10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2011.

OR

oTRANSITION 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

MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

			PAGE
PART I.		FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
		Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010	1
		Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010	3
		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010	4
		Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	6
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	21
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	22
PART II.		OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1. Legal Proceedings		22
	Item 1A. Risk Factors		22
	Item 6. Exhibits		23
	SIGNATURES		24

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)

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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):

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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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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, we 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

20

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

23

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

24

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Fred P. Lampropoulos, certify that:

1.      I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”) of Medical Systems, Inc. (the “Registrant”);

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 general 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 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 the 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: August 8, 2011

/s/ Fred P. Lampropoulos

Fred P. Lampropoulos

President and Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Kent W. Stanger, certify that:

1.      I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”) of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (the “Registrant”);

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 controls 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 general 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 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 the 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: August 8, 2011

/s/ Kent W. Stanger

Kent W. Stanger

Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial officer)

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer
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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 (the “Report”), I, Fred P. Lampropoulos, 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:

(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 results of operations of the Company.

Date: August 8, 2011	/s/ Fred P. Lampropoulos
	Fred P. Lampropoulos
	President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

This certification accompanies the foregoing Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Registrant for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  A signed original of this certification 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.

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 (the “Report”), I, Kent W. Stanger, Chief 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:

(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 results of operations of the Company.

Date: August 8, 2011	/s/ Kent W. Stanger
	Kent W. Stanger
	Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)

This certification accompanies the foregoing Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Registrant for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  A signed original of this certification 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.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 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 (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.16	$ 0.37	$ 0.29
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.16	$ 0.37	$ 0.28
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES:
Basic (in shares)	36,804	35,243	36,199	35,230
Diluted (in shares)	37,677	35,911	36,966	35,925

XML



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 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
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)
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
Company's common stock surrendered in exchange for the Company's recording of payroll tax liabilities related to the exercise of stock options (in shares)	50,142
Company's common stock surrendered in exchange for the Company's recording of payroll tax liabilities related to the exercise of stock options	819,000
Company's common stock surrendered in exchange for the exercise of stock options (in shares)	53,000
Company's common stock surrendered in exchange for the exercise of stock options	$ 913,000

XML



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
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
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

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Segment Reporting

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

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

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Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

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):

			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.

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Reporting Comprehensive Income

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Reporting Comprehensive Income

Reporting Comprehensive Income

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.

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Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

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).

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Equity

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Equity

Equity

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.

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Long-Term Debt

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt

10.  Long-Term Debt. In connection with our acquisition of BioSphere, we 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%.

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.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

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 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.

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Basis of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

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”).

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Stock-based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation

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.

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Earnings Per Common Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share

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

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

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.

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

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Acquisitions

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Acquisitions

Acquisitions

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):

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.

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.

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Subsequent Events

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

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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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
net capitalized interest	$ 240	$ 0

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Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Aug. 02, 2011
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000856982
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,908,797
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2

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Inventories

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Inventories

Inventories

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

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Derivatives

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Derivatives

Derivatives

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.

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Stock Split

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Stock Split

Stock Split

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.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Trade receivables, allowances (in dollars)	$ 489	$ 593
Intangibles, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$ 12,056	$ 8,996
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Common stock, shares issued	41,908	35,496