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Cutera

cutr · NASDAQ Healthcare
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Ticker cutr
Exchange NASDAQ
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Employees 201-500
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FY2011 Annual Report · Cutera
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CUTERA, INC. 
2012 PROXY STATEMENT AND 2011 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dear Stockholders: 

You are cordially invited to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cutera, Inc. (the “Company”).  The 
meeting  will  be  held  at  our  principal  executive  offices  located  at  3240  Bayshore  Blvd.,  Brisbane,  California  94005-
1021 on June 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.  

The attached Notice of 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement contain details of the business to be 
conducted  at  the  Annual  Meeting. We have  also  made  available  a  copy  of  our  2011 Annual  Report  to  Stockholders 
with this proxy statement. We encourage you to read our Annual Report. It includes our audited financial statements 
and provides information about our business.  

We  have  elected  to  provide  access  to  our  proxy  materials  over  the  internet  under  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission’s  “notice  and  access”  rules.  We  are  constantly  focused  on  improving  the  ways  people  connect  with 
information, and believe that providing our proxy materials over the internet increases the ability of our stockholders to 
connect with the information they need, while reducing the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting. If you need 
additional  information  about  Cutera,  please  visit  the  Investor  Relations  section  of  the  Company’s  website  at 
www.cutera.com.  

Whether or not you attend the Annual Meeting, it is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. 
Therefore, I urge you to promptly vote and submit your proxy via the internet, by phone, or by signing, dating, and 
returning  the  proxy  card  provided  to  you.  If  you  decide  to  attend  the  Annual  Meeting,  you  will  be  able  to  vote  in 
person, even if you have previously submitted your proxy. 

On  behalf  of  Cutera’s  Board  of  Directors  and  executive  team,  I  would  like  to  express  our  appreciation  for  your 
continued interest and confidence in our business.  

Sincerely, 

Kevin Connors, 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

SCHEDULE 14A 
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 

Filed by the Registrant  

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  

Check the appropriate box: 

 



Preliminary Proxy Statement 

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) 

 Definitive Proxy Statement 





Definitive Additional Materials 

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-11(c) or §240.14a-2 

CUTERA, INC. 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): 

  No fee required 

 

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. 

(1) 

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: 

(2) 

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: 

(3) 

Per  unit  price  or  other  underlying  value  of  transaction  computed  pursuant  to  Exchange  Act  Rule 0-11  (Set  forth  the 
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): 

(4) 

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: 

(5) 

Total fee paid: 


 


Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. 

  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the 
offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and 
the date of its filing. 



(1) 

Amount Previously Paid: 

(2) 

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: 

(3) 

Filing Party: 

(4) 

Date Filed: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTICE OF 2012 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS 
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 13, 2012 

10:00 A.M. Pacific Time 

To our Stockholders: 

You are cordially invited to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cutera, Inc. (the “Company”). 
The  meeting  will  be  held  at  our  principal  executive  offices  located  at  3240  Bayshore  Blvd.,  Brisbane,  California 
94005-1021. The meeting will be held on June 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, for the following purposes: 

1. 

To  elect  two Class  II directors  to  each  serve  for a  three-year  term  that  expires  at  the 2015  Annual 

Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified; 

2. 

3. 

To hold a non-binding vote on the compensation of our named executive officers; 

To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of 

the Company (the “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012; 

4. 

To adopt our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (As Amended); and 

5. 

To  transact  such  other  business  as  may  properly  come  before  the  Annual  Meeting,  including  any 
motion  to  adjourn  to  a  later  date  to  permit  further  solicitation  of  proxies,  if  necessary,  or  before  any  adjournment 
thereof. 

The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the proxy statement accompanying this Notice of 

Annual Meeting. 

To  help  conserve  resources  and  reduce  printing  and  distribution  costs,  we  will  be  mailing  a  notice  to  our 
stockholders, instead of a paper copy of this proxy statement and our 2011 Annual Report, with instructions on how to 
access  our proxy  materials  over  the Internet,  including  this  proxy  statement, our 2011 Annual  Report  and  a form  of 
proxy card or voting instruction card. The notice will also contain instructions on how each of those stockholders can 
receive a paper copy of our proxy materials. 

The meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m., local time, and check-in will begin at 9:50 a.m. local time. 
Only holders of record of shares of our common stock (NASDAQ: CUTR) at the close of business on April 16, 2012 
will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting and any postponements or adjournments of the meeting. 

For  a  period  of  at  least  10  days  prior  to  the  meeting,  a  complete  list  of  stockholders  entitled  to  vote  at  the 
meeting  will  be  available  and  open  to  the  examination  of  any  stockholder  for  any  purpose  relating  to  the  Annual 
Meeting  during  normal  business  hours  at  our  principal  executive  offices  located  at  3240  Bayshore  Blvd.,  Brisbane, 
California 94005-1021. 

By order of the Board of Directors, 

Kevin P. Connors 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Brisbane, California 
April 30, 2012 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! 

REGARDLESS  OF  WHETHER  YOU  PLAN  TO  ATTEND  THE  MEETING,  PLEASE  PROMPTLY  VOTE 
BY  TELEPHONE,  OR  IF  AVAILABLE,  ELECTRONICALLY,  OR,  IF  YOU  RECEIVED  PER  YOUR 
REQUEST  A  PAPER  COPY  OF  OUR  PROXY  MATERIALS,  COMPLETE,  SIGN,  DATE,  AND  RETURN 
THE  ENCLOSED  PROXY  CARD  IN  THE  ACCOMPANYING  POSTAGE-PAID  ENVELOPE.  NO 
ADDITIONAL POSTAGE IS NECESSARY IF THE PROXY CARD IS MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES 
OR  CANADA.  YOU  MAY  REVOKE  YOUR  PROXY  AT  ANY  TIME  BEFORE  IT  IS  VOTED  AT  THE 
MEETING. 

 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING THIS SOLICITATION AND VOTING AT THE ANNUAL 
MEETING   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Why am I receiving these proxy materials? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Why did I receive a notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of the proxy materials instead of
a paper copy of the proxy materials?   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Who is entitled to attend the meeting?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
How many shares must be present or represented to conduct business at the meeting (that is, what 
constitutes a quorum)?   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What items of business will be voted on at the meeting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
How does the Board recommend that I vote? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
What shares can I vote at the meeting?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?  . . . . .  
How can I vote my shares without attending the meeting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
How can I vote my shares in person at the meeting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Can I change my vote?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Is my vote confidential?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
What vote is required to approve each item and how are votes counted? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
What is a “broker non-vote”?   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
How are “broker non-votes” counted?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
How are abstentions counted?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
What happens if additional matters are presented at the meeting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Who will serve as inspector of election?   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
What should I do in the event that I receive more than one set of proxy/voting materials?   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Who is soliciting my vote and who will bear the costs of this solicitation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Where can I find the voting results of the meeting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
What is the deadline to propose actions for consideration at next year’s Annual Meeting of stockholders 
or to nominate individuals to serve as directors? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STOCK OWNERSHIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Director Independence   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Board Leadership Structure   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Risk Oversight and Analysis   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Committees of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Meetings Attended by Directors   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Director Nomination Process   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Director Compensation   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Code of Ethics   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Review, Approval or Ratification of Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Family Relationships   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Indemnification Agreements   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Communications with the Board by Stockholders

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Stock Ownership Guidelines   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

PROPOSAL ONE — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Classes of the Board of Directors   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Director Nominees    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Board of Directors’ Recommendation   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Directors Whose Terms Extend Beyond the 2012 Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

PROPOSAL TWO — NON-BINDING VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

General   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Summary of 2011 Executive Compensation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Board of Directors’ Recommendation   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

PROPOSAL THREE — RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT 
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Board of Directors’ Recommendation   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Audit and Non-Audit Services   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

PROPOSAL FOUR — ADOPTION OF 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (AS AMENDED)   . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Compensation Discussion and Analysis   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) and Limitations on Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Summary Compensation Table   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Grants of Plan-Based Awards   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Equity Incentive Awards Outstanding   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Options Exercised and Stock Vested   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

OTHER MATTERS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

APPENDIX A — 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (AS AMENDED)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

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ii 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
PROXY STATEMENT 
FOR 
2012 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS 
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 13, 2012 

The Board of Directors of Cutera, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is soliciting the enclosed proxy from you. The 
proxy will be used at our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2012, beginning at 
10:00 a.m., Pacific Time, which is the local time, at our principal executive offices located at 3240 Bayshore Blvd., 
Brisbane,  California  94005-1021,  and  at  any  postponements  or  adjournments  thereof.  This  proxy  statement  contains 
important information regarding the meeting. Specifically, it identifies the matters upon which you are being asked to 
vote, provides information that you may find useful in determining how to vote and describes the voting procedures. 

In  this  proxy  statement  the  terms  “we”,  “our”,  “Cutera”  and  the  “Company”  each  refer  to  Cutera,  Inc.;  the 
term  “Board”  means  our  Board  of  Directors;  the  term  “proxy  materials”  means  this  proxy  statement,  the  enclosed 
proxy card, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the U.S. Securities 
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 15, 2012, and the term “Annual Meeting” means our 2012 Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders. 

We  are  sending  the  Notice  of  Internet  Availability  of  Proxy  Materials  on  or  about  May  4,  2012,  to  all 

stockholders of record at the close of business on April 16, 2012 (the “Record Date”). 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING THIS SOLICITATION AND 
VOTING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING 

Why am I receiving these proxy 
materials?  

  You are receiving these proxy materials from us because you were a stockholder of 
record at the close of business on the Record Date (which was April 16, 2012). As
a  stockholder  of  record,  you  are  invited  to  attend  the  meeting  and  are  entitled  to
and requested to vote on the items of business described in this proxy statement. 

Why did I receive a notice in the 
mail regarding the Internet 
availability of the proxy 
materials instead of a paper 
copy of the proxy materials? 

  Pursuant  to  SEC  rules,  we  have  elected  to  provide  access  to  our  proxy  materials 
over the Internet. Accordingly, we are sending a Notice of Internet Availability of
Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) to our stockholders.  

All  stockholders  will  have  the  ability  to  access  the  proxy  materials  on  a  website
referred to in the Notice or request to receive a printed set of the proxy materials. 

Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a
printed copy may be found on the Notice.  

In addition, stockholders may request to receive proxy materials in printed form by 
mail  or  electronically  by  email  on  an  ongoing  basis.  Choosing  to  receive  your
future  proxy  materials  by  email  will  save  us  the  cost  of  printing  and  mailing
documents to you and will reduce the impact of our annual stockholders’ meetings
on the environment. If you chose in connection with our 2011 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders  to  receive  future  proxy  materials  by  email,  you  should  receive  an
email this year with instructions containing a link to those materials and a link to
the  proxy  voting  site.  In  connection  with  our  upcoming  Annual  Meeting,  if  you 
choose to receive future proxy materials by email, you will receive an email next
year with instructions containing a link to those materials and a link to the proxy
voting site. Your election to receive proxy materials by email will remain in effect 
until you terminate it. 

-1- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What is the purpose of the 
Annual Meeting?  

  At  our  meeting,  stockholders  of  record  will  vote  upon  the  items  of  business
outlined in the notice of meeting (on the cover page of this proxy statement), each 
of which is described more fully in this proxy statement. In addition, management
will  report  on  the  performance  of  the  Company  and  respond  to  questions  from
stockholders. 

Who is entitled to attend the 
meeting? 

  You  are  entitled  to  attend  the  meeting  only  if  you  owned  our  common  stock  (or
were  a  joint  holder)  as  of  the  Record  Date  or  if  you  hold  a  valid  proxy  for  the
meeting.  You  should  be  prepared  to  present  photo  identification  for  admittance. 

Please also note that if you are not a stockholder of record but hold shares in street 
name  (that  is,  through  a  broker  or  nominee),  you  will  need  to  provide  proof  of
beneficial  ownership  as  of  the  Record  Date,  such  as  your  most  recent  brokerage
account statement, a copy of the voting instruction card provided by your broker, 
trustee or nominee, or other similar evidence of ownership.  

The meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m., local time. Check-in will begin at 
9:50 a.m., local time. 

Who is entitled to vote at the 
meeting? 

  Only  stockholders  who  owned  our  common  stock  at  the  close  of  business  on  the
Record  Date  are  entitled  to  notice  of  and  to  vote  at  the  meeting,  and  at  any
postponements or adjournments thereof.  

As of the Record Date, 14,068,863 shares of our common stock were outstanding. 
Each outstanding share of our common stock entitles the holder to one vote on each
matter considered at the meeting. Accordingly, there are a maximum of 14,068,863
votes that may be cast at the meeting. 

How many shares must be 
present or represented to 
conduct business at the meeting 
(that is, what constitutes a 
quorum)?   

  The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of
the  shares  of  our  common  stock  entitled  to  vote  at  the  meeting  will  constitute  a
quorum. A quorum is required to conduct business at the meeting. The presence of
the  holders  of  our  common  stock  representing  at  least  7,034,432 votes  will  be 
required  to  establish  a  quorum  at  the  meeting.  Both  abstentions  and  broker  non-
votes are counted for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. 

What items of business will be 
voted on at the meeting? 

  The items of business scheduled to be voted on at the meeting are as follows: 

1. 

the election of two nominees to serve as Class II directors on our Board; 

2.  a non-binding vote on executive compensation; 

3. 

the  ratification  of  Ernst  &  Young  LLP  as  the  Independent  Registered
Public Accounting Firm for the 2012 fiscal year; and 

4. 

the adoption of our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended). 

  These proposals are described more fully below in this proxy statement. As of the
date of this proxy statement, the only business that our Board intends to present or
knows  of  that  others  will  present  at  the  meeting  is  as  set  forth  in  this  proxy 
statement. If any other matter or matters are properly brought before the meeting, it
is the intention of the persons who hold proxies to vote the shares they represent in
accordance with their best judgment. 

-2- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
How does the Board 
recommend that I vote? 

  Our  Board  recommends  that  you  vote  your  shares  “FOR”  each  of  the  director
nominees,  “FOR”  the  approval  of  a  non binding  vote  on  executive  compensation
and “FOR” the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as the Independent Registered
Public  Accounting  Firm  for  the  2012  fiscal  year,  and  “FOR”  for  the  adoption  of 
our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended). 

What shares can I vote at the 
meeting? 

  You may vote all shares owned by you as of the Record Date, including (1) shares
held directly in your name as the stockholder of record, and (2) shares held for you 
as the beneficial owner through a broker, trustee or other nominee such as a bank. 

What is the difference between 
holding shares as a stockholder 
of record and as a beneficial 
owner? 

  Most of our stockholders hold their shares through a broker or other nominee rather
than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions
between shares held of record and those owned beneficially. 

  Stockholders of Record. If your shares are registered directly in your name with 
our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, Inc., you are considered, with
respect  to  those  shares,  the  stockholder  of  record,  and  these  proxy  materials  are 
being sent directly to you by us. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to 
grant your voting proxy directly to Cutera or to vote in person at the meeting. We
have enclosed a proxy card for your use. 

Beneficial  Owner.  If  your  shares  are  held  in  a  brokerage  account  or  by  another
nominee,  you  are  considered  the  beneficial  owner  of  shares  held  in  street  name, 
and  these  proxy  materials  are  being  forwarded  to  you  together  with  a  voting
instruction card. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker,
trustee or nominee how to vote and are also invited to attend the meeting. Please 
note  that  since  a  beneficial  owner  is  not  the  stockholder  of  record,  you  may  not 
vote these shares in person at the meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from
the broker, trustee or nominee that holds your shares, giving you the right to vote 
the shares at the meeting. Your broker, trustee or nominee has enclosed or provided
voting instructions for you to use in directing the broker, trustee or nominee how to
vote your shares. 

  Whether  you  hold  shares  directly  as  the  stockholder  of  record  or  beneficially  in
street  name,  you  may  direct  how  your  shares  are  voted  without  attending  the
meeting.  Stockholders  of  record  of  our  common  stock  may  submit  proxies  by 
completing,  signing  and  dating  their  proxy  cards  and  mailing  them  in  the
accompanying  pre-addressed  envelope.  Our  stockholders  who  hold  shares
beneficially in street name may vote by mail by completing, signing and dating the
voting  instruction  cards  provided  by  the  broker,  trustee  or  nominee  and  mailing
them in the accompanying pre-addressed envelope. 

  Shares held in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted in person at
the meeting. Shares held beneficially in street name may be voted in person only if
you obtain a legal proxy from the broker, trustee or nominee that holds your shares
giving you the right to vote the shares. Even if you plan to attend the meeting, we
recommend  that  you  also  submit  your  proxy  card  or  voting  instructions  as
described above so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to, or are
unable to, attend the meeting. 

  You may change your vote at any time prior to the vote at the meeting. If you are 
the  stockholder  of  record,  you  may  change  your  vote  by  granting  a  new  proxy
bearing a later date (which automatically revokes the earlier proxy), by providing a
written notice of revocation to our Secretary prior to your shares being voted, or by 
attending  the  meeting  and  voting  in  person.  Attendance  at  the  meeting  will  not
cause  your  previously  granted  proxy  to  be  revoked  unless  you  specifically  so
request. 

-3- 

How can I vote my shares 
without attending the meeting? 

How can I vote my shares in 
person at the meeting?  

Can I change my vote? 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Is my vote confidential? 

  For  shares  you  hold  beneficially  in  street  name,  you  may  change  your  vote  by 
submitting  new  voting  instructions  to  your  broker,  trustee  or  nominee,  or,  if  you
have obtained a  legal  proxy  from  your broker,  trustee  or  nominee  giving  you  the
right to vote your shares, by attending the meeting and voting in person. 

  Proxy 

tabulations  that 

instructions,  ballots  and  voting 

individual
stockholders are handled in a manner that protects your voting privacy. Your vote
will  not  be  disclosed  either  within  Cutera  or  to  third  parties,  except:  (1)  as 
necessary to meet applicable legal requirements, (2) to allow for the tabulation of
votes  and  certification  of  the  vote,  and  (3)  to  facilitate  a  successful  proxy
solicitation.  Occasionally,  stockholders  provide  written  comments  on  their  proxy
card, which are then forwarded to our management. 

identify 

What vote is required to approve 
each item and how are votes 
counted? 

votes is set forth below: 

  The  vote  required  to  approve  each  item  of  business  and  the  method  for  counting

  Election of Directors. The two director nominees receiving the highest number of 
affirmative “FOR” votes at the meeting (a plurality of votes cast) will be elected to
serve  as  Class  II  directors.  You  may  vote  either  “FOR”  or  “WITHHOLD”  your
vote for the director nominees. A properly executed proxy marked “WITHHOLD” 
with respect to the election of one or more directors will not be voted with respect
to  the  director  or  directors  indicated,  although  it  will  be  counted  for  purposes  of
determining whether there is a quorum.  

Non-binding  Vote  on  Executive  Compensation.  For  the  non-binding  vote  on 
executive  compensation,  the  affirmative  “FOR”  vote  of  a  majority  of  the  shares
represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the item will be required
for approval. You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” for this item of 
business.  If  you  “ABSTAIN,”  your  abstention  has  the  same  effect  as  a  vote
“AGAINST.”  

Ratification  of  Ernst  &  Young  LLP  as  our  Independent  Registered  Public
Accounting Firm. For the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our Independent 
Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm,  the  affirmative  “FOR”  vote  of  a  majority  of
the shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the item will be
required for approval. You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” for this 
item of business. If you “ABSTAIN,” your abstention has the same effect as a vote
“AGAINST.”  

Adoption of 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (As Amended). For the adoption of our 
2004 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended), the affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority 
of the shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the item will
be required for approval. You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” for
this item of business. If you “ABSTAIN,” your abstention has the same effect as a 
vote “AGAINST.”  

If you provide specific instructions with regard to certain items, your shares will be
voted  as  you  instruct  on  such  items.  If  you  sign  your  proxy  card  or  voting
instruction  card  without  giving  specific  instructions,  your  shares  will  be  voted  in
accordance with the recommendations of the Board (“FOR” all of the Company’s
nominees  to  the  Board,  “FOR”  the  approval,  by  non-binding  vote,  of  executive 
compensation,  “FOR”  ratification  of  Ernst  &  Young  LLP  as  our  Independent
Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm,  “FOR”  the  adoption  of  the  2004  Equity 
Incentive  Plan  (As  Amended),  and  in  the  discretion  of  the  proxy  holders  on  any
other matters that may properly come before the meeting). 

-4- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What is a “broker non-vote”? 

  A “broker non-vote” occurs when a broker expressly instructs on a proxy card that 
it  is  not  voting  on  a  matter,  whether  routine  or  non-routine.  Under  the  rules  that 
govern brokers who have record ownership of shares that are held in street name
for  their  clients  who  are  the  beneficial  owners  of  the  shares,  brokers  have  the 
discretion  to  vote  such  shares  on  routine  matters,  which  includes  ratifying  the
appointment  of  an  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  but  does  not
include  the  election  of  directors,  and  the  non-binding  vote  on  executive 
compensation. Therefore, if you do not otherwise instruct your broker, the broker
may turn in a proxy card voting your shares “FOR” ratification of Ernst & Young
LLP as the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. However, if you do 
not instruct your broker how to vote with respect to the election of directors,
the non-binding vote on executive compensation and the adoption of the 2004
Equity Incentive Plan (as amended), your broker may not vote with respect to
such proposal and your shares will not be counted as voting in favor of these 
matters. 

How are “broker non-votes” 
counted? 

  Broker  non-votes  will  be  counted  for  the  purpose  of  determining  the  presence  or
absence of a quorum for the transaction of business, but they will not be counted in
tabulating the voting result for any particular proposal. 

How are abstentions counted? 

What happens if additional 
matters are presented at the 
meeting? 

If you return a proxy card that indicates an abstention from voting on all matters,
the  shares  represented  will  be  counted  for  the  purpose  of  determining  both  the
presence of a quorum and the total number of votes cast with respect to a proposal
(other than the election of directors), but they will not be voted on any matter at the
meeting. In the absence of controlling precedent to the contrary, we intend to treat
abstentions in this manner. Accordingly, abstentions will have the same effect as a
vote “AGAINST” a proposal. 

  Other than the four proposals described in this proxy statement, we are not aware 
of  any  other  business  to  be  acted  upon  at  the  meeting.  If  you  grant  a  proxy,  the
persons  named  as  proxy  holders,  Kevin  P.  Connors  (our  President  and  Chief
Executive  Officer)  and  Ronald  J.  Santilli (our  Chief  Financial  Officer), will  have
the  discretion to  vote  your  shares  on  any  additional  matters  that  may  be  properly
presented  for  a  vote  at  the  meeting.  If,  for  any  unforeseen  reason,  any  of  our
nominees is not available as a candidate for director, the persons named as proxy
holders  will  vote  your  proxy  for  such  other  candidate  or  candidates  as  may  be 
nominated by our Board. 

Who will serve as inspector of 
election? 

  We  expect  a  representative  of  Computershare  Trust  Company,  Inc.,  our  transfer
agent,  to  tabulate  the  votes,  and  expect  Rajesh  Madan,  our  Vice  President  of 
Finance to act as inspector of election at the meeting. 

What should I do in the event 
that I receive more than one set 
of proxy/voting materials? 

  You may receive more than one set of these proxy solicitation materials, including 
multiple  copies  of  this  proxy  statement  and  multiple  proxy  cards  or  voting
instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage
account,  you  may  receive  a  separate  voting  instruction  card  for  each  brokerage
account in which you hold shares. In addition, If you are a stockholder of record
and your shares are registered in more than one name, you may receive more than
one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each Cutera proxy card and
voting instruction card that you receive to ensure that all your shares are voted. 

-5- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Who is soliciting my vote and 
who will bear the costs of this 
solicitation? 

  Your vote is being solicited on behalf of the Board, and the Company will bear the
entire cost of solicitation of proxies, including preparation, assembly, printing and 
mailing  of  this  proxy  statement.  In  addition  to  these  mailed  proxy  materials,  our
directors  and  employees  may  also  solicit  proxies  in  person,  by  telephone,  by
electronic mail or by other means of communication. Directors and employees will 
not be paid any additional compensation for soliciting proxies. We may reimburse
brokerage firms, banks and other agents for the cost of forwarding proxy materials
to  beneficial  owners.  We  may  also  engage  the  services  of  a  professional  proxy 
solicitation  firm  to  aid  in  the  solicitation  of  proxies  from  certain  brokers,  bank
nominees  and  other  institutional  owners.  Our  costs  for  such  services,  if  retained,
will not be material. 

Where can I find the voting 
results of the meeting? 

  We intend to announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting and file a
Form  8-K  with  the  SEC  within  four  business  days  after  the  end  of  our  Annual
Meeting to report the voting results. 

What is the deadline to propose 
actions for consideration at next 
year’s Annual Meeting of 
stockholders or to nominate 
individuals to serve as 
directors?   

  As  a  stockholder,  you  may  be  entitled  to  present  proposals  for  action  at  a  future

meeting of stockholders, including director nominations.  

Stockholder Proposals: For a stockholder proposal to be considered for inclusion 
in  our  proxy  statement  for  the  Annual  Meeting  to  be  held  in  2013,  the  written
proposal  must  be  received  by  our  corporate  Secretary  at  our  principal  executive
offices no  later  than  January  3, 2013, which  is  the date 120  calendar days  before
the anniversary of the mailing date of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy
Materials. If the date of next year’s Annual Meeting is moved more than 30 days
before or after the anniversary date of this year’s Annual Meeting, the deadline for 
inclusion  of  proposals  in  our  proxy  statement  is  instead  a  reasonable  time  before
we  begin  to  print  and  mail  its  proxy  materials.  Such  proposals  also  must  comply
with  the  requirements  of  Rule  14a-8  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as 
amended (the “Exchange Act”), and any other applicable rules established by the
SEC. Stockholders interested in submitting such a proposal are advised to contact
knowledgeable legal counsel with regard to the detailed requirements of applicable 
securities laws. Proposals should be addressed to:  

Secretary 
Cutera, Inc. 
3240 Bayshore Blvd. 
Brisbane, California 94005-1021  

Nomination  of  Director  Candidates:  You  may  propose  director  candidates  for 
consideration  by  our  Board.  Any  such  recommendations  should  include  the 
nominee’s name and qualifications for Board membership and should be directed
to the “Secretary” at the address of our principal executive offices set forth above.
In addition, our Bylaws permit stockholders to nominate directors for election at an 
Annual  Meeting  of  stockholders.  To  nominate  a  director,  the  stockholder  must
provide  the  information  required  by  our  Bylaws,  as  well  as  a  statement  by  the
nominee  consenting  to  being  named  as  a  nominee  and  to  serve  as  a  director  if 
elected.  In  addition,  the  stockholder  must  give  timely  notice  to  our  corporate
Secretary in accordance with the provisions of our Bylaws, which require that the
notice be received by our corporate Secretary no later than January 3, 2013. 

-6- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Copy  of  Bylaw  Provisions:  You  may  contact  our  corporate  Secretary  at  our 
principal  executive  offices  for  a  copy  of  the  relevant  bylaw  provisions  regarding
the  requirements  for  making  stockholder  proposals  and  nominating  director
candidates. 

-7- 

 
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 

STOCK OWNERSHIP 

The following table provides information relating to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of the 

Record Date, by: 

● 

each stockholder known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock; 

● 

each  of  our  executive  officers  named  in  the  Summary  Compensation  Table  on  page  41  (including  our 
Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and our Chief Technology Officer); 

● 

each of our directors; and 

● 

all of our directors and Named Executive Officers as a group. 

The number of shares beneficially owned by each entity, person, director or executive officer is determined in 
accordance with the rules of the SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any 
other  purpose.  Under  such rules, beneficial  ownership  includes  any  shares  over  which  the  individual  has  the  sole or 
shared voting power or investment power and any shares that the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days of 
April 16, 2012 (the Record Date) through the exercise of any stock option or other right. The number and percentage of 
shares beneficially owned is computed on the basis of 14,068,863 shares of our common stock outstanding as of the 
Record Date. The information in the following table regarding the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common 
stock is based upon information supplied by principal stockholders or Schedules 13D and 13G filed with the SEC. 

Shares  of  our  common  stock  that  a  person  has  the  right  to  acquire  within  60  days  of  the  Record  Date  are 
deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such rights, but are not 
deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person, except with respect to 
the percentage ownership of all directors and executive officers as a group. To our knowledge, except as set forth in the 
footnotes to this table and subject to applicable community property laws, each person or entity named in the table has 
sole  voting  and  disposition  power  with  respect  to  the  shares  set  forth  opposite  such  person’s  or  entity’s  name.  The 
address  for  those  persons  for  which  an  address  is  not  otherwise  provided  is  c/o  Cutera,  Inc.,  3240  Bayshore  Blvd., 
Brisbane, California 94005-1021. 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
David B. Apfelberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Gregory Barrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Kevin P. Connors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Leonard C. DeBenedictis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
David A. Gollnick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
W. Mark Lortz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Timothy J. O’Shea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Ronald J. Santilli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Jerry P. Widman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
All directors and Named Executive Officers as a group (9 persons) . . . .  

*Less than 1%. 

Number of 
Shares  
Outstanding  
1,179,754 
33,796 
— 
604,349 
3,292 
203,750 
23,389 
19,354 
36,517 
21,104 
945,551 

Warrants and 
Options  
Exercisable  
Within 60  
Days 

Approximate 
Percent  
Owned

— 
52,000 
— 
419,967 
68,334 
35,001 
62,000 
42,000 
229,287 
62,000 
970,589 

8.4%
* 
* 
7.1%
* 
1.7%
* 
* 
1.9%
* 
12.7%

-8- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of 
our common stock to file reports of ownership and reports of changes in the ownership with the SEC. Such persons are 
required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. 

Based  solely  on  our  review  of  the  copies  of  such  forms  received  by  us,  or  written  representations  from 
reporting persons that no Forms 3, 4 or 5 were required of such persons, we believe that during our fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2011 all reports were timely filed. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS 

Director Independence 

Our  Board  currently  consists  of  eight  authorized  directors,  with  one  vacancy.  The  Company’s  directors  are 
David B. Apfelberg, Gregory Barrett, Kevin P. Connors, David A. Gollnick, Timothy J. O’Shea, W. Mark Lortz, and 
Jerry P. Widman. Our Board has determined that each of the directors other than Kevin P. Connors, the Company’s 
President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer,  and  David  A.  Gollnick,  the  Company’s  former  Executive  Vice  President  of 
Research  and  Development  and  a  current  consultant  to  our  Company  satisfy  the  current  “independent  director” 
standards established by rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”). 

Board Leadership Structure 

Our  Board  does  not  have  a  chairman  but  David  B.  Apfelberg  is  the  Board-designated  lead  independent 
director. Our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Connors, performs many of the functions that a chairman would typically 
perform and works together with Dr. Apfelberg in setting the agenda for each board meeting and presiding over such 
meetings.  At  the  end  of  each  board  meeting,  the  independent  directors  meet  without  Mr.  Connors  and  Mr.  Gollnick 
present.  Following  each  meeting,  Dr.  Apfelberg  provides  feedback  to  Mr.  Connors  on  his  performance  and  the 
performance of other Cutera employees during the meeting and frequently recommends new agenda items for the next 
meeting. 

As  described  in  more  detail  below,  the  Board  has  three  standing  committees,  an  Audit  Committee,  a 
Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The chairman and each member 
of  these  committees  is  an  independent  director.  The  Board  delegates  substantial  duties  and  responsibilities  to  each 
committee. The committees make recommendations to the Board and report regularly to the Board on their activities 
and  any  actions  they  have  taken.  We  believe  that  our  independent  board  committees  and  their  chairman  are  an 
important aspect of our board leadership structure. 

Risk Oversight and Analysis 

Our  management  is  responsible  for  managing  the  risks  we  face  in  the  ordinary  course  of  operating  our 
business. The Board oversees potential risks and our risk management activities by receiving operational and strategic 
presentations  from  management  which  include  discussions  of  key  risks  to  our  business.  While  our  Board  has  the 
ultimate responsibility for risk management and oversight, various committees of the Board also support the Board in 
its fulfillment of this responsibility. For example, our Audit Committee assists the Board in its risk oversight function 
by  reviewing  and  discussing  with  management  our  system  of  disclosure  controls  and  our  internal  controls  over 
financial  reporting,  and  risks  associated  with  our  cash  investment  policies.  Our  business  is  run  conservatively  and 
excessive  risk  taking  has  been  discouraged.  As  a  result,  risk  analysis  has  not  been  a  significant  factor  for  our 
Compensation  Committee  in  establishing  compensation.  The  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee 
assists  the  Board  in  fulfilling  its  oversight  responsibilities  with  respect  to  the  management  of  risks  associated  with 
Board organization, membership and structure. 

-9- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Committees of the Board 

Our  Board  has  three  standing  committees:  the  Audit  Committee,  the  Compensation  Committee  and  the 
Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee.  From  time  to  time,  our  Board  may  also  create  various  ad  hoc 
committees for special purposes. The membership during the last fiscal year and the function of each of the committees 
are described below. 

Name of Director 

Non-Employee Directors: 
Jerry P. Widman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Timothy J. O’Shea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
W. Mark Lortz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
David B. Apfelberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
David A. Gollnick** 
Gregory Barrett*** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Employee Director: 
Kevin P. Connors 
Number of Meetings Held During the Last Fiscal Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Audit  
Committee

Compensation 
Committee 

Nominating 
and Corporate 
Governance 
Committee

X*
X 
X 

X  

X *   

X  

6 

1  

X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

1 

X  =  Committee member 
*  =  Chairman of Committee 
**  =  Mr. Gollnick resigned from the position of Executive Vice President of Research and Development effective 

  March 20, 2009 and continues to be a member of our Board and a consultant to our Company. 
*** =  Mr. Barrett replaced Mr. O’Shea as a member of the Compensation Committee on October 21, 2011. 

Audit Committee. The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s accounting and financial reporting processes 
and the audits of its financial statements. In this role, the Audit Committee monitors and oversees the integrity of the 
Company’s  financial  statements  and  related  disclosures,  the  qualifications,  independence,  and  performance  of  the 
Company’s  Independent  Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm,  and  the  Company’s  compliance  with  applicable  legal 
requirements and its business conduct policies. Our Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee 
meets the independence and financial literacy requirements of the Nasdaq rules and the independence requirements of 
the  SEC.  Our  Board  has  determined  that  Jerry  P.  Widman  continues  to  qualify  as  an  “audit  committee  financial 
expert,”  as  defined  in  SEC  rules.  The  Audit  Committee  has  a  written  charter,  which  was  adopted  by  our  Board  in 
January 2004, a copy of which can be found on our website at www.cutera.com. The report of the Audit Committee 
appears on page 15 of this proxy statement. 

Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee, together with our Board, establishes compensation 
for our Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers and administers the Company’s 2004 Equity Incentive 
Plan  (as  amended  in  2008)  and  2004  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan.  The  Compensation  Committee  has  a  written 
charter, which was adopted by our Board in January 2004, and amended on April 13, 2007 and on April 25, 2008, and 
can be found on our website at ir.cutera.com. 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee 
reviews and  makes recommendations to the Board on matters concerning corporate governance, Board composition, 
identification, evaluation and nomination of director candidates, Board committees, Board compensation, and conflicts 
of  interest.  The  Nominating and  Corporate  Governance Committee  has  a  written  charter,  which was  adopted by  our 
Board in October 2011 and can be found on our website. 

-10- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Meetings Attended by Directors 

During  2011,  the  Board  held  ten  meetings,  the  Audit  Committee  held  six  meetings,  the  Compensation 
Committee  held  one  meeting,  and  the  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee  held  one  meeting.  No 
director attended fewer than 75% of the meetings of the Board or committee(s) on which he or she served during 2011. 

The directors of the Company are encouraged to attend the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In 
2011, directors David B. Apfelberg, Kevin P. Connors, Jerry P. Widman, and W. Mark Lortz attended the meeting in 
person. No other board members attended that meeting, in person or telephonically. 

Director Nomination Process 

Director  Qualifications.  While  the  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee  has  not  established 
specific minimum qualifications for director candidates, the candidates for Board membership should have the highest 
professional  and  personal  ethics  and  values,  and  conduct  themselves  consistent  with  our  Code  of  Ethics.  While  the 
Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee  has  not  formalized  specific  minimum  qualifications  they  believe 
must  be  met  by  a  candidate  to  be  recommended  by  the  independent  members,  the  Nominating  and  Corporate 
Governance Committee believes that candidates and nominees must reflect a Board that is comprised of directors who 
(i)  have  broad  and  relevant  experience,  (ii)  are  predominantly  independent,  (iii)  are  of  high  integrity,  (iv)  have 
qualifications  that  will  increase  overall  Board  effectiveness  and  enhance  long-term  stockholder  value,  and  (v)  meet 
other requirements as may be required by applicable rules, such as financial literacy or financial expertise with respect 
to Audit Committee members. 

Stockholder Nominations and Recommendations. As described above in the Question and Answer section of 
this proxy statement under “What is the deadline to propose actions for consideration at next year’s Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders  or  to  nominate  individuals  to  serve  as  directors?,”  our  Bylaws  set  forth  the  procedure  for  the  proper 
submission  of  stockholder  nominations  for  membership  on  our  Board.  In  addition,  the  Nominating  and  Corporate 
Governance  Committee  may  consider  properly  submitted  stockholder  recommendations  (as  opposed  to  formal 
nominations)  for  candidates  for  membership  on  the  Board.  A  stockholder  may  make  such  a  recommendation  by 
submitting the following information to our Secretary at 3240 Bayshore Blvd., Brisbane, California 94005-1021: the 
candidate’s  name,  home  and  business  contact  information,  detailed  biographical  data,  relevant  qualifications, 
professional and personal references, information regarding any relationships between the candidate and Cutera within 
the last three years and evidence of ownership of Cutera stock by the recommending stockholder. 

Identifying  and  Evaluating  Director  Nominees.  Typically  new  candidates  for  nomination  to  the  Board  are 
suggested by  existing directors or by  our  executive  officers,  although  candidates  may  initially  come  to our  attention 
through  professional  search  firms,  stockholders  or  other  persons.  The  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance 
Committee carefully reviews the qualifications of any candidates who have been properly brought to its attention. Such 
a  review  may,  in  the  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee’s  discretion,  include  a  review  solely  of 
information  provided  to  the  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee  or  may  also  include  discussion  with 
persons familiar with the candidate, an interview with the candidate or other actions that the Nominating and Corporate 
Governance  Committee  deems  proper.  The  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee  shall  consider  the 
suitability of each candidate, including the current members of the Board, in light of the current size and composition 
of  the  Board.  In  evaluating  the  qualifications  of  the  candidates,  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee 
considers many factors, including, issues of character, judgment, independence, expertise, length of service, and other 
commitments.  In  addition,  the  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee  takes  into  account  diversity  in 
professional  experience,  skills  and  background  in  considering  and  evaluating  candidates.  However,  while  diversity 
relating  to  background,  skill,  experience  and  perspective  is  one  factor  considered  in  the  nomination  process,  the 
Company does not have a formal policy relating to diversity. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee 
evaluates such factors, among others, and does not assign any particular weighting or priority to any of these factors. 
Candidates  properly  recommended  by  stockholders  are  evaluated  by  the  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance 
Committee using the same criteria as other candidates. Candidates are not discriminated against on the basis of race, 
religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or any other basis proscribed by law. 

-11- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Director  Nominees  at  our  2012  Annual  Meeting.  Our  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee 

recommended the director nominees for nomination to our Board. 

Director Compensation 

The following table sets forth a summary of the cash compensation paid and the grant date fair value of fully 
vested shares of Cutera common stock awarded to our non-employee directors in the fiscal year ended December 31, 
2011. 

2011 Director Compensation Table 

Name 

Fees Earned 
or Paid in 
Cash (1)

Stock 
Awards (2)

All Other  
Compensation (3)   

Total

David B. Apfelberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $
Gregory Barrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
David A. Gollnick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
W. Mark Lortz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Timothy J. O’Shea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Jerry P. Widman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$

65,000 
— 
45,000 
52,500 
57,000 
71,000 

60,000(4) $
—(5)
60,000(6)
60,000(7)
60,000(8)
60,000(9)

— 

181,920(6) 

43,200(4)  $ 168,200 
— 
  286,920 
  112,500 
  117,000 
  131,000 

— 
— 
— 

(1)  The amounts reported in this column were earned in connection with serving on our Board and its committees, or 

as committee Chairman retainers, each as described below. 

(2)  The amounts reported in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of fully vested shares of Cutera 
common stock awarded during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 calculated in accordance with Financial 
Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 718. 

(3)  The amounts reported in this column were earned for services provided for other than serving on our Board or its 

committees, each as described below. 

(4)  At  December  31,  2011,  Dr.  Apfelberg  held  options  to  purchase  52,000  shares  of  Cutera  common  stock.  Dr. 
Apfelberg  was  the  Medical  Director  of  the  Cutera  Clinic,  and,  in  connection  with  this  role,  was  paid  $43,200 
during  the  fiscal  year  ended  December  31,  2011.  Effective  April  20,  2012,  Dr.  Apfelberg  resigned  from  his 
position as Medical Director of the Cutera Clinic. 

(5)  At December 31, 2011, Mr. Barrett held options to purchase 14,000 shares of Cutera common stock. 
(6)  Mr.  Gollnick  resigned  from  the  position  of  Executive  Vice  President  of  Research  and  Development  effective 
March 20, 2009. He continues to be a member of our Board and is a consultant to the Company. In connection 
with  his  consulting  agreement,  he  was  paid  $181,920  during  the  fiscal  year  ended  December  31,  2011.  At 
December 31, 2011, Mr. Gollnick held options to purchase 41,126 shares of Cutera common stock. 
(7)  At December 31, 2011, Mr. Lortz held options to purchase 62,000 shares of Cutera common stock. 
(8)  At December 31, 2011, Mr. O’Shea held options to purchase 42,000 shares of Cutera common stock. 
(9)  At December 31, 2011, Mr. Widman held options to purchase 62,000 shares of Cutera common stock. 

For  2011,  our  non-employee  directors  earned  an  annual  retainer  of  $45,000  for  regular  Board  meetings; 
$6,000  for  Compensation  Committee  meetings  (for  members  other  than  the  Chairman);  and  $7,500  for  Audit 
Committee  meetings  (for  members  other  than  the  Chairman).  Our  non-employee  directors  did  not  earn  an  annual 
retainer for Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meetings. The Chairmen of the Audit Committee and 
the  Compensation  Committee  each  earned  an  annual  retainer  of  $20,000  for  their  services  on  the  respective 
committees. Our non-employee directors no longer receive meeting fees for Board and committee meetings regardless 
of the number of meetings held throughout the year. 

Our  2004  Equity  Incentive  Plan  provides  for  the  automatic  grant  of  options  to  purchase  shares  of  Cutera 
common stock to our non-employee directors. Each non-employee director who is appointed to the Board will receive 
an  initial  option  to  purchase  14,000  shares  of  Cutera  common  stock  upon  such  appointment.  Each  of  these  stock 
options will have an exercise price equal to fair market value of Cutera common stock on the date of grant and a term 
of seven years and will become exercisable as to one-third of the shares subject to the option on each anniversary of its 
date  of  grant,  provided  the  non-employee  director  remains  a  director  on such  dates.  In  addition,  each non-employee 
director who is a director on the date of each Annual Meeting of Stockholders and has been a director for at least the 
preceding  six  months,  will  receive  an  award  of  fully  vested  shares  of  Cutera  common  stock  on  an  annual  basis 
equivalent to the number of shares represented by the quotient of $60,000 divided by the closing market price of Cutera 
common stock on the date of such Annual Meeting. In June 2011, our non-employee directors received an award for 
$60,000 of fully vested shares of Cutera common stock. 

-12- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Code of Ethics 

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of business conduct and ethics. Our Code of Ethics, as 
amended,  (the  “Code”)  reflects  our  values  and  the  business  practices  and  principles  of  behavior  that  support  this 
commitment. The Code is intended to satisfy SEC rules for a “code of ethics” required by Section 406 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002, as well as the Nasdaq listing standards requirement for a “code of conduct.” The Code is an Exhibit 
to  our  Form  8-K  filed  with  the  SEC  on  April  29,  2004,  was  amended  and  restated  on  November  19,  2009,  and  is 
available  on  the  Company’s  website  at  www.cutera.com.  We  will  post  any  amendment  to  the  Code,  as  well  as  any 
waivers that are required to be disclosed by the rules of the SEC or Nasdaq, on our website. 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 

No member of our Compensation Committee, nor any of our executive officers, has a relationship that would 
constitute  an  interlocking  relationship  with  executive  officers  or  directors  of  another  entity.  No  Compensation 
Committee member is an officer or employee of Cutera. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 

In the Company’s last fiscal year, and except for compensation paid to its directors and executive officers for 
services performed in such roles, and except as provided in the following paragraph, there has not been, nor is there 
currently proposed, any transaction or series of similar transactions to which the Company was or is to be a party in 
which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and in which any director, executive officer, holder of more than 5% of 
our common stock or any member of their immediate families had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. 

We have a consulting agreement with David A. Gollnick pursuant to which Mr. Gollnick is compensated for 
services that he provides to us, including product development and clinical support. Payments to Mr. Gollnick under 
this agreement in 2011 and 2010 were $181,920 and $133,520, respectively. 

Review, Approval or Ratification of Related Party Transactions 

As provided by our Audit Committee charter, our Audit Committee must review and approve in advance any 
proposed related party transaction. All of our directors and officers are required to report to our Audit Committee any 
such related party transaction prior to its completion. We have not adopted specific standards for approval of related 
party transactions, but instead our Audit Committee reviews each such transaction on a case-by-case basis. Our policy 
is  to  require  that  all  executive  compensation-related  matters  be  recommended  and  approved  by  our  Compensation 
Committee as provided by our Compensation Committee charter and be reported under applicable SEC rules. 

Family Relationships 

There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers. 

Indemnification Agreements 

Each of our directors and officers has an indemnification agreement with our Company. 

-13- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Communications with the Board by Stockholders 

Stockholders  wishing  to  communicate  with  the  Board  or  with  an  individual  Board  member  concerning  the 
Company may do so by writing to the Board or to the particular Board member, and mailing the correspondence to: 
Attention: Board of Directors, c/o Secretary, Cutera, Inc., 3240 Bayshore Blvd., Brisbane, California 94005-1021. The 
envelope should indicate that it contains a stockholder communication. All such stockholder communications will be 
forwarded to the director or directors to whom the communications are addressed. 

Stock Ownership Guidelines 

To enhance our overall corporate governance practices and director compensation program, in April 2012, our 
Board  adopted  stock  ownership  guidelines  for  our  non-employee  directors,  which  the  Compensation  Committee 
intends  to  review  annually.  These  guidelines  are  designed  to  align  our  non-employee  directors’  interests  with  our 
stockholders’  long-term  interests  by  promoting  long-term  ownership  of  Cutera  common  stock.  These  guidelines 
provide that, within five years of the later of the adoption of the guidelines or his or her first date of election to our 
Board, our non-employee directors must hold shares of Cutera common stock having a value not less than three times 
the value of their annual retainer for general Board service. 

-14- 

 
 
 
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE 

The material in this section is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not incorporated by reference in any filing 
of our Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after 
the date of this Proxy Statement and irrespective of any general incorporation language in those filings. 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised solely of independent directors (as defined by 
Nasdaq rules) who were all appointed by the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written 
charter adopted by the Board of Directors, a copy of which can be found on our website. The Audit Committee reviews 
and assesses the adequacy of its charter on an annual basis. As more fully described in the charter, the purpose of the 
Audit  Committee  is  to  provide  general  oversight  of  Cutera’s  financial  reporting,  integrity  of  financial  statements, 
internal controls and internal audit functions. The Audit Committee has authority to retain outside legal, accounting or 
other advisors as its deems necessary to carry out its duties and to require Cutera to pay for such expenditures. 

The  Audit  Committee  monitors  Cutera’s  external  audit  process,  including  the  scope,  fees,  auditor 
independence matters and the extent to which the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm may be retained to 
perform non-audit services. The Audit Committee has responsibility for the appointment, compensation, retention and 
oversight of Cutera’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Audit Committee also reviews the results 
of  the  external  audit  work  with  regard  to  the  adequacy  and  appropriateness  of  Cutera’s  financial,  accounting  and 
internal  controls  over  financial  reporting.  In  addition,  the  Audit  Committee  generally  oversees  Cutera’s  internal 
compliance  programs.  The  Audit  Committee  members  are  not  all  professional  accountants  or  auditors,  and  their 
function is not intended to duplicate or to certify the activities of management and the Independent Registered Public 
Accounting  Firm,  nor  can  the  Audit  Committee  certify  that  the  Independent  Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm  is 
“independent” under applicable rules. 

The Audit Committee provides advice, counsel and direction to management and the Independent Registered 
Public Accounting Firm on matters for which it is responsible based on the information it receives from management 
and the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the experience of its members in business, financial and 
accounting matters. 

Management is responsible for the preparation and integrity of Cutera’s financial statements, accounting and 
financial  reporting processes and  internal  control over  financial  reporting for  compliance  with  applicable  accounting 
standards, laws and regulations. 

Cutera’s  Independent  Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm,  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP,  is  responsible  for 
performing  an  independent  audit  of  Cutera’s  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing 
standards and expressing an opinion in its report on those financial statements, and for expressing an opinion on the 
effectiveness of Cutera’s internal control over financial reporting. 

In this context, the Audit Committee hereby reports as follows: 

●  The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for 2011 with Cutera’s 

management. 

●  The Audit Committee has discussed with the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm the matters 
required to be discussed by SAS 61 (Codification of Statements on Auditing Standard, AU 380), SAS 99 
(Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit) and SEC rules discussed in Final Releases Nos. 
33-8183 and 33-8183a. 

The  Audit  Committee  has  received  written  disclosures  and  a  letter  from  the  Independent  Registered  Public 
Accounting  Firm,  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP,  pursuant  to  Rule  3526,  Communication  with  Audit  Committees 
Concerning Independence, of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), and has discussed with 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP its independence. 

-15- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
●  The Audit Committee has discussed with the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm the overall 

scope and plans for its audit. 

●  The  Audit  Committee  has  met  with  the  Independent  Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm,  with  and 
without  management  present,  to  discuss  the  results  of  its  examinations,  its  evaluations  of  our  internal 
control over financial reporting, and to discuss the overall quality of our financial reporting. 

●  The  Audit  Committee  has  considered  whether  the  provision  by  the  Independent  Registered  Public 

Accounting Firm of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining its independence. 

●  Based on the review and discussion referred to above, the Audit Committee has approved that the audited 
financial statements and the report of management on internal control over financial reporting be included 
in Cutera’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. 

The foregoing report is provided by the undersigned members of the Audit Committee. 

W. Mark Lortz 
Timothy J. O’Shea 
Jerry P. Widman 

-16- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPOSAL ONE—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 

Classes of the Board of Directors 

Our  Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation provides  that  our  Board  shall  be  divided  into  three 
classes  designated  as  Class  I,  Class  II  and Class  III,  respectively,  with  the  classes  of  directors  serving  for  staggered 
three-year terms. Our Board currently consists of seven directors, divided among the three classes as follows: 

● 

● 

● 

two  Class  I  directors,  Kevin  P.  Connors  and  David  A.  Gollnick,  whose  terms  expire  at  our  Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2014; 

two  Class  II  directors,  David  B.  Apfelberg  and  Timothy  J.  O’Shea,  whose  terms  expire  at  our  Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2012; and 

three Class III directors W. Mark Lortz, Gregory Barrett and Jerry P. Widman, whose terms expire at the 
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2013. 

The  name  of  each  member  of  the  Board,  the  class  in  which  he  or  she  serves,  and  his  or  her  age  as  of  the 

Record Date, principal occupation and length of service on the Board are as follows: 

Name 

Class I Directors 
Kevin P. Connors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
David A. Gollnick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

Class II Directors 
Timothy J. O’Shea(2)(3) . . . . . . . . .    
David B. Apfelberg(1)(3) . . . . . . . .    

Class III Directors 
W. Mark Lortz (2)(3) . . . . . . . . . . . .    

Gregory Barrett(1)(3)   . . . . . . . . . . .    

Jerry P. Widman (1)(2)(3) . . . . . . . .    

Term 
Expires

2014 
2014 

2012 
2012 

2013 

2013 

2013 

  Age 

Principal Occupation 

  Director Since

50 
48 

  President and Chief Executive Officer   
  Former Executive Vice President of 
Research and Development 

59 
70 

  Managing Director, Oxo Capital 
  Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery, 
Stanford University Medical Center 

60 

  Former Chief Executive Officer, 

TheraSense, Inc. 

58 

  Former Chairman, President and Chief 
Executive Officer, BÂRRX Medical 

69 

  Former Chief Financial Officer, 

Ascension Health 

1998 
1998 

2004 
1998 

2004 

2011 

2004 

(1)  Member of the Compensation Committee. 
(2)  Member of the Audit Committee. 
(3)  Member of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. 

Director Nominees 

The  Board  has  nominated  David  B.  Apfelberg,  MD  and  Timothy  J.  O’Shea  for  re-election  as  Class  II 

directors. 

David B. Apfelberg, MD has served as a member of our board of directors since November 1998. Since 1980, 
Dr.  Apfelberg  has  held  various  roles  at  the  Stanford  University  Medical  Center,  and  currently  serves  as  a  Clinical 
Professor of Plastic Surgery. Since 1987, Dr. Apfelberg has also been a consultant for entrepreneurs and venture capital 
companies in the areas of medical devices and medicine. From June 1991 to May 2001, Dr. Apfelberg was Director of 
the Plastic Surgery Center in Atherton, California. Dr. Apfelberg is the author of five books on lasers in medicine and 
is a founding member and past president of the American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Apfelberg 
holds both a B.M.S., Bachelor of Medical Science, and an M.D. from Northwestern University Medical School. We 
believe Dr. Apfelberg’s qualifications to serve on our board of directors include his medical expertise, understanding of 
our products, and his knowledge of the aesthetics market generally. 

