Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

                                 

X

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

        

               

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

OR

                                 

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

               

For the transition period from to                  to                 

Commission file number 0-23791


SONOSITE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                                                                                                                

         

                                                                                                                              

Washington

       

91-1405022

(State or Other Jurisdiction

(I.R.S. Employer

of Incorporation or Organization)

Identification Number)

21919 30th Drive SE, Bothell, WA

98021-3904

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

                                                                                                                                

         

                                                                                                                                 

(425) 951-1200

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

     Large accelerated filer [ ]    Accelerated filer [X]     Non-accelerated filer [ ]      Smaller reporting company [ ]

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

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

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

16,804,287

(Class)

(Outstanding as of April 30, 2008)




Table of Contents

SonoSite, Inc.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2008

Table of C ontents

                   

      

                                                                                                                                                                            

Page

No.


PART I

  

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

 

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements (unaudited)

  

 

 

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets--March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007

3

 

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations--Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

4

 

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

5

 

  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

Item 2.

  

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

11

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

15

                   

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

16

PART II

  

OTHER INFORMATION

  

 

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

16

                   

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

16

                   

Item 6.

Exhibits

17

SIGNATURE

18

2



Table of Contents

PART I:  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

It em 1.    Financial Statements

SonoSite, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)

March 31,

December 31,

Assets

2008

2007



Current assets:

         

     

         

     Cash and cash equivalents

$

171,857

$

188,701

     Short-term investment securities

141,358

119,873

     Accounts receivable, less allowances of $1,486 and $957

53,071

60,954

     Inventories

33,090

29,740

     Deferred income taxes, current

12,944

13,138

     Prepaid expenses and other current assets

3,434

7,759



Total current assets

415,754

420,165

Property and equipment, net

9,517

10,133

Investment securities

2,715

1,257

Deferred income taxes

12,444

12,959

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

16,349

16,346

Other assets

10,248

9,521



Total assets

$

467,027

$

470,381



Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

Current liabilities:

     Accounts payable

$

5,863

$

8,868

     Accrued expenses

19,212

24,431

     Deferred revenue, current

3,361

3,502

     Deferred tax liability, current

115

115



Total current liabilities

28,551

36,916

Long-term debt

225,000

225,000

Deferred tax liability

4,528

4,528

Other non-current liabilities

11,706

11,075



Total liabilities

269,785

277,519



Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders' equity:

     Preferred stock, $1.00 par value

          Authorized shares--6,000,000

          Issued and outstanding shares--none

--

--

     Common stock, $.01 par value

          Authorized shares--50,000,000

          Issued and outstanding shares:

               As of March 31, 2008--16,774,591

168

               As of December 31, 2007--16,746,017

167

     Additional paid-in-capital

238,855

236,158

     Accumulated deficit

(

43,648

)

(

44,893

)

     Accumulated other comprehensive income

1,867

1,430



Total shareholders' equity

197,242

192,862



Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

467,027

$

470,381

                                                                                                                 



See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

SonoSite, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)

(In thousands, except net loss per share)

Three Months Ended

March 31,


2008

   

2007



Revenue

  

$

52,499

$

42,795

Cost of revenue

14,659

12,875



Gross margin

37,840

29,920

Operating expenses:

     Research and development

6,197

6,143

     Sales, general and administrative

29,249

26,025



Total operating expenses

35,446

32,168



Other income (loss)

     Interest income

2,826

1,050

     Interest expense

(

2,362

)

(

1

)

     Other

(

615

)

253



Total other income (loss), net

(

151

)

1,302

 



Income (loss) before income taxes

2,243

(

946

)

Income tax provision (benefit)

998

(

383

)



Net income (loss)

$

1,245

$

(

563

)



Net income (loss) per share

     Basic

$

0.07

$

(

0.03

)



     Diluted

$

0.07

$

(

0.03

)



Weighted average common and potential common shares outstanding

     Basic

16,770

16,494



     Diluted

17,406

16,494

 



See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



Table of Contents

SonoSite, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)

Three  Months Ended

March 31,


(In thousands)

2008

2007


   


Operating activities:

  

  

   

  

     Net income (loss)

$

1,245

$

(

563

)

     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

          Depreciation and amortization

1,064

1,103

          Stock-based compensation

1,879

1,920

          Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

1,188

(

836

)

          Amortization of net discounts on investment securities

(

598

)

(

336

)

