UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

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

For the transition period from to .

Commission file no. 0-23791

LOGO

SONOSITE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Washington

91-1405022

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

21919 30th Drive S.E.

Bothell, WA 98021-3904

(425) 951-1200

(Address and telephone number of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common stock, $0.01 par value

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act). Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

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

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, based on the closing sale price of the registrant’s Common Stock on June 30, 2011 as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was $487,884,958.

As of March 6, 2012, there were 14,117,149 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

SONOSITE, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		Page No.
PART I
Item 1.	Business	3
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	10
Item1B.	Unresolved SEC Staff Comments	19
Item 2.	Properties	19
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	19
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	19

PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	20
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	22
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	22
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	30
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	31
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	64
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	64
Item 9B.	Other Information	64

PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	65
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	68
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters	84
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence	85
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	86

PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	88
Signatures		93

Trademarks

SonoSite, the stylized SonoSite logo, LumenVu, TITAN, Edge, MicroMaxx, M-Turbo, NanoMaxx and other marks, are all registered trademarks of SonoSite, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions.S Series, S-FAST, S-Nerve, S-ICU, S-Cath, S-MSK, S-GYN, S-Women’s Health, Microscan,Education Key and other marks are trademarks of SonoSite, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions. CardioDynamics, BioZ Advasense, BioZ Dx, and BioZ are registered trademarks of CardioDynamics International Corporation. VisualSonics and Vevo are registered trademarks of VisualSonics Inc. All other brand names, trademarks or service marks referred to in this report are the property of their owners.

PART I

Our disclosure and analysis in this report and in our 2011 Annual Report to shareholders, of which this report is a part, contain 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 regarding the expected closing of our acquisition by FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation;

•

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, future 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 under the caption “Risk Factors” in this report. 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.

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

Business—Recent Developments—Acquisition by FUJI

On December 15, 2011, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, a Japanese corporation, or FUJI, and Salmon Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of FUJI, or the Purchaser, which provides for the acquisition of our company by FUJI in two steps. The first step was a cash tender offer by Purchaser to acquire all of the outstanding shares of our common stock at a price of $54.00 per share, net to the seller in cash without interest thereon, subject to any applicable withholding and transfer taxes. The tender offer was completed on February 15, 2012. Pursuant to the tender offer, Purchaser acquired a total of 12,697,279 shares of our common stock, which constitute approximately 89.94% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. As a result, the Company is a “controlled company” as such term is defined in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5615(c)(1). The second step is, following the consummation of the tender offer and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Purchaser will merge with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving corporation in the merger (the “Merger”). In the Merger, each outstanding share of our common stock (other than those shares held by Purchaser or FUJI or any wholly owned subsidiary of FUJI and any shareholders who are entitled to and have properly exercised dissenters’ rights under Washington law with respect to such shares of our common stock) will be converted into the right to receive $54.00 in cash, without interest thereon, subject to any applicable withholding and transfer taxes, all as more fully set forth and described in the Information Statement mailed to our shareholders on or about March 7, 2012.

On March 29, 2012 a special meeting of our shareholders will be held for the purpose of approving the Merger Agreement and the related Plan of Merger for the Merger. As a result of the consummation of the tender offer, FUJI beneficially owns and has the right to vote a sufficient number of outstanding shares of our common stock such that approval of the Merger Agreement and the Plan of Merger at the special meeting is assured without the affirmative vote of any other shareholder. We expect to complete the Merger shortly after the special meeting, as a result of which SonoSite will cease to be a standalone business and will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary of FUJI from and after the effective time of the Merger.

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 highly trained specialist to perform the examination in a centralized imaging department, such as a hospital’s radiology department. Our 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, easy to use 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, musculoskeletal, 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 approximately 70,500 systems worldwide.

Our fourth generation technology platform is the basis of three product lines, the NanoMaxx™ ultrasound tool, which we introduced in July 2009, the M-Turbo^® system and the S Series™ ultrasound tools, which we introduced in October 2007 and The Edge™, which was introduced in November 2011. These products together with the MicroMaxx^® 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 SonoSite-manufactured transducers comes standard with these products. In 2009, we introduced a major upgrade for the S Series product line which increased performance and expanded clinical capabilities. Additionally we introduced a specialized configuration of the S Series product for the women’s health market. In addition, in 2011 we introduced the Edgeproducts, featuring new imaging algorithms that enable clinicians to clearly visualize images while reaching deeper levels of penetration.

We commenced operations as a division of ATL Ultrasound, Inc., or ATL (now a part of Philips Medical Systems). On April 6, 1998, we became an independent, publicly owned company. ATL retained no ownership in SonoSite following the spin-off.

On August 14, 2009, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of CardioDynamics International Corporation (“CDIC”), a leader in impedance cardiography (“ICG”) for noninvasive hemodynamic assessment that develops, manufactures, and sells ICG devices and sensors. The BioZ Dx^® impedance cardiography system provides non-invasive assessment of cardiac output and other hemodynamic parameters that aid physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The business combination enables us to expand our distribution platform and product offerings.

On June 30, 2010, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of VisualSonics, Inc. (“VisualSonics”), a leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of ultra high-resolution, ultrasound-based imaging technology (“micro-ultrasound”) designed to enable discovery research, medical diagnosis and imaging small physiological structures in humans and animals. VisualSonics’ micro-ultrasound product platform currently serves the pre-clinical research market. We intend to integrate VisualSonics’ micro-ultrasound technology with our miniaturization competency and user design to deliver ultra high-frequency micro-ultrasound into clinical medicine.

Medical Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound uses low power, high-frequency sound waves to provide noninvasive, real-time images of the body’s soft tissue, organs and blood flow. Ultrasound can be cost effective by eliminating the need for more time intensive, invasive and expensive

procedures and allowing for earlier diagnosis of diseases and conditions. Further, it does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation that is present in X-ray and computed tomography technology. To generate an ultrasound image, a clinician places the transducer on the skin or in a body cavity near or by the targeted area of interest. Tissues and bodily fluids reflect the sound waves emitted by the transducer, which then receives these reflections. Based on these reflections, the ultrasound system’s beamformer measures and organizes the sound waves and produces an image for visual examination, using digital or analog signal processing, or a combination of the two. Broadband digital signal processing technology, such as that used by our products, allows an ultrasound system to obtain and process greater amounts of information. Accordingly, digital ultrasound systems produce higher resolution images than analog and hybrid analog/digital ultrasound machines.

Standard ultrasound imaging produces a two-dimensional image, known as grayscale or 2D imaging, which physicians use to diagnose stage and monitor disease states and conditions. Color doppler technology expands standard ultrasound imaging by generating a colorized image showing the presence and direction of blood flow. Through the use of software algorithms in the ultrasound system, clinicians can provide a quantitative assessment of anatomical structures and physiological functions such as blood flow velocity and cardiac ejection fraction.

ICG Technology

The ICG technology we acquired in 2009 makes it possible to measure the heart’s mechanical, or blood flow, characteristics. By using our products, physicians have an easy, noninvasive, safe, painless and cost-effective way to monitor the heart’s ability to deliver blood to the body.

Our BioZ^® products use four BioZ Advasense^® ICG sensors (two on the neck and two on the chest) to deliver a high-frequency, low magnitude, alternating current through the chest that is not felt by the patient. Our BioZ Dx ICG Monitor uses proprietary processing methods to measure changes in impedance to the electrical signal, which are then applied to an algorithm to provide cardiac output, the amount of blood pumped by the heart in one minute. Additional parameters that are provided indicate blood flow from the heart, the resistance the heart is pumping against, the force with which the heart is contracting, and the amount of fluid in the chest. These parameters are printed on a report that allows the doctor to customize and optimize treatment for a particular patient.

Ultra High-resolution Imaging

The ultra high-resolution imaging technology that we acquired in 2010 is designed specifically for in vivo imaging of small animals conducted during life sciences research and the pre-clinical stage of the drug development process. The drug development process is broadly divided into three stages: drug discovery, pre-clinical studies and clinical studies. Before a particular drug can be tested on humans, its safety and efficacy must be assessed in the pre-clinical drug development stage. The physics of ultrasound involve trade-offs between image resolution and depth of penetration. Conventional ultrasound systems used in human (or clinical) applications operate in the three to fifteen MHz frequency range, provide spatial resolution down to 300 microns (or 0.3 millimeters), and penetrate to a depth of 80 millimeters. These specifications are sufficient, for example, to image a human fetus. Conversely, when imaging a small animal such as a mouse, much higher resolution is necessary to provide useful images while depth of penetration is not required. Our ultra high-frequency system has a spatial resolution down to 30 microns or 3 centimeters. In March 2011, we launched the Vevo^® LAZR Photoacoustics Imaging system (“LAZR”) for the advancement of cancer research in the pre-clinical imaging market. This technology combines the sensitivity of optical imaging with the resolution and depth penetration of high-frequency ultrasound, enabling researchers to study cancer in its earliest stages of progression and detect and evaluate tumor growth.

Our Markets

According to a report by InMedica, a market research company that focuses on the medical device industry, the worldwide ultrasound market for compact HCU was $810.9 million in 2009, excluding upgrades and services. In the report, InMedica projected that the compact HCU market would grow to $1.3 billion in 2014, representing a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 16.2%. According to the report, compact HCU has benefited from the economic downturn by providing budget minded healthcare providers with cost-effective equipment containing improved image quality and features over more expensive cart-based systems. The compact HCU market segment remains the fastest growing sector of the ultrasound market and is being driven by the identification of new clinical applications and expansion into new geographic regions.

Our markets can be classified by location and clinical application. From a location perspective, we see our growth continuing to come from further penetration into the hospital market, the major source of our revenue today. We see strong growth opportunities from sales into the clinic or physician’s office, as well as into alternative care sites. On a clinical application basis, we see growth in “non-traditional” or point-of-care ultrasound markets such as anesthesia and critical care. In the clinic or private practice office setting, we believe that slower growth in the more traditional markets, such as radiology, cardiology and OB/Gyn, will be offset by accelerating growth trends and interest in other physician office settings. We consider the use of HCU in the field medicine applications such as the military and disaster settings as growing opportunities.

Our Products

Our current ultrasound product portfolio consists of the Edge system, the NanoMaxx ultrasound tool, the M-Turbo system, the S Series ultrasound tools, the MicroMaxx system, and the TITAN system. SonoSite ultrasound systems offer a digital beamformer, broadband imaging, an integrated color display, a control panel, an alphanumeric keyboard and multiple caliper measurement tools. Each of the systems provides 2/D velocity color doppler, color power doppler, M-mode, pulse wave and continuous wave doppler imaging. These systems can be used with certain transducers that are capable of providing Tissue Harmonic Imaging, which uses high-frequency imaging to optimize gray scale differentiation and optimize overall image quality. These systems support basic ECG (electrocardiogram) synchronization to image gathering, essential for understanding cardiac cycle and anatomical variations. Image storage, image documentation to video printer or video recorder and direct personal computer connectivity are available on all SonoSite platforms. These systems are capable of operating on battery power when needed and are designed for the rigors of mobile use. We make and sell a broad array of transducers to use with our systems to address a full range of clinical applications.

In addition to the above, the Edge, the M-Turbo, MicroMaxx and TITAN systems support dual screen imaging for comparative imaging. These systems can be used for stationary applications in a Mobile Docking Station (“MDS”), which supports connectivity to hospital information systems, multiple transducer connections and on-board documentation devices. The systems can be easily removed from the docking station to be hand-carried to the point-of-care. Unlike recently introduced convertible ultrasound products, the MDS does not contain any system electronics. SonoSite systems are fully functional in all portable exam environments, whether or not connected to a docking station.

With the acquisition of VisualSonics, our product family now includes the Vevo^® 770 and the Vevo 2100 micro-imaging systems. The Vevo high-frequency ultrasound technology enables in vivo, real-time, high resolution (as low as 30 microns) visualization and quantification of small animal anatomical targets, hemodynamics, and therapeutic interventions. The Vevo 2100 system expands the functionality, flexibility and image quality of the Vevo 770 system with MICROSCAN solid-state array transducers. MICROSCAN linear array transducers provide increased frame rates, superb contrast, and a wider field of view enabling detailed quantification and assessment of targets. Additionally, advanced software functionality such as color doppler, contrast imaging with micro-bubbles, strain analysis, multiple imaging and processing modes render the Vevo 2100 system to the be the ideal multi-disciplinary in vivo imaging solution for all preclinical research needs.

The following is a summary of our product platforms:

Edge Ultrasound System. The Edgeproducts, commenced shipping in November 2011, features new imaging algorithms, enabling clinicians to clearly visualize images, while reaching deeper levels of penetration. The Edge system also boasts a high luminance LED, high resolution 12 inch display, which is the company’s largest monitor to date– making it easier for clinicians to see the image from across the bed during procedures. The Edge introduces a new level of clean-ability with its sealed silicone keypad. Designed to help meet the new standards of patient care, the Edge system is a perfect diagnostic ultrasound tool for clinical assessment and procedural guidance at the hospital bedside and in the physician’s office.

The Edge system, at 7.5 pounds and a complement of 14 transducers, can be configured for the full range of clinical and procedural guidance applications at the point-of-care including abdominal, nerve, vascular, cardiac, venous access, small part and superficial imaging.

A 5-year warranty comes standard on the system and most of the transducers.

NanoMaxx Ultrasound Tool. The NanoMaxx system, first shipped in July 2009 and based on our fourth generation technology platform, weighs 6 pounds. It has 5 transducers and can be configured to support a wide range of examinations and procedures including thoracic assessment for hemothorax, hydrothorax and pneumothorax, vascular access, needle aspirations and injections, as well as abdominal, cardiac, nerve, OB/Gyn, musculoskeletal, small parts and vascular scanning. The NanoMaxx system features a touch screen that responds easily to the tap of a finger, and one button optimization. A 5-year warranty comes standard on the system and most of the transducers.

M-Turbo System and S Series Ultrasound Tools. The M-Turbo and S Series products, first shipped in December 2007, deliver an exponential increase in processing power for superior image clarity across all exam types, plus seamless connectivity for digital image export in a rugged, easy to use form factor. Clinicians can export images easily to a USB storage device in standard PC formats for review or storage on a Windows^® PC or Mac^® computers.

The M-Turbo system, at 7.5 pounds and a complement of 14 transducers, can be configured for the full range of clinical and procedural guidance applications at the point-of-care including abdominal, nerve, vascular, cardiac, venous access, small part and superficial imaging.

The S Series ultrasound systems are the first ultrasound tools customized to specific clinical applications and designed to be wall or ceiling mounted or can be used from a stand. With the S Series products, clinicians need only to manipulate two controls—depth and gain—to get the image they need. Transducers, exam settings, software and algorithms are all specialized for the specific clinical application. Weighing 9.4 pounds, the S Series ultrasound tools—S-FAST™ for emergency medicine, S-Nerve™ for regional anesthesia, S-ICU™ for critical care and S-Cath™ for interventional radiology and cardiac cath labs. In 2008, SonoSite introduced the S-MSK™ system for musculoskeletal applications, and the S-GYN™ and S-Women’s Health™ systems.

Transducers are interchangeable between the M-Turbo and S Series product lines. A 5-year warranty comes standard on the system and most of the transducers. These systems may be upgraded with purchased software features that can be added through a USB drive.

MicroMaxx System. The MicroMaxx system, first shipped in June 2005, weighs 7.6 pounds (with battery). It has 14 transducers and can be configured for use in anesthesia, cardiology, critical and acute care, emergency medicine, OB/Gyn, preventive cardiology, radiology, surgery and vascular applications. A 5-year warranty comes standard on the system and most of the transducers.

We also offer accessories and clinical education programs including:

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Accessories. We offer a wide selection of accessories for our products. These include mobile docking stations, multiple transducer connections, image transfer and management software, printers, video recorders, auxiliary monitors, storage devices, carrying cases and disposable supplies.

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Specialized training and education. We develop education programs independently and in partnership with numerous medical societies and other recognized experts in ultrasound education to provide courses for our customers through the SonoSite Institute for Training and Education. We have pioneered a unique online education site, which has been developed for the benefit of existing customers in the traditional and emerging markets that are new to the routine use of ultrasound. Additionally, with the introduction of the M-Turbo and S Series products we developed the Education Key™ program—a USB thumb drive that contains a combination of system operation video tutorials, application-specific video refresher programs that provide peer-to-peer instruction on how to perform specific exams and procedures and an image reference library of application specific sonographic anatomy for comparison purposes. As we develop new and emerging markets, we plan to continue to support the development of accredited and market-specific training materials, and expand the use of workshops in conjunction with recognized leaders in ultrasound.

BioZ Impedance Cardiography System. Our acquired BioZ systems use ICG technology and reporting features to provide non-invasive hemodynamic parameters for tracking and evaluating cardiovascular health. The BioZ Dx, BioZ Cardio Profile and BioZ Vaso Profile systems use disposable sensors that transmit a small electrical signal through the patient’s thorax to measure changes in the aorta’s blood volume and velocity with each heartbeat.

Vevo 770 system. The Vevo 770 systems introduced to the market in 2005, has been widely accepted as the gold standard in the field of in vivo imaging across the globe with more than 600 peer reviewed articles published in respected scientific journals on topics ranging from cardiovascular research to drug development.

Vevo 2100 system. The Vevo 2100 systems introduced in 2008, featuring linear array technology, color doppler, extremely high frame rates, quantification and assessment software tools such as contrast imaging, and strain analysis, is finding increased utility in advanced research related to cardiovascular diseases, drug induced vascular injury, tumor visualization, imaging and quantification and brain flow imaging.

Sales and Marketing

We currently sell our products through sales channels comprised of a direct sales force, independent third-party distributors, and strategic alliances. As of December 31, 2011, we employed over 247 direct sales representatives in the U.S. and in our wholly-owned subsidiaries located in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom. In addition to our direct sales, we sell products in over 100 countries through a network of independent third-party distributors. In addition, we employ regional sales managers responsible for Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Latin America.

In the U.S., we have complemented our direct sales efforts by entering into group purchasing agreements with major healthcare group purchasing organizations (“GPO”). Currently, we have GPO supply agreements with various groups including Amerinet, Inc., HealthTrust Purchasing Group, MedAssets Inc., Broadlane, Inc., Novation LLC, and Premier, Inc. We also have two supply agreements with the U.S. government, specifically with the Defense Supply Center of Philadelphia and the Veteran’s Administration. In the United Kingdom, we have a supply agreement with the Purchasing and Supply Agency of the National Health Service, which contracts on a national basis for the purchase of products and services.

We derived 52% of our revenue from domestic sales in 2011 compared to 49% in 2010 and 46% in 2009. We attribute revenue to a foreign country based on the location to which we ship our products. Products sold to the U.S. government but deployed in a foreign country are attributed to domestic revenue. Our quarterly revenue is affected by seasonality from year to year with the fourth quarter having the highest revenue, and first quarter being typically the lowest. Quarterly revenue patterns may be affected somewhat by large government orders or shipment of new product inventory to distributors. We currently have one reporting segment. For information regarding revenues and long-lived assets by geography, refer to Note 14 of our consolidated financial statements.

Patents and Intellectual Property Rights

We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and other agreements with employees and third parties to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We require our officers, employees and consultants to enter into standard agreements containing provisions requiring confidentiality of proprietary information and assignment to us of all inventions made during the course of their employment or consulting relationship. We also enter into nondisclosure agreements with our commercial counterparties and limit access to, and distribution of, our proprietary information.

We are committed to developing and protecting our intellectual property and, where appropriate, filing patent applications to protect our technology. We hold 86 U.S. patents relating to various aspects of our products, including digital beamformers, beamforming capabilities, transducers, digital conversion circuitry, transceiver circuitry, circuit integration, designs and various product configurations. We hold 75 foreign patents relating to our products, and we currently have 56 patent applications pending in the U.S. and 73 registrations pending abroad. In addition, SonoSite has licensed 4 U.S. patents, 13 foreign patents, 3 U.S. patent applications and 6 registrations pending abroad. Our patents will expire at various times ranging from 3.5 to 16 years. Our patent duration is dependent upon the issuing jurisdiction.

We license ultrasound technology from ATL under a Technology Transfer and License Agreement executed at the time of our spin-off as a public company in 1998. Under that agreement, we took ownership of certain ultrasound technology developed as part of a government grant and also patent rights, which had been established or were being pursued for that technology. As part of this agreement, we also entered into a cross-license whereby we had the exclusive right to use certain ATL technology existing on April 6, 1998 or developed by ATL during the three-year period following April 6, 1998 in ultrasound systems weighing 15 pounds or less, and ATL had the exclusive right to use our technology existing on April 6, 1998 or developed by us during the same three-year period in ultrasound systems weighing more than 15 pounds. On April 6, 2003, this cross-license became nonexclusive and, except for the patented technology of each party, now extends to all ultrasound systems regardless of weight. The nonexclusive cross-license rights are perpetual.

We license certain high-frequency ultrasound technology from Sunnybrook & Women’s College Health Sciences Centre and Company (“Sunnybrook”) under a license agreement executed in October 2000 (and amended thereafter). Under that license agreement, we received an exclusive license to certain high-frequency ultrasound-technology for visualization of objects at microscopic resolutions developed as part of a Sunnybrook research program which had been established or was being pursued for that technology. Our exclusive license to the high frequency ultrasound technology included certain patent rights, trade secrets and know-how, along with certain rights of first refusal to improvements in high-frequency ultrasound technology developed by Sunnybrook after the execution of the license agreement. Our exclusive license rights are granted for the longer of 15 years from the effective date of the original license agreement or the expiration of the last to expire patent included in the terms of the license agreement. In consideration for this exclusive license to the Sunnybrook high-frequency ultrasound technology, we have an ongoing obligation to pay royalties to Sunnybrook on high-frequency ultrasound products that incorporate Sunnybrook ultrasound technology and/or intellectual property.

We hold a number of registered and unregistered trademarks, service names and domain names that are used in our business in the U.S. and overseas. Generally, federally registered trademarks offer protection for renewable terms of 10 years so long as the mark continues to be used in commerce.

In order to protect or enforce our patent rights, we may initiate patent litigation. Additionally, others may initiate patent litigation against us. For a description of any such litigation, see Item 3, Legal Proceedings.

Competition

We currently face competition for our HCU ultrasound systems from companies that manufacture cart-based and portable ultrasound systems. Many of our competitors are larger and have greater resources than we do and offer a range of products broader than our products. The dominant competitors in the ultrasound imaging industry are GE Healthcare, a unit of General Electric Company (“GE Healthcare”), Siemens Medical Solutions (“Siemens”) and Philips Medical Systems, a division of Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. (“Philips”). In addition, as the market for high-performance, HCU systems develops, we expect competition to increase as potential and existing competitors enter the portable market or modify their existing products to more closely approximate the combined portability, quality, performance and cost of our products. Our current competitors in the portable market include Siemens, GE Healthcare, Mindray Medical International Limited, Biosound Esaote, Inc., and Zonare Medical Systems, Inc.

In October 2009, we granted a non-exclusive worldwide license right to our patent for ultrasound systems weighing less than ten pounds (U.S. Patent No. 5,722,412 or “the ‘412 patent”) to GE Healthcare as part of a patent litigation settlement. This is the first such non-exclusive worldwide license right sold. We may encounter increased competition as a result of this license agreement.

We believe that we are the leading developer of high-resolution, ultrasound-based in vivo micro imaging systems devised specifically for non-invasive small animal research.

While we have no direct competitors within pre-clinical ultrasound, there are indirect competitors. We face indirect competition from the established methods of life science research, including histology. We must convince the researcher to change his or her methods and adopt in vivo imaging and, in particular, the Vevo system. In addition, indirect competition comes from other in vivo pre-clinical imaging modalities. There is a mix of large medical imaging companies and smaller, more focused companies that provide alternative pre-clinical imaging modalities.

