Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP).
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Inventories - Provision for estimated excess, slow moving and obsolete inventories – Refer to Note 1 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, at approximate costs determined on a first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value. The Company reviews inventories on hand and records provisions based on estimated excess, slow moving and
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obsolete inventories. The valuation of inventories includes an assessment of future product demand based on historical sales and raw material usage and product expiration.
We identified the provision for estimated excess, slow moving and obsolete inventories as a critical audit matter because of management’s significant judgment and estimates in determining the provision for estimated excess, slow moving and obsolete inventories primarily around forecasted product demand derived from historical experience of product sales and production raw material usage. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to management’s estimate of the valuation of excess, slow moving and obsolete inventories included the following, among others:
● We tested the effectiveness of controls over the provision for estimated excess, slow moving and obsolete inventories.
● We evaluated management’s ability to accurately estimate the provision for estimated excess, slow moving and obsolete inventories by comparing actual write-downs of inventories to management’s historical estimates.
● We tested the calculation of the estimated excess, slow moving and obsolete inventories, on a sample basis, including the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the calculation, such as future product demand based on historical sales and raw material usage and product expiration.
● We assessed the reasonableness of the assumptions used in the calculations of the provision for estimated excess, slow moving and obsolete inventories by developing an independent expectation and comparing our independent expectation to the results of the Company’s calculation.
● We tested the mathematical accuracy of the Company’s calculation of excess, slow moving and obsolete inventories.
Intangible Assets – EGS and Cook Developed Technology – Refer to Note 3 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
On July 1, 2024, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement with Endogastric Solutions, Inc. (“EGS”) to acquire the assets associated with the EsophyX® Z+ device. The Company accounted for this acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangibles assets acquired based on their respective fair values, including developed technology intangible assets of $72.8 million.
On November 1, 2024, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement with Cook Medical Holdings, LLC (“Cook”) to acquire the assets associated with its lead management business. The Company accounted for this acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired based on their respective fair values, including developed technology intangible assets of $126.1 million.
The determination of the fair value of the developed technology intangible assets required management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to future cash flows and the discount rate.
We identified the valuation of the acquired developed technology intangible assets from EGS and Cook as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management made to determine the fair value of the acquired developed technology. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the involvement of our fair value specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s forecasts of future cash flows and the discount rate.
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How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the estimates of future cash flows and discount rate for the acquired EGS and Cook developed technology intangible assets included the following, among others:
● We tested the effectiveness of internal controls over the valuation of the developed technology intangible assets, including those over estimates of future cash flows and the selection of the discount rate.
● We assessed the reasonableness of management’s estimated cash flows by inquiring of management regarding its processes for developing estimated cash flows and comparing the estimates to historical results achieved by the predecessor, historical results of the Company and other acquisitions completed in recent years, and comparable peer companies.
● We performed sensitivity analyses of the significant assumptions used in the developed technology valuation models to evaluate the change in fair value resulting from changes in the significant assumptions.
● With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we (1) evaluated the reasonableness of the valuation methodology; (2) evaluated the reasonableness of the discount rate through comparing the data underlying the determination of the discount rate to independent sources and developed a range of independent estimates and compared those to the discount rates selected by management; and (3) tested the mathematical accuracy of the discounted cash flow calculations.
● We evaluated whether the estimated revenue growth rates and cash flows were consistent with evidence obtained as part of a retrospective review of actual post-acquisition financial results.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Salt Lake City, Utah
February 25, 2025
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1988.
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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
December 31,
December 31,
ASSETS
2024
2023
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
376,715
$
587,036
Trade receivables — net of allowance for credit losses — 2024 — $ 9,729 and 2023 — $ 9,023
190,243
177,885
Other receivables
16,588
10,517
Inventories
306,063
303,871
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
28,544
24,286
Prepaid income taxes
3,286
4,016
Income tax refund receivables
2,335
859
Total current assets
923,774
1,108,470
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements
25,846
26,017
Buildings
192,296
191,491
Manufacturing equipment
340,864
316,930
Furniture and fixtures
61,321
63,044
Leasehold improvements
58,770
53,638
Construction-in-progress
58,673
61,439
Total property and equipment
737,770
712,559
Less accumulated depreciation
( 351,605 )
( 329,036 )
Property and equipment — net
386,165
383,523
Other assets:
Intangible assets:
Developed technology — net of accumulated amortization — 2024 — $ 377,993 and 2023 — $ 321,488
431,766
283,999
Other — net of accumulated amortization — 2024 — $ 85,343 and 2023 — $ 76,887
66,499
41,884
Goodwill
463,511
382,240
Deferred income tax assets
16,044
7,288
Right-of-use operating lease assets
65,508
63,047
Other assets
65,336
54,793
Total other assets
1,108,664
833,251
Total assets
$
2,418,603
$
2,325,244
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
(continued)
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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
December 31,
December 31,
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
2024
2023
Current liabilities:
Trade payables
$
68,502
$
65,944
Accrued expenses
134,077
120,447
Short-term operating lease liabilities
10,331
12,087
Income taxes payable
3,492
5,086
Total current liabilities
216,402
203,564
Long-term debt
729,551
823,013
Deferred income tax liabilities
240
5,547
Long-term income taxes payable
—
347
Liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits
2,118
1,912
Deferred compensation payable
19,197
17,167
Deferred credits
1,502
1,605
Long-term operating lease liabilities
54,783
56,259
Other long-term obligations
15,451
13,830
Total liabilities
1,039,244
1,123,244
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock — 5,000 shares authorized; no shares issued as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
—
—
Common stock, no par value — 100,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 - 58,743 and December 31, 2023 - 57,858
703,219
638,150
Retained earnings
695,541
575,184
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
( 19,401 )
( 11,334 )
Total stockholders’ equity
1,379,359
1,202,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
2,418,603
$
2,325,244
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
(concluded)
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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2024
2023
2022
Net sales
$
1,356,514
$
1,257,366
$
1,150,981
Cost of sales
713,181
673,494
631,882
Gross profit
643,333
583,872
519,099
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative
399,731
373,676
342,525
Research and development
87,466
82,728
75,510
Impairment charges
—
270
2,219
Contingent consideration expense
443
1,704
4,611
Acquired in-process research and development
—
1,550
6,671
Total operating expenses
487,640
459,928
431,536
Income from operations
155,693
123,944
87,563
Other income (expense):
Interest income
26,230
2,456
439
Interest expense
( 31,219 )
( 15,511 )
( 6,339 )
Other income (expense) — net
( 711 )
1,200
966
Total other expense — net
( 5,700 )
( 11,855 )
( 4,934 )
Income before income taxes
149,993
112,089
82,629
Income tax expense
29,636
17,678
8,113
Net income
$
120,357
$
94,411
$
74,516
Earnings per common share
Basic
$
2.07
$
1.64
$
1.31
Diluted
$
2.03
$
1.62
$
1.29
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic
58,218
57,593
56,806
Diluted
59,365
58,356
57,671
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
2024
2023
2022
Net income
$
120,357
$
94,411
$
74,516
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Cash flow hedges
1,444
( 3,570 )
9,007
Income tax benefit (expense)
( 341 )
866
( 2,177 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
( 9,224 )
2,959
( 10,491 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
54
( 39 )
102
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
( 8,067 )
216
( 3,559 )
Total comprehensive income
$
112,290
$
94,627
$
70,957
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
Common Stock
Retained
Accumulated Other
Shares
Amount
Earnings
Comprehensive Loss
Total
BALANCE — January 1, 2022
56,570
$
641,533
$
406,257
$
( 7,991 )
$
1,039,799
Net income
74,516
74,516
Other comprehensive loss
( 3,559 )
( 3,559 )
Stock-based compensation expense
16,045
16,045
Options exercised
703
20,092
20,092
Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plans
19
1,118
1,118
Shares issued from time-vested restricted stock units
70
—
—
Shares surrendered in exchange for payment of payroll tax liabilities
( 38 )
( 2,474 )
( 2,474 )
Shares surrendered in exchange for exercise of stock options
( 18 )
( 1,140 )
( 1,140 )
BALANCE — December 31, 2022
57,306
675,174
480,773
( 11,550 )
1,144,397
Net income
94,411
94,411
Other comprehensive income
216
216
Stock-based compensation expense
19,043
19,043
Options exercised
606
20,312
20,312
Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plans
15
1,081
1,081
Shares issued from time-vested restricted stock units
92
—
—
Purchase of capped call option
—
( 66,528 )
( 66,528 )
Shares surrendered in exchange for payment of payroll tax liabilities
( 75 )
( 5,123 )
( 5,123 )
Shares surrendered in exchange for exercise of stock options
( 86 )
( 5,809 )
( 5,809 )
BALANCE — December 31, 2023
57,858
638,150
575,184
( 11,334 )
1,202,000
Net income
120,357
120,357
Other comprehensive loss
( 8,067 )
( 8,067 )
Stock-based compensation expense
25,753
25,753
Options exercised
824
39,746
39,746
Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plans
14
1,162
1,162
Shares issued from time-vested restricted stock units
68
—
—
Shares surrendered in exchange for payment of payroll tax liabilities
( 21 )
( 1,592 )
( 1,592 )
BALANCE — December 31, 2024
58,743
$
703,219
$
695,541
$
( 19,401 )
$
1,379,359
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
2024
2023
2022
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
$
120,357
$
94,411
$
74,516
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
102,709
89,985
81,804
(Gain) loss on disposition of business
—
( 431 )
1,417
Loss on sale or abandonment of property and equipment
1,490
5,838
380
Write-off of certain intangible assets and other long-term assets
456
506
2,281
Acquired in-process research and development
—
1,550
6,671
Amortization of right-of-use operating lease assets
12,023
11,307
10,394
Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration liabilities
443
1,704
4,611
Amortization of deferred credits
( 103 )
( 104 )
( 107 )
Amortization and write-off of long-term debt issuance costs
6,769
1,717
604
Deferred income taxes
( 14,873 )
( 12,643 )
( 14,924 )
Stock-based compensation expense
28,473
21,333
18,042
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures:
Trade receivables
( 13,686 )
( 11,916 )
( 15,116 )
Other receivables
( 6,482 )
2,429
4,154
Inventories
( 2,287 )
( 32,105 )
( 47,929 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
( 4,295 )
1,281
( 1,798 )
Prepaid income taxes
709
( 92 )
( 379 )
Income tax refund receivables
( 1,536 )
( 58 )
1,952
Other assets
( 6,066 )
( 5,976 )
657
Trade payables
( 2,314 )
( 7,297 )
12,661
Accrued expenses
9,715
( 2,484 )
( 16,379 )
Income taxes payable
( 1,785 )
( 1,685 )
4,521
Liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits
206
—
( 45 )
Deferred compensation payable
2,030
1,903
( 2,848 )
Operating lease liabilities
( 12,183 )
( 11,492 )
( 11,127 )
Other long-term obligations
1,029
( 2,530 )
278
Total adjustments
100,442
50,740
39,775
Net cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash provided by operating activities
220,799
145,151
114,291
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures for:
Property and equipment
( 35,140 )
( 34,290 )
( 45,029 )
Intangible assets
( 2,903 )
( 2,411 )
( 3,175 )
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
5
201
65
Proceeds (payments) from disposition of business
—
431
( 971 )
Cash paid for notes receivable and other investments
( 10,433 )
( 4,755 )
( 1,412 )
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash acquired
( 320,182 )
( 134,523 )
( 6,875 )
Net cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash used in investing activities
$
( 368,653 )
$
( 175,347 )
$
( 57,397 )
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
(continued)
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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
2024
2023
2022
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
$
40,908
$
15,584
$
20,070
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
—
1,199,203
215,205
Payments on long-term debt
( 99,063 )
( 579,624 )
( 260,143 )
Purchase of capped call option
—
( 66,528 )
—
Long-term debt issuance costs
—
( 677 )
—
Contingent payments related to acquisitions
( 261 )
( 3,569 )
( 32,918 )
Payment of taxes related to an exchange of common stock
( 1,592 )
( 5,123 )
( 2,474 )
Net cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (used in) provided by financing activities
( 60,008 )
559,266
( 60,260 )
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
( 2,515 )
( 484 )
( 3,826 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
( 210,377 )
528,586
( 7,192 )
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH:
Beginning of period
589,144
60,558
67,750
End of period
$
378,767
$
589,144
$
60,558
RECONCILIATION OF CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH TO THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
376,715
587,036
58,408
Restricted cash reported in prepaid expenses and other current assets
2,052
2,108
2,150
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
378,767
$
589,144
$
60,558
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of capitalized interest of $ 1,005 , $ 1,272 and $ 858 , respectively)
$
23,244
$
14,051
$
6,258
Income taxes
45,047
31,534
17,092
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Property and equipment purchases in accounts payable
$
13,244
$
8,267
$
3,702
Acquisition purchases in accrued expenses and other long-term obligations
4,956
3,713
3,526
Merit common stock surrendered ( 0 , 86 , and 18 shares, respectively) in exchange for exercise of stock options
—
5,809
1,140
Right-of-use operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
9,947
8,891
11,130
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
(concluded)
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MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization . Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (“Merit,” “we,” or “us”) designs, develops, manufactures and markets 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 medical device products which assist in diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and other non-vascular diseases and includes embolotherapeutic, cardiac rhythm management, electrophysiology, critical care, and interventional oncology and spine devices. Our endoscopy segment consists of gastroenterology and pulmonology devices which assist in the palliative treatment of expanding esophageal, tracheobronchial and biliary strictures caused by malignant tumors. Within those two operating segments, we offer products focused in five product categories: peripheral intervention, cardiac intervention, custom procedural solutions, original equipment manufacturer (“ OEM”) and endoscopy.
