Quarterlytics / Healthcare / Medical - Instruments & Supplies / Atrion Corp.

Atrion Corp.

atri · NASDAQ Healthcare
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Ticker atri
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Healthcare
Industry Medical - Instruments & Supplies
Employees 501-1000
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FY2010 Annual Report · Atrion Corp.
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2010 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

PREPARE PERFORM PROGRESSATRION CORPORATION develops and manufactures 
products primarily for medical applications. Our products 
increase safety for patients and providers, and advance 
the standard of care. We target niche markets, with 
particular emphasis on fluid delivery, cardiovascular and 
ophthalmology applications. Headquartered in Allen, 
Texas, Atrion has design and manufacturing facilities  
in Alabama, Florida, and Texas.

CONTENTS
2
Letter to 
Stockholders 

4
Financial 
Statements

26
Management’s 
Discussion

31
Selected  
Financial Data

32
Corporate 
Information

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For the Year Ended December 31

Revenues

Operating Income

Net Income

Income per Diluted Share

Weighted Average Diluted Shares Outstanding

As of December 31

Total Assets

Cash and Investments

Long-term Debt

Stockholders’ Equity

$ 

$ 

2010

2009

108,569,000

$ 

100,643,000

30,977,000

20,952,000

10.32

$ 

2,030,000

a
25,993,000 
a
17,486,000

a
8.68

2,015,000

2010

2009

  $ 

134,652,000

  $ 

132,749,000

41,676,000

36,401,000

0 

0 

  $ 

116,617,000 

  $ 

116,731,000 

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

$5.51

$6.71a

$7.82

$8.68 a

$10.32

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

$81

$89

$96

$101

2006

2007

2008

2009

$109

2010

$14.3

$19.1a

$23.0

$26.0a

$31.0

INCOME PER DILUTED SHARE

REVENUES (IN MILLIONS)

OPERATING INCOME (IN MILLIONS)

a)  These are non-GAAP financial measures. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures, see page 31.

COMPARISON OF 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN 
Among Atrion Corporation, Russell 2000 Index and SIC Code Index

300

Atrion Corporation
Russell 2000 Index 
SIC Code Index 

200

s
r
a

l
l

o
D

100

0
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

The graph set forth to the left compares the total 
cumulative return for the five-year period ended 
December 31, 2010 on the Company’s common 
stock, the Russell 2000 Index and SIC Code 3841 
Index—Surgical and Medical Instruments (compiled 
by Morningstar, Inc.), assuming $100 was invested on 
December 31, 2005 in our common stock, the Russell 
2000 Index and the SIC Code Index and dividends 
were reinvested.

Company/Index

Atrion Corporation

Russell 2000 Index

SIC Code Index

2005

$100.00

$100.00

$100.00

2006

$113.09

$118.37

$109.54

2007

$183.39

$116.51

$124.83

2008

$143.93

$77.15

$91.25

2009

$233.50

$98.11

$108.87

2010

$287.14

$124.46

$101.58

ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  1

  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS:

For the twelfth consecutive year, we are proud to report double-digit growth 
in earnings per share. Our growth is fueled by an unwavering focus on the 
core of our business—designing and manufacturing high-quality medical 
products for critical, niche applications.

By any financial measure, 2010 was an outstanding year. Compared to the 
prior year, we achieved an 8% organic increase in sales, with 40% of this 
increase originating outside of North America. Our profit margins also 
increased from 45% to 47%, while our operating costs remained flat. Diluted 
earnings per share increased by 19%, excluding a non-cash pre-tax pension 
termination charge of $.32 per share in 2009. Cash, short and long term 
investments increased by $5.3 million to $41.7 million. Finally, on top of $3.2 
million in regular quarterly dividends, in 2010 our stockholders shared $18.1 
million in special cash distributions.

Investing for the Future
Our strong 2010 performance is the result of exceedingly careful planning: 
We study opportunities in order to be in position to capitalize on them, and 
we anticipate obstacles in order to be prepared to overcome them. This 
approach has helped us tame the inherent risks of the business cycle, guiding 
us well through the past several years of economic turmoil.

During those years, we chose to make significant investments in our people, 
facilities, and manufacturing technologies. These investments increased the 
diversity of our offerings, while raising the quality of our products and improv-
ing our profit margins. Those results inspire us to remain relentless in seeking 
opportunities to improve ourselves, our processes, and our products—regard-
less of the macroeconomic conditions.  

Innovation at the Foundation Level
True innovation is an outcome of the close association of design and produc-
tion. Creating high-quality, high-performance products requires both an 
understanding of the needs of our customers, as well as the knowledge we 
gain by facing day-to-day manufacturing challenges. The two are inextricably 
linked. For this reason, Atrion continues to conduct research and development 
at each of our three U.S. locations in order to create new products.  

In 2011 we plan to substantially add to our manufacturing capacity and 
increase automation at each of our three facilities. In fact, investments 
planned for the year should approach the combined total of such expendi-
tures over the previous three years. These increases will come at a time when 

This approach has 

helped us tame the 

inherent risks of the 

business cycle, guiding 

us well through the 

past several years of 

economic turmoil.

2   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  

we also expect to maintain higher levels of working capital, since our market-
ing efforts continue to target the development of long-term contracts with 
significant domestic and international customers. Large customers typically 
require increased inventory levels as a safety stock, while international sales 
are traditionally associated with longer payment terms. This will produce a 
reversal of our 2010 experience, when we were able to reduce working capital 
despite the overall increase in sales. However, given our very strong financial 
position, we can readily fund the increased capital requirements. 

Prepared for Progress
Looking ahead, we anticipate changes and uncertainty in our industry. One 
reason for this is the still-unclear impact of healthcare reform on hospital 
reimbursements. Hospitals ultimately consume the majority of our products; 
changes in their reimbursement structure therefore hold the potential to 
impact our results. Additionally, the United States Food and Drug Administra-
tion is currently reviewing its process for approving medical devices, which 
could further lengthen the approval process and delay the introduction of 
new products. And, of course, the overall global economy remains unsettled. 

Despite these concerns, we plan to keep working quietly and intently, engi-
neering innovations to broaden and improve our product offerings and to 
have the needed capacity to produce them. This should leave us prepared to 
meet the growing demand for medical services both domestically, as the 
uninsured gain greater access to healthcare, and also in developing countries 
where governments are allocating increasing resources to medical care.  

We will continue to devote our energy and attention to our customers, our 
products, and our employees, as well as to our duty to manage risk and 
deliver superior performance. We are grateful to our stockholders for their 
continued trust in our ability to do so, and to our employees whose hard work 
makes it all possible.

Respectfully,

Emile A Battat 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

2010 REVENUES  BY PRODUCT LINE

Fluid Delivery 
$ 39,442,000

36%

29%

Cardiovascular 
$ 31,280,000
Ophthalmology  18%
$ 19,370,000

Other 
$ 18,477,000

17%

ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2010 and 2009

Assets:

Current Assets:

  Cash and cash equivalents

  Short-term investments

 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 

 of $36 and $61 in 2010 and 2009, respectively

Inventories

  Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  Deferred income taxes 

  Total Current Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

Other Assets and Deferred Charges:

  Patents and licenses, net of accumulated amortization of $10,419 and 

  $10,147 in 2010 and 2009, respectively 

  Goodwill

  Other

Long-term investments

  Total Assets

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

2010

2009

(in thousands)

$ 

10,670

$ 

20,694

10,715

4,230

11,521

17,400

1,050

625

51,981

103,789

53,125

50,664

1,249

9,730

737

20,291

 32,007

11,026

18,675

981

596

56,202

99,862

46,721

53,141

1,520

9,730

679

11,477

 23,406

$ 

134,652

$ 

132,749

4   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

Current Liabilities:

  Accounts payable 

  Accrued liabilities

  Accrued income and other taxes

  Total Current Liabilities

Line of credit

Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits:

  Deferred income taxes 

  Other

  Total Liabilities

Commitments and Contingencies 

Stockholders’ Equity:

  Common stock, par value $.10 per share, authorized  

  10,000 shares, issued 3,420 shares 

  Additional paid-in capital

  Retained earnings 

  Treasury shares, 1,404 shares in 2010 and 1,440 shares in 2009, at cost 

  Total Stockholders’ Equity

  Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

2010

2009

(in thousands)

$ 

2,550

4,650

552

7,752

 —

8,188

2,095

10,283

18,035

$ 

2,529

3,596

557

6,682

 —

7,850

1,486

9,336

16,018

342

24,331

131,286

(39,342)

116,617

342

20,356

131,769

(35,736)

116,731

$ 

134,652

$ 

132,749

ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the year ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Revenues

Cost of Goods Sold

Gross Profit

Operating Expenses:

  Selling

  General and administrative

  Research and development

Operating Income 

Interest Income

Interest Expense

Other Income (Expense), net

Income before Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes 

Net Income

Net Income Per Basic Share

Weighted Average Basic Shares Outstanding

Net Income Per Diluted Share

Weighted Average Diluted Shares Outstanding

Dividends Per Common Share

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

2010

2009

2008

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

$ 

108,569

$ 

100,643

$ 

57,655

50,914

5,368

11,900

2,669

19,937

30,977

1,009

—    

2

31,988

(11,036)

20,952

10.38

2,018

$ 

$ 

55,312

45,331

5,650

11,623

3,054

20,327

25,004

578

—  

 2

25,584

(8,741)