Research and Development and Technology

We currently employ approximately 170 people in research and development. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, expenses attributable to research and development for our business totaled $41.1 million, $32.5 million and $29.0 million. We believe our products represent the most advanced and innovative technology in high-performance, HCU systems. We believe our technology gives us a competitive advantage, and we are committed to maintaining this advantage by continuing to enhance our existing products and develop new ones.

Manufacturing

Final assembly and testing of our products is done in our facilities in Bothell, Washington and in Toronto, Canada. We depend on suppliers, including some single-source suppliers, to provide highly specialized parts and subassemblies, such as custom-designed integrated circuits, circuit boards, cable assemblies and transducer components. We also depend on single-source suppliers to provide other components, such as image displays, batteries, capacitors and cables. We maintain inventories of components to meet near-term production requirements. While our suppliers have generally produced our components with acceptable quality, quantity and cost in the past, they have experienced periodic problems that have caused us delays in production. To date, these problems have not resulted in lost sales or lower demand.

Governmental Regulation

The manufacture and sale of our clinical ultrasound products are subject to extensive regulation by numerous governmental authorities, principally the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (“FDA”), as well as several other state and foreign agencies. The FDA requires that we obtain a pre-market notification clearance under Section 510(k) of the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act prior to introducing our products to the market. By granting 510(k) clearance, the FDA indicates agreement with an applicant’s determination that the product for which clearance has been sought is substantially equivalent to medical devices that were on the market prior to 1976 or have subsequently received clearance. The process of obtaining 510(k) clearance typically takes three months, but it can take significantly longer. To date, all of our clinical products have received 510(k) clearance.

Many of the regulations applicable to our products in foreign countries are similar to those of the FDA. Some foreign regulatory agencies require similar pre-market clearance or registration before our products can be marketed or offered for sale in their countries. Such foreign regulatory approvals may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA clearance and the requirements may differ significantly. The national health or social security organizations of certain countries may additionally require our products to be qualified before they can be marketed in those countries. We cannot be assured that such clearances will be obtained.

We are subject to regulations in each of the foreign countries in which we sell products. Currently, our products bear a CE Mark, which indicates that our products comply with the requirements of the applicable European Union Medical Device Directive. Medical devices properly bearing the CE marking may be commercially distributed throughout the European Union. We have received certification from the British Standards Institute (“BSI”) for conformity with certain quality system standards allowing us to place the CE mark on our product lines. The quality system has been developed by the International Organization for Standardization to ensure that companies are aware of the standards of quality to which their products will be held worldwide. While no additional pre-market approvals in individual European Union countries are required prior to marketing a device bearing the CE marking, practical complications with respect to marketing introduction may occur. For example, differences among countries have arisen with regard to labeling requirements. We may not be successful in maintaining certification requirements necessary for distribution of our products in the European Union and failure to maintain the CE marking will preclude us from selling our products there.

Reimbursement

In the U.S., the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”), has established rules governing the reimbursement for ultrasound and other healthcare services to healthcare providers treating Medicare patients. Under current CMS rules, payment amounts and conditions of coverage for ultrasound are sufficient to allow physicians to incorporate the use of ultrasound into their practice when clinically appropriate. Private insurance policies, often based on Medicare policies, also currently support the continued use and adoption of ultrasound. The use of our products outside the U.S. is similarly affected by reimbursement policies adopted by foreign regulatory agencies and insurance carriers. For additional consideration of risks associated with Reimbursement, see Item 1A, Risk Factors.

Service and Warranty

Our warranty period is five years for the NanoMaxx, Edge, M-Turbo, S Series, MicroMaxx, and BioZ systems. Our warranty period for our other products and remanufactured systems is between one and two years. The warranty is included with the original purchase. In addition to our standard warranty, we offer extended warranty agreements for maintenance beyond the standard warranty period or for coverage above what is provided under the standard warranty. We repair equipment that is out of warranty on a time and materials basis. The warranty liability is summarized as follows (in thousands):


	Beginning of year		Charged to cost of revenue		Applied to liability			Liability Acquired		End of year
Year ended December 31, 2011	$	10,427	$	5,716	$	(4,690	)	$	—	$	11,453
Year ended December 31, 2010	$	8,432	$	5,744	$	(3,879	)	$	130	$	10,427
Year ended December 31, 2009	$	7,094	$	3,720	$	(2,683	)	$	301	$	8,432

Employees

As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 858 employees, of which approximately 20% were engaged in product research and development, 22% in manufacturing, 44% in sales and marketing activities and the remaining 14% in administrative capacities, including executive, finance, legal, human resources, regulatory and information services and technology. Of these, approximately 622 are U.S. employees. There has never been a work stoppage and no employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. We believe our employee relations are good.

Available Information

We make available, free of charge on our website, copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing or furnishing the information to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Internet address for the information is http://www.sonosite.com and then click on “About Us ” then “Governance.” Our Code of Conduct, which is our written Code of Ethics under Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, is also available on our website.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS.

Our operations and cash flows are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and the trading price of our common stock. As discussed above, we have entered into the Merger Agreement pursuant to which we are to be acquired by FUJI. We expect the Merger to occur shortly following our special meeting of shareholders on March 29, 2012, after which SonoSite will cease to be a standalone business and will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary of FUJI. Accordingly, the risk factors below, excepting the first two risk factors, should be read with the understanding that such risk factors would affect a holder of our common stock only in the event that the Merger is not consummated and we remain a standalone, publicly traded company.

Risks Related to our Pending Acquisition by FUJI

Consummation of the tender offer may adversely affect the liquidity of the shares of our common stock not tendered in the offer.

On December 15, 2011, we announced that we had entered into the Merger Agreement with FUJI pursuant to which FUJI, through Purchaser, would commence a tender offer of $54.00 per share to acquire all of the outstanding shares of our common stock. The tender offer commenced on January 17, 2012 and was completed on February 15, 2012. Pursuant to the tender offer, Purchaser acquired a total of 12,697,279 shares of our common stock, which constitute approximately 89.94% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. As a result of the tender offer, the number of our shareholders and the number of shares of our common stock publicly held were greatly reduced and we may no longer be able to satisfy the continued listing requirements of the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which could adversely affect the liquidity and market value of such shares of our common stock held by the public.

Because the Merger has not yet closed, we cannot be sure that the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will be consummated, which could have a negative effect on our financial performance and stock price.

The obligation of FUJI to consummate the Merger is subject to certain conditions, including the absence of any legal prohibition prohibiting the consummation of the Merger. If the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement are not met or waived, the acquisition of us by FUJI may not occur. These conditions are described in more detail in the Merger Agreement which we filed, as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, with the SEC on December 15, 2011. We cannot ensure that each of the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement will be satisfied or that the Merger will occur when or as expected.

Our announcement of having entered into the Merger Agreement and of having consummated the tender offer by Purchaser could cause a material disruption to our business. For example, to the extent that our announcement of the acquisition creates uncertainty among customers or resellers such that they cancel orders or terminate their respective agreements with us, our results of operations could be negatively affected. Decreased revenue could have a variety of adverse effects, including negative consequences to our relationships with customers, resellers and others.

Risks in the Event the Merger is not Consummated

We may be unable to expand the market for our products to new applications and new users, which could limit our ability to grow our business.

We seek to sell our products to current users of ultrasound and ICG equipment, physicians, and other healthcare providers who do not currently use ultrasound or ICG equipment. Our market focus, and we believe our greatest growth opportunities, will come from new point-of-care clinical applications and products and new users of ultrasound or ICG technology. Any new users of ultrasound not only will require training and education to properly administer ultrasound examinations but also must develop an appreciation of the treatment value of our products so that our products will become successfully integrated into their day-to-day practices. Although we have spent, and will continue to spend, considerable marketing resources educating potential customers about the value of HCU products in their medical practices, our efforts may be unsuccessful. If these potential customers are unable or unwilling to be trained due to cost, time constraints, unavailability of courses or other reasons, or if they consider our products nonessential to their medical practices, our ability to expand the market for our products and to increase our revenues could be limited.

Our efforts to integrate the business and technology of any past and future acquisition may result in significant costs or create significant disruptions that outweigh the benefits of any such acquisition.

On June 30, 2010, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of VisualSonics, Inc. (“VisualSonics”), a leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of ultra high-resolution, ultrasound-based imaging technology (“micro-ultrasound”) designed to enable discovery research, medical diagnosis and imaging small physiological structures in humans and animals. VisualSonics’ micro-ultrasound product platform currently serves the pre-clinical research market. As of December 31, 2011, VisualSonics was successfully assimilated into our operations.

On August 14, 2009, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of CDIC, a leader in ICG for noninvasive hemodynamic assessment that develops, manufactures, and markets ICG devices and sensors. The ICG product line provides non-invasive assessment of cardiac output and other hemodynamic parameters. As of December 31, 2009, CDIC was successfully assimilated into our operations.

We may explore the possible acquisition of one or more medical device companies or medical device products or technologies in an effort to expand our product portfolio, expand our sales channels, create international operating leverage, improve marketing and other efficiencies or leverage manufacturing and supply chain economics. If we are unable to identify suitable acquisition candidates or to successfully consummate and integrate acquisitions into our business, our ability to grow our business may be affected.

Any acquisition we do in the future or have done in the past may be costly to integrate and we may experience:

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difficulty in integrating operations, including combining teams and processes in various functional areas;

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delays in realizing the benefits of the acquired company or technology;

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limited market acceptance of acquired products or technology;

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diversion of our management’s time and attention from other business concerns;

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lack of or limited direct experience in new markets we may enter;

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difficulties in obtaining regulatory approvals or reimbursement codes for acquired technologies;

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increased risk of product liability actions from acquired products or technologies;

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additional costs, including fees and expenses of professionals involved in completing the integration process; and

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unexpected costs associated with existing liabilities of any acquired business.

In addition, an acquisition could materially impair our operating results by causing us to incur additional debt or requiring us to incur acquisition or integration related charges. If we fail in our attempts to integrate any acquired business or technology, or if the business fails to meet our forecasts, our financial resources or financial results could be negatively impaired.

If healthcare reimbursement policies place limits on which providers may receive payment for imaging services or substantially reduce reimbursement amounts or coverage for specific procedures, market acceptance of our products may be reduced.

Continued demand for our products depends in part on the extent to which our customers continue to receive reimbursement for the use of our products from third-party payers such as Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurers (and equivalent third-party payers in foreign countries). Presently, reimbursement policies for physician-performed diagnostic ultrasound services are fairly unrestricted in the United States and payment levels are sufficient to enable providers to recoup the costs of purchasing ultrasound systems in a reasonable timeframe. The continuing efforts of governmental authorities, private health insurers and other third-party payers to contain or reduce the costs of healthcare could, however, result in reduced or more restrictive payment for ultrasound services. Additionally, some private insurers have implemented imaging privileging programs as a means of controlling utilization of imaging services. Finally, both governmental and private third-party payers are calling for increasing amounts of clinical evidence of beneficial patient outcomes in addition to proof of clinical efficacy as a prerequisite to granting new or continued coverage for technologies and devices. If reimbursement policies for physician-performed diagnostic ultrasound become more restrictive, or if heightened requirements for proof of clinical efficacy are imposed, it may adversely affect our sales revenues.

We may be unable to compete effectively and could fail to generate sufficient revenue to maintain our business.

Competition in the cart-based and portable ultrasound systems market is very significant. Our main competitors in this industry are GE Healthcare, Siemens, and Philips. These companies are very large global organizations that have the following competitive advantages over us:

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significantly greater financial and infrastructure resources;

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larger research and development staffs;

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greater experience in product manufacturing, marketing and distribution;

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greater brand name recognition; and

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long-standing relationships with many of our existing and potential customers.

These manufacturers of cart-based and portable ultrasound systems could use their greater resources to further increase the level of competition in the market through various means, including:

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price and payment terms that we are unable to match;

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marketing strategies that bundle the sale of portable systems with other medical products that we do not sell;

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technological innovation;

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market penetration and hospital systems integration that we cannot match;

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employee compensation that we cannot match; and

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complementary services such as warranty protection, maintenance and product training that are outside of the scope of our product offerings.

Existing product supply relationships between these competitors and our potential customers could adversely impact the level or rate of adoption of our products due to brand loyalty or preferred customer discounts. Competing portable or traditional cart-based ultrasound devices may be more accepted or cost-effective than our products. Competition from these companies for employees with experience in the primary point-of-care market could result in higher turnover of our employees. If we are unable to respond to competitive pressures within the cart-based and HCU markets, we could experience delayed or reduced market acceptance of our products, higher expenses and lower revenue.

We expect the market for high-performance HCU products and the competition in the HCU market will continue to increase as new and existing competitors enter the portable ultrasound market or modify their existing products to more closely approximate the combined portability, quality, performance and cost of our products. If we are unable to compete effectively with current or new entrants to the high-performance HCU market, we will be unable to generate sufficient revenue to maintain our business.

In October 2009, we resolved all pending patent litigation with GE Healthcare. Under the terms of the settlement, GE Healthcare made an up-front royalty payment to SonoSite of $21 million and will pay an ongoing royalty on U.S. sales and production of hand-carried ultrasound systems in exchange for a non-exclusive perpetual, nontransferable worldwide license to the ‘412 patent. We may face increasing competition from GE Healthcare as a result of this settlement and the license granted to GE Healthcare under it.

We may be negatively impacted by guidelines, recommendations and studies published by various organizations that can reduce the use of our products.

Professional societies, practice management groups, private health/science foundations, and organizations involved in healthcare issues may publish guidelines, recommendations or studies to the healthcare and patient communities from time to time. Recommendations of government agencies or these other groups/organizations may relate to such matters as usage, cost-effectiveness and use of related therapies. Organizations like these have in the past made recommendations about our products and those of our competitors. If any of these organizations do make an adverse recommendation, then we may be unable to generate sufficient revenue to maintain our business.

Unfavorable economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our business.

Unfavorable changes in economic conditions, including inflation, recession, or other changes in economic conditions, may result in lower consumer healthcare spending as well as physician and hospital spending and availability of credit. If demand for medical devices or budgets for capital improvements decline, our revenue could be adversely affected. Additionally, if our suppliers face challenges in obtaining credit, in selling their products or otherwise in operating their businesses, they may become unable to continue to offer the materials we use to manufacture our products, which could result in sales disruption.

We may face significant challenges if global economic conditions remain unstable or worsen, including reduced demand for our products and services, increased order cancellations, longer sales cycles and slower adoption of new technologies; increased difficulty in collecting accounts receivable and increased risk of excess and obsolete inventories; increased price competition in our served markets; increased prices in components as a result of higher commodities prices; supply chain interruptions, which could disrupt our ability to produce our products; and increased risk of impairment of investments, goodwill and intangible and long-lived assets.

Changes in the healthcare industry could result in a reduction in the size of the market for our products or may require us to decrease the selling price for our products, either of which could have a negative impact on our financial performance.

Trends toward managed care, healthcare cost containment, and other changes in government and private sector initiatives in the United States and other countries in which we do business are placing increased emphasis on lowering the cost of medical services, which could adversely affect the demand for or the prices of our products. For example:

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major third-party payers of hospital and non-hospital based healthcare services, including Medicare, Medicaid and private healthcare insurers, could revise their payment methodologies and impose stricter standards for reimbursement of imaging procedures charges and/or a lower or more bundled reimbursement;

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the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act Public Law 111-148), as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 Public Law 111-152), includes an excise tax on medical device manufacturers designed to raise $20 billion over ten years. Unless this tax is repealed, beginning in January of 2013 medical device manufacturers will be required to pay 2.3% of U.S. revenue from the sale of medical devices to meet their obligation.;

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there has been a consolidation among healthcare facilities and purchasers of medical devices in the United States and foreign countries who prefer to limit the number of suppliers from whom they purchase medical products, and these entities may decide to stop purchasing our products or demand discounts on our prices;

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there is economic pressure to contain healthcare costs in markets throughout the world; and

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there are proposed and existing laws and regulations in domestic and international markets regulating pricing and profitability of companies in the healthcare industry.

These trends could lead to pressure to reduce prices for our products and could cause a decrease in the demand for our products in any given market that could adversely affect our revenue and profitability, which could harm our business.

Failure to develop and innovate new products and product features could adversely affect our business and negatively impact future revenues.

Because substantially all of our revenue comes from the sales of our existing HCU systems and related products, in order to remain competitive, our future financial success will depend in large part upon our ability to successfully invent, deliver and market new and innovative products and product features. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, we released several new products, including the Edge ultrasound system and the NanoMaxx ultrasound tool,which are customized for different clinical applications. The development of new, technologically advanced products and product features is a complex and uncertain process requiring great innovation and the ability to anticipate technological and market trends and needs. We may be unable to achieve or maintain market acceptance of any new products we develop, and we may be required to expend more costs than anticipated to successfully develop and introduce these products. Without successful product innovation and market introduction of new product offerings and feature improvements, our products will become technologically obsolete and we will be unable to compete effectively in the ultrasound market. Additionally, we may be unable to create or introduce new products or features in the CVDM or ultra high-frequency market or any new markets that we may enter. Even with successful innovation and development, we cannot assure you that revenues will continue to remain at or above current levels or that we will continue to be financially profitable.

Because technological innovation is complex, it can require long development and testing periods. If the launch of new products or product improvements is delayed for any reason, our business may be adversely affected. Factors which could cause delays in our product development or release schedules or cancellation of product development projects include:

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research and development challenges;

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lack of technological expertise outside of ultrasound;

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defects or errors in newly developed products or software for those products;

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third-party intellectual property rights that preclude us from pursuing a new product design; and

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the availability, cost and performance of supplies and components needed for new products.

We may experience delays in our innovation cycle and in the scheduled introduction of future new products. Any such delays could adversely affect our ability to compete effectively in the markets that we serve and could adversely affect our operating results.

We could experience production delays, cost increases, and lost sales if our suppliers fail to supply components on a timely basis or if we are required to switch suppliers.

We depend on suppliers, including some single-source suppliers, to provide highly specialized parts, such as custom-designed integrated circuits, cable assemblies and transducer components. We also depend on single-source suppliers to provide other components, such as image displays, batteries, capacitors and cables. We do not maintain significant inventories of certain components, and may experience an interruption of supply if a supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our time, quantity and quality requirements. There are relatively few alternative sources of supply for some of these components. An increase in demand for some parts by other companies could interrupt our supply of components. We have in the past experienced supply problems in timeliness and quality, but to date these problems have not resulted in lost sales or lower demand. Nevertheless, if we experience an interruption of supply or are required to switch suppliers, the manufacture and delivery of our products could be interrupted, our manufacturing costs could substantially increase and product sales could be substantially reduced.

In addition, our circuit boards are produced in Malaysia by one of the world’s largest electronic manufacturing services suppliers. Our agreement does not provide for any guaranteed minimum number of circuit boards to be either manufactured or purchased. We provide the manufacturer with our forecasted demand for circuit boards, which forms the basis of our production plan. These circuit boards are highly customized, and securing a different source of supply for this critical component of our product would be particularly difficult. If we experience delays in the receipt or deterioration in product yields of these critical components, we may experience delays in manufacturing resulting in lost sales or an increase in costs, which could cause deterioration in our gross margin.

If we experience problems in our relationships with our distributors, our ability to sell our products could be limited.

We currently depend on distributors to help promote market acceptance and demand for our products in countries in which we do not have a direct sales force. Distributors that are in the business of selling other medical products may not devote a sufficient level of resources and support required to generate awareness of our products and grow or maintain product sales. If our distributors are unwilling or unable to market and sell our products, or if they do not perform to our expectations, we could experience delayed or reduced market acceptance and sales of our products. In addition, disagreements with our distributors or non-performance by these third parties could lead to costly and time-consuming litigation or arbitration and disrupt distribution channels for a period of time and require us to re-establish a distribution channel.

Increased reliance on group purchasing organizations and U.S. governmental agencies may lead to pressure on pricing and increased competition.

We depend on group purchasing organizations and U.S. governmental agencies for significant revenues. These groups represent 61.1% of our U.S. revenues. The multi-year agreements with these entities are complex, and include contractual pricing limitations, and required fees. These agreements provide access to customers and contain provisions related to pricing, usage, cost-effectiveness, and use of competitor products. This enhanced purchasing power may also lead to pressure on pricing and increased use of preferred vendors. In addition, our status as a U.S. government contractor requires us to comply with numerous laws and regulations. If we do not manage these relationship effectively, renew on satisfactory terms or fulfill the contractual and legal requirements with the group purchasing organizations and U.S. governmental agencies, our ability to sell to them could be restricted or terminated and our results could be adversely affected. During 2010, we determined that we were not meeting the requirements of certain contractual pricing agreements. A non-recurring charge to revenue of $1.1 million was recorded for the estimated liability.

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from foreign sales and are subject to the risks of doing business in other countries.

We have eleven wholly owned operating subsidiaries located in the following countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom. The percentage of our total revenue originating outside the United States equaled 48%, 51% and 54% for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Successful maintenance of these international operations requires us to:

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maintain an efficient and self-reliant local infrastructure;

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continue to attract, hire, train, manage and retain qualified local sales and administrative personnel;

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continue to identify new non-U.S. distributors and maintain our relationships with our existing distributors;

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comply with diverse and potentially burdensome local regulatory requirements and export laws, including license requirements, trade restrictions and tariff increases; and

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maintain complex information, financial, distribution and control systems.

The international sale and shipment of our products subject us to extensive United States and foreign governmental trade regulations. Failure to comply with any legal and regulatory obligations could impact us in numerous ways including, but not limited to, denial of export privileges, criminal, civil, and administrative penalties; fines; seizure of shipments; and restrictions on certain business activities.

Our presence in international markets has required, and will continue to require, substantial financial and managerial resources. The costs of maintaining our presence in international markets are unpredictable and difficult to control. In addition, we may be subject to the following conditions in countries where we conduct our operations:

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changes or uncertainties in economic, legal, regulatory, social and political conditions;

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currency exchange rate fluctuations;

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difficulty in enforcing any judgment against non-U.S. distributors or other third parties upon which our business is heavily dependent; and

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reduced protection for our intellectual property rights.

Despite our expenditures and efforts internationally to mitigate the challenges above, we may not continue to generate a proportional substantial increase in international revenue, and such a deficiency would negatively impact our operating results.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in declines in our reported revenue and earnings.

Total sales denominated in a currency other than the U.S. Dollar (“USD”) were US$100.0 million or 32.6% of our total consolidated revenue and total expenses denominated in a currency other than USD were US$64.6 million or 31.9% of our total consolidated operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011. As a result, our results of operations could be adversely affected by certain movements in exchange rates. Although we take steps to hedge a portion of our net foreign currency exposures, there is no assurance that our hedging strategy will be successful or that the hedging markets will have sufficient liquidity or depth for us to implement our strategy in a cost-effective manner. We seek to manage the counterparty risk associated with engaging in foreign currency contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which we have established banking relationships. In addition, as of December 31, 2011, 71.0% of our accounts receivable balance was from international customers, of which 38.5%, or US$32.0 million, was denominated in a currency other than USD. Although we regularly review our receivable positions in foreign countries for any indication that collection may be at risk, our revenue from international sales may be adversely affected by longer receivables collection periods and greater difficulty in receivables collection.

If we, or our suppliers, are unable to obtain timely U.S. and foreign governmental regulatory approvals applicable to our products and manufacturing practices, we could experience product introduction delays, production delays, cost increases and lost sales and our future revenues may be adversely affected.