We manufacture our products in plants located in the U.S., Mexico, The Netherlands, Ireland, France, Brazil and Singapore. We export sales to dealers and have direct or modified direct sales forces in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe, Australia, Brazil, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, UAE, India, New Zealand and South Africa (see Note 13 Segment Reporting and Foreign Operations ).
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation . Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include our wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Amounts presented in this report are rounded, while percentages and earnings per share amounts presented are calculated from the underlying amounts.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we elected to change the presentation of investments in privately held companies within the statements of cash flows to be included within Cash paid for notes receivable and other investments . Previously, amounts paid to acquire such investments were presented within Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash acquired . The change in presentation had no material impact on previously reported financial information and comparative periods have been adjusted to reflect this change in presentation.
Use of Estimates in Preparing Financial Statements . The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents . We consider interest-bearing deposits and money market funds with an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had restricted cash for the payment of certain import and other taxes for our subsidiary in China of $ 2.1 million and $ 2.1 million, respectively, which was reported within prepaid expenses and other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
Receivables . Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the net invoice value and are not interest-bearing. An allowance for credit losses on trade receivables is recorded based on our expectation of credit losses and is based upon our historical bad debt experience, current economic conditions, expectations of future economic conditions and management’s evaluation of our ability to collect individual outstanding balances. Once collection efforts have been exhausted and a receivable is deemed to be uncollectible, such balance is charged against the allowance for credit losses.
Inventories . We value our inventories at the lower of cost, at approximate costs determined on a first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Inventory costs include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. We review inventories on hand and record provisions based on estimated excess, slow moving and obsolete inventories, as well as inventories with a carrying value in excess of net realizable value. The regular and systematic review
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of the valuation of inventories includes an assessment of future product demand based on historical sales and raw material usage and product expiration.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets . We test goodwill balances for impairment on an annual basis as of July 1 or whenever impairment indicators arise. When impairment indicators are identified, we may elect to perform an optional qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units has fallen below their carrying value. During our annual impairment test, we utilize four reporting units in evaluating goodwill for impairment using a quantitative assessment, which uses a combination of a guideline public company market-based approach and a discounted cash flow income-based approach. The quantitative assessment considers whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, in which case an impairment charge is recorded to the extent the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value.
Finite-lived intangible assets including developed technology, customer lists, distribution agreements, license agreements, trademarks and patents are subject to amortization. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful life on a straight-line basis, except for customer lists, which are generally amortized on an accelerated basis. Estimated useful lives are determined considering the period the assets are expected to contribute to future cash flows. We evaluate long-lived assets, including amortizing intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We perform the impairment analysis at the asset group for which the lowest level of identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. We compare the carrying value of the asset group to the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the asset group and determine whether the carrying amount is recoverable. We determine the fair value of each asset group based on estimated future cash flows discounted back to their present value using a discount rate that reflects the risk profiles of the underlying activities.
In-process technology intangible assets, which are not subject to amortization until projects reach commercialization, are assessed for impairment at least annually and more frequently if events occur that would indicate a potential reduction in the fair value of the assets below their carrying value. An impairment charge would be recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the in-process technology exceeded its fair value.
D uring the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded no impairment charges related to our intangible assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022 , we recorded total impairment charges related to our intangible assets of $ 1.7 million for our divestiture on April 30, 2022 of the STD Pharmaceutical Products Limited (“STD Pharmaceutical”) business acquired in our August 2019 acquisition of Fibrovein Holdings Limited, which pertained to our cardiovascular segment. The primary indicators of impairment were restructuring activities and uncertainty about future product development and commercialization associated with certain acquired technologies.
Long-Lived Assets . We periodically review the carrying amount of our long-lived assets, including property and equipment, intangible assets, and right-of-use operating lease assets, for impairment. An asset is considered impaired when undiscounted estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset based on the criteria for accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets under ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment . In the event the carrying amount of such asset is not considered recoverable, the asset is adjusted to its fair value. Fair value is generally determined based on discounted future cash flow. The Company recorded write downs of property and equipment in each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
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Property and Equipment . Property and equipment is stated at the historical cost of construction or purchase. Construction costs include interest costs capitalized during construction. Maintenance and repairs of property and equipment are charged to operations as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the base term of the lease or estimated life of the leasehold improvements. Construction-in-process consists of new buildings and various production equipment being constructed internally and externally. Assets in construction-in-process will commence depreciating once the asset has been placed in service. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:
Buildings
40 years
Manufacturing equipment
4 - 20 years
Furniture and fixtures
3 - 20 years
Land improvements
10 - 20 years
Leasehold improvements
4 - 25 years
Depreciation expense related to property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $ 37.2 million, $ 34.0 million, and $ 33.4 million, respectively.
Deferred Compensation . We have a deferred compensation plan that permits certain management employees to defer a portion of their salary until the future. We established a Rabbi trust to finance obligations under the plan with corporate-owned variable life insurance contracts. The cash surrender value totaled $ 20.7 million and $ 18.3 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which is included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We have recorded a deferred compensation payable of $ 19.2 million and $ 17.2 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, to reflect the liability to our employees under this plan.
Other Assets . Other assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following (in thousands):
2024
2023
Investments in privately held companies
$
22,832
$
19,061
Deferred compensation plan assets
20,716
18,309
Long-term notes receivable, net
9,423
3,241
Other
12,365
14,182
Total
$
65,336
$
54,793
We analyze our investments in privately held companies to determine if they should be accounted for using the equity method based on our ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investment. Our share of earnings associated with equity method investments is reported within other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of income. Investments not accounted for under the equity method of accounting are accounted for at cost minus impairment, if applicable, plus or minus changes in valuation resulting from observable transactions for identical or similar investments. We paid $ 3.8 million, $ 4.0 million, and $ 1.4 million in the acquisition of additional equity investments and have no cumulative impairments or other fair value adjustments associated with our existing investments. Refer to Note 15, Fair Value Measurements , for details of impairments of securities previously classified as equity investments.
Other Long-term Obligations. Other long-term obligations as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following (in thousands):
2024
2023
Contingent consideration liabilities
$
3,128
$
3,039
Other long-term obligations
12,323
10,791
Total
$
15,451
$
13,830
In connection with a business combination, any contingent consideration is recorded at fair value on the acquisition date based upon the consideration expected to be transferred in the future. We re-measure the estimated liability each quarter based upon changes in revenue estimates, changes in the probability of achieving relevant milestones and changes in the
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discount rate or expected period of payment. Changes in the estimated fair value are recorded through operating expense in our consolidated statements of income.
Revenue Recognition . We sell our medical products through a direct sales force in the U.S. and through OEM relationships, custom procedure tray manufacturers and a combination of direct sales force and independent distributors in international markets. Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods based on the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for these goods. This core principle is achieved through the following steps:
Identify the contract with the customer . A contract with a customer exists when (i) we enter into an enforceable contract with a customer that defines each party’s rights regarding the goods to be transferred and identifies the payment terms related to these goods, (ii) the contract has commercial substance and (iii) we determine that collection of substantially all consideration for services that are transferred is probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration. We do not have significant costs to obtain contracts with customers. For commissions on product sales, we have elected the practical expedient to expense the costs as incurred if the amortization period would have been one year or less.
Identify the performance obligations in the contract . Generally, our contracts with customers do not include multiple performance obligations to be completed over a period of time. Our performance obligations generally relate to delivering single-use medical products to a customer, subject to the shipping terms of the contract. Limited warranties are provided, under which we typically accept returns and provide either replacement parts or refunds. We do not have significant returns. We do not typically offer extended warranty or service plans, except in limited cases which are not material.
Determine the transaction price . Payment by the customer is due under customary fixed payment terms, and we evaluate if collectability is reasonably assured. Our contracts do not typically contain a financing component. Revenue is recorded at the net sales price, which includes estimates of variable consideration such as product returns, rebates, discounts, and other adjustments. The estimates of variable consideration are based on historical payment experience, historical and projected sales data, and current contract terms. Variable consideration is included in revenue only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Taxes collected from customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenues.
Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract . We typically do not have multiple performance obligations in our contracts with customers. As such, we generally recognize revenue upon transfer of the product to the customer’s control at contractually stated pricing.
Recognize revenue when or as we satisfy a performance obligation. We generally satisfy performance obligations at a point in time upon either shipment or delivery of goods, in accordance with the terms of each contract with the customer. We do not have significant service revenue. Contract assets are recognized for the future right to invoice customers, and contract liabilities are recognized for unearned revenue if payment is received prior to our fulfillment of performance obligations. We do not have material contract assets or contract liabilities.
