MMSI 10-Q Quarterly Report June 30, 2011 | Alphaminr
MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

MMSI 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 2011

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC
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10-Q 1 a11-13938_110q.htm 10-Q

Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2011.

OR

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             .

Commission File Number   0-18592

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Utah

87-0447695

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Identification No.)

1600 West Merit Parkway, South Jordan, UT, 84095

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

(801) 253-1600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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

Large Accelerated Filer o

Accelerated Filer x

Non-Accelerated Filer o

Smaller Reporting Company o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock

41,908,797

Title or class

Number of Shares

Outstanding at August  2, 2011




Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

JUNE 30, 2011 AND DECEMBER 31, 2010

(In thousands)

June 30,

December 31,

2011

2010

(unaudited)

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

63,009

$

3,735

Trade receivables - net of allowances of $489 and $593, respectively

41,889

37,362

Employee receivables

154

110

Other receivables

1,407

1,242

Inventories

62,724

60,597

Prepaid expenses and other assets

4,429

2,541

Deferred income tax assets

4,653

4,647

Income tax refunds receivable

302

2,067

Total current assets

178,567

112,301

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

Land and land improvements

13,036

12,586

Building

50,961

50,274

Manufacturing equipment

97,032

92,839

Furniture and fixtures

20,091

18,313

Leasehold improvements

12,438

12,121

Construction-in-progress

31,371

13,775

Total

224,929

199,908

Less accumulated depreciation

(78,176

)

(71,853

)

Property and equipment—net

146,753

128,055

OTHER ASSETS:

Intangibles - net of accumulated amortization of $12,056 and $8,996, respectively

61,335

57,184

Goodwill

58,659

58,675

Deferred income tax assets

4,296

4,140

Other assets

8,603

9,125

Total other assets

132,893

129,124

TOTAL ASSETS

$

458,213

$

369,480

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

(Continued)

1



Table of Contents

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

JUNE 30, 2011 AND DECEMBER 31, 2010

(In thousands)

June 30,

December 31,

2011

2010

(unaudited)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Trade payables

$

19,120

$

20,092

Accrued expenses

19,642

18,890

Advances from employees

183

307

Income taxes payable

1,019

887

Total current liabilities

39,964

40,176

LONG-TERM DEBT

55,000

81,538

DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITIES

1,530

1,267

LIABILITIES RELATED TO UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS

3,527

3,527

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PAYABLE

4,668

4,258

DEFERRED CREDITS

1,709

1,763

OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

5,503

1,336

Total liabilities

111,901

133,865

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

Preferred stock—5,000 shares authorized as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010; no shares issued

Common stock—no par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 41,908 and 35,496 shares issued at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively

164,443

67,091

Retained earnings

181,175

167,664

Accumulated other comprehensive income

694

860

Total stockholders’ equity

346,312

235,615

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

458,213

$

369,480

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

(Concluded)

2



Table of Contents

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010

(In thousands, except per common share - unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2011

2010

2011

2010

NET SALES

$

91,249

$

74,948

$

177,880

$

142,380

COST OF SALES

48,765

42,490

95,611

81,487

GROSS PROFIT

42,484

32,458

82,269

60,893

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Selling, general, and administrative

26,175

19,939

50,766

38,971

Research and development

5,462

3,742

10,446

6,799

Total operating expenses

31,637

23,681

61,212

45,770

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

10,847

8,777

21,057

15,123

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

Interest income

14

12

16

20

Interest expense

(311

)

(15

)

(736

)

(50

)

Other income - net

68

65

79

76

Other income (expense) - net

(229

)

62

(641

)

46

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

10,618

8,839

20,416

15,169

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

3,746

3,124

6,905

4,946

NET INCOME

$

6,872

$

5,715

$

13,511

$

10,223

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

Basic

$

.19

$

.16

$

.37

$

.29

Diluted

$

.18

$

.16

$

.37

$

.28

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES:

Basic

36,804

35,243

36,199

35,230

Diluted

37,677

35,911

36,966

35,925

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

3



Table of Contents

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010

(In thousands - unaudited)

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2011

2010

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income

$

13,511

$

10,223

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

9,472

6,673

Losses on sales and/or abandonment of property and equipment

4

280

Write-off of certain patents and trademarks

17

24

Amortization of deferred credits

(54

)

(57

)

Purchase of trading investments

(291

)

Net unrealized losses on trading investments

76

Deferred income taxes

106

(17

)

Stock-based compensation

646

606

Tax benefit attributable to appreciation of common stock options exercised

(2,854

)

(49

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:

Trade receivables

(4,138

)

(6,618

)

Employee receivables

(39

)

(11

)

Other receivables

(115

)

344

Inventories

(2,126

)

(49

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

(1,844

)

(1,282

)

Income tax refunds receivable

(178

)

119

Trade payables

(4,726

)

345

Accrued expenses

318

1,968

Advances from employees

(125

)

454

Income taxes payable

5,297

2,190

Deferred compensation payable

410

36

Other long-term assets

(391

)

(25

)

Other long-term obligations

416

(78

)

Total adjustments

96

4,638

Net cash provided by operating activities

13,607

14,861

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Capital expenditures for:

Property and equipment

(21,642

)

(8,764

)

Patents and trademarks

(1,351

)

(545

)

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

10

Cash paid in acquisitions

(1,500

)

(500

)

Net cash used in investing activities

(24,493

)

(9,799

)

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

(Continued)

4



Table of Contents

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010

(In thousands - unaudited)

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2011

2010

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

$

94,798

$

379

Borrowings on line of credit

1,500

Payments on line of credit

(8,500

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

18,598

Payments on long-term debt

(45,135

)

Payment of taxes related to an exchange of common stock

(819

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

2,854

49

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

70,296

(6,572

)

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH

(136

)

(369

)

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

59,274

(1,879

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

Beginning of period

3,735

6,133

End of period

$

63,009

$

4,254

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION—Cash paid during the period (net capitalized interest of $240 and $0, respectively):

Interest

$

665

$

47

Income taxes

$

2,060

$

2,848

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Property and equipment purchases in accounts payable

$

5,432

$

1,869

Acquisition of developed technology in accrued expenses

$

4,000

$

Equity offering costs in accrued expenses

$

127

$

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, 50,142 shares of Merit’s common stock were surrendered in exchange for Merit’s recording of payroll tax liabilities in the amount of approximately $819,000, related to the exercise of stock options.  The shares were valued based upon the closing price of Merit’s common stock on the surrender date.