Our products, our manufacturing and marketing activities, and the manufacturing activities of our third-party medical device manufacturers are subject to extensive regulation by a number of governmental agencies, including the FDA, and comparable international agencies. We and our third-party manufacturers are or may be required to:

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obtain prior clearance or approval from these agencies before we can market and sell our products;

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undergo rigorous inspections by domestic and international agencies; and

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satisfy content requirements for all of our sales and promotional materials.

The process for obtaining regulatory approval can be lengthy and expensive, and the results are unpredictable. If we are unable to obtain clearances or approvals needed to market existing or new products, or obtain such clearances or approvals in a timely manner, our revenues and profitability could be adversely affected. Moreover, clearances and approvals, if granted, may limit the uses for which a product may be marketed, which could reduce or eliminate the commercial benefit of manufacturing any such product.

To ensure that manufacturers adhere to good manufacturing practices, medical device manufacturers are routinely subject to periodic inspections by the FDA and may be inspected by foreign regulatory agencies from countries in which we do business. In addition, BSI performs periodic assessments of our manufacturing processes and quality system. Compliance with the regulations of various agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, may require us to incur substantial costs and may delay or prevent the introduction of new or improved products. Although to date these actions by regulatory bodies have not required us to incur substantial costs or delay product shipments, we expect to experience further inspections and incur additional costs as a result of governmental regulation.

Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement action, including product recall orders, the issuance of fines, injunctions, civil and criminal penalties, detaining or banning our products, and operating restrictions. Our third-party medical device manufacturers may also be subject to the same sanctions if they fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations and, as a result, may fail to supply us with components required to manufacture our products.

Failure to sustain profitability, grow, or manage our growth could impair our ability to achieve our business objectives.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, our revenue increased to $306.0 million from $275.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. We intend to continue to grow our business; however, we may be unable to sustain or increase our revenue or profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. We may incur losses if we cannot increase or sustain our revenue. Additionally, operating expenses would increase if we continue to pursue acquisitions of companies or technologies to further our growth.

Future growth could strain our existing management and operational and financial resources and, if we are unable to manage this growth successfully and retain or attract qualified personnel, our business and financial performance could be adversely affected. In order to manage our growth effectively, we will need to improve the productivity and efficiency of our existing sales, manufacturing, operational, administrative, and international support staff and our management and information systems. We may be unable to hire and retain the personnel necessary to operate and expand our business. We also may be unable to increase the productivity and efficiency of our existing resources, which would impair our financial results.

We may be unable to predict our sales or plan manufacturing requirements with accuracy, which may adversely affect our operating results.

Our customers typically order products on a purchase order basis. In some circumstances, customer orders may be cancelled, changed or delayed on short notice. Lack of significant order backlog makes it difficult for us to forecast future sales with certainty and could result in over- or under- production, which could lead to higher expense, lower than anticipated revenue, and reduced gross margin. Varying quarterly demands from our customers, particularly as we introduce new products, also make it difficult to accurately forecast component and product requirements, exposing us to the following risks:

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If we overestimate our requirements, we may be obligated to purchase more components or third-party products than we need; and

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If we underestimate our requirements or experience shortages of product components from time to time, we could experience an interruption in revenue, because our third-party manufacturers and suppliers may have an inadequate product or product component inventory to satisfy our requirements.

The final assembly and testing of our products is done at both our Bothell, Washington factory and our VisualSonics factory in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where we integrate different components manufactured by various suppliers. If we encounter supplier, regulatory, engineering or technical difficulties in manufacturing on account of events at our factory or our suppliers’ factories, we may incur delays in delivery of these products to customers, which could adversely affect our revenues.

Our reliance on a single corporate headquarters and limited manufacturing facilities may expose us to greater risk from natural disasters or other unforeseen catastrophic events.

Our corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities for clinical products are located in two buildings in Bothell, Washington, in close proximity to each other. The manufacturing facilities for VisualSonics are in a single building in Toronto, Canada. Despite precautions taken by us, a natural disaster such as an earthquake or other unanticipated catastrophic events at our Bothell location could significantly impair our ability to manufacture our products and operate our business. Our facilities information data center and certain manufacturing equipment would be difficult to replace and could require substantial replacement lead-time. Such catastrophic events may also destroy any inventory of product or components and information systems. While we carry insurance for natural disasters and business interruption at both our Bothell and Toronto facilities, the occurrence of such an event could result in losses that exceed the amount of our insurance coverage, which would impair our financial results.

Existing or potential intellectual property claims and litigation either initiated by or against us may divert our resources and subject us to significant liability for damages, substantial litigation expense and the loss of our proprietary rights.

In order to protect or enforce our patent rights, we may initiate patent litigation.

Others may initiate patent litigation against us. For example, in 2007 and again in 2008, GE Healthcare initiated patent litigation against us, alleging that we infringed several of their patents and attempting to invalidate one of our key patents. In 2009, we settled all pending patent litigation worldwide with GE Healthcare. If we fail to successfully defend claims against us, we may be required to pay monetary damages (including treble damages), and, unless we are able to redesign our products to avoid infringing the asserted patents or to license proprietary rights from them, we may be prevented from continuing to market and sell certain of our products, sales of which could represent a substantial portion of our total revenue. If this outcome were to occur, we may be unable to redesign our products in a timely and cost effective manner, and licensing proprietary rights may not be possible on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Even if we are successful in defending these actions and in proving infringement, we would incur substantial costs that could adversely affect our financial condition and the actions will be distracting to management.

We may become subject to interference proceedings conducted in patent and trademark offices to determine the priority of inventions. There are numerous issued and pending patents in the ultrasound field. The validity and breadth of medical technology patents may involve complex legal and factual questions for which important legal principles may remain unresolved.

We may be liable for infringing the intellectual property of others as there could be existing patents of which we are unaware, or pending applications of which we are unaware which may later result in issued patents, that one or more of our products may infringe.

We may also become involved in the defense and prosecution, if necessary, of intellectual property suits, patent interferences, opposition proceedings and other administrative proceedings.

Involvement in intellectual property claims and litigation, including those described above, could have significant adverse consequences, including:

•

diversion of management, scientific and financial resources;

•

exposure to significant adverse judgments and financial liabilities;

•

substantial litigation costs;

•

product shipment delays and lost sales;

•

inability to design around third party patents;

•

modification of our products; and

•

discontinuation of product sales.

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights.

Much of our value arises out of our proprietary technology and intellectual property for the design, manufacture and use of point-of-care ultrasound imaging systems, including development of point-of-care high-frequency micro ultrasound technology and pre-clinical high-frequency micro ultrasound systems. We rely on patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark laws to protect our proprietary technology and limit the ability of others to compete with us using the same or similar technology. Third parties may infringe or misappropriate our intellectual property, which could harm our business.

We currently hold 161 U.S and foreign patents relating to our technology. We also license a number of patents from academic institutions, other commercial entities and licensing organizations, including key patents relating to our high-frequency micro ultrasound technology and our LumenVu technology. A number of other patents are pending in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions. Although we enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants and strategic partners, and generally control access to and distribution of our proprietary information, the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property may not prevent misappropriation. In addition, we do not know whether we will be able to defend our proprietary rights since the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of proprietary rights is still evolving.

Policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult, costly and time-intensive. We may fail to stop or prevent misappropriation of our technology, particularly in countries where the laws may not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. If we cannot prevent other companies from using our proprietary technology or if our patents are found invalid or otherwise unenforceable, we may be unable to compete effectively against other manufacturers of ultrasound systems, which could decrease our market share. In addition, the breach of a patent licensing agreement by us may result in termination of a patent license.

We may incur greater than expected warranty expense.

We expect our warranty liability and expense to continue to increase significantly due to the five-year warranty offered with the Edge,NanoMaxx, S Series, M-Turbo, MicroMaxx and BioZ systems. Should actual failure rates and repair or replacement costs differ from our estimates, additional warranty expense may be incurred and our financial results may be materially affected.

Our business objectives and financial results depend on our ability to attract and retain talented employees.

Our success depends heavily on our ability to attract and retain the services of certain key employees or certain technical expertise. Competition among medical device companies for qualified employees is intense. We may fail to retain these key employees, and we may fail to attract qualified replacements if they do leave. We do not maintain key-person insurance on any of our employees. We do not have employment agreements with any of our employees except for employees in certain countries outside the United States and change in control agreements with certain members of senior management. The loss of any of our key employees could significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our product development or business objectives.

In addition, our future success will depend, to a significant extent, on the ability of our management to operate effectively, both individually and as a group. We must successfully manage transition and replacement issues that may result from the departure or retirement of members of our senior management. Transitions of management personnel may cause disruption to our operations or customer relationships or a decline in our financial results.

Seasonality and concentration of revenues at the end of the quarter could cause our revenues to fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decrease in our stock price.

As a result of customer buying patterns and the efforts of our sales force to meet or exceed year-end and quarterly quotas, historically we have earned a substantial portion of each year’s revenues during the last quarter and a substantial portion of each quarter’s revenues during its last month. If expected revenues at the end of any quarter are delayed, our revenues for that quarter could fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decrease in our stock price.

Our investment securities may be adversely impacted by economic factors beyond our control, and we may incur impairment charges to our investment portfolio.

Our cash and cash equivalents made up over 23.7% of our total assets as of December 31, 2011. Although our holdings are liquid, economic factors could impact the liquidity of our portfolio and result in impairments to our investment portfolio, which could negatively affect our financial condition, cash flow and reported earnings.

Product liability and other claims initiated against us and product field actions could increase our costs, delay or reduce our sales and damage our reputation, adversely affecting our financial condition.

Our business exposes us to the risk of product liability, malpractice or warranty claims inherent in the sale and support of medical device products, including those based on claims that the use or failure of one of our products resulted in a misdiagnosis or harm to a patient. Such claims may cause financial loss, damage our reputation by raising questions about our products’ safety and efficacy, and interfere with our efforts to market our products. Although to date we have not been involved in any medical malpractice or product liability litigation, we may incur significant liability if such litigation were to occur. We may also face adverse publicity resulting from product field actions or regulatory proceedings brought against us. Although we currently maintain liability insurance in amounts we believe are commercially reasonable, any product liability we incur may exceed our insurance coverage. Liability insurance is expensive and may cease to be available on acceptable terms, if at all. A product liability or other claim or product field action not covered by our insurance or exceeding our coverage could significantly impair our financial condition. In addition, a product field action or a liability claim against us could significantly harm our reputation and make it more difficult to obtain the funding and commercial relationships necessary to maintain our business.

If we fail to comply with our obligations in our license with ATL, we could lose license rights that are important to our business.

We license certain technology from ATL that is incorporated into our single technology platform, and we use this ATL technology in all of our HCU systems. A substantial majority of our revenue is attributable to products incorporating this ATL technology.

ATL may terminate our license in the event of an uncured material default by us in our obligations under the license agreement. The termination or other loss of our license to use ATL technology would significantly impair our ability to manufacture, market and sell our products. If this license is terminated, we may be unable to generate sufficient revenue to maintain our business.

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED SEC STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

Our principal offices are located in Bothell, Washington, where we lease two buildings totaling approximately 125,000 square feet. These facilities include approximately 78,000 square feet of office space and 47,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space. The leases run through 2014. Additionally, we have property in Ilmenau, Germany that includes 7,173 square feet of office space and smaller office facilities at foreign locations in which we have operations. In 2010, through our acquisition of VisualSonics, we acquired additional office space located in Toronto, Canada. The leased building is 22,200 square feet, comprised of 16,507 square feet of office space and 5,693 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space. This lease is scheduled to terminate in 2014.

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On December 21, 2011, a purported class action lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of Washington in Snohomish County in connection with the planned acquisition of SonoSite by FUJI. The plaintiff, David Raul as custodian for Pinchus E. Raul Utma NY, purports to bring this suit as a class action on behalf of the public stockholders of SonoSite. The complaint names SonoSite and each of our eight directors then in office as defendants and alleges that the directors breached their fiduciary duties by failing to follow a proper sales procedure and failing to procure a fair price for the shareholders of SonoSite, and that SonoSite aided and abetted the breaches of fiduciary duty by the directors. The complaint does not name FUJI or Purchaser as a defendant.

A second purported class action lawsuit was filed in connection with the planned acquisition of SonoSite by FUJI in the Superior Court of Washington in King County on December 21, 2011. An amended complaint was filed on January 23, 2012. The plaintiff, Rohit Sangal, purports to bring this suit as a class action on behalf of the public stockholders of SonoSite. In addition to SonoSite and each of its eight directors then in office, the complaint also names FUJI and Purchaser as defendants. The complaint alleges that SonoSite’s directors breached their fiduciary duties by failing to follow a proper sales procedure and failing to procure a fair price for the shareholders of SonoSite. The complaint also alleges that the directors breached their fiduciary duties through materially inadequate disclosures and material omissions. In addition, the complaint alleges that each of SonoSite, FUJI and Purchaser aided and abetted the breaches of fiduciary duties by the Board of Directors of SonoSite.

A third purported class action lawsuit was filed in connection with the planned acquisition of SonoSite by FUJI in the Superior Court of Washington in King County on February 2, 2012. The plaintiffs, Raymond Montminy, Sr. and Brian Snow, purport to bring this suit as a class action on behalf of the public stockholders of SonoSite. The complaint alleges that SonoSite’s directors breached their fiduciary duties by failing to follow a proper sales procedure and failing to procure a fair price for the shareholders of SonoSite. The complaint also alleges that the directors breached their fiduciary duties through materially inadequate disclosures and material omissions. In addition, the complaint alleges that SonoSite aided and abetted the breaches of fiduciary duties by the Board of Directors of SonoSite. The complaint names SonoSite and each of its eight directors then in office as defendants, but does not name FUJI or Purchaser as a defendant.

All plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, damages in an unspecified amount, and attorney’s fees and costs.

On January 5, 2012, the Snohomish County court approved the transfer of the Raul action to King County. On February 6, 2012, the parties filed with the King County Superior Court a stipulation and proposed order to consolidate the three lawsuits. Also on February 6, 2012, the King County Superior Court entered an order formally consolidating the three lawsuits under the caption In re SonoSite, Inc. Shareholder Litigation, Case No. 11-2-44110-5 SEA, and appointing lead counsel for the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint in the consolidated action on February 7, 2012.

While SonoSite, the individual defendants, FUJI and Purchaser all believe that each of the aforementioned lawsuits is entirely without merit and that they have valid defenses to all claims, in an effort to minimize the cost and expense of any litigation relating to such lawsuits, on February 8, 2012, they entered into a memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”) with the plaintiffs in the three purported class action lawsuits pending in King County Superior Court, pursuant to which the parties agreed to settle the lawsuits. Subject to court approval and further definitive documentation, the MOU resolves the claims brought by the plaintiffs in all of the aforementioned lawsuits against the defendants in relation to the planned acquisition of SonoSite by FUJI and provides a release and settlement by the purported class of SonoSite’s shareholders of all claims against the defendants and their affiliates and agents in connection with the planned acquisition of SonoSite by FUJI. In exchange for such release and settlement, pursuant to the terms of the MOU, the parties agreed, after arm’s-length discussions between and among the parties and their counsel, that SonoSite would provide additional supplemental disclosures to its Schedule 14D-9 as set forth in the Amendment No. 2 to its Schedule 14D-9. In addition, SonoSite also agreed in the MOU to pay $475,000 in fees and expenses to plaintiffs’ lead counsel after the settlement contemplated by the MOU becomes final. The settlement, including the payment by SonoSite of attorney’s fees and expenses to plaintiffs’ lead counsel, is also contingent upon, among other things, the approval of the King County Superior Court. In the event that the settlement contemplated by the MOU is not approved and all other conditions are not satisfied, FUJI and Purchaser will continue to vigorously defend against the second complaint described above and any other actions in which they are named as defendants.

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol SONO. The high and low sales prices for our common stock for each quarter are listed below. These prices reflect interdealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.


Year	High		Low
2011
Fourth quarter	$	54.08	$	29.30
Third quarter	$	36.97	$	25.74
Second quarter	$	36.67	$	32.02
First quarter	$	38.77	$	30.90
2010
Fourth quarter	$	34.90	$	29.45
Third quarter	$	34.25	$	27.80
Second quarter	$	34.00	$	25.65
First quarter	$	32.71	$	23.61

With the director resignations and appointments on February 16, 2012, we are no longer in compliance with (i) the Board composition requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1), (ii) the Compensation Committee composition requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(d), and (iii) the Audit Committee composition requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(c)(2)(A). On February 17, 2012, we sent a letter to Nasdaq notifying Nasdaq of the foregoing facts. On February 22, 2012, we received a letter from Nasdaq stating that as a result of the director resignations and appointments, we no longer comply with the majority independent board requirement for continued listing (the “Independence Non-Compliance”). In addition, on February 22, 2012, we received a letter from Nasdaq stating that as a result of the departure of Carmen L. Diersen from the Audit Committee of the Board, we no longer comply with Nasdaq’s audit committee requirements as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605 (the “Audit Committee Non-Compliance”). With regard to the Independence Non-compliance, Nasdaq has provided us 45 calendar days to submit a plan to regain compliance and if the plan is accepted, Nasdaq may grant an extension of up to 180 calendar days to evidence compliance. With regard to the Audit Committee Non-Compliance, consistent with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(c)(4), Nasdaq has provided us a cure period in order to regain compliance as follows: (i) until the earlier of our next annual shareholders’ meeting or February 16, 2013; or (ii) if the next annual shareholders’ meeting is held before August 14, 2012, then we must evidence compliance no later than August 14, 2012. On March 2, 2012, we sent a letter to Nasdaq notifying Nasdaq that (a) we are a “controlled company” as such term is defined in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5615(c)(1) and that (b) due to the “controlled company” status, we are seeking exemption with regard to the majority independent board requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b) and exemption with regard to the Compensation Committee composition requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(d). On March 7, 2012, we received a letter from Nasdaq stating that, given our “controlled company status”, we are deemed to be in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(b)(1). We expect that as a result of the consummation of the Merger, our common stock will cease to be traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

Dividends

We have not declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all earnings, if any, for future growth and, therefore, do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The equity compensation plan information is presented under Part III, Item 12 of this Form 10-K.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

There were no shares repurchased by SonoSite during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

There were no sales of unregistered securities by SonoSite in 2011.

Holders

As of March 6, 2012, there were 1,625 holders of record of our common stock. This figure does not include the number of shareholders whose shares are held of record by a broker or clearing agency, but does include each such brokerage house or clearing agency as a single holder of record.

Performance Graph

The following performance graph compares the performance of SonoSite’s common stock during the five-year period from December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2011 with the performance of the Nasdaq Global Select Market, U.S. Index and the Nasdaq Medical Devices, Instruments and Supplies, Manufacturers Stocks Index. The graph plots the changes in value of an initial $100 investment over the indicated time periods, assuming all dividends are reinvested. Stock prices shown for the common stock are historical and not indicative of future price performances.

LOGO

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009			2008			2007
	(in thousands, except per share data)
Statement of Income Data
Revenue	$	305,974		$	275,362		$	227,389		$	243,524		$	205,068
Cost of revenue		89,316			79,740			69,715			73,715			62,505

Gross margin		216,658			195,622			157,674			169,809			142,563
Operating expenses:
Research and development		41,059			32,550			29,021			28,698			25,872
Sales, general and administrative		161,134			136,156			115,208			118,679			112,240

Total operating expenses		202,193			168,706			144,229			147,377			138,112
Other income:
Interest income		658			669			2,159			9,089			9,662
Interest expense		(9,590	)		(9,416	)		(9,918	)		(16,313	)		(8,120	)
Other (loss) income		(2,688	)		(3,772	)		(422	)		4,133			1,274

Total other (loss) income		(11,620	)		(12,519	)		(8,181	)		(3,091	)		2,816

Income before income taxes		2,845			14,397			5,264			19,341			7,267
Income tax provision		1,745			4,425			1,981			8,119			2,748

Net income	$	1,100		$	9,972		$	3,283		$	11,222		$	4,519

Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.08		$	0.69		$	0.19		$	0.66		$	0.27

Diluted	$	0.08		$	0.66		$	0.19		$	0.64		$	0.26

Shares used in computing net income per share:
Basic		13,835			14,506			17,239			16,892			16,621

Diluted		14,394			15,028			17,698			17,486			17,168


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010			2009			2008			2007
	(in thousands)
Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents	$	82,740		$	78,690		$	183,065		$	209,258		$	188,701
Working capital		190,464			168,343			343,092			353,479			384,632
Total assets		349,276			329,055			422,974			426,882			456,707
Long-term debt, net		101,843			97,379			92,905			111,336			165,004
Total shareholders’ equity		169,317			152,890			254,430			251,060			229,462

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of SonoSite, Inc. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Our business objective is to lead in the design, development and commercialization of high performance, innovative ultrasound technology and hand-carried ultrasound (“HCU”) systems. We intend to sustain long-term growth of our business through technological innovation, broadening of sales distribution channels, entering into and maintaining strategic relationships, expanding into new clinical and geographic markets, and delivering high-quality products to customers. We are focusing on the development of

innovative products with the objective of improving patient care and efficiency through ease of use, high performance imaging, and providing quicker results to physicians and clinicians. We also are investing in research and development in existing and new lines of business and other areas that we believe may contribute to our long-term growth. We are focused on increasing sales force efficiency and effective cost management.

In August 2009, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of CardioDynamics International Corporation (“CDIC”), a leader in impedance cardiography (“ICG”) for noninvasive hemodynamic assessment that develops, manufactures, and markets ICG devices and sensors. The ICG product line provides non-invasive assessment of cardiac output and other hemodynamic parameters. In June 2010 we acquired all of the outstanding stock of VisualSonics, Inc. (“VisualSonics”) a leader in high-frequency, high-resolution, ultrasound-based imaging systems (or “micro-ultrasound” systems) designed specifically for live imaging of small animals. Live imaging is a useful tool for life sciences research and for the pre-clinical stage of the drug development process. VisualSonics’ technology provides clinicians and research scientists with a simple method for viewing and quantifying extremely small physiological structures and for imaging living tissue with near-microscopic resolution.

Results of Operations

The increase in revenue over the prior year was due to improved execution against our market strategies and a full year of operations for VisualSonics which was acquired on June 30, 2010. We believe our strong and growing product pipeline, alongside our expanding distribution capability, has positioned us well to capitalize on a growing market for point of care ultrasound.

The following financial information sets forth our results of operations and is derived from our consolidated financial statements (in thousands except percentages):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011				2010				2009
Revenue	$	305,974	100.0	%	$	275,362	100.0	%	$	227,389	100.0	%
Cost of revenue		89,316	29.2			79,740	29.0			69,715	30.7

Gross margin		216,658	70.8			195,622	71.0			157,674	69.3
Operating expenses:
Research and development		41,059	13.4			32,550	11.8			29,021	12.8
Sales, general and administrative		161,134	52.7			136,156	49.4			115,208	50.7

Total operating expenses		202,193	66.1			168,706	61.3			144,229	63.4

Operating income		14,465	4.7			26,916	9.8			13,445	5.9
Total other loss, net		11,620	3.8			12,519	4.5			8,181	3.6

Income before income taxes		2,845	0.9			14,397	5.2			5,264	2.3
Income tax provision		1,745	0.6			4,425	1.6			1,981	0.9

Net income	$	1,100	0.3	%	$	9,972	3.6	%	$	3,283	1.4	%

Revenue

Overall revenue increased in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to growth in United States – Clinical revenue and a full year of revenue from VisualSonics. The increase in 2010 compared to 2009 was due primarily to organic growth in all sales channels, and, revenue of $17.6 million from VisualSonics. Changes in exchange rates had a 1.9% favorable impact on revenue in 2011 and had a .05% favorable impact on revenue in 2010. Revenue is as follows (in thousands except percentages):


	Year ended December 31,						Percentage Change
	2011		2010		2009		2011 Versus 2010			2010 Versus 2009
United States - Clinical	$	142,655	$	128,026	$	104,257		11.4	%		28	%
International - Clinical		129,872		129,710		123,132		0.01	%		1	%
Pre-Clinical		33,447		17,626		—		90	%		—

Total revenue	$	305,974	$	275,362	$	227,389		11	%		21	%

United States - Clinical

U.S. revenue increased in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to an increase in direct and enterprise sales offset by a decrease in revenue from primary care services. The increase in 2010 compared to 2009 was due primarily to an increase in direct sales, enterprise sales and a full year of revenue from CDIC, compared to 5 months in the prior year.