Reserves are recorded as a reduction in net sales and are not considered material to our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. In addition, we invoice our customers for taxes assessed by governmental authorities, such as sales tax and value-added taxes. We present these taxes on a net basis.
Shipping and Handling . When billed to our customers, shipping and handling charges are included in net sales for the applicable period, and the corresponding shipping and handling expense is reported in cost of sales.
Cost of Sales . We include product costs (i.e., material, direct labor and overhead costs), shipping and handling expense, product royalty expense, developed technology amortization expense, production-related depreciation expense and product license agreement expense in cost of sales.
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Research and Development . Research and development costs, including new product development, clinical trials, and regulatory compliance, are expensed as incurred.
Restructuring. Restructuring charges consist primarily of termination benefits for employees effected by certain site consolidation and production line optimization transfers related to the company’s transformation initiatives. We account for involuntary employee termination benefits that represent a one-time benefit in accordance with ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations . Severance costs accounted for under ASC 420 are recognized when management with the proper level of authority commits to a restructuring plan and communicates these actions to employees and other applicable criteria. We record such costs into expense over the employee’s future service period, if any. Other exit costs are accounted for under ASC 420 and are either deferred or expensed as incurred based on the nature of the expense. We recorded restructuring charges of $ 3.1 million, $ 2.7 million and $ 7.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These expenses are reflected within selling, general and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of income. The restructuring reserve balance as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $ 1.1 million and $ 4.1 million, respectively.
Income Taxes . 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 positions are reasonable, we can make no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which we have reflected in our income tax provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material impact on our income tax provisions and operating results in the periods in which we make such determination.
Earnings per Common Share . Net income per common share is computed by both the basic method, which uses the weighted average number of our common shares outstanding, and the diluted method, which includes the potentially dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding. Performance stock units are considered contingently issuable awards and are excluded from the weighted average basic share calculation. These awards are included in the weighted average dilutive share calculation, to the extent they are dilutive, based on the number of shares, if any, that would be issuable as of the end of the reporting period assuming the end of the reporting period is also the end of the performance period. For Convertible Notes, the dilutive effect is calculated using the if-converted method.
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 in the following three categories:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
Stock-Based Compensation . We recognize the fair value compensation cost relating to stock-based payment transactions in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation . Under the provisions of ASC 718, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized over the employee’s requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The fair value of our stock options is estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. The fair value of our performance stock units linked to total shareholder return is estimated using Monte-Carlo simulations. Compensation expense is adjusted each period based on the grant-date fair value and the number of shares that are probable of being awarded based on the performance conditions of the awards. Restricted stock units are valued based on the closing stock price on the date of grant. Cash-settled share-based awards, or liability awards, are remeasured at fair value each reporting period until the awards are settled. Total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $ 28.5 million, $ 21.3 million, and $ 18.0 million, respectively (see Note 12, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Stock Options and Warrants ).
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Concentration of Credit Risk . Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We provide credit, in the normal course of business, primarily to hospitals and independent third-party custom procedure tray manufacturers and distributors. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and maintain allowances for potential credit losses. Due to the diversified nature and number of our customers, concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited.
Foreign Currency . The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are measured using local currencies as the functional currency, with the exception of our manufacturing subsidiaries in Ireland and Mexico, which each use the U.S. Dollar as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. Dollars at year-end rates of exchange and results of operations are translated at average rates for the year. Gains and losses resulting from these translations are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Transactional exchange gains or losses are included in other income (expense) in determining net income for the period.
Derivatives . We use forward contracts to mitigate our exposure to volatility in foreign exchange rates, and we used an interest rate swap to hedge changes in the benchmark interest rate related to our Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement described in Note 8, Debt . All derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Classification of each hedging instrument is based upon whether the maturity of the instrument is less than or greater than 12 months. We do not purchase or hold derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes (see Note 9, Derivatives ).
Recently Adopted Financial Accounting Standards. In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting , which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions in accounting for modifications of contracts that reference the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. Entities can elect not to apply certain modification accounting requirements to contracts affected by what the guidance calls “reference rate reform” if certain criteria are met. An entity that makes this election would not have to remeasure the contracts at the modification date or reassess a previous accounting determination. Also, entities can elect various optional expedients that would allow them to continue applying hedge accounting for hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 , which defers the sunset date of the guidance in ASC 848 to December 31, 2024. During 2023, we transitioned our interest rate swap agreement to reference the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) in connection with reference rate reform and adopted certain optional expedients provided in ASU 2020-04 in relation to contract modifications and hedge accounting that allowed us to continue hedge accounting for our interest rate swap cash flow hedge (see Note 9, Derivatives ). The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures , which requires a public entity to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2024, and applied the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in our consolidated financial statements (see Note 13, Segment Reporting and Foreign Operations ). The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures , which amends Income Taxes (Topic 740) . The FASB issued this update to improve annual basis income tax disclosures related to (1) rate reconciliation, (2) income taxes paid, and (3) other disclosures related to pretax income (or loss) and income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025, with early adoption permitted. These amendments are to be applied on a prospective basis. Retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statement disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires a public entity to disclose certain operating expenses disaggregated into categories, such as purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization on an annual and interim basis. ASU 2024-03 is effective
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for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The provisions within the update may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented in the financial statements. While we are still evaluating the specific impacts and adoption method, we anticipate this guidance will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statement disclosures.
We currently believe there are no other issued and not yet effective accounting standards that are materially relevant to our financial statements.
2. REVENUES
Disaggregation of Revenue. Our revenue is disaggregated based on reporting segment, product category and geographical region. We design, develop, manufacture and market 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 four product categories: peripheral intervention, cardiac intervention, custom procedural solutions, and OEM. Within these product categories, we sell a variety of products, including cardiology and radiology devices (which assist in diagnosing and treating coronary arterial disease, peripheral vascular disease and other non-vascular diseases), as well as embolotherapeutic, cardiac rhythm management, electrophysiology, critical care, breast cancer localization and guidance, biopsy, and interventional oncology and spine devices. Our endoscopy segment consists of gastroenterology and pulmonology devices which assist in the palliative treatment of expanding esophageal, tracheobronchial and biliary strictures caused by malignant tumors.
The following table presents sales by operating segment disaggregated based on product category and geographic region for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands).
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
United States
International
Total
United States
International
Total
United States
International
Total
Cardiovascular
Peripheral Intervention
$
331,514
$
220,654
$
552,168
$
299,313
$
202,907
$
502,220
$
263,602
$
176,208
$
439,810
Cardiac Intervention
147,992
223,001
370,993
143,755
214,696
358,451
128,711
214,475
343,186
Custom Procedural Solutions
122,330
78,871
201,201
114,010
81,323
195,333
108,778
81,416
190,194
OEM
147,108
30,274
177,382
135,525
29,031
164,556
118,869
26,165
145,034
Total
748,944
552,800
1,301,744
692,603
527,957
1,220,560
619,960
498,264
1,118,224
Endoscopy
Endoscopy Devices
51,836
2,934
54,770
34,386
2,420
36,806
30,599
2,158
32,757
Total
$
800,780
$
555,734
$
1,356,514
$
726,989
$
530,377
$
1,257,366
$
650,559
$
500,422
$
1,150,981
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3. ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS
2024 Acquisitions
On November 1, 2024, pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Cook Purchase Agreement”) dated September 18, 2024 between Merit and Cook Medical Holdings LLC, (“Cook”), we acquired Cook’s lead management business, which is composed of a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio of medical devices and accessories used in lead management procedures for patients who need a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead removed or replaced. We acquired the portfolio for a purchase price of $ 210 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. We accounted for this transaction under the acquisition method of accounting as a business combination. The sales related to the acquisition have been included in our Cardiovascular segment since the acquisition date and were $ 5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. It is not practical to separately report earnings related to the acquisition, as we began to immediately integrate the acquisition into the existing operations, sales distribution networks and management structure of our cardiovascular business segment. Acquisition-related costs associated with the transaction, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income were approximately $ 5.4 million. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated as follows (in thousands):
Assets Acquired
Intangible assets
Developed technology
$
126,100
Trademarks
7,100
Customer List
11,100
Goodwill
65,897
Total assets acquired
210,197
Liabilities Assumed
Accrued expenses
197
Total liabilities assumed
197
Total net assets acquired
$
210,000
We are amortizing Cook developed technology intangible assets over ten years , the trademark intangible assets over 12 years , and the customer list intangible asset on an accelerated basis over 12 years . We have estimated the weighted average life of the intangible assets acquired from Cook to be 10.3 years. The goodwill consists largely of the synergies expected from combining operations and is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The pro forma effects on our consolidated results of operations of the Cook acquisition are not material in relation to reported sales and it was deemed impracticable to obtain information to determine earnings associated with the acquired product lines which represent only a small portion of the product lines of a large, consolidated company without standalone financial information .
On July 1, 2024, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “EGS Purchase Agreement”) with EndoGastric Solutions, Inc. (“EGS”), pursuant to which we acquired the EsophyX® Z+ device and various assets related thereto (collectively, the “EGS Acquisition”), which are designed to deliver a durable, minimally invasive non-pharmacological treatment option for patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease. We acquired the purchased assets identified under the EGS Purchase Agreement for a purchase price of $ 105 million. We accounted for the EGS Acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting as a business combination. The sales related to the EGS Acquisition have been included in our endoscopy segment since the acquisition date and were $ 14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. It is not practical to separately report earnings related to the EGS Acquisition, as we began to immediately integrate the acquisition into the existing operations, sales distribution networks and management structure of our endoscopy business segment. Acquisition-related costs associated with the EGS Acquisition, which were included in selling, general
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and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income were approximately $ 3.4 million. The purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):
Assets Acquired
Trade receivables
$
2,568
Inventories
3,553
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
99
Property and equipment
258
Intangible assets
Developed technology
72,800
Trademarks
5,400
Customer list
6,600
Goodwill
16,997
Total assets acquired
108,275
Liabilities Assumed
Trade payables
494
Accrued expenses
2,752
Total liabilities assumed
3,246
Total net assets acquired
$
105,029
We are amortizing the EGS developed technology intangible assets over ten years , the trademark intangible assets over 11 years , and the customer list intangible asset on an accelerated basis over 11 years . We have estimated the weighted average life of the intangible assets acquired from EGS to be 10.1 years. The goodwill consists largely of the synergies expected from combining operations and is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The pro forma effects to our consolidated results of operations of the EGS Acquisition are not material in relation to reported sales.
On March 8, 2024, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with Scholten Surgical Instruments, Inc. (“SSI”) to acquire the assets associated with the Bioptome, Novatome, and Sensatome devices. The total purchase price of the SSI assets included an up-front payment of $ 3 million, and three deferred payments, including (i) $ 1 million payable upon the earlier of (a) the first anniversary of the closing date or (b) the date on which Merit can independently manufacture the purchased devices (“Deferred Payment Date”), (ii) $ 1 million payable upon the first anniversary of the Deferred Payment Date, and (iii) $ 1 million payable upon the second anniversary of the Deferred Payment Date. We have accounted for this transaction as an asset purchase, and recorded the amount paid and deferred payments as a developed technology intangible asset, which we are amortizing over eight years .