          Amortization of debt issuance costs

270

--

          Accretion of contingent purchase consideration

225

--

          Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards

(

234

)

(

149

)

          Net loss on investments

5

--

          Investment other-than-temporary impairment

148

--

     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

          Accounts receivable

9,047

9,628

          Inventories

(

2,870

)

(

911

)

          Prepaid expenses and other assets

3,435

(

182

)

          Accounts payable

(

3,048

)

1,075

          Accrued expenses

(

4,508

)

(

450

)

          Deferred liabilities

86

400



Net cash provided by operating activities

7,334

10,699

Investing activities:

          Purchases of investment securities

(

124,913

)

(

43,669

)

          Proceeds from sales/maturities of investment securities

102,592

44,446

          Purchases of property and equipment

(

355

)

(

1,050

)

          Earn-out consideration associated with SonoMetric acquisition

(

921

)

(

654

)



Net cash used in investing activities

(

23,597

)

(

927

)

Financing activities:

          Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards

234

149

          Proceeds from exercise of stock options

451

1,415



Net cash provided by financing activities

685

1,564

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(

1,266

)

(

222

)



Net change in cash and cash equivalents

(

16,844

)

11,114

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

188,701

45,673



Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

171,857

$

56,787



Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

           Cash paid for income taxes

$

403

$

138

           Cash paid for interest

$

4,195

$

--



See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5



Table of Contents

SonoSite, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)

Interim Financial Information

Basis of Presentation

     The information contained herein has been prepared in accordance with instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The information reflects, in the opinion of SonoSite, Inc. management, all adjustments necessary (which are of a normal and recurring nature) for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of expected results for the entire year ending December 31, 2008 or for any other fiscal period. These financial statements do not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. For a presentation including all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Inventories

     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, on a first-in, first-out method. Included in our inventories balance are demonstration products used by our sales representatives and marketing department. Adjustments to reduce carrying costs are recorded for obsolete material, shrinkage, earlier generation products and used or refurbished products held either as saleable inventory or as demonstration product. If market conditions change or if the introduction of new products by us impacts the market for our previously released products, we may be required to further write down the carrying cost of our inventories.

     Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

                                                                                   

   

As of

March 31,

        

December 31,

2008

2007



Raw material

$

10,499

$

10,710

Demonstration inventory

8,918

7,601

Finished goods

13,673

11,429



Total

$

33,090

$

29,740



Warranty expense

     We accrue estimated warranty expense at the time of sale for costs expected to be incurred under our product warranties. This provision for warranty expense is made based upon our historical product failure rates and service repair costs using management's judgment. We have limited history with some of our products. We provide, with certain exceptions, a five-year warranty with the MicroMaxx system, M-Turbo system and S Series ultrasound tools. Given the length of the warranty period, the warranty liability for these products is more difficult to estimate than it has been for our other products that have a one-year warranty. However, given the similarity of the components used in the M-Turbo system and S Series ultrasound tools compared with our MicroMaxx system and the historical product failure rate and service repair costs of the MicroMaxx and the other systems, we believe that we can reasonably estimate the amount of the warranty liability for these products. We expect our warranty liability and expense to continue to increase significantly due to the five-year warranty offered with these products. Should actual failure rates or repair or replacement costs for any of our products differ from estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability may be required and our results may be materially affected.

     The warranty liability is summarized as follows (in thousands):

Balance at

     

Charged

     

     

Balance at

                                                                      

Beginning

to cost of

Applied to

End of

of Period

Revenue

Liability

Period





Three months ended March 31, 2008

$

4,045

     

$

642

     

$

(

321

)

     

$

4,366

Three months ended March 31, 2007

$

2,317

     

$

781

     

$

(

327

)

     

$

2,771

6



Table of Contents

Income taxes

     The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was based on projections of total year pre-tax income and the projected total year tax provision. Deferred income taxes are provided based on the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards arising since our inception. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in our tax rate is recognized in income in the period of change. The increase in our consolidated effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to 2007, results from the lapsing of the U.S. research and experimentation credit and non-deductible expense associated with a contingent liability incurred as part of the acquisition of LumenVu, Inc.

Net income per share

     Basic net income (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common equivalent shares consist of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants, or upon vesting of  restricted stock units using the treasury stock method. Diluted net income (loss) per share would also be impacted to reflect shares issuable upon conversion of our convertible senior notes if our share price exceeds $38.20 per share. Our call option on our shares is anti-dilutive and, therefore, excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share.