16,843

8.51

1,979

$ 

$ 

10.32

$ 

8.36

$ 

2,030

2,015

10.56

$ 

1.32

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

95,895

53,348

42,547

6,268

10,337

2,969

19,574

22,973

299

(10)

 1

23,263

(7,596)

15,667

7.99

1,961

7.82

2,004

1.08

6   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

  Net income

  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 

  provided by operating activities:

  Depreciation and amortization

  Deferred income taxes

  Stock-based compensation

  Pension charge

  Other

  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

  Accounts receivable

Inventories

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  Other non-current assets

  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  Accrued income and other taxes

  Other non-current liabilities

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

  Property, plant and equipment additions

  Purchase of investments

  Proceeds from maturities of investments

  Net change in accrued interest on investments

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

Line of credit advances

Line of credit repayments

  Exercise of stock options

  Shares tendered for employees’ taxes on stock-based compensation

  Tax benefit related to stock options

  Purchase of treasury stock

  Dividends paid

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

Cash paid for:

Interest (net of capitalization)

Income taxes 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

2010

2009

2008

(in thousands)

$ 

20,952

$ 

16,843

$ 

15,667

7,041

309

606

—  

—  

7,163

608

668

989

—  

6,353

1,096

637

—

37

28,908

26,271

23,790

(495)

1,275

(69)

(57)

1,075

(5)

609

(151)

1,494

(262)

434

643

(174)

144

(1,274)

(2,782)

764

(591)

(867)

216

231

31,241

28,399

19,487

(4,293)

(19,117)

4,000

(183)

(6,591)

(15,485)

4,625

(155)

(5,412)

(4,629)

—

(63)

(19,593)

(17,606)

(10,104)

—  

—  

542

(725)

1,239

(1,407)

(21,321)

(21,672)

(10,024)

20,694

—  

—  

459

(122)

121

—  

(2,613)

(2,155)

8,638

12,056

3,000

(3,000)

543

(913)

1,635

—

(2,123)

(858)

8,525

3,531

$ 

$ 

10,670

$ 

20,694

$ 

12,056

— $ 

— $ 

9,080

8,170

10

3,781

ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands)

Common Stock

Treasury Stock

Shares 
Outstanding

Amount

Shares

Amount

Additional 
Paid-in 
Capital

Accumu-
lated Other 
Comprehen-
sive Loss

Retained 
Earnings

Total

Balances, January 1, 2008

1,911

$  342

1,509

$ 

(34,225) $ 

15,790

$ 

(486) $  104,021

$  85,442

  Net income

 Actuarial gain on pension plan, net of 
income taxes of $25

   Total comprehensive income

 Tax benefit from exercise of 
stock options 

 Stock options and restricted stock

 Shares surrendered in option exercises 

74

(17)

(74)

17

755

(2,181)

  Dividends

15,667

15,667

(47)

(47)

(47)

15,667

15,620

1,635

2,460

(2,181)

(2,134)

(2,134)

1,635

1,705

Balances, December 31, 2008

1,968

342

1,452

(35,651)

19,130

(533)

117,554

100,842

  Net income

 Recognition of pension plan settle-
ment loss, net of income taxes of $286

  Total comprehensive income

 Tax benefit from exercise 
of stock options 

Stock options and restricted stock

 Shares surrendered in 
option exercises 

  Dividends

15

(3)

(15)

171

3

(256)

121

1,105

16,843

16,843

533

533

533

16,843

17,376

121

1,276

(256)

(2,628)

(2,628)

Balances, December 31, 2009

1,980

342

1,440

(35,736)

20,356

—  

131,769

  116,731

  Net income

 Tax benefit from exercise of 
stock options 

Stock options and restricted stock

Shares surrendered in option exercises 

  Purchase of treasury stock

  Dividends

64

(18)

(10)

(64)

18

10

671

(2,870)

(1,407)

1,239

2,736

20,952

20,952

1,239

3,407

(2,870)

(1,407)

(21,435)

(21,435)

Balances, December 31, 2010

2,016

$  342

1,404

$ 

(39,342) $ 

24,331

$ 

— $  131,286

$ 116,617

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

8   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Atrion Corporation and its subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” “us,” “Atrion” 
or the “Company”) develop and manufacture products primarily 
for medical applications. We market our products throughout 
the United States and internationally.  Our customers include 
hospitals, distributors, and other manufacturers.  Atrion Corpora-
tion’s principal subsidiaries through which these operations are 
conducted are Atrion Medical Products, Inc., Halkey-Roberts 
Corporation and Quest Medical, Inc.

Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts  
of Atrion Corporation and its subsidiaries. All intercompany 
transactions and balances have been eliminated in  
consolidation.

Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 
of America requires management to make estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and 
liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at 
the dates of the financial statements and the reported 
amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting 
periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include cash on hand and in the bank as well 
as money market accounts and debt securities with original 
maturities of 90 days or less. 

Trade Receivables
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the original sales 
price to the customer.  We maintain an allowance for doubtful 
accounts to reflect estimated losses resulting from the failure 
of customers to make required payments.  On an ongoing 
basis, the collectability of accounts receivable is assessed 
based upon historical collection trends, current economic 
factors and the assessment of the collectability of specific 
accounts.  We evaluate the collectability of specific accounts 
and determine when to grant credit to our customers using a 
combination of factors, including the age of the outstanding 
balances, evaluation of customers’ current and past financial 
condition, recent payment history, current economic environ-
ment, and discussions with appropriate Company personnel 
and with the customers directly.  Accounts are written off 
when we determine the receivable will not be collected.

Investments 
Our investments consist of taxable high-grade corporate 
bonds and certificates of deposits. Our investment policy is to 
seek to preserve principal and maintain adequate liquidity 
while at the same time maximizing yields without significantly 
increasing risk. We are required to classify our investments as 
trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Our investments 
are accounted for as held-to-maturity since we have the 
positive intent and ability to hold these investments to 
maturity. These investments are reported at cost, adjusted for 
premiums and discounts that are recognized in interest 
income, using a method that approximates the effective 
interest method, over the period to maturity and unrealized 
gains and losses are excluded from earnings. We consider as 
current assets those investments which will mature in the next 
12 months. The remaining investments are considered 
non-current assets.

Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements    ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  9

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (including materials, 
direct labor and applicable overhead) or market. Cost is 
determined by using the first-in, first-out method. The follow-
ing table details the major components of inventory (in 
thousands):

December 31, 

2010

2009

Raw materials

$ 

7,888

$ 

Work in process

Finished goods

3,985

5,527

Total inventories

$ 

17,400

$ 

8,541

4,078

6,056

18,675

Accounts Payable
We reflect disbursements as trade accounts payable until such 
time as payments are presented to our bank for payment. At 
December 31, 2010 and 2009, disbursements totaling 
approximately $282,000 and $498,000, respectively, had not 
been presented for payment to our bank.

Income Taxes
We account for income taxes utilizing Accounting Standards 
Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”).  ASC 740 
requires the asset and liability method for the recording of 
deferred income taxes, whereby deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are recognized based on the tax effects of temporary 
differences between the financial statement and the tax bases 
of assets and liabilities, as measured at current enacted tax 
rates. When appropriate, we evaluate the need for a valuation 
allowance to reduce deferred tax assets. 

ASC 740 also requires the accounting for uncertainty in 
income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial state-
ments and prescribes a recognition threshold and 
measurement attributes of income tax positions taken or 
expected to be taken on a tax return. Under ASC 740, the 
impact of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be 
taken on an income tax return must be recognized in the 
financial statements at the largest amount that is more-likely-
than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing 
authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be 
recognized in the financial statements unless it is more-likely-
than-not of being sustained. 

Our uncertain tax positions are recorded as “Other non-current 
liabilities.” We classify interest expense on underpayments of 
income taxes and accrued penalties related to unrecognized 
tax benefits in the income tax provision. 

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and depreci-
ated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful 
lives of the related assets. Additions and improvements are 
capitalized, including all material, labor and engineering costs 
to design, install or improve the asset. Expenditures for repairs 
and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. The 
following table represents a summary of property, plant and 
equipment at original cost (in thousands):

Land

Buildings

Machinery and 
equipment

Total property, plant 
and equipment

December 31,

2010

2009

Useful Lives

$ 

5,260

$  5,260

—

29,798

29,662

30-40 yrs

68,731

64,940

3-15 yrs

$  103,789

$  99,862

Depreciation expense of $6,769,000, $6,820,000 and 
$6,055,000 was recorded for the years ended December 31, 
2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Depreciation expense is 
recorded in either cost of goods sold or operating expenses 
based on the associated assets’ usage.

Patents and Licenses
Costs for patents and licenses acquired are determined at 
acquisition date. Patents and licenses are amortized over the 
useful lives of the individual patents and licenses, which are 
from 7 to 19 years. Patents and licenses are reviewed for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be 
recoverable.

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of 
tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired.  
Annual impairment testing for goodwill is done using a 
fair-value-based test.  Goodwill is also reviewed whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate a change in value 
may have occurred.  We have identified three reporting units 
where goodwill was recorded for purposes of testing goodwill 
impairment annually: (1) Atrion Medical Products, Inc., (2) 
Halkey-Roberts Corporation and (3) Quest Medical, Inc.  The 
total carrying amount of goodwill in each of the years ended 
December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $9,730,000.   