2023 Acquisitions
On June 8, 2023, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with AngioDynamics, Inc. (“AngioDynamics”) to acquire the assets associated with a portfolio of dialysis catheter products and the BioSentry® Biopsy Tract Sealant System for a purchase price of $ 100 million. We accounted for this transaction under the acquisition method of accounting as a business combination. The sales related to the acquisition have been included in our cardiovascular segment since the acquisition date and were approximately $ 26.9 million and $ 14.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. It is not practical to separately report earnings related to the acquisition, as we began to immediately integrate the acquisition into existing operations, sales distribution networks and management structure of our cardiovascular business segment. Acquisition-related costs associated with the AngioDynamics acquisition, which are included in selling,
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general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, were approximately $ 4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):
Assets Acquired
Prepaid expenses
$
2,000
Inventories
5,254
Property and equipment
108
Intangible assets
Developed technology
65,200
Trademarks
4,000
Customer list
5,800
Goodwill
17,638
Total net assets acquired
$
100,000
We are amortizing the AngioDynamics developed technology intangible assets over ten years , the trademark intangible assets over 11 years , and the customer list intangible asset on an accelerated basis over ten years . We have estimated the weighted average life of the intangible assets acquired from AngioDynamics to be 10.5 years. The goodwill consists largely of the synergies expected from combining operations and is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The pro forma effects on our consolidated results of operations of the AngioDynamics acquisition are not material in relation to reported sales and it was deemed impracticable to obtain information due to the unavailability of the information provided to the Company, management’s inability to reasonably estimate the amounts from the carve out of assets and differing fiscal year-end of the acquired business.
On May 4, 2023, we entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire the assets associated with the Surfacer® Inside-Out® Access Catheter System from Bluegrass Vascular Technologies, Inc. (“Bluegrass”), for a purchase price of approximately $ 32.7 million. Prior to the acquisition, we held an equity investment of 1,251,878 Bluegrass common shares representing approximately 19.5 % ownership in Bluegrass. The fair value of this previously held equity investment of approximately $ 0.2 million is included in the purchase price allocation. We accounted for this transaction under the acquisition method of accounting as a business combination. The sales and results of operations related to the acquisition have been included in our cardiovascular segment since the acquisition date and were not material. Acquisition-related costs associated with the Bluegrass acquisition, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, are not material. The purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):
Assets Acquired
Inventories
$
175
Intangible assets
Developed technology
28,000
Trademarks
900
Goodwill
3,898
Total net assets acquired
$
32,973
We are amortizing the Bluegrass developed technology intangible asset over 15 years and the related trademarks over 13 years . We have estimated the weighted average life of the intangible assets acquired from Bluegrass to be 14.9 years. The goodwill consists largely of the synergies expected from combining operations and is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The pro forma effects on our consolidated results of operations of the Bluegrass acquisition are not material.
On May 1, 2023, we entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire certain assets from ART, related to intellectual property rights for soft tissue markers. The total purchase price of the ART assets included an up-front payment of $ 0.8 million, a deferred payment of $ 0.8 million payable upon the first to occur of (1) shipment and installation of two commercial production winders used to manufacture the product or (2) 30 days after delivery of the winders to Merit, and, a deferred payment of $ 0.5 million payable upon regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Merit to commence commercialization, marketing and sale of the product in the United States. We have accounted for this
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transaction as an asset purchase and recorded $ 1.5 million of acquired in-process research and development expense associated with the upfront payment and completion of the milestone related to the installation of the commercial production winders. The final payment will be capitalized as a developed technology intangible asset when paid upon completion of the regulatory approval milestone under the terms of the asset purchase agreement. The payments are reported within operating expenses because the technological feasibility of the underlying research and development project has not yet been reached and such technology has no identified future alternative use as of the date of acquisition.
2022 Acquisitions
On October 3, 2022, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with BioTrace Medical, Inc., developer of the Tempo® Temporary Pacing Lead device, for a purchase price of $ 2.5 million. W e are also required to pay a total of six annual royalty payments between 5 % and 10 % of net sales, dependent on net sales goal achievement, u pon achievement of the first device sold in the United States . We accounted for this transaction as an asset purchase. We recorded the amount paid upon closing as a developed technology intangible asset, which we are amortizing over 10 years .
On April 30, 2022, we acquired the Restore Endosystems Bifurcated Stent System pursuant to the terms of a unit purchase agreement we executed with all of the members of Restore Endosystems LLC. Subject to the terms and conditions of the unit purchase agreement, we paid $ 3 million in cash at closing. We also accrued $ 3.5 million of other long-term obligations, which represents the fair value of two separate $ 2 million payments which are payable no later than two and four years following the closing of the acquisition, respectively, or earlier upon the achievement of specified milestones. We will impute interest on these liabilities with the passage of time. We have accounted for this transaction as an asset purchase and recorded $ 6.5 million of acquired in-process research and development expense because the technological feasibility of the underlying research and development project has not yet been reached and such technology has no identified future alternative use as of the date of acquisition.
4. INVENTORIES
Inventories at December 31, 2024 and 2023, consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Finished goods
$
168,437
$
158,893
Work-in-process
27,114
25,420
Raw materials
110,512
119,558
Total inventories
$
306,063
$
303,871
5. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, are as follows (in thousands):
2024
2023
Cardiovascular
Endoscopy
Total
Cardiovascular
Endoscopy
Total
Goodwill balance at January 1
$
382,240
$
—
$
382,240
$
359,821
$
—
$
359,821
Effect of foreign exchange
( 1,623 )
—
( 1,623 )
883
—
883
Additions and adjustments as the result of acquisitions
65,897
16,997
82,894
21,536
—
21,536
Goodwill balance at December 31
$
446,514
$
16,997
$
463,511
$
382,240
$
—
$
382,240
Total accumulated goodwill impairment losses aggregated to $ 8.3 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. We did no t have any goodwill impairments for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
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Other intangible assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023, consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31, 2024
Gross Carrying
Accumulated
Net Carrying
Amount
Amortization
Amount
Patents
$
31,489
$
( 12,824 )
$
18,665
Distribution agreements
3,250
( 2,994 )
256
License agreements
11,557
( 9,125 )
2,432
Trademarks
47,613
( 24,177 )
23,436
Customer lists
57,933
( 36,223 )
21,710
Total
$
151,842
$
( 85,343 )
$
66,499
December 31, 2023
Gross Carrying
Accumulated
Net Carrying
Amount
Amortization
Amount
Patents
$
28,877
$
( 10,916 )
$
17,961
Distribution agreements
3,250
( 2,919 )
331
License agreements
11,142
( 8,327 )
2,815
Trademarks
35,135
( 20,804 )
14,331
Customer lists
40,367
( 33,921 )
6,446
Total
$
118,771
$
( 76,887 )
$
41,884
Aggregate amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $ 65.6 million, $ 56.1 million, and $ 48.4 million, respectively.
Estimated amortization expense for the developed technology and other intangible assets for the next five years consists of the following as of December 31, 2024 (in thousands):
Year ending December 31,
Estimated Amortization Expense
2025
$
83,747
2026
73,155
2027
69,188
2028
67,790
2029
56,115
6. INCOME TAXES
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) Pillar 2 global minimum tax rules, which generally provide for a minimum effective tax rate of 15%, are intended to apply for tax years beginning in 2024. On February 2, 2023, the OECD issued administrative guidance providing transition and safe harbor rules around the implementation of the Pillar 2 global minimum tax. Under a transitional safe harbor released July 17, 2023, the undertaxed profits rule top-up tax in the jurisdiction of a company's ultimate parent entity will be zero for each fiscal year of the transition period, if that jurisdiction has a corporate tax rate of at least 20%. The safe harbor transition period will apply to fiscal years beginning on or before December 31, 2025 and ending before December 31, 2026. We are closely monitoring developments and evaluating the impact these new rules are anticipated to have on our tax rate, including eligibility to qualify for these safe harbor rules. Based on the 2024 financial results, we anticipate to meet the safe harbor rules in all jurisdictions and do not anticipate the Pillar 2 laws to have a material impact on our effective tax rate.
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For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, income before income taxes is broken out between U.S. and foreign-sourced operations and consisted of the following (in thousands):
2024
2023
2022
Domestic
$
93,687
$
60,935
$
77,562
Foreign
56,306
51,154
5,067
Total
$
149,993
$
112,089
$
82,629
The components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, consisted of the following (in thousands):
2024
2023
2022
Current expense:
Federal
$
26,061
$
15,684
$
9,584
State
5,286
3,775
3,162
Foreign
13,162
10,862
10,291
Total current expense
44,509
30,321
23,037
Deferred expense (benefit):
Federal
( 12,609 )
( 11,030 )
( 10,438 )
State
( 1,421 )
( 1,699 )
( 3,615 )
Foreign
( 843 )
86
( 871 )
Total deferred benefit
( 14,873 )
( 12,643 )
( 14,924 )
Total income tax expense
$
29,636
$
17,678
$
8,113
The difference between the income tax expense reported and amounts computed by applying the statutory federal rate of 21.0 % to pretax income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, consisted of the following (in thousands):
2024
2023
2022
Computed federal income tax expense at applicable statutory rate of 21 %
$
31,499
$
23,539
$
17,352
State income tax expense
3,081
1,627
35
Tax credits
( 3,004 )
( 2,412 )
( 1,978 )
Tax effect of international items
( 1,870 )
( 3,994 )
( 10,698 )
Uncertain tax positions
218
4
( 47 )
Deferred compensation insurance assets
( 535 )
( 548 )
706
Stock-based compensation
( 1,817 )
( 3,001 )
( 3,423 )
Valuation allowance
—
( 90 )
3,523
Remeasurement of state deferred taxes
—
( 73 )
( 375 )
Non-deductible expenses
2,454
2,101
2,027
Remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities
108
317
1,061
Other — including the effect of graduated rates
( 498 )
208
( 70 )
Total income tax expense
$
29,636
$
17,678
$
8,113
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Deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2024 and 2023, consisted of the following temporary differences and carry-forward items (in thousands):
2024
2023
Deferred income tax assets:
Allowance for credit losses on trade receivables
$
2,215
$
2,009
Accrued compensation expense
11,701
10,285
Inventory differences
5,139
5,477
Net operating loss carryforwards
8,320
10,007
Stock-based compensation expense
7,569
7,913
Operating lease assets
11,586
11,331
State R&D tax credits
5,924
5,237
IRC section 174 capitalized R&D
35,200
26,370
Other
10,759
10,159
Total deferred income tax assets
98,413
88,788
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses
( 1,277 )
( 1,123 )
Property and equipment
( 22,699 )
( 23,539 )
Intangible assets
( 29,440 )
( 34,613 )
Foreign withholding tax
( 1,681 )
( 2,005 )
Operating lease liabilities
( 11,737 )
( 10,129 )
Other
( 1,632 )
( 1,898 )
Total deferred income tax liabilities
( 68,466 )
( 73,307 )
Valuation allowance
( 14,143 )
( 13,740 )
Net deferred income tax liabilities
$
15,804
$
1,741
Reported as:
Deferred income tax assets
$
16,044
$
7,288
Deferred income tax liabilities
( 240 )
( 5,547 )
Net deferred income tax liabilities
$
15,804
$
1,741
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted on the balance sheet by separate tax jurisdictions. Deferred income tax balances reflect the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered. The valuation allowance is primarily related to state credit carryforwards, non-US net operating loss carryforwards, and capital loss carryforwards for which we believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance increased by $ 0.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, increased by $ 0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, and increased by $ 2.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2024, we had U.S federal net operating loss carryforwards of $ 19.8 million, which were generated by Cianna Medical, DFINE Inc., and Biosphere Medical, Inc., prior to our acquisition of these companies. These net operating loss carryforwards are subject to annual limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. If unused, $ 19.8 million of the net operating losses will expire between 2030 and 2037. We anticipate that we will utilize all current net operating loss carryforwards prior to their expiration dates over the next 11 years . We utilized a total of $ 4.8 million in U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards during the year ended December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, we had $ 20.9 million of non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards, of which $ 19.2 million have no expiration date and $ 1.7 million expire at various dates through 2036. Non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards utilized during the year ended December 31, 2024 were not material.