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, 53,000 shares of Merit’s common stock, with a value of approximately $913,000 were surrendered in exchange for the exercise of stock options.

See condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

(Concluded)

5



Table of Contents

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1 . Basis of Presentation . The interim consolidated financial statements of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (“Merit,” “we” or “us”) for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 are not audited. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the requirements for unaudited interim periods, and consequently, do not include all disclosures required to be made in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position as of June 30, 2011, and our results of operations and cash flows for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. The results of operations for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.  These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

2.   Inventories . Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Inventories at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):

June 30,

December 31,

2011

2010

Finished goods

$

30,853

$

30,780

Work-in-process

10,502

7,012

Raw materials

21,369

22,805

Total

$

62,724

$

60,597

3. Reporting Comprehensive Income. The following table presents comprehensive income for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2011

2010

2011

2010

Net income

$

6,872

$

5,715

$

13,511

$

10,223

Interest rate swap, net of tax

(749

)

(557

)

Foreign currency translation

70

8

391

(20

)

Comprehensive income

$

6,193

$

5,723

$

13,345

$

10,203

As of June 30, 2011, accumulated other comprehensive income included approximately $151,000 (net of tax of $96,000) related to an interest rate swap and $543,000 related to foreign currency translation. As of December 31, 2010, accumulated other comprehensive income included approximately $708,000 (net of tax of $451,000) related to an interest rate swap and $152,000 related to foreign currency translation.

6



Table of Contents

4. Stock-based Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 has been categorized as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2011

2010

2011

2010

Cost of sales

$

38

$

45

$

89

$

96

Research and development

16

15

29

29

Selling, general and administrative

257

242

528

481

Stock-based compensation

$

311

$

302

$

646

$

606

The excess income tax benefit created from the exercises of stock options was $1.8 million and $2.9 million for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011, respectively, as compared to $49,000 for both the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010.  As of June 30, 2011, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, net of expected forfeitures, was approximately $2.6 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.40 years. During the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011, there were no stock awards. During the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010, we granted 100,000 stock awards.  We use the Black-Scholes methodology to value the stock-based compensation expense for options.  In applying the Black-Scholes methodology to our outstanding option grants, we used the following assumptions:

Six Months

Ended June 30,

2011

2010

Risk-free interest rate

N/A

2.24

%

Expected option life

N/A

6.0

Expected price volatility

N/A

41.40

%

For the purpose of determining stock compensation for options, we estimate the average risk-free interest rate using the U.S. Treasury rate in effect as of the date of grant, based on the expected term of the stock option.  We estimate the expected term of the stock options using the historical exercise behavior of our employees.  We estimate the expected price volatility using a weighted average of daily historical volatility of our stock price over the corresponding expected option life and implied volatility based on recent trends of the daily historical volatility.

7



Table of Contents

5.   Earnings Per Common Share. The following table sets forth the computation of the number of shares used in calculating basic and diluted net income  per share  (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Three Months

Six Months

Net

Per Share

Net

Per Share

Income

Shares

Amount

Income

Shares

Amount

Period ended June 30, 2011:

Basic EPS

$

6,872

36,804

$

0.19

$

13,511

36,199

$

0.37

Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants

873

767

Diluted EPS

$

6,872

37,677

$

0.18

$

13,511

36,966

$

0.37

Stock options excluded from the calculation of common stock equivalents as the impact was antidilutive

722

Period ended June 30, 2010:

Basic EPS

$

5,715

35,243

$

0.16

$

10,223

35,230

$

0.29

Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants

668

695

Diluted EPS

$

5,715

35,911

$

0.16

$

10,223

35,925

$

0.28

Stock options excluded from the calculation of common stock equivalents as the impact was antidilutive

1,329

1,320

6. Acquisitions. On June 20, 2011, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to purchase intellectual property rights to a medical device product.  We made an initial payment of $1.0 million in June 2011.  We are obligated to pay an additional $3.5 million upon reaching certain milestones set forth in the agreement.  We have accrued the additional contingent payments of $3.5 million as a cost of the acquisition in other long-term obligations at June 30, 2011.

On April 6, 2011, we supplemented and amended our Exclusive License, Development and Supply Agreement with Vysera Biomedical Limited (“Vysera”) to include the manufacturing rights for their valve technology.  We made an initial payment of $500,000 in April 2011.  We are obligated to pay an additional $500,000 upon reaching certain milestones set forth in the agreement. We accrued the additional contingent payments as a cost of the acquisition, with $250,000 included in accrued expenses and $250,000 in other long-term obligations at June 30, 2011.