     The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share calculations (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                                                                                                                                          

Three Months

Ended March 31,


2008

2007


   


Net income (loss)

$

1,245

$

(

563

)



Weighted average common shares outstanding used

  

  

  

  

  

  

   in computing basic net income (loss) per share

16,770

16,494

Effect of dilutive common equivalent shares

636

--



Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing

   diluted net income (loss) per share

17,406

16,494



Net income (loss) per share:

     Basic

$

0.07

$

(

0.03

)

     Diluted

$

0.07

$

(

0.03

)

     The following weighted average potential common equivalent shares were excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):

7



Table of Contents

 

Three Months

Ended March 31,


2008

   

2007



Stock options

409

1,494

Restricted stock units

7

504

Warrants (1)

1,133

--



Total weighted average potential common shares

  excluded from diluted net income (loss) per share

1,549

1,998



(1)   As further detailed in the convertible senior notes footnote of our December 31, 2007 10-K, in July 2007 we issued warrants to purchase up to 2.5 million shares of our common stock with a strike price of $46.97, which are anti-dilutive since the strike price of the warrants is greater than the market price of our common stock.

     The computation of diluted net income (loss) per share does not include any potential dilutive common shares associated with our convertible senior notes. The convertible senior notes would become dilutive and included in the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, for the number of shares that would be required to satisfy the conversion spread, if the average market price of our common stock exceeds approximately $38.20 per share.

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     Unrealized gains or losses on our available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

     The following presents the components of comprehensive income (loss), (in thousands):

 

Three Months

Ended March 31,


2008

   

2007



Net income (loss)

$

1,245

$

(

563

)

Other comprehensive income:

     Foreign currency translation adjustment

326

29

     Unrealized holding gains, net 

111

37



Comprehensive income (loss)

$

1,682

$

(

497

)



Indemnification Obligations and Guarantees (excluding product warranty)

     We provide (i) indemnifications of varying scope and size to our customers and distributors against claims of intellectual property infringement made by third parties arising from the use of our products; (ii) indemnifications of varying scope and size to our customers against third party claims arising as a result of defects in our products; (iii) indemnifications of varying scope and size to consultants against third party claims arising from the services they provide to us; and (iv) guarantees to support obligations of some of our subsidiaries such as lease payments.

     To date, we have not incurred material costs as a result of these obligations and do not expect to incur material costs in the future. Accordingly, we have not accrued any liabilities in our financial statements related to these indemnifications or guarantees.

8



Table of Contents

Fair value measurements

   

     In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 157, "Fair Value Measures" ("SFAS 157"), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances disclosures about fair value measures required under other accounting pronouncements, but does not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument is carried at fair value. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position SFAS 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157" ("SFAS 157-2"), which defers the effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis, until fiscal years beginning after November 1, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We have adopted SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities effective January 1, 2008. The deferred non-financial assets and liabilities include items such as goodwill and other non-amortizable intangibles.

     SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS 157 also establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. An asset's or liability's classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

     The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value as of March 31, 2008 (in thousands):

 

    

Fair Value Measurements  using


Total Carrying
Value

Level 1

Level 2


Level 3





Investment securities

  

$

144,073

$

135,884

  

$

--  

  

$

8,189  

Long-term debt

  

$

225,000

  

$

222,255

  

$

--  

  

$

--  

      Valuation techniques.   Investment securities are measured at fair value using quoted market prices, with the exception of our investment in the Columbia Strategic Cash Portfolio, which is in the process of liquidation. This investment is measured at fair value, which is the net asset value of the portfolio provided by the portfolio manager. The portfolio manager has measured fair value based upon quoted market prices and quoted prices of comparable securities, as well as good faith estimates. Long-term debt is measured using quoted market prices. There were not any changes to these valuation techniques during the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

Fair value measurements of  Level 3 investments

Balance, December 31, 2007

$

12,574

Total gains (losses) (realized or unrealized)

Included in other income (loss)

 

(153

)

Included in other comprehensive income

 

--

Transfers in or out of level 3

 

--

 

Sales and settlements

 

(4,232

)


 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2008

$

8,189


 

 

 

Gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2008

  included in other income (loss) attributable to the change in

  unrealized losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date  

$

(148)