We do not consider our foreign earnings to be permanently reinvested. Consequently, we have recorded tax expense of $ 0.7 million, $ 0.4 million and $ 0.3 million for foreign withholding taxes on unremitted foreign earnings during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2022, a tax benefit
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of $ 4.3 million was recorded with respect to the restructuring of our foreign entities and the associated change in foreign withholding taxes on the unremitted foreign earnings.
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. In our opinion, we have made adequate provisions for income taxes for all years subject to audit. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2021. In foreign jurisdictions, we are no longer subject to income tax examinations for years before 2018.
Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, the final outcomes of these matters may be different from those which we have reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material effect on our income tax provision and operating results in the period in which we make such determination.
The total liability for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2024, including interest and penalties, was $ 2.1 million, of which $ 2.1 million would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized. The total liability for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2023, including interest and penalties, was $ 1.9 million, of which $ 1.9 million would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had accrued $ 0.2 million and $ 0.3 million respectively, in total interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. We account for interest and penalties for unrecognized tax benefits as part of our income tax provision. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, our liability for unrecognized tax benefit was increased (decreased) for interest and penalties by $( 52,000 ), $( 46,000 ), and $ 14,000 , respectively. We estimate it is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months the total liability for unrecognized tax benefits may increase, including expirations related to statutes of limitation, up to $ 0.1 million.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of liabilities associated with uncertain tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, consisted of the following (in thousands):
2024
2023
2022
Unrecognized tax benefits, opening balance
$
1,622
$
1,576
$
1,635
Gross increases (decreases) in tax positions taken in a prior year
70
112
( 10 )
Gross increases in tax positions taken in the current year
559
442
294
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations
( 371 )
( 508 )
( 343 )
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance
$
1,880
$
1,622
$
1,576
The tabular roll-forward ending balance does not include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.
7. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses at December 31, 2024 and 2023, consisted of the following (in thousands):
2024
2023
Payroll and related liabilities
$
73,514
$
66,929
Current portion of contingent liabilities
358
408
Advances from employees
158
285
Accrued rebates payable
11,778
11,005
Accrued interest
9,531
1,556
Other accrued expenses
38,738
40,264
Total
$
134,077
$
120,447
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8. DEBT
Principal balances outstanding under our long-term debt obligations as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, consisted of the following (in thousands):
2024
2023
Term loans
$
—
$
99,063
Convertible notes
747,500
747,500
Less unamortized debt issuance costs
( 17,949 )
( 23,550 )
Total long-term debt
729,551
823,013
Less current portion
—
—
Long-term portion
$
729,551
$
823,013
Future minimum principal payments on our long-term debt as of December 31, 2024, are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending
Future Minimum
December 31,
Principal Payments
2025
$
—
2026
—
2027
—
2028
—
2029
747,500
Total future minimum principal payments
$
747,500
Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
On June 6, 2023, we entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Fourth A&R Credit Agreement"). The Fourth A&R Credit Agreement is a syndicated loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and other parties. The Fourth A&R Credit Agreement amended and restated in its entirety our previously outstanding Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and all amendments thereto. The Fourth A&R Credit Agreement provides for a term loan of $ 150 million and a revolving credit commitment of up to an aggregate amount of $ 700 million, inclusive of sub-facilities for multicurrency borrowings, standby letters of credit and swingline loans. On June 6, 2028, all principal, interest and other amounts outstanding under the Fourth A&R Credit Agreement are payable in full. At any time prior to the maturity date, we may repay any amounts owing under all term loans and revolving credit loans in whole or in part, without premium or penalty.
On December 5, 2023, we executed an amendment to the Fourth A&R Credit Agreement (as amended, the "Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement”) to facilitate the issuance of our Convertible Notes described below. Among other things, the amendment also updated the definition of the Applicable Margin used in determining the interest rates and amended the financial covenants, all as described below.
Term loans made under the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement, as amended bear interest, at our election, at either (i) the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin (as defined in the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement) or, (ii) Adjusted Term SOFR plus the Applicable Margin (as defined in the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement). Revolving credit loans bear interest, at our election, at either (a) the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin, (b) Adjusted Term SOFR plus the Applicable Margin, (c) Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate plus the Applicable Margin (as defined in the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement), or (d) Adjusted Daily Simple SONIA plus the Applicable Margin (as defined in the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement). Swingline loans bear interest at the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin. Interest on each loan featuring the Base Rate and each Daily Simple SONIA Loan is due and payable on the last business day of each calendar month; interest on each loan featuring the Eurocurrency Rate and each Term SOFR Loan is due and payable on the last day of each interest period applicable thereto, and if such interest period extends over three months, at the end of each three-month interval during such interest period.
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The Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement is collateralized by substantially all of our assets. The Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants, representations and warranties, events of default and other terms customary for loans of this nature. In particular, the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement requires that we maintain certain financial covenants, as follows:
Covenant Requirement
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (1)
5.0 to 1.0
Consolidated Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio (2)
3.0 to 1.0
Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (3)
3.0 to 1.0
(1) Maximum Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement) as of any fiscal quarter end.
(2) Maximum Consolidated Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement) as of any fiscal quarter end.
(3) Minimum ratio of Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement and adjusted for certain expenditures) to Consolidated Interest Expense (as defined in the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters.
As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all covenants set forth in the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement.
As of December 31, 2024, we had no outstanding borrowings and issued letter of credit guarantees of $ 2.9 million under the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement, with available borrowings of approximately $ 697 million, based on the leverage ratio required pursuant to the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2023, we had outstanding borrowings of $ 99.1 million with a fixed rate of 3.39 % with respect to $ 75 million of the principal amount, as a result of an interest rate swap (see Note 9, Derivatives ) and a variable floating rate of 7.21 % on $ 24.1 million, in addition, we had issued letter of credit guarantees of $ 2.7 million under the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement.
Convertible Notes
In December 2023, we issued Convertible Notes which bear interest at 3.00 % per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on August 1, 2024. The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations (as defined in the Note Indenture) of the Company and will mature on February 1, 2029, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The net proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes were approximately $ 724.8 million after deducting offering and issuance costs and before the costs of the Capped Call transaction, as described below.
The initial conversion rate of the notes will be 11.5171 shares of common stock per $ 1,000 principal amount of notes equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $ 86.83 per share of common stock, subject to adjustments as provided in the Indenture upon the occurrence of certain specified events. In addition, Holders of the Convertible Notes (“Holders”) will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a part of their notes upon the occurrence of a “fundamental change” (as defined in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes) in cash at a fundamental change repurchase price of 100 % of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
Conversion can occur at the option of the Holders at any time on or after October 1, 2028. Prior to October 1, 2028, Holders may only elect to convert the Convertible Notes under the following circumstances: (1) During the five business day period after any ten consecutive trading day period in which, for each day of that period, the trading price per $ 1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes for such trading day was less than 98 % of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the applicable conversion rate on such trading day; (2) The Company issues to common stockholders any rights, options, or warrants, entitling them, for a period of not more than 60 days, to purchase shares of common stock at a price per share less than the average closing sale price of 10 consecutive trading days, or the Company’s election to make a distribution to common stockholders exceeding 10 % of the previous day’s closing sale price; (3) Upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Change, as set forth in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes; (4) During any
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calendar quarter (and only during such calendar quarter) beginning after March 31, 2024, if, the last reported sale price per share of the Company’s common stock exceeds 130 % of the applicable conversion price on each applicable trading day for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) in the period of the 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter; or (5) Prior to the related redemption date if the Company calls any Convertible Notes for redemption. As of December 31, 2024, none of the conditions permitting the holders of the Convertible Notes to convert their notes early had been met, therefore, they are classified as long-term.
On or after February 7, 2027, we may redeem for cash all or part of the Convertible Notes, at our option, if the last reported sales price of common stock has been at least 130 % of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive), including the trading day immediately preceding the date on which we provide notice of redemption, during any 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date we send the related notice of the redemption.
Upon conversion, the Company will (1) pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be converted and (2) pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of its common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at the Company’s election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of its conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes being converted.
Capped Call Transaction
In December 2023, in connection with the pricing of the Convertible Notes, Merit entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (“Capped Call Transactions”) with certain of the initial purchasers and/or their respective affiliates and certain other financial institutions. The Capped Call Transactions cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the number of shares of Merit’s common stock initially underlying the Convertible Notes and are generally expected to reduce potential dilution to Merit’s common stock upon any conversion of Convertible Notes and/or offset any cash payments Merit is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Convertible Notes, as the case may be, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap, based on a cap price initially equal to approximately $ 114.68 per share of Merit’s common stock, subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the Capped Call Transactions. The cost of the Capped Call Transactions was approximately $ 66.5 million. The Capped Call Transactions do not meet the criteria for separate accounting as a derivative as they are indexed to the Company's stock. The premiums paid for the Capped Call Transactions have been included as a net reduction to common stock within stockholders' equity.
9. DERIVATIVES
General. Our earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, and we seek to mitigate a portion of these risks by entering into derivative contracts. The derivatives we use are interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts. We recognize derivatives as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, regardless of whether or not hedge accounting is applied. We report cash flows arising from our hedging instruments consistent with the classification of cash flows from the underlying hedged items. Accordingly, cash flows associated with our derivative programs are classified as operating activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.
We formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting initially and on an ongoing basis. For qualifying hedges, the change in fair value is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”), a component of stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and recognized in earnings at the same time the hedged item affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded in earnings throughout the term of the derivative.
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Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
On December 23, 2019, we entered into a pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap with a notional amount of $ 75 million with Wells Fargo. In June 2023, certain terms under the agreement were amended to reflect the transition from LIBOR to SOFR, an alternative reference rate. Under the interest rate swap agreement we fixed the one-month SOFR rate on that portion of our borrowings under the Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement at 1.64 % for the period from June 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. The variable portion of the interest rate swap is tied to the one-month SOFR rate (the benchmark interest rate). On a monthly basis, the interest rates under both the interest rate swap and the underlying debt reset, the swap is settled with the counterparty, and interest is paid.