On September 10, 2010, we completed our acquisition of BioSphere Medical, Inc. (“BioSphere”) in an all cash merger transaction valued at approximately $96 million, inclusive of all common equity and Series A Preferred preferences.  BioSphere develops and markets embolotherapeutic products for the treatment of uterine fibroids, hypervascularized tumors and arteriovenous malformations.  We believe the acquisition of BioSphere gives us a platform technology applicable to multiple therapeutic areas with significant market potential while leveraging existing interventional radiology call points.  Two immediate applications for the embolotherapy are uterine fibroids and primary liver cancer.  The gross amount of trade receivables we acquired from BioSphere was approximately $4.6 million, of which $51,000 is expected to be uncollectible.  Our consolidated financial statements for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 reflect sales subsequent to the acquisition date of approximately $7.0 million and $14.6 million, respectively, related to our BioSphere acquisition. We report sales and operating expenses related to this acquisition in our cardiovascular segment.  It is not practical to separately report the earnings related to this acquisition as we cannot split out sales costs related to Biosphere’s products, principally because our sales representatives are selling multiple products (including Biosphere products) in the cardiovascular business segment.  As of December 31, 2010, the purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):

8



Table of Contents

Assets Acquired

Marketable securities

$

9,673

Trade receivables

4,529

Inventories

5,694

Other assets

1,340

Property and equipment

546

Deferred income tax assets

16,012

Intangibles

Developed technology

19,000

Customer list

7,900

License agreement

380

Trademark

3,200

Goodwill

34,016

Total assets acquired

102,290

Liabilities Assumed

Accounts payable

322

Accrued expenses

3,617

Deferred income tax liabilities

729

Liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits

961

Other liabilities

936

Total liabilities assumed

6,565

Net assets acquired, net of cash acquired of $274

$

95,725

No significant changes have been made to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the six-month period ended June 30, 2011.

With respect to the BioSphere assets, we are amortizing developed technology over 15 years and a license agreement over 10 years and customer lists on an accelerated basis over 10 years.  While U.S. trademarks can be renewed indefinitely, we currently estimate that we will generate cash flow from the acquired trademarks for a period of 15 years from the acquisition date.  The total weighted-average amortization period for these acquired intangible assets is 13.6 years.

In connection with our BioSphere acquisition, we paid approximately $522,000 in long-term debt issuance costs to Wells Fargo Bank (“Wells Fargo”) for our long-term debt (see Note 10).  These costs consist primarily of loan origination fees and legal costs that we intend to amortize over five years, which is the contract term of an unsecured Credit Agreement, dated September 10, 2010 (the “Credit Agreement”) with lenders who are or may become party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo, as administrative agent for the Lenders.  We also incurred approximately $24,000 and $86,000 of acquisition-related costs during the three and six-months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, which are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, we terminated several exclusive BioSphere sales distributor agreements in European countries where we already had previously established direct sales relationships.  In connection with the termination of these agreements, we agreed to purchase customer lists from the terminated distributors.  The total purchase price of the customer lists was approximately $1.3 million and was allocated to customer lists.  We are amortizing the customer lists on an accelerated basis over 10 years.

On February 19, 2010, we entered into a manufacturing and technology license agreement with a medical device manufacturer for certain medical products.  We made an initial payment of $250,000 in February 2010, a second payment of $250,000 in May 2010, a third payment of $250,000 in November 2010 and accrued an additional $250,000 in accrued expenses at December 31, 2010.  The final payment is due upon reaching certain milestones set forth in the agreement.  We have included the $1.0 million intangible asset in license agreements and are amortizing the asset over an estimated life of 10 years.

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes our unaudited consolidated results of operations for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010, as well as the unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations as though the BioSphere acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2010 (in thousands, except per common share amounts):

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2010

June 30, 2010

As Reported

Pro Forma

As Reported

Pro Forma

Sales

$

74,948

$

82,744

$

142,380

$

157,296

Net income

5,715

4,625

10,223

7,372

Earnings per common share:

Basic

$

.16

$

.13

$

.29

$

.21

Diluted

$

.16

$

.13

$

.29

$

.21

The unaudited pro forma information set forth above is for informational purposes only and should not be considered indicative of actual results that would have been achieved if BioSphere had been acquired at the beginning of 2010, or results that may be obtained in any future period.

7. Segment Reporting. We report our operations in two operating segments: cardiovascular and endoscopy.  Our cardiovascular segment consists of cardiology and radiology medical device products which assist in diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and other non-vascular diseases.  Our cardiovascular segment also includes the embolotherapeutic products acquired from Biosphere. Our endoscopy segment consists of gastroenterology and pulmonary medical device products which assist in the palliative treatment of expanding esophageal, tracheobronchial and biliary strictures caused by malignant tumors. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on operating income (loss).  Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliations to the consolidated totals is as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2011

2010

2011

2010

Revenues

Cardiovascular

$

87,940

$

72,538

$

171,867

$

137,498

Endoscopy

3,309

2,410

6,013

4,882

Total revenues

$

91,249

$

74,948

$

177,880

$

142,380

Operating Income (Loss)

Cardiovascular

$

11,763

$

10,198

$

22,951

$

17,178

Endoscopy

(916

)

(1,421

)

(1,894

)

(2,055

)

Total operating income

$

10,847

$

8,777

$

21,057

$

15,123

8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance specifies that an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. This guidance does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. It also does not change the presentation of related tax effects, before related tax effects, or the portrayal or calculation of earnings per share. This guidance is to be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to address diversity in practice about pro forma

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revenue and earnings disclosure requirements.  This guidance specifies that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity shall disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only.  This guidance also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This guidance is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  We intend to apply these required disclosures to any future business combinations.

In December 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which modifies the requirements of step one of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts.  This guidance modifies step one so that for those reporting units, an entity is required to perform step two of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists.  In determining whether it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued additional authoritative guidance on fair value disclosures.  The new guidance clarifies two existing disclosure requirements and requires two new disclosures as follows: (1) a “gross” presentation of activities (purchases, sales, and settlements) within the Level 3 rollforward reconciliation, which will replace the “net” presentation format; and (2) detailed disclosures about the transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 measurements.  This guidance is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the gross presentation of the Level 3 rollforward information, which is required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim reporting periods within those years.  We adopted the fair value disclosure guidance on January 1, 2010, except for the gross presentation of the Level 3 rollforward information which we adopted on January 1, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

9.  Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was 35.3%, unchanged compared to 35.3% for the corresponding period of 2010.  For the six months ended June 30, 2011, our effective tax rate was 33.8%, compared to 32.6% for the comparable period of 2010.  The increase in the effective tax rate for the six-month period ended June 30, 2011, when compared to the comparable period of 2010, was primarily related to the increased profit of our U.S. operations which are taxed at a higher rate than our foreign operations income (primarily our Irish operations).