9



Table of Contents

Segment reporting

     We currently have one reportable segment. We market our products in the United States and internationally through our direct sales force and our indirect distribution channels. Our chief operating decision maker evaluates resource allocation decisions and our performance based upon revenue recorded in geographic regions and does not receive financial information about expense allocation on a disaggregated basis. Geographic regions are determined by the shipping destination. Revenue by geographic location are as follows (in thousands):

 

Three Months

Ended March 31,


2008

   

2007



United States

$

21,786

$

19,477

Europe, Africa and the Middle East

18,503

14,231

Latin America and Canada

6,051

3,546

Asia Pacific

6,159

5,541



Total revenue

$

52,499

$

42,795



Contingencies

     We filed a patent infringement suit against Zonare Medical Systems, Inc. in the federal district court of the Central District of California alleging that Zonare infringed one of our key patents through sales of its z.one ultrasound system. On March 14, 2007, Zonare filed an answer to our claim which included a counterclaim against us alleging that our products infringe its patent related to its portable docking station.

     On May 15, 2007, GE Healthcare filed a lawsuit against us in the federal district court in the Western District of Wisconsin. The lawsuit alleges that our MicroMaxx and/or TITAN products willfully infringe certain of GE's U.S. patents relating to ultrasound technology. GE is seeking unspecified monetary damages and an injunction. On July 5, 2007, we filed a counterclaim against GE and certain of its affiliates. In parallel, we filed our answer to the complaint denying all of GE's claims and alleging that the asserted patents are either invalid, not infringed, or both. Subsequent to these initial filings, both parties supplemented their claims with additional allegations of patent infringement. Our complaint also seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court injunction against future infringement by GE and its affiliates.

     We have not accrued any amounts for potential losses related to these matters. Because of uncertainties related to the potential outcome and any range of loss on the pending litigation, management is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the liability that could result from an unfavorable outcome. As additional information becomes available, we will assess the potential liability related to these matters. If and when we determine that a negative outcome of such matters is probable and reasonably estimable we will record accruals for losses. Our estimates regarding such losses could differ from actual results. Revisions in our estimates of the potential liability could materially impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flow. We expense legal costs as incurred.

Recent accounting pronouncements

     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measures" ("SFAS 157"), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances disclosures about fair value measures required under other accounting pronouncements, but does not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument is carried at fair value. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position SFAS 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157" ("SFAS 157-2"), which defers the effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 1, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We have adopted SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities, effective January 1, 2008, and, under SFAS 157-2, have delayed implementation on non-financial assets and liabilities. The deferred non-financial assets and liabilities include items such as goodwill and other non-amortizable intangibles. We do not believe the adoption of SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities will have a significant impact on our future consolidated financial statements.

10



Table of Contents

     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" ("SFAS 159"), including an amendment to FASB Statement No. 115. Under SFAS 159, entities may elect to measure specified financial instruments and warranty and insurance contracts at fair value on a contract-by-contract basis, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each reporting period. The election, called the fair value option, enables entities to achieve an offset accounting effect for changes in fair value of certain related assets and liabilities without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS 159 became effective as of the beginning of a company's first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. While FAS No. 159 became effective for our 2008 fiscal year, we did not elect the fair value measurement option for any of our financial assets or liabilities.

     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No.141(R), "Business Combinations," ("SFAS 141(R)") and SFAS No. 160, "Non-controlling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51," ("SFAS 160"). These new standards will significantly change the accounting for and reporting of business combination transactions and non-controlling (minority) interests in consolidated financial statements. SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 are required to be adopted simultaneously and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently reviewing the provisions of SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 to determine the impact on our future consolidated financial statements.

     In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 142-3, "Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets," ("FSP 142-3"), which provides guidance about estimating the useful lives of recognized intangible assets, and requires additional disclosures related to renewing or extending the terms of recognized intangible assets. FSP 142-3 applies to all recognized intangible assets, including those not acquired in a business combination. In estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset, FSP 142-3 requires companies to consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements together with the asset's intended use, regardless of whether the arrangements have explicit renewal or extension provisions. In the absence of historical experience, companies must consider the assumptions market participants would use about renewal or extension assumptions that are consistent with both the highest and best use of the asset and adjusted for entity-specific factors. FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The requirements for estimating useful lives must be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date. The disclosure requirements must be applied to all intangible assets recognized as of the effective date. Early adoption is prohibited. We are currently reviewing the provisions of FSP 142-3 to determine the impact on our future consolidated financial statements.