At December 31, 2024, we held no interest rate swap qualifying as cash flow hedges. At December 31, 2023, our interest rate swap qualified as a cash flow hedge. The fair value of our interest rate swap at December 31, 2023 was an asset of $ 1.5 million, partially offset by $ 0.4 million in deferred taxes.
Foreign Currency Risk . We operate on a global basis and are exposed to the risk that our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. To reduce the potential effects of foreign currency exchange rate movements on net earnings, we enter into derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency exchange forward contracts with major financial institutions. Our policy is to enter into foreign currency derivative contracts with maturities of up to two years . We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk with respect to transactions and balances denominated in various currencies, with our most significant exposure related to transactions and balances denominated in Chinese Renminbi and Euros, among others. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We do not believe we are subject to any credit risk contingent features related to our derivative contracts, and we seek to manage counterparty risk by allocating derivative contracts among several major financial institutions.
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is temporarily reported as a component of other comprehensive income and then reclassified into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. We entered into forward contracts on various foreign currencies to manage the risk associated with forecasted exchange rates which impact revenues, cost of sales, and operating expenses in various international markets. The objective of the hedges is to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with the forecasted purchase or sale of foreign currencies. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had entered into foreign currency forward contracts, which qualified as cash flow hedges, with aggregate notional amounts of $ 117.5 million and $ 141.1 million, respectively.
Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
We forecast our net exposure in various receivables and payables to fluctuations in the value of various currencies, and we enter into foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate that exposure. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had entered into foreign currency forward contracts related to those balance sheet accounts with aggregate notional amounts of $ 95.7 million and $ 108.4 million, respectively.
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Balance Sheet Presentation of Derivatives. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, all derivatives, both those designated as hedging instruments and those that were not designated as hedging instruments, were recorded gross at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. We are not subject to any master netting agreements. The fair value of derivative instruments on a gross basis is as follows (in thousands):
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Location
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Assets
Interest rate swap
Prepaid expenses and other assets
$
—
$
1,503
Foreign currency forward contracts
Prepaid expenses and other assets
3,771
2,061
Foreign currency forward contracts
Other assets (long-term)
1,064
216
(Liabilities)
Foreign currency forward contracts
Accrued expenses
( 1,332 )
( 1,898 )
Foreign currency forward contracts
Other long-term obligations
( 287 )
( 499 )
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Location
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Assets
Foreign currency forward contracts
Prepaid expenses and other assets
$
2,595
$
828
(Liabilities)
Foreign currency forward contracts
Accrued expenses
( 1,288 )
( 1,463 )
Income Statement Presentation of Derivatives
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges had the following effects, before income taxes, on other comprehensive income ("OCI") in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
Amount of Gain
Recognized in OCI
Year Ended December 31,
Derivative instrument
2024
2023
2022
Interest rate swap
$
152
$
609
$
4,879
Foreign currency forward contracts
5,732
3,909
6,263
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges had the following effects, before income taxes, on AOCI and net earnings in our consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
Consolidated Statements
Amount of Gain/(Loss)
of Income
Reclassified from AOCI
Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
Location in statements of income
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Interest expense
$
( 31,219 )
$
( 15,511 )
$
( 6,339 )
$
1,656
$
2,550
$
( 12 )
Revenue
1,356,514
1,257,366
1,150,981
2,140
4,081
3,583
Cost of sales
( 713,181 )
( 673,494 )
( 631,882 )
644
1,457
( 1,436 )
As of December 31, 2024, $ 2.7 million or $ 2.1 million after taxes, was expected to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings in revenue and cost of sales over the succeeding twelve months.
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Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The following gains/(losses) from these derivative instruments were recognized in our consolidated statements of income for the years presented (in thousands):
Year ended December 31,
Derivative Instrument
Location in statements of income
2024
2023
2022
Foreign currency forward contracts
Other income (expense) — net
$
1,961
$
2,004
$
1,420
See Note 15, Fair Value Measurements for additional information about our derivatives.
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We are obligated under non-terminable operating leases for manufacturing facilities, finished good distribution centers, office space, equipment, vehicles, and land. See Note 17, Leases for disclosures regarding these operating leases.
Royalties . As of December 31, 2024, we had entered into a number of agreements to license or acquire rights to certain intellectual property which require us to make royalty payments during the term of the agreements generally based on a percentage of sales. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, total royalty expense approximated $ 8.7 million, $ 8.6 million and $ 7.3 million, respectively, and is recorded in cost of sales on the consolidated statements of income. Minimum contractual commitments under royalty agreements to be paid within twelve months of December 31, 2024 were not significant. See Note 15, Fair Value Measurements for discussion of future royalty commitments related to acquisitions.
Litigation . In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various claims and litigation matters. T hese proceedings, actions and claims may involve product liability, intellectual property, contract disputes, employment, governmental inquiries or other matters, including the matter described below. These matters generally involve inherent uncertainties and often require prolonged periods of time to resolve. In certain proceedings, the claimants may seek damages as well as other compensatory and equitable relief that could result in the payment of significant claims and settlements and/or the imposition of injunctions or other equitable relief. For legal matters for which our management had sufficient information to reasonably estimate our future obligations, a liability representing management’s best estimate of the probable loss, or the minimum of the range of probable losses when a best estimate within the range is not known, is recorded. The estimates are based on consultation with legal counsel, previous settlement experience and settlement strategies. If actual outcomes are less favorable than those estimated by management, additional expense may be incurred, which could unfavorably affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The ultimate cost to us with respect to actions and claims could be materially different than the amount of the current estimates and accruals and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Unless included in our legal accrual, we are unable to estimate a reasonably possible loss or range of loss associated with any individual material legal proceeding. Legal costs for these matters, such as outside counsel fees and expenses, are charged to expense in the period incurred.
SEC Inquiry
Commencing in January 2022, we have received requests from the Division of Enforcement of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) seeking the voluntary production of information relating to the business activities of Merit’s subsidiary in China, including interactions with hospitals and health care officials in China (the “SEC Inquiry”). We are cooperating with the requests, investigating the matter and are in discussions with the SEC Staff regarding a potential resolution to the matter. Currently, we are unable to predict the scope, timing, significance or outcome of the SEC Inquiry or estimate a reasonably possible loss or range of loss associated with the matter. It is possible that the ultimate resolution of the SEC Inquiry, if resolved in a manner unfavorable to us, may be materially adverse to our business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
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In management's opinion, based on its examination of these matters, its experience to date and discussion with counsel, other than the SEC Inquiry, we are not currently involved in any legal proceedings which, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our management regularly assesses the risks of legal proceedings in which we are involved, and management’s view of these matters may change in the future.
11. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (EPS)
The computation of weighted average shares outstanding and the basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, consisted of the following (in thousands, except per share amounts):
2024
2023
2022
Net income
$
120,357
$
94,411
$
74,516
Average common shares outstanding
58,218
57,593
56,806
Basic EPS
$
2.07
$
1.64
$
1.31
Average common shares outstanding
58,218
57,593
56,806
Effect of dilutive stock awards
760
763
865
Effect of dilutive convertible notes
387
—
—
Total potential shares outstanding
59,365
58,356
57,671
Diluted EPS
$
2.03
$
1.62
$
1.29
Equity awards excluded as the impact was anti-dilutive (1)
672
1,143
1,438
(1) Does not reflect the impact of incremental repurchases under the treasury stock method.
Convertible Notes
For our Convertible Notes issued in December 2023, the dilutive effect is calculated using the if-converted method. Upon surrender of the Convertible Notes for conversion, Merit will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the Notes to be converted and pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of Merit’s common stock or a combination of cash and shares of Merit’s common stock, at Merit’s election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of Merit’s conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes being converted. Under the if-converted method, we include the number of shares required to satisfy the remaining conversion obligation, assuming all the Convertible Notes were converted. The Convertible Notes only have an impact on diluted earnings per share when the average share price of our common stock exceeds the conversion price of $ 86.83 . The average closing prices of our common stock for the year ended December 31, 2024 were used as the basis for determining the dilutive effect on EPS.
12. EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN, STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
Our stock-based compensation primarily consists of the following plans:
2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan . In June 2018, our Board of Directors adopted and our shareholders approved, the Merit Medical Systems, Inc. 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was subsequently amended effective December 14, 2018 (the “2018 Incentive Plan”) to supplement the Merit Medical Systems, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive plan (the "2006 Incentive Plan"). The 2018 Incentive Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock units (including restricted stock units) and performance awards (including performance stock units). Options may be granted to directors, officers, outside consultants and key employees and may be granted upon such terms and such conditions as the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors determines. Options typically vest on an annual
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basis over a three to five-year life with a contractual life of seven years . As of December 31, 2024, approximately 3,026,000 shares remained available to be issued under the 2018 Incentive Plan.
2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan . In May 2006, our Board of Directors adopted, and our shareholders approved, the 2006 Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2024, the 2006 Incentive Plan was no longer being used for new equity award grants. However, as of December 31, 2024, options granted under this plan were still outstanding, vesting, and being exercised and will continue to be outstanding until the vesting periods end and the terms of the equity awards expire.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan . We have a non-qualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), which has an expiration date of June 30, 2026. As of December 31, 2024, the total number of shares of common stock that remained available to be issued under our non-qualified plan was approximately 74,000 shares. ESPP participants purchase shares on a quarterly basis at a price equal to 95 % of the market price of the common stock at the end of the applicable offering period.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense . The stock-based compensation expense before income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, consisted of the following (in thousands):
2024
2023
2022
Cost of sales
Nonqualified stock options
$
1,229
$
1,647
$
1,606
Research and development
Nonqualified stock options
1,522
1,739
1,789
Selling, general and administrative
Nonqualified stock options
6,206
7,542
7,305
Performance-based restricted stock units
12,517
6,344
3,509
Restricted stock units
4,279
1,771
1,836
Cash-settled performance-based awards
2,720
2,290
1,997
Total selling, general and administrative
25,722
17,947
14,647
Stock-based compensation expense before taxes
$
28,473
$
21,333
$
18,042
We recognize stock-based compensation expense (net of a forfeiture rate) for those awards which are expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We estimate the forfeiture rate based on our historical experience and expectations about future forfeitures.
Nonqualified Stock Options
As of December 31, 2024, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, net of expected forfeitures, was $ 11.0 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.
In applying the Black-Scholes methodology to the option grants, the fair value of our stock-based awards granted was estimated using the following assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
2023
2022
Risk-free interest rate
3.6 % - 4.8 %
1.4 % - 4.3 %
Expected option term
4.0 years
4.0 years
Expected dividend yield
—
—
Expected price volatility
39.6 % - 47.1 %
46.2 % - 47.5 %
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The average risk-free interest rate is determined using the U.S. Treasury rate in effect as of the date of grant, based on the expected term of the stock option. We determine the expected term of the stock options using the historical exercise behavior of employees. The expected price volatility was determined based upon the historical volatility for our stock. We recognize compensation expense for options on a straight-line basis over the service period, which corresponds to the vesting period. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately 444,000 and 251,000 nonqualified stock option grants were made, respectively, for a total fair value of $ 13.1 million and $ 6.3 million. The Company did no t grant any options during the year ended December 31, 2024.