10.  Long-Term Debt. In connection with our acquisition of BioSphere, w e entered into the Credit Agreement with the Lenders and Wells Fargo.  Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have agreed to make revolving credit loans up to an aggregate amount of $125 million.  Wells Fargo has also agreed to make swing line loans from time to time through the maturity date of September 10, 2015 in amounts equal to the difference between the amounts actually loaned by the Lenders and the aggregate credit commitment.

On September 10, 2015, all principal, interest and other amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement are payable in full.  At any time prior to the maturity date, we may repay any amounts owing under all revolving credit loans and all swing line loans in whole or in part, without premium or penalty.

Revolving credit loans made under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at our election, at either (i) the base rate (described below) plus 0.25%, (ii) the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) Market Index Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement)  plus 1.25%, or (iii) the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 1.25%.  Swing line loans bear interest at the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 1.25%.  Interest on each loan featuring the base rate or the LIBOR Market Index Rate is due and payable on the last business day of each calendar month; interest on each loan featuring the LIBOR Rate is due and payable on the last day of each interest period selected by us when selecting the LIBOR Rate as the benchmark for interest calculation.  For purposes of the Credit Agreement, the base rate means the highest of (i) the prime rate (as announced by Wells Fargo), (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, and (iii) LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.0%.

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The Credit Agreement contains covenants, representations and warranties and other terms, that are customary for revolving credit facilities of this nature.  In this regard, the Credit Agreement requires us to maintain a leverage ratio, an EBITDA ratio, and a minimum consolidated net income and limits the amount of annual capital expenditures.  Additionally, the Credit Agreement contains various negative covenants with which we must comply, including limitations respecting: the incurrence of indebtedness, the creation of liens on our property, mergers or similar combinations or liquidations, asset dispositions, investments in subsidiaries, and other provisions customary in similar types of agreements.  As of June 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all financial covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement.

As of June 30, 2011, we had outstanding borrowings of approximately $55 million under the Credit Agreement, with available borrowings of approximately $70 million, based on the leverage ratio in the terms of the Credit Agreement.  Our interest rate as of June 30, 2011 was a fixed rate of 2.73% on $55.0 million as a result of an interest rate swap.

11.   Derivatives .

Interest Rate Swap. On October 25, 2010, we entered into a $55 million pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap with Wells Fargo at a fixed interest rate of 2.73%.  The variable portion of the interest rate swap is tied to the one-Month LIBOR (the benchmark interest rate).  The interest rates under both the interest rate swap and the underlying debt are reset, the swap is settled with the counterparty, and interest is paid, on a monthly basis.  The interest rate swap expires September 10, 2015.

At June 30, 2011, the interest rate swap qualified as a cash flow hedge.  During the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011, the amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings due to hedge effectiveness was approximately $30,000 and $67,000, respectively, which is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  The fair value of our cash flow hedge at June 30, 2011 was an asset of approximately $247,000, which was offset by approximately $96,000 of deferred tax liability.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts .  On May 31, 2011, we forecasted a net exposure for June 30, 2011 (representing the difference between Euro and Great Britain Pound (“GBP”)-denominated receivables and Euro-denominated payables) of approximately 416,000 Euros and 280,000 GBPs.  In order to partially offset such risks, on May 31, 2011, we entered into a 30-day forward contract for the Euro and GBP with notional amounts of approximately 416,000 Euros and 280,000 GBPs.  We enter into similar transactions at various times during the year to partially offset exchange rate risks we bear throughout the year.  These contracts are marked to market at each month-end.  During the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the effect on the consolidated statement of operations of all forward contracts and the fair value of our open positions was not material.

12.   Fair Value Measurements . The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that could be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  Financial assets are marked to bid prices and financial liabilities are marked to offer prices.  Fair value measurements do not include transaction costs.  A fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.  Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market

The following table identifies our financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

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Fair Value Measurements Using

Total Fair

Quoted prices in

Significant other

Significant

Value at

active markets

observable inputs

Unobservable inputs

Description

June 30, 2011

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Interest rate swap (1)

$

247

$

247

Fair Value Measurements Using

Total Fair

Quoted prices in

Significant other

Significant

Value at

active markets

observable inputs

Unobservable inputs

Description

December 31, 2010

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Interest rate swap (1)

$

1,159

$

1,159


(1) The fair value of the interest rate swap is determined based on forward yield curves.

During the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011, we had write-offs of approximately $13,000 and $17,000, respectively, compared to approximately $24,000 for both the comparable three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010,  related to the measurement of non-financial assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.

The carrying amount of cash and equivalents, receivables, and trade payables approximates fair value because of the immediate, short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying amount of long-term debt approximates fair value, as determined by borrowing rates estimated to be available to us for debt with similar terms and conditions.