10   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT     Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements

Current Accrued Liabilities
The items comprising current accrued liabilities are as follows 
(in thousands):

December 31,

2010

2009

Accrued payroll and related expenses $ 

 3,833

$ 

2,935

Accrued vacation

Accrued professional fees

Other accrued liabilities

Total accrued liabilities

171

215

431

159

45

457

$ 

4,650

$ 

3,596

Revenues
We recognize revenue when our products are shipped to our 
customers, provided an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed and 
determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. All risks 
and rewards of ownership pass to the customer upon shipment. 
Net sales represent gross sales invoiced to customers, less 
certain related charges, including discounts, returns and other 
allowances. Revenues are recorded exclusive of sales and 
similar taxes. Returns, discounts and other allowances have 
been insignificant historically.

Shipping and Handling Policy
Shipping and handling fees charged to customers are reported 
as revenue and all shipping and handling costs incurred related 
to products sold are reported as cost of goods sold.

Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs relating to the development 
of new products and improvements of existing products are 
expensed as incurred.

Advertising
Advertising production costs are expensed as incurred.  Costs 
for print placement media are expensed in the period the 
advertising first appears.  Total advertising expenses were 
approximately $117,000, $126,000 and $251,000 for the 
years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation 
We have stock-based compensation plans covering certain of our 
officers, directors and key employees. As explained in detail in Note 8, 
we account for stock-based compensation utilizing the fair value 
recognition provisions of ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensa-
tion, (“ASC 718”).

Pension Plan
We terminated our pension plan in 2007 and had settled all 
obligations under the plan, and no assets, liabilities or stock-
holders equity accounts remained for the plan, as of December 
31, 2009. Prior to final settlement in the fourth quarter of 2009, 
our pension plan benefits were expensed as applicable employ-
ees earned benefits. The recognition of expenses was 
significantly impacted by estimates made by management, 
such as discount rates used to value certain liabilities and 
expected return on assets. We used third-party specialists to 
assist management in appropriately measuring the expense 
associated with our pension plan benefits. All unrecognized 
losses, net of tax, were recorded as accumulated other compre-
hensive loss within stockholders’ equity. 

Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income includes net income plus other compre-
hensive income, which for us in 2009 and 2008 consisted of 
the amortization of unrecognized pension gains and recogni-
tion of losses as a result of pension plan settlement 
transactions. There were no comprehensive income items 
during 2010.

New Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-13, 
Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue 
Arrangements—a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task 
Force, which amends the criteria for when to evaluate individual 
delivered items in a multiple deliverable arrangement and how 
to allocate consideration received. This ASU is effective for 
fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The adoption 
of the guidance on January 1, 2011 is not expected to have a 
material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements appli-
cable to us are issued by the FASB or other standards setting 
bodies, which we will adopt as of the specified effective date. 
Unless otherwise discussed, we believe the impact of recently 
issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a mate-
rial impact on our consolidated financial statements upon 
adoption.

Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements    ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  11

Fair Value Measurements 
Accounting standards use a three-tier fair value hierarchy 
which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These 
tiers are: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted 
prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than 
quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or 
indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable 
inputs in which little or no market data exists therefore 
requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we held certain invest-
ments that were required to be measured for disclosure 
purposes at fair value on a recurring basis.  These investments 
are considered Level 2 assets. The fair value of our investments 
is estimated using recently executed transactions and market 
price quotations. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the fair 
value of our investments approximated or exceeded the 
carrying value of the investments (see Note 2).

The carrying values of our other financial instruments includ-
ing cash and cash equivalents, money market accounts, 
accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and 
accrued income and other taxes approximated fair value due 
to their liquid and short-term nature.  

Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentra-
tions of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, 
investments, and accounts receivable.  

Our cash is held in high credit quality financial institutions.  As 
of December 31, 2010, $3.6 million in cash and cash equiva-
lents was maintained in two separate municipal money 
market mutual funds, and $7.1 million in cash and cash 
equivalents was maintained at two major financial institutions 
in the United States. At times, deposits held with financial 
institutions exceed the amount of insurance provided on such 
deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon 
demand and, therefore, bear minimal risk. At December 31, 
2010, our uninsured cash and cash equivalents totaled 
approximately $9.0 million.

We have invested a portion of our cash in fully insured 
certificates of deposits and in debt instruments of corporations 
with strong credit ratings.

For accounts receivable, we perform ongoing credit evalua-
tions of our customers’ financial condition and generally do 
not require collateral.  We maintain reserves for possible credit 
losses.  As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had allow-
ances for doubtful account balances of approximately 
$36,000 and $61,000, respectively.  The carrying amount of 
the receivables approximates their fair value. Our largest 
customer accounted for 14.1%, 15.0% and 11.6% of 
operating revenues in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respec-
tively.  That same customer accounted for 16.2%, 16.1% and 
12.8% of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2010, 2009 
and 2008, respectively.  No other customer exceeded 10% of 
our operating revenues for the years ended, or accounts 
receivable as of, December 31, 2010, 2009 or 2008.

12   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT     Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2) Investments
As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we held certain invest-
ments that were required to be measured for disclosure 
purposes at fair value on a recurring basis. These investments 
were considered Level 2 investments. We consider as current 
assets those investments which will mature in the next 12 
months. The remaining investments are considered non-cur-
rent assets. The amortized cost and fair value of our 
investments that are being accounted for as held-to-maturity 
securities, and the related gross unrealized gains and losses, 
were as follows as of the dates shown below (in thousands):

(3) Patents and Licenses
Purchased patents and licenses paid for the use of other 
entities’ patents are amortized over the useful life of the 
patent or license.  The following tables provide information 
regarding patents and licenses (dollars in thousands):

December 31, 2010

Weighted Average 
Original Life (years)

Gross Carrying 
Amount

Accumulated 
Amortization

14.76

$ 

11,668

$ 

10,419

Gross Unrealized

December 31, 2009

Cost

Gains

Losses

As of December 31, 2010

Fair 
Value

Weighted Average 
Original Life (years)

Gross Carrying 
Amount

Accumulated 
Amortization

14.76

$ 

11,668

$ 

10,147

Short-term Investments:

  Corporate bonds

$ 10,715

$ 

178

$  — $ 10,893

Long-term Investments:

  Corporate bonds

$20,291

$ 

602

$  — $20,893

As of December 31, 2009

Short-term Investments:

  Corporate bonds

$  1,193

$ 

8

$  — $  1,201

 Bank certificates  
of deposit

3,037

$  4,230

$ 

—

8

—

3,037

— $  4,238

Long-term Investments:

  Corporate bonds

$ 11,477

$ 

164

$  — $ 11,641

At December 31, 2010, the length of time until maturity of 
these securities ranged from one to 20 months. 

Aggregate amortization expense for patents and licenses  
was $272,000 for 2010, $343,000 for 2009 and $298,000  
for 2008.  Estimated future amortization expense for each of 
the years set forth below ending December 31, is as follows  
(in thousands):

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

$  272

$  160

$  160

$  160

$  160

(4) Line of Credit
We have a revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) with a 
money center bank. Under the Credit Facility, we have a line of 
credit of $25 million which is secured by substantially all our 
inventories, equipment and accounts receivable.  Interest 
under the Credit Facility is assessed at 30-day, 60-day or 
90-day LIBOR, as selected by us, plus one percent (1.30 
percent at December 31, 2010) and is payable monthly. We 
had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility at 
December 31, 2010 or 2009.  The Credit Facility expires 
November 12, 2012 and may be extended under certain 
circumstances.  At any time during the term, we may convert 
any or all outstanding amounts under the Credit Facility to a 
term loan with a maturity of two years. Our ability to borrow 
funds under the Credit Facility from time to time is contingent 
on meeting certain covenants in the loan agreement, the most 
restrictive of which is the ratio of total debt to earnings before 
interest, income tax, depreciation and amortization.  At 
December 31, 2010, we were in compliance with all financial 
covenants.

Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements    ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  13

 
(5) Income Taxes
The items comprising income tax expense are as follows (in 
thousands):

Total income tax expense differs from the amount that would 
be provided by applying the statutory federal income tax rate 
to pretax earnings as illustrated below (in thousands):

Year ended December 31,

2010

2009

2008

Current — Federal

$ 

9,916

$ 

7,421

$ 

6,086

Current — State

Deferred — Federal

Deferred — State

Total income tax 
expense

831

10,747

293

(4)

289

712

8,133

560

48

608

519

6,605

916

75

991

$ 

11,036

$ 

8,741

$ 

7,596

Temporary differences and carryforwards which have given rise 
to deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 
31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

2010

2009

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

695

495

89

690

520

32

1,279

$ 

1,242

6,359

$ 

2,466

17

8,842

7,563

$ 

$ 

6,302

2,168

26

8,496

7,254

Deferred tax assets:

  Benefit plans

Inventories

  Other

 Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

  Property, plant and equipment

  Patents and goodwill

  Other

 Total deferred tax liabilities

  Net deferred tax liability

Balance Sheet classification:

 Non-current deferred income tax 
liability

 Current deferred income tax 
asset

Year ended December 31,

2010

2009

2008

$ 

11,196

$ 

8,954

$ 

8,142

538

(20)

(957)

279

421

(285)

(491)

142

302

(481)

(415)

48

$ 

11,036

$ 

8,741

$ 

7,596

Income tax 
expense at the 
statutory federal 
income tax rate

Increase 
(decrease) 
resulting from:

