average market price per share during the year.
The shares (in thousands) used in the computation of the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per share are reconciled as follows:
2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic |
|
| |||
Dilutive effect of stock options |
|
| |||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, assuming dilution |
|
|
Presentation of Sales and Similar Taxes
Sales tax on revenue-producing transactions is recorded as a liability when the sale occurs. UTMD is not required to withhold sales tax on OUS sales, and at least 90% of domestic 2023 sales were to customers who are tax exempt or who are in jurisdictions where UTMD is not required to withhold sales tax.
Translation of Foreign Currencies
Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rates at year-end. Net gains or losses resulting from the translation of the Company’s assets and liabilities are reflected as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. A negative translation impact on stockholders’ equity reflects a current relative U.S. Dollar value higher than at the point in time that assets were actually acquired in a foreign currency. A positive translation impact would result from a U.S. dollar weaker in value than at the point in time foreign assets were acquired. Year-end translation gains or losses of non-functional currency bank account balances, e.g. EUR and AUD balances held by the UK subsidiary, are recognized as non-operating income or expense, as applicable.
Income and expense items are translated at the weighted average rate of exchange (based on when transactions actually occurred) during the year.
43
Note 2 – Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts
|
| December 31, | |||
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 | |
Accounts and other receivables: |
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable | $ |
| $ | ||
Accrued interest and other |
|
|
| ||
Less allowance for doubtful accounts |
| ( |
|
| ( |
Total accounts and other receivables | $ |
| $ | ||
Inventories: |
| . |
|
| |
Finished products | $ |
| $ | ||
Work-in-process |
|
|
| ||
Raw materials |
|
|
| ||
Total inventories | $ |
| $ |
Goodwill: |
|
|
| ||
Balance as of January 1 | $ |
| $ | ||
Effect of foreign exchange |
|
|
| ( | |
Subtractions as a result of impairment |
|
|
| ||
Total Goodwill as of December 31 | $ |
| $ |
Other Identifiable Intangible Assets: |
|
|
| ||
Patents | $ |
| $ | ||
Non-compete agreements |
|
|
| ||
Trademarks & trade names |
|
|
| ||
Customer relationships |
|
|
| ||
Distribution agreements |
|
|
| ||
Asset |
|
|
| ||
Regulatory approvals & product certifications |
|
|
| ||
Total Other Identifiable Intangible Assets |
|
|
| ||
Accumulated amortization |
| ( |
|
| ( |
Other Identifiable Intangible Assets, Net | $ |
| $ |
Accrued expenses: |
|
|
| ||
Income taxes payable (receivable) | $ |
| $ | ||
Payroll and payroll taxes |
|
|
| ||
Reserve for litigation costs |
|
|
| ||
Other |
|
|
| ||
Total accrued expenses | $ |
| $ |
Note 3 – Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
|
|
| Unaudited Quarterly Data for 2023 | |||||||||
|
| First Quarter |
|
| Second Quarter |
|
| Third Quarter |
|
| Fourth Quarter | |
Net Sales |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ | ||||
Gross Profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Net Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Earnings Per Common Share (Diluted) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
| Unaudited Quarterly Data for 2022 | |||||||||
|
| First Quarter |
|
| Second Quarter |
|
| Third Quarter |
|
| Fourth Quarter | |
Net Sales |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ | ||||
Gross Profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Net Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Earnings Per Common Share (Diluted) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
| Unaudited Quarterly Data for 2021 | |||||||||
|
| First Quarter |
|
| Second Quarter |
|
| Third Quarter |
|
| Fourth Quarter | |
Net Sales |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ | ||||
Gross Profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Net Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Earnings Per Common Share (Diluted) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Note 4 – Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consists of the following:
|
| December 31, | |||
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 | |
Land | $ |
| $ | ||
Buildings and improvements |
|
|
| ||
Furniture, equipment and tooling |
|
|
| ||
Construction-in-progress |
|
|
| ||
Total |
|
|
| ||
Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
|
| ( |
Property and equipment, net | $ |
| $ | ||
Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet are the assets of its manufacturing and administrative facilities in Utah, Canada, England, Australia and Ireland. Property and equipment, by geographic area, are as follows:
|
|
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
|
| U.S. & Canada |
|
| England & Australia |
|
| Ireland |
|
| Total | |
Land |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ | ||||
Buildings and improvements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Furniture, equipment and tooling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Construction-in-progress |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Accumulated depreciation |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Property and equipment, net |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ | ||||
|
|
| December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
|
| U.S. & Canada |
|
| England & Australia |
|
| Ireland |
|
| Total | |
Land |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ | ||||
Buildings and improvements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Furniture, equipment and tooling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Construction-in-progress |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Accumulated depreciation |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Property and equipment, net |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ | ||||
44
Note 5 – Long-term Debt
Note 6 – Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Obligations
The Company has obligations to purchase raw materials for use in its manufacturing operations. The Company has the right to make changes in, among other things, purchase quantities, delivery schedules and order acceptance.