13. Goodwill and Intangible Assets. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2011, are as follows (in thousands):

2011

Goodwill balance at January 1

$

58,675

Changes as the result of acquisitions

(16

)

Goodwill balance at June 30

$

58,659

Intangible assets at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):

June 30, 2011

December 31, 2010

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Carrying

Accumulated

Carrying

Carrying

Accumulated

Carrying

Amount

Amortization

Amount

Amount

Amortization

Amount

Patents

$

5,769

$

(1,568

)

$

4,201

$

4,631

$

(1,445

)

$

3,186

Distribution agreement

2,426

(770

)

1,656

2,426

(641

)

1,785

License agreements

1,983

(393

)

1,590

1,833

(352

)

1,481

Trademark

5,792

(829

)

4,963

5,761

(636

)

5,125

Developed technology

42,393

(3,505

)

38,888

36,574

(2,301

)

34,273

In-process technology

400

400

400

400

Covenant not to compete

315

(88

)

227

315

(67

)

248

Customer lists

14,046

(4,636

)

9,410

13,973

(3,287

)

10,686

Royalty agreements

267

(267

)

267

(267

)

Total

$

73,391

$

(12,056

)

$

61,335

$

66,180

$

(8,996

)

$

57,184

The aggregate amortization expense was approximately $1.5 million and $3.1 million for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and approximately $669,000 and $1.3 million for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010, respectively.

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Estimated amortization expense for the intangible assets for the next five years consisted of the following (in thousands):

Remaining 2011

$

3,688

2012

5,297

2013

5,091

2014

4,766

2015

4,503

14.   Equity. On June 22, 2011, Merit completed an equity offering of 5,520,000 shares of common stock and received proceeds of approximately $87.8 million, which is net of approximately $4.6 million in underwriting discounts and commissions. We incurred approximately $127,000 in other direct costs in connection with this equity offering, which is included in accrued expenses at June 30, 2011 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In addition to these proceeds to common stock, we received approximately $6.8 million in cash related to the exercise of 981,881 of common stock options and approximately $2.9 million in tax benefits attributable to appreciation of these options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2011.

15. Stock Split. On April 21, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a 5-for-4 forward stock split of our common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend of one share of common stock for every four shares of common stock outstanding on the record date.  On May 5, 2011, we completed the forward stock split through a stock dividend to shareholders of record as of May 2, 2011.  The Board of Directors also made corresponding adjustments to the number of shares subject to, and the exercise price of, outstanding options and other rights to acquire shares of common stock.  All earnings per common share and common share data set forth in the foregoing consolidated financial statements (and condensed notes thereto) have been adjusted to reflect the split.

16. Subsequent Events. On July 12, 2011, we paid off the remaining balance under our Credit Agreement of $55.0 million with proceeds from our equity offering. Additionally, we terminated our interest rate swap agreement on July 7, 2011, which resulted in a cash receipt of and gain of approximately $28,000 upon final settlement.

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ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  All statements in this Report, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements for purposes of these provisions, including any projections of earnings, revenues or other financial items, any statements of the plans and objectives of management for future operations, any statements concerning proposed new products or services, any statements regarding the integration, development or commercialization of the business or assets acquired from other parties, any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.  All forward-looking statements included in this Report are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to us as of such date.  We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.  In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,”  “intends,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such expectation or any forward-looking statement will prove to be correct.  Our actual results will vary, and may vary materially, from those projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements.  Our financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, including risks relating to product recalls and product liability claims; potential restrictions on our liquidity or our ability to operate our business by our current debt agreements; possible infringement of our technology or the assertion that our technology infringes the rights of other parties; the potential imposition of fines, penalties, or other adverse consequences if our employees or agents violate the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or other laws or regulations; expenditures relating to research, development, testing and regulatory approval or clearance of our products and the risk that such products may not be developed successfully or approved for commercial use; greater governmental scrutiny and regulation of the medical device industry; reforms to the 510(k) process administered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; laws targeting fraud and abuse in the healthcare industry; potential for significant adverse changes in, or failure to comply with, governing regulations; increases in the price of commodity components; negative changes in economic and industry conditions in the United States and other countries; termination or interruption of relationships with our suppliers, or failure of such suppliers to perform; our potential inability to successfully manage growth through acquisitions, including the inability to commercialize technology acquired through recent, proposed or future acquisitions, including the BioSphere acquisition; fluctuations in Euro and GBP exchange rates; our need to generate sufficient cash flow to fund our debt obligations, capital expenditures, and ongoing operations; concentration of our revenues among a few products and procedures; development of new products and technology that could render our existing products obsolete; market acceptance of new products; volatility in the market price of our common stock; modification or limitation of governmental or private insurance reimbursement policies; changes in health care markets related to health care reform initiatives; failure to comply with applicable environmental laws; changes in key personnel; work stoppage or transportation risks; uncertainties associated with potential healthcare policy changes which may have a material adverse effect on Merit; introduction of products in a timely fashion; price and product competition; availability of labor and materials; cost increases; fluctuations in and obsolescence of inventory; and other factors referred to in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and other materials filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Actual results will differ, and may differ materially, from anticipated results. Financial estimates are subject to change and are not intended to be relied upon as predictions of future operating results, and we assume no obligation to update or disclose revisions to those estimates.  Additional factors that may have a direct bearing on our operating results are discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Overview

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operation should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related condensed notes thereto, which are included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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We design, develop, manufacture and market single-use medical products for interventional and diagnostic procedures.  For financial reporting purposes, we report our operations in two operating segments: cardiovascular and endoscopy.  Our cardiovascular segment consists of cardiology and radiology devices which assist in diagnosing and treating coronary arterial disease, peripheral vascular disease and other non-vascular diseases and includes the embolotherapeutic products we acquired through our acquisition of BioSphere.  Our endoscopy segment consists of gastroenterology and pulmonology medical devices which assist in the palliative treatment of expanding esophageal, tracheobronchial and biliary strictures caused by malignant tumors.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2011, we reported record revenues of $91.2 million, up 22% from the three months ended June 30, 2010 of $74.9 million.  Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2011 were a record $177.9 million, compared with $142.4 million for the first six months of 2010, a gain of 25%.

Our base business sales (which exclude Biosphere’s embolization device sales) increased 12.4% for the second quarter of 2011, compared to the second quarter of 2010.  Sales of our base business for the six months ended June 30, 2011 increased 14.7% when compared to the corresponding period for 2010. Sales of BioSphere embolization devices accounted for an increase of 9.3% and 10.2% of sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.