-17- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Timothy J. O’Shea has served as a member of our board of directors since April 2004. Mr. O’Shea has been 
with  Oxo  Capital  since  2008  and  serves  as  a  managing  director.  From  1995  to  2008,  he  served  in  a  variety  of 
management positions at Boston Scientific, including Corporate Vice President of Business Development from 2000 to 
2008. Mr. O’Shea holds a B.A. in history from the University of Detroit. We believe Mr. O’Shea’s qualifications to 
serve  on  our  board  of  directors  include  his  corporate  marketing  knowledge  as  well  as  his  diverse  experience  in  the 
medical device industry working for a large medical device company. 

If  elected  to  our  board  of  directors,  directors  David  B.  Apfelberg,  MD  and  Timothy  J.  O’Shea  would  each 
hold  office  as  a  Class  II  director  until  our  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders  to  be  held  in  2015  or  until  his  earlier 
resignation, removal, or death. 

Board of Directors’ Recommendation 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE TWO 

NOMINEES FOR CLASS II DIRECTOR LISTED ABOVE. 

Directors Whose Terms Extend Beyond the 2012 Annual Meeting 

Kevin P. Connors has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our board of 
directors  since  our  inception  in  August  1998.  From  May  1996  to  June  1998,  Mr.  Connors  served  as  President  and 
General Manager of Coherent Medical Group, a unit of Coherent Inc., which manufactures lasers, optics and related 
accessories. We believe Mr. Connors’ qualifications to serve on our board of directors include, his knowledge of and 
leadership  experience,  in  the  aesthetic  medical  equipment  industry  prior  to  joining  Cutera  and  the  substantial 
understanding  of  the  Company  and  its  operations  that  he  has  gained  while  serving  as  President,  Chief  Executive 
Officer and director of the Company since inception. 

David A. Gollnick has served as a member of our Board since our inception in August 1998. He served as our 
Vice President of Research and Development from August 1998 until April 2007, and served as our Executive Vice 
President  of  Research  and  Development  from  April  2007  until  March  2009.  From  June  1996  to  July  1998,  Mr. 
Gollnick was Vice President of Research and Development at Coherent Medical Group, a unit of Coherent Inc. Mr. 
Gollnick  holds  a  B.S.  in  Mechanical  Engineering  from  Fresno  State  University.  We  believe  Mr.  Gollnick’s 
qualifications  to  serve  on  our  board  of  directors  include  his  technical  experience  in  researching  and  developing 
products  for  the  aesthetic  medical  equipment  industry  and  his  understanding  of  our  employees,  products  and 
operations. 

W.  Mark  Lortz  has served  as  a  member  of  our board of directors  since  June 2004.  Mr.  Lortz  served  as  the 
Chairman,  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  TheraSense  until  June  of  2004  after  its  acquisition  by  Abbott 
Laboratories. Prior to TheraSense, Mr. Lortz held several positions at LifeScan, including Vice President, Operations 
and Group Vice President, Worldwide Business Operations. Prior to LifeScan, Mr. Lortz had 18 years of experience 
with  the  General  Electric  Company  in  several  divisions.  Mr.  Lortz  currently  serves  as  a  member  of  the  board  of 
directors of two privately-held companies in the healthcare industry. Within the past five years, Mr. Lortz also served 
on  the  board  of  directors  of  NeuroMetrix,  a  publicly-traded  manufacturer  of  neurological  diagnostic  and  therapeutic 
devices, and IntraLase, a manufacturer of lasers for the medical industry and for eye surgery which was acquired by 
Advanced  Medical  Optics.  Mr.  Lortz  holds  an  M.B.A.  in  Management  from  Xavier  University  and  a  B.S.  in 
Engineering  Science  from  Iowa  State  University.  We  believe  Mr.  Lortz’s  qualifications  to  serve  on  our  board  of 
directors include his executive leadership and management experience as a former Chief Executive Officer, as well as 
his experience serving on the boards of other public and private companies. 

Gregory  Barrett  has  served  as  a  member  of  our  board  of  directors  since  October  2011.  Mr.  Barrett is  the 
President and Chief Executive Officer of BÂRRX Medical, Inc., a private medical device company that was recently 
acquired  by  Covidien,  that  manufactures  and  distributes  products  to  treat  gastrointestinal  diseases.  Prior  to  joining 
BÂRRX  Medical  in  February  2004,  from  January  2001  through  August  2003,  Mr.  Barrett  served  as  President  and 
Chief Executive Officer of ACMI Corporation, a developer of medical visualization and energy systems; Group Vice 
President at Boston Scientific Corporation; Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing at both Orthofix Corporation 
(formerly American Medical Electronics) and Baxter Healthcare. Mr. Barrett spent 13 years at C.R. Bard Corporation 
and finished his tenure there as vice president of marketing in the Cardiosurgery Division. Mr. Barrett holds a B.A. in 
Marketing  from  the  University  of  Texas,  Austin.  We  believe  Mr.  Barrett’s  qualifications  to  serve  on  our  board  of 
directors  include his  more  than 34  years  of  diverse  experiences  in  the  medical  device  industry,  including  time  spent 
serving as president and chief executive officer of several medical device companies. 

-18- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jerry P. Widman has served as a member of our board of directors since March 2004. From 1982 to 2001, Mr. 
Widman  served  as  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  Ascension  Health,  a  not-for-profit  multi-hospital  system.  Mr. 
Widman  currently  serves  as  a  member  of  the  board  of  directors  of  three  other  privately-held  companies  in  the 
healthcare  industry.  Within  the  past  five  years,  Mr.  Widman  also  served  on  the  board  of  directors  of  ArthroCare 
Corporation,  United  Surgical  Partners  International  and  the  Trizetto  Group.  Mr.  Widman  holds  a  B.B.A.  from  Case 
Western Reserve University, an M.B.A. from the University of Denver, and a J.D. from Cleveland State University and 
is a Certified Public Accountant. We believe Mr. Widman’s qualifications to serve on our board of directors include his 
financial expertise and prior experience as a Chief Financial Officer, as well as his experience serving on the boards of 
various public and private companies. 

-19- 

PROPOSAL TWO—NON-BINDING VOTE ON COMPENSATION 

OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 

General 

Pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we are providing our stockholders with the 
opportunity  to  vote  to  approve,  on  an  advisory  or  non-binding  basis,  the  compensation  of  our  Named  Executive 
Officers  as  disclosed  in  accordance  with  the  SEC’s  rules  in  the  “Executive  Compensation”  section  of  this  proxy 
statement  beginning  on  page  30  below.  This  proposal,  commonly  known  as  a  “say-on-pay”  proposal,  gives  our 
stockholders the opportunity to express their views on our Named Executive Officers’ compensation as a whole. This 
vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation or any specific Named Executive Officer, but rather 
the overall compensation of all of our Named Executive Officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described 
in this proxy statement. 

This vote is advisory only, and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or our 
Board.  The  vote  will,  however,  provide  information  to  us  regarding  investor  sentiment  about  our  executive 
compensation philosophy, policies and practices, which the Compensation Committee will be able to consider when 
determining  executive  compensation  for  the  remainder  of  the  current  fiscal  year  and  beyond.  Our  Board  and  the 
Compensation  Committee  value  the  opinions  of  our  stockholders  and  to  the  extent  there  is  any  significant  vote 
against the compensation of the Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this proxy statement, they will consider 
our  stockholders’  concerns  and  the  Compensation  Committee  will  evaluate  whether  any  actions  are  necessary  to 
address those concerns. 

Summary of 2011 Executive Compensation Program 

Following is a summary of some of the key features of our 2011 executive compensation program: 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

The primary objectives of our executive compensation programs are that they be fair, objective and 
consistent,  that  compensation  be  directly  and  substantially  linked  to  measurable  corporate  and 
individual performance and that compensation remains competitive, so that we can attract, motivate, 
retain and reward the key executives whose knowledge, skills and performance are necessary for our 
success. 

We seek to foster a culture where individual performance is aligned with organizational objectives. 

We  evaluate  and  reward  our  Named  Executive  Officers  based  on  the  comparable  industry  specific 
and general market compensation for their respective positions in the Company and an evaluation of 
their contributions to the achievement of short-and long-term organizational goals. 

Executive compensation is reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee, and adjustments are 
made to reflect performance-based factors and competitive conditions. 

Our  Named  Executive  Officers  are  compensated  with  cash,  equity  and  non-equity  incentives,  and 
other customary employee benefits. 

Our Named Executive Officers have Change of Control and Severance Agreements and, except for 
these  arrangements,  we  do  not  have  employment  agreements  with  any  of  our  Named  Executive 
Officers. 

In  response  to  the  results  of  our  initial  stockholder  advisory  vote  on  the  compensation  of  our  Named 
Executive Officers at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, we have made changes to our corporate governance 
policies that include: creating a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, engaging an outside compensation 
consultant,  revising  our  compensation  peer  group  and  making  changes  to  our  executive  compensation  program, 
including the adoption of stock ownership guidelines. In addition, our Board is presently evaluating the implementation 
of a compensation recovery (a so-called “clawback”) policy. For more information about our executive compensation 
philosophy, policies and practices and other changes that we have made to our corporate governance policies, see the 
“Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement beginning on page 30 below. 

-20- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We believe that the information provided above and within the Executive Compensation section of this proxy 
statement demonstrates that our executive compensation program has been designed appropriately and is working to 
ensure our Named Executive Officers’ interests are aligned with our stockholders’ interests to support long-term value 
creation. 

Accordingly, we ask our stockholders to vote “FOR” the following resolution at the Annual Meeting: 

“RESOLVED,  that  the  Company’s  stockholders  approve,  on  an  advisory  basis,  the  compensation  of  the 
Named  Executive  Officers,  as  disclosed  in  the  Company’s  Proxy  Statement  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of 
Stockholders  pursuant  to  the  compensation  disclosure  rules  of  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission, 
including  the  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis,  the  compensation  tables  and  the  other  related 
disclosure.” 

Board of Directors’ Recommendation 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ADVISORY 

(NON-BINDING) VOTE APPROVING THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. 

-21- 

 
 
 
 
PROPOSAL THREE—RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT 
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

The  Audit  Committee  of  the  Board  has  selected  Ernst  &  Young  LLP  as  the  Independent  Registered  Public 
Accounting Firm to perform the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending 
December  31,  2012.  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP  audited  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the 
fiscal years 2001 through 2011. 

The  Board  is  asking  the  stockholders  to  ratify  the  selection  of  Ernst  &  Young  LLP  as  the  Company’s 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2012. Although not required by law, by rules of NASDAQ, or by 
the Company’s bylaws, the Board is submitting the selection of Ernst & Young LLP to the stockholders for ratification 
as a matter of good corporate practice. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may select 
a  different  Independent  Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm  at  any  time  during  the  year  if  it  determines  that  such  a 
change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. 

We have requested that representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Ernst & Young LLP be present 
at the Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available 
to respond to appropriate questions from the Company’s stockholders. 

Board of Directors’ Recommendation 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF 

THE SELECTION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED 
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2012. 

Prior Changes in Independent Registered Public Accountant 

On  March  26,  2012,  the  Company  dismissed  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP  as  the  Company’s  independent 

registered public accountant. 

The  dismissal  of  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP  was  approved  by  the  Audit  Committee  of  the  Board  of 
Directors and the Board. The reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on the financial statements of the Company as of 
and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and 
were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle. 

During the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 and through March 26, 2012, (i) there 
were  no  disagreements  with  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP  on  any  matter  of  accounting  principles  or  practices, 
financial  statement  disclosure,  or  auditing  scope  or  procedure,  which  disagreements,  if  not  resolved  to 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s satisfaction, would have caused PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to make reference to the 
subject matter of such disagreements in its reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for such years, 
and (ii) there were no reportable events as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K. 

We provided PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with a copy of the disclosures we proposed to make in a current 
report  on  Form  8-K  filed  on  March  26,  2012,  and  requested  from  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP  a  letter  indicating 
whether or not it agrees with such disclosures. A copy of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s letter was filed as an exhibit 
to the Form 8-K reporting the change in our auditors. 

Based on the Audit Committee’s recommendation, the Company engaged Ernst & Young LLP on March 26, 
2012,  as  the  Company’s  independent  registered  public  accountant  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  December  31,  2012. 
During the Company’s two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 and through March 26, 2012, 
neither  the  Company  nor  anyone  on  its  behalf  consulted  Ernst  &  Young  LLP  regarding  either  (i)  the  application  of 
accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might 
be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and no written report or oral advice was provided to the Company 
that Ernst & Young LLP concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to 
the  accounting,  auditing  or  financial  reporting  issue;  or  (ii)  any  matter  that  was  the  subject  of  a  disagreement  or 
reportable event as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) and Item 304(a)(1)(v), respectively, of Regulation S-K. 

-22- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit and Non-Audit Services 

The  Audit  Committee  is  directly  responsible  for  the  appointment,  compensation,  and  oversight  of  the 
Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. In addition to retaining Ernst & Young LLP to audit the 
Company’s consolidated financial statements for 2012, the Audit Committee retained PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to 
provide other auditing and advisory services in 2011. The Audit Committee understands the need for Ernst & Young 
LLP  and  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP  to  maintain  objectivity  and  independence  in  their  audits  of  the  Company’s 
financial statements. The Audit Committee has reviewed all non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP  in  2011  and  has  concluded  that  the  provision  of  such  services  was  compatible  with  maintaining 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. 

To  help  ensure  the  independence  of  the  Independent  Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm,  the  Audit 
Committee  has  adopted  a  policy  for  the  pre-approval  of  all  audit  and  non-audit  services  to  be  performed  for  the 
Company  by  its  Independent  Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm.  Pursuant  to  this  policy,  all  audit  and  non-audit 
services to be performed by the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm must be approved in advance by the 
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee may delegate to one or more of its members the authority to grant the required 
approvals, provided that any exercise of such authority is presented to the full Audit Committee at its next regularly 
scheduled meeting. 

All of the services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP described in the table below were approved by 

the Audit Committee. 

The  aggregate  fees  incurred  by  the  Company  for  audit  and  non-audit  services  in  2011  and  2010  were  as 

follows: 

Service Category 
Audit Fees(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Audit Related Fees(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tax Fees(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
All Other Fees(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

$

2011 
643,250 
— 
147,338 
1,800 
792,388 

$

$

2010 

507,150 
11,200 
102,900 
1,500 
622,750 

(1)  In  accordance  with  the  SEC’s  definitions  and  rules,  audit  fees  are  comprised  of  billed  and  unbilled  fees  for 
professional services related to the audit of financial statements and internal control over financial reporting for the 
Company’s 2011 and 2010 fiscal years as included in the annual report on Form 10-K; and the review of financial 
statements for interim periods included in the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q within those years. 

(2)  Audit-related fees are fees for services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory 

and regulatory filings or engagements; 
(3)  Tax fees are fees for tax compliance services; 
(4)  All other fees relates to a subscription fee for a PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP online service used for accounting 

research purposes. 

-23- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPOSAL FOUR—ADOPTION OF 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (AS AMENDED) 

We are asking our stockholders to adopt our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2004 Plan”) to: 

● 

● 

● 
● 

add 1,910,000 shares of our common stock to the total number of shares reserved for issuance under 
the 2004 Plan; 
add a “fungible share” provision whereby each full-value award issued under the 2004 Plan results in 
a requirement to subtract 2.12 shares from the shares reserved under the 2004 Plan; 
limit the terms of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights to seven years; and 
clarify that no options will be granted at an exercise price less than 100% of fair market value. 

Our Board has approved these provisions of the 2004 Plan, subject to stockholder adoption at the Annual 
Meeting. If stockholders do not adopt the 2004 Plan, no additional shares will be added for issuance under the 2004 
Plan and the 2004 Plan will continue under its current terms and conditions. 

Our  named  executive  officers  and  Directors  have  an  interest  in  this  proposal  as  they  are  eligible  to  receive 

equity awards under the 2004 Plan. 

The  Board  believes  that  long-term  incentive  compensation  programs  align  the  interests  of  management, 
employees and the stockholders to create long-term stockholder value. Our Board believes that the 2004 Plan increases 
our ability to achieve this objective by allowing for several different forms of long-term incentive awards, which our 
Board  believes  will  help  us  to  recruit,  reward,  motivate  and  retain  talented  personnel.  Our  Board  and  management 
believe that the ability to continue to grant equity awards will be important to the future success of Cutera. 

Our  Board  believes  that  adoption  of  the  2004  Plan  is  essential  to  our  continued  success,  as  the  additional 
shares  will  enable  us  to  continue  to  use  the  2004  Plan  to  achieve  employee  performance,  recruiting,  retention  and 
incentive goals. In particular, our Board believes that our employees are our most valuable assets and that the awards 
permitted under the Incentive Plan are vital to our ability to attract and retain outstanding and highly skilled individuals 
in  the  extremely  competitive  labor  markets  in  which  we  compete.  Such  awards  also  are  crucial  to  our  ability  to 
motivate employees to achieve our goals. 

Vote Required 

Approval of the 2004 Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our Common Stock that are 

present in person or proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. 

Board of Directors’ Recommendation 

THE  BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS  THAT  YOU  VOTE  FOR  THE  ADOPTION  OF 

THE 2004 PLAN. 

Summary of the 2004 Plan 

The following is a summary of the principal features of the 2004 Plan and its operation. It is qualified in its 

entirety by reference to the 2004 Plan set forth in Appendix A. 

The  2004  Plan  provides  for  the  grant  of  the  following  types  of  incentive  Awards:  (i)  stock  options,  (ii) 
restricted stock, (iii) restricted stock units, (iv) stock appreciation rights (v) performance units and performance shares, 
and (vi)  and other  stock  or  cash  awards.  Each  of  these  is  referred  to  individually  as  an  “Award.”  Those  eligible  for 
Awards  under  the  2004  Plan  include  employees,  directors  and  consultants  who  provide  services  to  us  or  our 
subsidiaries.  As  of  April  26,  2012,  approximately  220  of  our  employees,  directors  and  consultants  were  eligible  to 
participate in this plan. 

Number of Shares of Common Stock Available Under the 2004 Plan. A total of 1,750,000 shares of common 
stock were initially authorized for issuance under the 2004 Plan, plus any shares returned under the 1998 Stock Plan as 
a  result  of  termination  of  options  or  repurchase  of  shares  issued  under  such  plan,  and  shares  added  pursuant  to 
automatic annual increase under the 2004 Plan. In 2008, stockholders approved an amendment to the 2004 Plan which 
eliminated  the  “evergreen”  provision  which  provided  for  an  automatic  annual  increase  in  the  number  of  shares 
available in the 2004 Plan. As of April 16, 2012, a total of 564,000 shares were authorized and remained available for 
future awards under the 2004 Plan. The shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired common stock. 

-24- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Any shares that are subject to Awards and are granted with an exercise price less than fair market value on the 
date  of  grant  of  the  Award  will  be  counted  against  the  numerical  limits  described  above  as  2.12  shares  for  every  1 
share.  If  any  shares  acquired  pursuant  to  such  an  Award  are  forfeited  or  repurchased  by  the  Company  and  would 
otherwise return to the 2004 Plan as described below, 2.12 times the number of shares forfeited or repurchased will 
return to the plan and become available for issuance 

If  an  Award  expires  or  becomes  unexercisable  without  having  been  exercised  in  full,  or,  with  respect  to 
restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units, is forfeited to or repurchased by us, 
the unpurchased shares (or for Awards other than options and stock appreciation rights, the forfeited or repurchased 
shares) which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the 2004 Plan. Upon exercise of 
a stock appreciation rights settled in shares, the gross number of shares covered by the portion of the stock appreciation 
right will cease to be available under the 2004 Plan. Shares that have actually been issued under the 2004 Plan under 
any Award will not be returned to the 2004 Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the 2004 
Plan;  provided,  however,  that  if  shares  of  restricted  stock,  restricted  stock  units,  performance  shares or performance 
units are repurchased by us or are forfeited to us, such shares will become available for future grant under the 2004 
Plan  as  described  above.  Shares  used  to  pay  the  exercise  price  of  an  Award  and/or  used  to  satisfy  tax  withholding 
obligations will not become available for future grant or sale under the 2004 Plan. To the extent an Award is paid out 
in cash rather than stock, such cash payment will not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under the 2004 
Plan. 

If we declare a stock dividend or engage in a reorganization or other change in our capital structure, including 
a merger, the Administrator will adjust the (i) number and class of shares available for issuance under the 2004 Plan, 
(ii) number, class and price of shares subject to outstanding Awards, and (iii) specified per-person limits on Awards to 
reflect the change. 

Administration of the 2004 Plan. Our Board, or its Compensation Committee, or a committee of directors or 
of  other  individuals  satisfying  applicable  laws  and  appointed  by  our  Board  (referred  to  as  the  “Administrator”), 
administers 2004 Plan. To make grants to certain of our officers and key employees, the members of the committee 
must qualify as “non-employee directors” under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange 
Act”),  and  as  “outside  directors”  under  Section  162(m)  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  of  1986,  as  amended  (the 
“Internal  Revenue  Code”)  (so  that  we  can  receive  a  federal  tax  deduction  for  certain  compensation  paid  under  the 
Incentive Plan). 

Subject  to  the  terms  of  the  2004  Plan,  the  Administrator  has  the  sole  discretion  to  select  the  employees, 
consultants,  and  directors  who  will  receive  Awards,  to  determine  the  terms  and  conditions of  Awards,  to  modify  or 
amend  each  Award  (subject  to  the  restrictions  of  the  2004  Plan),  to  interpret  the  provisions  of  the  2004  Plan  and 
outstanding Awards, and to allow participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations by electing to have us withhold 
from  the  shares  to  be  issued  upon  exercise  that  number  of  shares  having  a  fair  market  value  equal  to  the  minimum 
amount required to be withheld. 

The Administrator may, but only with stockholder approval, implement an exchange program under which (i) 
outstanding Awards may be surrendered or cancelled in exchange for Awards of the same type, Awards of a different 
type, or cash, (ii) participants would have the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution 
or other person or entity selected by the Administrator, and/or (iii) the exercise price of an outstanding Award could be 
reduced. 

Automatic Director Grants. The 2004 Plan provides for an automatic grant to outside directors of an option to 
purchase 14,000 shares on the date the person first becomes an outside director and such shares will vest and become 
exercisable  as  to  one-third  of  the  shares  subject  to  the  option  on  each  annual  anniversary  of  its  date  of  grant.  In 
addition, each outside director who is a director on the date of each Annual Meeting of stockholders and has been a 
director for at least the preceding six months, will receive fully-vested Cutera stock on an annual basis equivalent to the 
number of shares represented by the quotient of $60,000 divided by the closing stock price of our common stock on the 
date of such Annual Meeting. 

-25- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Options. The Administrator is able to grant nonstatutory stock options and incentive stock options under the 2004 Plan. 
The Administrator determines the number of shares subject to each option, although the 2004 Plan provides that a participant may 
not receive options for more than 1,000,000 shares in any fiscal year, except in connection with his or her initial employment with 
us, in which case he or she may be granted an option covering up to an additional 1,000,000 shares. 

The Administrator determines the exercise price of options granted under the 2004 Plan, provided the exercise price must 
be at least equal to, and not less than, the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. In addition, the exercise price 
of  an  incentive  stock  option  granted  to  any  participant  who  owns  more  than  10%  of  the  total  voting  power  of  all  classes  of  our 
outstanding stock must be at least 110% of the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date. 

The term of each option will be stated in the Award agreement. The term of an option may not exceed seven years, except 
that,  with  respect  to  any  participant  who  owns  more  than  10%  of  the  voting  power  of  all  classes  of  the  Company’s  outstanding 
capital stock, the term of an incentive stock option may not exceed five years. 

After a termination of service with us, a participant will be able to exercise the vested portion of his or her option for the 
period  of  time  stated  in  the  Award  agreement.  If  no  such  period  of  time  is  stated  in  the  participant’s  Award  agreement,  the 
participant will generally be able to exercise his or her option for (i) three months following his or her termination for reasons other 
than death or disability, and (ii) twelve months following his or her termination due to death or disability. In no event may an option 
be exercise beyond its maximum term. 

Restricted Stock. Awards of restricted stock are rights to acquire or purchase shares of our common stock, which vest in 
accordance  with  the  terms  and  conditions  established  by  the  Administrator  in  its  sole  discretion.  For  example,  the  Administrator 
may set restrictions based on the achievement of specific performance goals. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the 
time  at  which  any  restrictions  will  lapse  or  be  removed.  The  Award  agreement  generally  will  grant  us  the  right  to  repurchase  or 
reacquire  the  shares  upon  the  termination  of  the  participant’s  service  with  us  for  any  reason  (including  death  or  disability).  The 
Administrator  will  determine  the  number  of  shares  granted  pursuant  to  an  Award  of  restricted  stock,  but  no  participant  will  be 
granted a right to purchase or acquire more than 300,000 shares of restricted stock during any fiscal year, except that a participant 
may be granted up to an additional 300,000 shares of restricted stock in connection with his or her initial employment with us. 

Restricted Stock Units. Awards of restricted stock units result in a payment to a participant only if the vesting criteria the 
Administrator establishes is satisfied. For example, the Administrator may set vesting criteria based on the achievement of specific 
performance goals. The restricted stock units vest at a rate determined by the Administrator; provided, however, that after the grant 
of restricted stock units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any restrictions for such restricted stock units. 
Upon satisfying the applicable vesting criteria, the participant will be entitled to the payout specified in the Award agreement. The 
Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned restricted stock units in cash, shares, or a combination thereof. Restricted stock 
units that are fully paid in cash will not reduce the number of shares available for grant under the 2004 Plan. On the date set forth in 
the  Award  agreement,  all  unearned  restricted  stock  units  will  be  forfeited  to  us.  The  Administrator  determines  the  number  of 
restricted stock units granted to any participant, but no participant may be granted more than 300,000 restricted stock units during 
any fiscal year, except that the participant may be granted up to an additional 300,000 restricted stock units in connection with his or 
her initial employment with us. 

Stock  Appreciation  Rights.  The  Administrator  will  be  able  to  grant  stock  appreciation  rights  (“SARs”),  which  are  the 
rights to receive the appreciation in fair market value of common stock between the exercise date and the date of grant. We can pay 
the  appreciation  in  cash,  shares  of  common  stock,  or  a  combination  thereof.  The  Administrator,  subject  to  the  terms  of  the  2004 
Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of SARs granted under the 2004 Plan, provided, however, 
that the exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share on the date of grant and the term of a SAR may 
not exceed seven years. No participant will be granted SARs covering more than 1,000,000 shares during any fiscal year, except that 
a participant may be granted SARs covering up to an additional 1,000,000 shares in connection with his or her initial employment 
with us. 

The Administrator may grant “affiliated” SARs, “freestanding” SARs, “tandem” SARs, or any combination thereof. An 
“affiliated  SAR”  is  a  SAR  that  is  granted  in  connection  with  a  related  option  and  which  automatically  will  be  deemed  to  be 
exercised at the same time that the related option is exercised. However, an affiliated SAR will not require a reduction in the number 
of shares subject to the related option. A “freestanding” SAR is one that is granted independent of any options. A “tandem” SAR is a 
SAR  granted  in  connection  with  an  option  that  entitles  the  participant  to  exercise  the  SAR  by  surrendering  to  us  an  equivalent 
portion  of  the  unexercised  related  option.  A  tandem  SAR  may  be  exercised  only  with  respect  to  the  shares  for  which  its  related 
option is then exercisable. With respect to a tandem SAR granted in connection with an incentive stock option, the tandem SAR will 
expire no later than the expiration of the underlying incentive stock option, the value of the payout with respect to the tandem SAR 
will  be  for  no more  than  100%  of  the  difference  between the  exercise  price  of the  underlying  incentive  stock  option  and  the  fair 
market value of the shares subject to the underlying incentive stock option at the time the tandem SAR is exercised, and the tandem 
SAR  will  be  exercisable  only  when  the  fair  market  value  of  the  shares  subject  to  the incentive stock  option  exceeds  the  exercise 
price of the incentive stock option. 

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After termination of service with us, a participant will be able to exercise the vested portion of his or her SAR 
for  the  period  of  time  stated  in  the  Award  agreement.  If  no  such  period  of  time  is  stated  in  a  participant’s  Award 
agreement, a participant will generally be able to exercise his or her vested SARs for the same period of time as applies 
to stock options. 

Performance  Units  and  Performance  Shares.  The  Administrator  may  grant  performance  units  and 
performance shares, which are Awards that will result in a payment to a participant only if the performance goals or 
other vesting criteria the Administrator may establish are achieved or the Awards otherwise vest. Earned performance 
units and performance shares will be paid, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, in the form of cash, shares, or in 
a combination thereof. The Administrator will establish performance or other vesting criteria in its discretion, which, 
depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number and/or the value of performance units and 
performance  shares  to  be  paid  out  to  participants.  The  performance  units  and  performance  shares  will  vest  at  a  rate 
determined by the Administrator; provided, however, that after the grant of a performance unit or performance share, 
the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions 
for such performance unit or performance share. During any fiscal year, no participant will receive more than 300,000 
performance shares and no participant will receive performance units having an initial value greater than $2,000,000, 
except that a participant may be granted performance shares covering up to an additional 300,000 shares in connection 
with  his  or  her  initial  employment  with  us.  Performance  units  will  have  an  initial  value  established  by  the 
Administrator  on  or  before  the  date  of  grant.  Performance  shares  will  have  an  initial  value  equal  to  the  fair  market 
value of a share of our common stock on the grant date. 

Performance Goals. Awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units 
and other incentives under the 2004 Plan may be made subject to the attainment of performance goals relating to one or 
more  business  criteria  within  the  meaning  of  Section  162(m)  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  and  may  provide  for  a 
targeted  level  or  levels  of  achievement  including:  (i)  cash  position,  (ii)  earnings  per  Share,  (iii)  net  income,  (iv) 
operating cash flow, (v) operating income, (vi) operating expenses, (vii) product revenues, (viii) profit after-tax, (ix) 
revenue, (x) revenue growth, and (xi) total stockholder return. The performance goals may differ from participant to 
participant and from Award to Award, may be used alone or in combination, may be used to measure our performance 
as a whole or the performance of one of our business units, and may be measured relative to a peer group or index. 

Transferability of Awards. Awards granted under the 2004 Plan are generally not transferable, and all rights 
with respect to an Award granted to a participant generally will be available during a participant’s lifetime only to the 
participant. 

Change in Control. In the event we experience a change in control, each outstanding Award will be assumed 
or  an  equivalent  option  or  right  substituted  by  the  successor  corporation  or  a  parent  or  subsidiary  of  the  successor 
corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Award, the participant 
will  fully  vest  in  and  have  the  right  to  exercise  all  of  his  or  her  outstanding  options  and  stock  appreciation  rights, 
including shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on restricted 
stock will lapse, and, with respect to restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units, all performance 
goals  or  other  vesting  criteria  will  be  deemed  achieved  at  target  levels  and  all  other  terms  and  conditions  met.  In 
addition, if an option or stock appreciation right is not assumed or substituted for in the event of a change in control, 
the Administrator will notify the participant in writing or electronically that the option or stock appreciation right will 
be  fully  vested  and  exercisable  for  a  period  of  time  determined  by  the  Administrator  in  its  sole  discretion,  and  the 
option or stock appreciation right will terminate upon the expiration of such period. 

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With respect to Awards granted to an outside director that are assumed or substituted for, if on the date of or 
following  such  assumption  or  substitution  the  participant’s  status  as  a  director  or  a  director  of  the  successor 
corporation, as applicable, is terminated other than upon a voluntary resignation by the participant not at the request of 
the  successor,  then  the  participant  will  fully  vest  in  and  have  the  right  to  exercise  his  or  her  options  and/or  stock 
appreciation rights as to all of the shares subject to the Award, including shares as to which such Awards would not 
otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on restricted stock shall lapse, and, with respect to restricted stock 
units,  performance  shares  and  performance  units,  all  performance  goals  or  other  vesting  criteria  will  be  deemed 
achieved at target levels and all other terms and conditions met. 

Amendment and Termination of the 2004 Plan. The Administrator has the authority to amend, alter, suspend 
or terminate the 2004 Plan, except that stockholder approval will be required for any amendment to the extent required 
by applicable laws. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the 2004 Plan will impair the rights of any 
participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the participant and the Administrator and which agreement must 
be in writing and signed by the participant and us. The 2004 Plan will terminate in 2014, unless our Board terminates it 
earlier. 

Number of Awards Granted to Employees, Consultants, and Directors 

The  number  of  Awards  that  an  employee,  director  or  consultant  may  receive  under  the  2004  Plan  is  in  the 
discretion of the Administrator and therefore cannot be determined in advance. The following table sets forth (a) the 
aggregate number of shares of common stock subject to options granted under the 2004 Plan during the last fiscal year, 
and (b) the average per share exercise price of such options. 

Name of Individual or Group 
All Named Executive Officers, as a group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
All directors who are not Named Executive Officers, as a group . . . . . . . . . . . .  
All employees who are not Named Executive Officers, as a group . . . . . . . . . .  

Federal Tax Aspects of the 2004 Plan 

Number of  
Options  
Granted 

Average Per  
Share Exercise 
Price 

$ 

340,000 
— 
866,500 

8.73 
— 
8.56 

The following paragraphs are a summary  of the general federal income tax consequences to U.S. taxpayers 

and us of Awards granted under the 2004 Plan. Tax consequences for any particular individual may be different. 

Nonstatutory  Stock  Options.  No  taxable  income  is  reportable  when  a  nonstatutory  stock  option  with  an 
exercise price equal  to  the fair  market  value  of  the  underlying  stock on the  date of grant  is  granted  to  a participant. 
Upon exercise, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value 
(on the exercise date) of the shares purchased over the exercise price of the option. Any taxable income recognized in 
connection with an option exercise by one of our employees is subject to tax withholding by us. Any additional gain or 
loss recognized upon any later disposition of the shares would be capital gain or loss. 

As  a  result  of  Section  409A  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  and  the  Treasury  regulations  promulgated 
thereunder  (“Section  409A”),  however,  nonstatutory  stock  options  and  stock  appreciation  rights  granted  with  an 
exercise  price  below  the  fair  market  value  of  the  underlying  stock  or  with  a  deferral  feature  may  be  taxable  to  the 
recipient  in  the  year  of  vesting  in  an  amount  equal  to  the  difference  between  the  then  fair  market  value  of  the 
underlying stock and the exercise price of such Awards and may be subject to an additional 20% federal income tax 
plus penalties and interest. In addition, certain states, such as California, have adopted similar tax provisions. 

Incentive  Stock  Options.  No  taxable  income  is  reportable  when  an  incentive  stock  option  is  granted  or 
exercised (except for purposes of the alternative minimum tax, in which case taxation is the same as for nonstatutory 
stock options). If the participant exercises the option and then later sells or otherwise disposes of the shares more than 
two years after the grant date and more than one year after the exercise date, the difference between the sale price and 
the  exercise  price  will  be  taxed  as  capital  gain  or  loss.  If  the  participant  exercises  the  option  and  then  later  sells  or 
otherwise  disposes  of  the  shares  before  the  end  of  the  two-  or  one-year  holding  periods  described  above,  he  or  she 
generally will have ordinary income at the time of the sale equal to the fair market value of the shares on the exercise 
date (or the sale price, if less) minus the exercise price of the option. 

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Stock Appreciation Rights. No taxable income is reportable when a stock appreciation right with an exercise 
price  equal  to  the  fair  market  value  of  the  underlying  stock  on  the  date  of  grant  is  granted  to  a  participant.  Upon 
exercise, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the amount of cash received and the fair 
market value of any shares received. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of the shares 
would be capital gain or loss. 

Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units and Performance Shares. A participant generally 
will  not  have  taxable  income  at  the  time  an  Award  of  restricted  stock,  restricted  stock  units,  performance  shares  or 
performance units are granted. Instead, he or she will recognize ordinary income in the first taxable year in which his 
or  her  interest  in  the  shares  underlying  the  Award  becomes  either  (i)  freely  transferable,  or  (ii)  no  longer  subject  to 
substantial risk of forfeiture. However, the recipient of a restricted stock Award may elect to recognize income at the 
time he or she receives the Award in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares underlying the Award (less 
any cash paid for the shares) on the date the Award is granted. 

Section  409A.  Section  409A  addresses  non-qualified  deferred  compensation  arrangements.  Awards  granted 
under  our  2004  Plan  with  a deferral feature  will  be  subject  to  the  requirements  of  Section 409A,  including discount 
stock  options  and  stock  appreciation  rights  discussed  above.  If  an  Award  is  subject  to  and  fails  to  satisfy  the 
requirements  of  Section  409A,  the  recipient  of  that  Award  may  recognize  ordinary  income  on  the  amounts  deferred 
under  the  Award,  to  the  extent  vested,  which  may  be  prior  to  when  the  compensation  is  actually  or  constructively 
received. Also, if an Award that is subject to Section 409A fails to comply with Section 409A’s provisions, Section 
409A  imposes  an  additional  20%  federal  income  tax  on  compensation  recognized  as  ordinary  income,  as  well  as 
interest on such deferred compensation. Some states may also apply a penalty tax (for instance, California imposes a 
20% penalty tax in addition to the 20% federal penalty tax). The Internal Revenue Service has not issued complete and 
final guidance under Section 409A and, accordingly, the requirements of Section 409A (and the application of those 
requirements to Awards issued under the 2004 Plan) are not entirely clear. We strongly encourage recipients of such 
Awards to consult their tax, financial, or other advisor regarding the tax treatment of such Awards. 

Tax  Effect  for  us;  Section  162(m)  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code.  We  generally  will  be  entitled  to  a  tax 
deduction in connection with an Award under the 2004 Plan in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by a 
participant and at the time the participant recognizes such income (for example, the exercise of a nonstatutory stock 
option).  Special  rules  limit  the  deductibility  of  compensation  paid  to  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  (i.e.,  its  principal 
executive officer) and to each of our three most highly compensated executive officers for the taxable year (other than 
the principal financial officer). Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the annual compensation paid to 
any of these specified executives will be deductible only to the extent that it does not exceed $1,000,000. However, we 
can preserve the deductibility of certain compensation in excess of $1,000,000 if the conditions of Section 162(m) are 
met. These conditions include stockholder adoption of the 2004 Plan, setting limits on the number of Awards that any 
individual  may  receive  and  for  Awards  other  than  certain  stock  options  and  stock  appreciation  rights,  establishing 
performance criteria that must be met before the Award actually will vest or be paid. The 2004 Plan has been designed 
to permit the Administrator to grant Awards that qualify as performance-based for purposes of satisfying the conditions 
of Section 162(m), thereby permitting us to continue to receive a federal income tax deduction in connection with such 
Awards. 

THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE EFFECT OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION 
UPON PARTICIPANTS AND US WITH RESPECT TO THE GRANT AND EXERCISE OF AWARDS UNDER 
THE INCENTIVE PLAN. IT DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE, AND DOES NOT DISCUSS THE TAX 
CONSEQUENCES OF A PARTICIPANT’S DEATH OR THE PROVISIONS OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF 
ANY MUNICIPALITY, STATE OR FOREIGN COUNTRY IN WHICH THE PARTICIPANT MAY RESIDE. 

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NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

Set forth below is certain information as of the Record Date concerning our Named Executive Officers who 

were with the Company as of December 31, 2011. 

Name 
Kevin P. Connors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ronald J. Santilli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Leonard C. DeBenedictis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

  Age 
50 
52 
71 

Position(s) 

  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
  Chief Technology Officer 

Further  information  regarding  Kevin  P.  Connors  is  provided  above  under  “Directors  Whose  Terms  Extend 

Beyond the 2012 Annual Meeting.” 

Ronald J. Santilli has served as our Chief Financial Officer since September 2001 and as our Executive Vice 
President since April 2007. From September 2001 to April 2007, Mr. Santilli served as our Vice President of Finance 
and Administration. From April 2001 to August 2001, Mr. Santilli served as Senior Director of Financial Planning and 
Accounting at Lumenis, a manufacturer of medical lasers. From May 1993 to March 2001, Mr. Santilli held several 
positions at Coherent Inc., including Sales Operations Manager, Controller of the Medical Group and, most recently, 
Director  of  Finance  and  Administration.  Mr.  Santilli  holds  a  B.S.  in  Business  Administration  from  San  Jose  State 
University and an M.B.A. in Finance from Golden Gate University. 

Leonard C. DeBenedictis has served as our Chief Technology Officer since January 5, 2011. From December 
2008 to October 2010, Mr. DeBenedictis served as Chief Technology Officer and director of Solta Medical, a public 
company  specializing  in  aesthetic  products,  procedures  and  services.  From  January  2005  to  December  2008,  Mr. 
DeBenedictis  served  as  Chief  Technology  Officer  and  Executive  Vice  President  of  Reliant  Technologies  and  also 
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Reliant Technologies from November 2005 to October 2006. From 
January  2003  to  January  2005,  Mr.  DeBenedictis  served  as  President  and  Chief  Technology  Officer  of  Reliant 
Technologies.  From  February  2002  to  January  2003,  Mr.  DeBenedictis  served  as  Vice  President,  New  Product 
Development of Reliant Technologies. Mr. DeBenedictis holds a B.S. in Physics from the University of California at 
Santa Barbara and an M.S. in Physics from California State University at San Diego. 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis 

Mr. Connors, Mr. Santilli, and Mr. DeBenedictis are our only Named Executive Officers. 

Overview 

The primary objectives of our compensation programs are: 

● 

that they be fair, objective and consistent across the employee population; 

● 

● 

that  compensation  be  directly  and  substantially  linked  to  measurable  corporate  and  individual 
performance; and 

that  compensation  remains  competitive,  so  that  we  can  attract,  motivate,  retain  and  reward  the  key 
employees whose knowledge, skills and performance are necessary for our success. 

We  seek  to  foster  a  culture  where  individual  performance  is  aligned  with  organizational  objectives.  We 
evaluate  and  reward  our  Named  Executive  Officers  based  on  the  comparable  industry  specific  and  general  market 
compensation for their respective positions in the Company and an evaluation of their contributions to the achievement 
of short-term and long-term organizational goals. Executive compensation is reviewed annually by the Compensation 
Committee, and adjustments are made to reflect performance-based factors and competitive conditions. 

-30- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Highlights 

Fiscal  2011  was  a  year  of  improvement  and  achievement  amidst  a  slowly  improving  market.  We  reported 
13% revenue growth which included an increase in U.S. revenue of 21% in 2011, compared to 2010, and an increase of 
9% in international revenue, compared to 2010. More specifically, revenue grew from $53.2 million in 2010 to $60.3 
million  in  2011.  We  continued  to  conservatively  manage  our  cash  and  we  also  continued  to  maintain  a  disciplined 
approach in controlling operating costs. 

Across our product lines, we expanded our product offerings through the launch of Excel V, our new premium 
vascular  laser,  and  myQ,  a  Q-switched  laser  for  the  treatment  of  a  wide  range  of  popular  aesthetic  applications, 
including superficial and deep pigmented lesions (ie melasma), skin rejuvenation, laser skin toning, and tattoo removal. 
We also received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration for GenPlus, a laser for the treatment 
of toenail fungus. In addition, we increased our technical and sales capacity by growing our research and development 
and sales teams. 

Executive Compensation Actions 

We conducted our initial stockholder advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers at 
the  2011  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders.  A  majority  of  the  votes  cast  on  this  advisory  proposal  were  either  voted 
against or abstained on voting on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers. 

In response to this outcome, our Compensation Committee conducted a review of our executive compensation 
policies  and practices.  As part  of  this review, our  executives directly  contacted  several  of our  major stockholders  to 
solicit  their  input  on  our  executive  compensation  policies  and  practices.  In  addition,  the  Compensation  Committee, 
with  the  assistance  of  its  compensation  consultant,  performed  a  thorough  analysis  of  our  executive  compensation 
program,  including  design,  pay  mix,  and pay  levels,  to  identify  any  policies  or  practices  that  were  inconsistent  with 
“best practice.” 

At the completion of these activities, the Compensation Committee recommended, and our Board approved 

the following changes to our executive compensation program and outstanding compensation arrangements: 

●  Maintained  an  annual  bonus  program  to  base  bonus  determinations  solely  on  the  Company’s  actual 

financial performance as measured against multiple objective performance criteria; 

●  Postponed any bonus payments under the annual bonus program until after the end of year (rather than 

providing quarterly payments); 

●  Engaged  an  outside  compensation  consultant  and  revised  our  process  for  developing  our  compensation 

Peer Group (as defined on page 34); 

●  Adopted stock ownership guidelines for our executive officers and non-employee directors. 

We  believe  that  these  changes  respond  to  the  concerns  expressed  by  our  stockholders  and  strengthen  the 
alignment  of  the  interests  of  our  Named  Executive  Officers  with  those  of  our  stockholders.  Our  Board  and  the 
Compensation  Committee  will  continue  to  explore  ways  in  which  our  executive  compensation  program  may  be 
improved. 

-31- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  addition,  for  2011  the  Compensation  Committee  approved  the  following  actions  with  respect  to  the 

compensation of our Named Executive Officers: 

●  maintained their base salaries at their 2010 levels; 

● 

after maintaining target bonus opportunities at their 2010 levels, awarded bonus payments for the second, 
third, and fourth quarters of 2011 based on the Company’s quarterly revenue growth of 22%, 26%, and 
22%, respectively; 

● 

approved  equity  awards  at  levels  that  the  Compensation  Committee  believed  met  competitive  market 
concerns, satisfied our retention objectives and rewarded corporate and individual performance in 2011. 

The  Compensation  Committee  concluded  that  these  equity  awards  should  be  sufficient  to  maintain 
competitiveness  with  the  executives  in  comparable  positions  at  the  companies  in  our  Peer  Group.  Further,  the 
Compensation Committee also took into consideration the fact that, consistent with our compensation objectives, these 
awards increased our Named Executive Officers’ stake in the Company, thereby reinforcing their incentive to manage 
our  business  as  owners  and subjecting  a  significant  portion of  their  total  compensation  to  fluctuations  in  the  market 
price of Cutera common stock in alignment with stockholder interests. 

Consistent with the preference of our stockholders as reflected in the advisory vote on the frequency of future 
say on pay votes conducted at our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Board has adopted a policy providing for 
annual  advisory  votes  on  the  compensation  of  the  Named  Executive  Officers.  Accordingly,  following  the  Annual 
Meeting  of  Stockholders  to  which  this  proxy  statement  relates,  the  next  advisory  vote  on  the  compensation  of  the 
Named Executive Officers will take place in 2013. 

Corporate Governance Highlights 

We  endeavor  to  maintain  good  corporate  governance  standards  consistent  with  our  executive  compensation 

policies and practices. The following policies and practices were in effect during 2011: 

●  The  Compensation  Committee  is  comprised  solely  of  independent  directors  who  have  established 
effective  means  for  communicating  with  stockholders  regarding  executive  compensation  issues  and 
concerns.  In  addition,  in  October  2011,  we  formally  established  our  Nominating  and  Corporate 
Governance  Committee  to  review  and  make  recommendations  to  the  Board  on  matters  concerning 
corporate  governance,  director  composition,  identification,  evaluation  and  nomination  of  director 
candidates, Board committees, director compensation and conflicts of interest. 

● 

In December 2011, the Compensation Committee engaged its own compensation consultant, Compensia, 
to assist with its 2012 compensation reviews. 

●  The  Compensation  Committee  conducts  an  annual  review  and  approval  of  our  compensation  strategy, 

including a review of our Peer Group. 

●  Our  compensation  philosophy  and  related  corporate  governance  features  are  complemented  by  several 
elements  that  are  designed  to  align  our  executive  compensation  with  long-term  stockholder  interests, 
including the following: 

o  We do not currently offer, nor do we have plans to provide, pension arrangements, retirement plans 
or nonqualified deferred compensation plans or arrangements to our executive officers, including our 
Named Executive Officers; 

-32- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
o  We provide limited perquisites to our executive officers, including our Named Executive Officers. Our 
executive officers participate in broad-based Company-sponsored health and welfare benefits programs 
on the same basis as our other full-time, salaried employees; 

o  Executive officers are not entitled to any tax reimbursement payments (including “gross-ups”) on any 

severance or change-in-control payments or benefits; 

o  All  change-in-control  payments  and  benefits  are  based  on  a  “double-trigger”  arrangement  (i.e., 
requiring  both  a  change-in-control  of  the  Company  plus  a  qualifying  termination  of  employment 
before payments and benefits are paid); 

o  We use performance-based short-term and long-term incentives. 

Role of Our Compensation Committee 

Compensation Committee Charter 

The  Compensation  Committee  establishes  the  compensation  for  our  Named  Executive  Officers  –  our  Chief 
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Technology Officer – and administers our equity incentive plans, 
which are currently the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Compensation 
Committee has a written charter, which was adopted by our Board in January 2004, and was amended in April 2007 
and in April 2008. A copy of this charter, as amended, can be found on our website, which is ir.cutera.com. 

Duties of the Compensation Committee 

The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include: 

(i) 

Establishing  the  following  for  our  Named  Executive  Officers  and  such  other  executive  officers  as 
appropriate:  (a)  annual  base  salary,  (b)  annual  incentive  bonus,  which  may  include  the  setting  of  specific  goals  and 
target amounts, (c) equity compensation, (d) agreements for employment, severance and change-of-control payments 
and benefits and (e) any other benefits, compensation or arrangements, other than benefits generally available to our 
employees. 

(ii)  Reviewing and making recommendations to our Board, at such intervals as may be decided by the 
Compensation  Committee  from  time  to  time,  regarding  (a)  general  compensation  goals  and  guidelines  for  our 
employees and the criteria by which bonuses and stock compensation awards to our employees are determined; and, (b) 
other policies and plans for the provision of compensation to our employees, directors and consultants. 

(iii)  Acting as Administrator of our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 

any other equity compensation plans adopted by our Board. 

(iv)  Reviewing  and  making  recommendations  to  our  Board  with  respect  to  policies  relating  to  the 

issuance of equity incentives to employees, directors and consultants. 

(v)  Evaluating the compensation of the independent members of our Board. 

(vi)  Preparing the report that follows this Compensation Discussion and Analysis. 

-33- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation Committee Members 

The  members  of  the  Compensation  Committee  are  appointed  by  our  Board.  The  members  of  the 
Compensation Committee as of the Record Date were Dr. David B. Apfelberg (chairman), Mr. Jerry P. Widman and 
Mr. Gregory Barrett. Each member of the Compensation Committee is an “outside director” for purposes of Section 
162(m)  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code,  a  “non-employee  director”  for  purposes  of  Exchange  Act  Rule  16b-3  and 
satisfies the independence requirements imposed by Nasdaq. 

Role of the Compensation Committee and its Consultant in Setting Executive Compensation 

The  Compensation  Committee  establishes  the  compensation  for  our  Named  Executive  Officers  to  ensure 
consistency  with  market  compensation  rates  for  similar  positions,  our  compensation  philosophy  and  corporate 
governance  guidelines.  With  the  SEC’s  recent  reforms  relating  to  executive  compensation  disclosure,  the 
Compensation  Committee  has  assumed  an  active  role  in  reviewing  market  data  and  working  with  a  compensation 
consultant on executive compensation matters. Because certain components of executive compensation—such as bonus 
targets—are  driven  by  operational  priorities,  as  to  which  management  has  greater  insight  than  our  Board  or  the 
Compensation  Committee,  the  Compensation  Committee  has  directed  management  to  interface  with  the  Committee 
and the compensation consultant to help establish appropriate target levels. For 2011, the annual base salary and total 
target  cash  compensation  opportunities  of  our  Named  Executive  Officers  remained  the  same  as  it  was  in  2009  and 
2010, except for Mr. DeBenedictis who joined us in January 2011 when his annual base salary and total target cash 
compensation opportunity was established. 

In  December  2011,  the  Compensation  Committee  engaged  Compensia  to  assist  it  in  establishing  executive 
compensation for 2012. Due to the significant cost associated with services provided by a compensation consultant, we 
may decide not to engage a compensation consultant each year, but rather once every few years. This decision will be 
evaluated  regularly  and  will  be  based  on  the  Compensation  Committee’s  evaluation  of  whether  the  prior  report 
obtained,  along  with  the  publicly-available  information  about  the  executive  compensation  practices  of  other  public 
companies  from  our  Peer  Group,  is  sufficient  to  allow  it  to  make  informed  and  reasonable  decisions  with  regard  to 
executive-compensation matters. 

Role of our Executives in Setting Compensation 

On  occasion,  the  Compensation  Committee  meets  with  members  of  our  management  team,  including  our 
Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  to  obtain  recommendations  with  respect  to  Company 
compensation programs, practices and packages for our executive officers, other employees and directors. Management 
may make recommendations to the Compensation Committee on all components of compensation. The Compensation 
Committee considers, but is not bound to and does not always accept, management’s recommendations with respect to 
these  matters.  The  Compensation  Committee  has  the  ultimate  authority  to  make  decisions  with  respect  to  the 
compensation of our Named Executive Officers and does not delegate any of its compensation functions to others. 