International - Clinical

International revenue increased slightly in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to changes in exchange rates which had a 4.3% impact on revenue offset by decreased revenue from most of Europe. The increase in 2010 compared to 2009 was primarily due to increased revenue from Asia Pacific, most of Europe, and Latin America. These increases were offset by countries impacted by the fiscal austerity measures during the last quarter of 2010. Changes in exchange rates had a 1.0% favorable impact on revenue in 2010.

Pre - Clinical

The increase in 2011 is due to a full year of revenue from VisualSonics, which was acquired June 30, 2010, compared to six months in the prior year.

Gross margin


	Years ended December 31,						Percentage of Revenue
	2011		2010		2009		2011			2010			2009
Gross Margin	$	216,658	$	195,622	$	157,674		70.8	%		71.0	%		69.3	%

Gross margin percentage in 2011 was comparable to 2010. Gross margin percentage increased in 2010 compared to 2009 primarily as a result of an improved product mix, geographic mix, and licensed revenues, offset by slightly lower margins of VisualSonics.

Operating expenses


	Years ended December 31,						Percentage of Revenue
	2011		2010		2009		2011			2010			2009
Research and development	$	41,059	$	32,550	$	29,021		13.4	%		11.8	%		12.8	%
Sales, general, and administrative	$	161,134	$	136,156	$	115,208		52.7	%		49.4	%		50.7	%

Research and development expenditures increased in 2011 compared to 2010 due to a full year of VisualSonics expenses as well as continued investment in future technologies that we expect will result in introducing several new products over the next 18 months. The increase in expenditures in 2010 compared to 2009 was due to the acquisition of VisualSonics as well as continued investment in future technologies.

Sales, general and administrative expenses increased in 2011 compared to 2010 due to the full year of expenses from VisualSonics, increased marketing, and legal and accounting expenses associated with the acquisition by FUJI, offset by a reduction in bonus expense. The increase in 2010 compared to 2009 was due to the addition of VisualSonics and associated acquisition and integration costs, as well as restructuring costs.

Other loss, net


	Years ended December 31,						Percentage of Revenue
	2011		2010		2009		2011			2010			2009
Other loss	$	11,620	$	12,519	$	8,181		3.8	%		4.5	%		3.6	%

Total other loss decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 due to decreased foreign exchange losses and contingent consideration accretion expense. The increase in 2010 compared to 2009 was due to no gains recognized on the repurchase of our debt in 2010, a reduction in interest income due to a decrease in investment balances and increased foreign exchange losses offset by lower interest expense on our debt due to less outstanding debt.

Income tax expense


	Years ended December 31,						Effective Tax Rate
	2011		2010		2009		2011			2010			2009
Income tax provision	$	1,745	$	4,425	$	1,981		61.3	%		30.8	%		37.6	%

The income tax expense is based on a blended federal and state rate applied to U.S. income and the applicable foreign rates applied to foreign income. The increase in our consolidated effective tax rate in 2011, as compared to 2010, resulted from the unfavorable tax impact related to the increase in the valuation allowance for VisualSonics, an increase in uncertain tax positions and a decrease to the domestic production activities deduction. The unfavorable impact of these items were partially offset by an increase to credits for research and experimentation, the benefit realized from amended prior year state returns and a reduction to certain non-deductible expenses. The decrease in our consolidated effective tax rate in 2010, as compared to 2009, resulted from an increase in the domestic production activities deduction, the benefit of a positive resolution of various uncertain tax positions in foreign jurisdictions, decreases in non-deductible executive compensation and other expenses and reduction of the impact of the valuation allowance, offset by an increased federal statutory rate due to growth in taxable income and a decrease for research and experimentation credits.

We assess our ability to realize our tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax assets in future periods and record any resulting adjustments that may be required to deferred income tax expense. In addition, we reduce our deferred income tax asset for the benefits of NOL carryforwards utilized currently as well as the reversing effect of temporary differences.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash and cash equivalents balance was $82.7 million as of December 31, 2011, compared to $78.7 million as of December 31, 2010. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily invested in money market accounts.

Cash Flows


	Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	2,089		$	22,474		$	21,048
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(6,329	)		3,747			(14,982	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		7,675			(130,150	)		(29,789	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		615			(446	)		(2,470	)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents	$	4,050		$	(104,375	)	$	(26,193	)

Operating activities provided cash of $2.1 million in 2011, compared to cash provided of $22.5 million in 2010 and $21.0 million in 2009. The decrease in 2011 compared to 2010 was primarily attributable to a reduction in operational performance due primarily to a planned increase in marketing expense, and a net increase in working capital, primarily in inventory. The increase in 2010 compared to 2009 was primarily attributable to improved operational performance, offset by a net decrease in working capital and an increase in the deferred income tax provision.

Investing activities used cash of $6.3 million in 2011, compared to $3.7 million provided in 2010 and $15.0 million used in 2009. The increase in cash used in 2011 compared to cash provided in 2010 was due to an increase in purchases of property and equipment and an additional investment in affiliates. The increase in cash provided in 2010 compared to 2009 was due to the net sales and maturities of investment securities offset by the acquisition of VisualSonics.

Financing activities provided cash of $7.7 million in 2011, used $130.2 million in 2010 and used $29.8 million in 2009. More cash was used in financing activities in 2010 compared to 2011 primarily due to the repurchase of shares in 2010. More cash was used in financing activities in 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to the repurchase of shares compared to the repurchases of convertible notes in 2009.

We are generally able to meet our liquidity requirements through internally generated funds. As a result of the change in control of the Company, effective February 15, 2012, any additional short-term liquidity needs for payment of accelerated stock options and restricted stock units as well as our convertible debt will be provided by FUJI. On February 21, 2012, we entered into a loan agreement with FUJI for approximately $68.1 million. The proceeds were used to pay for acceleration of the stock options and restricted stock units. For the initial term through March 31, 2012 and each successive three-month period ending on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31 of each year, the interest rate per annum is equal to LIBOR plus 0.8%.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

During the year ended and as of December 31, 2011, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements, other than obligations under our operating leases reflected in the contractual obligations table below. We are not a party to any derivative transactions except for certain foreign exchange rate hedging transactions that we enter into from time to time, discussed more fully under “Foreign Currency Risk” in Item 7A below and the call option and warrant instruments indexed to our common stock.

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. These indemnifications and guarantees require only disclosure. 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 consolidated financial statements related to these indemnifications or guarantees.

Contractual obligations

We have the following contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011:


	Payments due by period
	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
	(in thousands)
Operating lease obligations	$	9,608	$	4,289	$	4,771	$	525	$	23
Long-term debt obligations (1)		127,647		4,977		122,670		—		—

Total Contractual Obligations	$	137,255	$	9,266	$	127,441	$	525	$	23

(1)	Includes interest of 3.75% on convertible senior notes.

In addition to the amounts shown in the table above, we have $4.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits reflected as either liabilities or as a reduction of deferred tax assets, and for which we are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be incurred.

Upon closing of the tender offer on February 15, 2012, certain contingent expenses became payable. These expenses include approximately $32.5 million primarily related to investment banking fees.

Other commitments

As part of our supplier agreements, suppliers may procure resources and material expected to be used for the manufacture of our products in accordance with our production schedule provided to them. We may be responsible for compensating our suppliers for these procurements in the event these items are not used in the quantities submitted as part of the production schedule or material becomes obsolete as a result of production timing, material changes or design changes.

In certain countries, we have complemented our direct sales efforts by entering into group purchasing agreements with major healthcare GPOs. Typically, a GPO negotiates with medical suppliers, such as us, on behalf of the GPO’s member healthcare facilities, providing such members with uniform pricing and terms and conditions. In exchange, the GPO identifies us as a preferred supplier for its members. Member facilities participating in the GPO’s purchasing program can consist of hospitals, medical group practices, nursing homes, surgery centers, managed care organizations, long term care facilities, clinics and integrated delivery networks. These agreements require us to pay fees based on the amount of sales generated from these agreements. We recorded fees related to these agreements as sales, general, and administrative expenses of $2.8 million in 2011, $2.4 million in 2010 and $1.9 million in 2009.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our critical accounting policies are discussed in Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount 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. Critical accounting policies for us include revenue recognition, business combinations, valuation of inventories, warranty expense, income taxes, stock-based compensation, goodwill and other intangible assets and convertible debt and hedge transaction.

Revenue recognition. We recognize revenue on products and accessories when goods are shipped under an agreement with a customer, risk of loss and title have passed to the customer, sales returns are estimable and collection of any resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Revenue is recorded net of any discounts, trade-in allowances, and estimated returns. We estimate returns by reviewing our historical returns, considering customer reaction to new product introductions and current economic conditions. We make product software upgrades or features available for purchase to our customers and recognize revenue in accordance with software recognition guidance. We recognize licensing revenue using the proportional performance method, a ratable recognition approach over the life of the license. In addition to a standard warranty, we offer extended warranty and service contracts for coverage beyond the standard warranty period or coverage above what is covered by a standard warranty. Those service contracts are recorded as deferred revenue. For extended warranty and service contracts, revenue is recognized as services are provided or over the term of the contract.

Sales to distributors are generally made pursuant to standard distributor agreements. We recognize revenue when risk of loss and title has transferred to the distributor and collection of any resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Our only significant post-shipment obligation to distributors is our standard product warranty covering materials and workmanship. The distributor can only reject products for an obvious defect or shipping error, generally within 30 days of receipt, and in such cases, replacement products would be sent. Since the distributor’s remedy is the replacement of the product and not a refund or credit and returns are estimable, we do not defer revenue associated with these sales. Costs associated with the repair of returned, defective products are captured in our warranty liability. Our standard distributor arrangements do not have any other return provisions.

Our sales arrangements may contain multiple elements, which include hardware and software products, as well as services. For the vast majority of our shipments, all deliverables are shipped together. However, in some cases certain elements of a multiple element arrangement are not delivered as of a reporting date. We allocate consideration in multiple element arrangements using estimated selling prices (“ESP”) of deliverables if vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) or third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price is unavailable. When the undelivered element represents services under extended service contracts, revenue equal to the stated price is deferred and recognized evenly over the contract term as those services are provided.

Business Combination. In June 2010, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of VisualSonics. The purchase method of accounting was used to account for this acquisition. The cost of an acquisition is measured at the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The cost of acquisition for VisualSonics was more than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the excess of the value of the net assets acquired over the purchase price has been recorded as goodwill. We recorded identifiable assets including customer relationships, developed technology, trademarks, and internally developed software, which have lives from two to twenty-five years.

In August 2009, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of CDIC and Medis Medizinische Messtechnik GmbH (“Medis”). The purchase method of accounting was used to account for this acquisition. The cost of an acquisition is measured at the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. Because the cost of acquisition was less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the excess of the value of the net assets acquired over the purchase price was recorded as a bargain purchase gain. We recorded identifiable assets including customer relationships, developed technology, trademarks, and internally developed software, which have lives from two to six years.

Valuation of 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 to their net realizable values are recorded for obsolete material, shrinkage, earlier generation products and used or refurbished products held either as saleable inventory or as demonstration product.

We make judgments regarding the carrying value of our inventories based on current market conditions. Market conditions may change depending upon competitive product introductions, consumer demand and reimbursement criteria in the medical community. 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.

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 and anticipated 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 NanoMaxx, Edge, M-Turbo, S Series, MicroMaxx, and BioZ systems. Given the length of the warranty period, the warranty liability for these systems 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 NanoMaxx system, Edge system, 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 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.

Income taxes. The process of accounting for income taxes involves calculating our current tax obligation or refund and assessing the nature and measurements of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences, and our net operating loss (“NOL”) and credit carryforwards, result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. In each period, we assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from existing deferred tax liabilities or future taxable income in each jurisdiction. To the extent we believe that we would not meet the test that recovery is “more likely than not”, we would establish a valuation allowance. To the extent that we establish a valuation allowance or change this allowance in a period, we would adjust our tax provision or tax benefit in the consolidated statement of income. We use our judgment to determine our provision or benefit for income taxes, including estimates associated with uncertain tax positions and any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets based on the weight of all positive and negative factors, including cumulative trends in profitability.

The determination of our provision for income taxes requires judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items and the probability of sustaining uncertain tax positions. The benefits of uncertain tax positions are recorded in our financial statements only after determining a more-likely-than-not probability that the uncertain tax positions will withstand challenge, if any, from tax authorities. When facts and circumstances change, we reassess these probabilities and record any changes in the financial statements as appropriate.

We have accumulated foreign NOL carryforwards and research and experimentation tax credit carryforwards. During 2010, with the acquisition of VisualSonics, we acquired various foreign tax attribute carryforwards including research and experimentation expenditure pool, net operating losses, and research and experimentation credits. Additionally, during 2009, with the acquisition of CDIC we acquired U.S. federal and state NOL carryforwards. We assess our ability to utilize these foreign attribute carryforwards in future periods and record any resulting adjustments that may be required to deferred income tax expense. In addition, we reduce the deferred income tax asset for the benefits of NOL and tax credit carryforwards utilized currently.

Based upon a review of historical operating performance, and our expectation that we will generate profits in the U.S. and our international operations in the foreseeable future, we continue to believe it is more likely than not that the U.S. and international deferred tax assets will be fully realized with the exception of $0.4 million related to capital loss carryforward, $1.1 million related to CDIC state NOL carryforward, $0.1 million related to CDIC AMT credit carryforward and $1.74 million related to VisualSonics’ net deferred tax asset.

Stock-Based Compensation. We recognize compensation expense for awards of equity instruments to employees based on the grant-date fair value of those awards (with limited exceptions). For stock options, we utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of employee stock-based compensation at the date of grant, which requires the input of subjective assumptions, including expected volatility, expected term, and risk-free rate. We estimate volatility by considering our historical stock volatility. We estimate the expected life and expected term based on historical trends. The risk free rate is estimated using comparable published federal funds rates. Further, we estimate future forfeitures for both stock options and RSUs granted, which are not expected to vest. We estimate forfeitures using historical forfeiture trends and employee turnover rates as well as our judgment of future forfeitures. Our estimates of forfeitures will be adjusted over the requisite service period based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from our estimate.

Changes in these inputs and assumptions can materially affect the measure of estimated fair value of our stock-based compensation. These assumptions are subjective and generally require significant analysis and judgment to develop. When estimating fair value, some of the assumptions will be based on, or determined from, external data and other assumptions may be derived from our historical experience with stock-based payment arrangements. The appropriate weight to place on historical experience is a matter of judgment, based on relevant facts and circumstances. In addition, future grants of equity awards will result in additional compensation expense in future periods.

Goodwill and other intangible assets. We perform goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets impairment tests in the fourth quarter and more frequently if facts and circumstances indicate reporting unit carrying values exceed estimated reporting unit fair values. Intangible assets subject to amortization, which consist mainly of customer relationships, acquired technology, trademarks, and non-compete agreements, are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of three to twenty-five years.

The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis, including the identification of our reporting units, identification and allocation of the assets and liabilities to each of our reporting units and determination of fair value. In estimating the fair value of a reporting unit for the purposes of our annual or periodic impairment analyses, we make estimates and significant judgments about the future cash flows of that reporting unit. Our cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that represent the highest and best use for our reporting units. Changes in judgment on these assumptions and estimates could result in goodwill impairment charges. We believe that the assumptions and estimates utilized are appropriate based on the information available to management.

We evaluate the recoverability of intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. This analysis requires similar significant judgments as those discussed above regarding goodwill, except for cash flows are based on an undiscounted cash flow to determine the fair value of the intangible.

Convertible debt and hedge transaction. In accordance with accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (including partial cash settlement) upon conversion,we bifurcated a component of the conversion option and classified that component in equity. The value of the equity component was calculated by first measuring the fair value of the liability component, using the discount rate of a similar liability that does not have a conversion feature, as of the issuance date. The difference between the proceeds for the convertible debt and the amount reflected as the liability component was recorded as the equity component. We recognize the accretion of the resulting discount as part of interest expense in our consolidated statements of income.

Upon settlement of our convertible senior notes, we revalue the liability component, utilizing an interest rate of comparable nonconvertible debt. We allocate a portion of the consideration transferred to the liability component equal to the fair value of that component immediately prior to repurchase. Any difference between the consideration attributed to the liability component and the sum of the net carrying amount of the liability component and unamortized debt issuance costs is recognized as a gain or loss in the statement of income. Any remaining consideration is allocated to the reacquisition of the equity component and is recognized as a reduction of stockholders’ equity.

Our interest expense is composed of two parts: the stated rate of the debt and the amortization of the debt discount. Additionally, we have recorded the call option and warrant transactions as equity instruments.

Accounting Pronouncements Issued not yet Adopted

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)-Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”), to require an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. ASU 2011-05 is effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and will be applied retrospectively. While ASU 2011-05 will require us to change the manner in which we present other comprehensive income and its components on a retrospective basis, we believe there will be no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption.

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (Topic 820)-Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2011-04”), to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 is effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and will be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2011-04, but currently believe there will be no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 7A.

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.

As of December 31, 2011, our investment portfolio consisted of $72.0 million of interest-bearing money market accounts. We believe that the impact on the fair market value of our securities and related earnings for 2011 from a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in market interest rates would not have a material impact on the investment portfolio.

Foreign Currency Risk

Because of our international presence, we are exposed to foreign currency risk on intercompany balances, from trade and intercompany balances denominated in a currency other than US Dollar (“USD”) and from translation of our foreign subsidiaries operating results. We enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts to reduce the impact of fluctuations on earnings associated with foreign currency exchange rate changes. These foreign currencies include the Australian dollar, the British pound, the Canadian dollar, the European Union euro, and the Japanese yen. We use foreign exchange contracts to mitigate risk and do not intend to engage in speculative transactions. Currently our foreign exchange contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. We seek to manage the counterparty risk associated with engaging in foreign currency contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which we have established banking relationships.

A sensitivity analysis of a change in the fair value of these contracts, totaling $34.2 million in notional amount, indicates that if the USD weakened by 10% against the applicable foreign currency, the fair value of these contracts would decrease by approximately $3.4 million. Conversely, if the USD strengthened by 10% against the applicable foreign currency, the fair value of these contracts would increase by approximately $3.4 million. The offsetting gains and losses resulting from the changes in the intercompany balances as described above are not reflected in the sensitivity analysis above.

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

SONOSITE, INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


	Page No.
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		32
Consolidated Balance Sheets		34
Consolidated Statements of Income		35
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		36
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)		37
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		39

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

SonoSite, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SonoSite, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss) for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement schedule II. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SonoSite, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), SonoSite Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 15, 2012 expressed an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Seattle, Washington

March 15, 2012

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

SonoSite, Inc.:

We have audited SonoSite, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). SonoSite’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statement will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Material weaknesses related to the lack of appropriate monitoring and review controls over the modification of employment-related agreements and over the statement of cash flow presentation of excess tax benefits from stock-based awards have been identified and included in management’s assessment. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of SonoSite, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss) for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011. These material weaknesses were considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, and this report does not affect our report dated March 15, 2012, which expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

In our opinion, because of the effect of the aforementioned material weaknesses on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, SonoSite, Inc. has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in the Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Seattle, Washington

March 15, 2012

SONOSITE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	82,740		$	78,690
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $1,014 and $932		83,220			81,516
Inventories		53,039			37,126
Deferred tax asset, current		6,186			7,801
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		15,993			12,384

Total current assets		241,178			217,517
Property and equipment, net		10,288			9,133
Deferred tax asset, net		5,876			4,373
Investment in affiliates		9,724			8,000
Goodwill		38,231			37,786
Identifiable intangible assets, net		40,139			47,423
Other assets		3,840			4,823

Total assets	$	349,276		$	329,055

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	13,931		$	10,597
Accrued expenses		29,913			32,535
Deferred revenue, current portion		6,870			6,042

Total current liabilities		50,714			49,174
Long-term debt, net		101,843			97,379
Deferred tax liability		1,034			1,811
Deferred revenue, net		12,489			15,236
Other non-current liabilities, net		13,879			12,565

Total liabilities		179,959			176,165

Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value Authorized shares—6,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares—none		—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value Shares authorized—50,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares:
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010—14,100,874 and 13,539,633		141			135
Additional paid-in capital		314,775			298,870
Accumulated deficit		(147,875	)		(148,975	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		2,276			2,860

Total shareholders’ equity		169,317			152,890

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	349,276		$	329,055

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

SONOSITE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share amounts)


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Revenue	$	305,974		$	275,362		$	227,389
Cost of revenue		89,316			79,740			69,715

Gross margin		216,658			195,622			157,674
Operating expenses:
Research and development		41,059			32,550			29,021
Sales, general and administrative		161,134			136,156			115,208

Total operating expenses		202,193			168,706			144,229
Other income and (expense):
Interest income		658			669			2,159
Interest expense		(9,590	)		(9,416	)		(9,918	)
Gain on convertible note repurchase		—			—			1,100
Other expense, net		(2,688	)		(3,772	)		(1,522	)

Total other loss, net		(11,620	)		(12,519	)		(8,181	)

Income before income taxes		2,845			14,397			5,264
Income tax provision		1,745			4,425			1,981

Net income	$	1,100		$	9,972		$	3,283

Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.08		$	0.69		$	0.19

Diluted	$	0.08		$	0.66		$	0.19

Weighted average common and potential common shares outstanding:
Basic		13,835			14,506			17,239

Diluted		14,394			15,028			17,698

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

SONOSITE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Operating activities:
Net income	$	1,100		$	9,972		$	3,283
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		9,911			8,176			5,352
Stock-based compensation		7,910			6,377			6,552
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)		1,316			(5,073	)		427
Amortization of debt discount		4,745			4,895			5,015
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation		(2,114	)		(1,188	)		(144	)
Gain on convertible note repurchase		—			—			(1,100	)
Gain on bargain purchase of CardioDynamics		—			—			(1,099	)
Other		232			1,078			730
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(949	)		(6,318	)		(3,013	)
Inventories		(16,163	)		564			153
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(3,313	)		596			(3,133	)
Accounts payable		3,420			2,573			(2,329	)
Accrued expenses		(822	)		3,381			(9,613	)
Deferred revenue		(1,918	)		(2,307	)		19,463
Deferred liabilities		(1,266	)		(252	)		504