 State income 
taxes

  R&D credit

 Section 199 
manufacturing 
deduction 

  Other, net

Total income tax 
expense 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the 
total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits as required 
by ASC 740 is as follows (in thousands):

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2008

Increases in tax positions for prior years

Increases in tax positions for current year

Lapse in statute of limitations

$791

11

281

(61)

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2008

$1,022

Increases in tax positions for prior years

Increases in tax positions for current year

Lapse in statute of limitations

204

332

(393)

$ 

8,188

$ 

7,850

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009

$1,165

625

596

Increases in tax positions for current year

Decreases in tax positions for prior years

(14)

322

(53)

  Net deferred tax liability

$ 

7,563

$ 

7,254

Lapse in statute of limitations

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010

$1,420

14   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT     Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7) Income Per Share
The following is the computation of basic and diluted income 
per share:

Year ended December 31,

2010

2009

2008

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Net Income

$ 

20,952

$ 

16,843

$ 

15,667

Weighted average 
basic shares  
outstanding

Add: Effect of dilutive 
securities 

Weighted average 
diluted shares 
outstanding

Net Income Per Share

2,018

1,979

1,961

12

36

43

2,030

2,015

2,004

  Basic

  Diluted

$ 

$ 

10.38

10.32

$ 

$ 

8.51

8.36

$ 

$ 

7.99

7.82

As required by ASC 260, Earnings per Share, effective January 
1, 2009, unvested share-based payment awards that contain 
non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are 
considered participating securities and, therefore, are included 
in the computation of basic income per share pursuant to the 
two-class method. The basic-income-per-share amounts for 
2008 shown above have been retrospectively recalculated to 
also reflect the inclusion of participating securities in the 
basic-income-per-share computation. Application of this 
treatment had an insignificant effect in all periods. Income-
per-share amounts are computed independently for each 
quarter. As a result, the sum of the per-share amounts for each 
quarter may not equal the year-to-date amounts.

Incremental shares from stock options, unvested restricted 
stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock units were 
included in the calculation of weighted average diluted shares 
outstanding using the treasury stock method. The computa-
tion of weighted average diluted shares outstanding excludes 
options to purchase 16,000 shares of common stock for the 
year ended December 31, 2008, because the exercise price of 
those options was greater than the average market price, 
resulting in an anti-dilutive effect on diluted income per share.

As of December 31, 2010 all of the unrecognized tax benefits, 
which were comprised of uncertain tax positions, would impact 
the effective tax rate if recognized. Unrecognized tax benefits 
that are affected by statutes of limitation that expire within 
the next 12 months are immaterial.

We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as to income 
tax of multiple state jurisdictions.  We have concluded all U.S. 
federal income tax matters for years through 2005.  In 
January 2009, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) began 
examining certain of our U.S. federal income tax returns for 
2006, 2007 and 2008. To date, no proposed adjustments have 
been issued. All material state and local income tax matters 
have been concluded for years through 2006.  

We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecog-
nized tax benefits in income tax expense. The liability for 
unrecognized tax benefits included accrued interest of 
$84,000, $61,000 and $73,000 at December 31, 2010, 2009 
and 2008, respectively. Tax expense for the years ended 
December 31, 2010 and 2008 included net interest expense 
of $23,000 and $23,000, respectively.  Tax expense for the 
year ended December 31, 2009 included a net interest benefit 
of $12,000.

(6) Stockholders’ Equity
Our Board of Directors has at various times authorized 
repurchases of our stock in open-market or negotiated transac-
tions at such times and at such prices as management may 
from time to time decide. In 2010 we repurchased 9,995 
shares in the open market.  No repurchases were made in 
2009 and 2008.  As of December 31, 2010, authorization for 
the repurchase of up to an additional 58,105 shares remained. 

We have increased our quarterly cash dividend payments in 
September of each of the past three years. The quarterly 
dividend was increased to $.30 per share in September 2008, 
to $.36 per share in September 2009 and to $.42 in Septem-
ber 2010.  On January 29, 2010 and December 23, 2010 we 
made special cash dividend payments to stockholders of 
$6.00 and $3.00 per share, respectively. 

We have a Rights Plan, which is intended to protect the 
interests of stockholders in the event of a hostile attempt to 
take over the Company.  The rights, which are not presently 
exercisable and do not have any voting powers, represent the 
right of our stockholders to purchase at a substantial discount, 
upon the occurrence of certain events, shares of our common 
stock or of an acquiring company involved in a business 
combination with us.  This plan, which was adopted in August 
2006, expires in August 2016.

Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements    ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  15

(8) Stock Plans
At December 31, 2010, we had four stock-based compensation 
plans which are described more fully below. We account for our 
plans under ASC 718, and the disclosures that follow are based 
on applying ASC 718. ASC 718 requires that cash flows from the 
exercise of stock-based compensation resulting from tax benefits 
in excess of recognized compensation cost (excess tax benefits) 
be classified as financing cash flows. We recorded $1,239,000, 
$121,000 and $1,635,000 of such excess tax benefits as 
financing cash flows in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Our 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”) provides for the 
grant to key employees of incentive and nonqualified stock 
options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and perfor-
mance shares.  In addition, under the 1997 Plan, outside directors 
(directors who are not employees of the Company or any 
subsidiary) each received automatic annual grants of nonquali-
fied stock options to purchase 2,000 shares of common stock 
until 2005 when that plan was amended to provide that no 
additional stock options may be granted to outside directors 
thereunder.  Under the 1997 Plan, 624,425 shares, in the 
aggregate, of common stock were reserved for grants. The 
purchase price of shares issued on the exercise of incentive 
options was required to be at least equal to the fair market value 
of such shares on the date of grant.  The purchase price for shares 
issued on the exercise of nonqualified options and restricted and 
performance shares was fixed by the Compensation Committee 
of the Board of Directors.  The options granted become exercis-
able as determined by the Compensation Committee and expire 
no later than 10 years after the date of grant. 

Our Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the 
“2006 Plan”) provides for the grant to key employees, non-
employee directors and consultants of incentive and 
nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, 
deferred stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance 
shares and other stock-based awards. Under the 2006 Plan, 
200,000 shares, in the aggregate, of common stock have been 
reserved for awards. The purchase price of shares issued on the 
exercise of options must be at least equal to the fair market 
value of such shares on the date of grant.  The purchase price for 
restricted and performance shares is fixed by the Compensation 
Committee of the Board of Directors.  The options granted 
become exercisable and expire as determined by the Compensa-
tion Committee except that incentive options expire no later 
than 10 years after the date of grant.

In May 2007, we adopted our Deferred Compensation Plan for 
Non-Employee Directors and 2,500 shares of our common stock 
were reserved for issuance thereunder. This plan, as amended 
(the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), allows our non-employee 
directors to elect to receive stock units in lieu of all or part of the 
cash fees they are receiving for their services as directors.  On the 
first business day of each calendar year, each participating 

non-employee director is credited with a number of stock units 
equal to the cash fees such director has elected to forego for such 
year divided by the closing price of our common stock on the next 
preceding date on which shares of our stock were traded.  The 
stock units are convertible to shares of our common stock on a 
one-for-one basis at a future date as elected in advance by the 
director, but no later than the January following the year in which 
the director ceases to serve on the Board of Directors. 

In May 2007, we also adopted our Non-Employee Director Stock 
Purchase Plan (as amended, the “Director Stock Purchase Plan”) 
pursuant to which our non-employee directors may elect to 
receive on the first business day of the calendar year fully-vested 
stock and restricted stock in lieu of some or all of their fees 
payable to them during such year. The foregone fees are 
converted into shares of fully-vested stock and restricted stock on 
the first business day of such calendar year based on the closing 
price of our common stock on the next preceding date on which 
shares of our stock were traded. The restricted stock vests in 
equal amounts on the first day of the next three succeeding 
calendar quarters, provided the non-employee director is then 
serving on our Board of Directors. At the time the Director Stock 
Purchase Plan was adopted, 2,500 shares were reserved for the 
issuance thereunder. As of December 31, 2010, there remained 
1,363 shares reserved for issuance under such plan.

Option transactions for the three years ended December 31, 
2010 are as follows:

Options outstanding at January 1, 2008

152,430

$  33.96

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price

Shares

  Granted in 2008

  Exercised in 2008

Options outstanding at  
December 31, 2008

  Granted in 2009

  Exercised in 2009

Options outstanding at  
December 31, 2009

  Granted in 2010

  Exercised in 2010

Options outstanding at  
December 31, 2010

Exercisable options at  
December 31, 2008

Exercisable options at  
December 31, 2009

Exercisable options at  
December 31, 2010

16,000

$  111.16

(69,430) $  26.09

99,000

$  51.96

—

—

(14,000) $  42.29

85,000

$  53.56

—

—

(62,792) $  42.80

22,208

$  83.96

70,500

$  35.00

66,750

$  41.49

14,208

$  68.65

16   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT     Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements

All unvested options outstanding at December 31, 2010 are expected to vest. As of December 31, 2010, there remained 137,157 
shares for which options may be granted in the future under the 1997 Plan and the 2006 Plan. The following table summarizes 
information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2010:

Range of  
exercise prices

$26.13-$43.75

$111.06-$111.50

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Number  
outstanding

Weighted average 
remaining  
contractual life

Weighted average 
exercise price

Number  
exercisable

Weighted average 
exercise price

8,000

14,208

22,208

2.8 years

2.4 years 

 2.5 years

$ 

$ 

$ 

35.73

111.12

83.96

8,000

6,208

14,208

$ 

$ 

$ 

35.73

111.06

68.65

We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the 
Black-Scholes option-pricing formula and a single option 
award approach. None of our grants includes performance-
based or market-based vesting conditions.  The expected life 
represents the period that our stock-based awards are 
expected to be outstanding and was determined based on 
historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to 
the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting 
schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. The 
fair value of stock-based payments, funded with options, is 
valued using the Black-Scholes valuation method with a volatil-
ity factor based on our historical stock trading history. We base 
the risk-free interest rate using the Black-Scholes valuation 
method on the implied yield currently available on U.S. 
Treasury securities with an equivalent term. We base the 
dividend yield used in the Black-Scholes valuation method on 
our dividend history.