Competitive Positioning 

In  developing,  reviewing,  and  approving  the  annual  compensation  for  our  Named  Executive  Officers,  the 
Compensation Committee develops and maintains a peer group of public companies from which to gather competitive 
market data. In December 2011, the Compensation Committee, with the assistance of Compensia, refined its approach 
to reviewing market compensation data for our Named Executive Officers and approved a set of selection criteria for 
determining  the  companies  to  comprise  the  compensation  peer  group.  Going  forward,  companies  should  meet  the 
following criteria to be included in our compensation peer group (the “Peer Group”): 

●  U.S.-based companies with a primary focus on health care equipment and supplies; 

● 

revenue of between 0.5x to 2.0x Cutera (approximately $30 million and $120 million); and 

-34- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
●  market capitalization of between 0.5x to 2.5x Cutera (approximately $50 million and $250 million). 

This set of selection criteria led us to revise the then-existing Peer Group to, for 2012, consist of the following 

companies: 

Atrion Corporation 
AtriCure 
Biolast Technology 
Cardiovascular Systems 
Cryolife 
Cynosure 

Compensation Components 

Exactech 
Kensey Nash 
Lemaitre Vascular 
Palomar Medical Technologies 
Photomedex 
RTI Biologics 

Soltera Medical 
Spectranetics 
Synergetics USA 
Theragenis 
Young Innovations 
Zeltiq Aesthetics 

Our  Named  Executive  Officers  are  compensated  with  cash,  equity  and  non-equity  incentives,  and  other 

customary employee benefits. 

Cash Compensation 

Cash  compensation  consists  of  base  salary,  participation  in  a  bonus  program  and  participation  in  a  profit-
sharing plan. Our cash compensation goals for our Named Executive Officers are based upon the following principles: 

●  Base salary should generally be set at or above the 50th percentile of the Peer Group; 

●  Base salary should be positioned to reflect each individual’s experience, performance and potential; 

●  A significant portion of cash compensation should be “at risk”; and 

●  The amount of bonuses payable for any quarter should be based on revenue growth, compared with the 
same  quarter  in  the  prior  year,  and  the  operating  profit  before  stock-based  compensation  and  non-
operational expenses, or “adjusted operating profit”, as a percentage of revenue. 

Base Salary and Total Target Cash Compensation 

Total  target  cash  compensation  for  each  Named  Executive  Officer  includes  his  annual  base  salary,  annual 

target bonus opportunity (described below) and annual profit-sharing payments. 

Bonus Program 

In addition to base salary, we provided cash bonus opportunities for our Named Executive Officers in 2011 
pursuant  to  which  cash  bonuses  were  determined  quarterly  based  on  the  Company’s  performance  for  the  then-
preceding quarter. 

Target Bonus Opportunities 

For  2011,  the  target  cash  bonuses  were  designed  to  reward  our  Named  Executive  Officers  based  on  the 
Company’s overall financial performance. As in prior years, the Compensation Committee determined that the target 
cash bonus for each Named Executive Officer should be determined as a percentage of such executive officer’s base 
salary. The target cash bonus opportunities for the Named Executive Officers were as follows: 

-35- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Named Executive Officer 
Mr. Connors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr. Santilli  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr. DeBenedictis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Target Bonus Opportunity (expressed as a  
percentage of base salary) 
60% 
45% 
50% 

With  respect  to  each  Named  Executive  Officer,  the  amount  of  his  target  cash  bonus  opportunity  was 
determined  by  the  Compensation  Committee,  based  on  the  recommendation  of  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  (except 
with respect to his own target annual cash bonus opportunity) and was based on several factors, including the scope of 
the Named Executive Officer’s performance, contributions, responsibilities, experience, prior years’ target cash bonus 
and market conditions. The target cash bonus opportunities for our Named Executive Officers were the same as their 
target opportunities for 2009 and 2010, except for Mr. DeBenedictis, who joined the Company in 2011. 

Corporate Performance Measures 

For  2011,  the  Compensation  Committee  selected  revenue  growth  and  adjusted  operating  profits  as  the 
corporate performance measures that best supported our annual operating plan and enhanced long-term value creation 
for purposes of paying annual cash bonuses. For these purposes, “adjusted operating profits” was defined as operating 
profit  less  deferred  stock  based  compensation  expense  and non-operational  expenses.  The  Compensation  Committee 
decided  that  these  expenses  should  be  excluded  from  the  operating  profit  amount  as  they  were  deemed  unrelated  to 
quarterly “operating” performance. 

Using  these  measures,  each  fiscal  quarter  the  Compensation  Committee  compared  our  performance  against 
the same fiscal quarter in the prior year, 2010, and applied a multiplier of 5.0 to the percentage increase for that quarter 
to  determine  our  quarterly  performance  for  that  measure.  If  the  percentage  growth  for  a  fiscal  quarter  in  2011  was 
negative (when compared to the same fiscal quarter for the prior year), the multiplier for that measure was zero. For 
example, at 10% revenue growth and 10% adjusted operating profit, an individual would be eligible to receive 100% of 
his  or  her  target  bonus  opportunity  for  that  quarter.  At  15%  revenue  growth  and  15%  adjusted  operating  profit,  an 
individual would be eligible to receive 150% of his or her target bonus opportunity. 

Bonus Decisions and Analysis 

In  January  2012,  the  Compensation  Committee  evaluated  the  Company’s  financial  performance  each  fiscal 
quarter of 2011 and the level of achievement of each of the corporate performance measures for those quarters. Based 
on this evaluation, the Compensation Committee determined that we had achieved the following revenue growth and 
adjusted operating profit targets: 

-36- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue  
Growth  
(expressed as  
a 
percentage)  
-15.48 % 
21.92 % 
25.97 % 
21.86 % 

Fiscal Period 
First quarter . . . . .  
Second quarter . . .  
Third quarter . . . . .  
Fourth quarter  . . .  

Revenue 
Growth  
Multiplier
— 
109.61%  
129.84%  
109.32%  

Factor 
5 
5 
5 
5 

Adjusted 
Operating 
Profit  
(expressed as 
a  
percentage)

-26.86%  
-11.33%  
-11.38%  
1.81%  

Adjusted  
Operating  
Profit  
Multiplier 
— 
— 
— 
9.03%   

Total  
Payout  
Multiplier
— 

109.61%
129.84%
118.36%

Factor
5 
5 
5 
5 

In addition, in determining bonus payments to our Named Executive Officers, the Compensation Committee 
considered the following factors: the Company’s 2011 revenue increased over 2010; the Company introduced several 
new products that the Named Executive Officers were responsible for; individual performance of the bonus recipients; 
and the threat of losing these key individuals to competitors or other companies. 

Based on these determinations, the Compensation Committee approved annual cash bonuses for our Named 

Executive Officers as follows: 

Named Executive Officer
Mr. Connors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Mr. Santilli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Mr. DeBenedictis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Annual Cash 
Bonus Opportunity
$252,000 
$130,500 
$156,000 

Annual Cash 
Bonus Payment 
$225,417 
$116,734 
$139,544 

Our Board also granted a one-time special bonus of $50,550 to Mr. DeBenedictis, payable four months after he 

commenced employment with the Company. 

Profit-Sharing Program 

We  also  have  a  profit  sharing  program  for  our  Named  Executive  Officers  and  other  employees  pursuant  to 
which  cash  payments  may  be  made  quarterly.  Target  profit-sharing  payments  are  calculated  based  upon  half  of  the 
quarterly pre-tax adjusted operating profit percentage (pre-tax adjusted operating profit divided by revenue) multiplied 
by the Named Executive Officer’s gross salary earned during that quarter. 

In  2011,  we  made  profit-sharing  payments  of  $948  to  our  Chief  Executive  Officer,  of  $655  to  our  Chief 
Financial  Officer  and  of  $705  to  our  Chief  Technology  Officer  based  on  the  Company’s  increased  revenue  in  2011 
over 2010 and on the individual performance of the profit-sharing participants. 

Long-Term Incentive Program 

We  believe  that  equity-based  compensation  promotes  and  encourages  long-term  successful  performance  by 
our Named  Executive Officers  that  is  aligned with  the organization’s goals  and  the generation of  stockholder value. 
Our equity compensation goals for our Named Executive Officers are based upon the following principles: 

●  Stockholder and executive officer interests should be aligned; 

-37- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
●  Key  and  high-performing  employees,  who  have  a  demonstrable  impact  on  our  performance  and/or 

stockholder value, should be provided this benefit; 

●  The program should be structured to provide meaningful retention incentives to participants; 

●  The  equity  awards  should  reflect  each  individual’s  experience,  performance,  potential  and  be 

comparable to what the Peer Group awards for the respective position; and 

●  Actual awards should be tailored to reflect individual performance and attraction/retention goals. 

Equity Incentive Compensation 

Under  our  2004  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  we  are  permitted  to  grant  stock  options,  stock  appreciation  rights, 
restricted shares, restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards, performance shares and other stock-based awards. Under this 
Plan, we grant options to our executive officers, directors and employees to purchase shares of Cutera common stock at 
an exercise price equal to the fair market value of such stock on the date of grant. The grant date for stock options to 
our Named Executive Officers is typically the date of a regularly scheduled Board meeting, or, for annual merit grants, 
on or around June 1 of each year. Our non-employee directors are granted stock awards annually on the date of our 
Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders.  We  have  no  program,  plan  or  practice  to  select  option  grant  dates  (or  set  board 
meeting and annual stockholder meeting dates) to correspond with the release of material non-public information. 

In May 2011, our Board, with the approval of our non-employee directors, granted stock options to our Chief 
Executive  Officer,  Chief  Financial  Officer  and  Chief  Technology  Officer  to  purchase  120,000,  80,000  and  40,000 
shares of Cutera common stock under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, respectively. Each of these stock options has a 
vesting commencement date of June 1, 2011, a term of seven years and vests as follows: one-third of the total number 
of shares subject to the stock option vest one full calendar year following the vesting commencement date of June 1, 
2011  and  1/36th  of  the  total  number  of  shares  subject  to  the  stock  option  vest  on  the  last  day  of  each  full  calendar 
month  thereafter,  until  all  such  shares  have  vested,  subject  to  the  Named  Executive  Officer  continuing  to  provide 
services  to  the  Company  through  each  such  date.  In  granting  these  stock  option  awards,  our  Board  considered  the 
individual  performance  and  contribution  of  each  Named  Executive  Officer,  the  Company’s  performance,  its  own 
subjective assessment of market conditions, its ability to retain the individual Named Executive Officer, and the goal of 
increasing the value of the Company, in arriving at the amounts awarded to each individual recipient. 

In addition, in May 2011, our Board, with the approval of our non-employee directors, granted RSU awards to 
our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Technology Officer to acquire 11,000, 7,500 and 3,750 
shares of Cutera common stock under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, respectively. These RSU awards vest as to one-
third of the shares on each of June 1, 2011, 2012 and 2013. In granting these RSU awards, our Board considered the 
individual  performance  and  contribution  of  each  Named  Executive  Officer,  the  Company’s  performance,  its  own 
subjective assessment of market conditions, its ability to retain the individual Named Executive Officer, and the goal of 
increasing the value of the Company, in arriving at the amounts awarded to each individual recipient. 

Benefits 

We  provide  the  following  benefits  to  our  Named  Executive  Officers  generally  on  the  same  basis  as  the 

benefits provided to all employees: 

●  Health, dental and vision insurance; 

●  Life insurance; 

●  Short-term and long-term disability insurance; 

-38- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
●  A Section 401(k) plan (although, in 2009 we discontinued our discretionary employer match on employee 

contributions to the plan); and 

●  Flexible Spending Accounts. 

These  benefits  are  consistent  with  those  offered  by  other  companies  and  specifically  with  those  companies 

with which we compete for employees. 

We  also  maintain  a  2004  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  that  provides  eligible  employees  with  the 
opportunity to purchase shares of Cutera common stock at a 15% discounted price to the lower of the fair market value 
at either the beginning or the end of the applicable offering period. 

Post-Employment Compensation 

Except for Change of Control and Severance Agreements, we do not have employment agreements with any 
of our  Named  Executive  Officers. We  have  Change  of  Control  and Severance Agreements  with  each  of  our  Named 
Executive  Officers.  The  purpose  of  these  agreements  is  to  provide  incentives  to  our  Named  Executive  Officers  to 
continue their employment with the Company and not be distracted by the possibility of loss of employment as a result 
of an acquisition of the Company or for other reasons. For a summary of the material terms and conditions of these 
Change of Control and Severance agreements, see Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control below. 

Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) and Limitations on Executive Compensation 

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code may limit our ability to deduct for federal income tax purposes 
compensation paid to either our Chief Executive Officer or to our three other most highly paid executive officers (other 
than our Chief Financial Officer) in any fiscal year that is, for each such person, in excess of $1,000,000. None of our 
executive officers received any such compensation in excess of this limit during 2011, or any prior year. 

Stock  options  granted  under  the  2004  Equity  Incentive  Plan  are  not  subject  to  the  deduction  limitation; 
however,  to  preserve  our  ability  to  deduct  the  compensation  income  associated  with  stock  options  granted  to  such 
executive officers pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan provides 
that no optionee may be granted option(s) to purchase more than 500,000 shares of Cutera common stock in any one 
fiscal  year.  However,  in  the  fiscal  year  in  which  the  optionee  is  hired,  an  optionee  may  be  granted  an  option  to 
purchase  up  to  1,000,000  shares  of  Cutera  common  stock.  In  the  future,  the  Compensation  Committee  may,  in  its 
judgment, authorize compensation payments that do not comply with an exemption from the deductibility limit when it 
believes that such payments are appropriate to attract and retain executive talent. 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation 

We follow Financial Accounting Standard Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or ASC 718, 
for our stock-based compensation awards. ASC 718 requires companies to measure the compensation expense for all 
share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, based on the grant date “fair 
value” of these awards. This calculation is performed for accounting purposes and reported in the compensation tables 
below, even though our executive officers may never realize any value from their awards. ASC Topic 718 also requires 
companies to recognize the compensation cost of their stock-based awards in their income statements over the period 
that an employee is required to render service in exchange for the award. 

-39- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans 

Our stockholders approved each of our equity compensation plans, including a 2008 amendment to our 2004 
Equity Incentive Plan. The following table provides information regarding the shares of Cutera common stock that may 
be  issued  upon  the  exercise  of  stock  options  and  RSU  awards  granted  under  our  2004  Equity  Incentive  Plan  as  of 
December 31, 2011. 

Number of  
securities to be 
issued upon  
exercise of  
outstanding  
options, warrants
and rights (a)

Weighted- 
average exercise 
price of  
outstanding  
options,  
warrants and  
rights (b) 

3,549,022  $

— 

3,549,022  $

9.92 
— 
9.92 

Number of  
securities  
remaining  
available for  
future issuance 
under equity 
compensation 
plans (excluding 
securities  
reflected in  
column (a)) (c)

474,537 
— 
474,537 

Plan category 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders. . . . .  
Equity compensation plan not approved by security holders . .  
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Other Compensation Practices and Policies 

Stock Ownership Guidelines 

To  enhance  our  overall  corporate  governance  practices  and  executive  compensation  program,  on  April  27, 
2012, our Board adopted stock ownership guidelines for our executive officers, which the Compensation Committee 
intends  to  review  annually.  These  guidelines  are  designed  to  align  our  executive  officers’  interests  with  our 
stockholders’  long-term  interests  by  promoting  long-term  ownership  of  Cutera  common  stock,  which  reduces  the 
incentive  for  excessive  short-term  risk  taking.  These  guidelines  provide  that,  within  five  years  of  the  later  of  the 
adoption  of  the  guidelines  or  his  or  her  first  date  of  employment,  our  executive  officers  must  hold  shares  of  Cutera 
common stock having a value not less than the amount specified below: 

Executive Officer 
Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Executive Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Compensation Recovery Policy 

Stock Ownership Guideline 
(as a multiple of base salary) 
Three times 
One time 

Our  Board  is evaluating  whether  to  adopt  a  compensation  recovery  (“clawback”)  policy  for  our  executive 
officers  pursuant  to  which  the  Compensation  Committee  may,  to  the  extent  permitted  by  governing  law  and  as 
appropriate  under  the  circumstances,  recover  for  the  benefit  of  the  Company  all  or  a  portion  of  any  incentive-based 
cash compensation erroneously awarded to such executive officer in excess of the amount that such executive officer 
would have received (as re-calculated following the accounting restatement) to the extent that such compensation was 
paid after the date the policy was adopted. 

-40- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insider Trading Compliance Program 

According  to  our  Insider  Trading  Compliance  Program,  no  employee  of  the  Company,  including,  but  not 
limited to, our executive officers and directors, may invest in derivatives of the Company’s securities. This prohibition 
includes, but is not limited to, trading in put or call options related to securities of the Company. 

2011 Summary Compensation Table 

The  following  table  sets  forth  summary  compensation  information  for  the  fiscal  years  ended  December  31, 
2011, 2010 and 2009 for our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and our Chief Technology Officer. 
We refer to these persons as our Named Executive Officers elsewhere in this proxy statement. 

Name and Principal Position 

Salary 

  Bonus(1)  

Option 
Awards
(2)

Stock 
Awards
(2)

Non-Equity  
Incentive Plan 
Compensation  

All Other  
Compensation  

Total

Kevin P. Connors 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  420,000  $ 
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

  420,000 
  420,000 

Ronald J. Santilli 
Executive Vice President and Chief 

Financial Officer 

2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  290,000  $ 
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

  290,000 
  290,000 

― 
― 
― 

― 
― 
― 

$ 359,508  $
391,852 
481,284 

  337,920 
― 

95,920  $

$ 239,672  $
171,266 
220,589 

  225,280 
― 

65,400  $

226,365(3)  $ 
― 
18,454 

― 
― 
― 

$ 1,101,793
  1,149,772
919,738

117,389(3)  $ 
― 
10,012 

$ 712,461
686,546
520,601

— 
— 

Leonard C. DeBenedictis 
Chief Technology Officer 
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  312,000  $  50,550(4) $ 460,686  $
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

32,700  $
― 
― 

140,249(3)  $ 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

$ 996,185
—
—

(1)  The amounts reported in this column represent discretionary bonuses earned for each of the years covered in the 

table. 

(2)  The amounts reported in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards granted during 
each of the fiscal years in 2011, 2010 and 2009 calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718. See Note 5 of the 
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on March 15, 2012 for a discussion of the valuation assumptions for stock-
based compensation. 

(3)  Amounts shown include an annual bonus and profit sharing earned in 2011 and paid in 2012. 
(4)  Our Board granted a one-time bonus of $50,550 to Mr. DeBenedictis, payable four months after he commenced 

employment with the Company. 

-41- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table 

The following table lists grants of plan-based stock options and RSU awards made to our Named Executive 

Officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. 

Name 
Mr. Connors . . . . . . .    

  Grant Date 

Estimated Future Payouts Under 
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
  Maximum

  Threshold    Target

All Other 
Stock  
Awards: 
Number of 
Shares of 
Stock or 
Units 

All Other  
Option 
Awards:  
Number of  
Securities  
Underlying 

  Options 

Grant Date 
Fair Value 
of Stock 
and  
Option 

  Awards (2) 

Exercise or 
Base Price 
of Option 
  Awards (1) 

  05/27/2011  

—  

— 

— 

11,000 

120,000   $ 

8.72  $ 455,428

Mr. Santilli  . . . . . . . .      

  05/27/2011  

—  

— 

— 

7,500 

80,000   $ 

8.72  $ 305,072

Mr. DeBenedictis . . .      

  1/5/2011 
  5/27/2011   

—  

— 

— 

3,750 

100,000   $ 
40,000 

8.75  $ 340,850
  152,536
8.72 

(1)  The per-share exercise prices  of  the option awards were  based on  the  closing  market  price of  a  share  of  Cutera 

common stock on the respective dates of grant. 

(2)  The  amounts  reported  in  this  column  reflect  the  grant date  fair  value of  equity  awards  calculated  in  accordance 
with ASC Topic 718. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on March 15, 2012 for a discussion 
of the valuation assumptions for our stock-based compensation. 

-42- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
2011 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table 

The following table lists the outstanding equity incentive awards held by our Named Executive Officers as of 

December 31, 2011. 

Name 
Mr. Connors . . . . . . . . 

Mr. Santilli . . . . . . . . . 

Option Awards 

Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Earned 
Options 

Number of 
Securities 
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned  
Options 

Option 
Exercise
Price 

3,333 
30,000 
29,138 
100,000 
100,000 
60,000 
— 

3,372 
14,753 
10,000 
15,000 
11,988 
50,000 
45,834 
27,501 

$

$

— 
— 
4,162(1)
— 
20,000(2)
60,000(2)
120,000(2)

— 
— 
— 
— 
1,712(1)
— 
9,166(2)
27,499(2)
80,000(2)

4.25 
20.25 
10.43 
10.43 
8.66 
10.24 
8.72 

4.25 
4.25 
13.30 
20.25 
10.43 
10.43 
8.66 
10.24 
8.72 

Option 
Expiration
Date 
8/13/2013 
7/28/2015 
5/28/2015 
5/28/2015 
6/08/2016 
5/14/2017 
5/27/2018 

8/07/2012 
8/13/2013 
7/20/2014 
7/28/2015 
5/28/2015 
5/28/2015 
6/08/2016 
5/14/2017 
5/27/2018 

Mr. DeBenedictis . . . 

— 
— 

100,000(2) $
40,000(2) $

8.75 
8.72 

1/05/2018 
5/27/2018 

Number of 
Shares or 
Units of 
Stock that 
Have Not
Vested 

Stock AwardsMarket 
Value of  
Shares or 
Units of  
Stock that  
Have Not 
Vested 

Date 
Awards 
Will be 
Fully 
Vested 

11,000(3) $ 
7,334(4)

81,950(3) 
54,638(4) 

6/01/2012(3)
6/01/2013(4)

7,333(3)
5,000(4)

$

54,631(3) 
37,250(4) 

6/01/2012(3)
6/01/2013(4)

2,500(4)

18,625(4) 

6/01/2013(4)

(1)  One-quarter  of  the  shares  underlying  each  of  these  stock  options  vest  on  the  first  anniversary  of  the  vesting 

commencement date and 1/48th of the underlying shares vest each month thereafter. 

(2)  One-third  of  the  shares  underlying  each  of  these  stock  options  vest  on  the  first  anniversary  of  the  vesting 

commencement date and 1/36th of the underlying shares vest each month thereafter. 
(3)  One-half of the shares underlying each of these awards will vest on June 1, 2011 and 2012. 
(4)  One-half of the shares underlying each of these awards will vest on June 1, 2012 and 2013. 

-43- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 Options Exercised and Stock Vested Table 

The  following  table  lists  the  stock  options  exercised  by,  and  stock  awards  vested  to,  our  Named  Executive 

Officers in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. 

Name 
Mr. Connors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mr. Santilli  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mr. DeBenedictis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Option Awards

Stock Awards

Number of 
Shares  
Acquired on 
Exercise

Value  
Realized on 
Exercise (1)

40,000 
20,000 
— 

$
$

232,400 
33,568 
— 

Number of  
Shares  
Acquired on  
Vesting 

Value 
Realized 
Upon 
Vesting (2)

14,666 
9,833 
1,250 

$
$
$

128,474
86,137
10,950

(1)  The amounts reported in this column represents the excess of fair market value of the shares of Cutera common 

stock purchased on the exercise date over the aggregate exercise price of such options. 

(2)  The amounts reported in this column represent the fair market value of the shares of Cutera common stock on the 

vesting date of each Named Executive Officer’s outstanding RSU awards. 

Pension Benefits 

We did not sponsor any defined benefit pension or other actuarial plan for our executive officers, including 

our Named Executive Officers, during 2011. 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation 

We  did  not  maintain  any  nonqualified  defined  contribution  or  other  deferred  compensation  plans  or 

arrangements for our executive officers, including our Named Executive Officers, during 2011. 

Employment Agreements 

We do not have employment agreements with any of our Named Executive Officers. 

-44- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control  

We  have  entered  into  Change  of  Control  and  Severance  Agreements  with  each  of  our  Named  Executive 
Officers. These agreements provide that if a Named Executive Officer’s employment with the Company is terminated 
by the Company without “cause” (as defined in the agreement) or by the Named Executive Officer for “good reason” 
(as defined in the agreement) either prior to three months before or after 12 months following a Change of Control (as 
defined  in  the  agreement)  of  the  Company  but  not  in  connection  with  a  Change  of  Control,  the  Named  Executive 
Officer will receive, subject to signing a release of claims in favor of the Company:  

● 

a lump sum severance payment equal to 200% of the annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to 
such  termination  for  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  100%  of  the  annual  base  salary  as  in  effect 
immediately prior to such termination for our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Technology Officer; and 

●  up to 24 months for our Chief Executive Officer and up to 12 months for our Chief Financial Officer and 

Chief Technology Officer of reimbursement for premiums paid for COBRA coverage. 

These  agreements  also  provide  that  if  a  Named  Executive  Officer’s  employment  with  the  Company  is 
terminated  by  the  Company  without  “cause”  or  by  the  Named  Executive  Officer  for  “good  reason”  and  such 
termination  occurs  within  the  period  beginning  three  months  before,  and  ending  12  months  following,  a  Change  of 
Control  of  the  Company  and  in  connection  with  a  Change  of  Control,  the  Named  Executive  Officer  will  receive, 
subject to signing a release of claims in favor of the Company  

● 

● 

a lump sum severance payment equal to 200% of the annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to 
such termination or, if greater, at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control for our 
Chief  Executive  Officer  and  100%  of  the  annual  base  salary  as  in  effect  immediately  prior  to  such 
termination or, if greater, at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control for our Chief 
Financial Officer and Chief Technology Officer; 

a lump sum severance payment equal to 100% of the Named Executive Officer’s annual target bonus for 
the fiscal year in which the termination occurs or, if greater, his annual target bonus in effect immediately 
prior to the Change of Control; 

● 

automatic  vesting  in  full  of  all  outstanding  and  unvested  equity  awards  held  by  the  Named  Executive 
Officer as of the date of the Change of Control; and  

●  up to 24 months for our Chief Executive Officer and up to 12 months for our Chief Financial Officer and 

Chief Technology Officer of reimbursement for premiums paid for COBRA coverage. 

Each agreement has an initial term of three years, and will extend for an additional year unless the Company 
or the applicable Named Executive Officer provides written notice at least 60 days prior to the third anniversary of the 
agreement.  

For purposes of  these  agreements,  “cause”  means  a  Named  Executive Officer’s  termination of  employment 
only upon (i) his willful failure to substantially perform his duties (subject to notice and a reasonable period to cure), 
other than a failure resulting from his complete or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness or impairment; 
(ii) his willful act which constitutes gross misconduct and which is injurious to the Company; (iii) his willful breach of 
a material provision of the agreement (subject to notice and reasonable period to cure); or (iv) his knowing, material 
and willful violation of a federal or state law or regulation applicable to the business of the Company.  

For  purposes  of  these  agreements,  “good  reason”  means  a  Named  Executive  Officer’s  termination  of 
employment within 90 days following the expiration of any cure period following the occurrence of one or more of the 
following,  without  his  consent:  (i)  a  material  reduction  in  his  authority,  duties,  or  responsibilities  relative  to  duties, 
position or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (ii) a material reduction in his base salary as 
in effect immediately prior to such reduction; or (iii) a material change in the geographic location at which he must 
perform services (in other words, the relocation of the Named Executive Officer to a facility that is more than 50 miles 
from his then-current location).  

-45- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table lists our Named Executive Officers and the estimated payments and benefits that each of 
them  would  have  received  had  their  employment  with  the  Company  been  terminated  without  “cause”  or  had  they 
resigned for “good reason” on December 31, 2011.  

Name  
Mr. Connors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Mr. Santilli  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Mr. DeBenedictis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$
$
$

Estimated  
Total Value  
of Cash  
Payment 

Estimated 
Total Value  
of Health  
Coverage  
Continuation 

840,000 
290,000 
312,000 

$
$
$

16,979 
24,681 
8,464 

The following table lists our Named Executive Officers and the estimated payments and benefits that each of 
them  would  have  received  had  their  employment  with  the  Company  been  terminated  without  “cause”  or  had  they 
resigned for “good reason” in connection with a Change in Control of the Company on December 31, 2011.  

Name  
Mr. Connors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr. Santilli  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr. DeBenedictis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Estimated  
Total Value  
of Cash  
Payment 

Estimated  
Total Value  
of Health  
Coverage  
Continuation 

Value of  
Accelerated  
Equity (1) 

$
$
$

1,092,000 
420,500 
468,000 

$
$
$

16,979 
24,681 
8,464 

$
$
$

136,588 
91,881 
18,625 

(1)  We estimate the value of acceleration of the outstanding and unvested stock options and RSU awards held by each 
of  our  Named  Executive  Officers  based  on  a  market  price  of  $7.45  per  share  for  Cutera  common  stock  as  of 
December 31, 2011. 

-46- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT (1) 

The  Compensation  Committee  has  reviewed  and  discussed  the  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis 
required  by  Item  402(b)  of  SEC  Regulation  S-K  with  management.  Based  on  such  review  and  discussion,  the 
Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis 
be included in Cutera’s proxy statement.  

The foregoing report is provided by the undersigned members of the Compensation Committee.  

David B. Apfelberg  
Gregory Barrett  
Jerry P. Widman  

(1)  The material in this report is not deemed soliciting material or filed with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by 
reference in any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of this Proxy Statement and irrespective of any 
general incorporation language in those filings. 

-47- 

 
 
 
 
 
OTHER MATTERS 

We are not aware of any other business to be presented at the meeting. As of the date of this proxy statement, 
no stockholder had advised us of the intent to present any business at the meeting. Accordingly, the only business that 
our Board of Directors intends to present at the meeting is as set forth in this proxy statement.  

If any other matter or matters are properly brought before the meeting, the proxies will use their discretion to 

vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.  

By order of the Board of Directors,  

Kevin P. Connors  
President and Chief Executive Officer  

Brisbane, California  
April 30, 2012  

-48- 

 
 
 
 
 
CUTERA, INC. 

2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN 

(as amended on April 27, 2012, subject to stockholder approval on June 13, 2012) 

1. 

Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Plan are: 

• 

• 

• 

to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, 

to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and 

to promote the success of the Company’s business. 

The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, 
Restricted  Stock  Units,  Stock  Appreciation  Rights,  Performance  Units,  Performance  Shares  and  other  stock  or  cash 
awards as the Administrator may determine. 

2. 

Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply: 

Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan. 

(a) 

“Administrator”  means  the  Board  or  any  of  its  Committees  as  will  be  administering  the 

which automatically will be deemed to be exercised at the same time that the related Option is exercised. 

(b) 

“Affiliated  SAR”  means  an  SAR  that  is  granted  in  connection  with  a  related  Option,  and 

(c) 

“Applicable  Laws”  means  the  requirements  relating  to  the  administration  of  equity-based 
awards  under  U.S.  state  corporate  laws,  U.S.  federal  and  state  securities  laws,  the  Code,  any  stock  exchange  or 
quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or 
jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan. 

“Award”  means,  individually  or  collectively,  a  grant  under  the  Plan  of  Options,  SARs, 
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares and other stock or cash awards as the 
Administrator may determine. 

(d) 

“Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and 
provisions  applicable  to  each  Award  granted  under  the  Plan.  The  Award  Agreement  is  subject  to  the  terms  and 
conditions of the Plan. 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company. 

“Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events: 

-49- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Any  “person” (as  such  term  is  used  in  Sections 13(d)  and  14(d)  of  the Exchange 
Act)  becomes  the  “beneficial  owner”  (as  defined  in  Rule  13d-3  of  the  Exchange  Act),  directly  or  indirectly,  of 
securities  of  the  Company  representing  fifty  percent  (50%)  or  more  of  the  total  voting  power  represented  by  the 
Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or 

(i) 

all of the Company’s assets; 

(ii) 

The consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially 

(iii) 

A change in the composition of the Board occurring within a two-year period, as a 
result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors. “Incumbent Directors” means directors 
who either (A) are Directors as of the effective date of the Plan, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the 
Board  with  the  affirmative  votes  of  at  least  a  majority  of  the  Incumbent  Directors  at  the  time  of  such  election  or 
nomination  (but  will  not  include  an  individual  whose  election  or  nomination  is  in  connection  with  an  actual  or 
threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company); or 

(iv) 

The  consummation  of  a  merger  or  consolidation  of  the  Company  with  any  other 
corporation,  other  than  a  merger  or  consolidation  which  would  result  in  the  voting  securities  of  the  Company 
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted 
into  voting  securities  of  the  surviving  entity  or  its  parent)  at  least  fifty  percent  (50%)  of  the  total  voting  power 
represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after 
such merger or consolidation. 

of the Code herein will be a reference to any successor or amended section of the Code. 

(h) 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a section 

Laws appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 hereof. 

(i) 

“Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable 

(j) 

(k) 

(l) 

“Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company. 

“Company” means Cutera, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto. 

“Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent 

or Subsidiary to render services to such entity. 

“Determination  Date”  means  the  latest  possible  date  that  will  not  jeopardize  the 
qualification of an Award granted under the Plan as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the 
Code. 

(m) 

(n) 

“Director” means a member of the Board. 

(o) 

“Disability”  means  total  and  permanent  disability  as  defined  in  Section  22(e)(3)  of  the 
Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may 
determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards 
adopted by the Administrator from time to time. 

-50- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Employee”  means  any  person,  including  Officers  and  Directors,  employed  by  the 
Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by 
the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company. 

(p) 

(q) 

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 

(r) 

“Exchange Program” means a program under which (i) outstanding Awards are surrendered 
or  cancelled  in  exchange  for  Awards  of  the  same  type  (which  may  have  lower  exercise  prices  and  different  terms), 
Awards  of  a  different  type,  and/or  cash,  (ii)  Participants  would  have  the  opportunity  to  transfer  any  outstanding 
Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator, and/or (iii) the exercise price 
of  an  outstanding  Award  is  reduced.  The  Administrator  will  determine  the  terms  and  conditions  of  any  Exchange 
Program in its sole discretion. 

follows: 

(s) 

“Fair  Market  Value”  means,  as  of  any  date,  the  value  of  Common  Stock  determined  as 

(i) 

If  the  Common  Stock  is  listed  on  any  established  stock  exchange  or  a  national 
market  system,  including  without  limitation  the  Nasdaq  Global  Market,  the  Nasdaq  Global  Select  Market  or  the 
Nasdaq Capital Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no 
sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street 
Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; 

If  the  Common  Stock  is  regularly  quoted  by  a  recognized  securities  dealer  but 
selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock will be the mean between the high 
bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or 
such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; 

(ii) 

Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator. 

(iii) 

In  the  absence  of  an  established  market  for  the  Common  Stock,  the  Fair  Market 

(t) 

(u) 

(v) 

“Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company. 

“Freestanding SAR” means a SAR that is granted independently of any Option. 

“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option 

within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. 

(w) 

“Inside Director” means a Director who is an Employee. 

-51- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. 

(x) 

“Nonstatutory Stock Option”  means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not 

16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. 

(y) 

“Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 

(z) 

“Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan. 

(aa) 

“Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee. 

Section 424(e) of the Code. 

(bb) 

“Parent”  means  a  “parent  corporation,”  whether  now  or  hereafter  existing,  as  defined  in 

(cc) 

“Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award. 

(dd) 

“Performance Goals” will have the meaning set forth in Section 12 of the Plan. 

Administrator in its sole discretion. 

(ee) 

“Performance  Period”  means  any  Fiscal  Year  or  such  other  period  as  determined  by  the 

“Performance  Share”  means  an  Award  denominated  in  Shares  which  may  be  earned  in 
whole or in part upon attainment of Performance Goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine 
pursuant to Section 10. 

(ff) 

“Performance  Unit”  means  an  Award  which  may  be  earned  in  whole  or  in  part  upon 
attainment  of  Performance  Goals  or  other  vesting  criteria  as  the  Administrator  may  determine  and  which  may  be 
settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing pursuant to Section 10. 

(gg) 

(hh) 

“Period of Restriction” means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted 
Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions 
may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events 
as determined by the Administrator. 

(ii) 

(jj) 

“Plan” means this 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. 

“Restricted  Stock”  means  Shares  issued  pursuant  to  an  Award  of  Restricted  Stock  under 

Section 7 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option. 

“Restricted  Stock  Unit”  means  a  bookkeeping  entry  representing  an  amount  equal  to  the 
Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 8. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and 
unsecured obligation of the Company. 

(kk) 

effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan. 

(ll) 

“Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in 

(mm) 

“Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. 

-52- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(nn) 

“Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant. 

the Plan. 

(oo) 

“Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 13 of 

an Option, that pursuant to Section 9 is designated as a SAR. 

(pp) 

“Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with 

(qq) 
defined in Section 424(f) of the Code. 

“Subsidiary”  means  a  “subsidiary  corporation”,  whether  now  or  hereafter  existing,  as 

“Tandem  SAR”  means  a  SAR  that  is  granted  in  connection  with  a  related  Option,  the 
exercise of which will require forfeiture of the right to purchase an equal number of Shares under the related Option 
(and when a Share is purchased under the Option, the SAR will be canceled to the same extent). 

(rr) 

“Unvested  Awards”  will  mean  Options  or  Restricted  Stock  that  (i)  were  granted  to  an 
individual in connection with such individual’s position as an Employee and (ii) are still subject to vesting or lapsing of 
Company repurchase rights or similar restrictions. 

(ss) 

3. 

Stock Subject to the Plan. 

Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 14 of the Plan, as of April 16, 
2012, the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be awarded and sold under the amended 
2004 Plan was 4,647,992, of which 564,329 shares remained available for future awards. 

(a) 

(b) 

Full Value Awards. Any Shares subject to Awards granted with an exercise price less than 
Fair Market Value on the date of grant of such Awards will be counted against the numerical limits of this Section 3 as 
2.12 Shares for every one Share subject thereto. Further, if Shares acquired pursuant to any such Award are forfeited or 
repurchased by the Company and would otherwise return to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(c), 2.12 times the number of 
Shares so forfeited or repurchased will return to the Plan and will again become available for issuance 

(c) 

Lapsed  Awards.  If  an  Award  expires  or  becomes  unexercisable  without  having  been 
exercised  in  full,  or,  with  respect  to  Restricted  Stock,  Restricted  Stock  Units,  Performance  Shares  or  Performance 
Units, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options and 
Stock Appreciation Rights, the forfeited or repurchased Shares) which were subject thereto will become available for 
future  grant  or  sale  under  the  Plan  (unless  the  Plan  has  terminated).  Upon  exercise  of  a  Stock  Appreciation  Right 
settled  in  Shares,  the  gross  number  of  Shares  covered  by  the  portion  of  the  Award  so  exercised  will  cease  to  be 
available  under  the  Plan.  If  the  exercise  price  of  an  Option  is  paid  by  tender  to  the  Company,  or  attestation  to  the 
ownership,  of  Shares  owned  by  the  Participant,  the  number  of  Shares  available  for  issuance  under  the  Plan  will  be 
reduced by the gross number of Shares for which the Option is exercised. Shares that have actually been issued under 
the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under 
the Plan; provided, however, that if unvested Shares of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or 
Performance  Units  are  repurchased  by  the  Company  or  are  forfeited  to  the  Company,  such  Shares  will  become 
available for future grant under the Plan. Shares used to pay the tax and/or exercise price of an Award will not become 
available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than 
Shares,  such  cash  payment  will  not  result  in  reducing  the  number  of  Shares  available  for  issuance  under  the  Plan. 
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing  provisions  of  this  Section  3(c),  subject  to  adjustment  provided  in  Section  14,  the 
maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate 
Share  number  stated  in  Section  3(a),  plus,  to  the  extent  allowable  under  Section  422  of  the  Code,  any  Shares  that 
become available for issuance under the Plan under this Section 3(c). 

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available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. 

(d) 

Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep 

4. 

Administration of the Plan. 

(a) 

Procedure. 

groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan. 

(i) 

Multiple  Administrative  Bodies.  Different  Committees  with  respect  to  different 

Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable 
to qualify Awards granted hereunder as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of 
the Code, the Plan will be administered by a Committee of two (2) or more “outside directors” within the meaning of 
Section 162(m) of the Code. 

(ii) 

Rule  16b-3.  To  the  extent  desirable  to  qualify  transactions  hereunder  as  exempt 
under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption 
under Rule 16b-3. 

(iii) 

by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee will be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws. 

(iv) 

Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered 

Powers  of  the  Administrator.  Subject  to  the  provisions  of  the  Plan,  and  in  the  case  of  a 
Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the 
authority, in its discretion: 

(b) 

(i) 

to determine the Fair Market Value; 

(ii) 

to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder; 

(iii) 

to  determine  the  number  of  Shares  to  be  covered  by  each  Award  granted 

hereunder; 

(iv) 

to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan; 

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Program; 

(v) 

with  the  approval  of  the  Company’s  stockholders,  to  institute  an  Exchange 

(vi) 

to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, 
of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time 
or  times  when  Awards  may  be  exercised (which  may  be  based on performance  criteria),  any  vesting  acceleration or 
waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, 
based in each case on such factors as the Administrator will determine; 

Plan; 

(vii) 

to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the 

rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws; 

(viii) 

to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including 

to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 18(c) of the Plan), including 
the  discretionary  authority  to  extend  the  post-termination  exercisability  period  of  Awards  longer  than  is  otherwise 
provided for in the Plan; 

(ix) 

(x) 

to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations by electing to have the 
Company  withhold  from  the  Shares  to  be  issued  upon  exercise  of  an  Award  that  number  of  Shares  having  a  Fair 
Market  Value  equal  to  the  minimum  amount  required  to  be  withheld  (the  Fair  Market  Value  of  the  Shares  to  be 
withheld will be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined and all elections by a 
Participant  to  have  Shares  withheld  for  this  purpose  will  be  made  in  such  form  and  under  such  conditions  as  the 
Administrator may deem necessary or advisable); 

required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator; 

(xi) 

to  authorize  any  person  to  execute  on  behalf  of  the  Company  any  instrument 

to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of 
Shares  that  would  otherwise  be  due  to  such  Participant  under  an  Award  pursuant  to  such  procedures  as  the 
Administrator may determine; and 

(xii) 

the Plan. 

(xiii) 

to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering 

interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards. 

(c) 

Effect  of  Administrator’s  Decision.  The  Administrator’s  decisions,  determinations  and 

5. 

Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation 
Rights, Performance Units, Performance Shares, and such other cash or stock awards as the Administrator determines 
may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. 

-55- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. 

Stock Options. 

(a) 

Limitations. 

(i) 

Each  Option  will  be  designated  in  the  Award  Agreement  as  either  an  Incentive 
Stock  Option  or  a  Nonstatutory  Stock  Option.  However,  notwithstanding  such  designation,  to  the  extent  that  the 
aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first 
time  by  the  Participant  during  any  calendar  year  (under  all  plans  of  the  Company  and  any  Parent  or  Subsidiary) 
exceeds  $100,000  (U.S.),  such  Options  will  be  treated  as  Nonstatutory  Stock  Options.  For  purposes  of  this  Section 
6(a),  Incentive  Stock  Options  will  be  taken  into  account  in  the  order  in  which  they  were  granted.  The  Fair  Market 
Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted. 

(ii) 

The following limitations will apply to grants of Options: 

(1) 
purchase more than 1,000,000 Shares. 

No  Service  Provider  will  be  granted,  in  any  Fiscal  Year,  Options  to 

In  connection  with  his  or  her  initial  service,  a  Service  Provider  may  be 
granted Options to purchase up to an additional 1,000,000 Shares, which will not count against the limit set forth in 
Section 6(a)(ii)(1) above. 

(2) 

(3) 
with any change in the Company’s capitalization as described in Section 14. 

The  foregoing  limitations  will  be  adjusted  proportionately  in  connection 

If an Option is cancelled in the same Fiscal Year in which it was granted 
(other than in connection with a transaction described in Section 14), the cancelled Option will be counted against the 
limits set forth in subsections (1) and (2) above. 

(4) 

(b) 

Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement, but in no 
event will the term be greater than seven (7) years from the date of grant. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the 
term will be seven (7) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement. 
Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option 
is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of 
stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from 
the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement. 

(c) 

Option Exercise Price and Consideration. 

exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following: 

(i) 

Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to 

(1) 

In the case of an Incentive Stock Option 

granted  to  an  Employee  who,  at  the  time  the  Incentive  Stock 
Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of 
the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 110% of the Fair Market 
Value per Share on the date of grant. 

a) 

-56- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
granted  to  any  Employee  other  than  an  Employee  described  in 
paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per 
Share on the date of grant. 

b) 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Incentive Stock Options may be 
granted  with  a  per  Share  exercise  price  of  less  than  100%  of  the  Fair  Market  Value  per  Share  on  the  date  of  grant 
pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code. 

c) 

(2) 

In  the  case  of a  Nonstatutory  Stock Option,  the  per  Share  exercise price 
will  be  determined by  the  Administrator,  but  the  per  Share  exercise  price  will  be  no  less  than 100%  of  Fair  Market 
Value per Share on the date of grant. In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as “performance-
based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the per Share exercise price will be no less 
than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Nonstatutory Stock 
Options may be grated with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the 
date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code. 

Waiting  Period  and  Exercise  Dates.  At  the  time  an  Option  is  granted,  the 
Administrator  will  fix  the  period  within  which  the  Option  may  be  exercised  and  will  determine  any  conditions  that 
must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised. 

(ii) 

(iii) 

Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form(s) of 
consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the 
Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration may consist 
entirely of: (1) cash; (2) check; (3) promissory note; (4) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market 
Value  on  the  date  of  surrender  equal  to  the  aggregate  exercise  price  of  the  Shares  as  to  which  said  Option  will  be 
exercised and provided that accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, shall not result in any 
adverse  accounting  consequences  to  the  Company;  (5)  consideration  received  by  the  Company  under  a  cashless 
exercise  program  implemented  by  the  Company  in  connection  with  the  Plan;  (6)  a  reduction  in  the  amount  of  any 
Company  liability  to  the  Participant,  including  any  liability  attributable  to  the  Participant’s  participation  in  any 
Company-sponsored  deferred  compensation  program  or  arrangement;  (7)  such  other  consideration  and  method  of 
payment  for  the  issuance  of  Shares  to  the  extent  permitted  by  Applicable  Laws;  or  (8)  any  combination  of  the 
foregoing methods of payment. 

(d) 

Exercise of Option. 

Procedure  for  Exercise;  Rights  as  a  Stockholder.  Any  Option  granted  hereunder 
will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the 
Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. 

(i) 

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An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) written or electronic 
notice of exercise (in accordance with the Award Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) 
full  payment  for  the  Shares  with  respect  to  which  the  Option  is  exercised.  Full  payment  may  consist  of  any 
consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the 
Plan.  Shares  issued  upon  exercise  of  an  Option  will  be  issued  in  the  name  of  the  Participant  or,  if  requested  by  the 
Participant,  in  the  name  of  the  Participant  and  his  or  her  spouse.  Until  the  Shares  are  issued  (as  evidenced  by  the 
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote 
or  receive  dividends  or  any  other  rights  as  a  stockholder  will  exist  with  respect  to  the  Shares,  notwithstanding  the 
exercise  of  the  Option.  The  Company  will  issue  (or  cause  to  be  issued)  such  Shares  promptly  after  the  Option  is 
exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the 
Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 14 of the Plan. 

Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, 
both  for  purposes  of  the  Plan  and  for  sale  under  the  Option,  by  the  number  of  Shares  as  to  which  the  Option  is 
exercised. 

(ii) 

Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a 
Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s termination as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the 
Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the 
extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such 
Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option 
will remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the 
Administrator,  if  on  the  date  of  termination  the  Participant  is  not  vested  as  to  his  or  her  entire  Option,  the  Shares 
covered  by  the  unvested  portion  of  the  Option  will  revert  to  the  Plan.  If  after  termination  the  Participant  does  not 
exercise his  or  her  Option  within  the  time  specified by  the  Administrator,  the Option will  terminate,  and  the Shares 
covered by such Option will revert to the Plan. 

(iii) 

Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result 
of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified 
in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the 
expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the 
Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participant’s termination. 
Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or 
her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination 
the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the 
Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan. 

(iv) 

Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may 
be exercised following the Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the 
extent  that  the  Option  is  vested  on  the  date  of  death  (but  in  no  event  may  the  option  be  exercised  later  than  the 
expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, 
provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If 
no  such  beneficiary  has  been  designated  by  the  Participant,  then  such  Option  may  be  exercised  by  the  personal 
representative  of  the  Participant’s  estate  or  by  the  person(s)  to  whom  the  Option  is  transferred  pursuant  to  the 
Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the 
Award  Agreement,  the  Option  will  remain  exercisable  for  twelve  (12)  months  following  Participant’s  death.  Unless 
otherwise provided by the Administrator, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, 
the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will immediately revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so 
exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert 
to the Plan. 

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7. 

Restricted Stock. 

Grant  of  Restricted  Stock.  Subject  to  the  terms  and  provisions  of  the  Plan,  the 
Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such 
amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. 

(a) 

(b) 

Restricted  Stock  Agreement.  Each  Award  of  Restricted  Stock  will  be  evidenced  by  an 
Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and 
conditions  as  the  Administrator,  in  its  sole  discretion,  will  determine.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing  sentence,  for 
Restricted Stock intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of 
the Code, during any Fiscal Year no Participant will receive more than an aggregate of 300,000 Shares of Restricted 
Stock.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing  limitation,  in  connection  with  his  or  her  initial  service  as  an  Employee,  for 
Restricted Stock intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of 
the Code, an Employee may be granted an aggregate of up to an additional 300,000 Shares of Restricted Stock. Unless 
the Administrator determines otherwise, Shares of Restricted Stock will be held by the Company as escrow agent until 
the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed. 

Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 7, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be 
sold,  transferred, pledged,  assigned, or otherwise  alienated  or hypothecated  until  the  end  of  the  applicable  Period of 
Restriction. 

(c) 

restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate. 

(d) 

Other  Restrictions.  The  Administrator,  in  its  sole  discretion,  may  impose  such  other 

(e) 

Removal  of  Restrictions.  Except  as  otherwise  provided  in  this  Section  7,  Shares  of 
Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as 
practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time 
at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed. 

Voting  Rights.  During  the  Period  of  Restriction,  Service  Providers  holding  Shares  of 
Restricted  Stock  granted  hereunder  may  exercise  full  voting  rights  with  respect  to  those  Shares,  unless  the 
Administrator determines otherwise. 

(f) 

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(g) 

Dividends  and  Other  Distributions.  During  the  Period  of  Restriction,  Service  Providers 
holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to 
such  Shares  unless  otherwise  provided  in  the  Award  Agreement.  If  any  such  dividends  or  distributions  are  paid  in 
Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted 
Stock with respect to which they were paid. 

Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the 
Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for 
grant under the Plan. 

(h) 

(i) 

Section  162(m)  Performance  Restrictions.  For  purposes  of  qualifying  grants  of  Restricted 
Stock  as  “performance-based  compensation”  under  Section  162(m)  of  the  Code,  the  Administrator,  in  its  discretion, 
may  set  restrictions  based  upon  the  achievement  of  Performance  Goals.  The  Performance  Goals  will  be  set  by  the 
Administrator  on  or  before  the  Determination  Date.  In  granting  Restricted  Stock  which  is  intended  to  qualify  under 
Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it from  time to time to  be 
necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining 
the Performance Goals). 

8. 

Restricted Stock Units. 

(a) 

Grant.  Restricted  Stock  Units  may  be  granted  at  any  time  and  from  time  to  time  as 
determined by the Administrator. Each Restricted Stock Unit grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will 
specify such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine, including all terms, 
conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, the number of Restricted Stock Units and the form of payout, which, 
subject to Section 8(d), may be left to the discretion of the Administrator. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in 
this  subsection  (a),  for  Restricted  Stock  Units  intended  to  qualify  as  “performance-based  compensation”  within  the 
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, during any Fiscal Year of the Company, no Participant will receive more than 
an aggregate of 300,000 Restricted Stock Units. Notwithstanding the limitation in the previous sentence, for Restricted 
Stock  Units  intended  to  qualify  as  “performance-based  compensation”  within  the  meaning  of  Section  162(m)  of  the 
Code, in connection with his or her initial service as an Employee, an Employee may be granted an aggregate of up to 
an additional 300,000 Restricted Stock Units. 

(b) 

Vesting  Criteria  and  Other  Terms.  The  Administrator  will  set  vesting  criteria  in  its 
discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock 
Units that will be paid out to the Participant. After the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole 
discretion, may reduce or waive any restrictions for such Restricted Stock Units. Each Award of Restricted Stock Units 
will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the vesting criteria, and such other terms and conditions as 
the Administrator, in its sole discretion will determine. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at 
which any restrictions will lapse or be removed. 

will be entitled to receive a payout as specified in the Award Agreement. 

(c) 

Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant 

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(d) 

Form  and Timing of Payment.  Payment  of  earned  Restricted  Stock Units  will  be  made  as 
soon as practicable after the date(s) set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may 
pay earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination thereof. Shares represented by Restricted Stock 
Units that are fully paid in cash again will be available for grant under the Plan. 

(e) 
Units will be forfeited to the Company. 

Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock 

(f) 

Section  162(m)  Performance  Restrictions.  For  purposes  of  qualifying  grants  of  Restricted 
Stock  Units  as  “performance-based  compensation”  under  Section  162(m)  of  the  Code,  the  Administrator,  in  its 
discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals will be set 
by  the  Administrator  on or before  the Determination  Date.  In granting  Restricted  Stock  Units  which  are  intended  to 
qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it from time to 
time  to  be  necessary  or  appropriate  to  ensure  qualification of  the Award under  Section 162(m)  of  the  Code  (e.g.,  in 
determining the Performance Goals). 