Net cash provided by operating activities		2,089			22,474			21,048
Investing activities:
Purchase of investment securities		—			(79,921	)		(142,147	)
Proceeds from the sales/maturities of investment securities		—			154,698			138,323
Purchase of property and equipment		(4,605	)		(1,590	)		(2,586	)
Investment in affiliates		(1,724	)		(8,000	)		—
Purchase of CardioDynamics, net of cash acquired		—			—			(8,185	)
Purchase of VisualSonics, Inc, net of cash acquired		—			(61,440	)		—
Earn-out consideration for SonoMetric Health, Inc.		—			—			(387	)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(6,329	)		3,747			(14,982	)
Financing activities:
Excess tax benefit from exercise stock-based awards		2,114			1,188			144
Minimum tax withholding on stock-based awards		(2,172	)		(1,212	)		(1,342	)
Stock repurchases including transaction costs		—			(126,103	)		—
Payment of contingent purchase consideration for LumenVu, Inc.		(300	)		(425	)		—
Proceeds from exercise of stock-based awards and employee stock purchase plan		8,328			5,267			1,769
Retirement of convertible debt		—			—			(30,492	)
Proceeds from sale of call options		—			—			1,646
Repayment of long-term debt		(295	)		(8,865	)		—
Purchase of warrants		—			—			(1,514	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		7,675			(130,150	)		(29,789	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		615			(446	)		(2,470	)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents		4,050			(104,375	)		(26,193	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		78,690			183,065			209,258

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	82,740		$	78,690		$	183,065

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	$	3,810		$	10,452		$	4,329

Cash paid for interest	$	4,313		$	4,481		$	5,286

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

SONOSITE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands, except shares)


	Common Stock				Additional paid-in			Accumulated			Accumulated other comprehensive			Total shareholders’
	Shares		Amount		capital			deficit			income (loss)			equity
Balance at December 31, 2008		17,054,697		171		285,890			(36,169	)		1,168			251,060
Comprehensive income:
Net income		—		—		—			3,283			—			3,283
Net unrealized loss on investment securities, net of tax of $122		—		—		—			—			(79	)		(79	)
Less reclassification adjustment for gain included in net income		—		—		—			—			(130	)		(130	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		—		—			—			(1,313	)		(1,313	)

Comprehensive income															1,761
Equity component of convertible senior notes		—		—		(3,512	)		—			—			(3,512	)
Net deferred tax liability from equity component of debt component		—		—		2,435			—			—			2,435
Exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan		115,689		1		1,768			—			—			1,769
Tax shortfalls from stock-based compensation, net		—		—		(2,308	)		—			—			(2,308	)
Tax benefit related to original issue discount on the convertible senior notes		—		—		(1,183	)		—			—			(1,183	)
Tax benefit related to cancelation of debt		—		—		(933	)		—			—			(933	)
Stock-based compensation		—		—		6,552			—			—			6,552
Restricted stock units vested, net of 66,909 shares retired		183,969		2		(1,344	)		—			—			(1,342	)
Sale of call option		—		—		1,645			—			—			1,645
Repurchase of warrants		—		—		(1,514	)		—			—			(1,514	)

Balance at December 31, 2009		17,354,355		174		287,496			(32,886	)		(354	)		254,430

SONOSITE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands, except shares)

(continued)


	Common Stock						Additional paid-in			Accumulated			Accumulated other comprehensive			Total shareholders’
	Shares			Amount			capital			deficit			income (loss)			equity
Comprehensive income:
Net income		—			—			—			9,972			—			9,972
Net unrealized loss on investment securities, net of tax of $3		—			—			—			—			92			92
Less reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income														(1	)		(1	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—			—			—			—			3,123			3,123

Comprehensive income																	13,186
Exercise of stock options		290,456			2			5,265			—			—			5,267
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation, net		—			—			945			—			—			945
Stock-based compensation		—			—			6,377			—			—			6,377
Restricted stock units vested, net of 42,543 shares retired		135,796			1			(1,213	)		—			—			(1,212	)
Repurchase of stock		(4,240,974	)		(42	)					(126,061	)		—			(126,103	)

Balance at December 31, 2010		13,539,633		$	135		$	298,870		$	(148,975	)	$	2,860		$	152,890

Comprehensive income:
Net income		—			—			—			1,100			—			1,100
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—			—			—			—			(584	)		(584	)

Comprehensive income																	516
Exercise of stock options		365,915			4			8,324			—			—			8,328
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation, net		—			—			1,845			—			—			1,845
Stock-based compensation		—			—			7,910			—			—			7,910
Restricted stock units vested, net of 59,348 shares retired		195,326			2			(2,174	)		—			—			(2,172	)

Balance at December 31, 2011		14,100,874		$	141		$	314,775		$	(147,875	)	$	2,276		$	169,317

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

SONOSITE, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Business Overview

SonoSite develops, manufactures, and distributes high performance, innovative ultrasound technology and hand-carried ultrasound systems for use across medical specialties and in a range of treatment settings.

We commenced operations as a division of ATL Ultrasound, Inc. (“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.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of presentation and use of estimates

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SonoSite, Inc., and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management must make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents primarily consist of money market accounts with major U.S. banks and highly liquid debt instruments with maturities at purchase of three months or less.

Investment securities

Historically, we have held investment securities; however no amounts were held at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Investment securities have primarily consisted of high-grade corporate debt. We classified all securities as available-for-sale, as the sale of such securities may have been required prior to maturity to implement management strategies. These securities were carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of other comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities, if any, were determined on a specific identification basis.

A decline in market value of any available-for-sale security below cost that was determined to be other than temporary resulted in a revaluation of its carrying amount to fair value. The impairment related to credit losses was charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security was established. The impairment related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive income. Premiums and discounts were amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Interest income was recognized when earned.

Accounts receivable

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We regularly evaluate the collectability of our trade receivables based on a combination of factors, including a dialogue with the customer to determine the cause of non-payment, and evaluation of the customer’s current financial situation. In the event it is determined that the customer may not be able to meet its full obligation to us, we record a specific allowance to reduce the receivable to the amount that we expect to recover given all information present. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and our assessment of the customer’s current credit worthiness. We continuously monitor collections from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates in the future. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, for example as a result of the recent financial and economic turmoil or otherwise, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

In the ordinary course of business, we grant credit to a broad customer base. Of the accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2011, 71% and 29% were receivable from international and domestic customers, respectively, prior to any allowance for doubtful accounts. The same percentages as of December 31, 2010 were 66% and 34% prior to any allowance for doubtful accounts.

Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying value of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and certain long-term other assets, approximates fair value. Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. Financial instruments included in other long-term assets approximate fair value as interest rates on these items approximate market.

The fair value hierarchy is followed in calculating fair values. Quoted market prices are used to calculate the fair value for assets or liabilities with an active market (“Level 1”). Other quoted prices are used for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or with inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market corroborated inputs (“Level 2”). Where quoted market prices or other quoted prices are unavailable significant unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value (“Level 3”).

We utilize foreign currency forward contracts to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk due to fluctuations in exchange rates underlying the value of intercompany accounts receivable denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and accordingly are marked-to-market with changes in fair value recorded in other expenses. Historically, we also utilized foreign currency forward contracts to reduce our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations on the translation of our foreign operations, however we ceased using these instruments in 2011. These contracts also did not qualify for hedge accounting and accordingly were marked-to-market with changes in fair value recorded in other expenses.

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 or our competitors impacts the markets for our previously released products, we may be required to further write down the carrying cost of our inventories.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are stated at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred, and additions and improvements to property and equipment are capitalized.

Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives as follows:


Asset		Estimated Useful Lives
Equipment and computers		3–5 years
Software		3 years
Furniture and fixtures		5 years
Building		25 years
Leasehold improvements		Lesser of estimated useful life or remaining lease term

The carrying value of long-lived asset groups is evaluated for impairment when events or changes in circumstances occur that may indicate the carrying amount of the asset group may not be recoverable. For depreciable property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, we evaluate the carrying value of the asset group by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated from the use of the asset group and its eventual disposition with the asset group’s net book value. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows from an asset group are less than the net book value of the asset group, we record an impairment loss equal to the excess of the net book value over the estimated fair market value of the asset group.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

We perform goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets impairment tests in the fourth quarter and more frequently if facts and circumstances indicate reporting unit carrying values exceed estimated reporting unit fair values. Intangible assets subject to amortization, which consist mainly of customer relationships, acquired technology, trademarks, and non-compete agreements, are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of three to twenty-five years.

The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis, including the identification of our reporting units, identification and allocation of the assets and liabilities to each of our reporting units and determination of fair value. In estimating the fair value of each reporting unit for the purposes of our annual or periodic impairment analyses, we relied upon estimates and significant judgments about the future cash flows and considered the market value of our publicly traded stock. Changes in judgment on these assumptions and estimates could result in goodwill impairment charges. We believe that the assumptions and estimates utilized are appropriate based on the information available to management.

Concentration of credit and supply risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents and accounts receivable.

We depend on some single-source suppliers to provide highly specialized parts and other components, and may experience an interruption of supply if a supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our time, quantity and quality requirements. There are relatively few alternative sources of supply for some of these items. A change in demand for some parts by other companies in our industry could also interrupt our supply of components.

Our circuit boards are produced by a large electronic manufacturing services supplier who produces the boards in their manufacturing facility in Malaysia. If we experience delays in the receipt or deterioration in product yields of these components, we may experience delays in manufacturing or an increase in costs resulting in lost sales or deterioration in gross margin.

Revenue recognition

We recognize revenue on products and accessories when goods are shipped under an agreement with a customer, risk of loss and title have passed to the customer, sales returns are estimable and collection of any resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Revenue is recorded net of any discounts, trade-in allowances, and estimated returns. We estimate returns by reviewing our historical returns, considering customer reaction to new product introductions and current economic conditions. We make product software upgrades or features available for purchase to our customers and recognize revenue in accordance with software revenue recognition guidance. We recognize licensing revenue using the proportional performance method, a ratable recognition approach over the life of the license. In addition to a standard warranty, we offer extended warranty and service contracts for coverage beyond the standard warranty period or coverage above what is covered by a standard warranty. Those service contracts are recorded as deferred revenue. For extended warranty and service contracts, revenue is recognized as services are provided or over the term of the contract.

Warranty expense

We generally offer a five year warranty for our products. 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 using management’s judgment based upon our historical and anticipated product failure rates and service repair costs. Our warranty period for certain older generation products is one year. We periodically assess the adequacy of the warranty reserve and adjust the amount as necessary. The warranty is included with the original purchase.

Research and development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred with the exception of equipment acquired for research and development activities that has alternative future uses. We have determined that technological feasibility for our software-related products is reached shortly before the products are released to manufacturing. Costs incurred after technological feasibility is established are not material, and accordingly, we expense all software-related research and development costs when incurred.

Advertising costs

We expense costs for advertising and promotional activities as incurred. Advertising and promotional expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $19.0 million, $10.0 million, and $9.7 million.

Income taxes

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 or obtained through acquisition.

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 tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount, if any, expected to be realized.

Stock-based compensation

We recognize compensation expense for awards of equity instruments to employees based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. For stock options, we utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of employee stock-based compensation at the date of grant, which requires the input of subjective assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, expected term, and a risk free rate. We estimate volatility by considering our historical stock volatility. We estimate expected life and expected term based on historical trends. The risk free rate is estimated using comparable published federal funds rates. Further, we estimate future forfeitures for both stock options and restricted stock units granted, which are not expected to vest. We estimate forfeitures using historical forfeiture trends, employee turnover rates as well as our judgment of future forfeitures. Our estimates of forfeitures will be adjusted over the requisite service period based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from our estimate.

Net income per share

Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income 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, warrants, and unvested restricted stock units using the treasury stock method. Diluted net income per share is also impacted to reflect shares issuable upon conversion of our convertible senior notes when our share price exceeds $38.20 per share. The call option we purchased 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 per share calculations (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Net income	$	1,100	$	9,972	$	3,283

Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing basic net income per share		13,835		14,506		17,239
Effect of dilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock units		525		522		459
Effect of dilutive convertible debt		34

Weighted average common and potential common shares outstanding used in computing diluted net income per share		14,394		15,028		17,698

Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.08	$	0.69	$	0.19
Diluted	$	0.08	$	0.66	$	0.19

The computation of diluted net income per share includes potential dilutive common shares associated with our convertible senior notes. The convertible senior notes became dilutive for the first time during the fourth quarter of 2011.

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


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Stock options and unvested restricted stock		305		679		875
Warrants outstanding (1)		1,121		1,121		1,121

Total common shares excluded from diluted net income per share		1,426		1,800		1,996

(1)

As further detailed in note 9, in July 2007 we issued warrants to purchase up to 2.5 million shares of our common stock with a strike price of $46.965, which are anti-dilutive since the strike price of the warrants is greater than the average market price of our common stock. In 2009 and 2008, we repurchased warrants that were for the purchase of up to 0.4 million and 1.0 million shares respectively.

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

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

The following are the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Net unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax	$	—	$	—	$	(91	)
Cumulative translation adjustments		2,276		2,860		(263	)

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,276	$	2,860	$	(354	)

Foreign currency translation

The functional currencies of our international subsidiaries are the local currency of the country in which the subsidiary is located. Assets and liabilities of our international subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues, costs and expenses and cash flows of our international subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the period.

Accounting pronouncements issued not yet adopted

3. Acquisition by FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation

On December 15, 2011, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, a Japanese corporation, (“FUJI”), and Salmon Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of FUJI, (“Purchaser”), which provides for the acquisition of us by FUJI in two steps. The first step was a cash tender offer by Purchaser to acquire all of the outstanding shares of our common stock at a price of $54.00 per share. The tender offer was completed on February 15, 2012. Pursuant to the tender offer, Purchaser acquired a total of 12,697,279 shares of our common stock, which constitute approximately 89.94% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. The second step is, following the consummation of the tender offer and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Purchaser will merge with and into us, with us as the surviving corporation in the merger (the “Merger”). In the Merger, each outstanding share of our common stock will be converted into the right to receive $54.00 in cash without interest and subject to applicable withholding and transfer taxes.

Consummation of the Merger is subject to approval by our shareholders and certain closing conditions. On March 29, 2012 a special meeting of our shareholders will be held for the purpose of approving the Merger Agreement and the related Plan of Merger for the Merger. As a result of the consummation of the tender offer, FUJI beneficially owns and has the right to vote a sufficient number of outstanding shares of our common stock such that approval of the Merger Agreement and the Plan of Merger at the special meeting is assured without the affirmative vote of any other shareholder. We expect to complete the Merger shortly after the special meeting, as a result of which, SonoSite will cease to be a standalone business and will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary of FUJI from and after the effective time of the Merger.

On February 16, 2012, upon consummation of the tender offer, all unvested stock options and restricted stock units were accelerated to fully vest and terminated. The acceleration of unvested stock options and restricted stock units were not determined probable of occurring as of December 31, 2011 given the uncertainty of the tender offer process. On February 21, 2012, we entered into a loan agreement with FUJI for approximately $68.1 million, the proceeds of which were used to finance our obligations with respect to the termination of our outstanding options and restricted stock units. For the initial term through March 31, 2012 and each successive three-month periods ending on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31 of each year, the interest rate per annum is equal to LIBOR plus 0.8%. Stock options were cashed out on February 22, 2012 for an amount equal to the difference between the exercise price per share of the applicable stock option and $54.00 per share. Restricted stock units were cashed out on February 22, 2012 for an amount equal to $54.00 per share. Total cash paid for the stock options and restricted stock was approximately $68.1 million.

Upon the closing of the tender offer, certain contingent expenses became payable. These expenses include approximately $32.7 million primarily related to investment banking fees.

Following the consummation of the Merger, the warrant holders will be paid approximately $20.7 million.

Upon closing of the tender offer, which is a fundamental change for the senior convertible notes, the note holders may require us to repurchase the notes for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest upon the occurrence of a fundamental change. The repurchase of convertible notes was not determined probable of occurring as of December 31, 2011 given the uncertainty of the tender offer process. In addition, we will adjust the conversion rate for holders who elect to convert notes in connection with the fundamental change. The principal amount of the outstanding senior convertible notes is $114.7 million and the estimated value of conversion adjustment is $54.6 million.

4. Cash, cash equivalents and investment securities

The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents at fair value (in thousands):


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
Cash	$	10,784	$	8,217
Cash equivalents:
Money market accounts		71,956		70,473

Total cash and cash equivalents	$	82,740	$	78,690

Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of money market accounts with major U.S. banks and highly liquid debt instruments with maturities at purchase of three months or less. Investment securities consisted of high-grade corporate debt.

There were no unrealized gains or losses and the amortized cost equals the Level 1 fair value of cash equivalents at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

There was a realized loss of ($.01) million and a realized gain of $0.13 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

5. Financial statement detail as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

The following provides additional information concerning selected balance sheet accounts (in thousands):


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
Inventories
Raw materials	$	21,819		$	13,671
Demonstration product		15,871			13,008
Finished goods		15,349			10,447

Total inventories	$	53,039		$	37,126

Property and equipment, net
Equipment, other than computer	$	23,360		$	19,776
Software		6,887			6,712
Computer equipment		6,424			6,056
Furniture and fixtures		3,177			3,159
Leasehold improvements		3,962			3,887
Buildings		700			718
Land		113			91

		44,623			40,399
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(34,335	)		(31,266	)

Total property and equipment, net	$	10,288		$	9,133

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, was $3.4 million, $3.2 million and $4.0 million.


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
Accrued expenses
Payroll and related	$	12,208	$	16,532
Taxes		1,263		2,485
Warranty, current portion		3,853		3,527
Accrued interest		1,972		1,972
Foreign exchange hedge settlement		232		2,471
Other		10,385		5,548

Total accrued expenses	$	29,913	$	32,535

Other non-current liabilities
Contingent purchase consideration	$	1,386	$	2,277
Deferred rent		928		1,253
Warranty liability, net of current portion		7,600		6,900
Other		3,965		2,135

Total other non-current liabilities	$	13,879	$	12,565

Deferred revenue
Current portion	$	6,870	$	6,042
Non-current portion		12,489		15,236

Total deferred revenue	$	19,359	$	21,278

We have classified amounts of our warranty liability as non-current based upon our estimated timing of repair costs. The warranty liability is summarized as follows (in thousands):


	Year ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Beginning of year	$	10,427		$	8,432		$	7,094
Charged to cost of revenue		5,716			5,744			3,720
Applied to liability		(4,690	)		(3,879	)		(2,683	)
Liability acquired		—			130			301

End of Year	$	11,453		$	10,427		$	8,432

6. Investment in affiliate

During 2010, we invested $8.0 million in Carticept Medical Inc. (“Carticept”), a privately held company that develops innovative products for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Concurrently, we entered a joint distribution arrangement with Carticept. Additionally, our chief executive officer is on the board of directors. This investment is accounted for as a cost basis investment as we own less than 20% of the voting equity and do not have the ability to exercise significant influence. We will regularly evaluate the carrying value of this cost-method investment for impairment and whether any events or circumstances are identified that would significantly impair the fair value of the investment. No event has occurred that would adversely affect the carrying value of this investment.

In December 2011 Carticept completed a spin-off of its wholly owned subsidiary, Cartiva Inc. (“Cartiva”), through a stock dividend of Cartiva stock to the Carticept stockholders. We do not have a seat on the board of directors of Cartiva. At the same time of the Cartiva stock dividend there was a sale of stock to the current Carticept investors. We invested on a pro-rata basis with all other investors $1.7 million in this issuance of Carticept stock. This additional investment did not affect our percentage ownership in Carticept.

Because we hold 14% of the voting equity interests and are a distributor of Carticept they represent a related party. During 2011 and 2010, we have recognized revenue from Carticept of $4.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Accounts receivable from Carticept as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 amounted to $1.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

7. Acquisitions

VisualSonics, Inc.

Cash consideration of $64.5 million was transferred for the shares of VisualSonics. During 2010, the results of VisualSonics’ operations are included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

Operating expenses include acquisition related charges of $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The following table summarizes the acquisition-date fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in connection with the business combination as revised (in thousands):


	June 30, 2010
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,322
Accounts receivable		4,538
Inventories		5,002
Deferred income taxes		1,224
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,160

Total current assets		15,246
Property and equipment, net		1,312
Identifiable intangible assets		32,910
Goodwill		32,703

Total assets	$	82,171

Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1,988
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		3,409
Deferred revenue		410

Total current liabilities		5,807
Long-term debt		8,828
Deferred tax liabilities		2,403
Other non-current liabilities		371

Total liabilities		17,409

Net assets acquired	$	64,762

During the measurement period for the year ended December 31, 2011 we obtained information related to the tax effects of the acquisition and the ability to utilize pre-acquisition tax credits to offset tax liabilities arising on the distribution of certain assets acquired. This resulted in an increase to deferred tax liabilities of $1.2 million and an increase to goodwill of $1.2 million, which is reflected in the table above. The measurement period ended on June 30, 2011.

These assets and liabilities were recorded at the acquisition-date fair value. We used an “income” approach, which is a measurement of the present value of the net economic benefit or cost expected to be derived from an asset or liability, to measure the acquired assets and liabilities excluding inventory, and property and equipment. Inventory was measured using a cost approach. Property and equipment were valued using a combination of the market and cost approaches.

We used the following methods to measure fair value of intangible assets:

•

Developed technology and customer relations were valued using the multi-period excess earnings method

•

Trademarks were valued using the relief from royalty method

The fair value of the identified intangible assets was estimated by performing a discounted cash flow analysis using the “income” approach. This method includes a forecast of direct revenues and costs associated with the respective intangible assets and charges for economic returns on tangible and intangible assets utilized in cash flow generation. Net cash flows attributable to the identified intangible assets were discounted to their present value at a rate commensurate with the perceived risk. The projected cash flow assumptions considered contractual relationships, customer attrition and the tax amortization benefit.

Intangibles assets acquired consisted of the following (in thousands):


	Amount		Amortization Period (in years)
Trademarks	$	3,060		25
Developed technology		22,620		3 to 10
Customer relationships		7,230		5 to 7

Total intangibles	$	32,910

The total fair value of trade receivables acquired amounted to $4.5 million which equated the amount due on these receivables.

We recognized a warranty liability of $0.1 million related to VisualSonics’ products, representing potential undiscounted amount of all future payments that we could be required to make under the warranty arrangements. We incurred the majority of these costs by the end of 2011.

We recognized a deferred tax asset of $8.3 million, which includes foreign net operating loss carryforward of $1.0 million, foreign research and experimentation expense carryforward of $5.1 million, and foreign research and experimentation tax credit carryforward of $1.8 million. Additionally, deferred tax liabilities of $8.3 million were recorded relating to acquired intangible assets. A valuation allowance was established of $0.4 million on the net deferred tax assets of VisualSonics. The net operating loss was generated in 2010 and will expire in 2030. The research and experimentation expense carryforward has an indefinite life and the research and experimentation tax credit carryforwards expire from 2025 through 2030.

The results of VisualSonics’ operations has been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. For comparability purposes, the following table presents our pro forma revenue and net income (loss) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, had the VisualSonics’ acquisition date been January 1, 2009 (in thousands):


	Unaudited
	Revenue		Net income (loss)
VisualSonics:
Actual from June 30, 2010 to December 31, 2010	$	17,626	$	(958	)
Supplemental pro forma from the combined entity for the period:
January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 (1)	$	291,010	$	8,379
January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009	$	266,520	$	(2,191	)

(1)	Pro forma net income (loss) excluded acquisition and integration charges of $4.2 million.

Because VisualSonics fiscal year end was September, three months prior to our year-end, revenue and net income (loss) in the pro forma disclosures have been adjusted to reflect our fiscal year. Additionally, VisualSonics’ earnings were adjusted to reflect the statutory tax rate utilized by VisualSonics in the pro forma periods presented. Pro forma net income (loss) excludes non-recurring charges including acquisition costs and expenses-related to long-term debt and liability classified equity instruments, but includes amortization of intangible assets and stock based compensation resulting from this acquisition.

CardioDynamics International Corporation

Concurrently with this acquisition, we obtained full control of Medis Medizinische Messtechnik GmbH (“Medis”), which develops, manufactures, and markets ICG diagnostic and monitoring devices. CDIC had previously owned 80% of Medis, based in Germany.