There were no options granted in 2010 and 2009.  The fair 
value for the options granted in 2008 was estimated at the 
date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with 
the following weighted average assumptions for 2008:

The weighted average grant date fair value of the options 
granted in 2008 was $24.31. The total intrinsic values of 
options exercised during 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $7.5 
million, $.6 million and $7.0 million, respectively. The total 
intrinsic values of options outstanding and options currently 
exercisable at December 31, 2010, were $1.5 million and $1.2 
million, respectively. 

During 2010, we made one award of restricted stock under the 
2006 Plan.  Under the terms of the award, the restrictions 
lapse over a two-year period.  During 2008, we made one 
award of restricted stock under the 2006 Plan. Under the 
terms of the award, the restrictions lapse over a four-year 
period. In both cases, during the vesting period, holders of 
restricted stock have voting rights and earn dividends, but the 
shares may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or 
otherwise encumbered. Unvested shares are generally 
forfeited on termination of employment unless otherwise 
provided in the participant’s employment agreement or, in 
certain instances, if the termination is in connection with a 
change in control.  Changes in restricted stock for the years 
ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were as follows:

Risk-free interest rate

Dividend yield

Volatility factor

Expected life

2010

2009

2008

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2.70%

0.90%

25.00%

4 years

Weighted 
Average Award 
Date Fair Value 
Per Share

Shares

Restricted stock at January 1, 2008

  Granted in 2008

  Vested in 2008

6,000

4,000

$ 

$ 

(1,500) $ 

Restricted stock at December 31, 2008

8,500

$ 

  Granted in 2009

  Vested in 2009

Restricted stock at December 31, 2009

  Granted in 2010

  Vested in 2010

— $ 

(2,500) $ 

113.90

6,000

200

$ 

$ 

91.46

150.23

(2,500) $ 

144.94

71.86

111.06

71.86

90.31

—

Restricted stock at December 31, 2010

3,700

$ 

97.29

Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements    ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  17

 
 
 
 
All shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2010 are expected to vest. The total intrinsic value of 
unvested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $556,000, $827,000 and $815,000, respectively. 
The total fair value of restricted stock vested during 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $362,000, $285,000 and $161,000, respectively. 

During 2009, restricted stock units were granted to certain employees under the 2006 Plan.  All of these stock units are convertible 
to shares of stock on a one-for-one basis when the restrictions lapse, which is generally after a five-year period. Unvested stock 
units are forfeited on termination of employment. During the vesting period, holders of all restricted stock units earn dividends as 
additional units. During 2008, 2009 and 2010, certain non-employee directors elected to receive stock units in lieu of cash fees for 
their services as members of the Board of Directors.  Changes in stock units for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 
2010 were as follows: 

Restricted  
Stock Units

Weighted Average 
Award Date Fair 
Value Per Unit

Directors’  
Stock Units

Weighted Average 
Award Date Fair 
Value Per Unit

Unvested stock units at January 1, 2008

10,010

  $ 

96.03

   Granted in 2008

   Vested in 2008

107

—

  $ 

100.91

Unvested stock units at December 31, 2008

10,117

  $ 

96.09

   Granted in 2009

   Vested in 2009

825

—

  $ 

102.08

Unvested stock units at December 31, 2009

10,942

  $ 

96.53

  Granted in 2010

  Forfeited in 2010

  Vested in 2010

736

(469)

—

  $ 

157.43

  $ 

104.94

Unvested stock units at December 31, 2010

11,209

  $ 

100.19

—

341

(341)

 —

81

(81)

 —

60

(60)

—

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

124.58

124.58

99.35

99.35

155.04

155.04

All unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2010 are 
expected to vest. No restricted stock units vested during 2010. 
The total intrinsic value of all outstanding stock units which 
are not yet convertible at December 31, 2010, including 211 
stock units held for the accounts of non-employee directors, 
was $2,049,000. The total fair value of directors’ stock units 
that vested was $9,000, $8,000 and $43,000 during 2010, 
2009 and 2008, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, there 
remained 1,808 shares of common stock reserved for issuance 
at the end of deferral periods of stock units which may be 
credited in the future to non-employee directors.

Compensation related to stock options is based on the fair 
value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes 
option-pricing formula and a single option award approach. 
Compensation related to restricted stock and restricted stock 
units is based on the fair market value of the stock on the date 
of the grant. These fair values are then amortized on a 
straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the 
entire awards, which is generally the vesting period. For the 
years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we recorded 
share-based compensation expense as a “General and 
Administrative expense” in the amount of $606,000, 

$668,000 and $637,000, respectively, for all of the above 
mentioned share-based compensation arrangements. The 
total tax benefit recognized in the income statement from 
share-based compensation arrangements for the years ended 
December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, was $204,000, 
$226,000 and $218,000, respectively.

Unrecognized compensation cost information for our various 
share-based compensation types is shown below as of 
December 31, 2010: 

Unrecognized 
Compensation Cost

Weighted Average 
Remaining Years in 
Amortization 
Period

Stock options 

Restricted stock 

Restricted stock units

Total

$ 

$ 

130,000

232,000

311,000

673,000

1.7

1.7

1.8

We have a policy of utilizing treasury shares to satisfy stock 
option exercises, stock unit conversions and restricted stock 
awards.

18   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT     Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
A summary of revenues by product line for 2010, 2009 and 
2008 is as follows (in thousands):

Fluid Delivery

Cardiovascular

Ophthalmology

Other

Total

2010

2009

2008

$ 

 39,442

$ 

35,540

$ 

32,209

31,280

19,370

18,477

29,051

19,452

16,600

29,263

15,192

19,231

$   108,569

$  100,643

$ 

95,895

(11) Employee Retirement and Benefit Plans
In September 2007, we terminated our pension plan that was 
maintained for all our regular employees except those of 
Quest Medical, Inc. and employees hired after May 2005.  
Prior to termination, our funding policy was to make the 
annual contributions required by applicable regulations and 
recommended by our actuary.  We used a December 31 
measurement date for the plan. Affected employees accrued 
pension benefits through December 31, 2007, but did not 
accrue any additional benefits under the plan after that date. 
However, participants continued to earn interest credits on 
their account balances until all our obligations to plan partici-
pants were settled in October 2009. A pension termination 
settlement charge of $989,000 was recorded as a general and 
administrative expense in the fourth quarter of 2009 when all 
remaining plan obligations were settled.  All assets remaining 
in the plan after the settlement was completed were trans-
ferred to our 401(k) plan in December 2009.

(9) Revenues From Major Customers
We had one major customer which represented approximately 
$15.3 million (14.1 percent), $15.1 million (15.0 percent) and 
$11.1 million (11.6 percent) of our operating revenues during 
2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

(10) Industry Segment and Geographic Information
We operate in one reportable industry segment: developing 
and manufacturing products primarily for medical applications 
and have no foreign operating subsidiaries.  We have other 
product lines which include pressure relief valves and inflation 
systems, which are sold primarily to the aviation and marine 
industries. Due to the similarities in product technologies and 
manufacturing processes, these products are managed as part 
of our medical products segment. We recorded incidental 
revenues from our gaseous oxygen pipeline, which totaled 
approximately $961,000 in 2010, $958,000 in 2009 and 
$957,000 in 2008.  Pipeline net assets totaled $1.9, $2.0 and 
$2.1 million at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respec-
tively.  Our revenues from sales to customers outside the 
United States totaled approximately 40 percent, 39 percent 
and 35 percent of our total revenues in 2010, 2009 and 2008, 
respectively.  We have no assets located outside the United 
States.

A summary of revenues by geographic territory, based on 
shipping destination, for 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows  
(in thousands):

Year ended December 31,

2010

2009

2008

United States

$ 

 64,854

$ 

61,198

$ 

62,448

Canada

17,792

16,674

12,659

Other countries less 
than 10% of revenues

25,923

22,771

20,788

Total

$ 

108,569

$  100,643

$ 

95,895

Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements    ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  19

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending 
balances of the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan 
assets as of December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

The components of net periodic pension cost for 2009 and 
2008 were as follows (in thousands):

Actuarial Present Value of Benefit Obligation:

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

Projected Benefit Obligation

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:

2009

$ 

 —

—

Projected benefit obligation, January 1

$ 

3,630

Service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial (gain)/loss

Benefits paid

 —

218

(100)

(3,748)

Projected benefit obligation, December 31

$ 

 —

Change in Plan Assets:

Fair value of plan assets, January 1

$ 

4,096

Actual return on plan assets

Employer contributions

Benefits paid

Expenses

Excess assets withdrawn after plan termination

Fair value of plan assets, December 31

Funded Status of Plan at Year End

$ 

$ 

24

 —

(3,748)

 (109)

(263)

—

—

Year ended December 31,

2009

2008

Components of Net Periodic 
Pension Cost:

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on assets

Actuarial loss

Settlement loss

 $ 

—  $ 

218

(215)

31

989

Net periodic pension expense

$ 

1,023

$ 

—

222

(220)

33

 —

35

Actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic pension 
cost were as follows:

Discount rate

Expected long-term return on assets

2009

6.00%

5.25%

2008

6.00%

5.25%

Our expected long-term rate of return assumption was based 
upon the plan’s actual long-term investment results as well as 
the long-term outlook for investment returns in the market-
place at the time the assumption was made. 