9. 

Stock Appreciation Rights. 

Grant of SARs. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a SAR may be granted to 
Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. 
The Administrator may grant Affiliated SARs, Freestanding SARs, Tandem SARs, or any combination thereof. 

(a) 

(b) 

Number  of  Shares.  The  Administrator  will  have  complete  discretion  to  determine  the 
number  of  SARs  granted  to  any  Service  Provider;  provided,  however,  no  Service  Provider  will  be  granted,  in  any 
Fiscal Year, SARs covering more than 1,000,000 Shares. Notwithstanding the limitation in the previous sentence, in 
connection  with  his  or  her  initial  service  a  Service  Provider  may  be  granted  SARs  covering  up  to  an  additional 
1,000,000  Shares.  The  foregoing  limitations  will  be  adjusted  proportionately  in  connection  with  any  change  in  the 
Company’s  capitalization  as  described  in  Section  14.  In  addition,  if  a  SAR  is  cancelled  in  the  same  Fiscal  Year  in 
which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction described in Section 14), the cancelled SAR will be 
counted against the numerical share limits set forth above. 

(c) 

Exercise Price and Other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, 
will  have  complete  discretion  to  determine  the  terms  and  conditions  of  SARs  granted  under  the  Plan;  provided, 
however, that the per Share exercise price of a SAR will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on 
the date of grant. However, the exercise price of Tandem or Affiliated SARs will equal the exercise price of the related 
Option. 

(d) 

Exercise  of  Tandem  SARs.  Tandem  SARs  may  be  exercised  for  all  or  part  of  the  Shares 
subject to the related Option upon the surrender of the right to exercise the equivalent portion of the related Option. A 
Tandem SAR may be exercised only with respect to the Shares for which its related Option is then exercisable. With 
respect to a Tandem SAR granted in connection with an Incentive Stock Option: (a) the Tandem SAR will expire no 
later  than  the  expiration  of  the  underlying  Incentive  Stock  Option;  (b)  the  value  of  the  payout  with  respect  to  the 
Tandem SAR will be for no more than one hundred percent (100%) of the difference between the exercise price of the 
underlying Incentive Stock Option and the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the underlying Incentive Stock 
Option  at  the  time  the  Tandem  SAR  is  exercised;  and  (c)  the  Tandem  SAR  will  be  exercisable  only  when  the  Fair 
Market Value of  the  Shares subject  to  the Incentive Stock Option  exceeds  the Exercise  Price of  the  Incentive  Stock 
Option. 

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Exercise of  Affiliated  SARs. An Affiliated SAR will  be  deemed  to  be  exercised upon the 
exercise of the related Option. The deemed exercise of an Affiliated SAR will not necessitate a reduction in the number 
of Shares subject to the related Option. 

(e) 

conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. 

(f) 

Exercise of Freestanding SARs. Freestanding SARs will be exercisable on such terms and 

SAR  Agreement.  Each  SAR  grant  will  be  evidenced  by  an  Award  Agreement  that  will 
specify the exercise price, the term of the SAR, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the 
Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. 

(g) 

(h) 

Maximum Term/Expiration of SARs. An SAR granted under the Plan will expire upon the 
date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the 
foregoing provisions of this Section 9, the rules of Section 6(b) relating to the maximum term, (i.e., that an SAR may 
not have a term longer than seven (7) years fom the date of grant) and Section 6(d) relating to post-termination exercise 
also will apply to SARs. 

payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying: 

(i) 

Payment of SAR Amount. Upon exercise of an SAR, a Participant will be entitled to receive 

(i) 
over the exercise price; times 

The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise 

(ii) 

The number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. 

At  the  discretion  of  the  Administrator,  the  payment  upon  SAR  exercise  may  be  in  cash,  in  Shares  of 

equivalent value, or in some combination thereof. 

10. 

Performance Units and Performance Shares. 

(a) 

Grant  of  Performance  Units/Shares.  Performance  Units  and  Performance  Shares  may  be 
granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole 
discretion.  The  Administrator  will  have  complete  discretion  in  determining  the  number  of  Performance  Units  and 
Performance  Shares  granted  to  each  Participant  provided  that  during  any  Fiscal  Year,  for  Performance  Units  or 
Performance Shares intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) 
of the Code, (i) no Participant will receive Performance Units having an initial value greater than $2,000,000, and (ii) 
no  Participant  will  receive  more  than  300,000  Performance  Shares.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing  limitation,  for 
Performance Shares intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) 
of the Code, in connection with his or her initial service, a Service Provider may be granted up to an additional 300,000 
Performance Shares. 

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Value of Performance Units/Shares. Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is 
established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal 
to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. 

(b) 

(c) 

Performance  Objectives  and  Other  Terms.  The  Administrator  will  set  performance 
objectives  or  other  vesting  provisions  in  its  discretion  which,  depending  on  the  extent  to  which  they  are  met,  will 
determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the Service Providers. Each Award 
of Performance Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and 
such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. The Administrator may set 
vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not 
limited to, continued employment), or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion. 

(d) 

Earning of Performance Units/Shares. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, 
the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares 
earned  by  the  Participant  over  the  Performance  Period,  to  be  determined  as  a  function  of  the  extent  to  which  the 
corresponding performance objectives or other vesting provisions have been achieved. After the grant of a Performance 
Unit/Share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting 
provisions for such Performance Unit/Share. 

(e) 

Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares. Payment of earned Performance 
Units/Shares  will  be  made  as  soon  as  practicable  after  the  expiration  of  the  applicable  Performance  Period.  The 
Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which 
have  an  aggregate  Fair  Market  Value  equal  to  the  value  of  the  earned  Performance  Units/Shares  at  the  close  of  the 
applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof. 

Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, 
all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for 
grant under the Plan. 

(f) 

(g) 

Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions. For purposes of qualifying grants of Performance 
Units/Shares  as  “performance-based  compensation”  under  Section  162(m)  of  the  Code,  the  Administrator,  in  its 
discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals will be set 
by the Administrator on or before the Determination Date. In granting Performance Units/Shares which are intended to 
qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it from time to 
time  to  be  necessary  or  appropriate  to  ensure  qualification of  the Award under  Section 162(m)  of  the  Code  (e.g.,  in 
determining the Performance Goals). 

11. 

Formula Option Grants to Outside Directors. 

nondiscretionary and will be made in accordance with the following provisions: 

All  grants  of  Options  to  Outside  Directors  pursuant  to  this  Section  will  be  automatic  and 

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Options and, except as otherwise provided herein, will be subject to the other terms and conditions of the Plan.  

(a) 

Type  of  Option.  All  Options  granted  pursuant  to  this  Section  will  be  Nonstatutory  Stock 

No Discretion. No person will have any discretion to select which Outside Directors will be 
granted  Options  under  this  Section  or  to  determine  the  number  of  Shares  to  be  covered  by  such  Options  (except  as 
provided in Sections 10(f) and 13).  

(b) 

(c) 

First Option. Each person who first becomes an Outside Director following the Registration 
Date will be automatically granted an Option to purchase 10,000 Shares (the “First Option”) on or about the date on 
which such person first becomes an Outside Director, whether through election by the stockholders of the Company or 
appointment  by  the  Board  to  fill  a  vacancy;  provided,  however,  that  an  Inside  Director  who  ceases  to  be  an  Inside 
Director, but who remains a Director, will not receive a First Option.  

Subsequent  Option.  Each  Outside  Director  will  be  automatically  granted  an  Option  to 
purchase  5,000  Shares  (a  “Subsequent  Option”)  on  each  date  of  the  annual  meeting  of  the  stockholders  of  the 
Company, if as of such date, he or she will have served on the Board for at least the preceding six (6) months.  

(d) 

(e) 

Terms. The terms of each Option granted pursuant to this Section will be as follows:  

(i) 

The term of the Option will be seven (7) years.  

the date of grant of the Option.  

(ii) 

The exercise price per Share will be 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on 

Subject to Section 14, the First Option will vest and become exercisable as to 1/3rd 
of  the  Shares  subject  to  such  First  Option  on  each  anniversary  of  its  date  of  grant,  provided  that  the  Participant 
continues to serve as a Director through each such date.  

(iii) 

Subject to Section 14, the Subsequent Option will vest and become exercisable as 
to 100% of the Shares subject to such Option on the third anniversary of its date of grant, provided that the Participant 
continues to serve as a Director through such date.  

(iv) 

(f) 

Amendment. The Administrator in its discretion may change and otherwise revise the terms 
of  Awards  granted  under  this  Section  11,  including,  without  limitation,  the  number  of  Shares  and  exercise  prices 
thereof  or  the  type  of  Award  to  be  granted,  with  respect  to  Awards  granted  on  or  after  the  date  the  Administrator 
determines to make any such change or revision.  

12. 

Performance-Based Compensation Under Code Section 162(m). 

(a) 

General.  If  the  Administrator,  in  its  discretion,  decides  to  grant  an  Award  intended  to 
qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the provisions of this Section 12 will 
control over any contrary provision in the Plan; provided, however, that the Administrator may in its discretion grant 
Awards  that  are  not  intended  to qualify  as “performance-based  compensation” under Section  162(m) of  the  Code to 
such  Participants  that  are  based  on  Performance  Goals  or  other  specific  criteria  or  goals  but  that  do  not  satisfy  the 
requirements of this Section 12.  

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(b) 

Performance Goals. The granting and/or vesting of Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted 
Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units and other incentives under the Plan may be made subject to 
the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria within the meaning of Section 162(m) of 
the  Code  and  may  provide  for  a  targeted  level  or  levels  of  achievement  (“Performance  Goals”)  including:  (i)  cash 
position,  (ii)  earnings  per  Share,  (iii)  net  income,  (iv)  operating  cash  flow,  (v)  operating  income,  (vi)  operating 
expenses,  (vii)  product  revenues,  (viii)  profit  after-tax,  (ix)  revenue,  (x)  revenue  growth,  and  (xii)  total  stockholder 
return.  Prior  to  the  Determination  Date,  the  Administrator  will  determine  whether  any  significant  element(s)  will  be 
included  in  or  excluded  from  the  calculation  of  any  Performance  Goal  with  respect  to  any  Participant.  Any 
Performance  Goals  may  be  used  to  measure  the  performance  of  the  Company  as  a  whole  or  a  business  unit  of  the 
Company and may be measured relative to a peer group or index. With respect to any Award, Performance Goals may 
be used alone or in combination. The Performance Goals may differ from Participant to Participant and from Award to 
Award. Prior to the Determination Date, the Administrator will determine whether any significant element(s) will be 
included in or excluded from the calculation of any Performance Goal with respect to any Participant.  

(c) 

Procedures.  To  the  extent  necessary  to  comply  with  the  performance-based  compensation 
provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code, with respect to any Award granted subject to Performance Goals, within the 
first twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Period, but in no event more than ninety (90) days following the 
commencement  of  any  Performance  Period  (or  such  other  time  as  may  be  required  or  permitted  by  Code  Section 
162(m)), the Administrator will, in writing, (i) designate one or more Participants to whom an Award will be made, (ii) 
select the Performance Goals applicable to the Performance Period, (iii) establish the Performance Goals, and amounts 
of  such  Awards,  as  applicable,  which  may  be  earned  for  such  Performance  Period,  and  (iv)  specify  the  relationship 
between Performance Goals and the amounts of such Awards, as applicable, to be earned by each Participant for such 
Performance Period. Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Administrator will certify in writing 
whether  the  applicable  Performance  Goals  have  been  achieved  for  such  Performance  Period.  In  determining  the 
amounts earned by a Participant, the Administrator will have the right to reduce or eliminate (but not to increase) the 
amount payable at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Administrator may deem 
relevant  to  the  assessment  of  individual  or  corporate  performance  for  the  Performance  Period.  A  Participant  will  be 
eligible  to  receive  payment  pursuant  to  an  Award  for  a  Performance  Period  only  if  the  Performance  Goals  for  such 
period are achieved.  

(d) 

Additional Limitations. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, any Award which 
is granted to a Participant and is intended to constitute qualified performance based compensation under Code Section 
162(m) will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in the Code (including any amendment to Section 162(m)) 
or any regulations and ruling issued thereunder that are requirements for qualification as qualified performance-based 
compensation  as  described  in  Section  162(m)  of  the  Code,  and  the  Plan  will  be  deemed  amended  to  the  extent 
necessary to conform to such requirements.  

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13. 

Leaves  of  Absence.  Unless  the  Administrator  provides  otherwise,  vesting  of  Awards  granted 
hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Service Provider will not cease to be an Employee 
in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company, or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or 
between  the  Company,  its  Parent,  or  any  Subsidiary.  For  purposes  of  Incentive  Stock  Options,  no  such  leave  may 
exceed  three  (3)  months, unless  reemployment  upon  expiration of  such  leave  is  guaranteed  by  statute  or  contract. If 
reemployment  upon  expiration  of  a  leave  of  absence  approved  by  the  Company  is  not  so  guaranteed,  then  six  (6) 
months and one day following the commencement of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant 
will  cease  to  be  treated  as  an  Incentive  Stock  Option  and  will  be  treated  for  tax  purposes  as  a  Nonstatutory  Stock 
Option.  

14. 

Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be 
sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of 
descent  or  distribution  and  may  be  exercised,  during  the  lifetime  of  the  Participant,  only  by  the  Participant.  If  the 
Administrator  makes  an  Award  transferable,  such  Award  will  contain  such  additional  terms  and  conditions  as  the 
Administrator deems appropriate.  

15. 

Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control. 

(a) 

Adjustments.  In  the  event  that  any  dividend  or  other  distribution  (whether  in  the  form  of 
cash,  Shares,  other  securities,  or  other  property),  recapitalization,  stock  split,  reverse  stock  split,  reorganization, 
merger,  consolidation,  split-up,  spin-off,  combination,  repurchase,  or  exchange  of  Shares  or  other  securities  of  the 
Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in 
order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the 
Plan, shall appropriately adjust the number and class of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, 
class, and price of Shares covered by each outstanding Award, and the numerical Share limits set forth in Sections 3, 6, 
7, 8, 9, and 10.  

(b) 

Dissolution  or  Liquidation.  In  the  event  of  the  proposed  dissolution  or  liquidation  of  the 
Company,  the  Administrator  will  notify  each  Participant  as  soon  as  practicable  prior  to  the  effective  date  of  such 
proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to 
the consummation of such proposed action.  

(c) 

Change  in  Control.  In  the  event  of  a  Change  in  Control,  each  outstanding  Award  will  be 
assumed  or  an  equivalent  option  or  right  substituted  by  the  successor  corporation  or  a  Parent  or  Subsidiary  of  the 
successor corporation. In  the event  that  the  successor  corporation  refuses  to  assume  or  substitute  for the  Award,  the 
Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation 
Rights,  including  Shares  as  to  which  such  Awards  would  not  otherwise  be  vested  or  exercisable,  all  restrictions  on 
Restricted Stock shall lapse, and, with respect to Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units, 
all  performance  goals  or  other  vesting  criteria  will  be  deemed  achieved  at  target  levels  and  all  other  terms  and 
conditions met. In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is not assumed or substituted for in the event of a 
Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock 
Appreciation Right will be fully vested and exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole 
discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.  

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With respect to Awards granted to an Outside Director that are assumed or substituted for, if on the 
date of or following such assumption or substitution the Participant’s status as a Director or a director of the successor 
corporation, as applicable, is terminated other than upon a voluntary resignation by the Participant not at the request of 
the successor, then the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise Options and/or Stock Appreciation 
Rights as to all of the Shares subject to the Award, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be 
vested  or  exercisable,  all  restrictions  on  Restricted  Stock  shall  lapse,  and,  with  respect  to  Restricted  Stock  Units, 
Performance Shares and Performance Units, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 
target levels and all other terms and conditions met.  

For  the  purposes  of  this  subsection  (c),  an  Award  will  be  considered  assumed  if,  following  the 
Change  in  Control,  the  Award  confers  the  right  to  purchase  or  receive,  for  each  Share  subject  to  the  Award 
immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) or, 
in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right upon the exercise of which the Administrator determines to pay cash or a 
Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Share or Performance Unit which the Administrator can determine to pay in cash, 
the fair market value of the consideration received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for 
each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type 
of  consideration  chosen  by  the  holders  of  a  majority  of  the  outstanding  Shares);  provided,  however,  that  if  such 
consideration received in the Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, 
the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon 
the  exercise  of  an  Option  or  Stock  Appreciation  Right  or  upon  the  payout  of  a  Restricted  Stock  Unit,  Performance 
Share or Performance Unit, for each Share subject to such Award (or in the case of Performance Units, the number of 
implied shares determined by dividing the value of the Performance Units by the per share consideration received by 
holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control), to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its 
Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in 
Control.  

Notwithstanding  anything  in  this  Section  15(c)  to  the  contrary,  an  Award  that  vests,  is  earned  or 
paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more Performance Goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its 
successor  modifies  any  of  such  Performance  Goals  without  the  Participant’s  consent;  provided,  however,  a 
modification to such Performance Goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate 
structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.  

16. 

Tax Withholding  

(a) 

Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award 
(or exercise thereof), the Company will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to 
remit  to  the  Company,  an  amount  sufficient  to  satisfy  federal,  state,  local,  foreign  or  other  taxes  (including  the 
Participant’s FICA obligation) required to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).  

(b) 

Withholding  Arrangements.  The  Administrator,  in  its  sole  discretion  and  pursuant  to  such 
procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation, in 
whole  or  in  part  by  (without  limitation)  (i)  paying  cash,  (ii)  electing  to  have  the  Company  withhold  otherwise 
deliverable  cash  or  Shares  having  a  Fair  Market  Value  equal  to  the  minimum  amount  required  to  be  withheld,  (iii) 
delivering  to  the  Company  already-owned  Shares  having  a  Fair  Market  Value  equal  to  the  amount  required  to  be 
withheld, or (iv) selling a sufficient number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant through such means as 
the  Administrator  may  determine  in  its  sole  discretion  (whether  through  a  broker  or  otherwise)  equal  to  the  amount 
required to be withheld. The amount of the withholding requirement will be deemed to include any amount which the 
Administrator agrees may be withheld at the time the election is made, not to exceed the amount determined by using 
the maximum federal, state or local marginal income tax rates applicable to the Participant with respect to the Award 
on  the  date  that  the  amount  of  tax  to  be  withheld  is  to  be  determined.  The  Fair  Market  Value  of  the  Shares  to  be 
withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.  

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17. 

No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant 
any  right  with  respect  to  continuing  the  Participant’s  relationship  as  a  Service  Provider  with  the  Company,  nor  will 
they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s right to terminate such relationship at any time, 
with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.  

18. 

Date  of  Grant.  The  date  of  grant  of  an  Award  will  be,  for  all  purposes,  the  date  on  which  the 
Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such later date as is determined by the Administrator. 
Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.  

19. 

Term of Plan. Subject to Section 23 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon its adoption by 

the Board. It will continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier under Section 20 of the Plan.  

20. 

Amendment and Termination of the Plan.  

terminate the Plan.  

(a) 

Amendment and Termination. The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or 

amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.  

(b) 

Stockholder  Approval.  The  Company  will  obtain  stockholder  approval  of  any  Plan 

(c) 

Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination 
of the Plan will impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the 
Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the 
Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards 
granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.  

21. 

Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. 

Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the 
exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be 
further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.  

(a) 

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(b) 

Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may 
require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are 
being  purchased  only  for  investment  and  without  any  present  intention  to  sell  or  distribute  such  Shares  if,  in  the 
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.  

22. 

Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory 
body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance 
and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such 
Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.  

23. 

Stockholder  Approval.  The  Plan  will  be  subject  to  approval  by  the  stockholders  of  the  Company 
within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner 
and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.  

-69- 

 
 
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CUTERA, INC. 

2012 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS 

The undersigned stockholder of Cutera, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby acknowledges receipt of the 

Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement each dated April 30, 2012 and hereby appoints Kevin 
P. Connors (our President and Chief Executive Officer) and Ronald J. Santilli (our Chief Financial Officer), each as 
proxy and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, on behalf and in the name of the undersigned to represent 
the undersigned at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cutera, Inc. to be held on June 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., 
local time, at Cutera’s offices located at 3240 Bayshore Blvd., Brisbane, California 94005-1021, and at any 
postponement or adjournment thereof, and to vote all shares of common stock which the undersigned would be entitled 
to vote if then and there personally present, on the matters set forth below: 

SEE REVERSE SIDE 

FOLD AND DETACH HERE 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Please  
mark your  
votes as  
indicated 







1.Election of Directors 

FOR  WITHHOLD  2. A non-binding advisory vote 
on the approval of executive 
compensation. 

FOR 

AGAINST  ABSTAIN

 

 



 



  3. Ratify the appointment of 
Ernst & Young LLP as the 
Independent Registered 
Public Accounting Firm of 
the Company for the fiscal 
year ending December 31, 
2012. 

  4. Adoption of our 2004 Equity 
Incentive Plan (as amended).

FOR 


AGAINST  ABSTAIN

 



FOR 


AGAINST  ABSTAIN

 



CLASS II NOMINEES: 

     Timothy J. O’Shea 

       David B. Apfelberg 

THE STOCKHOLDER 
MAY WITHHOLD 
AUTHORITY TO VOTE 
FOR ANY NOMINEE BY 
STRIKING OUT THE 
INDIVIDUAL’S NAME 
ABOVE 

THIS  PROXY  WILL  BE  VOTED  AS  DIRECTED  OR,  IF  NO  CONTRARY  DIRECTION  IS  INDICATED, 
WILL  BE  VOTED  AS  FOLLOWS:  (1)  FOR  THE  ELECTION  OF  THE  NOMINATED  CLASS  II 
DIRECTORS; (2) FOR THE APPROVAL, BY NON-BINDING VOTE, OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION; 
(3)  FOR  THE  ADOPTION  OF  OUR  2004  EQUITY  INCENTIVE  PLAN  (AS  AMENDED);  (4)  FOR  THE 
RATIFICATION  OF  THE  APPOINTMENT  OF  ERNST  &  YOUNG  LLP  AS  OUR  INDEPENDENT 
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM; AND (5) AS THE PROXY HOLDERS DEEM ADVISABLE 
ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. 

PLEASE  SIGN  EXACTLY  AS  YOUR  NAME  APPEARS  HEREON.  IF  THE  STOCK  IS  REGISTERED  IN  THE 
NAME  OF  TWO  OR  MORE  PERSONS,  EACH  SHOULD  SIGN.  EXECUTORS,  ADMINISTRATORS, 
TRUSTEES,  GUARDIANS  AND  ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT  SHOULD  ADD  THEIR  TITLES.  IF  SIGNER  IS  A 
CORPORATION,  PLEASE  GIVE  FULL  CORPORATE  NAME  AND  HAVE  A  DULY  AUTHORIZED  OFFICER 
SIGN,  STATING  TITLE.  IF  SIGNER  IS  A  PARTNERSHIP,  PLEASE  SIGN  IN  PARTNERSHIP  NAME  BY 
AUTHORIZED PERSON.  

PLEASE SIGN, DATE  AND  PROMPTLY  RETURN  THIS  PROXY  IN  THE  ENCLOSED  RETURN  ENVELOPE, 
WHICH IS POSTAGE PREPAID IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. 

SIGNATURE(S) 

  SIGNATURE(S) 

  DATE:    

NOTE:  This  Proxy  should  be  marked,  signed  by  the  stockholder(s)  exactly  as  his  or  her  name  appears  hereon,  and 
returned promptly in the enclosed envelope. Persons signing in fiduciary capacity should so indicate. If shares are held 
by joint tenants or as community property, both should sign. 

 
 
  
  
  
    
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
    
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 

Commission file number: 000-50644 

Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

77-0492262 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

Cutera, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

3240 Bayshore Blvd.
Brisbane, California 94005
(415) 657-5500
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

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

Title of Each Class 
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  No  

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

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

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

Indicate  by  check  mark  if  disclosure  of  delinquent  filers  pursuant  to  Item 405  of  Regulation  S-K  (§229.405  of  this  chapter)  is  not 
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by 
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See the definition 

of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):  

Large accelerated 
filer  

Accelerated 
filer  

Non-accelerated filer (Do not 
check if a smaller reporting company)  

Smaller reporting 
company  

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock, held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2011 (which is the last 
business  day  of  registrant’s  most  recently  completed  second  fiscal  quarter)  based  upon  the  closing  price  of  such  stock  on  the  NASDAQ  Global 
Select Market on that date, was approximately $92 million. For purposes of this disclosure, shares of common stock held by entities and individuals 
who own 5% or more of the outstanding common stock and shares of common stock held by each officer and director have been excluded in that 
such persons may be deemed to be “affiliates” as that term is defined under the Rules and Regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This 
determination of affiliate status is not necessarily conclusive. 

The number of shares of Registrant’s common stock issued and outstanding as of February 29, 2012 was 13,954,178. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Part  III  incorporates  by  reference  certain  information  from  the  registrant’s  definitive  proxy  statement  for  the  2012  Annual  Meeting  of 

Stockholders. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page

PART I 

Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 

PART II 

Item 5. 

Item 6. 
Item 7. 

Item 7A. 
Item 8. 
Item 9. 

Item 9A. 
Item 9B. 

PART III 

Item 10. 
Item 11. 
Item 12. 

Item 13. 
Item 14. 

PART IV 

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial 
Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . .   
Principal Accounting Fees and Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Item 15. 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

1
17
32
32
32
32

32
35

36
52
53

84
84
85

86
86

86
86
86

87

i 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1. 

BUSINESS 

PART I 

We  are  a  global  medical  device  company  headquartered  in  Brisbane,  California  specializing  in  the  design, 
development,  manufacture,  marketing  and  servicing  of  laser  and  light-based  aesthetics  systems  for  practitioners 
worldwide. We offer easy-to-use products based on six platforms—CoolGlide®, Xeo®, Solera®, GenesisPlusTM, Excel 
VTM,  and  myQTM  —  each of which  enable physicians  and  other qualified practitioners  to perform  safe  and  effective 
aesthetic procedures for their customers. 

●  CoolGlide-  In  March  2003,  our  first  product  platform,  CoolGlide,  was  launched.  This  platform  offers 
laser applications for hair removal, treatment of a range of vascular lesions, including leg and facial veins, 
and Laser Genesis—a skin rejuvenation procedure that reduces fine lines, reduces pore size and improves 
skin texture. 

●  Xeo- In 2003, we introduced the Xeo platform, which can combine pulsed light and laser applications in a 
single  system.  The  Xeo  is  a  fully  upgradeable  platform  on  which  a  customer  can  use  the  following 
applications  that  we  offer:  remove  unwanted  hair,  treat  vascular  lesions  and  rejuvenate  the  skin  by 
treating  discoloration,  improving  texture,  reducing  pore  size  and  treating  fine  lines  and  laxity.  This 
product platform represents the largest contributor to our Product revenue. 

●  Solera-  In  2004,  we  introduced  the  Solera  platform,  a  compact  tabletop  system  designed  to  support  a 
single technology platform. Solera systems use either infrared (Solera Titan) or pulsed light (Solera Opus) 
and can be used to remove unwanted hair, treat vascular lesions and rejuvenate the skin. The Solera Opus 
can support one or more pulsed light applications in a single system. 

●  GenesisPlus- In 2010, we introduced the GenesisPlus platform, which is a dedicated laser based system 
for performing skin rejuvenation procedures and for onychomycosis, or toenail fungus. This system has a 
hand piece that includes real time temperature monitoring of the treatment area, as well as a non-contact 
distance gauge using two aiming beams, for improving the clinical result of treatment. In addition, this 
system  can  be  used  to  treat patients  with  skin  concerns  such  as fine  wrinkles, diffuse redness,  rosacea, 
skin texture and pore size. 

●  Excel V- In February 2011, we introduced our Excel V platform, a high-performance, vascular platform 
designed specifically for the core-market of Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons. This platform provides 
a combination of the 532 nm green laser with Cutera’s award winning 1064 nm Nd:YAG technology, to 
provide a single, compact and efficient system that treats the entire range of cosmetic vascular conditions, 
without the need for costly consumables. 

●  myQ-  In  October  2011,  we  announced  a  distribution  agreement  with  Quanta  System  SpA  ─  an  Italian 
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of laser technologies ─ to market and sell the myQ series of Q-
switched lasers in Japan. Q-switched lasers are designed to be used in a wide range of popular aesthetic 
applications,  including  superficial  and  deep  pigmented  lesions  (i.e.,  melasma),  skin  rejuvenation,  laser 
skin toning and tattoo removal. 

Each  of  our  laser  and  light-based  platforms  consists  of  one  or  more  hand  pieces  and  a  console  that  incorporates  a 
universal graphic user interface, a laser or light-based module, control system software and high voltage electronics. 
However,  depending  on  the  application,  the  laser  or  light-based  module  is  sometimes  instead  contained  in  the  hand 
piece. A description of each of our hand pieces, and the aesthetic conditions they are designed to treat, are contained in 
the section entitled “Products,” below. 

We offer our customers the ability to select the systems and applications that best fit their practice and to subsequently 
upgrade their systems to add new applications. This upgrade path allows our customers to cost-effectively build their 
aesthetic practices and provides us with a source of recurring revenue. 

In  addition  to systems  and  upgrades,  we generate  revenue from  the  sale  of  post  warranty  services, Titan  hand piece 
refills, and Dermal filler and cosmeceuticals. 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The Structure of Skin and Conditions that Affect Appearance 

The skin is the body’s largest organ and is comprised of layers called the epidermis and dermis. The epidermis is the 
outer layer, and serves as a protective barrier for the body. It contains cells that determine pigmentation, or skin color. 
The  underlying  layer  of  skin,  the  dermis,  contains  hair  follicles  and  large  and  small  blood  vessels  that  are  found  at 
various  depths  below  the  epidermis.  Collagen,  also  found  within  the  dermis,  provides  strength  and  flexibility  to  the 
skin. 

Many factors, such as age, smoking and sun damage, can result in aesthetically unpleasant changes in the appearance 
of the skin. These changes can include: 

●  Undesirable hair growth; 
●  Enlargement  or  swelling  of  blood  vessels  due  to  circulatory  changes  that  become  visible  at  the  skin’s 

surface in the form of unsightly veins; 

●  Deterioration  of  collagen,  which  weakens  the  skin,  leading  to  uneven  texture,  increased  pore  size, 

wrinkles and laxity; and 

●  Uneven pigmentation or sun spots due to long-term sun exposure. 

People with unwanted hair or any of the above-mentioned skin conditions often seek aesthetic treatments to improve 
their appearance. 

The Market for Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures 

The  market  for  non-surgical  aesthetic procedures has  grown  significantly  over  the  past  several  years.  The American 
Society  of  Plastic  Surgeons  estimates  that  in  2011  there  were  over  12.2 million  minimally-invasive  aesthetic 
procedures performed, a 6% increase over 2010 and a 123% increase over 2000. We believe there are several factors 
contributing to the growth of these aesthetic procedures, including: 

●  Aging  of  the  U.S.  Population-  The  “baby  boomer”  demographic  segment  ─  ages  47  to  65  in  2011  ─ 
represented  approximately  80  million  people,  or  26%,  of  the  U.S.  population  in  2011.  The  size  of  this 
aging segment, and its desire to retain a youthful appearance, has contributed to the growth for aesthetic 
procedures. 

●  Broader Range of Safe and Effective Treatments- Technical developments have led to safe, effective, 
easy-to-use  and  low-cost  treatments  with  fewer  side  effects,  resulting  in  broader  adoption  of  aesthetic 
procedures  by  practitioners.  In  addition,  technical  developments  have  enabled  practitioners  to  offer  a 
broader  range  of  treatments.  These  technical  developments  have  reduced  the  required  treatment  and 
recovery times, which in turn have led to greater patient demand. 

●  Broader  Base  of  Customers-  Managed  care  and  government  payer  reimbursement  restrictions  in  the 
United  States,  and  similar  payment  related  constraints  outside  the  United  States,  may  help  motivate 
qualified  practitioners  from  differing  specialties  to  establish  or  expand  their  elective  aesthetic  practices 
with  procedures  that  are  paid  for directly  by  patients.  As  a  result,  in  addition  to  the  core  users  such  as 
dermatologists  and  plastic  surgeons,  many  other  non-core  practitioners,  such  as  gynecologists,  family 
practitioners,  primary  care  physicians,  physicians  offering  aesthetic  treatments  in  non-medical  offices, 
and other qualified practitioners are offering aesthetic procedures. 

Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures for Improving the Skin’s Appearance and Their Limitations 

Many alternative therapies are available for improving a person’s appearance by treating specific structures within the 
skin. These procedures utilize injections or abrasive agents to reach different depths of the dermis and the epidermis. In 
addition,  non-invasive  and  minimally-invasive  treatments  have  been  developed  that  employ  laser  and  light-based 
technologies  to  achieve  similar  therapeutic  results.  Some  of  these  more  common  therapies  and  their  limitations  are 
described below. 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hair Removal- Techniques for hair removal include waxing, depilatories, tweezing, shaving, electrolysis and laser and 
light-based hair removal. The only techniques that provide a long-lasting solution are electrolysis and light-based hair 
removal.  Electrolysis  is  usually  painful,  time-consuming  and  expensive  for  large  areas,  but  is  the  most  common 
method for removing light-colored hair. During electrolysis, an electrologist inserts a needle directly into a hair follicle 
and activates an electric current in the needle. Since electrolysis only treats one hair follicle at a time, the treatment of 
an area as small as an upper lip may require numerous visits and many hours of treatment. In addition, electrolysis can 
cause blemishes and infection related to needle use. 

Leg and Facial Veins- The current aesthetic treatment methods for leg and facial veins include sclerotherapy and laser 
and  light-based  treatments.  With  these  treatments,  patients  seek  to  eliminate  visible  veins  and  improve  overall  skin 
appearance.  Sclerotherapy  requires  a  skilled  practitioner  to  inject  a  saline  or  detergent-based  solution  into  the  target 
vein, which breaks down the vessel causing it to collapse and be absorbed into the body. The need to correctly position 
the needle on the inside of the vein makes it difficult to treat smaller veins, which limits the treatment of facial vessels 
and  small  leg  veins.  The  American  Society  of  Plastic  Surgeons  estimates  that  approximately  355,000  sclerotherapy 
procedures were performed in 2011. 

Skin Rejuvenation- Skin rejuvenation treatments include a broad range of popular alternatives, including Botox and 
collagen  injections,  chemical  peels,  microdermabrasions,  radiofrequency  treatments  and  lasers  and  light-based 
treatments. With these treatments, patients hope to improve overall skin tone and texture, reduce pore size, tighten skin 
and remove other signs of aging, including mottled pigmentation, diffuse redness and wrinkles. All of these procedures 
are temporary solutions and must be repeated within several weeks or months to sustain their effect, thereby increasing 
the  cost  and  inconvenience  to  patients.  For  example,  the  body  absorbs  Botox  and  collagen  and  patients  require 
supplemental injections every three to six months to maintain the benefits of these treatments. 

Some skin rejuvenation treatments, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasions, can have undesirable side effects. 
Chemical peels use acidic or caustic solutions to peel away the epidermis, and  microdermabrasion generally utilizes 
sand crystals to resurface the skin. These techniques can lead to stinging, redness, irritation and scabbing. In addition, 
more serious complications, such as changes in skin color, can result from deeper chemical peels. Patients that undergo 
these deep chemical peels are also advised to avoid exposure to the sun for several months following the procedure. 
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that in 2011, approximately 5.7 million injections of Botox and 
1.9 million  injections  of  collagen  and  other  soft-tissue  fillers  were  administered;  and  1.1 million  chemical  peels  and 
900,000 microdermabrasion procedures were performed. 

In  radiofrequency  tissue  tightening,  energy  is  applied  to  heat  the  dermis  of  the  skin  with  the  goal  of  shrinking  and 
tightening  the  collagen  fibers.  This  approach  may  result  in  a  more  subtle  and  incremental  change  to  the  skin  than  a 
surgical facelift. Drawbacks to this approach may include surface irregularities that  may however resolve over time, 
and the risk of burning the treatment area. 

Laser  and  light-based  non-surgical  treatments  for  hair  removal,  veins  and  skin  rejuvenation  are  discussed  in  the 
following section and in the section entitled “Our Applications and Procedures,” below. 

Laser and Light-Based Aesthetic Treatments 

Laser and light-based aesthetic treatments can achieve therapeutic results by affecting structures within the skin. The 
development of safe and effective aesthetic treatments has created a well-established market for these procedures. 

Ablative skin resurfacing is a method of improving the appearance of the skin by removing the outer layers of the skin. 
Ablative  skin resurfacing procedures  are  considered  invasive  or  minimally  invasive, depending  on how  much  of  the 
epidermis is removed during a treatment. Non-ablative skin resurfacing is a method of improving the appearance of the 
skin by treating the underlying structure of the skin without damaging the outer layers of the skin. Practitioners can use 
laser and light-based technologies to selectively target hair follicles, veins or collagen in the dermis, as well as cells 
responsible  for  pigmentation  in  the  epidermis,  without  damaging  surrounding  tissue.  They  can  also  use  these 
technologies to safely remove portions of the epidermis and deliver heat to the dermis as a means of generating new 
collagen growth. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Safe  and  effective  laser  and  light-based  treatments  require  an  appropriate  combination  of  the  following  four 
parameters: 

●  Energy Level- the amount of light emitted to heat a target; 
●  Pulse Duration- the time interval over which the energy is delivered; 
●  Spot Size- the diameter of the energy beam, which affects treatment depth and area; and 
●  Wavelength- the color of light, which impacts the effective depth and absorption of the energy delivered. 

For example, in the case of hair removal, by utilizing the correct combination of these parameters, a practitioner can 
use  a  laser  or  other  light  source  to  selectively  target  melanin  within  the  hair  follicle  to  absorb  the  laser  energy  and 
destroy  the  follicle,  without  damaging  other  delicate  structures  in  the  surrounding  tissue.  Wavelength  and  spot  size 
permit the practitioner to target melanin in the base of the hair follicle, which is found in the dermis. The combination 
of pulse duration and energy level may vary, depending upon the thickness of the targeted hair follicle. A shorter pulse 
length with a high energy level is optimal to destroy fine hair, whereas coarse hair is best treated with a longer pulse 
length with lower energy levels. If treatment parameters are improperly set, non-targeted structures within the skin may 
absorb the energy thereby eliminating or reducing the therapeutic effect. In addition, improper setting of the treatment 
parameters or failure to protect the surface of the skin may cause burns, which can result in blistering, scabbing and 
skin discoloration. 

Technology and Design of Our Systems 

Our unique CoolGlide, Xeo, Solera, GenesisPlus, Excel V and myQ platforms provide the long-lasting benefits of laser 
and  light-based  aesthetic  treatments.  Our  technology  allows  for  a  combination  of  a  wide  variety  of  applications 
available in a single system. Key features of our solutions include: 

●  Multiple  Applications  Available  in  a  Single  System-  Our  systems  comprise  of  multi-applications  that 
enable  practitioners  to  perform  multiple  aesthetic  procedures  using  a  single  device.  These  procedures 
include  hair  removal,  vascular  treatments  and  skin  rejuvenation  ─  including  the  treatment  of 
discoloration, laxity, fine lines, pore size and uneven texture. Because practitioners can use our systems 
for multiple indications, the cost of a unit may be spread across a potentially greater number of patients 
and procedures and therefore may be more rapidly recovered. 

●  Technology and Design Leadership- We offer innovative laser and light-based solutions for the aesthetic 
market. Our laser technology combines long wavelength, adjustable energy levels, variable spot sizes and 
a  wide  range  of  pulse  durations,  allowing  practitioners  to  customize  treatments  for  each  patient  and 
condition. Our proprietary pulsed light hand pieces for the treatment of discoloration, hair removal and 
vascular treatments optimize the wavelength used for treatments and incorporate a monitoring system to 
increase safety. Our Titan hand pieces utilize a novel light source that had not been previously used for 
aesthetic  treatments.  Our  Pearl  and  Pearl  Fractional  hand  pieces,  with  proprietary  YSGG  technology, 
represent the first application of the 2790 nm wavelength for minimally-invasive cosmetic dermatology. 
Further, our GenesisPlus platform for performing skin rejuvenation procedures and toenail fungus has a 
hand piece that includes real time temperature monitoring of the treatment area, as well as a non-contact 
distance  gauge  using  two  aiming  beams,  for  improving  the  clinical  result  of  the  treatment.  Excel  V  is 
a stand-alone,  laser  based  product  that  combines  a  new  high  power  green  laser  with  Cutera’s  award 
winning  Nd:YAG  technology,  to  provide  a  system  that  treats  the  entire  range  of  cosmetic  vascular 
conditions, without the need for costly consumables. 

●  Upgradeable  Platform-  We  have  designed  some  of  our  products  to  allow  our  customers  to  cost-
effectively upgrade to our multi-application systems (Solera and Xeo), which provide our customers with 
the  option  to  add  additional  applications  to  their  existing  systems  and  provides  us  with  a  source  of 
recurring revenue. We believe that product upgradeability allows our customers to take advantage of our 
latest product offerings and provide additional treatment options to their patients, thereby expanding the 
opportunities for their aesthetic practices. 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
●  Treatments  for  Broad  Range  of  Skin  Types  and  Conditions-  Our  products  remove  hair  safely  and 
effectively  on  patients  of  all  skin  types,  including  harder-to-treat  patients  with  dark  or  tanned  skin.  In 
addition, the wide parameter range of our systems allows practitioners to effectively treat patients with 
both fine and coarse hair. Practitioners may use our products to treat spider and reticular veins (unsightly 
small  veins  in  the  leg)  and  small  facial  veins;  perform  skin  rejuvenation  procedures  for  discoloration, 
texture,  pore  size,  fine  lines,  and  laxity  on  any  type  of  skin;  and  treat  toenail  fungus.  The  ability  to 
customize treatment parameters enables practitioners to offer safe and effective therapies to a broad base 
of their patients. 

●  Ease of Use- We design our products to be easy to use. Our proprietary hand pieces are lightweight and 
ergonomic,  minimizing  user  fatigue,  and  allow  for  clear  views  of  the  treatment  area,  reducing  the 
possibility of unintended damage and increasing the speed of application. Our control console contains a 
universal graphic user interface with three simple, independently adjustable controls from which to select 
a wide range of treatment parameters to suit each patient’s profile. The clinical navigation user interface 
on the Xeo platform provides recommended clinical treatment parameter ranges based on patient criteria 
entered. And our Pearl and Pearl Fractional hand pieces include a scanner with multiple scan patterns to 
allow  simple  and  fast  treatments  of  the  face.  Risks  involved  in  the  use  of  our  products  include  risks 
common  to  other  laser  and  light-based  aesthetic  procedures,  including  the  risk  of  burns,  blistering  and 
skin discoloration. 

Strategy 

Our goal is to maintain and expand our position as a leading, worldwide, provider of energy-based aesthetic devices 
and complementary aesthetic products by executing the following strategies: 

● 

●  Continue to Expand our Product Offering- Though we believe that our current portfolio of products is 
comprehensive,  our  research  and  development  group  has  a  pipeline  of  potential  products  under 
development  that  we  expect  to  commercialize  in  the  future.  In  2010  we  launched  GenesisPlus  and  in 
2011, we launched Excel V. In addition to products in the laser and light-based aesthetic market, we are 
expanding  our  product  offering  into  other  complementary  aesthetic  applications,  such  as  dermal  fillers 
and  cosmeceuticals.  Such  products  will  allow  us  to  leverage  our  existing  customer  call  points,  and 
provide  us  with  new  customer  call  points,  to  generate  additional  revenue,  which  will  enhance  the 
productivity of our distribution channels. 
Increasing Revenue and Improving Productivity- We believe that the market for aesthetic systems will 
continue  to  offer  growth  opportunities  in  the  future.  We  continue  to  build  brand-recognition,  add 
additional products to our international distribution channel and remain focused on enhancing our global 
distribution network, all of which we expect will increase our revenue. In addition, we plan to grow our 
U.S. revenue by leveraging our relationship with PSS World Medical Shared Services, Inc., or PSS─ a 
wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  PSS  World  Medical  ─  that  operates  medical  supply  distribution  service 
centers with over 700 sales consultants serving physician offices throughout the United States. 
Increasing  Focus  on  Practitioners  with  Established  Medical  Offices-  We  believe  there  is  growth 
opportunity in targeting our products to a broad customer base. However, in response to the 2009 to 2010 
global recession, we shifted our focus to the core practitioners and physicians with established medical 
offices.  We  believe  that  our  customer  success  is  largely  dependent  upon  having  an  existing  medical 
practice, in which our systems provide incremental revenue sources to augment their practice revenue. As 
such, in 2011 we increased our focus on marketing our GenesisPlus product to podiatrists and our Excel 
V to dermatologists and plastic surgeons. 

● 

5 

 
 
 
●  Leveraging our  Installed  Base  with  Sales  of  Upgrades- In  February  2011, we  introduced  the  Excel  V 
and  in  2010,  we  introduced  GenesisPlus  ─  both  stand  alone  platforms.  However  in  the  past,  we  have 
introduced new products that allowed existing customers to upgrade their previously purchased systems 
to  offer  additional  capabilities.  We  believe  that  providing  upgrades  to  our  existing  installed  base  of 
customers  continues  to  represent  a  potentially  significant  opportunity  for  recurring  revenue.  We  also 
believe that our upgrade program aligns our interest in generating revenue with our customers’ interest in 
improving the return on their investment by expanding the range of applications that can be performed 
with their existing systems. 

●  Generating Revenue from Services and Refillable Hand Pieces- Our Titan hand pieces and pulsed-light 
hand pieces are refillable products, which provide us with a source of recurring revenue from our existing 
customers. We offer post-warranty services to our customers either through extended service contracts to 
cover preventive maintenance or through direct billing for parts and labor. These post-warranty services 
serve as additional sources of recurring revenue. 

Products 

Our  CoolGlide,  Xeo,  Solera,  GenesisPlus,  Excel  V  and  myQ  platforms  allow  for  the  delivery  of  multiple  laser  and 
light-based aesthetic applications from a single system. With our Xeo and Solera platforms, practitioners can purchase 
customized systems with a variety of our multi-technology applications. 

The following table lists our products and each checked box represents the applications that were included in the 
product in the years noted. 

Applications: 

  Products: 

System 
Platforms: 
CoolGlide . . . . . .  CV 

  Year:   
  2000  
  2001  
  Excel 
  2002  
  Vantage 
Xeo: . . . . . . . . . . .  Nd:YAG 
  2003  
  2003  
  OPS600 
  2004  
  LP560 
  2004  
  Titan S 
  2005  
  ProWave 770 
  2005  
  AcuTip 500 
  2006  
  Titan V/XL 
  2006  
  LimeLight 
  Pearl 
  2007  
  Pearl Fractional    2008  
  2004  
  2005  
  2005  
  2005  
  2005  
  2006  
  2006  
  2010  
  2011  
  2011  

  ProWave 770 
  OPS 600 
  LP560 
  AcuTip 500 
  Titan V/XL 
  LimeLight 

GenesisPlus . . . .   
Excel V . . . . . . . .   
myQ . . . . . . . . . . .   

Solera . . . . . . . . .  Titan S 

Hair 
Removal:

Vascular 
Lesions:

Dyschromia:

Skin Rejuvenation

Texture, 
Lines and 
Wrinkles:   

Skin 
Laxity: 

Melasma
 & Tattoo 
Removal:

x 
x 
x 
x 

x 

x 

x 
x 
x 

x 

x 

x 

x 
x 

x 
x 

x 
x 

x 
x 

x 
x 

x 
x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Energy
Source:
a 
a 
a 
a 
b 
b 
c 
b 
b 
c 
b 
d 
d 
c 
b 
b 
b 
b 
c 
b 
a 
e 
e 

Energy  Source:  a.  1064nm  Nd:YAG  laser;  b.  flashlamp;  c.  Infrared  laser;  d.  2790  nm  YSGG  laser;  e.  combined 
frequency 532 nm and 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser 

Each of our products consists of a control console and one or more hand pieces, depending on the model. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Control Console 

Our control console includes a universal graphic user interface, control system software and high voltage electronics. 
All CoolGlide systems, GenesisPlus, Excel V and some models of the Xeo platform, include our laser module which 
consists of electronics, a visible aiming beam, a focusing lens, and an Nd:YAG and/or flashlamp laser that functions at 
wavelengths that permit penetration over a wide range of depths and is effective across all skin types. The interface 
allows the practitioner to set the appropriate laser or flashlamp parameters for each procedure through a user-friendly 
format.  The  control  system  software  ensures  that  the  operator’s  instructions  are  properly  communicated  from  the 
graphic  user  interface  to  the  other  components  within  the  system.  Our high  voltage  electronics produce  over  10,000 
watts  of  peak  laser  energy,  which  permits  therapeutic  effects  at  short  pulse  durations.  Our  Solera  console  platform 
comes  in  two  configurations—Opus  and  Titan—both  of  which  include  a  universal  graphic  user  interface,  control 
system software and high voltage electronics. The Solera Opus console is designed specifically to drive our flashlamp 
hand pieces while the Solera Titan console is designed specifically to drive the Titan hand pieces. The control system 
software  is  designed  to  ensure  that  the  operator’s  instructions  are  properly  communicated  from  the  graphical  user 
interface to the other components within the system and includes real-time calibration to control the output energy as 
the pulse is delivered during the treatment. 

Hand Pieces 

1064 nm Nd:YAG Hand Piece- Our 1064nm Nd:YAG hand piece delivers laser energy to the treatment area for hair 
removal, leg and facial vein treatment, and skin rejuvenation procedures to treat skin texture and fine lines, and reduce 
pore size. The 1064nm Nd:YAG hand piece consists of an energy-delivery component, consisting of an optical fiber 
and lens, and a copper cooling plate with imbedded temperature monitoring. The hand piece weighs approximately 14 
ounces, which is light enough to be held with one hand. The lightweight nature and ergonomic design of the hand piece 
allows the operation of the device without user fatigue. Its design allows the practitioner an unobstructed view of the 
treatment area, which reduces the possibility of unintended damage to the skin and can increase the speed of treatment. 
The 1064nm Nd:YAG hand piece also incorporates our cooling system, providing integrated pre- and post cooling of 
the treatment area through a temperature-controlled copper plate to protect the outer layer of the skin. The hand piece is 
available in either a fixed 10 millimeter spot size for our CoolGlide CV system, or a user-controlled variable 3, 5, 7 or 
10 millimeter spot size for our CoolGlide Excel and CoolGlide Vantage systems. 

Excel V Hand Piece- The Excel V system introduced in February 2011 delivers 1064 nm and 532 nm laser energy to 
the treatment area for vascular treatments. The Excel V system includes two hand pieces, both consisting of an energy-
delivery component, consisting of an optical fiber and lens. One hand piece includes a sapphire window cooling plate 
with  temperature  monitoring.  The  second  hand  piece  does  not  have  a  cooling  plate  and  includes  a  non-contact 
temperature sensor to monitor the treatment area temperature. In addition, this second hand piece includes two aiming 
beams that facilitate consistent treatments by maintaining the correct distance of the hand piece to the skin. Both hand 
pieces offer a spot size range from 1.5 to 12 mm in 0.1 mm increments. Each hand piece is capable of delivering either 
the 1064 nm or 532 nm laser energy. 

GenesisPlus  Hand  Piece-  Our  GenesisPlus  system  launched  in  2010  delivers  1064  nm  laser  energy  to  the  treatment 
area for toenail fungus and for skin rejuvenation procedures to treat skin texture and fine lines, and reduce pore size. 
This 1064nm Nd:YAG hand piece consists of an energy-delivery component, consisting of an optical fiber and lens but 
is  lighter  since  it  does  not  include  a  copper  cooling  plate.  The  hand  piece  does  include  a  non-contact  temperature 
sensor to monitor the treatment area temperature. In addition, the hand piece includes two aiming beams that facilitate 
consistent treatments by maintaining the correct distance of the hand piece to the skin. This hand piece offers a single 5 
mm spot size. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
Pulsed Light Hand Piece- The LP560, ProWave 770, AcuTip 500 and LimeLight hand pieces are designed to produce 
a pulse of light over a wavelength spectrum  to treat discoloration, including pigmented lesions, such as age and sun 
spots,  hair  removal  and  superficial  facial  vessels.  The  hand  pieces  each  consist  of  a  custom  flashlamp,  proprietary 
wavelength filter, closed-loop power control and embedded temperature monitor, and weigh approximately 13 ounces. 
The filter in the AcuTip 500 eliminates long and short wavelengths, transmitting only the therapeutic range required for 
safe  and  effective  treatment.  The  filter  in  the  LP560,  ProWave  770  and  LimeLight  eliminates  short  wavelengths, 
allowing  longer  wavelengths  to  be  transmitted  to  the  treatment  area.  In  addition,  the  wavelength  spectrum  of  the 
ProWave 770 and the LimeLight can be shifted based on the setting of the control console. Our power control includes 
a  monitoring  system  to  ensure  that  the  desired  energy  level  is  delivered.  The  hand  pieces  protect  the  epidermis  by 
regulating the temperature of the hand piece window through the embedded temperature monitor. These hand pieces 
are available on the Xeo and Solera platforms. 

Titan  Hand  Piece- The  Titan  hand  pieces  are  designed  to  produce  a  sustained  pulse  of  light  over  a  wavelength 
spectrum tailored to provide heating in the dermis to treat skin laxity (although it is cleared in the United States by the 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, only for deep dermal heating). The hand piece consists of a custom light 
source, proprietary wavelength filter, closed-loop power control, sapphire cooling window and embedded temperature 
monitor, and weighs approximately three pounds. The temperature of the epidermis is controlled by using a sapphire 
window to provide cooling before, during and after the delivery of energy to the treatment site. We offer two different 
Titan hand pieces—Titan V and Titan XL. 