Cash consideration of $10.7 million was transferred for the shares of CDIC and Medis. The results of CDIC’s operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

The following table summarizes the acquisition-date fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in connection with the business combination (in thousands):


	August 14, 2009
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,511
Accounts receivable		2,627
Inventories		2,885
Deferred income taxes		5,376
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		95

Total current assets		13,494
Property and equipment, net		1,001
Identifiable intangible assets		12,400
Other assets		158

Total assets	$	27,053

Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	2,459
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		2,191

Total current liabilities		4,650
Long-term debt		5,608
Deferred tax liability		4,562
Other non-current liabilities		437

Total liabilities		15,257

Net assets acquired		11,796
Acquisition consideration		10,697

Gain on bargain purchase	$	1,099

These assets and liabilities were recorded at the acquisition-date fair value. We used an income approach, which is a measurement of the present value of the net economic benefit or cost expected to be derived from an asset or liability, to measure the acquired assets and liabilities excluding inventory, internally developed software, and property and equipment. Inventory and internally developed software were measured using a cost approach. Property and equipment were valued using a combination of the market and cost approaches.

Intangible assets acquired consisted of the following (in thousands):


	Amount		Amortization Period ( in years)
Developed technology	$	1,500		5.0
Customer relationships		9,300		4.8
Trademarks		800		2
Internally developed software		800		3

Total intangibles	$	12,400		4.5

We used the following methods to measure fair value of intangible assets:

•

Developed technology and customer relations were valued using the multi-period excess earnings method

•

Trademarks were valued using the relief from royalty method

•

Internally developed software was valued using the cost approach

The total fair value of short-term and long-term receivables acquired amounted to $2.7 million. The contractual amount due on these receivables was $3.8 million, of which a reduction of $1.1 million was taken for credit risk.

We recognized a warranty liability of $0.3 million related to CDIC’s products. As of December 31, 2011, the remaining liability was $0.15 million.

We recognized a deferred tax asset of $5.4 million, which includes $3.9 million related to CDIC’s federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward. CDIC had federal NOL carryforwards of $52.6 million based on tax returns filed through November 30, 2008 which expire between 2010 and 2028. The NOL carryforward that will be available for utilization during this period is limited to $11.5 million, resulting from change in ownership limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. We recognized an additional $1.5 million deferred tax asset and a $4.6 million deferred tax liability related to differences in the book and tax bases of acquired assets and liabilities.

We assumed $5.6 million in long-term debt, of which $5.3 million was repaid immediately. As of December 31, 2011, we had no long-term debt as the $0.3 million was repaid during the year.

LumenVu, Inc.

In July 2007, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of LumenVu, Inc. (“LumenVu”), a private development stage company that developed, in conjunction with a leading academic research institution, a patented technology to improve the accuracy of catheter placement. The technology was exclusively licensed to LumenVu by a leading academic research institution. We intend to integrate this technology in a new product line that can be sold along with existing product lines in certain clinical markets.

The results of LumenVu’s operations were included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition. The acquisition, which was an asset purchase, had a purchase price that consisted of cash consideration of $2.9 million, note receivable forgiveness of $0.1 million, assumed liabilities of $0.6 million, which were paid at closing, and contingent future cash payments up to $10.0 million, which had an estimated fair value of $4.0 million at the date of acquisition. The future cash payments are contingent upon the continued development of the product and recognizing revenue from the sale of products incorporating this technology. The liability for contingent consideration is accreted to other expense over the expected payment period.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, we determined that, based upon our projected product development and release dates, maximum liability for future contingent consideration would not be required. We determined the fair value of future contingent consideration was $2.2 million. Accordingly, we reduced the liability for contingent consideration by $4.0 million as well reduced the deferred tax liability by $2.3 million and intangible assets by $6.3 million.

During 2011, 2010 and 2009, we recorded $0.2 million, $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of accretion expense. The fair value of assets acquired determined as of July 2007 was $11.8 million. Based upon the revised fair value of future contingent consideration determined in fourth quarter of 2010, the fair value of the assets acquired was $5.5 million. This amount was allocated to an intangible technology asset, which will be amortized over ten years commencing with sales of products incorporating this technology. No amortization expense has been recorded as no products using this technology are available for sale as of December 31, 2011. The amortization of this intangible technology asset is not deductible for tax purposes accordingly we have recorded a deferred tax liability of $2.0 million. Additionally, we recorded a deferred tax asset associated with net operating losses of LumenVu of $0.2 million.

SonoMetric Health, Inc.

In May 2004, we acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of SonoMetric Health, Inc. (“SonoMetric”). The results of SonoMetric’s operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since that date. We purchased all of SonoMetric’s outstanding common shares for an immediate cash payment of $1.5 million, plus future cash payments of up to $4.5 million contingent upon the amount of revenue recognized from the sale of the purchased software over the five-year period following the closing date of the acquisition. We accrued contingent payments of $0.1 million as of December 31, 2009 as a result of revenue recognized on the sale of the software. These contingent payments, which were measured and required through April 2009, were recorded as goodwill. We made the final contingent payment in the first quarter of 2010.

8. Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
Goodwill, at historical cost	$	36,605	$	35,425
Foreign exchange translation		1,626		2,361

Goodwill, inclusive of foreign exchange		38,231		37,786

Identifiable intangible assets:
Definite lived intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $14,663 and $8,328		39,607		46,891
Indefinite lived intangible assets		532		532

Total intangible assets	$	40,139	$	47,423

The goodwill associated with VisualSonics has been recorded in the functional currency of VisualSonics, which is the Canadian dollar. The translated balance of Goodwill decreased by $0.74 million in 2011 and increased by $2.4 million in 2010, due to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar value against the US dollar. As of December 31, 2011 definite lived intangible assets had a remaining weighted average useful life of 8.7 years. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $6.5 million, $5.3 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Amortization expense of intangible assets is estimated to be $5.4 million in 2012, $4.6 million in 2013, $4.1 million in 2014, $2.9 million in 2015 and $1.9 million in 2016. During the fourth quarter of 2011, we completed our annual impairment assessments of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and determined that they were not impaired. If an impairment arose, these assets would be measured at fair value.

9. Hedging activities

We are exposed to foreign currency risk from both trade receivable balances denominated in a currency other than the local currency and intercompany receivable balances denominated in currencies other than US Dollar (“USD”) and from translation of our foreign subsidiaries operating results. We enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts to reduce the impact of fluctuations on earnings associated with foreign currency exchange rate changes. These foreign currencies include the Australian dollar, the British pound, the Canadian dollar, the European Union euro, and the Japanese yen. We use foreign exchange contracts to mitigate risk and do not intend to engage in speculative transactions. Currently our foreign exchange contracts do not qualify for derivative hedge accounting. We seek to manage the counterparty risk associated with engaging in foreign currency contracts by limiting transactions to counterparties with which we have established banking relationships

We use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge a substantial portion of our intercompany receivable balances denominated in currencies other than the USD. As of December 31, 2011, and 2010 we had $34.2 million and $41.8 million, respectively, in notional amount of foreign currency contracts that expired or will expire January 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Gains and losses in the fair value of these contracts are intended to offset the losses and gains, resulting from the changes in the underlying intercompany balances. The fair value of these contracts as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 was not material to our results of operations or our financial position.

We have used foreign currency forward and option contracts to hedge the impact of currency fluctuations on the translation of the financial statements of our foreign operations. As of December 31, 2011, we had no foreign currency contracts for this purpose. As of December 31, 2010, we had $8.4 million in notional amount of foreign currency contracts expiring at various dates through September 2011. The fair value of these contracts, which were Level 2 securities, as of December 31, 2010 was a liability of $0.4 million.

Recognized gains and losses, which are included in other expense on the consolidated statements of income, are as follows (in thousands):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Hedges of intercompany balances
Loss on foreign currency hedges	$	(1,496	)	$	(4,003	)	$	(3,384	)
Gain (loss) on translation of intercompany receivables		(813	)		1,511			3,047
Hedges of translation of foreign operations
Loss on foreign currency hedges		(198	)		(783	)		(337	)

Loss related to hedge activities	$	(2,507	)	$	(3,275	)	$	(674	)

10. Long-term debt

In July 2007, we completed the offering of $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.75% convertible senior notes (“Notes”), which are due in 2014. The Notes may be converted, under certain circumstances described below, based on an initial conversion rate of 26.1792 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $38.20 per share). The net proceeds from the issuance of the Notes were $217.6 million, after deducting debt issuance costs. The Notes have no restrictive covenants and the if-converted value is approximately equivalent to the current principal outstanding.

To account for the Notes, we bifurcated a component of the conversion option which is required to be classified in equity. The accretion of the resulting discount on the debt is recognized as part of interest expense in our consolidated statement of income in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized. We calculated the fair value of the liability component of the Notes using a discount rate of similar liabilities without conversion features and determined the carrying amount of the equity component by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the initial carrying value of the convertible debt. This resulted in an initial recognition of $63.9 million of debt discount, to be amortized over a seven year period at an effective interest rate of 8.5%, and a corresponding deferred tax liability of $23.6 million. Additionally, $2.1 million of debt issuance costs, which were included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet, were classified as equity on a proportionate basis as the equity component.

The following table summarizes the carrying value of the debt and equity components (in thousands):


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
Equity component		33,957	$	33,957

Senior convertible debt:
Outstanding	$	114,745	$	114,745
Debt discount		12,902		17,647

Senior convertible, net	$	101,843	$	97,098

We pay cash interest on the Notes at an annual rate of 3.75%, payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, which began on January 15, 2008.

In connection with the offering, we used a portion of the offering proceeds to enter into a convertible note hedge transaction whereby we purchased a call option for up to 2.5 million shares of our common stock at a price of $38.1982 per share. These options, which hedge approximately 42% of the risk of additional share issuance, expire on July 15, 2014 and must be settled in net shares. The cost of the call option was $28.6 million and has been recorded as a reduction to stockholders’ equity. The tax benefit from the deduction related to the purchase of the call option as part of the convertible note hedge transaction is recorded to additional paid in capital over the term of the hedge transaction.

Additionally, to partially offset the cost of the convertible note hedge transaction, we sold warrants to purchase up to 2.5 million shares of our common stock at a price of $46.965 per share. The warrants expire on various dates from October 15, 2014 through the 60th scheduled trading day following October 15, 2014 and must be settled in net shares. We received approximately $19.5 million in cash proceeds from the sales of these warrants and they were recorded as an increase to stockholders equity.

The debt discount and debt issuance costs are being amortized through July 2014. Interest expense for the amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs was $5.1 million, $4.9 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Interest expense for the contractual coupon was $4.5 million, $4.3 million and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

In 2008, we repurchased $80.3 million in principal amount of our senior convertible notes for $62.4 million. As a result of these repurchases, we recorded a gain, net of deferred financing costs and costs to complete the repurchase transaction, of $8.2 million in other income,. The payment received from partially unwinding the associated convertible note hedges resulted in proceeds to us of approximately $6.4 million, offset by $5.9 million we paid for the repurchase of warrants. The transaction also resulted in a write off of $1.5 million of debt issuance costs. Following the repurchases, debt issuance costs approximated $2.7 million. The net proceeds from the issuance of the Notes, net of issuance costs, the convertible note hedge transaction, and the warrant transaction were $208.5 million.

In 2009, we repurchased $30.0 million in principal amount of our Notes for $25.2 million. As a result of these repurchases, we recorded a gain of $1.1 million in other income, net of deferred financing costs of $0.5 million and costs to complete the repurchase

transaction. We also partially unwound the associated convertible note hedges, which resulted in proceeds to us of approximately $1.6 million for the sale of call options, offset by $1.5 million we paid for the repurchase of warrants. Following the repurchases, unamortized debt issuance costs approximated $1.8 million. The total remaining discount in 2009 after these activities was $17.7 million which is being amortized over 3.5 years.

Repurchases in 2009 also resulted in the reduction of the carrying value of the equity component by $3.5 million, the allocated amount from repurchases of our senior convertible debt, and $0.2 million from the write-off of the deferred tax asset related to debt issuance costs, offset by a $1.7 million reduction of the deferred tax liability related to the debt discount. These were noncash items from the repurchase transaction.

Holders of our remaining outstanding Notes may convert their Notes based on an initial conversion rate of 26.1792 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment, at their option at any time prior to April 15, 2014 under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter beginning after September 30, 2007 (and only during such fiscal quarter), if the last reported sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price on each applicable trading day of such preceding fiscal quarter; (2) during the five business day period after any ten consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per note for each day of that ten consecutive trading day period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on such day; or (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions. On or after April 15, 2014, holders may convert their Notes at any time prior to the close of business on the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date.

Upon conversion, we will pay cash and shares of our common stock, if any, based on a daily conversion rate multiplied by a volume weighted average price of our common stock during a specified period following the conversion date. Conversions will be settled in cash up to the principal amount of the Notes, with any conversion value above the principal amount settled in shares of our common stock. Holders of the Notes may require us to repurchase the notes for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest upon the occurrence of a fundamental change. In addition, we will adjust the conversion rate for holders who elect to convert notes in connection with a fundamental change. We may not redeem any of the Notes at our option prior to maturity.

Our senior convertible debt is measured for disclosure only at fair value using quoted market prices (Level 1). As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the fair value of our senior convertible debt was $167.2 million and $126.0 million.

11. Shareholders’ equity

Stock compensation plans

At December 31, 2011, we had seven stock-based employee compensation plans: the 1998 Nonofficer Employee Stock Option Plan (“1998 NOE Plan”), the 1998 Stock Option Plan (“1998 Plan”), the Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan (“Director Plan”), the Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (“2005 Plan”), the 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2005 ESPP Plan”), 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (“VisualSonics’ Plan”) and the 2011 Non Plan (“2011 Non Plan”).

Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in our consolidated statements of income consisted of the following (in thousands):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Stock options	$	1,624	$	1,210	$	972
Restricted stock units		6,286		5,167		5,362
Employee stock purchase plan		—		—		218

Total stock-based compensation	$	7,910	$	6,377	$	6,552

The related deferred tax benefit was $2.9 million, $2.3 million and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

As part of the acquisition of VisualSonics, we assumed options to purchase common shares and restricted stock units granted by VisualSonics under the VisualSonics’ Plan prior to the acquisition. The number of shares of our common stock underlying the assumed options is 287,750, and the exercise prices for the assumed options are equal to the fair market value of VisualSonics

common shares at the date of grant, adjusted upon acquisition pursuant to an agreed upon exchange ratio that reflected the fair market value of our common stock on the date of acquisition and the consideration attributable to each VisualSonics common share in the acquisition. The assumed stock options began to vest and become exercisable with respect to 25% of each grant beginning on June 30, 2011 and on each of the three anniversaries thereafter, and have a seven year term from the grant date. The number of shares of our common stock underlying the assumed RSUs is 345,689. Most of the assumed restricted stock units will vest with respect to one-third (1/3) of each grant beginning on June 30, 2013 and on each of the two anniversaries thereafter; however, certain assumed restricted stock unit grants will vest entirely on June 30, 2013. No shares are available for grant under the VisualSonics’ Plan.

Under the 1998 NOE Plan, 1998 Plan, 2005 Plan, 2011 Non Plan and option grants outside our stock option plans, as of December 31, 2011, 8,285,730 total shares of common stock were authorized primarily for issuance upon exercise of stock options and release of restricted stock units at prices equal to the fair market value of our common shares at the date of grant. As of December 31, 2011, 1,791,888 of those shares granted under the plans were still outstanding, and 1,447,096 shares were still available for grant under these stock option plans. In most cases, stock options vest 25% each year over a four year vesting period. Certain stock options vest 25% after one year of employment and then monthly over the next three years, and certain grants made to employees after their first year of employment vest monthly over four years. All options have either a seven or ten year term from the grant date.

Under the Director Plan, as of December 31, 2004, 125,000 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance of stock options at prices equal to the fair market value of our common shares at the date of grant. At December 31, 2005, there were no longer shares available for grant under this Plan. Stock options are exercisable and vest in full one year following their grant date provided the optionee has continued to serve as our director. Each option expires on the earlier of ten years from the grant date or 90 days following the termination of a director’s service as our director.

The 2005 ESPP Plan, which qualifies under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, permits all U.S. based employees to purchase shares of our common stock. Participating employees may purchase common stock through payroll deductions at the end of each participation period at a purchase price equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock at the beginning or the end of the participation period. The 2005 ESPP was discontinued in 2009. As of December 31, 2011 1,000,000 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance under the 2005 ESPP Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2009 66,498 shares of common stock were issued under this plan.

Prior to the spin-off from ATL, we had no stock option plans specifically identified as our plans. All stock options granted through that date were part of ATL option plans.

The fair value for stock option awards and shares associated with the employee stock purchase plan was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:


	Stock Options								ESPP
	Year Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010		2009			2011		2010		2009
Expected term (in years)		4.0			—		5.0			—		—		0.5
Expected stock price volatility		34	%		—		34	%		—		—		46	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.95	%		—		2.3	%		—		—		1.1	%
Expected dividend yield		0.0	%		—		0.0	%		—		—		0.0	%
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$	7.61			—	$	7.31			—		—	$	5.67

The expected term of the options and ESPP represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. Expected stock price volatility is based on historical volatility of our stock over the historical period commensurate with the expected term assumptions. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with an equivalent remaining term. We have not paid dividends in the past and do not plan to pay any dividends in the near future.

Summary of stock option activity

The following table presents summary stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2011 (shares presented in thousands):


	Shares			Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average remaining contractual life		Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)
Outstanding, beginning of year		1,498		$	25.76
Granted		60		$	28.63
Exercised		(368	)	$	22.85
Forfeited		(95	)	$	26.53
Expired		(55	)	$	40.01

Outstanding, end of year		1,040		$	26.13		3.45	$	28,846

Exercisable, end of year		734		$	26.72		2.69	$	19,930

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is based on our stock price of $53.86 on December 31, 2011, which would have been received by the optionees, without reduction for applicable income taxes, had all options been exercised on that date. As of December 31, 2011, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was $2.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.27 years. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $5.7 million, $3.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

We issue new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options.

The following is a summary of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2011 (shares presented in thousands):


Range of exercise prices	Options outstanding						Options exercisable
Range of exercise prices	Number outstanding		Weighted average remaining contractual life		Weighted average exercise price		Number exercisable		Weighted average exercise price
$11.34–$16.03		49		1.29	$	15.79		49	$	15.79
$16.44–$16.44		280		3.65	$	16.44		212	$	16.44
$17.26–$27.45		330		4.45	$	25.48		152	$	24.28
$28.24–$37.45		231		3.83	$	31.67		171	$	32.73
$38.97–$40.58		150		0.99	$	40.42		150	$	40.42

		1,040		3.45	$	26.13		734	$	26.72

Restricted stock units

We have granted restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards to employees under the 1998 Plan, 2005 Plan VisualSonics’ Plan and the 2011 Non Plan. Under the 1998 Plan and 2005, the vesting period for our RSU awards is three years from the date of grant excluding Director RSU grants, which vest annually over three years. Under the VisualSonics’ Plan, awards vest annually over three years starting three years after date of grant. As of December 31, 2011, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested RSU awards was $14 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.45 years.

The following table presents summary RSU award activity for the year ended December 31, 2011 (shares presented in thousands):


	Shares			Weighted average grant date fair value
Non-vested, beginning of year		819		$	31.92
Granted		319		$	32.48
Forfeited		(132	)	$	27.25
Vested		(255	)	$	36.23

Non-vested, end of year		751		$	31.52

We issue new shares of common stock upon the vesting of restricted stock units.

Stock repurchases

We received authorization from our board of directors to repurchase up to $150.0 million of our common stock or convertible debt. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. During 2010, we repurchased 4,240,974 shares of our common stock in the open market for an aggregate price of $126.1 million at an average price of $29.72. These repurchases were made using existing cash resources.

Stock purchase rights

In April 1998, we and First Chicago Trust Company of New York (“First Chicago”) entered into a Rights Agreement. The Rights Agreement was subsequently amended in October 2001 to reflect that EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. had succeeded First Chicago as the rights agent, and in August 2003, and again in November 2007, to reflect that Computershare Trust Company N.A. had succeeded EquiServe and to adopt certain changes approved by our Board of Directors. The Rights Agreement has certain anti-takeover provisions, which will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us. Under the Rights Agreement, each of our shareholders has one share purchase right for each share of common stock held, with each right having an exercise price approximating our board of directors’ estimate of the long-term value of one share of our common stock. The rights are triggered if an acquiror acquires, or successfully makes a tender offer for, 20% or more of our outstanding common stock. In such event, each shareholder other than the acquiror would have the right to purchase, at the exercise price, a number of newly issued shares of our capital stock at a 50% discount. If the acquiror were to acquire 50% or more of our assets or earning power, each shareholder would have the right to purchase, at the exercise price, a number of shares of acquiror’s stock at a 50% discount. Our board of directors may redeem the rights at a nominal cost at any time before a person acquires 20% or more of our outstanding common stock, which allows board-approved transactions to proceed. In addition, our board of directors may exchange all or part of the rights (other than rights held by the acquiror) for such number of shares of our common stock equal in value to the exercise price. Such an exchange produces the desired dilution without actually requiring our shareholders to purchase shares. The Rights Agreement expires on April 5, 2013. On December 15, 2011, in connection with the Merger, the Company entered into the Second Amendment to the Rights Agreement, which, among other things, amended the definition of “Acquiring Person” to exclude FUJI and Purchaser.

12. Income taxes

The components of income before income taxes are as follows (in thousands):


	Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
U.S. operations	$	1,224	$	9,603	$	2,707
Foreign operations		1,621		4,794		2,557

Total income before income taxes	$	2,845	$	14,397	$	5,264

The components of income tax provision (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):


	Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Current:
U.S. Federal	$	(529	)	$	7,358		$	522
State and local		(372	)		1,427			206
Foreign		1,330			713			826

Total Current		429			9,498			1,554

Deferred:
U.S. Federal		1,516			(4,870	)		274
State and local		140			(770	)		54
Foreign		(340	)		567			99

Total Deferred		1,316			(5,073	)		427

Total income tax provision	$	1,745		$	4,425		$	1,981

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to the net income. The sources and tax effects of the differences are as follows:


	Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
U.S. federal tax expense at statutory rates		35.0	%		35.0	%		34.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		2.9	%		2.8	%		0.6	%
Non-deductible expenses		13.2	%		3.4	%		5.1	%
Executive compensation		3.0	%		0.9	%		5.6	%
Foreign share based compensation		23.4	%		1.9	%		(16.2	)%
Non-deductible interest expense		—			2.0	%		3.9	%
Transaction costs		—			3.7	%		6.5	%
Domestic production deduction		(2.7	)%		(6.7	)%		—
Research and experimentation credits		(63.7	)%		(11.0	)%		(17.1	)%
Foreign tax rates		2.9	%		(0.9	)%		(0.4	)%
Other Foreign taxes		2.6	%		0.9	%		1.4	%
Deferred tax rate change		1.8	%		(0.2	)%		—
Tax uncertainties		26.7	%		(4.2	)%		16.6	%
Valuation allowance changes		40.3	%		(0.5	)%		5.4	%
Gain on CDIC acquisition		—			—			(7.1	)%
Foreign exchange difference - USD conversion		12.8	%		(0.9	)%		0.6	%
Tax account reconciliation adjustments		(28.1	)%		2.3	%		(4.3	)%
State amended returns and provision to return		(8.9	)%		—			—
Other		0.1	%		2.3	%		3.0	%

Effective tax rate		61.3	%		30.8	%		37.6	%

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are comprised of the following (in thousands):


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets:
Tax attribute carryforwards:
Domestic net operating loss	$	4,375		$	4,722
Foreign net operating loss		551			1,519
Foreign research and experimentation expense		5,954			5,114
Foreign research and experimentation credit		1,733			1,822
Domestic research and experimentation credit		362			—
Allowances and accruals not recognized for tax purposes		8,944			9,402
Stock-based compensation		4,275			4,900
Deferred royalty revenue		5,191			6,345
Other		1,269			1,399

Gross deferred tax assets		32,654			35,223
Valuation allowance		(3,204	)		(1,962	)

Net deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		29,450			33,261
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		(311	)		(366	)
Convertible debt		(8,192	)		(9,242	)
Intangibles		(9,921	)		(13,290	)

Net deferred tax assets	$	11,026		$	10,363

The total valuation allowance of $3.2 million includes a $1.1 million valuation allowance established against state NOL carry forwards and $0.1 million of AMT credit carry forward acquired from CDIC, a $0.3 million valuation allowance established against capital loss carry forwards, and $1.7 million related to the net deferred tax asset of VisualSonics. Our increase in valuation allowance of $1.2 million in 2011 is mainly attributable to the valuation allowance recorded for the full year research credit and NOL generated by VisualSonics. We considered the positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the net deferred tax assets at this entity and concluded that it is not more likely than not that these assets will be realized, therefore a full valuation allowance has been recorded.