Gross profits were 46.6% and 46.2% of sales for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011, respectively, compared to 43.3% and 42.8% of sales for the three and six-month periods ended June 30,  2010, respectively.  The improvement in gross profits for both periods was primarily due to the addition of higher-margin BioSphere product sales and higher prices and unit sales through our distribution system in China.

Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 was $6.9 million, or $.18 per share, compared to $5.7 million, or $0.16 per share, for the comparable period of 2010.  Net income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2011 was $13.5 million, or $0.37 per share, compared to $10.2 million, or $0.28 per share, for the comparable period of 2010. When compared to the prior year periods, net income for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2011 was favorably affected by higher sales and gross margins, which was partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses and increased research and development expenses.

Our business continues to grow in most of our geographic regions and product groups.  We believe the investments we have made over the past few years in acquisitions and internally developed new products are paying off.  Our acquisitions are providing best-in-class products as well as the pull-through of other core products we sell, which has helped accelerate our sales growth.  We plan to continue to expand our product offerings in strategic foreign markets by moving to a more direct sales approach, similar to our expansion into China.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain operational data as a percentage of sales for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2011

2010

2011

2010

Sales

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Gross profit

46.6

43.3

46.2

42.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses

28.7

26.6

28.5

27.4

Research and development expenses

6.0

5.0

5.9

4.8

Income from operations

11.9

11.7

11.8

10.6

Other income (expense)

(0.3

)

0.1

(0.4

)

0.0

Net income

7.5

7.6

7.6

7.2

Sales. Sales for the three months ended June 30, 2011 increased by 22%, or approximately $16.3 million, compared to the corresponding period of 2010.  Sales for the six months ended June 30, 2011 increased by 25%, or approximately $35.5 million, compared to the corresponding period of 2010.  Listed below are the sales by business segment for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

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Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

% Change

2011

2010

% Change

2011

2010

Cardiovascular

Stand-alone devices

16

%

$

26,737

$

22,981

16

%

$

50,798

$

43,747

Custom kits and procedure trays

12

%

23,349

20,869

14

%

45,931

40,379

Inflation devices

4

%

17,504

16,897

11

%

34,398

31,121

Catheters

13

%

13,370

11,791

17

%

26,108

22,251

Embolization devices

6,980

14,631

Total

21

%

87,940

72,538

25

%

171,866

137,498

Endoscopy

Endoscopy devices

37

%

3,309

2,410

23

%

6,014

4,882

Total

22

%

$

91,249

$

74,948

25

%

$

177,880

$

142,380

Cardiovascular Sales .  Cardiovascular sales growth of 21% for the three months ended June 30, 2011, and 25% for the six months ended June 30, 2011, when compared to the corresponding periods of 2010, was primarily due to sales of stand-alone devices and BioSphere embolization devices of $7.0 million and $14.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.  Sales were also favorably affected by increased sales of custom kits and procedure trays and catheters (particularly our Prelude® sheath product line, aspiration catheter product line and micro catheter product line) and inflation device sales.

Endoscopy Sales .  Endoscopy sales growth of 37% for the three months ended June 30, 2011, and 23% for the six months ended June 30, 2011, when compared to the corresponding periods of 2010, was primarily due to an increase in sales of our Aero® Tracheobronchial stent.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was 46.6% and 46.2% of sales for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011, respectively, compared to 43.3% and 42.8% of sales for the three and six-month periods ended June 30,  2010.  The improvement in gross profit for both periods was primarily due to the addition of higher-margin BioSphere products and higher prices and unit sales through our distribution system in China.

Operating Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 28.7% of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared with 26.6% of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 28.5% of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with 27.4% of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for both periods was primarily related to the addition of sales and marketing employees, trade shows, commissions and amortization of intangibles relating to the BioSphere acquisition and starting up our Chinese distribution system.

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses increased to 6.0% of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared with 5.0% of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Research and development expenses increased to 5.9% of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to 4.8% of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The increase in research and development expenses for both periods related primarily to the BioSphere HiQuality clinical trial, as well as Endotek stent development.

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Operating Income (Loss). The following table sets forth our operating income or loss by business segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2011

2010

2011

2010

Operating Income (Loss)

Cardiovascular

$

11,763

$

10,198

$

22,951

$

17,178

Endoscopy

(916

)

(1,421

)

(1,894

)

(2,055

)

Total operating income

$

10,847

$

8,777

$

21,057

$

15,123

Cardiovascular Operating Income . During the three months ended June 30, 2011, we reported income from operations of approximately $11.8 million from our cardiovascular business segment, compared to income of approximately $10.2 million for the corresponding period of 2010.  For the six months ended June 30, 2011, we reported income from operations of approximately $23.0 million from our cardiovascular business segment, compared to income of approximately $17.2 million for the corresponding period in 2010. When compared to the prior year periods, the operating income for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 was favorably affected by higher sales and gross margins, and was negatively affected by higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

Endoscopy Operating Loss . During the three months ended June 30, 2011, we reported a loss from operations of approximately $916,000 from our endoscopy business segment, compared to a loss of approximately $1.4 million for the corresponding period of 2010. The decrease in operating loss for the three months ended June 30, 2011, when compared to the corresponding period of 2010, was favorably affected by higher sales and gross margins, and negatively affected by higher selling, general and administrative expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, we reported a loss from operations of approximately $1.9 million from our endoscopy business segment, compared to a loss of approximately $2.1 million for the corresponding period of 2010.  The decrease in operating loss for the second quarter of 2011, when compared to the corresponding period of 2010, was favorably affected by higher sales and gross margins, and was negatively affected by higher research and development expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Other Income (Expense). Other expense for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was approximately ($229,000), compared to other income of approximately $62,000 for the corresponding period in 2010.  Other expense for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was approximately ($641,000), compared to other income of approximately $46,000 for the corresponding period in 2010.  The net increase in other expense for both periods was principally the result of interest expense on our long-term debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of BioSphere.