●  Titan  V-  Titan  V  has  a  treatment  tip  that  extends  beyond  the  hand  piece  housing  to  provide  enhanced 
visibility of the skin’s surface to effectively treat delicate areas such as the skin around the eyes and nose. 
●  Titan XL- Titan XL, like the Titan V, has a treatment tip that extends beyond the housing for improved 
visibility.  It  also  has  a  larger  treatment  spot  size  to  treat  larger  body  areas  faster,  such  as  the  arms, 
abdomen and legs. 

The  Titan  hand  pieces  can  be  used  on  the  Xeo  and  Solera  platforms.  The  Titan  hand  piece  requires  a  periodic 
“refilling” process, which includes the replacement of the optical source, after a set number of pulses have been used. 
This provides us with a source of recurring revenue. 

Pearl  Hand  Piece-  The  Pearl  hand  piece,  introduced  in  2007,  is  designed  to  treat  fine  lines,  uneven  texture  and 
dyschromia through the application of proprietary YSGG laser technology. This hand piece can safely remove a small 
portion of the epidermis, while coagulating the remaining epidermis, leading to new collagen growth. The Pearl hand 
piece  consists  of  a  custom  monolithic  laser  source,  scanner  and  power  monitoring  electronics.  The  scanner  includes 
multiple  scan  patterns  to  allow  simple  and  fast  treatments  of  the  face.  The  hand  piece  includes  an  attachment  for  a 
smoke evacuator, allowing the practitioner to use one hand during treatment. 

Pearl  Fractional  Hand  Piece-  The  Pearl  Fractional  hand  piece,  introduced  in  2008,  also  uses  proprietary  YSGG 
technology and is designed to treat wrinkles and deep dermal imperfections (although it is cleared in the United States 
by the FDA only for skin resurfacing and coagulation). This hand piece penetrates the deep dermis producing a series 
of  microcolumns  across  the  skin,  which  can  result  in  the  removal  of  damaged  tissue  and  the  production  of  new 
collagen. The Pearl Fractional hand piece consists of a custom monolithic laser source, scanner and power monitoring 
electronics. The scanner includes multiple scan patterns to allow simple and fast treatments of the face. The hand piece 
includes an attachment for a smoke evacuator, allowing the practitioner to use one hand during treatment. 

Upgrades 

Our  Solera  and  Xeo  platforms  are  multi-application  products  that  are  designed  to  allow  our  customers  to  cost-
effectively upgrade to our newest technologies, which provides our customers the option to add applications to their 
system and provides us with a source of recurring revenue. When we introduce a new product, we notify our customers 
of the upgrade opportunity through a sales call or mailing. In most cases, a field service representative can install the 
upgrade at the customer site in a matter of hours, which results in very little downtime for practitioners. In some cases, 
where substantial upgrades are necessary, customers will receive fully-refurbished systems before sending their prior 
systems back to our headquarters. When customers wish to upgrade from the CoolGlide platform to either a Xeo or a 
Solera, we provide them with a trade-in value for their CoolGlide and upgrade them to the multi-application platform 
with the desired applications. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service 

We  offer  post-warranty  services  to  our  customers  either  through  extended  service  contracts  ─  that  cover  preventive 
maintenance  and/or  replacement  parts  and  labor  ─  as  well  as  direct  billing  for  detachable  hand  piece  replacements, 
parts and labor. These post-warranty services serve as additional sources of recurring revenue from our installed base. 

Titan Hand Piece Refills 

Each Titan hand piece is a refillable product, which provides us with a source of recurring revenue from our existing 
customers. 

Fillers and Cosmeceuticals 

We  distribute  Merz’s  Radiesse®  dermal  filler  product  and  Obagi  Medical  Product,  Inc.’s  (or  Obagi)  prescription-
based, topical skin health systems (or Cosmeceuticals) to physicians in the Japanese market. 

Our Applications and Procedures 

Our products are designed to allow the practitioner to select an appropriate combination of energy level, spot size and 
pulse duration for each treatment. The ability to manipulate the combinations of these parameters allows our customers 
to treat the broadest range of conditions available with a single energy-based system. 

Hair  Removal- Our  laser  technology  allows  our  customers  to  treat  all  skin  types  and hair  thicknesses. Our  1064  nm 
Nd:YAG laser permits energy to safely penetrate through the epidermis of any skin type and into the dermis where the 
hair  follicle  is  located.  Using  the  universal  graphic  user  interface  on  our  control  console,  the  practitioner  sets 
parameters to deliver therapeutic energy with a large spot size and variable pulse durations, allowing the practitioner to 
treat  fine  or  coarse  hair.  Our  1064nm  Nd:YAG  hand  piece  allows  our  customers  to  treat  all  skin  types,  while  our 
ProWave 770 hand piece, with its pulsed light technology, treats the majority of skin types quickly and effectively. 

To remove hair using a 1064nm Nd:YAG hand piece, the treatment site on the skin is first cleaned and shaved. The 
practitioner then applies a thin layer of gel to glide across the skin, and next applies the hand piece directly to the skin 
to cool the area to be treated and then delivers a laser pulse to the pre-cooled area. To remove hair using the ProWave 
770 hand piece, mineral oil is used instead of gel, and cooling is provided by a sapphire window placed directly on the 
skin, allowing the pulse of light to be applied while the treatment area is being cooled. In the case of both hand pieces, 
delivery  of  the  energy  destroys  the  hair  follicles  and  prevents  hair  re-growth.  This  procedure  is  then  repeated  at  the 
next treatment site on the body, and can be done in a gliding motion to increase treatment speed. Patients receive on 
average three to six treatments. Each treatment can take between five minutes and one hour depending on the size of 
the area and the condition being treated. On average, there are six to eight weeks between treatments. 

Vascular  Lesions-  Our  laser  technology  allows  our  customers  to  treat  the  widest  range  of  aesthetic  vein  conditions, 
including  spider  and  reticular  veins  and  small  facial  veins.  Our  CoolGlide  and  Xeo  1064nm  Nd:YAG  hand  piece’s 
adjustable spot size of 3, 5, 7 or 10 millimeters, or the Excel V 1064 nm and 532 nm hand piece with adjustable spot 
sizes from 1.5 to 12 mm, allows the practitioner to control treatment depth to target different sized veins. Selection of 
the  appropriate  energy  level  and  pulse  duration  ensures  effective  treatment  of  the  intended  target.  Our  AcuTip  500 
hand  piece,  with  its  6  millimeter  spot  size,  uses  pulsed-light  technology  and  is  designed  for  the  treatment  of  facial 
vessels. 

The  vein  treatment  procedure  when  using  the  1064nm  Nd:YAG  hand  piece  is  performed  in  a  substantially  similar 
manner to the laser hair removal procedure. The laser hand piece is used to cool the treatment area both before and 
after the laser pulse has been applied. With the Excel V hand piece the cooling can be performed pre, during and post 
delivery of the laser pulse. With the AcuTip 500 hand piece, the pulse of light is delivered while the treatment area is 
being cooled with the sapphire tip. The delivered energy damages the vein and, over time, it is absorbed by the body. 
Patients receive on average between one and six treatments, with six weeks or longer between treatments. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Skin Rejuvenation- Our Nd:YAG laser and light-based technologies allow our customers to perform non-invasive and 
minimally-invasive treatments that reduce redness, pore size, fine lines and laxity, improve skin texture, and treat other 
aesthetic  conditions.  Our  myQ  Q-switched  laser  can  be  used  for  the  treatment  of  superficial  and  deep  pigmented 
lesions (i.e., melasma), skin rejuvenations, laser skin toning and tattoo removal. 

Texture; Lines and Wrinkles- When using a 1064nm Nd: YAG laser to improve skin texture, reduce pore size and treat 
fine  lines,  cooling  is  not  applied  and  the  hand  piece  is  held  directly  above  the  skin.  A  large  number  of  pulses  are 
directed at the treatment site, repeatedly covering an area, such as the cheek. By delivering many pulses of laser light to 
a  treatment  area,  a  gentle  heating  of  the  dermis  occurs  and collagen  growth  is  stimulated  to  rejuvenate  the  skin  and 
reduce wrinkles. Patients typically receive four to six treatments for this procedure. The treatment typically takes less 
than a half hour and there are typically two to four weeks between treatments. 

When treating texture and fine lines with a Pearl hand piece, the hand piece is held at a controlled distance from the 
skin  and  the  scanner delivers  a  preset pattern of  spots  to  the  treatment  area.  Cooling  is  not  applied  to  the  epidermis 
during  the  treatment.  The  energy  delivered  by  the  hand  piece  ablates  a  portion  of  the  epidermis  while  leaving  a 
coagulated portion that will gently peel off over the course of a few days. Heat is also delivered into the dermis which 
can result in the production of new collagen. Treatment of the full face can usually be performed in 15 to 30 minutes. 
Patients receive on average between one and three treatments at monthly intervals. 

When treating wrinkles and deep dermal imperfections with a Pearl Fractional hand piece, the hand piece is held at a 
controlled distance from the skin and the scanner delivers a preset pattern of spots to the treatment area. Cooling is not 
applied  to  the  epidermis  during  the  treatment.  The  energy  delivered  by  the  hand  piece  penetrates  the  deep  dermis 
producing  a  series  of  microcolumns  across  the  skin,  which  can  result  in  the  removal  of  damaged  tissue  and  the 
production of new collagen. Treatment of the full face can usually be performed in less than an hour. Patients receive 
on average between one and three treatments at monthly intervals. 

Our CE Mark allows us to market Pearl Fractional in the European Union, Australia and certain other countries outside 
the United States for the treatment of wrinkles and deep dermal imperfections. However, in the United States we have 
a 510(k) clearance for only skin resurfacing and coagulation. 

Toenail Fungus- In addition to performing skin rejuvenation, we have FDA, Health Canada and CE Mark approvals for 
GenesisPlus that allows us to market it for onychomycosis (or toenail fungus). Tiny pulses of light from an Nd: YAG 
laser pass through the toenail to the fungus underneath, which is irradiated without any damage to the surrounding nail 
or skin. The GenesisPlus has two aiming beams that facilitate consistent treatments by maintaining the correct distance 
of  the  hand  piece  to  the  skin.  In  addition,  during  the  treatment  an  integrated  sensor  is  used  to  actively  monitor  the 
temperature of the treatment area. 

Dyschromia-  Our  pulsed-light  technologies  allow  our  customers  to  safely  and  effectively  treat  red  and  brown 
dyschromia, which is skin discoloration, pigmented lesions and rosacea. The practitioner delivers a narrow spectrum of 
light  to  the  surface  of  the  skin  through  our  LP560  or  LimeLight  hand  pieces.  These  hand  pieces  include  one  of  our 
proprietary wavelength filters, which reduce the energy level required for therapeutic effect and minimize the risk of 
skin injury. 

In treating pigmented lesions with a pulsed-light technology, the hand piece is placed directly on the skin and then the 
light pulse is triggered. The cells forming the pigmented lesion absorb the light energy, darken and then flake off over 
the course of two to three weeks. Several treatments may be required to completely remove the lesion. The treatment 
takes a few minutes per area treated and there are typically three to four weeks between treatments. 

The 532 nm wavelength green laser option on the Excel V can also be used to treat pigmented lesions in substantially 
the same way as described above with the pulsed light devices. 

Practitioners can also treat dyschromia and other skin conditions with our Pearl hand piece. During these treatments, 
the heat delivered by the Pearl hand piece will remove the outer layer of the epidermis while coagulating a portion of 
the epidermis. That coagulated portion will gently peel off over the course of a few days, revealing a new layer of skin 
underneath.  Treatment  of  the  full  face  can  usually  be  performed  in  15  to  30  minutes.  Patients  receive  on  average 
between one and three treatments at monthly intervals. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Skin Laxity- Our Titan technology allows our customers to use deep dermal heating to tighten lax skin. The practitioner 
delivers a spectrum of light to the skin through our Titan hand piece. This hand piece includes our proprietary light 
source and wavelength filter which tailors the delivered spectrum of light to provide heating at the desired depth in the 
skin. 

In treating skin laxity, the hand piece is placed directly on the skin and then the light pulse is triggered. A sustained 
pulse  causes  significant  heating  in  the  dermis.  This  heating  can  cause  immediate  collagen  contraction  while  also 
stimulating long-term collagen re-growth. Several treatments may be required to obtain the desired degree of tightening 
of the skin. The treatment of a full face can take over an hour and there are typically four weeks between treatments. 

Our CE Mark allows us to market the Titan in the European Union, Australia and certain other countries outside the 
United States for the treatment of wrinkles through skin tightening. However, in the United States we have a 510(k) 
clearance for only deep dermal heating. 

Sales and Marketing 

In  the  United  States  we  market  and  sell  our  products  primarily  through  a  direct  sales  organization.  Generally,  each 
direct sales employee is assigned a specific territory. As of December 31, 2011, we had a U.S. direct sales force of 22 
employees. We internally manage our U.S. and Canadian sales organization as one North American sales region with 
32 territories as of December 31, 2011. In addition to direct sales employees, we have a distribution relationship with 
PSS  World  Medical  that  operates  medical  supply  distribution  service  centers  with  over  700  sales  representatives 
serving physician offices throughout the United States. Revenue from PSS was $1.6 million in 2011, $2.6 million in 
2010, and $3.8 million in 2009. 

International  sales  are  generally  made  through  a  direct  international  sales  force  of  26  employees,  as  well  as  a 
worldwide distributor network in over 35 countries as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, we had direct 
sales  offices  in  Australia,  Canada,  France,  Japan,  Spain  and  the  United  Kingdom.  Our  international  revenue  as  a 
percentage of total revenue represented 61% in 2011, 64% in 2010 and 61% in 2009. 

We also sell certain items like Titan hand piece refills and marketing brochures via the internet. 

Although  specific  customer  requirements  can  vary  depending  on  applications,  customers  generally  demand  quality, 
performance,  ease  of  use,  and  high  productivity  in  relation  to  the  cost  of  ownership.  We  have  responded  to  these 
customer demands by introducing new products focused on these requirements in the markets we serve. Specifically, 
we  believe  that  we  introduce  new  products  and  applications  that  are  innovative,  address  the  specific  aesthetic 
procedures  in  demand,  and  are  upgradeable  on  our  customers’  existing  systems.  In  addition,  we  provide  attractive 
upgrade  pricing  to  new  product  families  and  are  responsive  to  our  customers’  financing  preferences.  To  increase 
market  penetration,  in  addition  to  marketing  to  the  core  specialties  of  plastic  surgeons  and  dermatologists,  we  also 
market  to  the  non-core  aesthetic  practices  consisting  of  gynecologists,  primary  care  physicians,  family  practitioners, 
physicians offering aesthetic treatments in non-medical offices, podiatrists and other qualified practitioners. 

We seek to establish strong ongoing relationships with our customers through the upgradeability of our products, sales 
of  extended  service  contracts,  the  refilling  of  Titan  hand  pieces,  ongoing  training  and  support,  and  distributing  (in 
Japan  only)  cosmeceutical  and  dermal  filler  products.  We  primarily  target  our  marketing  efforts  to  practitioners 
through  office  visits,  workshops,  trade  shows,  webinars  and  trade  journals.  We  also  market  to  potential  patients 
through brochures, workshops and our website. In addition, we offer clinical forums with recognized expert panelists 
to  promote  advanced  treatment  techniques  using  our  products  to  further  enhance  customer  loyalty  and  uncover  new 
sales opportunities. 

Competition 

Our  industry  is  subject  to  intense  competition.  Our  products  compete  against  conventional  non-energy-based 
treatments, such as electrolysis, Botox and collagen injections, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and sclerotherapy. 
Our products also compete against laser and light-based products offered by public companies, such as Cynosure, Elen 
(in Italy), Iridex (we acquired their aesthetic laser business in February 2012), Palomar, Solta and Syneron, as well as 
private companies, including, Alma, Lumenis, Sciton and several other companies. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Competition  among  providers  of  laser  and  other  energy-based  devices  for  the  aesthetic  market  is  characterized  by 
extensive  research  efforts  and  innovative  technology.  While  we  attempt  to  protect  our  products  through  patents  and 
other intellectual property rights, there are few barriers to entry that would prevent new entrants or existing competitors 
from developing products that would compete directly with ours. There are many companies, both public and private, 
that  are  developing  innovative  devices  that  use  both  energy-based  and  alternative  technologies.  Some  of  these 
competitors  have  greater  resources  than  we  do  or  product  applications  for  certain  sub-markets  in  which  we  do  not 
participate.  Additional  competitors  may  enter  the  market,  and  we  are  likely  to  compete  with  new  companies  in  the 
future. To compete effectively, we have to demonstrate that our products are attractive alternatives to other devices and 
treatments  by  differentiating  our  products  on  the  basis  of  performance,  brand  name,  service  and  price.  We  have 
encountered,  and  expect  to  continue  to  encounter,  potential  customers  who,  due  to  existing  relationships  with  our 
competitors, are committed to, or prefer the products offered by these competitors. Competitive pressures may result in 
price reductions and reduced margins for our products. 

Research and Development 

Our  research  and  development  group  develops  new  products  and  applications  and  builds  clinical  support  to  address 
unmet  or  underserved  market  needs.  As  of  December  31,  2011,  our  research  and  development  activities  were 
conducted by  a  staff  of  28  employees  with  a  broad base of  experience in  lasers,  optoelectronics,  software  and  other 
fields.  We  have  developed  relationships  with  outside  contract  engineering  and  design  consultants,  giving  our  team 
additional technical and creative breadth. We work closely with thought leaders and customers, to understand unmet 
needs and emerging applications in aesthetic medicine. Research and development expenses were approximately $9.1 
million in 2011, $7.0 million in 2010 and $6.8 million in 2009. 

Service and Support 

Our products are engineered to enable quick and efficient service and support. There are several separate components 
of our products, each of which can easily be removed and replaced. We believe that quick and effective delivery of 
service  is  important  to  our  customers.  As  of  December  31,  2011,  we  had  a  30-person  global  service  department. 
Internationally, we provide direct service support through our Australia, Canada, France, Japan and Spain offices, and 
also  through  the  network of distributors  in  over  35  countries  and  third-party  service  providers. We  historically  have 
provided a standard one-year or two-year warranty coverage on our systems. We have a standard one-year warranty on 
all systems. We provide initial warranties on our products to cover parts and service and offer extended service plans 
that vary by the type of product and the level of service desired. Our standard warranty on system consoles covers parts 
and service for a standard period of one year. From time to time, we also have promotions whereby we include a post-
warranty service contract with the sale of our products. Customers are notified before their initial warranty expires and 
are able to choose from two different extended service plans covering preventative maintenance or replacement parts 
and labor. In the event a customer does not purchase an extended service plan, we will offer to service the customer’s 
system and charge the customer for time and materials. Our Titan hand pieces generally include a warranty for a set 
number of shots instead of for a period of time. We have invested substantial financial and management resources to 
develop a worldwide infrastructure to meet the service needs of our customers worldwide. 

Manufacturing 

We manufacture our products with components and subassemblies supplied by vendors. We assemble and test each of 
our  products  at  our  Brisbane,  California  facility.  Quality  control,  cost  reduction  and  inventory  management  are  top 
priorities of our manufacturing operations. 

We purchase certain components and subassemblies from a limited number of suppliers. We have flexibility with our 
suppliers to adjust the number of components and subassemblies as well as the delivery schedules. The forecasts we 
use  are  based  on  historical  demands  and  sales  projections.  Lead  times  for  components  and  subassemblies  may  vary 
significantly depending on the size of the order, time required to fabricate and test the components or subassemblies, 
specific  supplier  requirements  and  current  market  demand  for  the  components  and  subassemblies.  We  reduce  the 
potential for disruption of supply by maintaining sufficient inventories and identifying additional suppliers. The time 
required to qualify new suppliers for some components, or to redesign them, could cause delays in our manufacturing. 
To date, we have not experienced significant delays in obtaining any of our components or subassemblies. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We use small quantities of common cleaning products in our manufacturing operations, which are lawfully disposed of 
through  a  normal  waste  management  program.  We  do  not  forecast  any  material  costs  due  to  compliance  with 
environmental laws or regulations. 

We are required to manufacture our products in compliance with the FDA’s Quality System Regulation, or QSR. The 
QSR covers the methods and documentation of the design, testing, control, manufacturing, labeling, quality assurance, 
packaging,  storage  and  shipping  of  our  products.  The  FDA  enforces  the  QSR  through  periodic  unannounced 
inspections. We had an FDA audit of compliance with laser performance standards in 2010 and a full quality system 
audit  plus  laser  performance  standard  audit  in  August  2011.  There  were  no  significant  findings  as  a  result  of  these 
audits  and  our  responses  have  been  accepted  by  the  FDA.  Our  failure  to  maintain  compliance  with  the  QSR 
requirements  could  result  in  the  shut  down  of  our  manufacturing  operations  and  the  recall  of  our  products,  which 
would have a material adverse effect on business. In the event that one of our suppliers fails to maintain compliance 
with our quality requirements, we may have to qualify a new supplier and could experience manufacturing delays as a 
result. We have opted to maintain quality assurance and quality management certifications to enable us to market our 
products  in  the  United  States,  the  member  states  of  the  European  Union,  the  European  Free  Trade  Association  and 
countries  which  have  entered  into  Mutual  Recognition  Agreements  with  the  European  Union.  Our  manufacturing 
facility is ISO 13485 certified. 

Patents and Proprietary Technology 

We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, and non-disclosure, confidentiality and 
invention  assignment  agreements  to  protect  our  intellectual  property  rights.  As  of  December  31,  2011,  we  had  19 
issued  U.S.  patents  and  22  pending  U.S.  patent  applications.  Acutip  500,  Cutera,  CoolGlide,  CoolGlide  Excel, 
Limelight, Pearl, Pearl Fractional, ProWave 770, Solera, Solera Titan, Titan and Xeo are only some of the trademarks 
and/or service marks of Cutera in the U.S. and other countries. We have trademark rights to these names and others in 
the  United  States  and  certain  other  countries.  We  intend  to  file  for  additional  patents  and  trademarks  to  continue  to 
strengthen our intellectual property rights. 

We license certain patents from Palomar and pay ongoing royalties based on sales of applicable hair-removal products. 
The royalty rate on these products ranges from 3.75% to 7.50% of revenue. The patents are set to expire in February 
2013 and February 2015. Our revenue from systems that do not include hair-removal capabilities (such as our Solera 
Titan,  Xeo  SA,  GenesisPlus  and  Excel  V);  and  other  revenue  from  service  contracts,  Titan  refills,  Fillers  and 
cosmeceuticals, are not subject to these royalties. In addition, in 2006 we capitalized $1.2 million as an intangible asset 
representing the ongoing license for these patents, which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected 
useful  life  of  9-10  years.  We  also  have  a  technology  sublicense  purchased  in  2002,  which  is  being  amortized  on  a 
straight-line basis over its expected useful life of 10 years. 

Our  employees  and  technical  consultants  are  required  to execute  confidentiality  agreements  in  connection  with  their 
employment  and  consulting  relationships  with  us.  We  also  require  them  to  agree  to  disclose  and  assign  to  us  all 
inventions  conceived  in  connection  with  the  relationship.  We  cannot  provide  any  assurance  that  employees  and 
consultants  will  abide  by  the  confidentiality  or  assignability  terms  of  their  agreements.  Despite  measures  taken  to 
protect our intellectual property, unauthorized parties may copy aspects of our products or obtain and use information 
that we regard as proprietary. 

Government Regulation 

Our  products  are  medical  devices  subject  to  extensive  and  rigorous  regulation  by  the  U.S.  Food  and  Drug 
Administration,  as  well  as  other  regulatory bodies.  FDA  regulations  govern  the following  activities  that  we  perform 
and will continue to perform to ensure that medical products distributed domestically or exported internationally are 
safe and effective for their intended uses: 

●  Product design and development; 
●  Product testing; 
●  Product manufacturing; 
●  Product safety; 
●  Product labeling; 
●  Product storage; 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
●  Recordkeeping; 
●  Pre-market clearance or approval; 
●  Advertising and promotion; 
●  Production; and 
●  Product sales and distribution. 
●  Complaint Handling 

FDA’s Pre-market Clearance and Approval Requirements 

Unless an exemption applies, each medical device we wish to commercially distribute in the United States will require 
either prior 510(k) clearance or pre-market approval from the FDA. The FDA classifies medical devices into one of 
three classes. Devices deemed to pose lower risks are placed in either class I or II, which requires the manufacturer to 
submit to the FDA a pre-market notification requesting permission to commercially distribute the device. This process 
is generally known as 510(k) clearance. Some low risk devices are exempted from this requirement. Devices deemed 
by the FDA to pose the greatest risk, such as life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices, or devices deemed 
not  substantially  equivalent  to  a  previously  cleared  510(k)  device,  are  placed  in  class  III,  requiring  pre-market 
approval. All of our current products are class II devices. 

510(k) Clearance Pathway 

When a 510(k) clearance is required, we must submit a pre-market notification demonstrating that our proposed device 
is substantially equivalent to a previously cleared 510(k) device or a device that was in commercial distribution before 
May 28, 1976 for which the FDA has not yet called for the submission of Pre-Market Approval, or PMA, applications. 
By regulation, the FDA is required to clear or deny a 510(k), pre-market notification within 90 days of submission of 
the  application.  As  a  practical  matter,  clearance  often  takes  significantly  longer.  The  FDA  may  require  further 
information, including clinical data, to make a determination regarding substantial equivalence. Laser devices used for 
aesthetic procedures, such as hair removal, have generally qualified for clearance under 510(k) procedures. 

The following table details the indications for which we received a 510(k) clearance for our products and when these 
clearances were received. 

FDA Marketing Clearances: 
Laser-based products: 

- treatment of vascular lesions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
- hair removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
- permanent hair reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
- treatment of benign pigmented lesions and pseudofolliculitis barbae, commonly referred to 

as razor bumps, and for the reduction of red pigmentation in scars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
- treatment of wrinkles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
- treatment of Onychomycosis for the clearance of nails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

Pulsed-light technologies: 

- treatment of pigmented lesions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
- hair removal and vascular treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

Date Received: 

June 1999 
  March 2000 
January 2001 

June 2002 
  October 2002 
April 2011 

  March 2003 
  March 2005 

Infrared Titan technology for deep dermal heating for the temporary relief of minor muscle 

and joint pain and for the temporary increase in local circulation where applied . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

  February 2004 

Solera tabletop console: 

- for use with the Titan hand piece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
- for use with our pulsed-light hand pieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

  October 2004 
January 2005 

Pearl product for the treatment of wrinkles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

  March 2007 

Pearl Fractional product for skin resurfacing and coagulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

  August 2008 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-Market Approval (PMA) Pathway 

A PMA must be submitted to the FDA if the device cannot be cleared through the 510(k) process. A PMA must be 
supported  by  extensive  data,  including  but  not  limited  to,  technical,  preclinical,  clinical  trials,  manufacturing  and 
labeling to demonstrate to the FDA’s satisfaction the safety and effectiveness of the device. No device that we have 
developed to date has required pre-market approval, although development of future devices or indications may require 
pre-market approval. 

Product Modifications 

We  have  modified  aspects  of  our  products  since  receiving  regulatory  clearance,  but  we  believe  that  new  510(k) 
clearances  are  not  required  for  these  modifications.  After  a  device  receives  510(k)  clearance  or  a  PMA,  any 
modification  that  could  significantly  affect  its  safety  or  effectiveness,  or  that  would  constitute  a  major  change  in  its 
intended  use,  will  require  a  new  clearance  or  approval.  The  FDA  requires  each  manufacturer  to  make  this 
determination  initially,  but  the  FDA  can  review  any  such  decision  and  can  disagree  with  a  manufacturer’s 
determination. If the FDA disagrees with our determination not to seek a new 510(k) clearance or PMA, the FDA may 
retroactively  require  us  to  seek  510(k)  clearance  or  pre-market  approval.  The  FDA  could  also  require  us  to  cease 
marketing and distribution and/or recall the modified device until 510(k) clearance or pre-market approval is obtained. 
Also, in these circumstances, we may be subject to significant regulatory fines or penalties. 

Clinical Trials 

When FDA approval of a class I, class II or class III device requires human clinical trials, and if the device presents a 
“significant  risk,”  as  defined  by  the  FDA,  to  human  health,  the  device  sponsor  is  required  to  file  an  Investigational 
Device Exemption, or IDE, application with the FDA and obtain IDE approval prior to commencing the human clinical 
trial.  If  the  device  is  considered  a  “non-significant”  risk,  IDE  submission  to  the  FDA  is  not  required.  Instead,  only 
approval from the Institutional Review Board, or IRB, overseeing the clinical trial is required. Human clinical studies 
are generally required in connection with approval of class III devices and may be required for class I and II devices. 
The IDE application must be supported by appropriate data, such as animal and laboratory testing results, showing that 
it is safe to test the device in humans and that the testing protocol is scientifically sound. The IDE must be approved in 
advance by the FDA for a specified number of patients. Clinical trials for a significant risk device may begin once the 
application is reviewed and cleared by the FDA and the appropriate institutional review boards at the clinical trial sites. 
Future clinical trials of our products may require that we submit and obtain clearance of an IDE from the FDA prior to 
commencing clinical trials. The FDA, and the IRB at each institution at which a clinical trial is being performed, may 
suspend  a  clinical  trial  at  any  time  for  various  reasons,  including  a  belief  that  the  subjects  are  being  exposed  to  an 
unacceptable health risk. 

Pervasive and Continuing Regulation 

After a device is placed on the market, numerous regulatory requirements apply. These include: 

●  Quality  system  egulations,  which  require  manufacturers,  including  third-party  manufacturers,  to  follow 
stringent design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures during all aspects of 
the manufacturing process; 

●  Labeling regulations and FDA prohibitions against the promotion of products for un-cleared, unapproved or 

“off-label” uses; 

●  Medical device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA if their device may 
have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or 
contribute to a death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur; and 

●  Post-market surveillance regulations, which apply when necessary to protect the public health or to provide 

additional safety and effectiveness data for the device.  

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The FDA has broad post-market and regulatory enforcement powers. We are subject to unannounced inspections by 
the FDA and the Food and Drug Branch of the California Department of Health Services, or CDHS, to determine our 
compliance with the QSR and other regulations, and these inspections may include the manufacturing facilities of our 
subcontractors. In the past, our prior facility has been inspected, and observations were noted. There were no findings 
that involved a material violation of regulatory requirements. Our responses to these observations have been accepted 
by the FDA and CDHS, and we believe that we are in substantial compliance with the QSR. Our current manufacturing 
facility has been inspected by the FDA and the CDHS. The FDA and the CDHS noted observations, but there were no 
findings that involved a material violation of regulatory requirements. Our responses to those observations have been 
accepted by the FDA and CDHS. 

We are also regulated under the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act, which requires laser products to comply 
with  performance  standards,  including  design  and  operation  requirements,  and  manufacturers  to  certify  in  product 
labeling  and  in  reports  to  the  FDA  that  their  products  comply  with  all  such  standards.  The  law  also  requires  laser 
manufacturers  to  file  new  product  and  annual  reports,  maintain  manufacturing,  testing  and  sales  records,  and  report 
product defects. Various warning labels must be affixed and certain protective devices installed, depending on the class 
of the product. 

Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement action by the FDA, which may 
include any of the following sanctions: 

●  Warning letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties; 
●  Repair, replacement, recall or seizure of our products; 
●  Operating restrictions or partial suspension or total shutdown of production; 
●  Refusing  our  requests  for  510(k)  clearance  or  pre-market  approval  of  new  products,  new  intended  uses,  or 

modifications to existing products; 

●  Withdrawing 510(k) clearance or pre-market approvals that have already been granted; and 
●  Criminal prosecution. 

The FDA also has the authority to require us to repair, replace or refund the cost of any medical device that we have 
manufactured  or  distributed.  If  any  of  these  events  were  to  occur,  they  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
business. 

We  are  also  subject  to  a  wide  range  of  federal,  state  and  local  laws  and  regulations,  including  those  related  to  the 
environment,  health  and  safety,  land  use  and  quality  assurance.  We  believe  that  compliance  with  these  laws  and 
regulations  as  currently  in  effect  will  not  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  capital  expenditures,  earnings  and 
competitive and financial position. 

International 

International sales of medical devices are subject to foreign governmental regulations, which vary substantially from 
country to country. The time required to obtain clearance or approval by a foreign country may be longer or shorter 
than that required for FDA clearance or approval, and the requirements may be different. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The primary regulatory environment in Europe is that of the European Union, which consists of a number of countries 
encompassing most of the major countries in Europe. The member states of the European Free Trade Association have 
voluntarily  adopted  laws  and  regulations  that  mirror  those  of  the  European  Union  with  respect  to  medical  devices. 
Other countries, such as Switzerland, have entered into Mutual Recognition Agreements and allow the  marketing of 
medical devices that meet European Union requirements. The European Union has adopted numerous directives and 
European  Standardization  Committees  have  promulgated  voluntary  standards  regulating  the  design,  manufacture, 
clinical trials, labeling and adverse event reporting for medical devices. Devices that comply with the requirements of a 
relevant directive will be entitled to bear CE conformity marking, indicating that the device conforms with the essential 
requirements  of  the  applicable  directives  and,  accordingly,  can  be  commercially  distributed  throughout  the  member 
states  of  the  European  Union,  the  member  states  of  the  European  Free  Trade  Association  and  countries  which  have 
entered into a Mutual Recognition Agreement. The method of assessing conformity varies depending on the type and 
class  of  the  product,  but  normally  involves  a  combination  of  self-assessment  by  the  manufacturer  and  a  third-party 
assessment  by  a  Notified  Body,  an  independent  and  neutral  institution  appointed  by  a  country  to  conduct  the 
conformity assessment. This third-party assessment may consist of an audit of the manufacturer’s quality system and 
specific testing of the manufacturer’s device. An assessment by a Notified Body in one member state of the European 
Union, the European Free Trade Association or one country which has entered into a Mutual Recognition Agreement is 
required in order for a manufacturer to commercially distribute the product throughout these countries. ISO 9001 and 
ISO  13845  certification  are  voluntary  harmonized  standards.  Compliance  establishes  the  presumption  of  conformity 
with the essential requirements for a CE Marking. In February 2000, our facility was awarded the ISO 9001 and EN 
46001 certification. In March 2003, we received our ISO 9001 updated certification (ISO 9001:2000) as well as our 
certification  for  ISO  13485:1996  which  replaced  our  EN  46001  certification.  In  March  2004,  we  received  our  ISO 
13485:2003  certification,  which  is  the  most  current  ISO  certification  for  medical  device  companies,  and  in  March 
2006, March 2010, February 2011 and January 2012 we passed our ISO 13485 recertification audits. 

Employees 

As of December 31, 2011, we had 200 employees, compared to 187 employees as of December 31, 2010. Of the 200 
employees  at  December  31,  2011,  78  were  in  sales  and  marketing,  43  in  manufacturing  operations,  30  in  technical 
service, 28 in research and development and 21 in general and administrative. We believe that our future success will 
depend  in  part  on  our  continued  ability  to  attract,  hire  and  retain  qualified  personnel.  None  of  our  employees  are 
represented by a labor union, and we believe our employee relations are good. 

Available Information 

We  are  subject  to  the  reporting  requirements  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934.  Consequently,  we  are 
required to file reports and information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including reports on 
the following forms: annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and 
amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934.  These  reports  and  other  information  concerning  the  company  may  be  accessed  through  the  SEC’s  website  at 
www.sec.gov.  Such  filings,  as  well  as  our  charters  for  our  Audit  and  Compensation  Committees  and  our  Code  of 
Ethics are available on our website at www.cutera.com. In the event that we grant a waiver under our Code of Ethics to 
any of our officers and directors, we will publish it on our website. 

ITEM 1A. 

RISK FACTORS 

We  operate  in  a  rapidly  changing  economic  and  technological  environment  that  presents  numerous  risks,  many  of 
which are driven by factors that we cannot control or predict. The following discussion, as well as our discussion in 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Item 7), highlights some of 
these  risks.  The  risks  described  below  are  not  exhaustive  and  you  should  carefully  consider  these  risks  and 
uncertainties before investing in our securities. 

In  2011,  our  U.S.  revenue  increased  by  approximately  21%,  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2010.  However,  in 
fiscal  year  2010  our  U.S.  revenue  decreased  by  approximately  8%  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2009.  Even 
though our U.S. revenue has increased in 2011, it continues to be significantly below the pre-2009 levels. If our U.S. 
revenue  does  not  continue  to  improve,  it  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  total  revenue,  profitability, 
employee retention and stock price. 

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In 2011, our U.S. revenue increased by approximately 21%, compared to the same period in 2010. Even though our 
U.S. revenue has increased in 2011, it continues to be significantly below the pre-2009 levels due to several factors, 
some of which are: 

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Our Product and Upgrade ASPs were lower than the pre-2009 levels as a result of customers purchasing fewer 
applications for systems, lower pricing resulting from competitive discounting pressures and the impact of a 
shift in our product mix towards lower priced systems. 

Historically, we have introduced a new product every year since 2000, which typically resulted in increased 
revenue.  However,  in  2009  and  until  August  2010,  we  did  not  have  a  new  product.  In  August  2010,  we 
launched  GenesisPlus  and  in  February  2011,  we  launched  Excel  V.  Even  though  we  have  introduced  these 
new products and experienced sales increases as a result, there can be no assurance that they will translate into 
increased revenue in the long term in the U.S. 

Although our U.S. Titan hand piece refill revenue increased by 19% for the year ended December 31, 2011, 
compared to the same period in 2010, our U.S. Titan hand piece refill revenue was still lower than the levels 
prior to the second quarter of 2010. That was due to a voluntary recall of certain Titan XL hand pieces in the 
second  quarter  of  2010,  whereby  all  customers  that  had  a  Titan  XL  hand  piece  subject  to  the  recall  were 
provided with a fully refilled Titan XL hand piece. This delayed their purchase of a refill and resulted in a 
decline of our Titan refill revenue. 

If  our  U.S.  revenue  does  not  continue  to  improve,  it  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  total  revenue, 
profitability, employee retention and stock price. 

We  rely  heavily  on  our  sales  professionals  to  market  and  sell  our  products  worldwide.  If  we  are  unable  to  hire, 
effectively  train,  manage,  improve  the  productivity  of,  and  retain  the  sales  professionals,  our  business  will  be 
harmed, which would impair our future revenue and profitability. 

Our  success  largely  depends  on  our  ability  to  hire,  train,  manage  and  improve  the  productivity  levels  of  our  sales 
professionals worldwide. Because of our focus on the non-core market in the past, several of our sales professionals do 
not have established relationships with core market physicians (Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons) or where those 
relationships exist, they are not very strong. In addition, we have lost some of our sales professionals in response to the 
decline in their earnings resulting from the decreases in their commissions. 

We have selectively hired new sales professionals and managers in key territories to fill vacant positions. For example, 
in December 2010, Michael Poole joined us as Vice President of North American Sales, which allowed our previous 
Vice  President  of  North  American  Sales  to  return  to  Japan  in  an  expanded  role  to  lead  our  Pacific  Rim  operations. 
Although  Mr.  Poole  has  over  17  years  of  broad  sales  experience  and  was  employed  by  us  from  2004  to  2008,  Mr. 
Poole has limited prior experience in  managing a large sales force. We have been training our existing and recently 
recruited  sales  professionals  to  better  understand  our  product  technology  and  how  it  can  be  positioned  against  our 
competitors’ products. These initiatives are intended to improve the productivity of our sales professionals, our revenue 
and profitability. 

In the third quarter of 2011, our European-sourced direct and distributor revenue declined significantly, compared to 
the  same  period  in  2010.  We  have  restructured  our  European  sales  team  as  well  as  our  direct  hub  operation  in 
Switzerland and in December 2011, we engaged a distributor that was set up by some of our former sales employees. 
In  addition,  we  continue  to  hire  additional  sales  personnel  to  manage  our  European  business.  These  initiatives  are 
intended to improve our European-sourced revenue. 

Measures we implement in an effort to retain, train and manage our sales professionals, strengthen their relationships 
with  core  market  physicians,  and  improve  their  productivity  may  not  be  successful  and  may  instead  contribute  to 
instability in our operations, additional departures from our sales organization, or further reduce our revenue and harm 
our business. 

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If  our  revenue  does  not  continue  to  improve  from  the  2011  level,  or  if  our  cost  of  revenue  and/  or  operating 
expenses  increase  by  a  greater  percentage  than  our  revenue,  our  gross  margins  and  operating  margins  may  be 
adversely impacted, our loss from operations will increase, and our cash used in operating activities will increase, 
which could reduce our assets and have a material adverse effect on our stock price. 

Our gross margin in 2011 was 57%, compared to 57% in 2010 and 59% in 2009. Our gross margin is impacted by the 
revenue that we generate and the costs incurred to generate the revenue. Our future revenue may be adversely affected 
by  a  number  of  factors  including,  the  competitive  market  environment  in  which  we  operate,  which  may  result  in  a 
decrease in the number of units sold, a decrease in the number of applications per system purchased by customers, a 
decrease in the average selling prices achieved for our product sales, or a shift in our product mix towards products 
with  lower  average  selling  prices.  Our  cost  of  revenue  may  also  be  adversely  impacted  by  various  factors  such  as 
obsolescence  of  our  inventory,  increased  expenses  associated  with  repairing  defective  products  covered  by  our 
warranty  program,  utilization  of  our  relatively  fixed  manufacturing  costs,  and  a  shift  in  our  product  mix  towards 
products that have a higher cost of manufacturing. We have also been investing significant resources in our research 
and development  activities  and using  cash in  the  process.  We plan  to  continue  making  such  investments  in  order  to 
bring new products to market. 

If  our  revenue  does  not  continue  to  improve  from  the  2011  level,  or  if  our  cost  of  revenue  increases  by  a  greater 
percentage  than  our  revenue,  or  if  we  are  not  able  to  reduce  expenses  in  the  event  of  a  decline  in  revenue,  we  may 
continue to generate losses from operations and use cash, which could reduce our assets and have a material adverse 
effect on our operations and stock price. 

Macroeconomic political and market conditions, and catastrophic events may adversely affect our business, results 
of operations, financial condition and stock price. 

Our business is influenced by a range of factors that are beyond our control, including: 

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General economic and business conditions; 

The overall demand for our products by the core market specialties of dermatologists and plastic surgeons; 

Governmental budgetary constraints or shifts in government spending priorities; 

General political developments; 

Natural disasters, such as the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan; and 

Currency exchange rate fluctuations. 

Macroeconomic  developments  like  the  2009 -  2010  global  recession  and  the  debt  crisis  in  the  U.S.  and  certain 
countries in the European Union, could negatively affect our business, operating results or financial condition which, in 
turn, could adversely affect our stock price. A general weakening of, and related declining corporate confidence in, the 
global economy or the curtailment in government or corporate spending could cause current or potential customers to 
reduce their budgets or be unable to fund product or upgrade application purchases, which could cause customers to 
delay, decrease or cancel purchases of our products and services or cause customers not to pay us or to delay paying us 
for previously purchased products and services. 

In addition, political unrest in regions like the Middle East, terrorist attacks around the globe and the potential for other 
hostilities in various parts of the world, potential public health crises and natural disasters continue to contribute to a 
climate  of  economic  and  political  uncertainty  that  could  adversely  affect  our  results  of  operations  and  financial 
condition, including our revenue growth and profitability. For example, the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and 
other collateral events in Japan adversely affected the demand for our products and services in the Japanese market. 

Macroeconomic  declines,  negative  political  developments,  adverse  market  conditions  and  catastrophic  events  may 
cause a decline in our revenue, negatively affect our operating results, adversely affect our cash flow and could result 
in a decline in our stock price 

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Healthcare reform legislation could adversely affect our future profitability and financial condition. 

In  December  2009,  the President  and  members  of  Congress  passed  legislation  relating  to  healthcare  reform.  Our 
products are not reimbursed by insurance companies or federal or state governments and some of this legislation will, 
therefore, not affect us. This legislation, however, does include several aspects that will apply to us, including a tax on 
our U.S. revenue which is applicable to us beginning in 2013. While we are presently evaluating the full scope of how 
this legislation will impact our operations, including how to administer this tax, we believe this will adversely affect 
our future profitability and financial condition. 

Demand for our products in any of our markets could be weakened by several factors, including: 

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Our  ability  to  develop  and  market  our  products  to  the  core  market  specialties  of  dermatologists  and  plastic 
surgeons; 

Poor financial performance of market segments that try introducing aesthetic procedures to their businesses; 

The inability to differentiate our products from those of our competitors; 

Reduced patient demand for elective aesthetic procedures; 

Failure to build and maintain relationships with opinion leaders within the various market segments; 

An increase in malpractice lawsuits that result in higher insurance costs; and 

The lack of credit financing for some of our potential customers. 

If we do not achieve anticipated demand for our products, it could have a material adverse effect on our total revenue, 
profitability, employee retention and stock price. 

The  aesthetic  equipment  market  is  characterized  by  rapid  innovation.  To  compete  effectively,  we  must  develop 
and/or acquire new products, market them successfully, and identify new markets for our technology. 

We have created products to apply our technology to hair removal, treatment of veins and skin rejuvenation, including 
the treating of diffuse redness, skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, pore size and pigmented lesions. In 2011, 
we launched our vascular laser product – Excel V – and began distribution of a Q-switched laser in Japan that Cutera is 
sourcing from a third party OEM for superficial and deep pigmented lesions (i.e., melasma), skin rejuvenation, laser 
skin  toning  and  tattoo  removal.  Currently,  these  applications  represent  the  majority  of  offered  laser  and  light-based 
aesthetic  procedures.  Since  the  first  quarter  of  2010,  we  have  been  distributing  cosmeceutical  products  and  dermal 
fillers  in  the  Japanese  market.  To  grow  in  the  future,  we  must  continue  to  develop  and  acquire  new  and  innovative 
aesthetic  products  and  applications,  identify  new  markets,  and  successfully  launch  the  newly  acquired  or  developed 
product offerings. 

To successfully expand our product offerings, we must, among other things: 

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Develop and acquire new products that either add to or significantly improve our current product offerings; 

Convince our existing and prospective customers that our product offerings would be an attractive revenue-
generating addition to their practice; 

Sell our product offerings to a broad customer base; 

Identify new markets and alternative applications for our technology; 

Protect our existing and future products with defensible intellectual property; and 

Satisfy and maintain all regulatory requirements for commercialization. 

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Historically, product introductions have been a significant component of our financial performance. To be successful in 
the aesthetics industry, we need to continue to innovate. Our business strategy has therefore been based, in part, on our 
expectation that we will continue to increase our product offerings. We need to continue to devote substantial research 
and  development  resources  to  make  new  product  introductions,  which  can  be  costly  and  time  consuming  to  our 
organization. 

We  also  believe  that,  to  increase  revenue  from  sales  of  new  products,  we  need  to  continue  to  develop  our  clinical 
support, further expand and nurture relationships with industry thought leaders and increase market awareness of the 
benefits of our new products. However, even with a significant investment in research and development, we may be 
unable to continue to develop, acquire or effectively launch and market new products and technologies regularly, or at 
all. If we fail to successfully commercialize new products, our business may be harmed. 

While we attempt to protect our products through patents and other intellectual property, there are few barriers to entry 
that would prevent new entrants or existing competitors from developing products that compete directly with ours. We 
expect that any competitive advantage we may enjoy from current and future innovations may diminish over time as 
companies successfully respond to our, or create their own, innovations. Consequently, we believe that we will have to 
continuously innovate and improve our products and technology to compete successfully. If we are unable to innovate 
successfully,  our  products  could  become  obsolete  and  our  revenue  could  decline  as  our  customers  and  prospects 
purchase our competitors’ products. 

Our ability to effectively compete and generate additional revenue from new and existing products depend upon our 
ability to distinguish our company and our products from our competitors and their products, and to develop and 
effectively market new and existing products. Our success is dependent on many factors, including the following: 

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Speed of new and innovative product development; 

Effective strategy and execution of new product launches; 

Identify and develop clinical support for new indications of our existing products; 

Product performance; 

Product pricing; 

Quality of customer support; 

Development of successful distribution channels, both domestically and internationally; and 

Intellectual property protection. 

To compete effectively, we have to demonstrate that our new and existing products are attractive alternatives to other 
devices and treatments, by differentiating our products on the basis of such factors as innovation, performance, brand 
name, service, and price. This is difficult to do, especially in a crowded aesthetic market. Some of our competitors have 
newer or different products and more established customer relationships than we do, which could inhibit our market 
penetration efforts. For example, we have encountered, and expect to continue to encounter, situations where, due to 
pre-existing relationships, potential customers decided to purchase additional products from our competitors. Potential 
customers  also  may  need  to  recoup  the  cost  of  products  that  they  have  already  purchased  from  our  competitors  and 
may decide not to purchase our products, or to delay such purchases. 

If  we  are  unable  to  increase  our  market  penetration  or  compete  effectively,  our  revenue  and  profitability  will  be 
adversely impacted. 

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We compete against companies that offer alternative solutions to our products, or have greater resources, a larger 
installed base of customers and broader product offerings than ours. If we are not able to effectively compete with 
these companies, it may harm our business. 

Our  industry  is  subject  to  intense  competition.  Our  products  compete  against  similar  products  offered  by  public 
companies, such as Cynosure, Elen (in Italy), Palomar, Solta, and Syneron and as well as private companies such as 
Alma, Lumenis, Sciton and several other companies. Recently, there has been consolidation in the aesthetic industry 
leading  to  companies  combining  their  resources.  For  example,  we  acquired  the  aesthetic  business  unit  of  Iridex  in 
February  2012,  Solta  (previously  Thermage)  acquired  Aesthera  in  February  2010  and  Reliant  in  December  2008; 
Syneron acquired Ultrashape in March 2012 and Candela in September 2009; and Cynosure acquired the aesthetic laser 
business of HOYA  ConBio in  June  2011.  We  are  likely  to  compete  with  new  companies  in  the  future.  Competition 
with these companies could result in reduced selling prices, reduced profit margins and loss of market share, any of 
which would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

The  energy-based  aesthetic  market  faces  competition  from  non  energy-based  medical  products,  such  as  Botox,  an 
injectable  compound  used  to  reduce  wrinkles,  and  collagen  injections.  Other  alternatives  to  the  use  of  our  products 
include electrolysis, a procedure involving the application of electric current to eliminate hair follicles, and chemical 
peels. We may also face competition from manufacturers of pharmaceutical and other products that have not yet been 
developed. 

We may face problems with the integration of our acquisition of IRIDEX Corporation’s global aesthetic business. 

On  February  2,  2012,  we  completed  our  acquisition  of  certain  assets  of  IRIDEX  Corporation’s  (IRIDEX)  global 
aesthetic business. 

We  cannot  be  certain  that  this integration  will  be  successful  or  that  we  will  realize  the  anticipated  benefits  of  the 
acquisition. In particular, we  may not be able to realize the strategic and operational benefits and objectives we had 
anticipated, including, greater revenue and marketing opportunities. In addition, the demand for our combined product 
offerings may fluctuate and we will face competition from new competitors in the market for our products. Our ability 
to realize the strategic and operational benefits and objectives of this acquisition may be impacted by several factors 
including: 

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The potential disruption of the company’s ongoing business and diversion of management resources; 

The difficulty of incorporating acquired products, technology and rights into the company’s products and 
services; 

Unanticipated expenses related to integration of operations; 

Potential periodic impairment of goodwill and intangible assets acquired, if any; and 

Potential inability to retain, integrate and motivate key personnel. 

Any  of  the  above  mentioned  factors,  as  well  as  the  inability  to  realize  the  long-term  anticipated  synergies  of  the 
acquisition  of  these  assets,  may  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  operating  results  and  financial 
condition. 

If there is not sufficient consumer demand for the procedures performed with our products, practitioner demand for 
our products could be inhibited, resulting in unfavorable operating results and reduced growth potential. 

Continued expansion of the global market for laser and light-based aesthetic procedures is a material assumption of our 
business  strategy.  Most  procedures  performed  using  our  products  are  elective  procedures  not  reimbursable  through 
government or private health insurance, with the costs borne by the patient. The decision to utilize our products may 
therefore be influenced by a number of factors, including: 

● 

Consumer disposable income and access to consumer credit, which as a result of the unstable economy, may 
have been significantly impacted; 

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The cost of procedures performed using our products; 

The  cost,  safety  and  effectiveness  of  alternative  treatments,  including  treatments  which  are  not  based  upon 
laser or light-based technologies and treatments which use pharmaceutical products; 

The success of our sales and marketing efforts; and 

The  education  of  our  customers  and  patients  on  the  benefits  and  uses  of  our  products,  compared  to 
competitors’ products and technologies. 

If,  as  a  result  of  these  factors,  there  is  not  sufficient  demand  for  the  procedures  performed  with  our  products, 
practitioner demand  for  our products  could  be  reduced, which could have  a  material  adverse  effect on  our  business, 
financial condition, revenue and result of operations. 

Any  defects  in  the  design,  material  or  workmanship  of  our  products  may  not  be  discovered  prior  to  shipment  to 
customers, which could materially increase our expenses, adversely impact profitability and harm our business. 

The design of our products is complex. To manufacture them successfully, we must procure quality components and 
employ  individuals  with  a  significant  degree  of  technical  expertise.  If  our  designs  are  defective,  or  the  material 
components used in our products are subject to wearing out, or if suppliers fail to deliver components to specification, 
or  if  our  employees  fail  to  properly  assemble,  test  and  package  our  products,  the  reliability  and  performance  of  our 
products will be adversely impacted. As an example, in 2010, we incurred significant expenses for the voluntary recall 
of our Titan XL hand pieces. 