During 2009, a deferred tax asset amounting to $3.9 million was recorded related to CDIC’s federal NOL carryforwards, which were based on tax returns filed through November 30, 2008, and which expire between 2010 and 2028. In 2010, we increased the deferred tax asset related to CDIC’s federal NOL carryforward by $0.2 million. The CDIC federal NOL carryforwards that will be available for utilization during this period are limited to $11.5 million, resulting from change in ownership limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Through December 31, 2011, the Company has recognized $2.5 million of the CDIC federal NOL as utilized. The deferred tax asset at December 31, 2011 is $3.2 million. In 2011, a deferred tax asset continues to be recorded related to CDIC’s state NOL carry forwards of $1.2 million for which future utilization is not considered more likely than not based on the weight of all positive and negative factors. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been recorded with respect to CDIC’s state NOL’s.

During 2010, we acquired VisualSonics which had the following tax attribute carry forwards at acquisition: net operating loss carry forward of $1.0 million, research and experimentation expense carry forward of $5.1 million, and research and experimentation tax credit carryforward of $1.8 million. A valuation allowance was established of $0.4 million on the net deferred tax assets of VisualSonics. The NOL was generated in 2010 and will expire in 2030. The NOL generated in 2011 will expire in 2031. The research and experimentation expense carry forward has an indefinite life and the research and experimentation tax credit carry forwards expire from 2025 through 2031.

We have a deferred tax asset of $0.6 million related to foreign NOL carryforwards, which do not expire. Under certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the availability and utilization of our domestic NOL and tax credit carryforwards may be subject to further limitation if it should be determined that there has been a change in ownership of more than 50%.

US income and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on approximately $4.6 million of cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and equity investees. We intend to reinvest these earnings for the foreseeable future. If these amounts were distributed to the US, in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to additional US income taxes, which could be material. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities on these earnings is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.

We have not provided for U.S. deferred taxes on earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries as such earnings are deemed to be permanently reinvested. Determination of unrecorded deferred taxes on earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries is not practicable. The amount of unremitted foreign earnings deemed permanently reinvested at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is $13.4 million and $8.3 million, respectively.

Our unrecognized tax benefits relate to various foreign jurisdictions and U.S. federal and state tax position. A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):


	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
Beginning of year	$	3,496		$	5,178
Prior year tax positions increases		1,423			—
Prior year tax positions decreases		(292	)		(683	)
Current year tax positions		192			429
Current year tax positions decreases		—			(14	)
Settlements with taxing authorities		(113	)		(1,408	)
Acquired unrecognized tax benefits		—			92
Foreign currency translation		(34	)		(98	)

End of year	$	4,672		$	3,496

Of the $4.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011, $3.5 million would reduce income tax expense if ultimately recognized. We do not expect any other significant increases or decreases to our unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of this reporting date.

Interest and penalties incurred associated with unresolved income tax positions are included in income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties amounted to approximately $0.8 million at the end of 2011 and was $0.4 million at the end of 2010.

In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by tax authorities throughout the world, including such major jurisdictions as the U.S., Canada, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom. We are subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations for years after 2003. However, carry forward attributes that were generated prior to 2004 may still be adjusted by a taxing authority upon examination if the attributes have been or will be used in a future period

13. Employee Benefit Plan

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

All our employees in the U.S. are eligible to participate in our 401(k) Plan. Terms of the 401(k) Plan permit an employee to contribute up to a maximum permissible by the Internal Revenue Service during any plan year. At our discretion, we match each employee’s contribution in increments equivalent to 100% for the first 3% and 50% for the second 3% of the employee’s contribution percentage. In February 2009, we suspended matching contribution to the 401(k) Plan for 2009 and 2010. In 2011, 2010 and 2009 we contributed $0.7 million, $0.0 million and $0.3 million in matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan in accordance with the plan’s terms. Employees immediately vest in the contributions the employee makes. Vesting in our contribution on behalf of the employee occurs at equal increments at the end of each year of the first five years of an employee’s service with us.

14. Commitments and contingencies

Indemnification Obligations and Guarantees (excluding product warranty)

Operating leases and long-term debt

We are required to make annual interest payments on our convertible senior notes. We currently lease office and manufacturing space, automobiles and office equipment under operating leases. Future minimum lease payments and long-term principal and interest are as follows (in thousands):


	Operating Leases		Long-term Debt
2012		4,289		4,977
2013		3,484		5,220
2014		1,287		117,450
2015		311		—
2016		214		—
Thereafter		23		—

Total	$	9,608	$	127,647

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $4.5 million, $4.0 million and $3.5 million.

Other commitments

As part of our agreements with our suppliers, suppliers may procure resources and material expected to be used for the manufacture of our product in accordance with our production schedule provided to them. In the event these items are not used in the quantities submitted as part of the production schedule or material becomes obsolete as a result of production timing, material changes or design changes, we may be responsible for compensating our suppliers for these procurements.

In the U.S., we have complemented our direct sales efforts by entering into group purchasing agreements with major healthcare GPOs. Typically, a GPO negotiates with medical suppliers, such as us, on behalf of the GPO’s member healthcare facilities, providing such members with uniform pricing and terms and conditions. In exchange, the GPO identifies us as a preferred supplier for its members. Member facilities participating in the GPO’s purchasing program can consist of hospitals, medical group practices, nursing homes, surgery centers, managed care organizations, long term care facilities, clinics and integrated delivery networks. These agreements require us to pay fees based on the amount of sales generated from these agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we recorded fees related to these agreements as sales, general and administrative expenses of $2.8 million, $2.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

Contingencies

On May 15, 2007, GE Healthcare (“GE”) filed a lawsuit against us in the federal district court in the Western District of Wisconsin. The lawsuit alleged that certain of our products willfully infringed certain of GE’s U.S. patents relating to ultrasound technology. We filed a counterclaim against GE and certain of its affiliates, and filed an answer denying all of GE’s claims and alleging that the asserted patents are either invalid, not infringed, or both. In rulings issued on July 24, 2008, the trial judge granted summary judgment motions in our favor on five of the six patents that GE had asserted against us. The court ruled that one of the GE patents is invalid and that our products do not infringe the other four GE patents. The trial judge also granted summary judgment in GE’s favor on two of our four asserted patents finding that GE’s accused products did not infringe our asserted patents. On July 28, 2008 the parties filed a stipulation for dismissal without prejudice for the remaining claims and counterclaims for the three remaining patents that have yet to be ruled on by summary judgment in this case, thereby negating the need for a trial. On July 31, 2008, the court granted the parties’ request for dismissal of the remaining claims and counterclaims that had not been ruled on by the judge.

The parties appealed certain of the trial court’s summary judgment decisions and other rulings to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Oral argument at the Federal Circuit took place in early July 2009.

On May 22, 2008, GE filed a second suit in the same federal court in Wisconsin seeking to invalidate our U.S. patent 5,722,412 (“the ‘412 patent”). We counterclaimed that the new ultrasound systems GE proposes to market and sell infringe this patent. The trial was held in early June 2009 and post trial briefing took place during the month of July.

In October 2009, we settled all pending patent litigation worldwide with GE. Under the settlement agreement, both parties agreed to dismiss their claims against each other in all pending litigation. The parties entered into worldwide cross-licenses of the patents in litigation, including a license of the ‘412 patent by us to GE, and provided each other with mutual releases. In exchange for the ‘412 license, GE paid an upfront fee of $21 million to us and will also make ongoing royalty payments on US sales and production of hand-carried ultrasound systems. We will receive these royalty payments until the ‘412 patent expires in June 2016. As part of the

settlement, we also entered an arrangement with GE to create a foundation to fund research, education and training of best practices for point-of-care ultrasound. We recognize licensing revenue using the proportional performance method, a ratable recognition approach over the life of the license.

During 2010, we took action to ensure compliance with certain contractual pricing agreements. We paid $0.8 million and recorded a liability of $0.3 million that we believe represents our obligation. Final settlement has not been reached with the customer.

All plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, damages in an unspecified amount, and attorney’s fees and costs.

15. Segment reporting

Public companies are required to report financial and descriptive information about their reportable operating segments as required by FASB ASC Topic No. 280, Segment Reporting. We market our products in the United States and internationally through our direct sales force and our indirect distribution channels. During 2010, the business activities of CDIC were integrated into the core business of SonoSite and we are currently in the process of integrating VisualSonics into our business.

Our chief executive officer reviews financial information presented on a company wide basis, accompanied by disaggregated information about revenues by geographic regions for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. Each of our geographic regions reports directly to our chief operating officer. We do not separately allocate operating expenses to geographic regions, nor do we allocate specific assets. Therefore, geographic region information reported includes only revenues. Accordingly, we have a single operating and reporting segment.

Geographic regions are determined by the shipping destination. Revenue by geographic region is as follows (in thousands):


	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
United States	$	159,287	$	134,964	$	104,257
Europe, Africa and the Middle East		68,037		70,749		60,382
Latin America and Canada		29,302		21,573		20,849
Asia Pacific		49,348		48,076		41,901

Total revenue	$	305,974	$	275,362	$	227,389

Revenue from individual countries or customers in foreign jurisdictions are not material.

Long-lived assets, excluding deferred tax assets and certain other assets, by geographic location are as follows (in thousands):


	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
United States	$	19,538	$	18,071
International		4,314		3,885

Total long-lived assets	$	23,852	$	21,956

16. Correction of Errors

Our balance sheets as of December 31, 2010 and the statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 include correction of errors impacting prior years related to income tax, foreign exchange translation, and revenue recognition that were deemed not material for the periods affected.

The following tables reflects the impact of the correction of these errors in the statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2011 and period in which the errors originated (in millions):


				Originating in Years ended December 31,
	Corrected 2011			2010			2009		Prior Periods
Revenue	$	0.1		$	0.1		$	—	$	—
Cost of goods sold		(0.1	)		(0.1	)		—		—
Gross Margin		—			—			—		—
Income before tax		—			—			—		—
Income tax provision (benefit)	$	(0.1	)	$	0.8		$	—	$	(0.9	)

Net (loss) income	$	0.1		$	(0.8	)	$	—	$	0.9

The following tables reflects the impact of the correction of these errors in our balance sheets as of December 31, 2010 and the statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2010 and period in which the errors originated (in millions):


				Originating in Years ended December 31,
	Corrected 2010			2009			Prior Periods
Revenue	$	(0.1	)	$	—		$	(0.1	)
Cost of goods sold		(0.1	)		(0.1	)		—

Gross Margin		(0.2	)		(0.1	)		(0.1	)
Income before tax		(0.2	)		(0.1	)		(0.1	)
Income tax provision (benefit)		0.3			(0.2	)		0.5

Net (loss) income	$	(0.5	)	$	0.1		$	(0.6	)

Inventory	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.1	)	$	—
Current liabilities	$	(0.3	)	$	0.2		$	(0.5	)
Non-current liabilities	$	(0.1	)	$	—		$	(0.1	)
Retained earnings	$	0.5		$	(0.1	)	$	0.6

The following tables reflects the impact of the correction of these errors in our statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2009 and period in which the errors originated (in millions):


				Originating in Years ended December 31,
	Corrected 2009			Prior Periods
Cost of goods sold	$	0.3		$	0.3
Income before tax		(0.3	)		(0.3	)
Income tax provision		0.4			0.4
Net loss	$	(0.7	)	$	(0.7	)

17. Related party transactions

We hold 14% of the voting equity interests, are a distributor of Carticept, and our chief executive officer has taken a position on Carticept’s board of directors. During 2011 and 2010, we have recognized revenue of $4.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively from Carticept. Accounts receivable from Carticept was $1.6 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. All purchases were made in the ordinary course of business on commercially reasonable terms.

During 2011 and 2010, we recognized revenue of $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, from Swedish Medical Center (“Swedish”). One of the company’s directors is the Chief Executive Officer of Swedish. Accounts receivable from Swedish was $0 and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These purchases were made in the ordinary course of business on commercially reasonable terms.

18. Quarterly results—unaudited


	For the three months ended,
	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
2011:
Revenue	$	71,081		$	72,713		$	75,732		$	86,448
Cost of revenue		21,128			21,479			21,542			25,167

Gross margin		49,953			51,234			54,190			61,281
Operating expenses		45,919			49,281			50,300			56,693
Other loss		(2,363	)		(3,114	)		(3,313	)		(2,830	)
Income tax provision (benefit)		667			(72	)		(143	)		1,293

Net income (loss)	$	1,004		$	(1,089	)	$	720		$	465

Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.07		$	(0.08	)	$	0.05		$	0.03

Diluted	$	0.07		$	(0.08	)	$	0.05		$	0.03

Shares used in computation of net income per share:
Basic		13,608			13,844			13,893			13,989

Diluted		14,152			13,844			14,323			14,698

2010:
Revenue	$	55,977		$	61,549		$	68,538		$	89,298
Cost of revenue		16,280			17,195			19,675			26,590

Gross margin		39,697			44,354			48,863			62,708
Operating expenses		37,026			38,207			43,775			49,698
Other loss		(2,262	)		(2,438	)		(3,799	)		(4,020	)
Income tax provision (benefit)		(973	)		1,834			347			3,217

Net income	$	1,382		$	1,875		$	942		$	5,773

Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.08		$	0.13		$	0.07		$	0.43

Diluted	$	0.08		$	0.12		$	0.07		$	0.41

Shares used in computation of net income (loss) per share:
Basic		16,284			14,601			13,676			13,502

Diluted		16,823			15,100			14,147			14,035

Revenue in 2010 includes $8.7 million in the third quarter and $8.9 million in the fourth quarter from VisualSonics. Operating expenses in 2010 include acquisition and integration related charges of $2.5 million, $0.6 million, and $1.1 million in the second, third, and fourth quarters.

ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15b of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer have evaluated, as of December 31, 2011, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. This evaluation included consideration of the processes and procedures 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 and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based upon this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, as a result of the material weaknesses described below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

Because of these material weaknesses in preparing our financial statements at December 31, 2011, we performed additional procedures to ensure that our financial statements were fairly presented in all material respects in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

(b) Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 as required by the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(c), using the criteria issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a result of our evaluation of internal control over financial reporting we identified the following material weaknesses and therefore concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2011:

•

Control activities related to modification of employment-related agreements. The Company lacked appropriate monitoring and review controls for account reconciliations and transaction analyses over modifications to employment-related agreements, including stock-based awards. This material weakness resulted in misstatements in sales, general and administrative expenses and additional paid in capital in the preliminary consolidated financial statements that were corrected prior to issuance of the consolidated financial statements.

•

Control activities related to statement of cash flow presentation of excess tax benefits from stock-based awards. The Company lacked appropriate monitoring and review controls by personnel with the appropriate technical knowledge over the account reconciliation of the excess tax benefit from exercise of stock-based awards presented in the consolidated statement of cash flows. This material weakness resulted in a misstatement in net cash provided by (used in) operating activities and net cash provided by (used in) financing activities in the preliminary consolidated financial statements that was corrected prior to issuance of the consolidated financial statements.

As a result of these material weaknesses, there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued audit reports on its assessment of internal control over financial reporting and our consolidated financial statements. Their reports may be found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(c) Changes in internal control over financial reporting

Other than the identification of material weaknesses described above, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

(d) Management’s Remediation Intentions

Since signing the definitive agreement to be acquired by FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, we have devoted substantial time and resources to the integration with Fujifilm and as part of that integration, management is evaluating the appropriate remediation activities to address the material weaknesses described above.

ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors and Executive Officers of the Company

Set forth below are the name, age and position of each director and executive officer of the Company as of March 5, 2012.


Name	Age	Positions and Offices With SonoSite	Director Since
Kevin M. Goodwin	54	President, Chief Executive Officer and Director	1998
Paul V. Haack	61	Director	2006
Rodney F. Hochman, M.D.	56	Director	2009
Richard O. Martin, Ph.D.	72	Director	2008
Kouichi Tamai	59	Director	2012
Toru Takahashi	60	Director	2012
Ryutaro Hosoda	58	Director	2012
Naohiro Fujitani	58	Director	2012
Kenji Sukeno	57	Director	2012

Name	Age	Current Positions	Executive Officer Since
Kevin M. Goodwin	54	President, Chief Executive Officer and Director	1998
Anil Amlani	61	Chief Financial Officer	2012
John W. Sparacio	69	Chief Operating Officer	2011
James M. Gilmore	47	Senior Vice President, Product Innovation and Delivery	2008
Diku Mandavia, M.D.	46	Senior Vice President; Chief Medical Officer	2010

The following are brief biographies of each current director and executive officer of the Company (including present principal occupation or employment, and material occupations, positions, offices or employment for the past five years). Unless otherwise indicated, to the knowledge of the Company, no current director or executive officer of the Company has been convicted in a criminal proceeding during the last ten years and no director or executive officer of the Company was a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding during the last ten years (except for any matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement) that resulted in a judgment, decree or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or state securities laws. There are no family relationships between directors and executive officers of Company. None of the Company’s directors, officers or any affiliates, nor any beneficial owners of 5% or more of any class of the Company’s voting securities nor any associates of such officer, director, affiliate or shareholder are involved in a material legal proceeding where such officer, director, affiliate, shareholder or associate is a party adverse to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

Kevin M. Goodwin has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director since 1998. From 1997 to 1998, Mr. Goodwin served as Vice President and General Manager of ATL Ultrasound, Inc.’s (“ATL”) handheld systems business group. From 1991 to 1997, Mr. Goodwin served as Vice President and General Manager of ATL Ultrasound’s businesses in Asia, the Pacific and Latin America. From 1987 to August 1991, Mr. Goodwin served in a variety of sales and management positions at ATL Ultrasound. From 1980 to 1987, Mr. Goodwin served in various management positions with American Hospital Supply, Picker International and Baxter Healthcare Corporation, all medical equipment and supply distributors. Mr. Goodwin has served on the board of directors of Carticept Medical, Inc. since October 2010. Mr. Goodwin holds a B.A. degree from Monmouth College, with an emphasis on hospital management, and attended the Executive Program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. We believe Mr. Goodwin’s qualifications as a director include his sales and marketing experience in the medical device industry, including 13 years as our President and Chief Executive Officer.

Paul V. Haack has served as our Director since 2006. From 1972 until his retirement in 2005 as a Partner, Mr. Haack practiced as a Certified Public Accountant, and held positions of increasing responsibility at Deloitte and Touche. During his career he served as lead technical partner in Deloitte’s Northwest and Milwaukee Practices, among other responsibilities. Mr. Haack has also served on the board of directors of Esterline Technologies since 2006. Mr. Haack received a B.S. Degree in business from the University of Montana. We believe Mr. Haack’s qualifications as a director include his 33 years of experience as a certified public accountant.

Rodney F. Hochman, M.D., has served as our Director since July 2009. Since April 2007, Dr. Hochman has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Swedish Medical Center, the largest non-profit health provider in the greater Seattle area. From 2004 to 2007, Dr. Hochman served as Executive Vice President at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia, where he was responsible for the operation of five hospitals, as well as the organization’s medical group, legal and corporate compliance divisions. From 1998 to 2004, Dr. Hochman was Chief Medical Officer for Sentara. Dr. Hochman has also held management positions at Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati and Guthrie Healthcare System in Sayre, PA. Dr. Hochman earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine and his bachelor’s degree from Boston University. He has a medical background in rheumatology and internal medicine, and served as a clinical fellow in internal medicine at Harvard Medical School and Dartmouth Medical School. We believe Dr. Hochman’s qualifications as a director include his operational experience as a hospital executive and 31 years of medical experience.

Richard O. Martin, Ph.D., has served our Director since May 2008. Dr. Martin served as President of Medtronic Physio Control Corporation from 1998 until his retirement in 2001. Prior to its acquisition by Medtronic in 1998, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Physio Control Corporation. He also held several senior executive positions in engineering, marketing and sales with Intermedics, Inc. before being named President and COO of that company in 1985. From 1989 to 1991, Dr. Martin served as Director, President and COO of Positron Corporation. From 1998 to 2009, when it was acquired by SonoSite, Dr. Martin also served on the board of CardioDynamics International Corporation. Dr. Martin received his bachelor’s degree from Christian Brothers College, a master’s from the University of Notre Dame, and a doctorate from Duke University. We believe Dr. Martin’s qualifications as a director include his financial and operations experience in the diagnostics and therapeutic device manufacturing field.

Kouichi Tamai has served as our Director since February 2012. He has been a director of FUJI since June 2010 and a director of FUJFIILM since June 2008. In addition, he has served as Deputy General Manager of the Corporate Planning Headquarters of FUJIFILM Corporation (“FUJIFILM”) since June 2006 and Senior Vice President of FUJIFILM since June 2011 and General Manager of the Medical System Products Division of FUJIFILM since April 2011. From June 2010 to April 2011, he was General Manager of the Production Engineering and Development Center of FUJIFILM. From June 2006 to June 2010, he was Deputy General Manager of the Production Engineering and Development Center of FUJIFILM. Prior thereto, he held various management positions at FUJI and its subsidiaries. As a director designated by FUJI pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we believe Mr. Tamai will be instrumental in guiding the integration with FUJI following the Merger.

Toru Takahashi has served as our Director since February 2012. He has been a director of FUJI since June 2010 and a director of FUJIFILM since June 2008. In addition, he has been Senior Vice President, Deputy General Manager of the Corporate Planning Headquarters of FUJIFILM and General Manager of Overseas Business Strategy Office of FUJIFILM since June 2011. From June 2008 to June 2011, he was General Manager of Corporate Planning Headquarters of FUJIFILM. From June 2007 to June 2008, he was General Manager of Recording Media Products Division of FUJIFILM. Prior thereto, he held various management positions at FUJI and its subsidiaries. As a director designated by FUJI pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we believe Mr. Takahashi will be instrumental in guiding the integration with FUJI following the Merger.

Ryutaro Hosoda has served as our Director since February 2012. He has been Corporate Vice President of FUJIFILM since June 2009, President of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation since November 2008, and President and Chief Executive Officer of FUJIFILM North America Corporation since November 2008. From April 2007 to October 2008, he was Senior Vice President of Imaging Products Division of FUJIFILM Europe GmbH. From July 2004 to March 2007, he was General Manager of Advertising Division of FUJIFILM. Prior thereto, he held various management positions at FUJI and its subsidiaries. As a director designated by FUJI pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we believe Mr. Hosoda will be instrumental in guiding the integration with FUJI following the Merger.