Product Liability
The Company is self-insured for product liability risk. “Product liability” is an insurance industry term for the cost of legal defense and damages awarded to patients allegedly injured as a result of use of a company’s product. The Company maintains a reserve to cover product liability litigation expenses and possible damages consistent with its experience going back decades. Although product liability litigation expenses at $
The Company absorbs the costs of clinical training and trouble-shooting in its on-going operating expenses.
Warranty Reserve
The Company’s published warranty is: “UTMD warrants its products to conform in all material respects to all published product specifications in effect on the date of shipment, and to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days for supplies, or twenty-four (24) months for equipment, from date of shipment. During the warranty period UTMD shall, at its option, replace any products shown to UTMD's reasonable satisfaction to be defective at no expense to the Purchaser or refund the purchase price.”
UTMD maintains a warranty reserve to provide for estimated costs which are likely to occur. The amount of this reserve is adjusted, as required, to reflect its actual experience. Based on its analysis of historical warranty claims and its estimate that existing warranty obligations are immaterial,
Litigation
The Company has been involved in lawsuits which are an expected consequence of its operations and in the ordinary course of a medical device business. Presently, except for Filshie clip lawsuits, there is no litigation or threatened litigation where UTMD is a defendant. The Company expects that the outcome of the Filshie clip litigation will not be material to overall consolidated financial results. The Company applies its accounting policy to accrue legal costs that can be reasonably estimated.
45
Note 7 – Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following temporary differences:
|
| December 31, | ||||||
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 | |
Inventory write-downs and differences due to UNICAP | $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Accrued liabilities and reserves |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Depreciation and amortization |
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Deferred income taxes, net | $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
|
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 | |
Current | $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
Deferred |
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| |
Total | $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
Income tax expense differed from amounts computed by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income as follows:
|
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 | |
Federal income tax expense at the statutory rate | $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
State income taxes |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Foreign income taxes (blended rate) |
|
|
|
|
| |||
R&D tax credits and manufacturing profit deduction |
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Tax-exempt income |
| ( |
|
|
|
| ||
Change in Rate |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Other |
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Total | $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
The domestic and foreign components of income before income tax expense were as follows:
|
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 | |
Domestic | $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
Foreign |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total | $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
46
Note 8 – Options
The Company has stock option plans which authorize the grant of stock options to eligible employees, directors and other individuals to purchase up to an aggregate of
|
| Shares |
|
| Price Range | |
2023 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Granted |
|
| $ | |||
Expired or canceled |
|
|
| |||
Exercised |
|
|
| |||
Total outstanding at December 31 |
|
|
| |||
Total exercisable at December 31 |
|
|
| |||
|
| Shares |
|
| Price Range |
2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
| $ | ||
Expired or canceled |
|
|
| ||
Exercised |
|
|
| ||
Total outstanding at December 31 |
|
|
| ||
Total exercisable at December 31 |
|
|
|
|
| Shares |
|
| Price Range |
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
| $ | ||
Expired or canceled |
|
|
| ||
Exercised |
|
|
| ||
Total outstanding at December 31 |
|
|
| ||
Total exercisable at December 31 |
|
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company reduced current income taxes payable by $
Stock-Based Compensation
In 2023, the Company recognized $
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
|
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
Expected dividend amount per quarter | $ |
| $ |
| $ | - | ||
Expected stock price volatility |
|
|
|
|
| - | ||
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
|
|
| - | ||
Expected life of options |
|
|
|
|
| - | ||
The per share weighted average fair value of options granted during 2023 is $
47
All UTMD options vest over a four-year service period. At December 31, 2023 there was $
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2023:
|
|
|
| Options Outstanding |
|
| Options Exercisable | ||||||||||
| Range of Exercise Prices |
|
| Actual Number Outstanding |
| Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
|
| Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|
| Number Exercisable |
|
| Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
$ | - |
|
|
|
| $ |
|
|
| $ | |||||||
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
$ | - |
|
|
|
| $ |
|
|
| $ | |||||||
|
|
| ||||||
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 |
Intrinsic Value of Stock Options Exercised | $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
Intrinsic Value of Stock Options Outstanding | $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
Note 9 – Geographic Information
The Company had sales in the following geographic areas based on the customer’s country of domicile:
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 | |
United States | $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
Europe |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
The Company’s long-lived assets by geographic area were as follows:
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 | |
United States | $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
England |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Ireland |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Australia |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Canada |
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48
Note 11 – Revenues by Product Category and Geographic Region
Global revenues by product category:
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 | |
Obstetrics |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
Gynecology/ Electrosurgery/ Urology |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Neonatal |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Blood Pressure Monitoring and Accessories |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total: |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
Included in the Global revenues (above) were OUS revenues by product category:
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2021 | |
Obstetrics |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ | |||
Gynecology/ Electrosurgery/ Urology |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Neonatal |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Blood Pressure Monitoring and Accessories |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Total: |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
Note 12 - Product Sale and Purchase Commitments
The Company has had license agreements for the rights to develop and market certain products or technologies owned by unrelated parties. The confidential terms of such agreements are unique and varied, depending on many factors relating to the value and stage of development of the technology licensed. Royalties on future product sales are a normal component of such agreements and are included in the Company’s cost of goods sold on an ongoing basis.
In 2023, 2022 and 2021, UTMD received royalties of $
UTMD had $
Note 13 – Employee Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors a contributory 401(k) savings plan for U.S. employees, and contributory retirement plans for Ireland, UK, Australia and Canada employees. The Company’s matching contribution is determined annually by the board of directors. Company contributions were approximately $
49
Note 14 – Leases
UTMD has operating leases for a portion of its parking lot at its Midvale facility and an automobile at its Ireland facility. The remaining lease term on the parking lot is
Operating lease costs for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 were $
Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases was as follows (in thousands):
| As of December 31, 2023 |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ |
| |
Operating lease liabilities, long-term | |
Total operating lease liabilities | $ |
Maturities of operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2023 were as follows (in thousands): | As of December 31, 2023 |
2024 | $ |
2025 | |
2026 | |
2027 | |
2028 | |
Thereafter | |
Total lease payments | $ |
Less: imputed interest | ( |
Total lease liabilities | $ |
|
|
|
|
The following table provides information on the lease terms and discount rates: | As of December 31, 2023 |
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) | |
Weighted-average discount rate |
Note 15 – Distribution Agreement Purchase
UTMD completed the purchase of exclusive U.S. distribution rights for the Filshie Clip System from CooperSurgical, Inc. (CSI) on February 1, 2019, after which CSI no longer had the right to sell the Filshie Clip System and UTMD distributed the Filshie Clip System directly to clinical facilities in the U.S. The $
50
Note 16 – Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to the common stockholders of the company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by assuming the exercise of stock options at the closing price of stock at the end of 2023.
The following table reconciles the numerator and the denominator used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:
| |||||
| |||||
2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
Numerator (in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares, basic |
|
| |||
Dilutive effect of stock options |
|
| |||
Diluted shares |
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share, basic |
|
| |||
Earnings per share, diluted |
|
| |||
Note 17 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has determined that other recently issued accounting standards will either have no material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, or will not apply to its operations.