Our pension plan assets at December 31, 2008 were invested 
in a money market account so that the settlement of the 
termination obligations could be completed after regulatory 
approvals were received. Final settlement of the plan termina-
tion occurred in the fourth quarter of 2009 when benefit 
distributions totaling $3.7 million were made to participants.  
After all plan obligations were settled, the remaining plan 
assets of $263,000 were transferred to our 401(k) plan to be 
used for contributions and plan expenses.  

We sponsor a defined contribution 401(k) plan for all 
employees. Each participant may contribute certain amounts 
of eligible compensation. We make a matching contribution to 
the plan. Our contributions under this plan were $482,000, 
$499,000 and $498,000 in 2010, 2009 and 2008, 
respectively.  

20   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT     Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements

(13) Subsequent Events
We evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after 
December 31, 2010 and determined we did not have any 
material recognizable subsequent events.

(12) Commitments and Contingencies
From time to time and in the ordinary course of business, we 
may be subject to various claims, charges and litigation. In 
some cases, the claimants may seek damages, as well as other 
relief, which, if granted, could require significant expenditures. 
We accrue the estimated costs of settlement or damages 
when a loss is deemed probable and such costs are estimable, 
and accrues for legal costs associated with a loss contingency 
when a loss is probable and such amounts are estimable. 
Otherwise, these costs are expensed as incurred. If the 
estimate of a probable loss or defense costs is a range and no 
amount within the range is more likely, we accrue the mini-
mum amount of the range. As of December 31, 2010, we had 
accrued $177,000 for legal fees and expenses that we expect 
to incur in connection with the litigation or arbitration of two 
such matters.  

We had a dispute which was favorably settled in the third 
quarter of 2007. This settlement was amended in December 
2008.  The amended settlement agreement provides that we 
may receive annual payments from 2009 through 2024. We 
have not recorded $7.0 million in potential future payments 
under this settlement as of December 31, 2010 due to the 
uncertainty of payment.

We have arrangements with three of our executive officers 
pursuant to which the termination of their employment under 
certain circumstances would result in lump sum payments to 
them.  Termination under such circumstances at December 31, 
2010 could have resulted in payments aggregating $3.8 
million.

Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements    ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  21

(14) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarter Ended

Operating Revenue

Operating Income

 Net Income

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Income Per  
Basic Share

Income Per  
Diluted Share

3/31/10

6/30/10

9/30/10

12/31/10

3/31/09

6/30/09

9/30/09

12/31/09

$ 

26,902

$ 

7,038

$ 

4,697

$ 

2.33

$ 

27,881

27,156

26,630

8,180

8,003

7,755

5,431

5,400

5,423

2.69

2.68

2.69

$ 

25,047

$ 

6,109

$ 

4,134

$ 

2.09

$ 

26,001

25,192

24,403

7,037

6,566

5,293

4,657

4,460

3,592

2.35

2.25

1.81

2.31

2.67

2.66

2.67

2.06

2.30

2.20

1.78

The quarter ended December 31, 2009 included a non-cash pension termination settlement charge which reduced operating 
income by $989,000 and net income by $643,000 or $0.32 per basic and diluted share.

The quarterly information presented above reflects, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presenta-
tion of the results for the interim periods presented. 

22   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT     Notes  to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC  
ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders 
Atrion Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance 
sheets of Atrion Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 
31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements 
of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive 
income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the 
period ended December 31, 2010. Our audits of the basic 
consolidated financial statements included the financial 
statement schedule (not presented separately herein) listed in 
the index appearing under Item 15. Exhibits and Financial 
Statement Schedules. These financial statements and financial 
statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s 
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 
these 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 Atrion Corporation and subsidiaries as of Decem-
ber 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and 
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our 
opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when 
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken 
as a whole, presents fairly, in all material aspects, the informa-
tion set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the 
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
Atrion Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as 
of December 31, 2010, 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 11, 2011 
expressed an unqualified opinion.

Grant Thornton LLP 
Dallas, Texas 
March 11, 2011

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 23

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL  
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 using 
the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organi-
zations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal 
Control—Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, 
our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, 
our internal control over financial reporting was effective. 

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and 
Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and 
maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting 
as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934, as amended. Our internal control system is 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. All internal control systems, no matter 
how well designed, have inherent limitations. A system of 
internal control may become inadequate over time because of 
changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of 
compliance with the policies or procedures. Therefore, even 
those systems determined to be effective can provide only 
reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement 
preparation and presentation.

24  ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT     Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC  
ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and 
Stockholders of Atrion Corporation
We have audited Atrion Corporation’s internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued 
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Tread-
way Commission (COSO). Atrion Corporation’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 Atrion Corporation’s internal control over financial report-
ing 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 understand-
ing of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the 
risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the 
design and operating effectiveness of internal control based 
on the assessed risk, and 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 com-
pany’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.

In our opinion, Atrion Corporation maintained, in all material 
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal 
Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the 
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the consolidated balance sheets of Atrion Corporation and 
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the 
related consolidated statements of income, changes in 
stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended Decem-
ber 31, 2010, and our report dated March 11, 2011, expressed 
an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Grant Thornton LLP 
Dallas, Texas 
March 11, 2011

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 25

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

Overview 
We develop and manufacture products, primarily for medical 
applications. We market components to other equipment 
manufacturers for incorporation in their products and sell 
finished devices to physicians, hospitals, clinics and other 
treatment centers. Our medical products primarily serve the fluid 
delivery, cardiovascular, and ophthalmology markets. Our other 
medical and non-medical products include instrumentation and 
disposables used in dialysis and valves and inflation devices 
used in marine and aviation safety products.  In 2010 approxi-
mately 40 percent of our sales were outside the United States.

Our products are used in a wide variety of applications by 
numerous customers. We encounter competition in all of our 
markets and compete primarily on the basis of product quality, 
price, engineering, customer service and delivery time. 

Our strategy is to provide a broad selection of products in the 
areas of our expertise. Research and development efforts are 
focused on improving current products and developing 
highly-engineered products that meet customer needs in niche 
markets that are large enough to provide meaningful increases 
in sales. Proposed new products may be subject to regulatory 
clearance or approval prior to commercialization and the time 
period for introducing a new product to the marketplace can  
be unpredictable. We also focus on controlling costs by 
investing in modern manufacturing technologies and 
controlling purchasing processes. We have been successful in 
consistently generating cash from operations and have used 
that cash to reduce indebtedness, to fund capital expenditures, 
to make investment purchases, to repurchase stock and to  
pay dividends. 

Our strategic objective is to further enhance our position in our 
served markets by: 

  Focusing on customer needs; 

   Expanding existing product lines and developing new 
products;

   Maintaining a culture of controlling cost; and 

   Preserving and fostering a collaborative, entrepreneurial 
management structure. 

For the year ended December 31, 2010, we reported revenues 
of $108.6 million, operating income of $31.0 million and net 
income of $21.0 million. 

Results of Operations
Our net income was $21.0 million, or $10.38 per basic and 
$10.32 per diluted share, in 2010, compared to net income of 
$16.8 million, or $8.51 per basic and $8.36 per diluted share, in 
2009 and net income of $15.7 million, or $7.99 per basic and 
$7.82 per diluted share, in 2008. The 2009 results included a 
$643,000 net of tax pension termination settlement charge, or 
$0.32 per diluted share, related to the termination of our 
defined benefit pension plans. Revenues were $108.6 million in 
2010, compared with $100.6 million in 2009 and $95.9 million 
in 2008. The 8 percent revenue increase in 2010 over 2009 
and the 5 percent revenue increase in 2009 over 2008 were 
generally attributable to higher sales volumes. 

Annual revenues by product lines were as follows (in thou-
sands):

Fluid Delivery

Cardiovascular

Ophthalmology

Other

Total

2010

2009

2008

$  39,442

$ 

35,540

$ 

32,209

31,280

19,370

18,477

29,051

19,452

16,600

29,263

15,192

19,231

$  108,569

$  100,643

$ 

95,895

26   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Our cost of goods sold was $57.7 million in 2010, compared 
with $55.3 million in 2009 and $53.3 million in 2008.  
Increased sales volume, increased material costs, and 
increased manufacturing overhead costs were the primary 
contributors to the 4 percent increase in cost of goods sold for 
2010 over 2009 and the 4 percent increase in cost of goods 
sold for 2009 over 2008. 