Naohiro Fujitani has served as our Director since February 2012. He has been President and Chief Executive Officer of FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. (“FUJI Medical”) since April 2010. From December 2009 to April 2010, he was Executive Vice President of FUJI Medical. From October 2006 to December 2009, he was Senior Vice President of Graphic Systems Products Division of FUJIFILM Europe GmbH. From October 2003 to September 2006, he was Deputy General Manager of Graphic Systems Division of FUJFIILM. Prior thereto, he held various management positions at FUJI and its subsidiaries. As a director designated by FUJI pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we believe Mr. Fujitani will be instrumental in guiding the integration with FUJI following the Merger.

Kenji Sukeno has served as our Director since February 2012. He has been General Manager of Subsidiary Management and M&A Group, Corporate Planning Division of FUJI since July 2011. From August 2009 to June 2011, he was Deputy General Manager of Optical Device Business Division of FUJIFILM. From August 2009 to June 2010, he was Corporate Vice President of Fujinon Corporation, and from August 2008 to August 2009, he was a director of FUJIFILM Business Expert Corporation. From December 2002 to August 2008, he was Chief Financial Officer of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation. Prior thereto, he held various management positions at FUJI and its subsidiaries. As a director designated by FUJI pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we believe Mr. Sukeno will be instrumental in guiding the integration with FUJI following the Merger.

Anil Amlani has served as our Chief Financial Officer since January 2012. From October 2009 to January 2012, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of VisualSonics, Inc. (“VisualSonics”), one of our subsidiaries following our acquisition of VisualSonics in 2010. From May 2005 to October 2009, he was the Chief Financial Officer at VisualSonics. Prior to joining VisualSonics, Mr. Amlani was Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at MDS Proteomics Inc., a proteomics-based drug discovery company, from 2001 to 2005. Previously, from 1999 to 2001, he was senior vice president and Chief Financial Officer at Cancom, a satellite communications company. Mr. Amlani has also served as head of finance, Commercial and Retail Banking at TD Bank, senior vice president, Wholesale Division at AT&T Canada, and senior vice president, Strategic Planning and New Business Development at AT&T Canada. Mr. Amlani obtained his Chartered Accountancy designation in London, England and in Canada.

John W. Sparacio has served as our Chief Operating Officer since June 2011. Prior that, he served as the president, chief executive officer, and owner of Plastic Engineering and Development (PED) Company, a custom manufacturer of plastic components and medical devices for healthcare and bio science markets since 1990. From 2001 to 2011, Mr. Sparacio was worldwide vice president of sales and service at Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL), our former parent company. From 1991 to 1994, Mr. Sparacio was president and chief executive officer of IMED, an intravenous infusion therapy system company and Lang Manufacturing, a local private company located in the Seattle area. Mr. Sparacio holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. He also studied in Northwestern University’s Executive School of Business’ Executive Management Development Program and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business Executive Management Development Program.

James M. Gilmore has been our Senior Vice President, Product Innovation and Delivery since 2006. Prior to that, he served as global engineering manager for global ultrasound probes at GE Healthcare. Mr. Gilmore was one of our original engineers when the company was spun off from ATL Ultrasound in 1998. He served as director, transducer engineering for six years. He was honored as an ATL Technical Fellow for innovation and technical leadership and is named as an inventor on three patents for transducer technology. Mr. Gilmore received both his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and his master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Drexel University.

Diku Mandavia, M.D., FACEP, FRCPC has been our Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer since November 2009. Prior to that, he was served as a medical advisor since November 2007. He has also been on staff at the Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center since 1994 and was an Attending Staff Physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles from 1999 to September 2010. Dr. Mandavia is a founding member and past-chair of the ACEP Ultrasound Section and co-author of the ACEP Ultrasound Guidelines. He has taught thousands of physicians worldwide, lectured at over 150 national and international conferences and was awarded ACEP’s Outstanding Speaker of the Year in 2004. Dr. Mandavia has also contributed to over 40 publications and is co-director of the national Resuscitation Conference. He received his medical degree from Memorial University in Canada (1989) and completed his residency at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center and is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program.

Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms received by us, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no forms were required for those persons, we believe that during the 2011 fiscal year, all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with, except for a Form 4 for Dr. Martin and a Form 4 for Mr. Parzybok, a former Director, which were each filed three days late.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a code of conduct to guide our officers, directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controller, in complying with the law and maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct. All of our employees and directors must carry out their duties in accordance with the policies set forth in the code of conduct and with applicable laws and regulations. The code of conduct also sets forth our procedures for reporting possible wrongdoing to executive management and establishes a confidential procedure for reporting to the audit committee. A copy of the code of conduct can be accessed on the Internet via our website at www.sonosite.com/about/governance/.

Director Independence

In accordance with the Merger Agreement, following the consummation of the tender offer, on February 16, 2012, each of Carmen L. Diersen, Steven R. Goldstein, M.D., William G. Parzybok, Jr. and Robert G. Hauser, M.D. resigned from our Board. At the time of their resignations, Ms. Diersen was a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Dr. Goldstein, Mr. Parzybok and Dr. Hauser were members of the Compensation Committee, and Ms. Diersen was a member of the Audit Committee. Also on February 16, 2012, the following designees of Purchaser were appointed to our Board to fill the vacancies created by the resignations of the above-listed directors: Kouichi Tamai, Toru Takahashi, Ryutaro Hosoda, Naohiro Fujitani and Kenji Sukeno.

With the director resignations and appointments on February 16, 2012, Messrs. Haack, Hochman and Martin are the only Directors who meet the “independence” standards as defined under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1); as a result, we are no longer in compliance with the Board composition requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1). On February 17, 2012, we sent a letter to Nasdaq notifying Nasdaq of the foregoing facts. On February 22, 2012, we received a letter from Nasdaq stating that, as a result of the director resignations and appointments, we no longer comply with the majority independent board requirement for continued listing. On March 2, 2012, we sent a letter to Nasdaq notifying Nasdaq that (a) we are a “controlled company” as such term is defined in NASDAQ Listing Rule 5615(c)(1) and that (b) due to the “controlled company” status, we are seeking exemption with regard to the majority independent board requirements of NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(b)(1). On March 7, 2012, we received a letter from Nasdaq stating that, given our “controlled company” status, we are deemed to be in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1). We expect that as a result of the Merger, our common stock will cease to be traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

Audit Committee

The members of the audit committee in 2011 were Mr. Haack, Ms. Diersen and Dr. Martin; Ms. Diersen resigned on February 16, 2012 in connection with the closing of the tender offer by FUJI. Mr. Haack served as chairperson of the committee. The Board has designated Mr. Haack as the “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.

With the director resignations and appointments on February 16, 2012, we are no longer in compliance with the Audit Committee composition requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(c)(2)(A). On February 17, 2012, we sent a letter to Nasdaq notifying Nasdaq of the foregoing facts. On March 2, 2012, we sent a letter to Nasdaq notifying Nasdaq that (a) the Company is a

“controlled company” as such term is defined in NASDAQ Listing Rule 5615(c)(1) and that (b) due to the “controlled company” status, the Company is seeking exemption with regard to the majority independent board requirements of NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(b) and exemption with regard to the Compensation Committee composition requirements of NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(d). We expect that as a result of the Merger, our common stock will cease to be traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

NOTE REGARDING COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

With the director resignations and appointments on February 16, 2012, we are no longer in compliance with the Compensation Committee composition requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(d). On February 17, 2012, we sent a letter to Nasdaq notifying Nasdaq of the foregoing facts. On March 2, 2012, we sent a letter to Nasdaq notifying Nasdaq that (a) the Company is a “controlled company” as such term is defined in NASDAQ Listing Rule 5615(c)(1) and that (b) due to the “controlled company” status, the Company is seeking exemption with regard to the majority independent board requirements of NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(b) and exemption with regard to the Compensation Committee composition requirements of NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(d). We expect that as a result of the Merger, our common stock will cease to be traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

The compensation committee has been delegated authority by the Board to oversee and administer all significant aspects relating to the Company’s compensation policies and programs, including director and officer compensation. The compensation committee is governed by a compensation committee charter, adopted by the board of directors, which gives the compensation committee the authority to make decisions on behalf of the board with respect to matters within its jurisdiction and any other duties assigned to it by the board. Under this charter, the compensation committee may also delegate any of its functions, duties and authority to a subcommittee of its members or to other board members. To date, the compensation committee has not established a subcommittee although it has delegated to our chief executive officer authority to grant, on an annual basis, up to a total of 25,000 stock options per person and up to a total of 8,000 restricted stock units per person to non-executive officers and employees. In addition, our chief administration officer has been charged with responsibility for day-to-day administration of our stock, 401(k) and certain other benefits plans.

The current version of the compensation committee charter is available on our web site at http://www.sonosite.com/company/content/board-committees/. The compensation committee’s responsibilities include:

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Reviewing and approving compensation and benefits for directors and our executive officers;

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Administering our incentive compensation and benefits plans including our 401(k) Plan;

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Administering all equity compensation plans, including our 1998 Stock Option Plan (the “1998 Plan”), our Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), under which stock option grants, restricted stock unit grants, and other types of equity-based compensation may be made to directors, executive officers and other employees;

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Reviewing and approving corporate and individual goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our officers;

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Evaluating the performance of our chief executive officer on an annual basis, in light of individual and corporate goals and objectives; and

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Retaining the services of compensation consultants and other advisors it determines necessary to assist in carrying out its duties.

The committee meets quarterly in conjunction with regularly scheduled board meetings, and also holds meetings via conference call when deemed necessary by the committee or its chairperson. The agendas are determined through a collaborative process involving the committee chairperson, our chief administration officer and our chief executive officer, who typically attend all

meetings. These officers are typically excused from the meeting when the committee discusses their individual compensation or performance and during other executive sessions held by the committee (typically at the end of each regularly scheduled quarterly meeting). Our chief executive officer, with the assistance of our chief administration officer, annually reviews the performance of each named executive officer (other than the chief executive officer, whose performance is reviewed by the committee). Their conclusions and recommendations based on those reviews are presented to the committee for consideration.

The members of the compensation committee in 2011 were Dr. Hauser, Mr. Kirby L. Cramer (until April 2011 when Mr. Cramer retired from our Board), Dr. Goldstein and Mr. Parzybok. Mr. Parzybok served as chairperson of the committee. As required by the committee charter, all compensation committee members have been and currently are independent nonemployee directors as defined under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the director independence requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market. In addition, each director satisfies the definition of “outside director” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. No special expertise in compensation matters is required for appointment to the compensation committee. In 2011, the compensation committee met four times.

Independent Consultant to Compensation Committee

Since 2006, the compensation committee has retained Compensia Inc. (“Compensia”), a compensation consulting firm, for advice and assistance on executive compensation matters and severance arrangements. Compensia provides the committee with relevant market data and alternatives to consider when making decisions for the named executive officers as well as other key officers. The committee has the sole authority to hire and fire Compensia. Although our chief administration officer interacts with and provides support and historical and current compensation information to Compensia for use in the firm’s analyses provided to the compensation committee, it is the committee that receives Compensia’s final work product. Management does not currently retain its own compensation consultant. Except for the work it does for our compensation committee, Compensia does not provide other services to us. Since 2007, the committee has retained Aon Consulting from time to time to provide board compensation consulting services and education to the committee members on compensation topics. In 2011, the committee also retained Pearl Meyer & Partners to perform board compensation consulting services.

OVERSIGHT AND ADMINISTRATION OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The compensation committee of our Board (sometimes referred to in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis as the “committee”) is responsible for overseeing and administering all components of our executive compensation program.

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis discusses our executive compensation program as it relates to the following “named executive officers” whose compensation is presented in the tables following this section in accordance with SEC rules:


Name	Position/Title As Of December 31, 2011	Transitions During 2011 and 2012
Kevin M. Goodwin	President and CEO	No changes in position or title

Marcus Y. Smith	Chief Financial Officer	Resigned as our Chief Financial Officer effective as of January 2, 2012.

John W. Sparacio	Chief Operating Officer	Appointed as Chief Operating Officer in June 2011

James M. Gilmore	Senior Vice President, Product Innovation and Delivery	No changes in position or title

John S. Bowers, Jr.	Senior Vice President, U.S. and Canada Business Unit	Senior Vice President, U.S. Sales until January 2011 and resigned as our Senior Vice President, U.S. and Canada Business Unit as of August 29, 2011

Diku Mandavia, M.D.	Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer	No changes in position or title

SUMMARY

We are the world leader and specialist in hand-carried and mounted ultrasound. In 2010, we extended our portfolio of innovative products through our acquisition of VisualSonics, the world’s leading developer of ultra-high frequency ultrasound systems.

When the compensation committee assessed 2011 compensation levels in the fall of 2010, future economic conditions and their effect on healthcare technology spending were still uncertain. Consequently, the compensation committee took a conservative approach to compensation programs in 2011, and did not make any across-the-board changes to executive compensation. This allowed us to control compensation expenses while continuing to provide appropriate incentives for strong performance from our executives and other employees.

Highlighted below are some of the key actions and decisions with respect to our executive compensation programs for fiscal 2011:

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Strong Link Between Performance and Compensation. Our executive compensation is tightly linked with performance.

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As with past years, we adopted a Variable Incentive Bonus Plan through which the named executive officers were eligible to earn cash incentive compensation based upon achievement of specific financial objectives in 2011. The goals set forth in the plan are designed to challenge our executives to attain high performance.

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The committee designed the 2011 Variable Incentive Bonus Plan to allow the named executive officers to earn above-target cash compensation only where the company delivers performance that is also above our targets. As of January 17, 2012, final calculations have not been made regarding company performance against the 2011 Variable Incentive Bonus Plan targets.

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Limited Salary Increases and Equity Grants. The committee did not award base salary increases or equity grants to all executive officers, in keeping with company-wide efforts to limit compensation expenses.

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Focus on Governance. We have established compensation practices that we believe contribute to good governance.

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In February 2011, the committee completed a formal review of assessments by management regarding compensation risk, and concluded that our compensation policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the company.

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Under the 2011 Variable Incentive Bonus Plan, the committee retains the discretion to pay less than the full amount otherwise payable under the plan’s metrics.

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We have specific stock ownership guidelines for named executive officers, which provide for long-term ownership interest in the company.

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Our compensation consultants are retained directly by and report to the committee. None of our compensation consultants provide any services to management personally.

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

Our compensation committee’s work is guided by the following three principles:

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Attract and retain talented executive personnel by providing competitive compensation opportunities;

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Directly link compensation to individual contribution and company performance; and

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Tie meaningful compensation opportunities to the creation of additional shareholder value.

Our executive compensation philosophy is implemented through four key elements. The first element is to attract and retain talented executive personnel by paying them market or a premium-to-market base salary. Offering market or premium-to-market base salary is designed to provide executive personnel with the benefits of a stable base compensation that is comparable to what they would receive from most of our competitors. The second element is the annual variable incentive bonus plan, which ties annual bonus payments to specified annual performance objectives. The third element is to provide executive personnel with meaningful equity compensation awards in order to align executives’ incentives with those of our shareholders through a focus on long-term value creation. The fourth element is agreements with named executive officers providing certain benefits in the event of involuntary employment termination in connection with a change in control of us.

MARKET DATA, BENCHMARKING AND OTHER TOOLS USED IN ANALYZING COMPENSATION

In making compensation decisions for the named executive officers for 2011, the committee compared each element of total compensation against a peer group of publicly traded medical device companies. This peer group, which is periodically reviewed and updated by the committee, includes companies with revenues and market capitalization that differ from those of the Company; however, the committee concluded that this peer group was appropriate because the company is competing for talent with these organizations. The market data that the committee used with respect to 2011 compensation decisions was assembled in late 2010. The companies comprising this compensation peer group for 2011 compensation levels (the “Peer Group”) were:


Accuray Incorporated		Masimo Corporation
American Medical Systems		Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
AngioDynamics, Inc.		Natus Medical
ArthroCare Corporation		NuVasive
CONMED Corporation		Symmetry Medical, Inc.
Cyberonics, Inc.		Thoratec Corporation
Exactech, Inc.		Volcano Corporation
Haemonetics		Wright Medical Group, Inc.
ICU Medical, Inc.		Zoll Medical Corporation
Integra LifeSciences

At the suggestion of Compensia, in March 2011, the compensation committee approved certain changes to the membership of the Peer Group for the 2011 compensation review. Specifically, the group was modified by removing Cardiac Science Corporation and TomoTherapy Incorporated, each of which ceased independent existence as a result of acquisitions or mergers, and adding American Medical Systems, Haemonetics, Integra LifeSciences, Natus Medical and NuVasive. In establishing compensation for 2011, the compensation committee used the Peer Group data, together with Compensia’s analysis of such data, as a reference to help it evaluate the levels of compensation for our named executive and other officers; meaning that, to the extent such data is available with respect to a particular position, it compares the current level of compensation for an executive officer against the relevant Peer Group data and then it may or may not adjust the officer’s compensation, depending on various factors as well as its judgment as to what is appropriate in context. Peer Group data is generally available for evaluation of the compensation of our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and certain other senior-level executive officers.

In addition to the Peer Group data, the committee relied on data from the Radford July 2008 High-Tech Executive Survey (the “Radford Survey”). For those executive officers who were named executive officers in both 2010 and 2011, the Radford Survey data was not updated, based upon advice from Compensia that the data contained therein had changed by less than 1.5% from the previous year. Consequently, target amounts of base salary and total cash compensation for these continuing named executive officers did not change for 2011. The committee did use more current Radford Survey data to determine appropriate compensation for executives assuming a new position within the company.

The committee also reviewed the WorldatWork 2008 Salary Budget Survey (updated by Compensia based upon 2009 salary data), which includes compensation information for over 350 technology companies. The WorldatWork survey reported that most companies in the survey continued throughout 2009 to hold salaries steady, reduced or delayed merit increases, or limited increases to high-performing individuals. As a result, overall average salary increase budgets for executives at the WorldatWork respondents only increased by approximately 2.0% over the previous year.

The Peer Group data, Radford Survey data and the WorldatWork 2008 survey data are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Market Data.”

In setting 2011 cash compensation levels, the committee had the broad goal of benchmarking total cash compensation to the 50th to 75th percentile of the Market Data, while it also made adjustments below or above the target levels based on the committee’s evaluation of the executive’s length of tenure and performance in the position, scope of responsibility, the company’s historical performance results (collectively, the “Individual Factors”), and internal pay equity. In assessing executives’ performance over the past year, the committee considered performance reviews by the CEO. With regard to the CEO’s performance, the committee conducted its own evaluation of his performance.

With respect to equity awards, the compensation committee has historically used the Market Data only as a general reference point when making decisions about the size of awards to grant to individual executive officers. Awards to the named executive officers are discussed in the “Components of Executive Compensation–Equity Grants” section below.

Compensation Decision-Making Process in 2011

With respect to those executives who were named executive officers in both 2010 and 2011 (Messrs. Goodwin, Smith, Gilmore, Bowers, and Dr. Mandavia), the compensation committee’s decisions on compensation levels for its 2011 fiscal year were made in October and November of 2010. With respect to the remaining named executive officer – Mr. Sparacio (who was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer in June 2011), the committee’s decisions on his compensation levels were made in June 2011. In addition, the compensation committee approved (a) an increase in Mr. Goodwin’s annual base salary to $550,000 in April 2011 and an increase in Mr. Goodwin’s target bonus to $550,000, (b) an increase in Mr. Gilmore’s annual base salary to $325,000 and an increase in Mr. Gilmore’s target bonus to $162,500 in December 2011, (c) grant of 40,000 restricted stock units to Mr. Goodwin in July 2011, (d) grant of 30,000 stock options and grant of 30,000 restricted stock units to Mr. Sparacio, each in June 2011, and (e) grant of 13,000 restricted stock units to Mr. Mandavia in July 2011.

In October 2011, the committee decided to defer its annual in-depth review of compensation programs for the purpose of establishing 2012 executive officer compensation levels. Consequently, it has not made any changes to the 2011 Peer Group or to base salary or equity grants for 2012. As discussed in the “Components of Executive Compensation–Short-Term Incentive Compensation” section below, the Board of Directors established targets for the company’s incentive compensation plan at its February 2011 meeting.

Adherence to Target Levels

During 2011, actual compensation paid or awarded to individual named executive officers largely adhered to target levels, varying in only a few cases from the targets described above.

None of the named executive officers had variances of 10% or more between actual base salary paid in 2011 and the 50th to 75th percentile benchmark in the Market Data used to guide 2011 base salary levels. Specifically, Mr. Smith’s base salary equaled 99% of the salary level corresponding to the 50th percentile of the target range for Chief Financial Officer.

The salaries of Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Bowers and Dr. Mandavia were within the target range for 2011, and Mr. Gilmore’s salary equaled 91% of the salary level corresponding to the 50th percentile of the target range for his position.

In keeping with past practices, calculation of bonuses payable (if any) under the Variable Incentive Bonus Plan for fiscal year 2011 will not be finalized until March 2012, and are thereafter subject to approval by the Compensation Committee.

For purposes of reviewing 2011 compensation, in addition to the Market Data, the compensation committee also used individual “tally sheets” compiled by Compensia to list and total the various components of compensation for each named executive officer and referenced it against the Market Data. The tally sheets were used to track compensation to historical performance and to compare internal compensation equity.

COMPONENTS OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Base Salaries

As a general rule, the committee performs an annual review of base salaries for named executive officers and other employees based on Market Data, an internal review of each executive’s compensation relative to other officers, and the individual performance of the executive. Base salaries for senior executives are generally targeted to fall within the 25th and 50th percentile of the relevant Market Data. The committee may make adjustments that vary from this target range based on its review of the Individual Factors and internal pay equity for the relevant year.

In 2011, the committee granted salary increases to Mr. Goodwin and Mr. Gilmore. Mr. Goodwin’s salary increase, granted in April 2011, was in the amount of $42,500 per annum and was made to maintain adherence to the target levels described in the preceding paragraph. Mr. Gilmore’s salary was increased by $85,000 per annum in December, 2011 to align his base salary with those of the other executive officers. Mr. Sparacio was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer with an annual salary of $365,000.

Mr. Smith resigned and Mr. Anil Amlani was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer effective as of January 2, 2012. As of January 17, 2012, no increases or decreases to 2011 named executive officer base salaries have been approved in 2012.

Short-Term Incentive Compensation

The SonoSite, Inc. Variable Incentive Bonus Plan (the “VIP”), the annual cash incentive program, is intended to:

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enhance shareholder value by promoting strong linkages between employee performance and company performance;

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support achievement of the company’s business objectives; and

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promote retention of participating employees by providing them with the opportunity to earn incentive pay to increase their total annual cash compensation to between the 50th and 75th percentile of the Market Data.

The VIP was initially implemented for fiscal year 2005. The VIP provides guidelines for the calculation of an annual cash incentive by the compensation committee, which acts as the administrator of the plan. Each year the committee decides whether to establish grant awards under the VIP, selects which executives should receive awards, and establishes performance targets. At the beginning of the following year, the committee reviews actual performance for the previous fiscal year against the pre-established performance goals and approves any payments to be made under the VIP.

All of our named executive officers participated in the VIP for fiscal year 2011 (the “2011 VIP”). Bonuses for participants in the 2011 VIP (including the named executive officers) were calculated based upon the following formula:

Individual Incentive Target Dollars X Matrix Percentage Factor = 2011 VIP Payout for each participant

Each of these terms is highlighted and defined below.

The Individual Incentive Target Dollars for each executive is the amount to be paid to e

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SONOSITE INC 10-K