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements in this report include, without limitation:

        

•    

information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, trends in financial results and business plans, including those relating to earnings growth and revenue growth;

        

•    

statements about the level of our costs and operating expenses relative to our revenues, and about the expected composition of our revenues;

        

•    

statements about our future capital requirements and the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents, investments and available bank borrowings to meet these requirements;

        

•    

other statements about our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions; and

        

•    

other statements that are not historical facts.

     Words such as "believe," "anticipate," "expect" and "intend" may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and are based on potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. You should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.

     We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our future quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and annual reports on Form 10-K. Also note that we provide a cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possibly inaccurate assumptions relevant to our business in Item 1A. "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. These are risks that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements or from our expected or historical results. Other factors besides the risks, uncertainties and possibly inaccurate assumptions described in this report could also affect actual results.

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Overview

     We are the world leader in hand-carried ultrasound, or HCU, systems. We specialize in the development of HCU systems for use in a variety of medical specialties in a range of clinical settings at the point-of-care. Our proprietary technologies have enabled us to design HCU systems that combine high resolution, all-digital, broadband imaging with advanced features and capabilities typically found on cart-based ultrasound systems. We believe that the performance, size, durability, ease of use and cost-effectiveness of our products are expanding existing ultrasound markets, and are opening new markets by bringing ultrasound visualization out of the imaging lab to the point-of-care such as the patient's bedside or the physician's examining table for diagnosis and procedural guidance.

     The large size, weight and complexity of traditional cart-based ultrasound systems typically require a physician or highly trained clinician to perform the examination in a centralized imaging department, such as a hospital's radiology department. Our strategic intent is to enable clinicians to use ultrasound in a variety of clinical settings by developing each potential market based on three fundamental tenets: (i) the design of high performance system hardware, software and transducers with application-specific settings and capabilities; (ii) the provision of educational training that ensures appropriate use of the equipment in the clinical setting; and (iii) the support of professional institutions and ultrasound thought leaders in the completion of use protocols and clinical research that accelerates the adoption of HCU to improve patient outcomes. By providing ultrasound at the primary point-of-care, our systems expedite diagnosis and treatment in acute and critical care settings and provide visual guidance for interventional procedures. In outpatient settings, our systems can eliminate delays associated with the outpatient referral process. This increased accessibility is changing clinical practice, improving patient care and safety and has the potential to reduce healthcare costs through earlier diagnosis of diseases and conditions.

     We design our products for applications where ultrasound has not typically been used such as emergency medicine, surgery, critical care, internal medicine and vascular access procedures as well as for imaging in traditional applications, such as radiology, cardiology, vascular medicine and obstetrics and gynecology ("OB/Gyn"). In addition, the U.S. military has successfully deployed our systems in traditional hospital settings, field hospitals and forward surgical teams in war zones and areas of conflict. We began shipping our first products in September 1999 and today have an installed base of thousands of systems worldwide.

     Our fourth generation product platform is the basis of two product lines, the M-Turbo (TM) system and the S Series (TM) ultrasound tools, which we introduced in October 2007. These products together with the MicroMaxx (R) system, our third generation of hand-carried technology and introduced in 2005, offer a broad-based product portfolio for hospital and physician office markets. Based on our proprietary Application Specific Integrated Circuit ("ASIC") technology for high-resolution ultrasound imaging these systems offer image resolution comparable to costly, conventional cart-based ultrasound systems weighing over 200 pounds. A five-year warranty covering the system and most of the transducers, comes standard with these products.

     Our second generation product, the TITAN (R) system, began shipping in 2003. This system addresses point-of-care and traditional ultrasound markets. Our first generation of products includes the 180 (TM) and iLook (R) series. The SonoSite 180PLUS (TM) system is designed for general ultrasound imaging and the SonoHeart (R) ELITE is specifically configured for cardiovascular applications. The iLook 25 imaging tool is designed to provide visual guidance for physicians and nurses while performing vascular access procedures and the iLook 15 imaging tool is designed to provide imaging of the chest and abdomen.

     We commenced operations as a division of ATL Ultrasound, Inc., or ATL. On April 6, 1998, we became an independent, publicly owned company through a distribution of one new share of our stock for every three shares of ATL stock held as of that date. ATL retained no ownership in SonoSite following the spin-off.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to product returns, bad debts, inventories, investments, warranty obligations, service contracts, contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

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     As discussed in Item 7, "Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, our critical accounting policies and estimates include accounts receivable, revenue recognition, investments, valuation of inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, warranty expense, income taxes, stock-based compensation, convertible debt and hedge transaction and acquisitions.