Note 18 – Subsequent Events
The Company evaluated its December 31, 2023 financial statements for subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. The Company is not aware of any subsequent events which would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
51
ITEM 9 – CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
UTMD Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e). UTMD’s Board of Directors, operating through its Audit Committee, provides oversight to its financial reporting process.
During 2023, UTMD evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, UTMD’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, its disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company has included, as part of this Form 10-K, a report of management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal controls as of December 31, 2023. Management's report appears on page 34 of this Form 10-K under the caption "Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting" and is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
There have been no changes in UTMD’s internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and there were no material weaknesses.
ITEM 9B – OTHER INFORMATION
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans.
During 2023,
ITEM 9C – DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
None.
52
PART III
ITEM 10 – DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders under the captions,
·“PROPOSAL NO. 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: General,” and “Directors and Nominees,”
·“SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN PERSONS,” and
·“EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION: 2023 Director Compensation,”
is incorporated herein by reference.
UTMD adopted a Code of Ethics for its executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer and outside directors, in October 2003. The Code of Ethics, along with UTMD’s Code of Conduct, which covers all exempt employees (including all officers and outside directors) and certain non-exempt employees, is posted on UTMD’s web site at www.utahmed.com. UTMD intends to post on its website any waivers of or amendments to its Code of Ethics.
ITEM 11 - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders under the captions,
·“EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION,”
·“COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS,” and
·“BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS: Compensation and Option Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” specifically excluding the “Report of the Compensation Committee”
is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12 - SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders under the captions,
·“SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN PERSONS” and
·“DISCLOSURE RESPECTING THE COMPANY’S EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS”
is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders under the captions,
·“CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS”
·“BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS: Director Independence”
is incorporated herein by reference.
The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders in the first paragraph under the caption, “Report of the Audit Committee” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14 – PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information from the definitive proxy statement of the registrant for the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders under the caption “PROPOSAL NO 2. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM: Fees billed by Haynie & Company,” “Audit Committee Policy and Approval,” and “Auditor Independence” are incorporated herein by reference.
53
PART IV
ITEM 15 – EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report or incorporated herein by reference.
1.Financial Statements.
(See Table of Contents to Item 8, above.)
2.Supplemental Schedule.
Financial Statement Schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable or the required information is otherwise included in the accompanying Financial Statements and the notes thereto.
3.Exhibits.
Exhibit # | Title of Document | Location |
3.1 | Incorporated by Reference (1) | |
3.2 | Articles of Correction to the Restated Articles of Incorporation | Incorporated by Reference (1) |
3.3 | Incorporated by Reference (2) | |
10.1 | Employment Agreement dated December 21, 1992 with Kevin L. Cornwell* | Incorporated by Reference (3) |
10.2 | Incorporated by Reference (3) | |
10.3 | Utah Medical Products, Inc., 2003 Employees’ and Directors’ Incentive Plan* | Incorporated by Reference (4) |
10.4 | Utah Medical Products, Inc., 2013 Employees’ and Directors’ Incentive Plan* | Incorporated by Reference (5) |
10.5 | This filing | |
21 | This filing | |
23.1 | Consent of Haynie & Company, UTMD’s independent auditors for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | This filing |
23.2 | Consent of Nortons Assurance Limited, Femcare Group Limited’s independent auditors for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | This filing |
31.1 | This Filing | |
31.2 | This Filing | |
32.1 | This Filing | |
32.2 | This Filing | |
101 | The following financial information from the Utah Medical Products, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, and (v) related Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in detail. | This Filing |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | This Filing |
* Management contract of compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed pursuant to Item 14(c).
(1)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s annual report on form 10-K filed with the Commission for the year ended December 31, 2004.
(2)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 13, 2014.
(3)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s annual report on form 10-K filed with the Commission for the year ended December 31, 2003.
(4)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2003 definitive proxy statement on form DEF 14A filed with the Commission on March 27, 2003.
(5)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2013 definitive proxy statement on form DEF 14A filed with the Commission on March 7, 2013.
ITEM 16 – FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
54
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned this 25th day of March 2024.
UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
By:/s/ Kevin L. Cornwell
Kevin L. Cornwell
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on this 25th day of March 2024.