If our products contain defects that cannot be repaired easily, inexpensively, or on a timely basis, we may experience: 

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Damage to our brand reputation; 

Loss of customer orders and delay in order fulfillment; 

Increased costs due to product repair or replacement; 

Inability to attract new customers; 

Diversion  of  resources  from  our  manufacturing  and  research  and development  departments  into  our  service 
department; and 

Legal action. 

The occurrence of any one or more of the foregoing could materially increase expenses, adversely impact profitability 
and harm our business. 

To successfully market and sell our products internationally, we must address many issues that are unique to our 
international business. 

International revenue represented 61% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 64% 
for 2010. International revenue is a material component of our business strategy. We depend on third-party distributors 
and a direct sales force to sell our products internationally, and if they underperform, we may be unable to increase or 
maintain our level of international revenue. For example, in 2011 our European revenue declined 38%, compared to 
2010, due in part to employee turnover. Further, in the fourth quarter of 2011, some of our direct sales personnel in 
Switzerland set up an independent distributor company. 

To grow our business, we will need to improve productivity in current sales territories and expand into new territories. 
However,  direct  sales  productivity  may  not  improve  and  distributors  may  not  accept  our  business  or  commit  the 
necessary resources to market and sell our products to the level of our expectations. If we are not able to increase or 
maintain international revenue growth, our total revenue, profitability and stock price may be adversely impacted. 

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We  believe,  as  we  continue  to  manage  our  international  operations  and  develop  opportunities  in  additional 
international territories, our international revenue will be subject to a number of risks, including: 

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Difficulties in staffing and managing our foreign operations; 

Export restrictions, trade regulations and foreign tax laws; 

Fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates; 

Foreign certification and regulatory requirements; 

Lengthy payment cycles and difficulty in collecting accounts receivable; 

Customs clearance and shipping delays; 

Political and economic instability; 

Lack of awareness of our brand in international markets; 

Preference for locally-produced products; and 

Reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries. 

If one or more of these risks were realized, it could require us to dedicate significant resources to remedy the situation; 
and if we were unsuccessful at finding a solution, we may not be able to sell our products in a particular market and, as 
a result, our revenue may decline. 

Federal  regulatory  reforms  and  changes  occurring  at  the  U.S.  Food  and  Drug  Administration,  or  FDA,  could 
adversely affect our ability to sell our products profitably and financial condition. 

From  time  to  time,  legislation  is  drafted  and  introduced  in  Congress  that  could  significantly  change  the  statutory 
provisions  governing  the  clearance  or  approval,  manufacture  and  marketing  of  a  device.  It  is  impossible  to  predict 
whether  legislative  changes  will  be  enacted  or  FDA  regulations,  guidance  or  interpretations  changed,  and  what  the 
impact of such changes, if any, may be. 

In  addition,  FDA  regulations  and  guidance  are  often  revised  or  reinterpreted  by  the  agency  in  ways  that  may 
significantly affect our business and our products. Changes in FDA regulations may lengthen the regulatory approval 
process  for  medical  devices  and  require  additional  clinical  data  to  support  regulatory  clearance  for  the  sale  and 
marketing of our new products. In addition, it may require additional safety monitoring, labeling changes, restrictions 
on  product  distribution  or  use,  or  other  measures  after  the  introduction  of  our  products  to  market.  Either  of  these 
changes  lengthen  the  duration  to  market,  increase  our  costs  of  doing  business,  adversely  affect  the  future  permitted 
uses of approved products, or otherwise adversely affect the market for our products. 

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If we fail to obtain or maintain necessary FDA clearances for our products and indications, if clearances for future 
products and indications are delayed or not issued, if there are federal or state level regulatory changes or if we are 
found to have violated applicable FDA marketing rules, our commercial operations would be harmed. 

Our  products  are  medical  devices  that  are  subject  to  extensive  regulation  in  the  United  States  by  the  FDA  for 
manufacturing, labeling, sale, promotion, distribution and shipping. Before a new medical device, or a new use of or 
labeling  claim  for  an  existing  product,  can  be  marketed  in  the  United  States,  it  must  first  receive  either  510(k) 
clearance or pre-marketing approval from the FDA, unless an exemption applies. Either process can be expensive and 
lengthy. In the event that we do not obtain FDA clearances or approvals for our products, our ability to market and sell 
them in the United States and revenue derived from there may be adversely affected. Medical devices may be marketed 
in the United States only for the indications for which they are approved or cleared by the FDA. For example, up until 
April 2011 our recently introduced GenesisPlus product had a number of general indications for use in the U.S. that 
allowed  us  to  market  the  product  in  the  U.S.,  however  we  could  only  market  it  internationally  for  the  treatment  of 
toenail fungus as it has a CE Mark approval. In April 2011, we received FDA clearance to market GenesisPlus in the 
U.S. for the treatment of toenail fungus. Another example is our Pearl Fractional product which is cleared only for skin 
resurfacing in the U.S. and our Titan product only for deep heating for the temporary relief of muscle aches and pains 
in the U.S. Therefore, we are prevented from promoting or advertising Titan and Pearl Fractional in the United States 
for any other indications. If we fail to comply with these regulations, it could result in enforcement action by the FDA 
which could lead to such consequences as warning letters, adverse publicity, criminal enforcement action and/or third-
party civil litigation, each of which could adversely affect us. 

We have obtained 510(k) clearance for the indications for which we market our products. However, our clearances can 
be revoked if safety or effectiveness problems develop. We also are subject to Medical Device Reporting regulations, 
which require us to report to the FDA if our products cause or contribute to a death or serious injury, or malfunction in 
a  way  that  would  likely  cause  or  contribute  to  a  death  or  serious  injury.  Our  products  are  also  subject  to  state 
regulations,  which  are,  in  many  instances  frequently  changing.  Changes  in  state  regulations  may  impede  sales.  For 
example, federal regulations allow our products to be sold to, or on the order of, “licensed practitioners,” as determined 
on  a  state-by-state  basis.  As a  result,  in  some  states, non-physicians  may  legally  purchase  our  products.  However,  a 
state  could  change  its  regulations  at  any  time,  thereby  disallowing  sales  to  particular  types  of  end  users.  We  cannot 
predict the impact or effect of future legislation or regulations at the federal or state levels. 

The  FDA  and  state  authorities  have  broad  enforcement  powers.  If  we  fail  to  comply  with  applicable  regulatory 
requirements,  it  could  result  in  enforcement  action  by  the  FDA  or  state  agencies,  which  may  include  any  of  the 
following sanctions: 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

Warning letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties; 

Repair, replacement, recall or seizure of our products; 

Operating restrictions or partial suspension or total shutdown of production; 

Refusing our requests for 510(k) clearance or pre-market approval of new products, new intended uses, or 
modifications to existing products; 

Withdrawing 510(k) clearance or pre-market approvals that have already been granted; and 

Criminal prosecution. 

If any of these events were to occur, it could harm our business. 

25 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If  we  fail  to  comply  with  the  FDA’s  Quality  System  Regulation  and  laser  performance  standards,  our 
manufacturing operations could be halted, and our business would suffer. 

We  are  currently  required  to  demonstrate  and  maintain  compliance  with  the  FDA’s  Quality  System  Regulation,  or 
QSR.  The  QSR  is  a  complex  regulatory  scheme  that  covers  the  methods  and  documentation  of  the  design,  testing, 
control,  manufacturing,  labeling,  quality  assurance,  packaging,  storage  and  shipping  of  our  products.  Because  our 
products involve the use of lasers, our products also are covered by a performance standard for lasers set forth in FDA 
regulations.  The  laser  performance  standard  imposes  specific  record-keeping,  reporting,  product  testing  and  product 
labeling requirements. These requirements include affixing warning labels to laser products, as well as incorporating 
certain  safety  features  in  the  design  of  laser  products.  The  FDA  enforces  the  QSR  and  laser  performance  standards 
through periodic unannounced inspections. We had a full quality system audit in 2008 and an FDA audit of compliance 
with  laser  performance  standards  in  2010  and  a  full  quality  system  audit  plus  laser  performance  standard  audit  in 
August 2011. There were no significant findings as a result of these audits and our responses have been accepted by the 
FDA.  Our  failure  to  take  satisfactory  corrective  action  in  response  to  an  adverse  QSR  inspection  or  our  failure  to 
comply  with  applicable  laser  performance  standards  could  result  in  enforcement  actions,  including  a  public  warning 
letter,  a  shutdown  of  our  manufacturing  operations,  a  recall  of  our  products,  civil  or  criminal  penalties,  or  other 
sanctions, such as those described in the preceding paragraph, which would cause our sales and business to suffer. 

If  we  modify  one  of  our  FDA-approved  devices,  we  may  need  to  seek  re-approval,  which,  if  not  granted,  would 
prevent us from selling our modified products or cause us to redesign our products. 

Any  modifications  to  an  FDA-cleared  device  that would significantly  affect  its  safety or  effectiveness  or  that would 
constitute a major change in its intended use would require a new 510(k) clearance or possibly a pre-market approval. 
We  may  not  be  able  to  obtain  additional  510(k)  clearance  or  pre-market  approvals  for  new  products  or  for 
modifications to, or additional indications for, our existing products in a timely fashion, or at all. Delays in obtaining 
future clearance would adversely affect our ability to introduce new or enhanced products in a timely manner, which in 
turn would harm our revenue and future profitability. 

We have made modifications to our devices in the past and may make additional modifications in the future that we 
believe do not or will not require additional clearance or approvals. If the FDA disagrees, and requires new clearances 
or  approvals  for  the  modifications, we  may  be  required  to  recall  and  to  stop  marketing  the  modified  devices, which 
could harm our operating results and require us to redesign our products. 

We  may  be  unable  to  obtain  or  maintain  international  regulatory  qualifications  or  approvals  for  our  current  or 
future products and indications, which could harm our business. 

Sales of our products outside the United States are subject to foreign regulatory requirements that  vary widely from 
country  to  country.  In  addition,  exports  of  medical  devices  from  the  United  States  are  regulated  by  the  FDA. 
Complying with international regulatory requirements can be an expensive and time-consuming process and approval 
is not certain. The time required for obtaining clearance or approvals, if required by other countries, may be longer than 
that  required  for  FDA  clearance  or  approvals,  and  requirements  for  such  clearances  or  approvals  may  significantly 
differ  from  FDA  requirements.  We  may  be  unable  to  obtain  or  maintain  regulatory  qualifications,  clearances  or 
approvals  in other  countries. We  may  also  incur  significant  costs  in  attempting  to obtain  and  in  maintaining foreign 
regulatory  approvals  or  qualifications.  If  we  experience  delays  in  receiving  necessary  qualifications,  clearances  or 
approvals to market our products outside the United States, or if we fail to receive those qualifications, clearances or 
approvals,  we  may  be  unable  to  market  our  products  or  enhancements  in  international  markets  effectively,  or  at  all, 
which could have a material adverse effect on our business and growth strategy. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Product liability suits could be brought against us due to a defective design, material or workmanship or misuse of 
our products and could result in expensive and time-consuming litigation, payment of substantial damages and an 
increase in our insurance rates. 

If our  products  are  defectively  designed,  manufactured or  labeled,  contain  defective  components or  are  misused,  we 
may  become  subject  to  substantial  and  costly  litigation  by  our  customers  or  their patients.  Misusing our products  or 
failing to adhere to operating guidelines could cause significant eye and skin damage, and underlying tissue damage. In 
addition, if our operating guidelines are found to be inadequate, we may be subject to liability. We have been involved, 
and may in the future be involved, in litigation related to the use of our products. Product liability claims could divert 
management’s attention from our core business, be expensive to defend and result in sizable damage awards against us. 
We  may  not  have  sufficient  insurance  coverage  for  all  future  claims.  We  may  not  be  able  to  obtain  insurance  in 
amounts or scope sufficient to provide us with adequate coverage against all potential liabilities. Any product liability 
claims brought against us, with or without merit, could increase our product liability insurance rates or prevent us from 
securing continuing coverage, could harm our reputation in the industry and could reduce product sales. In addition, we 
historically experienced steep increases in our product liability insurance premiums as a percentage of revenue. If our 
premiums continue to rise, we may no longer be able to afford adequate insurance coverage. 

If customers are not trained and / or our products are used by non-physicians, it could result in product misuse and 
adverse  treatment  outcomes,  which  could  harm  our  reputation,  result  in  product  liability  litigation,  distract 
management, result in additional costs, all of which could harm our business. 

Because we do not require training for users of our products, and sell our products at times to non-physicians, there 
exists an increased potential for misuse of our products, which could harm our reputation and our business. U.S. federal 
regulations  allow  us  to  sell  our  products  to  or  on  the  order  of  “licensed  practitioners.”  The  definition  of  “licensed 
practitioners”  varies  from  state  to  state.  As  a  result,  our  products  may  be  purchased  or  operated  by  physicians  with 
varying  levels  of  training,  and  in  many  states,  by  non-physicians,  including  nurse  practitioners,  chiropractors  and 
technicians.  Outside  the  United  States,  many  jurisdictions  do  not  require  specific  qualifications  or  training  for 
purchasers or operators of our products. We do not supervise the procedures performed with our products, nor do we 
require  that  direct  medical  supervision  occur.  We  and  our  distributors  generally  offer  but  do  not  require  product 
training to the purchasers or operators of our products. In addition, we sometimes sell our systems to companies that 
rent our systems to third parties and that provide a technician to perform the procedures. The lack of training and the 
purchase  and  use  of  our  products  by  non-physicians  may  result  in  product  misuse  and  adverse  treatment  outcomes, 
which could harm our reputation and our business, and, in the event these result in product liability litigation, distract 
management and subject us to liability, including legal expenses. 

In  2010  and  2011  we  entered  into  strategic  alliances  to  distribute  third  party  products  internationally.  To 
successfully market and sell these products, we must address many issues that are unique to these businesses and 
could reduce our available cash reserves and negatively impact our profitability. 

In  2010  and  2011,  we  entered  into  distribution  arrangements  pursuant  to  which  we  utilize  our  sales  force  and 
distributors to sell products manufactured by other companies. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2011, we began to 
distribute  in  Japan  a  Q-switched  laser  product  manufactured  by  a  third  party  OEM.  In  the  first  quarter  of  2010,  we 
entered into an agreement with Obagi to distribute certain of their proprietary cosmeceuticals, or skin care products, in 
Japan.  This  agreement  requires  us  to  purchase  an  annual  minimum  dollar  amount  of  their  product.  The  minimum 
purchase requirement for 2012 is $2.0 million. If we do not make these minimum purchases, we could lose exclusivity 
for  distributing  Obagi  products  to  physicians  in  Japan.  Finally,  we  also  have  an  agreement  with  Merz  Aesthetics  to 
distribute their Radiesse® dermal filler product in Japan. 

Each of these distribution agreements presents its own unique risks and challenges. For example, to sell products in 
partnership with Obagi we need to invest in creating a sales structure that is experienced in the sale of cosmeceuticals 
and not in capital equipment. We need to commit resources to training this sales force, obtaining regulatory licenses in 
Japan and developing new marketing materials to promote the sale of Obagi products. For each of these distribution 
arrangements, until we can develop our own experienced sales force, we may need to pay third party distributors to sell 
the  products  which  will  result  in  higher  fees  and  lower  margins  than  if  we  sell  direct  to  customers.  In  addition,  the 
minimum  commitments  and  other  costs  of  distributing  products  manufactured  by  these  companies  may  exceed  the 
incremental  revenue  that  we  derive  from  the  sale  of  their  products  thereby  reducing  our  available  cash  reserves  and 
negatively impacting our profitability. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
If PSS World Medical fails to perform to our expectations, we may fail to achieve anticipated operating results. 

We  have  a  distribution  agreement  with  PSS  World  Medical.  PSS  sales  professionals  work  in  coordination  with  our 
sales force to locate new customers for our products throughout the United States. Revenue from PSS has significantly 
declined  since  2008.  Our  revenue  from  PSS,  as  a  percentage  of  worldwide  revenue,  was  3%  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2011, 5% in 2010 and 7% in 2009. Although we continue to work closely with, and focus our attention 
on, our PSS relationship, there is no assurance that this will translate into increased revenue for us. Further, if revenue 
from PSS does not improve, or if they terminate our relationship, it may have an adverse effect on our revenue results 
of operations and our stock price. 

Adverse  conditions  in  the  global  banking  industry  and  credit  markets  may  adversely  impact  the  value  of  our 
marketable investments or impair our liquidity. 

We  invest  our  excess  cash  primarily  in  money  market  funds  and  in  highly  liquid  debt  instruments  of  the  U.S. 
government  and  its  agencies  and  U.S.  municipalities,  in  commercial  paper  and  high  grade  corporate  debt.  As  of 
December 31, 2011, our balance in marketable investments was $74.7 million. The longer the duration of a security, 
the more susceptible it is to changes in market interest rates and bond yields. As yields increase, those securities with a 
lower yield-at-cost show a mark-to-market unrealized loss. For example, assuming a hypothetical increase in interest 
rates  of  one  percentage  point,  the  fair  value  of  our  total  investment  portfolio  as  of  December  31,  2011  would  have 
potentially  decreased  by  approximately  $608,000,  resulting  in  an  unrealized  loss  that  would  subsequently  adversely 
impact our earnings. As a result, changes in the market interest rates will affect our future net income (loss). 

We may be required to record impairment charges in future quarters as a result of the decline in value of our long-
term investments in auction rate securities (ARS). 

Included under the caption of “Long-term investments” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2011 
are $3.9  million (par value) of  ARS.  These  ARS were designed  to provide  liquidity  through  an  auction  process  that 
resets the applicable interest rate at predetermined calendar intervals, generally every 35 days. Though approximately 
$9.5 million (par value) of our original holdings of $13.4 million (par value) of ARS have been redeemed at full par 
value  since  2008,  auctions  for  the  remaining  ARS  in  our  portfolio  at  December  31,  2011  continue  to  fail  and  they 
remain as illiquid. Upon an auction failure, the interest rates do not reset at a market rate but instead reset based on a 
formula contained in the prospectus of the individual security, which rate is generally higher than the prevailing market 
rate. The failure of the auctions impacts our ability to readily liquidate our ARS into cash until a future auction of these 
investments is successful, a buyer is found outside of the auction process, or the ARS is refinanced by the issuer into 
another type of debt instrument. If there is a decline in fair value in our ARS that is considered other-than-temporary 
then we would have to record an impairment charge in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the loss in value 
associated with the worsening of the credit worthiness (credit losses) of the issuer, which would reduce future earnings, 
harm our business and may cause our stock price to decline. 

We  depend  on  skilled  and  experienced  personnel  to  operate  our  business  effectively.  If  we  are  unable  to  recruit, 
hire, train and retain these employees, our ability to manage and expand our business will be harmed, which would 
impair our future revenue and profitability. 

Our success largely depends on the skills, experience and efforts of our officers and other key employees. Except for 
Change of Control and Severance Agreements for our executive officers, we do not have employment contracts with 
any  of  our  officers  or  other  key  employees.  Any  of  our  officers  and  other  key  employees  may  terminate  their 
employment at any time. We do not have a succession plan in place for each of our officers and key employees. In 
addition, we do not maintain “key person” life insurance policies covering any of our employees. The loss of any of 
our senior management team members could weaken our management expertise and harm our business. 

Our ability to retain our skilled labor force and our success in attracting and hiring new skilled employees are critical 
factors in determining whether we will be successful in the future. We may not be able to meet our future hiring needs 
or retain existing personnel. We may face particularly significant challenges and risks in hiring, training, managing and 
retaining  engineering  and  sales  and  marketing  employees.  Failure  to  attract,  train  and  retain  personnel,  particularly 
technical and sales and marketing personnel, would materially harm our ability to compete effectively and grow our 
business. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  price  of  our  common  stock  may  fluctuate  substantially  due  to  several  factors,  some  of  which  are  discussed 
below. Further, we have a limited number of shares of common stock outstanding, a large portion of which is held 
by a small number of investors, which could result in the increase in volatility of our stock price. 

As of December 31, 2011, approximately 45% of our outstanding shares of common stock were held by 10 institutional 
investors.  As  a  result  of  our  relatively  small  public  float,  our  common  stock  may  be  less  liquid  than  the  stock  of 
companies with broader public ownership. Among other things, trading of a relatively small volume of our common 
stock  may  have  a  greater  impact  on  the  trading  price  for our  shares  than  would  be  the  case  if  our  public  float  were 
larger. 

The  public  market  price  of  our  common  stock  has  in  the  past  fluctuated  substantially  and,  due  to  the  current 
concentration of stockholders, it may continue to do so in the future. The market price for our common stock could also 
be affected by a number of other factors, including: 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

Litigation  surrounding  executive  compensation  has  increased  with  the  passage  of  the  Dodd-Frank  Wall 
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. If we are involved in a lawsuit related to compensation matters 
or any other matters not covered by our D&O insurance, there could be material expenses involved, fines, or 
remedial actions which could negatively affect our stock price; 

The general market conditions unrelated to our operating performance; 

Sales of large blocks of our common stock, including sales by our executive officers, directors and our large 
institutional investors; 

Quarterly variations in our, or our competitors’, results of operations; 

Changes in analysts’ estimates, investors’ perceptions, recommendations by securities analysts or our failure 
to achieve analysts’ estimates; 

The announcement of new products or service enhancements by us or our competitors; 

The announcement of the departure of a key employee or executive officer by us or our competitor; 

Regulatory developments or delays concerning our, or our competitors’ products; and 

The initiation of litigation by us or against us. 

Actual  or  perceived  instability  in  our  stock  price  could  reduce  demand  from  potential  buyers  of  our  stock,  thereby 
causing our stock price to either remain depressed or to decline further. 

We  may  be  involved  in  future  costly  intellectual  property  litigation,  which  could  impact  our  future  business  and 
financial performance. 

Our competitors or other patent holders may assert that our present or future products and the methods we employ are 
covered by their patents. In addition, we do not know whether our competitors own or will obtain patents that they may 
claim prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use, sell or import our products. Although we may seek to 
resolve any potential future claims or actions, we may not be able to do so on reasonable terms, or at all. If, following a 
successful  third-party  action  for  infringement,  we  cannot  obtain  a  license  or  redesign  our  products,  we  may  have  to 
stop manufacturing and selling the applicable products and our business would suffer as a result. In addition, a court 
could require us to pay substantial damages, and prohibit us from using technologies essential to our products, any of 
which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

We  may  become  involved  in  litigation  not  only  as  a  result  of  alleged  infringement  of  a  third  party’s  intellectual 
property  rights  but  also  to  protect  our  own  intellectual  property.  For  example,  we  have  been,  and  may  hereafter 
become, involved in litigation to protect the trademark rights associated with our company name or the names of our 
products.  Infringement  and  other  intellectual  property  claims,  with  or  without  merit,  can  be  expensive  and  time-
consuming to litigate, and could divert management’s attention from our core business. 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Any acquisitions that we make could disrupt our business and harm our financial condition. 

From time to time we evaluate potential strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses, products or technologies. 
We  may  also  consider  joint  ventures  and  other  collaborative  projects.  We  may  not  be  able  to  identify  appropriate 
acquisition candidates or strategic partners, or successfully negotiate, finance or integrate any businesses, products or 
technologies  that  we  acquire.  Furthermore,  the  integration  of  any  acquisition  and  management  of  any  collaborative 
project may divert management’s time and resources from our core business and disrupt our operations and we may 
incur significant legal, accounting and banking fees in connection with such a transaction. In addition, if we purchase a 
company  that  is  not  profitable,  our  cash  balances  may  be  reduced  or  depleted.  We  do  not  have  any  experience  as  a 
team with acquiring companies or products. If we decide to expand our product offerings beyond laser and light-based 
products, we may spend time and money on projects that do not increase our revenue. Any cash acquisition we pursue 
would  diminish  our  available  cash  balances  to  us  for  other  uses,  and  any  stock  acquisition  could  be  dilutive  to  our 
stockholders. 

While  we  from  time  to  time  evaluate  potential  acquisitions  of  businesses,  products  and  technologies,  and  anticipate 
continuing to make these evaluations, we have no present understandings, commitments or agreements with respect to 
any material acquisitions or collaborative projects. 

Our manufacturing operations are dependent upon third-party suppliers, making us vulnerable to supply shortages 
and price fluctuations, which could harm our business. 

Many of the components and materials that comprise our products are currently manufactured by a limited number of 
suppliers.  A  supply  interruption  or  an  increase  in  demand  beyond  our  current  suppliers’  capabilities  could  harm  our 
ability  to  manufacture  our  products  until  a  new  source  of  supply  is  identified  and  qualified.  Our  reliance  on  these 
suppliers subjects us to a number of risks that could harm our business, including: 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

Interruption of supply resulting from modifications to or discontinuation of a supplier’s operations; 

Delays in product shipments resulting from uncorrected defects, reliability issues or a supplier’s variation in a 
component; 

A lack of long-term supply arrangements for key components with our suppliers; 

Inability to obtain adequate supply in a timely manner, or on reasonable terms; 

Inability  to  redesign  one  or  more  components  in  our  systems  in  the  event  that  a  supplier  discontinues 
manufacturing such components and we are unable to source it from other suppliers on reasonable terms; 

Difficulty locating and qualifying alternative suppliers for our components in a timely manner; 

Production  delays  related  to  the  evaluation  and  testing  of  products  from  alternative  suppliers  and 
corresponding regulatory qualifications; and 

Delay in supplier deliveries. 

Any interruption in the supply of components or materials, or our inability to obtain substitute components or materials 
from  alternate  sources  at  acceptable  prices  in  a  timely  manner,  could  impair  our  ability  to  meet  the  demand  of  our 
customers, which would have an adverse effect on our business. 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intellectual property rights may not provide adequate protection for some or all of our products, which may permit 
third parties to compete against us more effectively. 

We rely on patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark laws and confidentiality agreements to protect our technology 
and  products.  At  December  31,  2011,  we  had  19  issued  U.S.  patents.  Some  of  our  components,  such  as  our  laser 
module,  electronic  control  system  and  high-voltage  electronics,  are  not,  and  in  the  future  may  not  be,  protected  by 
patents. Additionally, our patent applications may not issue as patents or, if issued, may not issue in a form that will be 
advantageous  to  us.  Any  patents  we  obtain  may  be  challenged,  invalidated  or  legally  circumvented  by  third  parties. 
Consequently, competitors could market products and use manufacturing processes that are substantially similar to, or 
superior to, ours. We may not be able to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of our technical knowledge or other 
trade  secrets  by  consultants,  vendors,  former  employees  or  current  employees,  despite  the  existence  generally  of 
confidentiality  agreements  and  other  contractual  restrictions.  Monitoring  unauthorized  uses  and  disclosures  of  our 
intellectual  property  is  difficult,  and  we  do  not  know  whether  the  steps  we  have  taken  to  protect  our  intellectual 
property will be effective. Moreover, the laws of many foreign countries will not protect our intellectual property rights 
to the same extent as the laws of the United States. 

The absence of complete intellectual property protection exposes us to a greater risk of direct competition. Competitors 
could purchase one of our products and attempt to replicate some or all of the competitive advantages we derive from 
our development efforts, design around our protected technology, or develop their own competitive technologies that 
fall  outside  of  our  intellectual  property  rights.  If  our  intellectual  property  is  not  adequately  protected  against 
competitors’ products and methods, our competitive position and our business could be adversely affected. 

We  offer  credit  terms  to  some  qualified  customers  and  also  to  leasing  companies  to  finance  the  purchase  of  our 
products.  In  the  event  that  any  of  these  customers  default  on  the  amounts  payable  to  us,  our  earnings  may  be 
adversely affected. 

While  we  qualify  customers  to  whom  we  offer  credit  terms  (generally  net  30  to  90  days),  we  cannot  provide  any 
assurance  that  the  financial  position  of  these  customers  will  not  change  adversely  before  we  receive  payment.  Our 
general and administrative expenses and earnings are negatively impacted by customer defaults and cause an increase 
in the allowance for doubtful accounts. In the event that there is a default by any customers to whom we have provided 
credit  terms  in  the  future,  we  may  recognize  a  bad  debt  charge  in  our  general  and  administrative  expenses  and  this 
could negatively affect our earnings and results of operations. 

We are subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. 

As a result of recent fluctuations in currency markets and the strong dollar relative to many other major currencies, our 
products  priced  in  U.S.  dollars  may  be  cheaper  or  more  expensive  relative  to  products  of  our  foreign  competitors, 
which could result in volatility in our revenue. We do not actively hedge our exposure to currency rate fluctuations. 
While  we  transact  business primarily  in  U.S. Dollars,  and  a  significant  proportion of our  revenue  is  denominated  in 
U.S. Dollars, a portion of our costs and revenue is denominated in other currencies, such as the Euro, Japanese Yen, 
Australian  Dollar,  Canadian  Dollar  and  British  Pound  Sterling.  As  a  result,  changes  in  the  exchange  rates  of  these 
currencies to the U.S. Dollar will affect our results from operations. 

The expense and potential unavailability of insurance coverage for our customers could adversely affect our ability 
to sell our products, and therefore our financial condition. 

Some of our customers and prospective customers have had difficulty in procuring or maintaining liability insurance to 
cover their operation and use of our products. Medical malpractice carriers are withdrawing coverage in certain states 
or  substantially  increasing  premiums.  If  this  trend  continues  or  worsens,  our  customers  may  discontinue  using  our 
products and potential customers may opt against purchasing laser and light based products due to the cost or inability 
to  procure  insurance  coverage.  The  unavailability  of  insurance  coverage  for  our  customers  and  prospects  could 
adversely affect our ability to sell our products, and that could harm our financial condition. 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Anti-takeover provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, and Delaware law, 
contain provisions that could discourage a takeover. 

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, and Delaware law, contain provisions that might 
enable our management to resist a takeover, and might make it more difficult for an investor to acquire a substantial 
block of our common stock. These provisions include: 

● 

● 

● 

● 

A classified board of directors; 

Advance notice requirements to stockholders for matters to be brought at stockholder meetings; 

Limitations on stockholder actions by written consent; and 

The  right  to  issue  preferred  stock  without  stockholder  approval,  which  could  be  used  to  dilute  the  stock 
ownership of a potential hostile acquirer. 

These  provisions,  as  well  as  Change  of  Control  and  Severance  Agreements  entered  into  with  each  of  our  executive 
officers, might discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or a change in our management. The 
existence of these provisions could adversely affect the voting power of holders of common stock and limit the price 
that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. 

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 

Not applicable. 

ITEM 2. 

PROPERTIES 

Our corporate headquarters and U.S. operations are located in an approximately 66,000 square foot facility in Brisbane, 
California. We lease these premises under a non-cancelable operating lease which expires on December 31, 2017. In 
addition, we have leased office facilities in certain international countries as follows: 

Country 
Japan . . . . . . . . . . . .     Approximately 5,878 

  Square Footage 

  Lease termination or Expiration
  Two leases, one of which expires in December 2013 and one which 

Switzerland . . . . . .     Approximately 3,174 
France . . . . . . . . . . .     Approximately 450 
Spain . . . . . . . . . . . .     Approximately 269 

expires in March 2015. 

  One lease which expires in March 2013. 
  One lease which expires in November 2014. 
  Lease automatically renews at the end of each six-month period. 

We believe that these facilities are adequate for our current and future needs for at least the next twelve months. 

ITEM 3. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

We are not a party to any pending litigation that we believe will have a material impact to our results of operations. 

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 

Not applicable. 

PART II 

ITEM 5.  MARKET  FOR  THE  REGISTRANT’S  COMMON  EQUITY,  RELATED  STOCKHOLDER 

MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 

Stock Exchange Listing 

Our  common  stock  trades  on  The  NASDAQ  Global  Select  Market  under  the  symbol  “CUTR.”  As  of  February  29, 
2012, the closing sale price of our common stock was $9.35 per share. 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stockholders 

We had 10 stockholders of record as of February 29, 2012. Since many stockholders choose to hold their shares under 
the name of their brokerage firm, we believe, the actual number of stockholders was in approximately 2,000. 

Stock Prices 

The following table sets forth quarterly high and low closing sales prices of our common stock for the indicated fiscal 
periods: 

4th Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
3rd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2nd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
1st Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Performance Graph 

Common Stock 

2011 

2010 

  High 

$ 7.93 
  8.74 
  9.46 
  9.94 

Low 
$ 6.96 
  7.03 
  7.59 
  8.08 

  High 

$  8.39 
9.00 
  12.04 
  11.03 

Low 
$ 7.01 
  6.99 
  8.62 
  8.25 

Below is a graph showing the cumulative total return to our stockholders during the period from December 31, 2006 
through December 31, 2011 in comparison to the cumulative return on the NASDAQ Composite Index (U.S.) and the 
NASDAQ Medical Equipment Index during that same period. 

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Cutera, Inc., the NASDAQ Composite Index, and the NASDAQ Medical Equipment Index

$160

$140

$120

$100

$80

$60

$40

$20

$0

12/06

12/07

12/08

12/09

12/10

12/11

Cutera, Inc.

NASDAQ Composite

NASDAQ Medical Equipment

*$100 invested on 12/31/06 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending December 31.

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The information under “Performance Graph” is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is 
not  to  be  incorporated  by  reference  in  any  filing  of  Cutera  under  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  as  amended,  or  the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of this 10-K and irrespective of 
any general incorporation language in those filings. 

Dividend Policy 

We have never paid a cash dividend and have no present intention to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We 
intend to retain any future earnings for use in our business. 

We did not sell any unregistered securities during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

The  information  required  by  this  Item  regarding  equity  compensation  plans  is  incorporated  by  reference  to  the 
information set forth in Part III Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans 

See Part III, Item 12 for information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans. 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 6. 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

The table set forth below contains certain consolidated financial data for each of our last five fiscal years. This data 
should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  detailed  information,  financial  statements  and  related  notes,  as  well  as 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere herein. 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data 
(in thousands, except per share data): 
Net revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Cost of revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

$

2011 
60,290 
25,978 
34,312 

$

2010 
53,274 
23,058 
30,216 

$

2009 
53,682 
21,759 
31,923 

2008 
$  83,379 
32,358 
51,021 

2007 
$  101,726 
35,002 
66,724 

Year Ended December 31, 

Operating expenses: 

Sales and marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Litigation settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Income (loss) from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Interest and other income, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other-than-temporary impairments of long-

term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . . . . .   
Provision (benefit) for income taxes . . . . . . . .   
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Net income (loss) available to common 

stockholders used in basic net income per 
share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Net income (loss) per share: 

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Weighted-average number of shares used in 

per share calculations: 
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (in thousands): 
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Marketable investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Long-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Working capital (current assets less current 

liabilities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) . . . .   
Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

$
$

$

25,499 
9,141 
10,104 
— 
44,744 
(10,432) 
614 

— 
(9,818) 
243 

24,735 
7,004 
9,576 
— 
41,315 
(11,099) 
583 

— 
(10,516) 
2 

24,286 
6,810 
10,320 
850 
42,266 
(10,343) 
1,572 

— 
(8,771) 
8,908 

$ (10,061)  $ (10,518)  $ (17,679)  $ 

35,354 
7,550 
11,270 
— 
54,174 
(3,153) 
3,046 

(3,554) 
(3,661) 
(792) 
(2,869)  $ 

38,277 
7,169 
11,721 
— 
57,167 
9,557 
4,207 

— 
13,764 
3,260 
10,504 

$ (10,061)  $ (10,518)  $ (17,679)  $ 

(2,869)  $ 

10,504 

(0.73)  $
(0.73)  $

(0.78)  $
(0.78)  $

(1.33)  $ 
(1.33)  $ 

(0.22)  $ 
(0.22)  $ 

0.80 
0.74 

13,807 
13,807 

13,540 
13,540 

13,279 
13,279 

12,770 
12,770 

13,153 
14,228 

2011 
14,020 
74,666 
3,027 

$

2010 
12,519 
77,484 
6,784 

As of December 31, 
2009 
22,829 
76,780 
7,275 

$

2008 
$  36,540 
60,653 
9,627 

$ 

2007 
11,054 
88,510 
7,429 

106,894 
138,653 
34,279 
109,353 

89,075 
  111,353 
(3,325) 
91,567 

90,339 
  111,805 
6,736 
95,417 

96,015 
  121,352 
17,254 
  100,853 

  101,644 
  137,476 
31,410 
  112,108 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS  OF  FINANCIAL  CONDITION  AND 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and notes thereto for the 
fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the following sections, contains 
forward-looking  statements  within  the  meaning  of  the  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995.  Throughout 
this Report, and particularly in this Item 7, the forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations, 
estimates and projections and that reflect our beliefs and assumptions based upon information available to us at the 
date  of  this  Report.  In  some  cases,  you  can  identify  these  statements  by  words  such  as  “may,”  “might,”  “will,” 
“should,”  “expects,”  “plans,”  “anticipates,”  “believes,”  “estimates,”  “predicts,”  “potential”  or  “continue,”  and 
other  similar  terms.  These  forward-looking  statements  are  not  guarantees  of  future  performance  and  are  subject  to 
risks,  uncertainties,  and  assumptions  that  are  difficult  to  predict.  Our  actual  results,  performance  or  achievements 
could  differ  materially  from  those  expressed  or  implied  by  the  forward-looking  statements.  The  forward-looking 
statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our future financial performance, the ability to grow 
our  business,  increase  our  revenue,  manage  expenses,  generate  additional  cash,  achieve  and  maintain  profitability, 
develop  and  commercialize  existing  and  new  products  and  applications,  improve  the  performance  of  our  worldwide 
sales and distribution network, and to the outlook regarding long term prospects. We caution you not to place undue 
reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date of this Annual 
Report  on  Form 10-K.  We  undertake  no  obligation  to  update  forward-looking  statements  to  reflect  events  or 
circumstances occurring after the date of this Form 10-K. 

Some  of  the  important  factors  that  could  cause  our  results  to  differ  materially  from  those  in  our  forward-looking 
statements, and a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, are discussed in Item 1A—Risk Factors commencing on 
page 17. We encourage you to read that section carefully as well as other risks detailed from time to time in our filings 
with the SEC. 

Introduction 

The Management’s Discussion and Analysis, or MD&A, is organized as follows: 

●  Executive  Summary.  This  section  provides  a  general  description  and  history  of  our  business,  a  brief 
discussion  of  our  product  lines  and  the  opportunities,  trends,  challenges  and  risks  we  focus  on  in  the 
operation of our business. 

●  Critical  Accounting  Policies  and  Estimates.  This  section  describes  the  key  accounting  policies  that  are 

affected by critical accounting estimates. 

●  Recent  Accounting  Guidance.  This  section  describes  the  issuance  and  effect  of  new  accounting 

pronouncements that are and may be applicable to us. 

●  Results of Operations. This section provides our analysis and outlook for the significant line items on our 

Consolidated Statements of Operations. 

●  Liquidity  and  Capital  Resources.  This  section  provides  an  analysis  of  our  liquidity  and  cash  flows,  as 

well as a discussion of our commitments that existed as of December 31, 2011. 

Executive Summary 

Company Description. We are a global medical device company specializing in the design, development, manufacture, 
marketing and servicing of laser and light-based aesthetics systems for practitioners worldwide. We offer easy-to-use 
products based on six platforms — CoolGlide®, Xeo®, Solera®, GenesisPlusTM, Excel VTM, and myQTM — each of 
which enables physicians and other qualified practitioners to perform safe and effective aesthetic procedures for their 
customers.  Commencing  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2011,  we  launched  a  new  Q-switched  laser  product  called  myQ  in 
Japan, that Cutera sources from a third party original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The Xeo and Solera platforms 
offer  multiple  hand  pieces  and  applications,  which  allow  customers  to  upgrade  their  systems,  which  we  treat  as 
Upgrade  revenue.  In  addition  to  systems  and  upgrade  revenue,  we  generate  revenue  from  the  sale  of  post  warranty 
service contracts, providing services for products that are out of warranty, Titan hand piece refills, and dermal fillers 
and cosmeceuticals. 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our  corporate  headquarters  and  U.S.  operations  are  located  in  Brisbane,  California,  from  where  we  conduct  our 
manufacturing,  warehousing,  research  and  development,  regulatory,  sales  and  marketing,  service,  and  administrative 
activities. In the United States, we market, sell and service our products through direct sales and service employees, 
and a distribution relationship with PSS World Medical Shared Services, Inc. (“PSS”), a wholly owned subsidiary of 
PSS World Medical which has over 700 sales representatives serving physician offices throughout the United States. 
We also sell certain items such as our Titan hand piece refills and marketing brochures online. 

International sales are generally made through direct sales employees and a worldwide distributor network in over 35 
countries.  Outside  of  the  United  States,  we  have  a  direct  sales  presence  in  Australia,  Canada,  France,  Japan,  Spain, 
Switzerland (however, beginning October 1, 2011 we engaged a distributor in Switzerland instead of selling directly) 
and the United Kingdom. 

Products. Our revenue is derived from the sale of Products, Upgrades, Service, Titan hand piece refills, and Dermal 
fillers and cosmeceutical products. Product revenue represents the sale of a system. A system consists of a console that 
incorporates  a  universal  graphic  user  interface,  a  laser  and/or  light-based  module,  control  system  software  and  high 
voltage electronics; as well as one or more hand pieces. However, depending on the application, the laser or light-based 
module is sometimes contained in the hand piece such as with our Pearl and Pearl Fractional applications instead of 
within the console. In the fourth quarter of 2011, we launched a new Q-switched laser system called myQ. 

We offer our customers the ability to select the system that best fits their practice at the time of purchase and then to 
cost-effectively  add  applications  to  their  system  as  their  practice  grows.  This  provides  customers  the  flexibility  to 
upgrade  their systems  whenever  they want and  provides us  with  a  source  of  recurring revenue which  we  classify  as 
Upgrade  revenue.  Service  revenue  relates  to  amortization  of  prepaid  service  contracts,  direct  billings  for  detachable 
hand piece replacements and revenue for parts and labor on out-of-warranty products. Titan hand piece refill revenue is 
associated with our Titan hand piece which requires replacement of the optical source after a set number of pulses have 
been used. In Japan, we distribute Merz Pharma GmbH’s (Merz) Radiesse® dermal filler product; and Obagi Medical 
Products, Inc.’s (Obagi) cosmeceutical products. 

Significant  Business  Trends.  We  believe  that  our  ability  to  grow  revenue  will  be  primarily  dependent  on  the 
following: 

●  Continuing to expand our product offerings ─ both through internal development and sourcing from other 

vendors. 

●  Ongoing investment in our global sales and marketing infrastructure. 

●  Use of clinical results to support new aesthetic products and applications. 

●  Enhanced luminary development and reference selling efforts (to develop a location where our products 

can be displayed and used to assist in selling efforts). 

●  Customer demand for our products. 

●  Consumer demand for the application of our products. 

●  Marketing to physicians in the core dermatology and plastic surgeon specialties, as well as outside those 

specialties. 

●  Generating  ongoing revenue  from  our  growing  installed base  of  customers  through  the  sale  of  Service, 

Upgrade, Titan hand piece refills, and Dermal fillers and cosmeceutical products. 

Our U.S. revenue increased by 21% and our international revenue increased by 9% in 2011, compared to 2010. We 
believe the increase in U.S. revenues was attributable to several factors, including: 

●  FDA clearance of our GenesisPlus system for onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, in April 2011. 
●  Commencement of Excel V shipments in the second quarter of 2011 
●  Effective U.S. sales management changes implemented in early 2011. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our total international revenue increased by 9% in 2011, compared to 2010, and represented 61% of our total revenue. 
The international revenue growth was sourced primarily from Australia, Canada, Japan, and several of our international 
distributor countries, partially offset by declines in Europe. In Australia and Canada, our revenue increased by 123% 
and  34%  respectively  in  2011,  compared  to  2010,  primarily  as  a  result  of  increased  product  sales.  With  respect  to 
Japan,  our  revenue  increased  by  10%,  primarily  as  a  result  of  continued  growth  from  our  Dermal  fillers  and 
cosmecuticals business. 

Our gross margin remained flat at 57% in 2011, compared to 2010, which was attributable to several factors, including: 

●  An improvement of our 2011 margins for Titan refill revenue, given 2011 did not have costs associated 

with the recall of certain Titan XL hand pieces in 2010; 

●  An  increase  of  $823,000  of  Titan  refill  revenue,  for  which  we  traditionally  earn  a  higher  gross  margin 

● 

than our blended total gross margin percentage; 
Improved  gross  margin  on  our  Dermal  fillers  and  cosmeceutical  products  sold  in  Japan,  due  to  higher 
average selling prices resulting from favorable foreign exchange rates; which was offset by 

●  Lower gross margins for our Product revenue, resulting from an unfavorable product mix towards lower 

margin products. 

Our gross margin in 2010 was 57%, compared with 59% in 2009. This decline was due to several factors, including: 

●  The  2010  voluntary  recall  of  certain  Titan  XL  hand  pieces  whereby  eligible  customers  were  provided 

with fully refilled hand pieces; 

●  A $1.7 million, or 31%, temporary decrease in our Titan refill revenue in 2010, compared to 2009, for 

which we traditionally earn a higher gross margin than our blended total gross margin percentage; 

●  Our ASPs declined in 2010 due primarily to customers purchasing fewer applications on their platforms 

and due to competitive discounting pressures; and 

●  A higher proportion of distributor revenue, that carries a lower gross margin; partially offset by  
●  Lower manufacturing expenses resulting from headcount reductions; and 
●  Reduced  warranty  and  service  expenses  as  a  result  of  improved  product  reliability  (for  products  other 

than Titan XL hand pieces). 

Our  sales  and  marketing  expenses  increased  to  $25.5  million  in  2011,  compared  with  $24.7  million  in  2010.  This 
increase  was  associated  with  higher  personnel  expenses  and  an  increase  in  travel  and  entertainment  expenses 
associated  with  the  increase  in  revenue,  which  was  partially  offset  by  reduced  promotional  and  marketing  related 
spending. As a percentage of net revenue, our 2011 sales and marketing expenses declined to 42%, compared to 47% 
in 2010, due to the higher revenue in 2011. 

Our research and development, or R&D, expenses increased to $9.1 million in 2011, compared with $7.0 million in 
2010.  This  increase  was  associated  with  higher  personnel  expenses  resulting  primarily  from  higher  headcount  and 
consulting  services  in  engineering  relating  to  new  product  development  programs.  As  a  percentage  of  net  revenue, 
R&D expenses increased to 15% in 2011, compared to 13% in 2010. 

Our general and administrative, or G&A, expenses increased to $10.1 million in 2011, compared with $9.6 million in 
2010. This increase was due primarily to increased facility costs — associated with the relocation of our Japan offices 
and  the  closure  of  our  Switzerland  office  —  higher  legal  fees  due  in  part  to  business  development  activities,  and  a 
reduced  benefit  associated  with  doubtful  debt  recoveries  in  2010  that  did  not  recur  in  2011.  As  a  percentage  of  net 
revenue, G&A expenses decreased slightly to 17% in 2011, compared to 18% in 2010, due to the higher revenue in 
2011. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Factors that May Impact Future Performance 

Our  industry  is  impacted  by  numerous  competitive,  regulatory  and  other  significant  factors.  Our  industry  is  highly 
competitive  and  our  future  performance  depends  on  our  ability  to  compete  successfully.  Additionally,  our  future 
performance is dependent upon our ability to continue to expand our product offerings with innovative technologies, 
obtain regulatory clearances for our products, protect the proprietary technology of our products and our manufacturing 
processes,  manufacture  our  products  cost-effectively,  and  successfully  market  and  distribute  our  products  in  a 
profitable manner. If we fail to execute on the aforementioned initiatives, our business would be adversely affected. A 
detailed discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future performance are provided in Part I, Item 1A 
“Risk Factors.” 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The  preparation  of  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  related  disclosures  in  conformity  with  generally 
accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions 
that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities,  revenue  and  expenses.  These  estimates,  judgments  and 
assumptions are based on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the 
circumstances. We periodically review our estimates and make adjustments when facts and circumstances dictate. To 
the  extent  that  there  are  material  differences  between  these  estimates  and  actual  results,  our  financial  condition  or 
results of operations will be affected. 

Critical accounting estimates, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are those that are most 
important  to  the  portrayal  of  our  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  and  require  our  management’s  most 
difficult  and  subjective  judgments  and  estimates  of  matters  that  are  inherently  uncertain.  Our  critical  accounting 
estimates are as follows: 

Revenue Recognition 

We  recognize  revenue  from  the  sale  of  Products,  Upgrades,  Titan  hand  piece  refills,  and  Dermal  fillers  and 
cosmeceuticals when title and risk of ownership has been transferred, provided that: 

●  Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 
●  Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; 
●  The fee is fixed or determinable; and 
●  Collectability is reasonably assured. 

Determination of whether persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and whether delivery has occurred or services 
have been rendered, are based on management’s judgments regarding the fixed nature of the fee charged for services 
rendered and products delivered, and the collectability of those fees. In instances where final acceptance of the product 
is specified by the customer or collectability has not been reasonably assured, revenue is deferred until all acceptance 
criteria  have  been  met.  Revenue under  service  contracts  is  recognized on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  period of  the 
applicable service contract. Service revenue, not under a service contract, is recognized as the services are provided. 
Should changes in conditions cause management to determine these criteria are not met for certain future transactions, 
revenue recognized for any reporting period could be adversely affected. 

Fair Value Measurement of our Long Term Auction Rate Securities Investments 

We hold a variety of interest bearing auction rate securities (ARS) that represent investments in pools of student loan 
assets. At the time of acquisition, these ARS investments were intended to provide liquidity through an auction process 
that resets the applicable interest rate at predetermined calendar intervals, allowing investors to either roll over their 
holdings or gain immediate liquidity by selling such interests at par. Since February 2008, uncertainties in the credit 
markets  affected  our  ARS  investments  and  auctions  for  some  of  our  ARS  have  continued  to  fail  to  settle  on  their 
respective settlement dates while some have been redeemed in full at their respective par values. The current portfolio 
of  investments  shown  as  “Long  term  investments”  in  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  represents  those 
investments that are not currently liquid and we will not be able to access these funds until a future auction of these 
investments is successful, a buyer is found outside of the auction process or the issuer refinances their debt. Maturity 
dates for these ARS investments range from to 2032 to 2041. 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2011, total financial assets  measured and recognized at fair value were $89.6 million and of these 
assets, $3.0 million, or 3%, were ARS that were measured and recognized using significant unobservable inputs (Level 
3). During 2011, $4.4 million of ARS were redeemed at their full par value, as a result we transferred from Level 3 
assets $3.7 million to cash and this resulted in a gain of $668,000 being recorded to accumulated other comprehensive 
loss in 2011. 

As of December 31, 2011, we had $3.9 million par value ($3.0 million fair value) of long-term ARS investments. The 
aggregate  loss  in  value  is  included  as  an  unrealized  loss  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss).  Given 
observable market information was not available to determine the fair values of our ARS portfolio, we valued these 
investments based on a discounted cash flow model. While our ARS valuation model was based on both Level 2 (credit 
quality and interest rates) and Level 3 inputs (pricing models), we determined that the Level 3 inputs were the most 
significant  to  the  overall  fair  value  measurement,  particularly  the  estimates  of  risk  adjusted  discount  rates.  The 
expected future cash flows of the ARS were discounted using a risk adjusted discount rate that compensated for the 
illiquidity. Projected future cash flows over the economic life of the ARS (of approximately 10.0 – 12.5 years) were 
modeled based on the contractual penalty rates for the security added to a tax adjusted LIBOR interest rate curve. The 
discount rates that were applied to the cash flows were based on a premium over the projected yield curve and included 
an adjustment for credit, illiquidity, and other risk factors. See Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - 
Fair Value Measurements” in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more 
information. 

The valuation of our investment portfolio is subject to uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Factors that may impact 
the valuation include duration of time that the ARS remain illiquid, changes to credit ratings of the securities, rates of 
default of the underlying assets, changes in the underlying collateral value, market discount rates for similar illiquid 
investments, and ongoing strength and quality of credit markets. If the auctions for our ARS investments continue to 
fail, and there is a further decline in their valuation, then we would have to: (i) record additional reductions to the fair 
value of our ARS investments; and (ii) record unrealized losses in our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
for  the  losses  in  value  that  are  associated  with  market  risk.  If  the  decline  in  fair  value  is  considered  other-than-
temporary then we would have to record an impairment charge in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the 
loss in value associated with the worsening of the credit worthiness (credit losses) of the issuer, which would reduce 
future earnings and harm our business. 

Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary-Impairments 

We  review  for  impairments  on  a  quarterly  basis  in  order  to  determine  the  classification  of  such  as  “temporary”  or 
“other-than-temporary.” Factors that we consider to make such determination include the duration and severity of the 
impairment; the reason for the decline in value and the potential recovery period; and our intent to sell, or whether it is 
more likely than not that we will be required to sell, the investment before recovery. Beginning April 1, 2009, if an 
entity intends to sell, or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, an impaired debt security prior to 
recovery  of  its  cost  basis,  the  security  is  other-than-temporarily  impaired  and  the  full  amount  of  the  impairment  is 
required to be recognized as a loss through earnings. Otherwise, losses on securities which are other-than-temporarily 
impaired are separated into: 

the portion of loss which represents the credit loss; or 

(i) 
(ii)  the portion which is due to other factors. 