Results of Operations

Revenue

     Revenue increased to $52.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $42.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in 2008 compared to 2007 was attributable to increased sales from direct sales internationally and in the U.S, improved product mix and the favorable foreign exchange impact of approximately 4%.

     U.S. revenue increased to $21.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $19.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in the first quarter 2008 compared to 2007 was primarily attributable to increased direct hospital sales.

     Revenue from Europe, Africa and the Middle East increased to $18.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $14.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, primarily due to an increase in revenue from direct selling in Europe, as well as the impact of foreign exchange. Revenue from Latin America and Canada increased to $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to increased sales in Latin America. Revenue from Asia Pacific increased to $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to increased sales in Australia.

     We anticipate that revenue will increase in 2008 compared to 2007 due to the continued expansion of our selling efforts worldwide. We expect growth from the introduction of new products and features, from the U.S. physicians' office market as we continue to develop this channel, from the continued expansion of international operations such as India and Italy, and the overall expansion of market awareness and acceptance of our products. The expansion of new sales operations, as well as the integration of the U.S. physician office market sales force, after the termination of our relationship with MarketBridge in January 2008, may not be as successful as anticipated and we may encounter regulatory and other issues in selling our products. Our revenue may also be impacted by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates in the countries in which we sell our products in currencies other than the USD. Increased competition may also impact our anticipated growth in revenue. We currently face competition from larger companies that manufacture cart-based and portable ultrasound systems and have greater financial and other resources.

Gross margin

     Gross margin was 72.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 69.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The gross margin increased over the prior year quarter primarily as a result of the greater mix of international direct sales, the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange of approximately 4%, and the expiration of the royalty to ATL.

     We expect our gross margin percentage in 2008 to remain consistent with 2007. Nevertheless, increased competition from existing and new competitors could result in lower average realized prices and could lower our gross margin. Our gross margin can be expected to fluctuate in future periods based on the mix of business between direct, government and distributor sales; mix of U.S. and international sales; and our product and accessories sales mixes. Changes in our cost of inventory also may impact our gross margin. Adjustments to reduce carrying costs are recorded for obsolete material, earlier generation products and used or refurbished products held either as saleable inventory or as demonstration product. If market conditions change or the introduction of new products by us impacts the market for our previously released products, we may be required to further write down the carrying value of our inventory, resulting in a negative impact on gross margins. We rely on our sales forecasts by product to determine production volume. To the extent our sales forecasts or product mix estimates are inaccurate, we may produce excess inventory or experience inventory shortages, which may result in an increase in our costs of revenue, a decrease in our gross margin or lost sales. Our gross margin may also be impacted by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates in the countries in which we sell our products in currencies other than the USD.

Operating expenses

     Research and development expenses were $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. We anticipate that research and development expenses will increase in 2008 compared to 2007 due to continued development of new products and features, as well as further development related to the M-Turbo system and S Series ultrasound tools.

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     Sales, general and administrative expenses were $29.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $26.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase was attributable to increased headcount to support business growth, increased legal expenses and a one-time, pre-tax charge of $0.7 million for integration of the former MarketBridge physician office channel and the elimination of overhead within the company's marketing, general and administrative structure.

     We anticipate that sales, general and administrative expenses will increase modestly in 2008 compared to 2007. However, we may incur increased legal expenses regarding our ongoing litigation or unanticipated legal expenses if we become involved in any new litigation.

Other income

     Total other income (loss) was a loss of $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to income of $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The decrease was attributable to an increase in interest expense related to the long-term debt issued in July 2007 and an increase in foreign exchange loss, offset by an increase of interest income.

     We anticipate that other income (loss) will decrease in 2008 compared to 2007 due to interest expense related to the long-term debt and a decline in market interest rates for our investment securities.

Income tax expense

     Income tax provision was $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to a benefit of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in our consolidated effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to 2007, results primarily from an increase in the applicable U.S. graduated statutory tax rate, the lapsing of the U.S. research and development tax credit as of December 31, 2007 and non-deductible expenses associated with a contingent liability incurred as part of the LumenVu acquisition.  We anticipate that our annual consolidated effective tax rate will be approximately 39%.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Our cash and cash equivalents balance was $171.9 million as of March 31, 2008, compared to $188.7 million as of December 31, 2007. Cash and cash equivalents were primarily invested in money market accounts. Our short-term and long-term investment securities totaled $144.1 million as of March 31, 2008, compared to $121.1 million as of December 31, 2007. Investment securities generally consist of high-grade U.S. government or corporate debt and high-grade asset-backed securities. We have the ability to hold our securities until maturity, however, we classify all securities as available-for-sale, as the sale of such securities may be required prior to maturity to implement management strategies.