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was 35.3%, unchanged compared to 35.3% for the corresponding period of 2010.  For the six months ended June 30, 2011, our effective tax rate was 33.8%, compared to 32.6% for the corresponding period of 2010.  The increase in the effective tax rate for the six-month period ended June 30, 2011, when compared to the corresponding period of 2010, was primarily related to the increased profit of our U.S. operations which are taxed at a higher rate than our foreign operations (primarily our Irish operations).

Net Income. During the three months ended June 30, 2011, we reported net income of approximately $6.9 million, compared to net income of approximately $5.7 million for the corresponding period of 2010.  For the six months ended June 30, 2011, we reported net income of approximately $13.5 million, compared to net income of approximately $10.2 million for the corresponding period of 2010.  When compared to the prior year periods, net income for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 was favorable affected by higher sales and gross margins, which was partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses and increased research and development expenses

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On June 22, 2011, we completed our first equity offering since 1992 of 5,520,000 shares of common stock and received proceeds of $87.8 million, which is net of approximately $4.6 million in underwriting discounts and commissions (the “Equity Offering”).  We incurred approximately $127,000 in other direct costs in connection

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with this Equity Offering, which is included in accrued expenses at June 30, 2011 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In the short term, we intend to use the proceeds of the Equity Offering to pay down debt and reduce interest costs.  In the longer term, we intend to use the Equity Offering proceeds to invest in capacity and expansion, new products and other business development opportunities.  In addition to these proceeds to common stock, we received approximately $6.8 million in cash related to the exercise of 981,881 of common stock options and approximately $2.9 million in tax benefits attributable to appreciation of these options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Our working capital as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $138.6 million and $72.1 million, respectively.  The increase in working capital was primarily the result of the addition of approximately $87.7 million in net proceeds we received from the Equity Offering.  As of June 30, 2011, we had a current ratio of 4.5 to 1.

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, our inventory balances increased by approximately $2.1 million, from $60.6 million at December 31, 2010 to $62.7 million.  The increase was primarily the result of record sales for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011.

On September 10, 2010, we entered into the Credit Agreement with the Lenders and Wells Fargo.  As of December 31, 2010, Wells Fargo is the only bank involved in the Credit Agreement.  Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have agreed to make revolving credit loans up to an aggregate amount of $125 million.  Wells Fargo has also agreed to make swing line loans from time to time through the maturity date of September 10, 2015 in amounts equal to the difference between the amounts actually loaned by the Lenders and the aggregate credit commitment.  The Credit Agreement contains covenants, representations and warranties and other terms, that are customary for revolving credit facilities of this nature.  In this regard, the Credit Agreement requires us to maintain a leverage ratio, an EBITDA ratio, and a minimum consolidated net income and limits the amount of annual capital expenditures.  Additionally, the Credit Agreement contains various negative covenants with which we must comply, including limitations respecting: the incurrence of indebtedness, the creation of liens on our property, mergers or similar combinations or liquidations, asset dispositions, investments in subsidiaries, and other provisions customary in similar types of agreements.  As of June 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all financial covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement.

As of June 30, 2011, we had outstanding borrowings of approximately $55.0 million under the Credit Agreement, with available borrowings of approximately $70.0 million, based on the leverage ratio in the terms of the Credit Agreement.  Our interest rate under the Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2011, was a fixed rate of 2.73% on $55.0 million as a result of an interest rate swap.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, we paid off all but $55.0 million of the outstanding borrowings on our Credit Agreement from the proceeds received from our Equity Offering.  Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 2011, we paid off the remaining balance under our Credit Agreement of $55.0 million with proceeds received from our Equity Offering and terminated our interest rate swap agreement, which resulted in a cash receipt of and gain of approximately $28,000 upon final settlement.

Historically, we have incurred significant expenses in connection with new facilities, production automation, product development and the introduction of new products.  Over the last two years, we spent a substantial amount of cash in connection with our acquisition of certain assets and product lines ($96.0 million to acquire BioSphere in September 2010 and $46.2 million to acquire the assets of Alveolus, Inc. and Hatch Medical, L.L.C., among other transactions, during 2009).  We plan to construct three new production facilities over the next two years in South Jordan, Utah, Galway, Ireland, and Pearland, Texas and a parking terrace in South Jordan, Utah, with total anticipated costs of approximately $66.0 million. As of June 30, 2011, we had incurred total costs of approximately $17.2 million.  In the event we pursue and complete similar transactions or acquisitions in the future, additional funds will likely be required to meet our strategic needs, which may require us to raise additional funds in the debt or equity markets.  We currently believe that our existing cash balances, anticipated future cash flows from operations, sales of equity, and existing lines of credit and committed debt financing will be adequate to fund our current and currently planned future operations for the next twelve months and the foreseeable future.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Critical Accounting Policies

The SEC has requested that all registrants address their most critical accounting policies.  The SEC has indicated that a “critical accounting policy” is one which is both important to the representation of the registrant’s financial condition and results and requires management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  We base our estimates on past experience and on various other assumptions our management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results will differ, and may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  Additionally, changes in accounting estimates could occur in the future from period to period.  Our management has discussed the development and selection of our most critical financial estimates with the audit committee of our Board of Directors.  The following paragraphs identify our most critical accounting policies:

Inventory Obsolescence Reserve . Our management reviews on a quarterly basis inventory quantities on hand for unmarketable and/or slow-moving products that may expire prior to being sold.  This review includes quantities on hand for both raw materials and finished goods.  Based on this review, we provide a reserve for any slow-moving finished goods or raw materials that we believe will expire prior to being sold or used to produce a finished good and any products that are unmarketable.  This review of inventory quantities for unmarketable and/or slow moving products is based on forecasted product demand prior to expiration lives.