The table below presents information related to stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):
2024
2023
2022
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised
$
36,431
$
23,300
$
27,110
Cash received from stock option exercises
39,746
14,503
18,952
Excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock options
1,817
3,001
3,423
Changes in stock options for the year ended December 31, 2024, consisted of the following (shares and intrinsic value in thousands):
Number
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Intrinsic
of Shares
Exercise Price
Term (in years)
Value
Beginning balance
2,868
56.39
Granted
—
—
Exercised
( 824 )
48.21
Forfeited/expired
( 21 )
66.61
Outstanding at December 31
2,023
59.62
3.05
$
75,055
Exercisable
1,411
55.87
2.35
57,639
Ending vested and expected to vest
1,997
59.49
3.02
74,372
The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $ 29.58 and $ 24.98 , respectively.
Stock-Settled Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units (“PSUs”) and Time-Vested Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)
We have outstanding PSUs which vest at the end of three-year performance periods. T he number of shares delivered upon vesting at the end of the performance periods are based upon performance against specified financial performance metrics and relative total shareholder return as compared to the Russell 2000 Index (“rTSR”), as defined in the award agreements. PSUs convey no shareholder rights unless and until shares are issued in settlement of the award.
We use Monte-Carlo simulations to estimate the grant-date fair value of the PSUs linked to total shareholder return. Compensation expense is recognized using the grant-date fair value for the number of shares that are probable of being awarded based on the performance conditions. Each reporting period, this probability assessment is updated, and cumulative catchups are recorded based on the performance metrics that are expected to be achieved. At the end of the performance period, cumulative expense is calculated based on the actual financial performance metrics attained.
We have granted RSUs to our employees and non-employee directors, which are subject to continued service through the vesting date, which is between one to four years from the date of grant. The expense recognized for RSUs is equal to the closing stock price on the date of grant, which is recognized over the vesting period.
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Changes in PSUs and RSUs for the year ended December 31, 2024, consisted of the following:
PSUs
RSUs
Weighted Average
Weighted Average
Stock Units
Grant Date
Stock Units
Grant Date
(In Thousands)
(1)
Fair Value
(In Thousands)
Fair Value
Beginning nonvested balance
355
71.15
20
83.99
Granted
287
86.79
329
90.54
Vested
( 47 )
76.51
( 20 )
83.99
Nonvested balance at December 31
595
82.33
329
90.54
(1) Based on the maximum payout, excluding the impact of the rTSR multiplier. The actual number of shares which vest is determined based on the satisfaction of performance conditions and the application of an rTSR multiplier between 75 % and 125 % .
The following table summarizes PSUs and RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 (units and shares in thousands):
2024
2023
2022
PSUs
Target units granted
144
115
48
Maximum units granted (1)
287
229
97
Maximum potential shares (1)(2)
359
287
121
Weighted average grant date fair value
$
86.79
$
72.26
$
64.54
RSUs
Units granted
329
20
31
Weighted average grant date fair value
$
90.54
$
83.99
$
59.02
(1) Based on the maximum payout, excluding the impact of the rTSR multiplier.
(2) Includes the impact of the maximum potential rTSR multiplier of 125 % .
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, there were approximately 47,000 , 61,000 and 44,000 shares, respectively, that vested under PSUs, prior to the reduction of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations. Vested shares were calculated based upon achievement of the financial performance multipliers and market conditions related to the rTSR multiplier. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, there were approximately 20,000 , 31,000 and 26,000 shares, respectively, that vested under RSUs.
The fair value of each PSU was estimated as of the grant date using the following assumptions for awards granted in the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
2024
2023
2022
Risk-free interest rate
4.4 %
3.9 % - 4.6 %
1.6 % - 2.7 %
Performance period
2.8 years
2.8 years
2.6 - 2.8 years
Expected dividend yield
—
—
—
Expected price volatility
31.1 %
31.4 % - 32.6 %
38.5 % - 46.2 %
The risk-free interest rate of return was determined using the U.S. Treasury rate at the time of grant with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the award. The expected volatility was based on a weighted average volatility of our stock price and the average volatility of our compensation peer group's volatilities. The expected dividend yield was assumed to be zero because, at the time of the grant, we had no plans to declare a dividend.
As of December 31, 2024, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-settled performance stock units and restricted stock units, net of expected forfeitures, was $ 18.2 million and $ 23.4 million, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years and 3.6 years, respectively.
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Cash-Settled Performance-Based Share-Based Awards (“Liability Awards”)
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we granted liability awards to our Chief Executive Officer with total target cash incentives in the amount of $ 1.6 million, $ 1.3 million, and $ 1.0 million, respectively. These awards entitle him to a target cash payment based upon our relative shareholder return as compared to the rTSR and achievement of specified performance metrics, as defined in the award agreements.
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we granted additional performance stock units to certain employees that provide for settlement in cash upon our achievement of specified financial metrics. The cash payable upon vesting at the end of the service period is based upon performance against specified financial performance metrics and relative total shareholder return as compared to the rTSR, as defined in the award agreements. Compensation expense is recognized for the cash payment probable of being awarded based on the performance metrics.
The potential maximum payout of these liability awards is 250 % of the target cash incentive, resulting in a total potential maximum payout of $ 4.7 million, $ 4.3 million and $ 2.5 million for liability awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Settlement generally occurs at the end of three-year performance periods based upon the same performance metrics and vesting period as our performance stock units.
These awards are classified as liabilities and reported in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities within our consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of these awards is remeasured at each reporting period until the awards are settled. As of December 31, 2024, our recorded liabilities associated with these awards was $ 5.1 million, and we had remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to cash-settled performance-based share-based awards of $ 3.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we paid $ 1.3 million, $ 1.7 million and $ 0.8 million, respectively, in connection with liability awards, and no awards were forfeited.
13. SEGMENT REPORTING AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS
We report our operations in two operating segments: cardiovascular and endoscopy. Our cardiovascular segment consists of four product categories: peripheral intervention, cardiac intervention, custom procedural solutions, and OEM. Within these product categories, we sell a variety of products, including cardiology and radiology devices (which assist in diagnosing and treating coronary arterial disease, peripheral vascular disease and other non-vascular diseases), as well as embolotherapeutic, cardiac rhythm management, electrophysiology, critical care, breast cancer localization and guidance, biopsy, and interventional oncology and spine devices. Our endoscopy segment consists of gastroenterology and pulmonology devices which assist in the palliative treatment of expanding esophageal, tracheobronchial and biliary strictures caused by malignant tumors. Our chief operating decision maker is our Chief Executive Officer. Our CODM uses segment profit or loss to assess performance and allocate resources to each segment, primarily through periodic budgeting and segment performance reviews. See Note 2, Revenues to our consolidated financial statements set forth in Item 8 of this report for a detailed breakout of our sales by operating segment and product category, disaggregated between domestic and international sales. Total assets by segment are not used by the CODM to assess performance or allocate resources to the Company’s segments; therefore, total assets by segment are not disclosed.
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we had international sales of $ 555.7 million, $ 530.4 million and $ 500.4 million, respectively, or 41.0 %, 42.2 % and 43.5 %, respectively, of net sales. Our largest international markets include China, Japan, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, with China representing our most significant international sales market with sales of $ 149.8 million, $ 147.3 million, and $ 149.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. International sales are attributed based on location of the customer receiving the product.
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Our long-lived assets (which are comprised of our net property and equipment) by geographic area at December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, consisted of the following (in thousands):
2024
2023
2022
United States
$
271,734
$
273,105
$
281,290
Ireland
45,325
42,333
40,749
Other foreign countries
69,106
68,085
60,937
Total
$
386,165
$
383,523
$
382,976
Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliations to the consolidated totals for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Cardiovascular
Endoscopy
Consolidated
Cardiovascular
Endoscopy
Consolidated
Cardiovascular
Endoscopy
Consolidated
Net sales
$
1,301,744
$
54,770
$
1,356,514
$
1,220,560
$
36,806
$
1,257,366
$
1,118,224
$
32,757
$
1,150,981
Cost of sales standard (1)
549,657
15,746
534,826
12,987
496,678
12,739
Cost of sales other (2)
140,948
6,830
125,388
293
121,045
1,420
Selling, general and administrative expenses
376,734
22,997
362,082
11,594
332,012
10,513
Research and development expenses
83,812
3,654
80,300
2,428
74,042
1,468
Other operating expenses (3)
443
—
3,524
—
13,501
—
Income from operations
$
150,150
$
5,543
$
155,693
$
114,440
$
9,504
$
123,944
$
80,946
$
6,617
$
87,563
Total other expense — net
( 5,700 )
( 11,855 )
( 4,934 )
Income before income taxes
$
149,993
$
112,089
$
82,629
(1) Cost of sales standard represents costs of goods sold measured at the internal standard cost for production of inventory. Inventory standard costs include material, labor and manufacturing overhead.
(2) Cost of sales other for all segments include amortization expense associated with our developed technology and license agreement intangible assets, freight and handling associated with shipments to customers, provisions based on estimated excess, slow moving and obsolete inventories, manufacturing and price variances, and royalties.
(3) Other operating expenses include impairment charges, contingent consideration (benefit expense) related to the changes in fair value of contingent payments associated with acquisitions, acquired in-process research and development expense, and certain legal settlements.
2024
2023
2022
Cardiovascular
$
97,749
$
88,960
$
80,777
Endoscopy
4,960
1,025
1,027
Total
$
102,709
$
89,985
$
81,804
Total depreciation and amortization by operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, consisted of the following (in thousands):
14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
We have defined contribution plans covering all U.S. full-time adult employees and certain of our foreign employees. Our contributions to these plans are discretionary in certain countries, including the U.S. Total expense for contributions made to these plans for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $ 9.6 million, $ 8.8 million and $ 7.7 million, respectively.
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15. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Our financial assets and (liabilities) carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, consisted of the following (in thousands):
Fair Value Measurements Using
Total Fair
Quoted prices in
Significant other
Significant
Value at
active markets
observable inputs
unobservable inputs
December 31, 2024
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Money market funds (1)
$
10,034
$
10,034
$
—
$
—
Marketable securities (2)
$
92
$
92
$
—
$
—
Foreign currency contract assets, current and long-term (4)
$
7,430
$
—
$
7,430
$
—
Foreign currency contract liabilities, current and long-term (5)
$
( 2,907 )
$
—
$
( 2,907 )
$
—
Contingent consideration liabilities
$
( 3,486 )
$
—
$
—
$
( 3,486 )
Fair Value Measurements Using
Total Fair
Quoted prices in
Significant other
Significant
Value at
active markets
observable inputs
unobservable inputs
December 31, 2023
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Marketable securities (2)
$
78
$
78
$
—
$
—
Interest rate contract asset, current (3)
$
1,503
$
—
$
1,503
$
—
Foreign currency contract assets, current and long-term (4)
$
3,105
$
—
$
3,105
$
—
Foreign currency contract liabilities, current and long-term (5)
$
( 3,860 )
$
—
$
( 3,860 )
$
—
Contingent consideration liabilities
$
( 3,447 )
$
—
$
—
$
( 3,447 )
(1) Our money market fund represents a bank-managed money market fund which permits daily redemptions. The fund is recorded as cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2) Our marketable securities, which consist entirely of available-for-sale equity securities, are valued using market prices in active markets. Level 1 instrument valuations are obtained from real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets.