     As of March 31, 2008, we had $8.2 million in Columbia Strategic Cash Portfolio, which is in the process of liquidation. In our judgment this investment experienced an additional decline in fair value that is other than temporary, accordingly, we have recognized an impairment loss of $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2008. Distributions from this portfolio are solely at the discretion of the portfolio manager. Excluding interest income payments, we anticipate that $5.5 million will be distributed from this portfolio during 2008, which is recorded as a short-term investment and $2.7 million will be distributed after 2008, which is recorded as a long-term investment.

     Operating activities provided cash of $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to cash provided of $10.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was adjusted by non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $1.9 million, depreciation and amortization of $1.1 million and deferred income taxes of $1.2 million. Changes in operating assets provided $9.6 million and changes in operating liabilities used $7.5 million. The change in operating assets is due to accounts receivable collections being higher than sales for the quarter and the change in operating liabilities is due to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued expenses. We anticipate that cash provided by operations will increase in 2008 compared to 2007 primarily due to anticipated growth in profitable operations. This increase will depend on our ability to successfully sell our products, collect our receivables, control our inventories and manage our expenses. Excess income tax benefits related to stock-based awards are reflected as an operating cash outflow, however, the amounts and timing of these cannot be predicted.

     Investing activities used cash of $23.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to cash used of $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The cash used in 2008 was primarily due to purchase of investment securities of $124.9 million offset by the proceeds from the sale or maturity of investment securities of $102.6 million.

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     Financing activities provided cash of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Cash provided by financing activities was due to proceeds from the exercise of stock options totaling $0.5 million in 2008 compared to $1.4 million in 2007. Additionally, excess tax deductions on stock-based awards increased to $0.2 million in 2008 from $0.1 million in 2007.

     We believe that our existing cash and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations and planned capital expenditures in 2008. Nevertheless, we may experience an increased need for additional cash due to:

        

•    

any significant decline in our revenue or gross margin;

        

•    

any delay or inability to collect accounts receivable;

        

•    

any acquisition or strategic investment in another business;

        

•    

any significant increase in expenditures as a result of expansion of our sales and marketing infrastructure, our manufacturing capability or our product development activities; and

        

•    

any significant increase in our sales and marketing expenditures as a result of our introduction of new products.

Risk Factors

     A complete listing of our risk factors is contained in the Item 1A. "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest rate risk 

     We are exposed to market risk relating to changes in interest rates, which could adversely affect the value of our investments in marketable securities.

     As of March 31, 2008, our portfolio consisted of $141.4 million of interest-bearing debt securities with maturities of less than one year and $2.7 million of interest-bearing debt securities with maturities of more than one year. Generally we have the ability to hold these securities until maturity, however, we have classified them as available-for-sale in the event of unanticipated cash needs. The interest bearing securities are subject to interest rate risk and will fall in value if market interest rates increase. We believe that the impact on the fair market value of our securities and related earnings for 2008 from a hypothetical 10% increase in market interest rates would not have a material impact on the investment portfolio.

     As of March 31, 2008, we had $8.2 million in Columbia Strategic Cash Portfolio, which is in the process of liquidation. In our judgment this investment experienced an additional decline in fair value that is other than temporary, accordingly, we have recognized an impairment loss of $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2008. Distributions from this portfolio are solely at the discretion of the portfolio manager. Excluding interest income payments, we anticipate that $5.5 million will be distributed from this portfolio during 2008, which is recorded as a short-term investment and $2.7 million will be distributed after 2008, which is recorded as a long-term investment.

Foreign currency risk

     Except for sales transacted by our wholly-owned subsidiaries, we transact substantially all our sales in USDs; therefore, the obligations of many of our international customers are in USDs. Our exposure to risk from fluctuations in foreign currencies relates to revenues and expenses transacted by subsidiaries in foreign currencies. Additionally, we have exposure related to the strengthening of the USD against the local currency of our international subsidiaries, which may result in foreign exchange losses on transactions with them, and our international customers, which may impact our ability to collect amounts owed by them.