Gross profit in 2010 increased $5.6 million to $50.9 million, 
compared with $45.3 million in 2009 and $42.5 million in 
2008. Our gross profit was 47 percent of revenues in 2010, 45 
percent of revenues in 2009 and 44 percent of revenues in 
2008. The increases in gross profit percentage in each of 2010 
and 2009 from the prior year was primarily due to a favorable 
product mix, improvements in manufacturing efficiencies and 
the impact of cost-savings projects. 

Operating expenses were $19.9 million in 2010, compared 
with $20.3 million in 2009 and $19.6 million in 2008. In 2010, 
decreases in selling expenses and research and development, 
or R&D, expenses were partially offset by increases in general 
and administrative, or G&A, expenses. R&D expenses 
decreased $385,000 in 2010 as compared to 2009 primarily 
related to decreased compensation costs and decreased 
outside services. R&D expenses consist primarily of salaries 
and other related expenses of the R&D personnel as well as 
costs associated with regulatory matters. In 2010, selling 
expenses decreased $282,000 primarily related to decreased 
compensation, advertising and promotional expenses. Selling 
expenses consist primarily of salaries, commissions and other 
related expenses for sales and marketing personnel, marketing, 
advertising and promotional expenses. In 2010, G&A 
expenses increased $277,000 over 2009 G&A expenses. G&A 
expenses in 2009 included a $989,000 settlement loss related 
to the termination of our defined benefit pension plans. 
Excluding the 2009 pension termination settlement charge; 
G&A expenses in 2010 increased $1.3 million, primarily as a 
result of increased compensation costs and outside services. 
G&A expenses consist primarily of salaries and other related 
expenses of administrative, executive and financial personnel 
and outside professional fees.

In 2009, increases in G&A expenses and R&D expenses were 
partially offset by decreases in selling expenses. G&A expenses 
increased $297,000, excluding the previously mentioned 
pension termination settlement charge, primarily as a result of 
increased compensation costs, outside services and taxes 
partially offset by decreased travel costs. R&D expenses 
increased $85,000 in 2009 as compared to 2008 primarily as 
a result of increased compensation costs and increased 
outside services. In 2009, selling expenses decreased 
$618,000 primarily as a result of decreased compensation, 
travel, advertising and promotional expenses. 

Our operating income for 2010 was $31.0 million, compared 
with $25.0 million in 2009 and $23.0 million in 2008. The 
increase in 2010 gross profit in addition to the decrease in 
operating expenses described above were the major contribu-
tors to the operating income improvement in 2010 compared 
to the previous year. The increase in gross profit partially offset 
by the increase in operating expenses described above were 
the major contributors to the operating income improvements 
in 2009 compared to the previous year. 

Our interest income for 2010 was $1.0 million compared with 
$578,000 in 2009 and $299,000 in 2008. The increases in 
2010 and 2009 were primarily related to the increased level of 
cash and investments during 2010 and 2009. Results for 2010 
were also favorably impacted by investing in bonds with 
slightly longer maturities and higher yields.

Income tax expense in 2010 totaled $11.0 million, compared 
with $8.7 million in 2009 and $7.6 million in 2008. The 
effective tax rates for 2010, 2009 and 2008 were 34.5 
percent, 34.2 percent and 32.7 percent, respectively. Benefits 
from tax incentives for domestic production and R&D expendi-
tures totaled $977,000 in 2010, $776,000 in 2009 and 
$896,000 in 2008. Expenses from changes in uncertain tax 
positions totaled $255,000 in 2010, $143,000 in 2009 and 
$231,000 in 2008. We expect our effective tax rate for 2011 
to be approximately 35.0 percent.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  27

Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have a $25.0 million revolving credit facility with a money 
center bank to be utilized for the funding of operations and for 
major capital projects or acquisitions, subject to certain 
limitations and restrictions (see Note 4 of Notes to Consoli-
dated Financial Statements). Borrowings under the credit 
facility bear interest that is payable monthly at 30-day, 60-day 
or 90-day LIBOR, as selected by us, plus one percent. We had 
no outstanding borrowings under our credit facility as of or for 
the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. 
The credit facility, which expires November 12, 2012, and may 
be extended under certain circumstances, contains various 
restrictive covenants, none of which is expected to impact our 
liquidity or capital resources. At December 31, 2010, we were 
in compliance with all financial covenants and had $25.0 
million available for borrowing under the credit facility. We 
believe that the bank providing the credit facility is highly-
rated and that the entire $25.0 million under the credit facility 
is currently available to us. If that bank were unable to provide 
such funds, we expect that we would still be able to fund 
operations. 

Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment 
totaled $4.3 million in 2010, compared with $6.6 million in 
2009 and $5.4 million in 2008. These expenditures were 
primarily for the addition of machinery and equipment. We 
expect 2011 capital expenditures, primarily machinery and 
equipment, to increase substantially over the average of the 
levels expended during each of the past three years. 

We paid cash dividends totaling $21.3 million, $2.6 million 
and $2.1 million during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In 
January 2010, our Board of Directors declared a special cash 
dividend of $6.00 per share on our outstanding common 
stock. This dividend which totaled $12.1 million was paid on 
January 29, 2010. In December 2010, our Board of Directors 
declared a special cash dividend of $3.00 per share on our 
outstanding common stock. This dividend which totaled $6.0 
million was paid on December 23, 2010. We expect to fund 
future dividend payments with cash flows from operations.

The table below summarizes debt, lease and other contractual 
obligations outstanding at December 31, 2010:

At December 31, 2010, we had a total of $41.7 million in cash 
and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term 
investments, an increase of $5.3 million from December 31, 
2009. The principal contributor to this increase was the cash 
generated by operating activities, which was partially offset by 
payments for acquisitions of property, plant and equipment 
and the payment of dividends.

Payments Due by Period

Contractual  
Obligations

 Total

2011

 2012– 
2013

2014 and 
thereafter

(in thousands)

Purchase 
Obligations

$  11,909

$  11,828

Total

$  11,909

$  11,828

$ 

$ 

78

78

$ 

$ 

3

3

In the current credit and financial markets, many companies 
are finding it difficult to gain access to capital resources. In 
spite of the current economic conditions, we believe that our 
cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term 
investments, cash flows from operations and available 
borrowings of up to $25.0 million under our credit facility will 
be sufficient to fund our cash requirements for at least the 
foreseeable future. We believe that our strong financial 
position would allow us to access equity or debt financing 
should that be necessary. Additionally, we expect that our cash 
and cash equivalents and investments, as a whole, will 
continue to increase in 2011.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Cash flows provided by operations of $31.2 million in 2010 
were primarily comprised of net income plus the net effect of 
non-cash expenses plus net changes in working capital items. 
Inventories, accounts payable and accrued liabilities were the 
primary contributors to the positive net change in working 
capital items. The change in inventories was primarily related 
to increased sales volumes during December 2010. The 
change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities was 
primarily related to increases in accrued compensation. 

At December 31, 2010, we had working capital of $44.2 
million, including $10.7 million in cash and cash equivalents 
and $10.7 million in short-term investments. The $5.3 million 
decrease in working capital during 2010 was primarily related 
to decreases in cash and cash equivalents and inventories 
partially offset by increases in short-term investments. The net 
increase in cash and short-term investments was primarily 
related to amounts generated from operations. The decrease 
in inventories was primarily related to increased sales volumes 
at year end. Working capital items consisted primarily of 
accounts receivable, short-term investments, accounts 
payable, inventories and other current assets and other  
current liabilities.

28   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Impact of Inflation
We experience the effects of inflation primarily in the prices 
we pay for labor, materials and services. Over the last three 
years, we have experienced the effects of moderate inflation 
in these costs. At times, we have been able to offset a portion 
of these increased costs by increasing the sales prices of our 
products. However, competitive pressures have not allowed for 
full recovery of these cost increases.

New Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-13, 
Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable 
Revenue Arrangements—a consensus of the FASB Emerging 
Issues Task Force, which amends the criteria for when to 
evaluate individual delivered items in a multiple deliverable 
arrangement and how to allocate consideration received. This 
ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 
2010. The adoption of the guidance on January 1, 2011 is not 
expected to have a material impact on our consolidated 
financial statements.

From time to time, new accounting standards updates 
applicable to us are issued by the FASB, which we will adopt as 
of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we 
believe the impact of recently issued standards updates that 
are not yet effective will not have a material impact on our 
consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Critical Accounting Policies
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and 
results of operations are based on our consolidated financial 
statements, which have been prepared in accordance with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. 
In the preparation of these financial statements, we make 
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 
of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related 
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe the 
following discussion addresses our most critical accounting 
policies and estimates, which are those that are most impor-
tant to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and 
require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex 
judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates 
about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. 
Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates 
under different assumptions and conditions.

From time to time, we accrue legal costs associated with 
certain litigation. In making determinations of likely outcomes 
of litigation matters, we consider the evaluation of legal 

counsel knowledgeable about each matter, case law and other 
case-specific issues. We believe these accruals are adequate to 
cover the legal fees and expenses associated with litigating 
these matters. However, the time and cost required to litigate 
these matters as well as the outcomes of the proceedings may 
vary from what we have projected. 

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect 
estimated losses resulting from the failure of customers to make 
required payments.  On an ongoing basis, the collectability of 
accounts receivable is assessed based upon historical collection 
trends, current economic factors and the assessment of the 
collectability of specific accounts.  We evaluate the collectability 
of specific accounts and determine when to grant credit to our 
customers using a combination of factors, including the age of 
the outstanding balances, evaluation of customers’ current and 
past financial condition, recent payment history, current 
economic environment, and discussions with our personnel and 
with the customers directly. Accounts are written off when it is 
determined the receivable will not be collected. If circumstances 
change, our estimates of the collectability of amounts could be 
changed by a material amount.