(3) The fair value of the interest rate contract is determined using Level 2 fair value inputs and is recorded as prepaid and other current assets or other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
(4) The fair value of the foreign currency contract assets (including those designated as hedging instruments and those not designated as hedging instruments) is determined using Level 2 fair value inputs and is recorded as prepaid and other assets or other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
(5) The fair value of the foreign currency contract liabilities (including those designated as hedging instruments and those not designated as hedging instruments) is determined using Level 2 fair value inputs and is recorded as accrued expenses or other long-term obligations in the consolidated balance sheets.
Certain of our business combinations involve the potential for the payment of future contingent consideration, generally based on a percentage of future product sales or upon attaining specified future revenue or other milestones. Contingent consideration liabilities are re-measured to fair value at each reporting period, with the change in fair value recognized within operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. We measure the initial liability and re-measure the liability on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined under authoritative guidance for fair value
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measurements. Changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liabilities during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, consisted of the following (in thousands):
2024
2023
Beginning balance
$
3,447
$
18,073
Contingent consideration expense
443
1,704
Contingent payments made
( 404 )
( 16,330 )
Ending balance
$
3,486
$
3,447
As of December 31, 2024, $ 3.1 million in contingent consideration liability was included in other long-term obligations and $ 0.4 million in contingent consideration liability was included in accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheet related to contingent liabilities. As of December 31, 2023, $ 3.0 million in contingent consideration liability was included in other long-term obligations and $ 0.4 million in contingent consideration liability was included in accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheet related to contingent liabilities.
Cash payments related to the settlement of the contingent consideration liability recognized at fair value as of the applicable acquisition date have been reflected as a cash outflow from financing activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. Payments related to increases in the contingent consideration liability subsequent to the date of acquisition of $ 0.1 million and $ 12.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are reflected as operating cash flows.
The recurring Level 3 measurement of our contingent consideration liabilities includes the following significant unobservable inputs at December 31, 2024 and 2023 (amounts in thousands):
Fair value at
Contingent consideration
December 31,
Valuation
Weighted
liability
2024
technique
Unobservable inputs
Range
Average (1)
Revenue-based royalty payments contingent liability
$
2,217
Discounted cash flow
Discount rate
14.0 % - 16.0 %
14.6 %
Projected year of payments
2025-2034
2028
Revenue milestones contingent liability
$
88
Monte Carlo simulation
Discount rate
13.0 %
Projected year of payments
2025-2040
2039
Regulatory approval contingent liability
$
1,181
Scenario-based method
Discount rate
6.0 %
Probability of milestone payment
50.0 %
Projected year of payment
2025-2026
2025
(1) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments. No weighted average is reported for contingent consideration liabilities without a range of unobservable inputs.
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Fair value at
Contingent consideration
December 31,
Valuation
Weighted
liability
2023
technique
Unobservable inputs
Range
Average (1)
Revenue-based royalty payments contingent liability
$
2,945
Discounted cash flow
Discount rate
12.0 % - 16.0 %
14.6 %
Projected year of payments
2024-2034
2028
Revenue milestones contingent liability
$
93
Monte Carlo simulation
Discount rate
13.0 %
Projected year of payments
2024-2039
2039
Regulatory approval contingent liability
$
409
Scenario-based method
Discount rate
5.5 %
Probability of milestone payment
50.0 %
Projected year of payment
2024-2030
2030
(1) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments. No weighted average is reported for contingent consideration liabilities without a range of unobservable inputs.
The contingent consideration liabilities are re-measured to fair value each reporting period using projected revenues, discount rates, probabilities of payment, and projected payment dates. Projected contingent payment amounts are discounted back to the current period using a discounted cash flow model. Projected revenues are based on our most recent internal operational budgets and long-range strategic plans. An increase (decrease) in either the discount rate or the time to payment, in isolation, may result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. A decrease (increase) in the probability of any milestone payment may result in lower (higher) fair value measurements. Our determination of the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities could change in future periods based upon our ongoing evaluation of these significant unobservable inputs. We intend to record any such change in fair value to operating expenses in our consolidated statements of income.
Contingent Payments to Related Parties. As a former shareholder of Cianna Medical, a former Merit director was eligible for payments for the achievement of sales milestones specified in our merger agreement with Cianna Medical completed in 2018. The terms of the acquisition, including contingent consideration payments, were determined prior to the appointment of the former Cianna Medical shareholder as a Merit director. During 2023, we made the final contingent payment to Cianna Medical Shareholders, including $ 0.9 million paid to the former Merit director who is a former Cianna Medical shareholder. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we made contingent payments of approximately $ 1.6 million to the former director .
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and trade payables approximate fair value because of the immediate, short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Our long-term debt under our Amended Fourth A&R Credit Agreement re-prices frequently due to variable rates and entails no significant changes in credit risk and, as a result, we believe the fair value of long-term debt approximates carrying value. The fair value our long-term debt under our convertible notes was $ 945.6 million as of December 31, 2024 and was determined based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, which is considered a Level 2 valuation input. The fair value of assets and liabilities whose carrying value approximates fair value is determined using Level 2 inputs, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, which are Level 1 inputs.
Impairment Charges
We recognize or disclose the fair value of certain assets, such as non-financial assets, primarily property and equipment, right-of-use operating lease assets, equity investments in privately held companies, intangible assets and goodwill in connection with impairment evaluations. All of our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
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Intangible Assets. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we had losses of $ 0.0 million, $ 0.0 million and $ 1.7 million, respectively, related to certain acquired intangible assets (see Note 1 Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ).
Equity Investments, Purchase Options and Notes Receivable. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded impairment charges of $ 0.3 million associated with our previously held equity investment in Bluegrass in connection with the Bluegrass asset acquisition completed on May 4, 2023 (see Note 3 Acquisitions and Other Strategic Transactions ). During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $ 0.5 million of impairment expense related to our equity method investment in XableCath, as business ceased operations. We had no such losses during the year ended December 31, 2024. Our equity investments in privately held companies were $ 22.8 million and $ 19.1 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which are included within other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We analyze our investments in privately held companies to determine if they should be accounted for using the equity method based on our ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investment. Investments not accounted for under the equity method of accounting are accounted for at cost minus impairment, if applicable, plus or minus changes in valuation resulting from observable transactions for identical or similar investments.
Current Expected Credit Losses
Our outstanding long-term notes receivable, including accrued interest and our allowance for current expected credit losses, were $ 9.4 million and $ 3.2 million, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had an allowance for current expected credit losses of $ 1.4 million and $ 0.6 million, respectively, associated with these notes receivable. We assess the allowance for current expected credit losses on an individual security basis, due to the limited number of securities, using a probability of default model, which is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the expected collectability of securities.
The table below presents a rollforward of the allowance for current expected credit losses on our notes receivable for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
2024
2023
Beginning balance
$
568
$
281
Provision for credit loss expense
798
287
Ending balance
$
1,366
$
568
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16. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were as follows (in thousands):
Cash Flow Hedges
Foreign Currency Translation
Total
BALANCE — January 1, 2022
$
( 2,464 )
( 5,527 )
( 7,991 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
11,142
( 10,491 )
651
Income taxes
( 2,177 )
102
( 2,075 )
Reclassifications to:
Revenue
( 3,583 )
( 3,583 )
Cost of sales
1,436
1,436
Interest expense
12
12
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
6,830
( 10,389 )
( 3,559 )
BALANCE — December 31, 2022
4,366
( 15,916 )
( 11,550 )
Other comprehensive income
4,518
2,959
7,477
Income taxes
866
( 39 )
827
Reclassifications to:
Revenue
( 4,081 )
( 4,081 )
Cost of sales
( 1,457 )
( 1,457 )
Interest expense
( 2,550 )
( 2,550 )
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
( 2,704 )
2,920
216
BALANCE — December 31, 2023
1,662
( 12,996 )
( 11,334 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
5,884
( 9,224 )
( 3,340 )
Income taxes
( 341 )
54
( 287 )
Reclassifications to:
Revenue
( 2,140 )
( 2,140 )
Cost of sales
( 644 )
( 644 )
Interest expense
( 1,656 )
( 1,656 )
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
1,103
( 9,170 )
( 8,067 )
BALANCE — December 31, 2024
$
2,765
$
( 22,166 )
$
( 19,401 )
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17. LEASES
We have operating leases for facilities used for manufacturing, research and development, sales and distribution, and office space, as well as leases for manufacturing and office equipment, vehicles, and land. Our leases have remaining terms ranging from less than one year to approximately 25 years . A number of our lease agreements contain options to renew at our discretion for periods of up to 15 years and options to terminate the leases within one year . The lease term used to calculate ROU assets and lease liabilities includes renewal and termination options that are deemed reasonably certain to be exercised. Lease agreements with lease and non-lease components are generally accounted for as a single lease component. We do not have any bargain purchase options in our leases. For leases with an initial term of one year or less, we do not record a ROU asset or lease liability on our consolidated balance sheet. Substantially all of the ROU assets and lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024 recorded on our consolidated balance sheet are related to our cardiovascular segment.
From time to time, we enter into agreements to sublease a portion of our facilities to third parties. Such sublease income is not material. We also lease certain hardware consoles to customers and record rental revenue as a component of net sales. Rental revenue under such console leasing arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was not significant.
The following was included in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
2024
2023
Assets
ROU operating lease assets
$
65,508
$
63,047
Liabilities
Short-term operating lease liabilities
$
10,331
$
12,087
Long-term operating lease liabilities
54,783
56,259
Total operating lease liabilities
$
65,114
$
68,346
We recognize lease expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Net lease cost for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $ 15.4 million, $ 14.4 million, and $ 13.8 million, respectively. The components of lease costs for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were as follows, in thousands:
Lease Cost
Classification
2024
2023
2022
Operating lease cost (a)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
15,885
$
14,879
$
14,219
Sublease (income) (b)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
( 462 )
( 488 )
( 409 )
Net lease cost
$
15,423
$
14,391
$
13,810
(a)
Includes expense related to short-term leases and variable payments, which were not significant.
(b)
Does not include rental revenue from leases of hardware consoles to customers, which was not significant.
Supplemental cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was as follows, in thousands:
2024
2023
2022
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
$
14,529
$
13,804
$
13,710
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
$
9,947
$
8,891
$
11,130
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Generally, our lease agreements do not specify an implicit rate. Therefore, we estimate our incremental borrowing rate, which is defined as the interest rate we would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis, considering such factors as length of lease term and the risks of the economic environment in which the leased asset operates. As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, our lease agreements had the following remaining lease term and discount rates:
2024
2023
2022
Weighted average remaining lease term
9.6 years
9.6 years
10.4 years
Weighted average discount rate
3.5 %
3.4 %
3.4 %
As of December 31, 2024, maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows, in thousands:
Year ending December 31,
Amounts due under operating leases
2025
$
11,915
2026
10,067
2027
8,726
2028
6,948
2029
6,258
Thereafter
32,692
Total lease payments
76,606
Less: Imputed interest
( 11,492 )
Total
$
65,114
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.