By: /s/ James H. Beeson
James H. Beeson, Director
By: /s/ Kevin L. Cornwell
Kevin L. Cornwell, Director
By: /s/ Ernst G. Hoyer
Ernst G. Hoyer, Director
By: /s/ Barbara A. Payne
Barbara A. Payne, Director
By: /s/ Paul O. Richins
Paul O. Richins, Director
55
Exhibit 10.5
SUMMARY of OFFICER and DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The Employment Agreement in Exhibits 7 & 8 of this report is the only written contractual compensation arrangement the Company has with any of its Directors and Executive Officers.
During 2024, the Company’s Chief Executive and Principal Financial Officer (the Company’s “Named Executive Officers”) are scheduled to receive the following compensation from the Company:
Compensation Arrangement |
|
2024 Scheduled Amount |
Base salary |
| $ 156,000 (CEO); $139,000 (PFO) |
401(k) matching contributions |
| 7,920 (maximum) |
Section 125 plan matching contributions (1) |
| 500 (maximum) |
Management bonus |
| will be determined at year-end |
Pet health benefits (1) |
| 500 (maximum) |
Family medical benefits (1) |
| will depend on future events |
Travel expense reimbursement (2) |
| 5,000 (CEO); 500 (PFO) |
|
|
|
During 2024, the Company’s Directors are scheduled to receive the following compensation from the Company:
Compensation Arrangement | Ernst Hoyer | Barbara Payne | James Beeson | Paul Richins |
Base | $ 29,400 | $ 29,400 | $ 29,400 | $29,400 |
Executive Committee | 4,200 | - | - | - |
Audit Committee Chairman | 4,200 | - | - | - |
Travel Expense Reimbursement (2) | 250 | 450 | 400 | 50 |
(1) CEO and PFO participate on the same basis as other eligible employees.
(2) Estimated 2024 travel expenses on behalf of UTMD business. The Company reimburses its employees and directors for authorized business expenses.
Exhibit 21
SUBSIDIARIES of UTAH MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
Subsidiary Name | Jurisdiction of Organization | Business Name |
Utah Medical Products Ltd. | Bermuda | Utah Medical Products Ireland |
Columbia Medical & Surgical, Inc. | Oregon | Utah Medical Products |
Abcorp Medical | Florida | Utah Medical Products |
Femcare Group Limited | United Kingdom | Femcare Group |
Femcare Limited | United Kingdom | Femcare Limited |
Femcare Australia Pty Ltd | Australia | Femcare Australia |
Femcare N.Z. Ltd | New Zealand | Femcare Australia |
Utah Medical Products Canada Inc. | Canada | Femcare Canada |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-273261, and 333-199337 (on Form S-8) of Utah Medical Products, Inc. of our audit report dated March 25, 2024, on the consolidated financial statements of Utah Medical Products, Inc., which report appears in this annual report on Form 10-K of Utah Medical Products, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2023.
/s/ Haynie & Company
Haynie & Company
Salt Lake City, Utah
March 25, 2024
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Utah Medical Products, Inc.
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-273261 and 333-199337 (on Form S-8) of Utah Medical Products, Inc. of our audit reports dated 25 March 2024, on the financial statements of Femcare Group Limited, which reports appear in this annual report on Form 10-K of Utah Medical Products, Inc. for the years ended 31 December 2023 and 2022.
Nortons Assurance Limited
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
Reading
United Kingdom
25 March 2024
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CEO
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Kevin L. Cornwell, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Utah Medical Products, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 25, 2024
/s/ Kevin L. Cornwell
Kevin L. Cornwell
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Brian L. Koopman, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Utah Medical Products, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 25, 2024
/s/ Brian L. Koopman
Brian L. Koopman
Principal Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Utah Medical Products, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Kevin L. Cornwell, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge and belief:
(1)the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
/s/ Kevin L. Cornwell
Kevin L. Cornwell
Chief Executive Officer
March 25, 2024
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Utah Medical Products, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Brian L. Koopman, Principal Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge and belief:
(1)the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
/s/ Brian L. Koopman
Brian L. Koopman
Principal Financial Officer
March 25, 2024
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.