     As of March 31, 2008, 75% of our outstanding accounts receivable balance was from international customers, of which 58%, or $23.1 million, was denominated in a currency other than USDs. Total sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008 denominated in a currency other than USDs were $20.6 million, or 39% of total consolidated revenues. The British pound, the Euro and the Japanese yen represented the majority of financial transactions executed in a currency not denominated in USDs. We regularly review our receivable positions in foreign countries for any indication that collection may be at risk.  In addition, we utilize letters of credit where they are warranted in order to mitigate our collection risk.

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     We periodically enter into foreign currency forward and participating forward contracts to reduce the impact of adverse fluctuations on earnings associated with foreign currency exchange rate changes. As of March 31, 2008, we had $39.9 million in notional amount of foreign currency contracts that expire on June 30, 2008. They serve as hedges of a substantial portion of our intercompany balances denominated in a currency other than the USD. These foreign currencies primarily include the British pound, the Euro and the Japanese yen. A sensitivity analysis of a change in the fair value of these contracts indicates that if the USD weakened by 10% against the applicable foreign currency, the fair value of these contracts would decrease by $2.0 million. Conversely, if the USD strengthened by 10% against the applicable foreign currency, the fair value of these contracts would increase by $4.0 million. Gains and losses in the fair value of these contracts are intended to offset the losses and a portion of the gains on the underlying intercompany balances. These offsetting gains and losses are not reflected in the sensitivity analysis above. The fair value of these contracts as of March 31, 2008 was not material to our results of operations or our financial position.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

     As of March 31, 2008, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), and they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

     We continue to review, revise and improve the effectiveness of our internal controls.  There have been no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the first quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

     We filed a patent infringement suit against Zonare Medical Systems, Inc. in the federal district court of the Central District of California alleging that Zonare infringed one of our key patents through sales of its z.one ultrasound system. On March 14, 2007, Zonare filed an answer to our claim which included a counterclaim against us alleging that our products infringe its patent related to its portable docking station.

     On May 15, 2007, GE Healthcare filed a lawsuit against us in the federal district court in the Western District of Wisconsin. The lawsuit alleges that our MicroMaxx and/or TITAN products willfully infringe certain of GE's U.S. patents relating to ultrasound technology. GE is seeking unspecified monetary damages and an injunction. On July 5, 2007, we filed a counterclaim against GE and certain of its affiliates. In parallel, we filed our answer to the complaint denying all of GE's claims and alleging that the asserted patents are either invalid, not infringed, or both. Subsequent to these initial filings, both parties supplemented their claims with additional allegations of patent infringement. Our complaint also seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court injunction against future infringement by GE and its affiliates.

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     On April 22, 2008, we held our annual meeting of shareholders. As of the record date, February 22, 2008, there were 16,776,327 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting. At the meeting, 14,842,642 shares were represented, either in person or by proxy. The following proposals were adopted by the margins indicated:

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1. To elect nine directors to our board of directors to serve until the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders.

                            

                                                   

Number of Shares


For

Withheld



Kirby L. Cramer

8,304,444

     

6,538,198

Carmen L. Diersen

8,902,268

5,940,374

Kevin M. Goodwin

8,783,468

6,059,174

Edward V. Fritzky

8,948,154

5,894,488

Steven R. Goldstein M.D.

8,424,022

6,418,620

Paul V. Haack

8,902,981

5,939,661

Robert G. Hauser, M.D.

8,470,281

6,372,361

William G. Parzybok, Jr.

8,901,681

5,940,961

Jacques Souquet, Ph.D.

8,470,626

6,372,016

2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008.

                            

For

   

Against

   

Abstain




14,275,250

553,530

13,862

3. To approve the amendment of the our 2005 stock incentive plan.

                            

For

   

Against

   

Abstain




8,188,664

3,633,776

140,318

Item 6.    Exhibits

Exhibit

No.

Description


                                                                                                        


                                                                                                         

   

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

31.1

  

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

31.2

  

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

32.1

  

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

32.2

  

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

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SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                                                                           

SONOSITE, INC.

(Registrant)

          

     

                                                                         

     

                                                                                                           

Dated:

 

May 8, 2008

By:   

/s/    MICHAEL J. SCHUH


 

 

 

 

Michael J. Schuh

Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit

No.

Description


                                                                                                        


                                                                                                         

   

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

31.1

  

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

31.2

  

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

32.1

  

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

32.2

  

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

19