We are required to estimate our provision for income taxes in 
each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process 
involves estimating our actual current tax exposure, including 
assessing the risks associated with tax audits, together with 
assessing temporary differences resulting from the different 
treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These 
differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which 
are included within the balance sheet. We assess the likelihood 
that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future 
taxable income and to the extent we believe that recovery is 
more likely than not, do not establish a valuation allowance. In 
the event that actual results differ from these estimates, the 
provision for income taxes could be materially impacted. 

We assess the impairment of our long-lived identifiable assets, 
excluding goodwill which is tested for impairment as explained 
below, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This review is 
based upon projections of anticipated future cash flows. 
Although we believe that our estimates of future cash flows are 
reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows or 
future changes in our business plan could materially affect our 
evaluations. No such changes are anticipated at this time.

We assess goodwill for impairment pursuant to ASC 350, 
Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, which requires that goodwill 
be assessed whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, or, at 
a minimum, on an annual basis by applying a fair value test. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  29

During 2008, 2009 and 2010, none of our critical accounting 
policy estimates required significant adjustments. We did not 
note any events or changes in circumstances indicating that 
the carrying value of material long-lived assets were not 
recoverable.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures  
About Market Risks
Foreign Exchange Risk 
We are not exposed to material fluctuations in currency 
exchange rates because the payments from our international 
customers are received primarily in United States dollars. 

Principal and Interest Rate Risk 
Our cash equivalents and short-term and long-term invest-
ments consist of money-market accounts and taxable 
high-grade corporate bonds. Our investment policy is to seek 
to manage these assets to achieve the goal of preserving 
principal, maintaining adequate liquidity at all times, and 
maximizing returns subject to established investment guide-
lines.  In general, the primary exposure to market risk is interest 
rate sensitivity. This means that a change in prevailing interest 
rates may cause the value of and the return on the investment 
to fluctuate. 

In recent years, there has been concern in the credit markets 
regarding the value of a variety of mortgage-backed securities 
and the resultant effect on various securities markets. We 
believe that our cash, cash equivalents, and investments do 
not have significant risk of default or illiquidity. However, our 
cash equivalents and investments may be subject to adverse 
changes in market value.

Forward-looking Statements
Statements in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis and 
elsewhere in this Annual Report that are forward-looking are 
based upon current expectations, and actual results or future 
events may differ materially. Therefore, the inclusion of such 
forward-looking information should not be regarded as a 
representation by us that our objectives or plans will be 
achieved. Such statements include, but are not limited to, our 

expectations regarding increases in our manufacturing 
capacity and equipment in 2011, increases in working capital 
levels, funding increased capital requirements, changes and 
uncertainly in the medical products industry, the effect of 
changes in reimbursement on financial results, the effect of 
regulatory changes on the approval process for the introduc-
tion of new medical products, our plans to broaden and 
improve product offerings and to be in a position to meet 
demands for medical services, our efforts to manage risk and 
deliver superior performance, our research and development 
expenditures in 2011, our 2011 effective tax rate, our 2011 
capital expenditures, funding future dividend payments with 
cash flows from operations, availability of equity and debt 
financing, our ability to meet our cash requirements for the 
foreseeable future, our ability to fund operations if the bank 
providing our credit facility were unable to lend funds to us 
and increases in 2011 in cash, cash equivalents and invest-
ments. Words such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” 
“intends,” “should,” “plans,” and variations of such words and 
similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-look-
ing statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein 
involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and there are a 
number of factors that could cause actual results or future 
events to differ materially, including, but not limited to, the 
following: changing economic, market and business condi-
tions; acts of war or terrorism; the effects of governmental 
regulation; the impact of competition and new technologies; 
slower-than-anticipated introduction of new products or imple-
mentation of marketing strategies; implementation of new 
manufacturing processes or implementation of new informa-
tion systems; our ability to protect our intellectual property; 
changes in the prices of raw materials; changes in product mix; 
intellectual property and product  liability claims and product 
recalls; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and 
the loss of any significant customers. In addition, assumptions 
relating to budgeting, marketing, product development and 
other management decisions are subjective in many respects 
and thus susceptible to interpretations and periodic review 
which may cause us to alter our marketing, capital expendi-
tures or other budgets, which in turn may affect our results of 
operations and financial condition.

30   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Operating Results for the Year ended December 31,

  Revenues

  Operating income

Income from continuing operations

  Net income

  Depreciation and amortization

Per Share Data:

Income from continuing operations, per diluted share

  Net income per diluted share

  Cash dividends per common share

  Average diluted shares outstanding

Financial Position at December 31,

  Total assets

Long-term debt

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

$ 

108,569

$ 

100,643

$ 

95,895

$ 

88,540

$ 

81,020

30,977

20,952

20,952

7,041

10.32

10.32

25,004a

16,843a

16,843a

7,163

8.36a

8.36a

22,973

15,667

15,667

6,353

7.82

7.82

20,195b

14,006b

14,006b

5,534

7.06b

7.06b

$ 

10.56

$ 

1.32

$ 

1.08

$ 

.88

$ 

14,338

10,600

10,765

5,005

5.43

5.51

.74

2,030

2,015

2,004

1,985

1,953

$ 

134,652

$ 

132,749

$ 

115,353

$ 

99,313

$ 

95,772

—  

—  

—  

— $ 

11,399

a)  Included a non-cash charge for the settlement of the 2007 termination of pension plans that subtracted $1.0 million from operating income, $643,000 from net income 
and $0.32 from net income per diluted share. (See Note 11)

b)  Included two special items that, when combined, added $1.1 million to operating income, $695,000 to net income and $0.35 to net income per diluted share.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATION
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

2010

2009

2008

2007

$ 

30,977

$ 

25,004

$ 

22,973

$ 

GAAP operating income

  Dispute resolution income

  Pension charges, net

Net adjustments

Adjusted operating income

GAAP net income

  Net adjustments as shown above

Income taxes on adjustments

Adjustments to net income

Adjusted net income

Income per diluted share:

GAAP EPS

Adjustments (calculated below)

Adjusted EPS

Adjustments to net income as shown above

Diluted shares outstanding

Adjustment to income per diluted share

20,195

(1,398)

329

(1,069)

19,126

14,006

(1,069)

374

(695)

989

989

30,977

$ 

25,993

$ 

22,973

$ 

20,952

$ 

16,843

$ 

15,667

$ 

989

(346)

643

20,952

$ 

17,486

$ 

15,667

$ 

13,311

10.32

$ 

10.32

$ 

2,030

$ 

$ 

8.36

$ 

0.32

8.68

$ 

643

$ 

2,015

0.32

$ 

7.82

$ 

7.82

$ 

2,004

$ 

$ 

7.06

(0.35)

6.71

(695)

1,985

(0.35)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Selected Financial Data and Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation    ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors

Emile A. Battat 
Chairman of the Board and  
Chief Executive Officer 
Atrion Corporation

Hugh J. Morgan, Jr. 
Private Investor  
Birmingham, Alabama

Ronald N. Spaulding 
Private Investor 
Miami, Florida

Roger F. Stebbing 
President and  
Chief Executive Officer 
Stebbing and Associates, Inc. 
Signal Mountain, Tennessee

John P. Stupp, Jr. 
President 
Stupp Bros., Inc. 
St. Louis, Missouri

Executive Officers

Emile A. Battat
Chairman of the Board and 
Chief Executive Officer

David A. Battat 
President and  
Chief Operating Officer

Jeffery Strickland 
Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer,  
Secretary and Treasurer

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Corporate Office 
Atrion Corporation 
One Allentown Parkway 
Allen, Texas 75002 
972.390.9800 
www.atrioncorp.com

Registrar and Transfer Agent 
American Stock Transfer and  
Trust Company 
59 Maiden Lane 
New York, New York 10038

Form 10-K 
A copy of the Company’s 2010 Annual 
Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission,  
may be obtained by any stockholder 
without charge by written request to:

Corporate Secretary 
Atrion Corporation 
One Allentown Parkway 
Allen, Texas 75002

Stock Information
The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (Symbol: 
ATRI). As of March 1, 2011, there were approximately 2,800 stockholders, including 
beneficial owners holding shares in nominee or “street” name. The table below sets forth 
the high and low sales prices as reported by NASDAQ and the dividends per share 
declared by the Company for each quarter of 2009 and 2010.

2009 Quarter Ended

 High

 Low

Dividends

March 31

June 30

September 30

December 31

2010 Quarter Ended

March 31

June 30

September 30

December 31

$ 

 99.74

$ 

63.55

136.77

147.75

158.18

81.74

114.70

118.00

0.30

0.30

0.36

0.36

$ 

 164.56

$ 

 129.51

$ 

a
 6.36

153.90

157.51

184.99

127.01

130.50

154.63

0.36

0.42

a
3.42

The Company presently plans to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future.

a)  These amounts include a special cash dividend of $6.00 per share declared in the first quarter  

of 2010 and $3.00 per share declared in the fourth quarter of 2010.

32   ATRION 2010 ANNUAL REPORT  

Atrion Corporation 
One Allentown Parkway 
Allen, Texas 75002
972.390.9800  
www.atrioncorp.com