Forecasted unit demand is derived from our historical experience of product sales and production raw material usage.  If market conditions become less favorable than those projected by our management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.  During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, we provided on an annual basis an obsolescence reserve expense of between $1.9 million to $1.5 million and have written off against such reserves between $1.1 million and $1.3 million on an annual basis.  Based on this historical trend, we believe that the amount included in our obsolescence reserve represents an accurate estimate of the unmarketable and/or slow moving products that may expire prior to being sold.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts . A majority of our receivables are with hospitals which, over our history, have demonstrated favorable collection rates.  Therefore, we have experienced relatively minimal bad debts from hospital customers.  In limited circumstances, we have written off bad debts as the result of the termination of our business relationships with foreign distributors.  The most significant write-offs over our history have come from U.S. packers who bundle our products in surgical trays.

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts relating to estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments.  The allowance is based upon historical experience and a review of individual customer balances.  If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Stock-Based Compensation. We measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the value of the award and recognize the cost as an expense over the term of the vesting period.  Judgment is required in estimating the fair value of share-based awards granted and their expected forfeiture rate.  If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and our results of operations could be materially impacted.

Income Taxes. Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best assessment of future taxes to be paid.  Significant judgment and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.  Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense.  In evaluating our ability to recover deferred tax assets, we consider projected future taxable income and recent financial operations.  These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying business.

Under our accounting policies, we initially recognize a tax position in our financial statements when it becomes more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities.  Such tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax positions that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authorities assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.  Although we believe our provisions for unrecognized tax benefits are reasonable, we can make no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which we have

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reflected in our income tax provisions and accruals.  Tax laws are subject to varied interpretations, and we have taken positions related to certain matters where the laws are subject to interpretation.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Impairment. We test our goodwill balances for impairment as of July 1 of each year, or whenever impairment indicators arise.  We utilize several reporting units in evaluating goodwill for impairment.  We assess the estimated fair value of reporting units based on discounted future cash flows.  If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill.  This analysis requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows and the length of time they will occur, which is based on internal forecasts, and a determination of a discount rate based on our weighted average cost of capital.

We evaluate the recoverability of intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. This analysis requires similar significant judgments as those discussed above regarding goodwill, except that undiscounted cash flows are compared to the carrying amount of intangible assets to determine if impairment exists.  All of our intangible assets are subject to amortization.

ITEM 3 . QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our principal market risk relates to changes in the value of the Euro and Great Britain Pound (“GBP”) relative to the value of the U.S. Dollar.  We also have a limited market risk relating to the Chinese Yuan, Swedish and Danish Kroner.  Our consolidated financial statements are denominated in, and our principal currency is, the U.S. Dollar.  For the three months ended June 30, 2011, a portion of our revenues ($13.9 million, representing approximately 15.2% of aggregate revenues), was attributable to sales that were denominated in foreign currencies.  All other international sales were denominated in U.S. Dollars.  Certain of our expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 were also denominated in foreign currencies, which partially offset risks associated with fluctuations of exchanges rates between foreign currencies on the one hand, and the U.S. Dollar on the other hand.  During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the exchange rate between our foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar resulted in an increase in our gross revenues of approximately $951,000 and a decrease of 0.26% in gross profit.  The decrease in gross profits was the result of an increase in our Irish manufacturing expenses which are primarily denominated in Euros.

On May 31, 2011, we forecasted a net exposure for June 30, 2011 (representing the difference between Euro and Great Britain Pound (“GBP”)-denominated receivables and Euro-denominated payables) of approximately 416,000 Euros and 280,000 GBPs.  In order to partially offset such risks, on May 31, 2011, we entered into a 30-day forward contract for the Euro and GBP with notional amounts of approximately 416,000 Euros and 280,000 GBPs.  We enter into similar transactions at various times during the year to partially offset exchange rate risks we bear throughout the year.  These contracts are marked to market at each month-end.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the effect on the consolidated statement of operations of all forward contracts and the fair value of our open positions was not material.

As discussed in Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2011, we had outstanding borrowings of approximately $55.0 million under the Credit Agreement. Accordingly, our earnings and after-tax cash flow are affected by changes in interest rates. As part of our efforts to mitigate interest rate risk, on October 25, 2010, we entered into a LIBOR-based interest rate swap agreement that effectively fixed the interest rate on $55.0 million of our current floating rate bank borrowings for a five-year period. The interest rate swap locked in the Company’s interest rate on the expected outstanding balance of $55.0 million at 2.73%.  This instrument is intended to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations and was not entered into for speculative purposes.

In the event of an adverse change in interest rates, our management would likely take actions, in addition to the interest rate swap agreement discussed above, to mitigate our exposure. However, due to the uncertainty of the actions that would be taken and their possible effects, additional analysis is not possible at this time. Further, such analysis would not consider the effects of the change in the level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment.

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ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of June 30, 2011.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Except as set forth below, during the three months ended June 30, 2011, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

On September 13, 2010, we completed our acquisition of BioSphere. We are currently integrating policies, processes, employees, technology and operations for the combined company. Management will continue to evaluate our internal control over financial reporting as we execute acquisition integration activities .

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to certain legal actions which we consider routine to our business activities.  As of June 30, 2011, our management concluded, after consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate outcome of such legal matters is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS

In addition to other information set forth in this Report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.  The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks we face.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

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ITEM  6.  EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.

Description

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101

The following financial information from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

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SIGNATURES

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

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

REGISTRANT

Date:

August 8, 2011

/s/ FRED P. LAMPROPOULOS

FRED P. LAMPROPOULOS

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Date:

August 8, 2011

/s/ KENT W. STANGER

KENT W. STANGER

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

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