The credit loss portion is recognized as a loss through earnings while the loss due to other factors is recognized in other 
comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes and related amortization. At December 31, 2011, we had $3.9 million of par 
value  ARS  investments.  We  intend  to,  and  have  the  ability  to,  hold  these  investments  until  the  anticipated  date  of 
maturity.  As  such,  we  treat  the  decline  in  value  as  temporary  and  have  recognized  approximately  $873,000  in 
unrealized losses. Given we believed that such losses were not credit related, we have included them in accumulated 
other comprehensive loss. 

Prior  to  April  1,  2009,  all  declines  in  fair  value  deemed  to  be  other-than-temporary  were  reflected  in  earnings  as 
realized  losses. With  respect to  the  ARS  that  we held  as of  April 1,  2009, we determined  that  the  cumulative  effect 
adjustment  required  to  reclassify  the  non-credit  portion  of  previously  recognized  other-than-temporarily  impaired 
adjustments was $3.5 million. Therefore, we increased our accumulated earnings and decreased our accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) by the $3.5 million cumulative effect adjustment.  

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-based Compensation Expense 

Employee stock-based compensation is estimated at the date of grant based on the employee stock award’s fair value 
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period in 
a manner similar to other forms of compensation paid to employees. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires 
the use of certain subjective assumptions. The most significant of these assumptions are our estimates of the expected 
volatility of the market price of our stock and the expected term of the award. The expected volatility is a 50%/50% 
blend  of  implied  and  historical  volatility.  We  have  determined  that  this  is  a  more  reflective  measure  of  market 
conditions  and  a  better  indicator  of  expected  volatility,  than  its  limited  historical  volatility  since  the  initial  public 
offering of our common stock. When establishing an estimate of the expected term of an award, we consider historical 
experience of similar  awards,  giving  consideration  to  the contractual  terms  of  the  awards,  vesting requirements,  and 
expectation of future employee behavior, including post-vesting terminations. As required under GAAP, we review our 
valuation  assumptions  at  each  grant  date,  and,  as  a  result,  our  valuation  assumptions  used  to  value  employee  stock-
based awards granted in future periods may change. 

As of December 31, 2011, the unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures, was $4.6 million for stock 
options  and  stock  awards  and  $31,000  for  the  employee  stock  purchase  plan  which  will  be  recognized  using  the 
straight-line attribution method over an estimated weighted-average remaining amortization period of 2.49 years and 
0.33 years, respectively. See Note 5 “Stockholders’ Equity, Stock Plans and Stock-Based Compensation Expense,” in 
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information. 

Valuation of Inventories 

We state our inventories at the lower of cost or market, computed on a standard cost basis, which approximates actual 
cost on a first-in, first-out basis and market being determined as the lower of replacement cost or net realizable value. 
Standard costs are monitored and updated quarterly or as necessary, to reflect changes in raw material costs, labor to 
manufacture the product and overhead rates. We provide for excess and obsolete inventories when conditions indicate 
that the selling price could be less than cost due to physical deterioration, usage, obsolescence, reductions in estimated 
future demand and reductions in selling prices. Inventory provisions are measured as the difference between the cost of 
inventory and estimated market value and charged to cost of revenue to establish a lower cost basis for the inventories. 
We balance the need to maintain strategic inventory levels with the risk of obsolescence due to changing technology 
and customer demand levels. Unfavorable changes in market conditions may result in a need for additional inventory 
provisions  that  could  adversely  impact  our  gross  margins.  Conversely,  favorable  changes  in  demand  could  result  in 
higher gross margins when product that had previously been written off is sold. 

Warranty Obligations 

We provide a one-year standard warranty on all systems. Warranty coverage provided is for labor and parts necessary 
to repair the systems during the warranty period. We provide for the estimated future costs of warranty obligations in 
cost of revenue when the related revenue is recognized. The accrued warranty costs represent our best estimate at the 
time of sale, and as reviewed and updated quarterly, of the total costs that we expect to incur in repairing or replacing 
product parts that fail while still under warranty. Accrued warranty costs include costs of material, technical support 
labor and associated overhead. The amount of accrued estimated warranty costs obligation for established products is 
primarily based on historical experience as to product failures adjusted for current information on repair costs. Actual 
warranty costs could differ from the estimated amounts. On a quarterly basis, we review the accrued balances of our 
warranty  obligations  and  update  based  on  historical  warranty  cost  trends.  If  we  were  required  to  accrue  additional 
warranty cost in the future due to actual product failure rates, material usage, service delivery costs or overhead costs 
differing from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required, which would negatively 
impact our operating results. 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for Income Taxes 

We are subject to taxes on earnings in both the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. As a global taxpayer, 
significant  judgments  and  estimates  are  required  in  evaluating  our  uncertain  tax  positions  and  determining  our 
provision for income taxes on earnings. We perform a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax 
positions.  The  first  step  is  to  evaluate  the  tax  position  for  recognition  by  determining  if  the  weight  of  available 
evidence  indicates  that  it  is  more  likely  than not  that  the  position will  be  sustained on  audit,  including resolution of 
related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is 
more  than  50%  likely  of  being  realized  upon  settlement.  Although  we  believe  we  have  adequately  reserved  for  our 
uncertain tax positions, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different. We 
adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of 
an  estimate.  To  the  extent  that  the  final  tax  outcome  of  these  matters  is  different  than  the  amounts  recorded,  such 
differences  will  impact  the  provision  for  income  taxes  in  the  period  in  which  such  determination  is  made.  The 
provision  for  income  taxes  includes  the  impact  of  reserve  provisions  and  changes  to  reserves  that  are  considered 
appropriate, as well as the related net interest. 

Our  effective  tax  rates  have  differed  from  the  statutory  rate  primarily  due  to  the  tax  impact  of  tax-exempt  interest 
income, foreign operations, research and development tax credits, state taxes, certain benefits realized related to stock 
option  activity,  and  changes  in  valuation  allowance.  Our  current  effective  tax  rate  does  not  assume  U.S.  taxes  on 
undistributed profits of foreign subsidiaries. These earnings could become subject to incremental foreign withholding 
or U.S. federal and state taxes, should they either be deemed or actually remitted to the United States. The effective tax 
rate was approximately (2)% in 2011, 0% in 2010, and (102)% in 2009. Our future effective tax rates could be affected 
by  earnings  being  lower  than  anticipated  in  countries  where  we  have  lower  statutory  rates  and  being  higher  than 
anticipated  in  countries  where  we  have  higher  statutory  rates,  or  by  changes  in  tax  laws,  accounting  principles, 
interpretations thereof, net operating loss carryback, research and development tax credits, and due to changes in the 
valuation allowance of our U.S. deferred tax assets. In addition, we are subject to the examination of our income tax 
returns  by  the  Internal  Revenue  Service  and  other  tax  authorities.  We  regularly  assess  the  likelihood  of  adverse 
outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. 

At  December 31,  2011,  we  had  an  aggregate  of  approximately  $2.7  million  of  unremitted  earnings  of  foreign 
subsidiaries that have been, or are intended to be, indefinitely reinvested for continued use in foreign operations. If the 
total undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries were remitted, a significant amount of the additional tax would be 
offset by the allowable foreign tax credits. It is not practical for us to determine the additional tax of remitting these 
earnings. 

Our deferred tax assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the 
financial  reporting  and  tax  bases  of  assets  and  liabilities,  and  for  operating  losses  and  tax  credit  carryforwards.  A 
valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets to estimated realizable value, which assumes that it is more likely than 
not  that  we  will  be  able  to  generate  sufficient  future  taxable  income  in  certain  tax  jurisdictions  to  realize  the  net 
carrying value. The four sources of taxable income to be considered in determining whether a valuation allowance is 
required include: 

●  Future  reversals  of  existing  taxable  temporary  differences  (i.e.,  offset  gross  deferred  tax  assets  against 

gross deferred tax liabilities); 

●  Future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; 
●  Taxable income in prior carryback years; and 
●  Tax planning strategies. 

Determining whether  a  valuation  allowance for deferred  tax  assets  is necessary  requires  an  analysis of  both  positive 
and negative evidence regarding realization of the deferred tax assets. In general, positive evidence may include: 

●  A strong earnings history exclusive of the loss that created the deductible temporary differences, coupled 
with evidence indicating that the loss is the result of an aberration rather than a continuing condition; and 
●  An excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of our net assets in an amount sufficient to realize 

the deferred tax asset. 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In general, negative evidence may include: 

●  A history of operating loss or tax credit carryforwards expiring unused; 
●  An expectation of being in a cumulative loss position in a future reporting period; 
●  The existence of cumulative losses in recent years; and 
●  A carryback or carryforward period that is so brief that it would limit the realization of tax benefits.  

The weight given to the potential effect of negative and positive evidence should be commensurate with the extent to 
which  it  can  be  objectively  verified  and  judgment  must  be  used  in  considering  the  relative  impact  of  positive  and 
negative evidence. 

In evaluating the ability to recover deferred tax assets, we considered available positive and negative evidence, giving 
greater  weight  to  our  recent  cumulative  losses  and  our  ability  to  carry-back  losses  against  prior  taxable  income  and 
lesser weight to its projected financial results due to the challenges of forecasting future periods. We also considered, 
commensurate with its objective verifiability, the forecast of future taxable income including the reversal of temporary 
differences. At the end of the quarter ended September 30, 2009, changes in previously anticipated expectations and 
continued  operating  losses  resulted  in  a  valuation  allowance  against  our  tax  benefits  since  we  no  longer  considered 
them  “more-likely-than-not”  realizable.  We  also  performed  this  evaluation  as  of  the  year  ended  December  31,  2011 
and determined the full valuation allowance was still required. 

Long-Lived Asset Impairment 

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events 
or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  of  such  assets  may  not  ultimately  be  recoverable. 
Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the 
asset and its ultimate disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those 
assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. 
Through December 31, 2011, there have been no such impairments. 

Litigation 

We have been, and may in the future become, subject to legal proceedings related to securities litigation, intellectual 
property and other matters. Based on all available information at the balance sheet dates, we assess the likelihood of 
any  adverse  judgments  or  outcomes  for  these  matters,  as  well  as  potential  ranges  of  probable  loss.  If  losses  are 
probable and reasonably estimable, we record an estimated liability.  

Recent Accounting Guidance 

For a full description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the respective expected dates of adoption and 
effects  on  results  of  operations  and  financial  condition  see  Note  1  “Summary  of  Significant  Accounting  Policies  — 
New Accounting Standards” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Results of Operations 

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data expressed as a percentage of net revenue. 

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 

2011 

2009 

Net revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Cost of revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

100% 
43% 
57% 

100 % 
43 % 
57 % 

Operating expenses: 

Sales and marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Litigation settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Loss from operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Interest and other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Loss before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

42% 
15% 
17% 
—% 
74% 
(17)%   
1% 
(16)%   
1% 
(17)%   

47 % 
13 % 
18 % 
— % 
78 % 
(21 )%   
1 % 
(20 )%   
— % 
(20 )%   

100% 
41% 
59% 

45% 
13% 
19% 
1% 
78% 
(19)%
3% 
(16)%
17% 
(33)%

Net Revenue 

The  following  table  sets  forth  selected  consolidated  revenue  by  major  geographic  area  and  product  category  with 
changes thereof. 

(Dollars in thousands) 
Revenue mix by geography: 
United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Percent of total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Asia, excluding Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Europe  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Rest of the world . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total international revenue . . . . . . . . .   
Percent of total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

2011 

  % Change 

2010 

  % Change 

2009(1) 

Year Ended December 31, 

23,313 

39%

15,019 
4,984 
3,571 
13,403 
36,977 

61%

21%  $

19,337 

(8 )%  $ 

21,019 

10%  $
(3)%  
(38)%  
43%   
9%   

36%

13,625 
5,131 
5,801 
9,380 
33,937 

64%

41 %  $ 
9 %   
(18 )%   
(16 )%   
4 %   

39%

9,636 
4,727 
7,087 
11,213 
32,663 

61%

Total consolidated revenue . . . . . . . . .    $ 

60,290 

13%  $

53,274 

(1 )%  $ 

53,682 

Revenue mix by product category: 
Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Titan hand piece refills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Dermal fillers and cosmeceuticals(1) . . .   

Total consolidated revenue . . . . . . . . .    $ 

33,703 
3,505 
13,411 
4,686 
4,985 
60,290 

21%  $
(27)%  
1%   
21%   
41%   
13%  $

27,808 
4,824 
13,231 
3,863 
3,548 
53,274 

4 %  $ 
(24 )%   
— %   
(31 )%   
107 %   
(1 )%  $ 

26,842 
6,343 
13,186 
5,599 
1,712 
53,682 

(1)Beginning  in  2010,  we  classified  revenue  from  dermal  fillers  and  cosmeceuticals  product  in  the  revenue  category 
‘Dermal fillers and cosmeceuticals.’ Previously, we classified this revenue under the category of ‘Products.’ As such, 
we reclassified the 2009 revenue from ‘Products’ to ‘Dermal fillers and cosmeceuticals.’ 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue by Geography: 

In 2011 our net revenue increased by 13%, compared to 2010, and in 2010 it declined by 1%, compared to 2009. 

Our  U.S.  revenue  increased  by  21%  in  2011,  compared  to  2010.  We  believe  the  increase  in  U.S.  revenues  in  2011, 
compared to 2010, was attributable to several factors, including: 

●  FDA clearance of our GenesisPlus system for onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, in April 2011. 
●  Commencement of Excel V shipments in the second quarter of 2011. 
●  Effective U.S. sales management changes implemented in early 2011. 

Our  U.S.  revenue  decreased  by  8%  in  2010,  compared  to  2009.  We  believe  the  decline  in  U.S.  revenues  was 
attributable to several factors, including: 

●  Our Products and Upgrades ASPs declined in 2010 and 2009, compared to their respective prior years. 
This was attributable primarily to customers purchasing fewer applications for systems and lower pricing 
resulting from competitive discounting pressures. 

●  Our unit sales of Products and Upgrades increased in 2010, compared with 2009. 
●  We  experienced  a  temporary  decline  in  our  Titan  refill  revenue  in  2010,  compared  to  2009,  due  to  a 
voluntary recall of certain Titan XL hand pieces. All customers that had Titan XL hand pieces subject to 
the recall, were provided with fully “refilled” hand pieces, which delayed their purchase of a refill. 

International revenues increased by 9% in 2011, compared to 2010, and increased by 4% in 2010, compared to 2009. 
The growth in our international revenue in 2011 was derived from higher product revenue in Canada, Australia, several 
of  our  international  distributor  countries  and  by  higher  Dermal  fillers  and  cosmecuticals  sales  in  Japan,  offset  by  a 
decline  in  product  revenue  in  Europe.  Our  total  international  revenue  increased  by  9%,  with  growth  being  sourced 
primarily  from  Australia,  Canada  and  Japan,  partially  offset  by  declines  in  Europe.  In  Australia  and  Canada,  our 
revenue increased by 123% and 34% respectively in 2011, compared to 2010, primarily as a result of increased product 
sales. With respect to Japan, our revenue increased by 10%, primarily as a result of continued growth from the Dermal 
fillers and cosmeceuticals business. 

Revenue by Product Category: 

Our product revenue increased by 21% in 2011 and by 4% in 2010, compared to the respective prior year periods. The 
2011 increase in product revenue was primarily attributable to the U.S. FDA clearance of the GenesisPlus system for 
toenail fungus in April 2011 and the commencement of Excel V shipments in the second quarter of 2011. The 2010 
increase in product revenue was primarily attributable to revenue from the GenesisPlus product that was launched in 
the third quarter of 2010. We believe that in 2010 and in 2009 some of our U.S. current and prospective customers that 
did  not  have  established  medical  offices,  were  reluctant  to  purchase  capital  equipment  due  to  the  general  economic 
uncertainty and tight credit conditions, which contributed to the decline in our revenue in these years. 

Upgrade revenue decreased by 27% in 2011 and by 24% in 2010, compared to the respective prior year periods. Prior 
to 2009, we introduced new products that allowed existing customers to upgrade their previously purchased systems to 
obtain benefits from the additional capabilities, which drove our upgrade revenue. However, since 2008 we have not 
introduced any new products that our customers could purchase as an upgrade to their previously purchased system. 
Instead, we have launched new stand alone products (GenesisPlus in 2010 and Excel V in 2011), which has resulted in 
a decline of our upgrade revenue since 2008. 

Our  service  revenue  increased  by  1%  in  2011  compared  to 2010,  and  remained  relatively  flat  in  2010,  compared  to 
2009.  Service  contract  amortization  is  the  primary  component  of our  service  revenue.  The  increase  in  2011  was  the 
result of higher international service revenue being partially offset by a decline in U.S. service revenue. The increase in 
international service revenue is due to an increased installed base and a higher number of customer purchased service 
contracts. The decline in our U.S. service revenue was primarily attributable to lower contract amortizations as a result 
of fewer customers purchasing extended service contracts, a decline in our service contract pricing, partially offset by 
higher revenue from the sale of detachable hand pieces (other than Titan refills). In 2010 service revenue remained flat 
compared  to  2009  as  a  result  of  the  decline  in  unit  sales  in  2009  that  included  an  element  of  deferred  revenue  for 
service contracts beyond our standard one-year warranty term. 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Titan hand piece refill revenue increased 21% in 2011, compared to 2010, and decreased 31% in 2010, compared 
to  2009.  The  increase  in  2011  was  due  primarily  to  the  partial  recovery  of  our  Titan  refill  revenue  following  the 
voluntary  recall  of  our  Titan  XL  hand  piece  commencing  in  the  second  quarter  of  2010,  in  which  we  provided  our 
eligible customers with a fully “refilled” Titan XL hand piece, which delayed their purchase of a refill. The decline in 
our Titan refill revenue in 2010, compared to 2009, was also primarily attributable to the Titan XL recall. 

Our  Dermal  filler  and  cosmeceutical  business  increased  by  41%  in  2011,  compared  to  2010,  and  by  107%  in  2010 
compared  to  2009.  This  increase  was  due  primarily  to  the  higher  number  of  customers  purchasing  Obagi  products, 
which we began distributing in Japan in the first quarter of 2010, and due to the expansion of cosmeceutical product 
lines being distributed. 

Gross Profit 

(Dollars in thousands) 
Gross Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
As a percentage of total revenue . . . .    

2011 
34,312 

$ 

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 
30,216 

14%  $

57% 

57%   

  % Change 

  % Change 

2009 

(5)%  $  31,923 

59%

Our cost of revenue consists primarily of materials, personnel expenses, royalty expense, warranty and manufacturing 
overhead  expenses.  Gross  margin  as  a  percentage  of  net  revenue  remained  flat  at  57%  in  2011,  compared  to  2010, 
which was primarily attributable to the following: 

●  An improvement of our 2011 margins for Titan refill revenue, given 2011 did not have costs associated 

with the recall of certain Titan XL hand pieces in 2010; 

●  An  increase  of  $823,000  of  Titan  refill  revenue,  for  which  we  traditionally  earn  a  higher  gross  margin 

● 

than our blended total gross margin percentage; 
Improved  gross  margin  on  our  Dermal  fillers  and  cosmeceutical  products  sold  in  Japan,  due  to  higher 
average selling prices resulting from favorable foreign exchange rates; which was offset by 

●  Lower gross margins for our Product revenue, resulting from an unfavorable product mix towards lower 

margin products. 

Our gross margin in 2010 was 57%, compared with 59% in 2009. This decline was due to several factors, including: 

●  The  2010  voluntary  recall  of  certain  Titan  XL  hand  pieces  whereby  eligible  customers  were  provided 

with fully refilled hand pieces; 

●  A $1.7 million, or 31%, temporary decrease in our Titan refill revenue in 2010, compared to 2009, for 

which we traditionally earn a higher gross margin than our blended total gross margin percentage; 

●  Our ASPs declined in 2010 due primarily to customers purchasing fewer applications on their platforms 

and due to competitive discounting pressures; and 

●  A higher proportion of distributor revenue, that carries a lower gross margin; partially offset by 
●  Lower manufacturing expenses resulting from headcount reductions; and 
●  Reduced  warranty  and  service  expenses  as  a  result  of  improved  product  reliability  (for  products  other 

than Titan XL hand pieces). 

Sales and Marketing 

(Dollars in thousands) 
Sales and marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
As a percentage of total revenue . . . . 

2011 
25,499 

$ 

42% 

% Change   

% Change   

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 
24,735 

3%  $

47% 

2 %  $ 

2009 
24,286 

45%

Sales  and  marketing  expenses  consist  primarily  of  personnel  expenses,  expenses  associated  with  customer-attended 
workshops and trade shows, post-marketing studies and advertising. Sales and marketing expenses increased $764,000 
in 2011, compared to 2010, which was primarily attributable to the following: 

●  $988,000 increase in personnel expenses attributable primarily to higher commission expenses as a result 

of the higher revenue; 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
●  $541,000  increase  in  travel,  entertainment  and  sales  meeting  expenses  due  to  increased  sales  activity; 

offset by 

●  Reduced  promotional  and  marketing  related  spending  of  approximately  $781,000  attributable  to  fewer 

workshops, lower spending on public relation and other marketing activities. 

In  2010  sales  and  marketing  expenses  increased  by  $449,000 compared  to  2009.  This  increase  was  primarily 
attributable to: 

●  $855,000 increase in personnel expenses in marketing due primarily to an increase in headcount resulting 
from  the  creation  of  three  new  departments:  post  marketing  studies  (clinical  development),  business 
development and telesales; 

●  $242,000 increase in international spending on workshops, advertising and other promotional activities; 

offset by 

●  A decline  in U.S.  sales personnel  expenses  by $617,000  due  to  lower headcount;  and due  to decreased 

sales commissions resulting from lower U.S revenue. 

Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenue, decreased to 42% in 2011, compared to 47% in 2010 and 
45% in 2009. The decrease in 2011 was due primarily to an increase in our total revenue in 2011. 

Research and Development (R&D) 

(Dollars in thousands) 
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . .   
As a percentage of total revenue . . . .   

2011 

$ 

9,141 

15% 

% Change   

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 

% Change   

2009 

31%  $

7,004 

3%  $ 

6,810 

13% 

13%

Research and development (R&D) expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses, clinical, regulatory and material 
costs. R&D expenses increased $2.1 million in 2011, compared to 2010, which was primarily attributable to: 

●  $1.8  million  increase  in  personnel  expenses  due  to  higher  headcount  and  higher  consulting  fees  of 
$367,000, both, to ramp up the research, development and clinical support of our new products; offset by 

●  A decrease in material spending of $165,000. 

In  2010  R&D  expenses  increased  by  $194,000,  compared  to  2009,  which  was  due  primarily  to  higher  personnel 
expenses resulting from higher headcount in engineering relating to new product development programs. 

General and Administrative (G&A) 

(Dollars in thousands) 
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . 
As a percentage of total revenue . . . . 

2011 
10,104 

$ 

17% 

% Change   

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 

% Change   

2009 

6%  $

9,576 

(7)%  $  10,320 

18% 

19%

General  and  administrative  expenses  consist  primarily  of:  personnel  expenses,  legal  fees,  accounting,  audit  and  tax 
consulting  fees,  and  other  general  and  administrative  expenses. G&A  expenses  increased  by  $528,000  in  2011, 
compared to 2010, which was primarily attributable to: 

●  $162,000 increase in facility costs due to the relocation of our offices in Tokyo, Japan and the closure of 

our office in Switzerland; 

●  $143,000 increase in legal fees, primarily associated with business development activities, including the 

acquisition of assets from Iridex; and. 

●  $137,000  increase  in  bad  debt  expense  attributable  to  a  reduced  benefit  associated  with  doubtful  debt 

recoveries in 2010, that did not recur in 2011 

In 2010 G&A expenses decreased by $744,000, compared to 2009. This decrease was primarily attributable to: 

● 

a $626,000 reduction in bad debts expense due to a large non recurring expense in 2009; and 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
● 

a $201,000 reduction in legal fees and legal settlement expenses. 

Litigation Settlement 

In 2009, we settled our TCPA class action lawsuit and in that regard recorded a charge of $850,000 for the cost of the 
settlement, net of administrative expenses and amounts that were recovered from our insurance carrier. 

Interest and Other Income, Net 

The components of “Interest and Other Income, Net” are as follows: 

(Dollars in thousands) 
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other income (expense), net . . . . . . . . . .    
Total Interest and other income, net .    

$ 

$ 

2011 

594 
20 
614 

% Change   

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 

% Change   

10%  $
(55)%  
5%  $

539 
44 
583 

(61)%  $ 
(77)%   
(63)%  $ 

2009 

1,383 
189 
1,572 

Interest  income  increased  10%  in  2011,  compared  to  2010,  and  decreased  61%  in  2010,  compared  to  2009.  The 
increase  in  interest  income  in  2011  was  primarily  attributable  to  improved  yields  on  our  investments  as  a  result  of 
shifting some investments to higher yielding corporate debt instruments, versus municipal bonds. The decrease in 2010 
was due primarily to reduced tax-exempt interest yields, as a result of lower interest rates, and a reduced investment 
balance.  Our  cash,  cash  equivalents,  marketable  investments  and  long-term  investments  measured  and  recognized  at 
fair  value  were  $91.7  million  at  December  31,  2011,  $96.8  million  at  December 31,  2010  and  $106.9  million 
December 31, 2009. 

Provision for Income Taxes 

(Dollars in thousands) 
Loss before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . .    
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . .    
Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

2011 

$ Change 

$ 

(9,818) 
243 

$

(2)%  

$

698 
241 

2010 
(10,516) 
2 
0% 

$ Change 

$ 

(1,745)  $ 
(8,906) 

2009 
(8,771) 
8,908 
(102)%

Year Ended December 31, 

Despite a loss before income taxes, we recognized a $243,000 income tax provision in 2011 and a $2,000 provision in 
2010. This was a result of foreign tax expenses, as a full valuation allowance was applied against all U.S. federal and 
state  deferred  tax  assets  arising  during  the  years.  In  2009  we  recognized  a  tax  provision  of  $8.9  million  due  to  the 
recording of a full valuation allowance on our U.S. federal and state net deferred tax assets. 

ASC  740  requires  the  consideration  of  a  valuation  allowance  to  reflect  the  likelihood  of  realization  of  deferred  tax 
assets. Significant management judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred 
tax  assets.  In  evaluating  the  ability  to  recover  deferred  tax  assets,  we  considered  available  positive  and  negative 
evidence,  giving  greater  weight  to  our  recent  cumulative  losses  and  our  ability  to  carry-back  losses  against  prior 
taxable income and lesser weight to our projected financial results due to the challenges of forecasting future periods. 
We also considered, commensurate with its objective verifiability, the forecast of future taxable income including the 
reversal  of  temporary  differences.  We  performed  this  evaluation  as  of  each  of  the  years  ended  December  31,  2011, 
2010 and 2009. Under current tax laws, this valuation allowance will not limit our ability to utilize federal and state 
deferred tax assets provided we can generate sufficient future taxable income in the U.S. 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Loss and Net Loss per Diluted Share 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Net loss per diluted share . . . . . . . . . . .   

2011 
(10,061) 
(0.73) 

$ 
$ 

  % Change 

  % Change 

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 
(10,518) 
(0.78) 

(4)% $
(6)% $

(41)% $ 
(41)% $ 

2009 
(17,679)
(1.33)

The $457,000 decrease in net loss, and $0.05 decrease in net loss per diluted share in 2011, compared to 2010, was 
primarily attributable to: 

an increase in our gross profit by $4.1 million; offset by 

● 
●  higher operating expenses of $3.4 million, due primarily to the $2.1 million increase in R&D expense in 

2011; and 
an increase in our tax provision by $241,000. 

● 

The $7.2 million decrease in net loss, and $0.55 decrease in net loss per diluted share in 2010, compared to 2009, was 
primarily attributable to a reduction in the tax provision by $8.9 million, lower operating expenses of $951,000, offset 
by a decline in our gross profit by $1.7 million and other income by $989,000. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Liquidity  is  the  measurement  of  our  ability  to  meet  potential  cash  requirements,  fund  the  planned  expansion  of  our 
operations and acquire businesses. Our sources of cash include operations, stock option exercises, and employee stock 
purchases. We actively manage our cash usage and investment of liquid cash to ensure the maintenance of sufficient 
funds  to  meet  our  daily  needs.  The  majority  of  our  cash  and  investments  are  held  in  U.S.  banks  and  our  foreign 
subsidiaries maintain a limited amount of cash in their local banks to cover their short-term operating expenses. The 
following  table  summarizes  our  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  marketable  investments  and  long-term  investments  (in 
thousands): 

(Dollars in thousands) 
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities: 

Cash and cash equivalents .......................................  
Marketable investments .........................................  
Long-term investments ..........................................  
Total ..........................................................  

Cash Flows 

In summary, our cash flows were as follows: 

(Dollars in thousands) 
Cash flows provided by (used in): 

Operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . .  

$

$

$

$

2011 

As of December 31, 
2010 

Change 

14,020 
74,666 
3,027 
91,713 

$

$

12,519 
77,484 
6,784 
96,787 

$ 

$ 

1,501 
(2,818)
(3,757)
(5,074)

Year ended December 31, 
2010 

2011 

2009 

(5,168)  $
5,287 
1,382 
1,501 

$

(8,059)  $ 
(2,777) 
526 
(10,310)  $ 

41 
(14,360)
608 
(13,711)

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities 

We used net cash of $5.2 million in operating activities during 2011, which was primarily attributable to: 

●  $5.4 million used from net loss of $10.1 million after adjusting for non-cash related items of $4.7 million, 
consisting  primarily  of  stock  based  compensation  expense  of  $3.9  million  and  depreciation  and 
amortization expense of $637,000; 

●  $4.3 million used to increase inventory relating primarily to raw materials and finished goods associated 

with the ramp up of our recently introduced products — GenesisPlus and Excel V; 

●  $1.0  million  used  as  a  result  of  an  increase  in  accounts receivable  that  resulted from  increased product 
sales in the three-month period ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010; partially 
offset by 

●  $3.0 million generated from an increase in accrued liabilities relating primarily to an increase in accrued 
but unpaid personnel costs of $1.1 million, increased customer deposits of $923,000 and an increase in 
accrued warranty expenses of $325,000 due to the increase in revenue in 2011; 

●  $2.6  million  generated  from  the  reduction  of  other  current  assets,  primarily  from  the  receipt  of  a  U.S. 
income  tax  refund  of  $1.2  million  and  $1.3  million  amortization  of  discounts  and  purchased  interest 
relating to our marketable investments; and 
●  $1.3 million increase in accounts payable.  

We used net cash of $8.1 million in operating activities during 2010, which was primarily attributable to:  

●  $5.2 million used from net loss of $10.5 million after adjusting for non-cash related items of $5.3 million, 
consisting  primarily  of  stock  based  compensation  expense  of  $4.7  million  and  depreciation  and 
amortization expense of $717,000;  

●  $2.6 million used as a result of a decrease in accrued liabilities due primarily to a reduction in the liability 
for  warranty  costs  of  $253,000  resulting  primarily  from  a  reduction  in  the  total  units  remaining  under 
warranty,  a  decrease  in  accrued  expenses  of  $1.4  million  for  payroll,  professional  services,  sales  & 
marketing, and other miscellaneous expenses resulting from continued cost containment initiatives, and a 
reduction of approximately $950,000 for the pay out of our prior year accrual for the TCPA class action 
lawsuit; and  

●  $1.2 million used as a result of a decrease in deferred revenue due primarily to a reduction in deferred 
service contracts resulting from a decline in our sales unit volume in 2009 and a reduction in the pricing 
charged for service contracts; partially offset by  

●  $2.3 million generated from a reduction in other current assets and prepaid expenses, resulting primarily 
from a reduction in accrued interest and unamortized discounts related to our marketable and long-term 
investments. 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities  

We generated net cash of $5.3 million from investing activities in 2011, which was primarily attributable to:  

●  $69.1 million in net proceeds from the sales and maturities of marketable investments; partially offset by  
●  $63.1 million of cash used to purchase marketable investments; and  
●  $751,000 of cash used to purchase property and equipment. 

We used net cash of $2.8 million in investing activities in 2010, which was primarily attributable to:  

●  $85.3 million in net proceeds from the sales and maturities of $650,000 of our ARS investments and due 
to us diversifying out of municipal securities into other secure financial instruments; partially offset by  

●  $87.8 million of cash used to purchase marketable investments; and  
●  $275,000 of cash used to purchase property and equipment. 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities  

Net  cash  provided  by  financing  activities  in  2011  was  $1.4  million,  which  resulted  from  $1.36  million  of  cash 
generated by the issuance of stock through our stock option and employee stock purchase plans and $22,000 of excess 
tax benefits related to stock-based compensation expenses reclassified from operating activities to financing activities.  

Net cash provided by financing activities in 2010 was $526,000, which resulted from $518,000 of cash generated by 
the issuance of stock through our stock option and employee stock purchase plans and $8,000 of excess tax benefits 
related to stock-based compensation expenses reclassified from operating activities to financing activities.  

Adequacy of cash resources to meet future needs  

We had cash, cash equivalents, marketable and long-term investments of $91.7 million as of December 31, 2011. Of 
this  amount,  we  had  $3.0  million  invested  in  long-term  ARS  investments  (see  ‘Critical  Accounting  Policies  and 
Estimates’ section above, for a full description of our long-term investments in ARS). We believe that our existing cash 
resources are sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the 
next 12 months.  

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements  

We do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, 
such as entities often referred to as structured finance, variable interest or special purpose entities, which would have 
been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited 
purposes.  

We have certain contractual arrangements that create potential risk for us and are not recognized in our Consolidated 
Balance  Sheets.  Discussed  below  are  off-balance  sheet  arrangements  that  have  or  are  reasonably  likely  to  have  a 
material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue or expenses, results 
of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources.  

We lease various real properties under operating leases that generally require us to pay taxes, insurance, maintenance, 
and minimum lease payments. Some of our leases have options to renew.  

Contractual Obligations 

The following are our obligations for future minimum lease commitments related to facility leases as of December 31, 
2011: 

Contractual Obligations 
Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $

Purchase Commitments  

Payments Due by Period ($’000’s) 

Total

Less Than
1 Year

1-3 Years 

3-5 Years 

More Than 
5 Years

9,162  $

1,680  $

3,456  $

2,680  $

1,346 

We  maintain  certain  open  inventory  purchase  commitments  with  our  suppliers  to  ensure  a  smooth  and  continuous 
supply for key components. Our liability in these purchase commitments is generally restricted to a forecasted time-
horizon as agreed between the parties. These forecasted time-horizons can vary among different suppliers. Our open 
inventory purchase commitments were not material at December 31, 2011. As a result, this amount is not included in 
the contractual obligations table above.  

Income Tax Liability  

We  have  included  in  our  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  $478,000  in  long-term  income  tax  liability  with  respect  to 
unrecognized  tax  benefits  and  accrued  interest  as  of  December  31,  2011.  At  this  time,  we  are  unable  to  make  a 
reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years beyond 12 months due to uncertainties in the 
timing of tax audit outcomes. As a result, this amount is not included in the contractual obligations table above.  

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other  

In  the normal  course of business,  we enter  into agreements  that  contain  a variety  of representations,  warranties,  and 
indemnification obligations. For example, we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors 
and  executive  officers.  Our  exposure  under  the  various  indemnification  obligations  is  unknown  and  not  reasonably 
estimable as they involve future claims that may be made against us. As such, we have not accrued any amounts for 
such obligations.  

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK  

Interest Rate Sensitivity  

Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to our investment portfolio. Fixed rate securities may have their fair 
market value adversely impacted due to fluctuations in interest rates, while floating rate securities  may produce less 
income than expected if interest rates fall. Due in part to these factors, our future investment income may fall short of 
expectation due to changes in interest rates or we may suffer losses in principal if forced to sell securities which have 
declined  in  market  value  due  to  changes  in  interest  rates.  The  primary  objective  of  our  investment  activities  is  to 
preserve  principal  while  at  the  same  time  maximizing  yields  without  significantly  increasing  risk.  To  achieve  this 
objective, we invest in debt instruments of the U.S. Government and its agencies and municipal bonds, and, by policy, 
restrict  our  exposure  to  any  single  type  of  investment  or  issuer  by  imposing  concentration  limits.  To  minimize  the 
exposure due to adverse shifts in interest rates, we maintain investments at a weighted average maturity (interest reset 
date for ARS) of generally less than eighteen months. Based on duration modeling with respect to our total investmnet 
portfolio as of December 31, 2011, assuming a hypothetical increase in interest rates of one percentage point, the fair 
value would have potentially declined by approximately $608,000.  

We  hold  interest  bearing  ARS  that  represent  investments  in  pools  of  student  loans  issued  by  the  Federal  Family 
Education Loan Program. At the time of acquisition, these ARS investments were intended to provide liquidity via an 
auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at predetermined calendar intervals, allowing investors to either 
roll over their holdings or gain immediate liquidity by selling such interests at par. Since February 2008, uncertainties 
in  the  credit  markets  affected  our  holdings  in  ARS  investments  and  auctions  for  all  of  our  investments  in  these 
securities  failed  until  December  31,  2008.  In  2011,  2010  and  2009,  approximately  $4.4  million,  $650,000  and  $4.4 
million, respectively of our original $13.4 million par value portfolio has been redeemed in full and as of December 31, 
2011  we  had  $3.9  million  par  value  (fair  value  of  $3.0  million)  of  long-term  ARS,  whose  auctions  continue  to  fail. 
These investments are not currently liquid and we will not be able to access these funds until a future auction of these 
investments is successful, a buyer is found outside of the auction process or the ARS is refinanced by the issuer into 
another  type  of  debt  instrument.  Maturity  dates  for  these  ARS  investments  range  from  2032  to  2041.  We  currently 
classify all of these investments as long-term investments in our Consolidated Balance Sheet because of our continuing 
inability to determine when these investments will settle. We have also modified our current investment strategy and 
increased  our  investments  in  more  liquid  money  market  investments,  United  States  Treasury  securities,  municipal 
bonds,  and  eliminated  investments  in  corporate  debt.  The  valuation  of  our  ARS  investment  portfolio  is  subject  to 
uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Factors that may impact its valuation include, duration of time that the ARS 
remain  illiquid,  changes  to  credit  ratings  of  the  securities,  rates  of  default  of  the  underlying  assets,  changes  in  the 
underlying  collateral  value,  market  discount  rates  for  similar  illiquid  investments,  ongoing  strength  and  quality  of 
credit markets. If the auctions for our ARS investments continue to fail, and there is a further decline in the valuation, 
then  we  would  have  to:  (i)  record  additional  reductions  to  the  fair  value  of  our  ARS  investments;  and  (ii)  record 
unrealized losses in our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the losses in value that are associated with 
market risk. If the decline in fair value is considered other-than-temporary then we would have to record an impairment 
charge in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the loss in value associated with the worsening of the credit 
worthiness (credit losses) of the issuer, which would reduce future earnings and harm our business. 

52 

 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk  

We  have  international  subsidiaries  and  operations  and  are,  therefore,  subject  to  foreign  currency  rate  exposure. 
Although  the  majority  of  our  revenue  and  purchases  are  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars,  we  have  revenue  to  certain 
international  customers  and  expenses  denominated  in  the  Japanese  Yen,  Euro,  Pounds  Sterling,  Australian  Dollars, 
Swiss Francs and Canadian Dollars. The net gains and losses from the revaluation of foreign denominated assets and 
liabilities  was  a  gain  of  approximately  $28,000  in  2011,  which  is  included  in  Interest  and  Other  Income,  net  in  our 
Consolidated Statements of Operations. Movements in currency exchange rates could cause variability in our revenues, 
expenses or interest and other income (expense). Though to date our exposure to exchange rate volatility has not been 
significant, we cannot assure that there will not be a material impact in the future. Future fluctuations in the value of 
the U.S. dollar  may affect the price competitiveness of our products. We do not believe, however, that we currently 
have  significant  direct  foreign  currency  exchange  rate  risk  and  have  not  hedged  exposures  denominated  in  foreign 
currencies.  

We  do  not  utilize  derivative  financial  instruments,  derivative  commodity  instruments  or  other  market  risk  sensitive 
instruments.  

ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

CUTERA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES 

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

The following Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant and its subsidiaries are required to be included in 
Item 8:  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page 

54

55

56

57

58

59

The  following  Consolidated  Financial  Statement  Schedule  of  the  Registrant  and  its  subsidiaries  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is filed as a part of this Report as required to be included in Item 15(a) and should 
be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Registrant and its subsidiaries:  

Schedule 
II 

  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page

84

All other required schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because 
the required information is given in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto. 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Cutera, Inc.:  

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  listed  in  the  accompanying  index  present  fairly,  in  all  material 
respects, the financial position of Cutera, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and 
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 in 
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, 
the  financial  statement  schedule  listed  in  the  accompanying  index  presents  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 
information  set  forth  therin when read  in conjunction with the related consolidated  financial  statements. Also  in our 
opinion,  the  Company  maintained,  in  all  material  respects,  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of 
December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee 
of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).  The  Company’s  management  is  responsible  for 
these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of 
the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  included  in  Management’s  Report  on  Internal  Control 
over Financial Reporting under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the 
financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated 
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  audits  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about 
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial 
reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test 
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles 
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our 
audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial 
reporting,  assessing  the  risk  that  a  material  weakness  exists,  and  testing  and  evaluating  the  design  and  operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures 
as  we  considered  necessary  in  the  circumstances.  We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a  reasonable  basis  for  our 
opinions.  

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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the 
transactions  and  dispositions  of  the  assets  of  the  company;  (ii)  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  (iii)  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or  timely 
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on 
the financial statements.  

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

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP  

San Jose, California  

March 15, 2012 

54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CUTERA, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  
(in thousands, except share and per share data) 

December 31, 

2011 

2010

Assets 
Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Marketable investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $8 and 

$20, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other current assets and prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Long-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Intangibles, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred tax asset, net of current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other long-term asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
Current liabilities: 

Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred revenue, net of current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Income tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) 
Stockholders’ equity: 
Convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value Authorized: 5,000,000 shares; 

none issued and outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Common stock, $0.001 par value: 

Authorized: 50,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 13,948,395 and 

13,629,713 shares at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively . . . . . . . . .  
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$

$

$

$

14,020 
74,666 

$

5,193 
10,729 
55 
1,432 
106,095 
853 
3,027 
446 
446 
486 
111,353 

2,573 
9,262 
5,185 
17,020 
1,448 
840 
478 
19,786 

$

$

12,519 
77,484 

4,208 
6,448 
63 
2,740 
103,462 
597 
6,784 
637 
325 
— 
111,805 

1,296 
6,194 
5,633 
13,123 
1,501 
1,287 
477 
16,388 

— 

— 

14 
95,719 
(3,325) 
(841) 
91,567 
111,353 

$

14 
90,423 
6,736 
(1,756)
95,417 
111,805 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CUTERA, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  
(in thousands, except per share data) 

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 

2009 

2011

Net revenue: 

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total net revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cost of revenue: 

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total cost of revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating expenses: 

Sales and marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Litigation settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss from operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest and other income, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  $

46,879  $
13,411 
60,290 

40,043   $
13,231  
53,274  

17,545 
8,433 
25,978 
34,312 

25,499 
9,141 
10,104 
— 
44,744 
(10,432) 
614 
(9,818) 
243 
(10,061)  $

15,805  
7,253  
23,058  
30,216  

24,735  
7,004  
9,576  
—  
41,315  
(11,099 )   
583  
(10,516 )   

2  

(10,518 )  $

  $

40,496 
13,186 
53,682 

14,083 
7,676 
21,759 
31,923 

24,286 
6,810 
10,320 
850 
42,266 
(10,343)
1,572 
(8,771)
8,908 
(17,679)

Net loss per share: 

Basic and diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Weighted-average number of shares used in per share calculations: 

Basic and diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  $

(0.73)  $

(0.78 )  $

(1.33)

13,807 

13,540  

13,279 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

56 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
CUTERA, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
(in thousands, except share amounts) 

Common Stock

Shares 

  Amount  

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Retained 
Earnings 
(Accumulated
Deficit)

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income 
(loss) 

Total 
Stockholders’
Equity

  12,806,035  $

13  $

80,318  $

31,410  $ 

367  $ 

112,108 

Balance at December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . .   
Issuance of common stock for employee 

purchase plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Exercise of stock options. . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Issuance of common stock in settlement 
of restricted stock units, net of shares 
withheld for employee taxes, and stock 
awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Stock-based compensation expense . . . . .   
Tax benefit from exercises of stock-based 

payment awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Change in accounting principle (see Note 

1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Components of other comprehensive loss:   
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other comprehensive income, net of full 
valuation allowance on tax effect. . .   
Comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Balance at December 31, 2009 . . . . . . . .   
Issuance of common stock for employee 

purchase plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Exercise of stock options. . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Issuance of common stock in settlement of 

restricted stock units, net of shares 
withheld for employee taxes, and stock 
awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Stock-based compensation expense . . . . .   
Tax benefit from exercises of stock-based 

payment awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Components of other comprehensive loss:   
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other comprehensive loss, net of full 

valuation allowance on tax effect. . .   
Comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Balance at December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . .   
Issuance of common stock for employee 

purchase plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Exercise of stock options. . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Issuance of common stock in settlement of 

59,365 
527,721 

43,042 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 
  13,436,163 

43,859 
90,362 

59,329 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 
  13,629,713 

45,161 
207,624 

restricted stock units, net of shares 
withheld for employee taxes, and stock 
awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Stock-based compensation expense . . . . .   
Tax benefit from exercises of stock-based 

payment awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Components of other comprehensive loss:   
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
effect ($197,000 of tax benefit) . . . .   
Comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Balance at December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . .   

65,897 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

  13,948,395  $

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 
13 

— 
1 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 
14 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

326 
291 

(32) 
4,236 

109 

— 

— 

— 
— 
85,248 

306 
337 

(126) 
4,650 

8 

— 

— 
— 
90,423 

276 
1,230 

(146) 
3,907 

29 

— 

— 
— 
14  $

— 
— 
95,719  $

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

3,523 

(3,523) 

326 
291 

(32)
4,236 

109 

— 

(17,679) 

— 

(17,679)

— 
— 
17,254 

1,494 
— 
(1,662) 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

(10,518) 

— 
— 
6,736 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

(10,061) 

— 
— 
(3,325)  $ 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

(94) 
— 
(1,756) 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

915 
— 
(841)  $ 

1,494 
(16,185)
100,853 

306 
338 

(126)
4,650 

8 

(10,518)

(94)
(10,612)
95,417 

276 
1,230 

(146)
3,907 

29 

(10,061)

915 
(9,146)
91,567 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CUTERA, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(in thousands) 

Year Ended December 31,
2010 

2011 

2009

Cash flows from operating activities: 

Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ (10,061)  $ (10,518)  $ (17,679)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating 

activities: 
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Tax benefit (deficit) from stock-based compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Provision for excess and obsolete inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Change in deferred tax asset net of valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Gain on sale of marketable and long term investments, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Tax on unrealized gains on marketable and long term investments . . . . . . . . . .  
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Changes in assets and liabilities: 

Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other current assets and prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Income tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

3,907 
29 
(22)   
637 
— 
15 
(113)   
(5)   

197 
13 

(1,000)   
(4,281)   
2,604 
(486)   
1,277 
2,970 
45 
(895)   
1 

(5,168)   

4,650 
8 
(8) 
717 
235 
(122) 
(116) 
(74) 
— 
— 

(759) 
(275) 
2,314 
— 
215 
(2,646) 
(200) 
(1,208) 
(272) 
(8,059) 

4,236 
109 
(23)
860 
611 
525 
10,512 
(103)
— 
— 

1,940 
2,908 
1,014 
— 
(609)
42 
(62)
(3,537)
(703)
41 

Cash flows from investing activities: 

Acquisition of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Disposal of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Proceeds from sales of marketable and long-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Proceeds from maturities of marketable investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Purchase of marketable investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

(275) 
(751)   
— 
36 
  42,830 
21,198 
  42,505 
47,935 
(63,131)    (87,837) 
(2,777) 

5,287 

(154)
— 
27,914 
11,535 
(53,655)
(14,360)

Cash flows from financing activities: 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan . .  
585 
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
23 
Net cash provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
608 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
(13,711)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
36,540 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 14,020  $ 12,519  $ 22,829 
Supplemental and non-cash disclosure of cash flow information: 

518 
8 
526 
  (10,310) 
  22,829 

1,360 
22 
1,382 
1,501 
12,519 

Cash paid (received) for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ (1,345)  $

272  $

578 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CUTERA, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

NOTE 1—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Description of Operations and Principles of Consolidation 

Cutera, Inc. (Cutera or the Company) is a global provider of laser and light-based aesthetic systems for practitioners 
worldwide. The Company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets the CoolGlide, Xeo, Solera, GenesisPlus and 
Excel  V  (introduced  in  2011)  product  platforms  for  use  by  physicians  and  other  qualified  practitioners  to  allow  its 
customers to offer safe and effective aesthetic treatments to their customers. Commencing in the fourth quarter ended 
December  31,  2011,  the  Company  started  distributing  a  Q-switched  laser  product  called  myQ  in  Japan,  which  is 
sourced  from  an  original  equipment  manufacturer.  The  Xeo  and  Solera  platforms  offer  multiple  hand  pieces  and 
applications, which allow customers to upgrade their systems (Upgrade revenue). In addition to systems and upgrade 
revenue,  the  Company  generates  revenue  from  the  sale  of  post  warranty  service  contracts,  providing  services  for 
products that are out of warranty, Titan hand piece refills, and distributing third party manufactured dermal fillers and 
cosmeceuticals. 

Headquartered  in  Brisbane,  California,  the  Company  has  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  in  Australia,  Canada,  France, 
Japan, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom that market, sell and service its products outside of the United States. 
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All inter-company 
transactions and balances have been eliminated. 

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in 
the United States of America (GAAP) requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that 
affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could 
differ  materially  from  those  estimates.  On  an  ongoing  basis,  the  Company  evaluates  their  estimates,  including  those 
related  to  warranty  obligation,  sales  commission,  accounts  receivable  and  sales  allowances,  fair  values  of  long-term 
investments, fair values of acquired intangible assets, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, fair 
values of options to purchase the Company’s common stock, recoverability of deferred tax assets, and effective income 
tax rates, among others. Management bases their estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions 
that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values 
of assets and liabilities. 

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Investments, and Long-Term Investments 

The Company invests its cash primarily in money market funds and in highly liquid debt instruments of U.S. federal 
and  municipal  governments  and  their  agencies,  commercial  paper  and  corporate  debt  securities.  All  highly  liquid 
investments with stated maturities of three months or less from date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents; all 
highly liquid investments with stated maturities of greater than three months are classified as marketable investments. 
The  majority  of  the  Company’s  cash  and  investments  are  held  in  U.S.  banks  and  its  foreign  subsidiaries  maintain  a 
limited amount of cash in their local banks to cover their short term operating expenses. 

The  Company  determines  the  appropriate  classification  of  its  investments  in  marketable  securities  at  the  time  of 
purchase and re-evaluates such designation at each balance sheet date. The Company’s marketable securities have been 
classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. The Company may, or may not, hold securities with stated maturities 
greater  than  12  months  until  maturity.  In  response  to  changes  in  the  availability  of  and  the  yield  on  alternative 
investments as well as liquidity requirements, it occasionally sells these securities prior to their stated maturities. As 
these securities are viewed by the Company as available to support current operations, based on the provisions of the 
Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  Accounting  Standards  Codification  (ASC)  topic  210,  subtopic  10,  securities 
with  maturities  beyond  12  months  (such  as  variable  rate  demand  notes)  are  classified  as  current  assets  under  the 
caption marketable investments in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. These securities are carried at fair 
value,  with  the  unrealized  gains  and  losses  reported  as  a  component  of  stockholders’  equity.  Any  realized  gains  or 
losses on the sale of marketable securities are determined on a specific identification method, and such gains and losses 
are reflected as a component of interest and other income, net. 

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The Company holds a variety of interest bearing auction rate securities (ARS) that represent investments in pools of 
student  loan  assets  issued  by  the  Federal  Family  Education  Loan  Program  (FELP).  At  the  time  of  acquisition,  the 
majority  of  ARS  investments  were  intended  to  provide  liquidity  via  an  auction  process  that  resets  the  applicable 
interest rate at predetermined calendar intervals, allowing investors to either roll over their holdings or gain immediate 
liquidity by selling such interests at par. Since February 2008, uncertainties in the credit markets affected the majority 
of  ARS  investments  and  auctions  for  the  Company’s  investments  in  these  securities  have  failed  to  settle  on  their 
respective settlement dates. However, since 2009 $9.5 million of ARS were redeemed at full par value. Maturity dates 
for the ARS investments in the Company’s portfolio range from 2032 to 2041. 

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $3.0 million of ARS classified as long-term investments. The Company 
has classified its ARS investment balance as long-term investments in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet 
because  of  the  Company’s  belief  that  it  could  take  more  than  one  year  before  they  are  readily  marketable.  The 
Company’s ARS have been classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. These securities are carried at fair value 
with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of stockholders’ equity. The estimated fair value of the 
Company’s ARS investments was $3.0 million at December 31, 2011 and $6.8 million at December 31, 2010. 

Fair Value Measurements 

Fair  value  is  defined  as  the  price  that  would  be  received  to  sell  an  asset  or  paid  to  transfer  a  liability  in  an  orderly 
transaction  between  market  participants  at  the  measurement  date  In  determining  fair  value,  the  Company  utilizes 
valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the 
extent possible  as  well  as  considers  counterparty  credit  risk  in  its  assessment  of fair value.  Carrying  amounts of  the 
Company’s  financial  instruments,  including  cash  equivalents,  marketable  investments,  accounts  receivable,  accounts 
payable and accrued liabilities, approximate their fair values as of the balance sheet dates because of their generally 
short maturities. 

