In the 3Q 2002, UTMD achieved the following profitability records for a calendar quarter:
          Gross Profit Margin (gross profits/ sales): 58.2%
          Operating Profit Margin (operating profits/ sales): 39.6%
          Net Profit Margin (profit after taxes/ sales): 26.9%

The record profit margins were achieved from sales which grew 3% relative to 3Q 2001, UTMD’s best increase in quarter over prior year’s same quarter total revenues in the last three years. Due to lower expenses in every operating expense category, record GPM and higher sales, operating income dollars increased 16% in 3Q 2002 compared with 3Q 2001, and 13% for the first nine months (9YTD) of 2002 compared with 9YTD 2001.

UTMD’s 3Q 2002 net income increased 23% to $1,883,000, compared to 3Q 2001 net income of $1,532,000. Several factors contributed to the disproportionate increase in net profits:
1) Nonoperating income up $35,600 because of the lack of any interest on bank debt in 3Q 2002, 2) a lower income tax rate this year due to litigation expenses which exceed the accrual rate, 3) an income tax benefit from exercises of employee options, and 4) a higher contribution to total income of Ireland operations which are taxed at a lower tax rate.

Earnings per share (eps) in 3Q 2002 also increased 23%, to $.36 compared to $.29 in 3Q 2001. The number of diluted outstanding shares used to calculate eps remained about the same compared to 3Q 2001 because the number of shares added for dilution from options as a result of exercises and a higher share price was offset by 203,900 shares repurchased by the Company during the last four calendar quarters. Eps for 9YTD of 2002 were $1.01 compared to 9YTD 2001 eps of $.85, a 19% increase in year-to-date eps.

UTMD concluded its nineteenth consecutive quarter of higher eps compared to the same quarter in the prior year, during which 4¾ year time span eps have grown at a compounded rate of 22% per year. Eps for the most recent four calendar quarters (LTM) were $1.30.

UTMD’s earnings before interest and income tax expenses and before non-cash depreciation/amortization expenses (EBITDA), were $3,167,000 and $9,172,000 in 3Q and 9YTD 2002, compared to $3,015,000 and $8,857,000 in 3Q and 9YTD 2001, respectively. LTM EBITDA were $12,097,000. LTM EBITDA were 44% of sales.

Changes in UTMD’s Balance Sheet demonstrated a continued significant financial strengthening during 3Q 2002. In the presence of higher sales activity, accounts receivable, inventories, net fixed assets and liabilities all declined, while cash and stockholders’ equity increased, even after using $1,732,000 in cash to repurchase 126,400 shares, which reduced net worth as well as cash balances. Financial ratios as of September 30, 2002 which may be of interest to investors include UTMD’s
          1) Current Ratio = 4.3
          2) Days in Receivables (based on 3Q sales activity) = 43.5
          3) Average Inventory Turns (based on 3Q CGS) = 3.6
          4) Year-to-Date ROE = 36%

Utah Medical Products, Inc., with particular interest in healthcare for women and their babies, develops, manufactures, assembles and markets a broad range of disposable and reusable specialty medical devices designed for better health outcomes for patients and their care-providers.