The  fair  value  hierarchy  distinguishes  between  (1)  market  participant  assumptions  developed  based  on  market  data 
obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant 
assumptions  developed  based  on  the  best  information  available  in  the  circumstances  (unobservable  inputs).  The  fair 
value hierarchy  consists  of  three broad  levels,  which  gives  the  highest priority  to  unadjusted  quoted  prices  in  active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three 
levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below: 

●  Level  1:  Quoted  prices  (unadjusted)  in  active  markets  that  are  accessible  at  the  measurement  date  for 

assets or liabilities. 

●  Level 2: Directly or indirectly observable inputs as of the reporting date through correlation with market 
data,  including  quoted  prices  for  similar  assets  and  liabilities  in  active  markets  and  quoted  prices  in 
markets  that  are  not  active.  Level  2  also  includes  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  valued  using  models  or 
other pricing methodologies that do not require significant judgment since the input assumptions used in 
the models, such as interest rates and volatility factors, are corroborated by readily observable data from 
actively quoted markets for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. 

●  Level  3:  Unobservable  inputs  that  are  supported  by  little  or  no  market  activity  and  reflect  the  use  of 
significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which 
the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions. 

Impairment of Marketable Investments and ARS Securities 

The Company reviews its marketable and long term investments for impairment on a quarterly basis. If it concludes 
that  any  of  these  investments  are  impaired,  it  determines  whether  such  impairment  is  other-than-temporary.  Factors 
that the Company considers to make such determination include the duration and severity of the impairment, the reason 
for the decline in value and the potential recovery period, and its intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that 
it will be required to sell, the investment before recovery. 

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Beginning April 1, 2009, if an entity intends to sell, or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, an 
impaired debt security prior to recovery of its cost basis, the security is other-than-temporarily impaired and the full 
amount of the impairment is required to be recognized as a loss through earnings. Otherwise, losses on securities which 
are other-than-temporarily impaired are separated into: 

(iii) 
(iv) 

the portion of loss which represents the credit loss; or 
the portion which is due to other factors. 

The credit loss portion is recognized as a loss through earnings while the loss due to other factors is recognized in other 
comprehensive  income  (loss),  net  of  taxes  and  related  amortization.  At  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  had 
approximately $3.9 million of par value ARS investments. The Company intends to, and has the ability to, hold these 
investments until the anticipated date of maturity. As such, the company treats the decline in value as temporary and 
has recognized  approximately  $873,000 in  unrealized  losses. Given  the  Company  believed  that  such  losses were  not 
credit related, it has included them in accumulated other comprehensive loss. 

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of risk consist principally of cash, cash 
equivalents, marketable investments and accounts receivable. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are primarily 
invested in deposits and money market accounts with two major banks in the United States. In addition, the Company 
has operating cash balances in banks in each of the international locations in which it operates. Deposits in these banks 
may  exceed  the  amount  of  insurance  provided  on  such  deposits,  if  any.  Management  believes  that  these  financial 
institutions  are  financially  sound  and,  accordingly,  believes  that  minimal  credit  risk  exists.  The  Company  has  not 
experienced any losses on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents. Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and 
are  derived  from  revenue  earned  from  worldwide  customers.  The  Company  performs  credit  evaluations  of  its 
customers  and  maintains  reserves  for  potential  credit  losses.  Concentrations  of  accounts  receivable  balances  are 
presented in Note 3 and segment, geographic and major customer information is presented in Note 10. 

The  Company  invests  in  debt  instruments—including  bonds  and  ARS—of  the  U.S.  Government,  its  agencies  and 
municipalities.  In  addition,  starting  from  2010,  the  Company  has  invested  in  other  high  grade  investments  such  as 
commercial paper and corporate bonds. By policy, the Company restricts its exposure to any single issuer by imposing 
concentration  limits.  To  minimize  the  exposure  due  to  adverse  shifts  in  interest  rates,  the  Company  maintains 
investments  at  an  average  maturity  (interest  reset  date  for  auction-rate  securities  and  variable  rate  demand  notes)  of 
generally less than eighteen months. 

The Company is subject to risks common to companies in the medical device industry, including, but not limited to, 
new  technology  innovations,  dependence  on  key  personnel,  dependence  on  key  suppliers,  protection  of  proprietary 
technology,  product  liability  and  compliance  with  government  regulations.  The  Company  must  continue  to 
successfully design, develop, acquire, manufacture and market its products. There can be no assurance that current or 
recently acquired products will continue to be accepted in the marketplace. Nor can there be any assurance that any 
future  products  can  be  developed  or  manufactured  at  an  acceptable  cost  and  with  appropriate  performance 
characteristics,  or  that  such  products  will  be  successfully  marketed,  if  at  all.  These  factors  could  have  a  material 
adverse effect on the Company’s future financial results and cash flows. 

Future  products  developed  or  acquired  by  the  Company  may  require  additional  approvals  from  the  Food  and  Drug 
Administration  or  international  regulatory  agencies  prior  to  commercial  sales.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  the 
Company’s  products  will  continue  to  meet  the  necessary  regulatory  requirements.  If  the  Company  was  denied  such 
approvals or such approvals were delayed, it may have a materially adverse impact on the Company. 

Inventories 

Inventories  are  stated  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  market,  cost  being  determined  on  a  standard  cost  basis  (which 
approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis) and market being determined as the lower of replacement cost or 
net realizable value. 

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The Company includes demonstration units within inventories. Demonstration units are carried at cost and amortized 
over their estimated economic life of two years. Amortization expense related to demonstration units is recorded in cost 
of  revenue  or  in  the  respective  operating  expense  line  based  on  which  function  and  purpose  it  is  being  used  for. 
Proceeds from the sale of demonstration units are recorded as revenue and all costs incurred to refurbish the systems 
prior to sale are charged to cost of revenue. 

Property and Equipment 

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the 
related assets, which is generally three years. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-
line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life of the related assets. Upon sale or 
retirement  of  assets,  the  costs  and  related  accumulated  depreciation  and  amortization  are  removed  from  the  balance 
sheet  and  the  resulting  gain  or  loss  is  reflected  in  operating  expenses.  Maintenance  and  repairs  are  charged  to 
operations as incurred. 

Intangible Assets 

Purchased technology sublicenses are presented at cost, net of accumulated amortization. The technology licenses are 
being amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected useful life of 9-10 years. 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets 

The  Company  reviews  long-lived  assets,  including  property  and  equipment,  and  intangible  assets,  for  impairment 
whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully 
recoverable.  The  Company  would  recognize  an  impairment  loss  when  estimated  undiscounted  future  cash  flows 
expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is less than its carrying amount. Impairment, if 
any,  is  measured  as  the  amount  by  which  the  carrying  amount  of  a  long-lived  asset  exceeds  its  fair  value.  Through 
December 31, 2011, there have been no such impairments. 

Warranty Obligations 

The Company provides a one-year standard warranty on all systems. Warranty coverage provided is for labor and parts 
necessary to repair the systems during the warranty period. The Company accounts for the estimated warranty cost of 
the standard warranty coverage as a charge to costs of revenue when revenue is recognized. The estimated warranty 
cost  is  based  on  historical  product  performance.  To  determine  the  estimated  warranty  reserve,  the  Company  utilizes 
actual service records to calculate the average service expense per system and applies this to the equivalent number of 
units exposed under warranty. The Company updates these estimated charges every quarter. 

Revenue Recognition 

Product, Upgrade, Titan hand piece refill, and Dermal filler and cosmeceutical revenue is recognized when title and 
risk of ownership has been transferred, provided that: 

●  Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 
●  The price is fixed or determinable; 
●  Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; and 
●  Collectability is reasonably assured. 

Transfer  of  title  and  risk  of  ownership  occurs  when  the  product  is  shipped  to  the  customer  or  when  the  customer 
receives the product, depending on the nature of the arrangement. Revenue is recorded net of customer and distributor 
discounts. For sales transactions when collectability is not reasonably assured, the Company recognizes revenue upon 
receipt of cash payment. Sales to customers and distributors do not include any return or exchange rights. In addition, 
the Company’s distributor agreements obligate the distributor to pay the Company for the sale regardless of whether 
the  distributor  is  able  to  resell  the  product.  Shipping  and  handling  charges  are  invoiced  to  customers  based  on  the 
amount of products sold. Shipping and handling fees are recorded as revenue and the related expense as a component 
of cost of revenue. 

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The FASB amended the accounting standards for multiple deliverable revenue arrangements to: 

●  provide updated guidance on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables in an arrangement 

● 

● 

should be separated, and how the consideration should be allocated; 
require an entity to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling price (ESP) of deliverables 
if  a  vendor  does  not  first  have  vendor-specific  objective  evidence  (VSOE)  of  selling  price  or  secondly 
does not have third-party evidence (TPE) of selling price; and 
eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate revenue using the relative selling 
price method. 

Multiple-element  arrangements  -  A  multiple-element  arrangement  includes  the  sale  of  one  or  more  tangible  product 
offerings with one or more associated services offerings, each of which are individually considered separate units of 
accounting.  The  determination  of  the  Company’s  units  of  accounting  did  not  change  with  the  adoption  of  the  new 
revenue  recognition  guidance  and  as  such  the  Company  allocates  revenue  to  each  element  in  a  multiple-element 
arrangement based upon the relative selling price of each deliverable. When applying the relative selling price method, 
the  Company  determines  the  selling  price  for  each  deliverable  using  VSOE  of  selling  price,  if  it  exists,  or  TPE  of 
selling price. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exist for a deliverable, the Company uses its best estimate of 
selling  price  for  that  deliverable.  Revenue  allocated  to  each  element  is  then  recognized  when  the  other  revenue 
recognition criteria are met for each element. 

The above mentioned update was effective for the Company from January 1, 2011 and the Company elected to apply it 
prospectively to new or materially modified revenue arrangements after its effective date. This did not have a material 
impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011, and does 
not  change  the  units  of  accounting  for  its  revenue  transactions.  The  new  accounting  standard,  if  applied  to  the  year 
ended December 31, 2010, would not have had a material impact on our revenue for that year. 

The  Company  also  offers  customers  extended  service  contracts.  Revenue  under  service  contracts  is  recognized  on  a 
straight-line basis over the period of the applicable service contract. Service revenue, from customers whose systems 
are  not  under  a  service  contact,  is  recognized  as  the  services  are  provided.  Service  revenue  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $13.4 million, $13.2 million, and $13.2 million, respectively. 

Cost of Revenue 

Cost  of  revenue  consists  primarily  of  material,  finished  and  semi-finished  products  purchased  from  third-party 
manufacturers, labor, stock-based compensation expenses, overhead involved in our internal manufacturing processes, 
technology license amortization and royalties, and costs associated with product warranties. 

Shipping and Handling Costs 

Amounts charged to customers and costs incurred by the Company related to shipping and handling are included in net 
sales and cost of goods sold, respectively.  

Research and Development Expenditures 

Costs  related  to  research,  design,  development  and  testing  of  products  are  charged  to  research  and  development 
expense as incurred. Expenses incurred  primarily relate to employees, facilities,  material, third party contractors and 
clinical and regulatory fees. 

Advertising Costs 

Advertising  costs  are  included  as  part  of  sales  and  marketing  expense  and  are  expensed  as  incurred.  Advertising 
expenses were $1.3 million in 2011, $947,000 in 2010, and $891,000 in 2009. 

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Stock-based Compensation 

The  Company  elected  to  use  the  Black-Scholes-Merton  (BSM)  pricing  model  to  determine  the  fair  value  of  stock 
options on the dates of grant. Restricted stock units (RSUs) and stock awards are measured based on the fair market 
values  of  the  underlying  stock  on  the  dates  of  grant.  Shares  are  issued  on  the  vesting  dates,  net  of  the  statutory 
withholding  requirements  to  be  paid  by  the  Company  on  behalf  of  its  employees.  As  a  result,  the  actual  number  of 
shares  issued  will  be  fewer  than  the  actual  number  of  RSUs  outstanding.  Furthermore,  the  Company  records  the 
liability  for  withholding  amounts  to  be  paid  by  us  as  a  reduction  to  additional  paid-in  capital  when  the  shares  are 
issued. Also, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation using the straight-line method. 

The Company includes as part of cash flows from financing activities the benefits of tax deductions in excess of the 
tax-effected compensation of the related stock-based awards for options exercised and RSUs vested during the period. 
The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options and employee stock purchases, net of taxes withheld 
and paid was $1.4 million in 2011, $518,000 in 2010, and $585,000 in 2009, and the total direct tax benefit (deficit) 
realized,  including  the  excess  tax  benefit  (deficit),  from  stock-based  award  activity  was  $29,000  in  2011,  $8,000  in 
2010, and $109,000 in 2009. The Company elected to account for the indirect effects of stock-based awards—primarily 
the research and development tax credit—through the Statement of Operations. 

Income Taxes 

The Company recognizes income taxes under the liability method. The Company recognizes deferred income taxes for 
differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted statutory tax rates in effect 
for the years in which differences are expected to reverse. The Company recognizes the effect on deferred taxes of a 
change  in  tax  rates  in  income  in  the  period  that  includes  the  enactment  date.  The  Company  has  determined  that  its 
future taxable income will be sufficient to recover all of the deferred tax assets. However, should there be a change in 
their ability to recover the deferred tax assets, the Company could be required to record a valuation allowance against 
its  deferred  tax  assets.  This  would  result  in  an  increase  to  the  Company’s  tax  provision  in  the  period  in  which  they 
determined that the recovery was not probable. 

The measurement of deferred taxes often involves an exercise of judgment related to the computation and realization of 
tax  basis.  The  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  reflect  management’s  assessment  that  tax  positions  taken,  and  the 
resulting tax basis, are more likely than not to be sustained if they are audited by taxing authorities. Also, assessing tax 
rates  that  the  Company  expects  to  apply  and  determining  the  years  when  the  temporary  differences  are  expected  to 
affect taxable income requires judgment about the future apportionment of our income among the states in which the 
Company  operates.  These  matters,  and  others,  involve  the  exercise  of  significant  judgment.  Any  changes  in  our 
practices or judgments involved in the measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities could materially impact our 
financial condition or results of operations. 

Valuation  allowances  are  established  when  necessary  to  reduce  deferred  income  tax  assets  to  amounts  that  the 
Company believes are more likely than not to be recovered. The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets quarterly to 
determine  whether  adjustments  to  our  valuation  allowance  are  appropriate.  In  making  this  evaluation,  the  Company 
relies on its recent history of pre-tax earnings, estimated timing of future deductions and benefits represented by the 
deferred  tax  assets,  and  its  forecasts  of  future  earnings,  the  latter  two  of  which  involve  the  exercise  of  significant 
judgment. As of September 30, 2009, the Company could not sustain a conclusion that it was more likely than not that 
the Company would realize any of its deferred tax assets resulting from its cumulative losses reported in the recent past 
as  well  as  other  factors.  Consequently,  the  Company  established  a  valuation  allowance  against  those  deferred  tax 
assets.  The  Company  also  performed  this  evaluation  as  of  December  31,  2011,  and  determined  the  full  valuation 
allowance was still required. 

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The  Company  establishes  reserves  for  uncertain  tax  positions  in  accordance  with  the  Income  Taxes  subtopic  of  the 
ASC.  The  subtopic  prescribes  the  minimum  recognition  threshold  a  tax  position  is  required  to  meet  before  being 
recognized  in the  financial  statements.  Additionally,  the  subtopic provides  guidance on derecognition,  measurement, 
classification, interest and penalties, and transition of uncertain tax positions. The impact of an uncertain income tax 
position on income tax expense must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. 
An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. The 
Company  has  provided  taxes  and  related  interest  and  penalties  due  for  potential  adjustments  that  may  result  from 
examinations of open U.S. Federal, state and foreign tax years. If the Company ultimately determines that payment of 
these amounts are not more-likely-than-not, the Company will reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit during 
the  period  in  which  the  Company  makes  the  determination.  The  Company  will  record  an  additional  charge  in  the 
Company’s provision for taxes in the period in which the Company determines that the recorded tax liability is less 
than the Company expects the ultimate assessment to be. 

Comprehensive Loss 

Comprehensive loss generally represents all changes in stockholders’ equity except those resulting from investments or 
contributions by stockholders. The Company’s unrealized gains and losses on marketable and long-term investments 
represent the only component of other comprehensive loss. 

On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to the 
recognition  and  presentation  of  other-than-temporary  impairments.  A  cumulative  effect  adjustment  was  required  to 
retained earnings and a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss to reclassify the non-credit 
portion  of  previously  other-than-temporarily  impaired  securities  which  were  held  at  the  beginning  of  the  period  of 
adoption and for which the Company does not intend to sell and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be 
required to sell such securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis. As a result of the implementation of this 
pronouncement,  the  Company  reclassified  the  cumulative  effect  of  the  non-credit  portion  of  previously  recognized 
other-than-temporarily  impaired  adjustments  of  $3.5  million  by  increasing  retained  earnings  and  decreasing 
accumulated other comprehensive loss. 

Foreign Currency 

The  U.S.  dollar  is  the  functional  currency  of  the  Company’s  subsidiaries.  Monetary  and  non-monetary  assets  and 
liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at the applicable period end exchange rate. Sales and operating expenses are 
remeasured at average exchange rates in effect during each period, except for those expenses related to non-monetary 
assets which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions 
are included in net income (loss) and are insignificant for each of the three years ended December 31, 2011. The effect 
of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents was insignificant for each of the three years presented in the 
period ended December 31, 2011. 

New Accounting Standards 

On January 1, 2011, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB to the classification of certain employee share-
based payment awards. These changes clarify that there is not an indication of a condition that is other than market, 
performance, or service if an employee share-based payment award’s exercise price is denominated in the currency of a 
market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trade and differs from the functional currency of 
the employer entity or payroll currency of the employee. An employee share-based payment award is required to be 
classified as a liability if the award does not contain a market, performance or service condition. Prior to this guidance, 
the Company did not consider the difference between the currency denomination of an employee share-based payment 
award’s  exercise  price  and  the  functional  currency  of  the  employer  entity  or  payroll  currency  of  the  employee  in 
determining the proper classification of the share-based payment award. The adoption of these changes had no impact 
on the Company’s financial statements. 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On  January  1,  2011,  the  Company  adopted  changes  issued  by  the  FASB  to  disclosure  requirements  for  fair  value 
measurements.  Specifically,  the  changes  require  a  reporting  entity  to  disclose,  in  the  reconciliation  of  fair  value 
measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), separate information about purchases, sales, issuances 
and settlements, (i.e., on a gross basis rather than as one net number). These changes were applied to the disclosure in 
the  Fair Value  of  Financial  Instruments  section of Note  2  to  the  Condensed  Consolidated  Financial Statements.  The 
adoption of these changes had no impact on our financial statements. 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 “Fair Value Measurement: Amendments to Achieve Common Fair 
Value  Measurement  and  Disclosure  Requirements  in  U.S.  GAAP  and  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards”. 
Some  of  the  amendments  clarify  the  Board’s  intent  about  the  application  of  existing  fair  value  measurement 
requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing 
information about fair value measurements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after 
December 15, 2011. The Company is still evaluating the potential future effects of this guidance. 

In June 2011, the FASB amended its authoritative guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. Under the 
amendment,  an  entity  will  have  the  option  to  present  the  total  of  comprehensive  income,  the  components  of  net 
income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive 
income  or  in  two  separate but  consecutive  statements.  This  amendment,  therefore,  eliminates  the  currently  available 
option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ 
equity. The amendment does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an 
item  of  other  comprehensive  income  must  be  reclassified  to  net  income.  The  Company  will  adopt  this  amended 
guidance for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012. As this guidance relates to presentation only, the adoption of 
this guidance will not have any other effect on the Company’s financial statements. 

NOTE 2—INVESTMENT SECURITIES 

The  following  tables  summarize  cash,  cash  equivalents,  marketable  securities  and  long  term  investments  (in 
thousands): 

Cash and cash equivalents: 

Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $
Cash equivalents: 

Money market funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Marketable securities: 

U.S. government notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
U.S. government agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Municipal securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Corporate debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

December 31, 

2011 

2010

2,153  

$

1,989 

7,318  
4,549  
14,020  

3,665  
41,565  
6,134  
4,747  
18,555  
74,666  

8,330 
2,200 
12,519 

2,070 
24,087 
15,011 
11,465 
24,851 
77,484 

Long-term investments in ARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and long term investments . .   $

3,027  
91,713  

$

6,784 
96,787 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
The  following  table  summarizes  unrealized  gains  and  losses  related  to  our  marketable  investments  and  long  term 
investments, both designated as available-for-sale (in thousands): 

December 31, 2011 
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Marketable investments 

U.S. government notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
U.S. government agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Municipal securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Corporate debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Long-term investments in ARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities 
and long term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

December 31, 2010 
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Marketable investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
U.S. government notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
U.S. government agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Municipal securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Corporate debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Long-term investments in ARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities 
and long term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Amortized
Cost 
14,020 

$

Gross 
Unrealized
Gains 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses 

Fair 
Market 
Value 

$

— 

$ 

— 

$ 

14,020 

3,655 
41,535 
6,091 
4,747 
18,574 
74,602 

3,900 

10 
44 
44 
1 
15 
114 

— 

— 
(14) 
(1) 
(1) 
(34) 
(50) 

3,665 
41,565 
6,134 
4,747 
18,555 
74,666 

(873) 

3,027 

$

92,522 

$

114 

$ 

(923)  $ 

91,713 

Amortized
Cost 
12,519 

$

Gross 
Unrealized
Gains 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses 

Fair 
Market 
Value 

$

— 

$ 

— 

$ 

12,519 

2,069 
24,088 
15,029 
11,459 
24,825 
77,470 

8,325 

1 
17 
2 
7 
55 
82 

— 

— 
(18) 
(20) 
(1) 
(29) 
(68) 

2,070 
24,087 
15,011 
11,465 
24,851 
77,484 

(1,541) 

6,784 

$

98,314 

$

82 

$ 

(1,609)  $ 

96,787 

The Company did not have any gains or losses associated with its long-term investments. The realized gains and losses 
associated with short-term investments were as follows (in thousands): 

Realized gains on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Realized losses on investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

Year Ended December 31, 

2011

2010 

2009

$ 

5 
— 

$ 

78 
(4) 

103
—

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  summarizes  the  fair  value  and  the  gross  unrealized  losses  for  investments  that  were  in  an 
unrealized loss position, aggregated by category and by the length in time that the individual securities have been in a 
continuous loss position (in thousands): 

December 31, 2011 
U.S. government agencies . . . . . . . .     
Municipal securities . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Corporate debt securities . . . . . . . . .     
Long-term investments in ARS . . .     
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     

December 31, 2010 
U.S. government agencies . . . . . . . . . . 
Municipal securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Corporate debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . 
Long-term investments in ARS . . . . . 
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

Less Than 12 Months 
Gross 
Fair 
Unrealized
Market
Value 
Losses 
$  12,758 
929 
999 
- 
- 
$  14,686 

$

$

Less Than 12 Months
Gross 
Fair 
Unrealized
Market
Value 
Losses 
$  7,830 
  10,083 
- 
8,498 
- 
$ 26,411 

$

12 Months or Greater 
Gross 
Fair 
Unrealized
Market 
Losses 
Value 

Total 

Fair 
Market 
Value 

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses 

(14)  $
(1) 
(1) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
7,799 
3,027 
(16)  $ 10,826 

$

$

-  $  12,758 
929 
- 
- 
999 
7,799 
(34) 
(873) 
3,027 
(907)  $  25,512 

$ 

$ 

(14)
(1)
(1)
(34)
(873)
(923)

12 Months or Greater
Gross 
Fair 
Unrealized
Market 
Losses 
Value 

Total 

Fair 
Market 
Value 

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses 

(18)  $
(19) 
- 
(29) 
- 

- 
2,050 
- 
- 
6,784 
(66)  $ 8,834 

$

$

-  $  7,830 
(1) 
  12,133 
- 
- 
- 
8,498 
6,784 
(1,541) 
(1,542)  $  35,245 

$ 

$ 

(18)
(20)
- 
(29)
(1,541)
(1,608)

The  following  table  summarizes  the  estimated  fair  value  of  our  marketable  investments  and  long  term  investments 
classified by the contractual maturity date of the security as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands): 

Due in less than one year (fiscal year 2012) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Due in 1 to 3 years (fiscal year 2013- 2014) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Due in 3 to 5 years (fiscal year 2015-2016) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Due in 5 to 10 years (fiscal year 2017-2022) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Due in greater than 10 years (fiscal year 2023 and beyond). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Amount 

40,988
33,678
—
—
3,027
77,693

$

$

68 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements 

The  following  table  summarizes  financial  assets  measured  and  recognized  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis  and 
classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as described above (in thousands): 

December 31, 2011 
Cash equivalents: 

Money market funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Short term marketable investments: 

Available-for-sale securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Long-term investments: 

Available-for-sale ARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total assets at fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

December 31, 2010 
Cash equivalents: 

Money market funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Short term marketable investments: 

Available-for-sale securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Long-term investments: 

Available-for-sale ARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total assets at fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

$

$

$

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total 

7,318 
— 

$

— 
4,549 

$ 

— 

74,666 

— 
— 

— 

$ 

7,318 
4,549 

74,666 

— 
7,318 

Level 1

8,331 
— 

$

$

— 
79,215 

$ 

3,027 
3,027 

3,027 
$  89,560 

Level 2

Level 3 

Total

— 
2,200 

$ 

— 
— 

— 

$ 

8,331 
2,200 

77,484 

— 

77,484 

— 
8,331 

— 
79,684 

$

$ 

6,784 
6,784 

6,784 
$  94,799 

The Company’s Level 1 financial assets are money market funds with stated maturities of three months or less from the 
date  of  purchase,  whose  fair  values  are  based  on  quoted  market  prices.  The  Company’s  Level  2  financial  assets  are 
highly liquid debt instruments of U.S. federal and municipal governments and their agencies, commercial paper and 
corporate  debt  securities  whose  fair  values  are  obtained  from  readily-available  pricing  sources  for  the  identical 
underlying security that may, or may not, be actively traded. 

At December 31, 2011, observable market information was not available to determine the fair value of the Company’s 
ARS investments. Therefore, the fair value is based on broker-provided valuation models that relied on Level 3 inputs 
including those that are based on expected cash flow streams and collateral values, assessments of counterparty credit 
quality, default risk underlying the security, market discount rates and overall capital market liquidity. The valuation of 
the  Company’s  ARS  investment  portfolio  is  subject  to  uncertainties  that  are  difficult  to  predict.  Factors  that  may 
impact the valuations in the future include changes to credit ratings of the securities, as well as to the underlying assets 
supporting  those  securities,  rates  of  default  of  the  underlying  assets,  underlying  collateral  value,  discount  rates, 
counterparty  risk  and  ongoing  strength  and  quality  of  market  credit  and  liquidity.  These  financial  instruments  are 
classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. 

69 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
The  table  presented  below  summarizes  the  change  in  carrying  value  associated  with  Level  3  financial  assets,  which 
represents the Company’s investment in long term ARS, for the year ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands): 

Balance at December 31, 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total gains or losses (realized or unrealized) 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Purchases and issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Balance at December 31, 2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total gains or losses (realized or unrealized) 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Purchases and issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Balance at December 31, 2011. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

7,275

—
(26)
—
(465)
6,784

—
668
—
(4,425)
3,027

$

NOTE 3—BALANCE SHEET DETAIL 

Accounts Receivable 

Trade  accounts  receivable  are  recorded at  the  invoiced  amount  and do not bear interest.  The  allowance  for doubtful 
accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses existing in accounts receivable and is 
based on historical write-off experience and any specific customer issues that have been identified. Account balances 
are charged off against the allowance when it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. The Company had one 
customer  who  accounted  for  8%  at  December  31,  2011  and  10%  at  December  31,  2010  of  the  Company’s  total 
accounts receivable balance. 

Inventories 

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands): 

Raw materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Finished goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Property and Equipment, net 

Property and equipment, net consists of the following (in thousands): 

Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Office equipment and furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Less: Accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

December 31, 

2011 

6,587  
4,142  
10,729  

$

$

2010

4,204 
2,244 
6,448 

$

$

December 31, 

2011 

2010

590 
2,761 
2,893 
6,244 
(5,391) 
853 

$

$

361
2,702
2,688
5,751
(5,154)
597

$

$

Depreciation  expense  related  to  property  and  equipment  was  $446,000  in  2011,  $525,000  in  2010,  and  $664,000  in 
2009. 

70 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
Intangible Assets 

Intangible assets were comprised of a patent sublicense acquired from Palomar in 2006 and a technology sublicense 
acquired in 2002. The components of intangible assets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands): 

Gross 
Carrying
Amount 

Accumulated 
Amortization 
Amount 

Net 
Amount 

December 31, 2011 
Patent sublicense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Technology sublicense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
December 31, 2010 
Patent sublicense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Technology sublicense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$

$

$

$

1,218 
538 
1,756 

1,218 
538 
1,756 

$

$

$

$

793 
517 
1,310 

656 
463 
1,119 

$

$

$

$

425
21
446

562
75
637

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $191,000 in 2011, $192,000 in 2010, and $196,000 in 2009. 

Based on intangible assets recorded at December 31, 2011, and assuming no subsequent additions to, or impairment of 
the underlying assets, the remaining estimated annual amortization expense is expected to be as follows (in thousands): 

Year ending December 31, 
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

$

Amount 

158 
138 
138 
12 
446 

Accrued Liabilities 

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands): 

Payroll and related expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Customer deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Sales tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Professional fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Royalty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Income tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Sales and marketing accruals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

$

NOTE 4—WARRANTY AND SERVICE CONTRACTS 

December 31, 

2011 

2010 

4,172  
1,121  
1,054  
839  
483  
434  
276  
191  
692  
9,262  

$

$

3,035 
796 
131 
809 
335 
475 
— 
131 
482 
6,194 

The Company has a direct field service organization in the United States. Internationally, the Company provides direct 
service support through its wholly-owned subsidiaries in Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Spain, Switzerland (through 
November  2011)  as  well  as  through  a  network  of  distributors  and  third-party  service  providers  in  several  other 
countries where it does not have a direct presence. The Company provides a warranty with its products, depending on 
the type of product. After the original warranty period, maintenance and support are offered on a service contract basis 
or on a time and materials basis. The Company currently provides for the estimated cost to repair or replace products 
under warranty at the time of sale. 

71 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
Warranty Accrual (in thousands) 

Balance at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Add: Accruals for warranties issued during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Less: Settlements made during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Deferred Service Contract Revenue (in thousands) 

Balance at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Add: Payments received . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Less: Revenue recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

December 31, 

2011 

2010 

796  
4,043  
(3,718 ) 
1,121  

$

$

1,049 
3,061 
(3,314)
796 

December 31, 

2011 

2010

6,765  
8,332  
(9,259 ) 
5,838  

$

$

8,128 
8,254 
(9,617)
6,765 

$

$

$

$

Costs  incurred  under  service  contracts  amounted  to  $4.6  million  in  2011,  $4.3  million  in  2010,  and  $4.7  million  in 
2009, and are recognized as incurred. 

NOTE  5—STOCKHOLDERS’  EQUITY,  STOCK  PLANS  AND  STOCK-BASED  COMPENSATION 
EXPENSE 

Stock Option Plans 

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had the following stock-based employee compensation plans: 

2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

On  January 12,  2004,  the  Board  of  Directors  adopted  the  2004  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan.  A  total  of  200,000 
shares of common stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Under the 
2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or 2004 ESPP, eligible employees are permitted to purchase common stock at a 
discount through payroll deductions. The 2004 ESPP offering and purchase periods are for approximately six months. 
Shares of common stock eligible for purchase are increased on the first day of each fiscal year by an amount equal to 
the lesser of (i) 600,000 shares, (ii) 2.0% of the outstanding shares of common stock on such date or (iii) an amount as 
determined by the Board of Directors. The Company’s Board of Directors voted not to increase the shares available for 
future grant on January 1, 2011 and 2010. The price of the common stock purchased is the lower of 85% of the fair 
market value of the common stock at the beginning of an offering period or at the end of the offering period. Under the 
2004 ESPP the Company issued 45,161 shares in 2011 and 43,859 shares in 2010. At December 31, 2011, 1,056,936 
shares remained available for future issuance. 

2004 Equity Incentive Plan and 1998 Stock Plan 

In 1998, the Company adopted the 1998 Stock Plan, or 1998 Plan, under which 4,650,000 shares of the Company’s 
common stock were reserved for issuance to employees, directors and consultants. 

On January 12, 2004, the Board of Directors adopted the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. A total of 1,750,000 shares of 
common stock were originally reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. In addition, the shares 
reserved for issuance under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan included shares reserved but un-issued under the 1998 Plan 
and shares returned to the 1998 Plan as the result of termination of options or the repurchase of shares. 

72 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Options granted under the 1998 Plan and 2004 Equity Incentive Plan may be incentive stock options or non-statutory 
stock options. Stock purchase rights may also be granted under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. Incentive stock options 
may  only  be  granted  to  employees.  The  Board  of  Directors  determines  the  period  over  which  options  become 
exercisable, however, except in the case of options granted to officers, directors and consultants, options shall become 
exercisable at a rate of no less than 20% per year over five years from the date the options are granted. Options are to 
be granted at an exercise price not less than the fair market value per share on the grant date for incentive options or 
85% of fair market value for nonqualified stock options. For employees holding more than 10% of the voting rights of 
all classes of stock, the exercise price shall not be less than 110% of the fair market value per share on the grant date. 
Options granted under the Plan to employees generally become exercisable 25% on the first anniversary of the vesting 
commencement date and an additional 1/48th of the total number of shares subject to the option shares shall become 
exercisable on the last day of each calendar month thereafter until all of the shares have become exercisable. Unvested 
options  that  have  been  exercised  are  subject  to  repurchase  upon  termination  of  the  holder’s  status  as  an  employee, 
director or consultant. The contractual term of the options granted is either five, seven or ten years. 

In  accordance  with  the  2004  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  the  Company’s  non-employee  directors  are  granted  $60,000  of 
grant  date  fair  value,  fully  vested,  stock  awards  annually  on  the  date  of  the  Company’s  Annual  Meeting  of 
stockholders. In the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company issued 37,925 and 37,266 shares of stock, 
respectively. In addition, in the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors granted 
39,300 and 109,025, respectively, of RSUs to certain members of the Company’s management. These RSUs vest at the 
rate  of  one-third  on  June  1of  the  year  of  grant,  and  one-third  in  each  of  the  subsequent  two  years.  The  Company 
measured  the  fair  market  values  of  the  underlying  stock  on  the  dates  of  grant  and  recognizes  the  stock-based 
compensation expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period. 

The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of options, restricted stock units and ESPP shares. 

Option Exchange Program 

In  July  2009,  the  Company  completed  its  Option  Exchange  Program  for  its  employees  to  exchange  certain  options 
outstanding  for  new  options  to  purchase  shares  of  the  Company’s  common  stock.  As  a  result,  options  to  purchase 
864,373 shares of the Company’s common stock were cancelled and new options to purchase up to 447,841 shares of 
the Company’s common stock were issued in exchange. The new options have an exercise price per share of $8.49, the 
closing price of  the  Company’s  common  stock  as  reported on  the Nasdaq Global  Select  Market on  the date  that  the 
offer  expired  and  Option  Exchange  Program  was  completed,  are  unvested  as  of  the  grant  date,  and  subject  to  an 
additional six (6) months of vesting over and above the vesting schedule of the surrendered options. 

Given the Option Exchange Program was designed to be approximately a “value-for-value” exchange, the Company 
did not incur any significant additional non-cash compensation charges as the fair value of the replacement options was 
approximately equal to or less than the fair value of the surrendered options. The Company determined the fair value of 
stock options using the Black Scholes valuation model. 

73 

 
 
 
  
 
Option Activity 

Activity under the 1998 Plan and 2004 Equity Incentive Plan is summarized as follows: 

Shares 
Available
For Grant
2,013,089 
(1,409,371) 
— 

1,270,828 
(36,540) 

2,375 
1,840,381 
(961,500) 
— 

267,274 
(146,291) 

5,583 
1,005,447 
(1,206,500) 
— 

746,273 
(77,225) 

6,542 

Number of
Shares

3,081,733  $
1,409,371  $
(527,721)  $

(1,270,828)  $

— 

— 

2,692,555  $
961,500  $
(90,362)  $

(267,274)  $

— 

— 

3,296,419  $
1,206,500  $
(207,624)  $

(746,273)   

— 

— 

12.94 
8.51 
0.55 

17.55 
— 

— 
10.87 
10.14 
3.74 

9.91 
— 

— 
10.93 
8.61 
5.92 

13.40 
— 

— 

Balances as of December 31, 2008 . . 
Options granted (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Options cancelled (expired or 

forfeited) (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stock awards granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Restricted stock units cancelled 

(expired or forfeited)   . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Balances as of December 31, 2009 . . 
Options granted (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Options cancelled (expired or 

forfeited) (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stock awards granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Restricted stock units cancelled 

(expired or forfeited)   . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Balances as of December 31, 2010 . . 
Options granted (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Options cancelled (expired or 

forfeited) (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stock awards granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Restricted stock units cancelled 

(expired or forfeited) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Balances as of December 

31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Exercisable as of December 31, 

2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Options Outstanding 

Weighted-
Average 
Exercise 
Price

Weighted-Average 
Remaining  
Contractual Life 
(in years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 
(in $ millions)(1)
6.0 

4.6 

5.1  $ 

1.6 

4.4  $ 

1.1 

474,537 

3,549,022  $

9.92 

1,806,558  $

10.86 

4.6  $ 

3.5  $ 

0.4 

0.4 

(1)  Based on the closing stock price of the Company’s stock of $7.45 on December 30, 2011, $8.29 on December 31, 

(2) 

2010 and $8.51 on December 31, 2009. 
Included  in  options  granted  and  options  cancelled  are  shares  granted  and  cancelled  in  connection  with  the 
Company’s Option Exchange Program in 2009 (see ‘Option Exchange Program’ above for more details). 

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
The  aggregate  intrinsic  value  in  the  table  above  represents  the  total  pre-tax  intrinsic  value  (the  aggregate  difference 
between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the fiscal year and the exercise price, multiplied 
by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders 
exercised their options on December 31, 2011. The aggregate intrinsic amount changes based on the fair market value 
of the Company’s common stock. Total intrinsic value of options exercised was $521,000 in 2011, $128,000 in 2010, 
and $3.2 million in 2009. The options outstanding and exercisable at December 31 of the respective year were in the 
following exercise price ranges: 

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices 
$4.25–$8.48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
$8.49–$8.49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
$8.66–$8.66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
$8.72–$8.72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
$8.75–$9.74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
$10.24–$10.24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
$10.43–$14.14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
$14.78–$24.46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
$25.39–$25.39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
$25.73–$25.73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
$4.25–$25.73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Number 
 Outstanding

381,425 
296,773 
599,833 
811,500 
174,000 
625,916 
423,196 
207,254 
20,000 
9,125 
3,549,022 

Weighted-Average
 Remaining 
 Contractual Life 
(in years)

3.69 
2.93 
4.20 
6.31 
7.62 
5.18 
2.92 
3.04 
2.47 
2.59 
4.63 

Number 
 Outstanding 
179,508 
258,193 
414,797 
— 
45,376 
259,982 
412,323 
207,254 
20,000 
9,125 
1,806,558 

Weighted-
Average
 Exercise
 Price

$

$

5.15
8.49
8.66
—
9.38
10.24
11.85
20.26
25.39
25.73
10.86

As of December 31, 2010 there were 1,679,268 options that were exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of 
$12.12.  

Restricted Stock Units and Stock Awards 

Information with respect to restricted stock units activity is as follows (in thousands): 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Vested (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Number 
 of 
 Shares

$
67,096 
$
77,225 
(82,526)  $
(6,542)  $
$
55,253 

Weighted-Average
 Grant- 
 Date Fair 
 Value

Aggregate 
 Fair Value (1) 
 (in thousands) 

10.24 
8.32 
8.93 
9.99 
9.55 

$ 

691(3)

(1)  Represents the value of the Company’s stock on the date that the restricted stock units vest. 
(1)  The  number  of  restricted  stock  units  vested  includes  shares  that  the  Company  withheld  on  behalf  of  the 

employees to satisfy the statutory tax withholding requirements. 
(3)  On the grant date, the fair value for these vested awards was $737,000. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

Stock-based compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock units, stock awards and ESPP shares for the year 
ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was as follows (in thousands): 

Stock options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
RSUs and Stock awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
ESPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total stock-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$

$

75 

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 

2009

2011

3,047 
775 
85 
3,907 

$

$

3,628 
927 
95 
4,650 

$ 

$ 

3,763
360
113
4,236

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total stock-based compensation expense by department recognized during the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 
and 2009 was as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 

2009

2011

Cost of revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Sales and marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total stock-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$

$

659 
788 
698 
1,762 
3,907 

$

$

724 
1,189 
629 
2,108 
4,650 

$ 

$ 

717
1,044
473
2,002
4,236

As of December 31, 2011, the unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures, was $4.6 million for stock 
options  and  stock  awards,  which  will  be  recognized  using  the  straight-  line  attribution  method  over  an  estimated 
weighted-average remaining amortization period of 2.49 years. For the ESPP, the unrecognized compensation cost, net 
of  expected  forfeitures,  was  $31,000,  which  will  be  recognized  using  the  straight-  line  attribution  method  over  an 
estimated weighted-average amortization period 0.33 years. 

Valuation Assumptions and Fair Value of Stock Option and ESPP Grants 

The  Company  uses  the  Black-Scholes  option  pricing  model  to  estimate  the  fair  value  of  options  granted  under  its 
equity incentive plans and rights to acquire stock granted under its employee stock purchase plan. The Company based 
the weighted average estimated values of employee stock option grants and rights granted under the employee stock 
purchase plan, as well as the weighted average assumptions used in calculating these values, on estimates at the date of 
grant, as follows: 

Stock Options

2011

2010

2009

2011

Stock Purchase Plan 
2010 

2009

Estimated fair value of grants during 
the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Expected term (in years)(1) . . . . . . . . .  
Risk-free interest rate(2) . . . . . . . . . . .  
Volatility(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Dividend yield(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$ 

$

3.10 
4.15 
1.41%   
43%   
—%   

$

3.76 
3.84 
1.73%   
46%   
—%   

$

3.93 
4.23 

2.6%   
55%   
—%   

$ 

2.06 
0.50 
0.08%   
39%   
—%   

$

2.41 
0.50 

0.2%   
40%   
—%   

2.39 
0.50 

0.1%
52%
—%

(1)  The  expected  term  represents  the  period  during  which  the  Company’s  stock-based  awards  are  expected  to  be 
outstanding. The estimated term is based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the 
contractual  terms  of  the  awards,  vesting  requirements,  and  expectation  of  future  employee  behavior,  including 
post-vesting terminations. 

(2)  The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury debt securities with maturities close to the expected term of 

the option as of the date of grant. 

(3)  Expected  volatility  is  a  50%/50%  blend  of  implied  and  historical  volatility.  The  Company  has  determined  that 
this is a more reflective measure of market conditions and a better indicator of expected volatility, than its limited 
historical volatility since the IPO of its common stock. 

(4)  The Company has not historically issued any dividends and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future. 

The  Company  periodically  estimates  forfeiture  rates  based  on  its  historical  experience  within  separate  groups  of 
employees and adjusts the stock-based payment expense accordingly. 

76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
NOTE 6—COMMON STOCK REPURCHASES 

Restricted Stock Unit Withholdings 

The Company issues restricted stock units as part of its equity incentive plans, which are described more fully in “Note 
5—Stockholders’ Equity, Stock Plans and Stock-Based Compensation Expense.” For the majority of restricted stock 
units granted, the number of shares issued on the date the restricted stock units vest is net of the statutory withholding 
requirements paid on behalf of the employees. The Company withheld 16,629 in 2011, 14,283 in 2010, and 3,934 in 
2009, shares of common stock to satisfy its employees’ tax obligations of $146,000 in 2011, $126,000 in 2010, and 
$32,000  in  2009.  The  Company  paid  this  amount  in  cash  to  the  appropriate  taxing  authorities.  Although  shares 
withheld are not issued, they are treated as common stock repurchases for accounting and disclosure purposes, as they 
reduce the number of shares that would have been issued upon vesting. 

NOTE 7—INCOME TAXES 

The  Company  files  income  tax  returns  in  the  U.S.  federal  and  various  state  and  local  jurisdictions  and  foreign 
jurisdictions. The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 

2009

2011

Current: 

Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Deferred: 

Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Provision for income taxes  

$

$

The Company’s deferred tax asset consists of the following (in thousands): 

Net operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other accruals and reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Credits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Capital loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net deferred tax asset after valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

(52)  $
69 
208 
225 

(13) 
13 
18 
18 
243 

$

$

$

(154)  $
37 
235 
118 

(45) 
45 
(116) 
(116) 
2 

$

(1,973)
32 
338 
(1,603)

9,686 
871 
(46)
10,511 
8,908 

December 31, 

2011 

2010

8,939 
6,374 
3,374 
2,062 
312 
370 
429 
206 
(143) 
21,923 
(21,553) 
370 

$

$

6,281 
5,644 
3,385 
1,488 
558 
388 
303 
146 
63 
18,256 
(17,868)
388 

77 

  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company’s deferred tax asset balance is reported in the following captions in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in 
thousands): 

Deferred tax asset (current portion) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred tax asset, net of current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued liabilities (current deferred tax liability) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net deferred tax asset after valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

December 31, 

2011 

2010

$

$

55 
446 
(131) 
370 

$

$

63 
325 
— 
388 

The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax are as follows: 

U.S. federal statutory income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
State tax rate, net of federal benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Benefit for research and development credit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Tax-exempt interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Meals and entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Foreign income inclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Income tax refund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Adjustment to beginning deferreds for state rate changes. . . . . . . . .  
Tax effect of other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

*  Certain items have changed for classification purposes. 

Year Ended December 31, 

2011 

2010* 

2009* 

35.00% 
2.56 
6.02 
(0.02) 
0.19 
(0.88) 
(2.15) 
2.34 
(9.64) 
4.30 
(2.01) 
(37.54) 
(0.65) 
(2.48)%

35.00%   
2.81 
2.97 
2.59 
0.98 
(0.63) 
— 
(1.13) 
(1.54) 
(0.53) 
— 
(38.31) 
(2.21) 
0.00%   

35.00% 
(0.38) 
1.05 
0.71 
5.42 
(0.76) 
(0.32) 
11.00 
(8.91) 
(0.47) 
— 
(142.18) 
(1.73 ) 
(101.57)%

The  Company  recognizes  deferred  tax  assets  for  the  expected  future  tax  consequences  of  temporary  differences 
between  the  financial  reporting  and  tax  bases  of  assets  and  liabilities,  and  for  operating  losses  and  tax  credit 
carryforwards.  The  Company  records  a  valuation  allowance  to  reduce  the  deferred  tax  assets  to  their  estimated 
realizable value, when it is more likely than not that it will not be able to generate sufficient future taxable income to 
realize  the  net  carrying  value.  The  Company  reviews  the  deferred  tax  asset  and  valuation  allowance  on  a  quarterly 
basis, and considers whether positive and negative evidence exists to effect the realization of deferred tax assets. After 
considering both the positive and negative evidence as of September 30, 2009, the Company determined that it was not 
more-likely-than-not that it would realize the full value of its deferred tax assets. As a result, the Company established 
a valuation allowance of $10.2 million against the net deferred tax asset balance as of December 31, 2008. In addition, 
the Company recorded a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets generated in 2009, 2010 and 2011, which 
resulted in a valuation allowance of $21.6 million as of December 31, 2011. 

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had cumulative net operating loss carry-forwards for federal and state income 
tax  reporting  purposes  of  approximately  $24.0  million  and  $9.6  million,  respectively.  The  federal  net  operating  loss 
carry-forwards  expire  through  the  year  2031  and  the  state  net  operating  loss  carry-forwards  expire  at  various  dates 
through the year 2031. Such net operating losses consist of excess tax benefits from employee stock option exercises 
and  have  not  been  recorded  in  the  Company’s  deferred  tax  assets.  The  Company  will  record  approximately  $3.9 
million as a credit to additional paid in capital as and when such excess tax benefits are ultimately realized. 

78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As  of  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  had  research  and  development  tax  credits  for  federal  and  state  income  tax 
purposes  of  approximately  $3.2  million  and  $3.6  million,  respectively.  The  federal  research  and  development  tax 
credits expire through the year 2031. The state research and development credits can be carried forward indefinitely, 
except for $284,000, which will expire at various dates through the year 2020. The Company maintained a valuation 
allowance against these tax credits as of December 31, 2011. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 and similar state provisions 
limit the use of net operating loss carryforwards in certain situations where equity transactions result in a change of 
ownership  as  defined  by  Internal  Revenue  Code  Section  382.  In  the  event  the  Company  should  experience  an 
ownership change, as defined, utilization of its federal and state net operating loss carryforwards could be limited. 

Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries net of foreign income inclusion of approximately $2.7 
million at December 31, 2011, are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for federal 
and  state  income  taxes  has  been  provided  thereon.  Upon  distribution  of  those  earnings  in  the  form  of  dividends  or 
otherwise, the Company would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) 
and withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries. 

Uncertain Tax Positions 

The Company establishes reserves for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the ASC. The subtopic prescribes the 
minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. 
Additionally, the subtopic provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, and 
transition of uncertain tax positions. The impact of an uncertain income tax position on income tax expense must be 
recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. An uncertain income tax position will not 
be  recognized  if  it  has  less  than  a  50%  likelihood  of  being  sustained.  The  Company  has  provided  taxes  and  related 
interest and penalties due for potential adjustments that may result from examinations of open U.S. Federal, state and 
foreign tax years. If the Company ultimately determines that payment of these amounts are not more-likely-than-not, 
the Company will reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit during the period in which the Company makes the 
determination.  The  Company  will  record  an  additional  charge  in  the  Company’s provision for  taxes  in  the period in 
which the Company determines that the recorded tax liability is less than the Company expects the ultimate assessment 
to be. The Company’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within the 
provision for income taxes. 

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits in December 31, 
2009 to December 31, 2011 (in thousands): 

Balance at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Increases related to prior year tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Decreases related to prior year tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Increases related to current year tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

$

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 

2009

2011

555 
— 
— 
44 
(16) 
583 

$

$

787 
— 
(29) 
24 
(227) 
555 

$

$

1,640 
88 
(857)
29 
(113)
787 

The  Company’s  total  unrecognized  tax  benefits  that,  if  recognized,  would  affect  its  effective  tax  rate  were 
approximately  $400,000  and $405,000  as  of  December  31,  2011  and  2010,  respectively.  The  Company  had  accrued 
approximately $79,000 and $71,000 for payment of interest as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Interest 
included  in  the  provision  for  income  taxes  was  not  significant  in  all  the  periods  presented.  The  Company  has  not 
accrued any penalties related to its uncertain tax positions as it believes that it is more likely than not that there will not 
be  any  assessment  of  penalties.  The  Company  expects  that  the  amount of  unrecognized  tax benefits will  not  change 
within the next 12 months. 

The Company files U.S., state, and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. The 
2004 through 2011 tax years generally remain subject to examination by U.S., federal and most state tax authorities 
due  to  the  Company’s  net  operating  loss  and  credit  carryforwards.  For  significant  foreign  jurisdictions,  the  2006 
through 2011 tax years generally remain subject to examination by their respective tax authorities. 

79 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
NOTE 8—NET LOSS PER SHARE 

Basic  net  loss  per  share  is  calculated  by  dividing  net  loss  by  the  weighted-average  number  of  common  shares 
outstanding  during  the  year.  Diluted  net  income  per  share  is  calculated  by  using  the  weighted-average  number  of 
common shares outstanding during the year increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that 
would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential shares of common stock had been issued. The dilutive effect of 
outstanding options, Employee Stock Purchase Plan shares and restricted stock units is reflected in diluted net income 
per share by application of the treasury stock method, which includes consideration of stock-based compensation. 

For years presented with a net loss, diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share, 
as the effect of the potential common stock equivalents is anti-dilutive and as such is excluded from the calculations of 
the diluted net loss per share. 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss and the weighted average number of shares 
used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share (in thousands): 

Numerator: 

Net loss—basic and diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$

(10,061)  $

(10,518)  $

(17,679)

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 

2009

2011

Denominator: 

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used in 
computing basic net loss per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Dilutive potential common shares used in computing diluted net 

loss per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total weighted-average number of shares used in computing 

diluted net loss per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Anti-dilutive Securities 

13,807 

13,540 

13,279 

— 

— 

— 

13,807 

13,540 

13,279 

The  following  number  of  weighted  shares  outstanding,  prior  to  the  application  of  the  treasury  stock  method,  were 
excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per common share for the years presented because including them 
would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands): 

Options to purchase common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Restricted stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Employee stock purchase plan shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

NOTE 9—DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN 

Year Ended December 31, 

2011

2010 

2009

3,667 
61 
70 
3,798 

3,187 
48 
66 
3,301 

2,746 
5 
84 
2,835 

In  the  United  States,  the  Company  has  an  employee  savings  plan  (401(k)  Plan)  that  qualifies  as  a  deferred  salary 
arrangement  under  Section  401(k)  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code.  Eligible  employees  may  make  voluntary 
contributions to the 401(k) Plan up to 100% of their annual compensation, subject to statutory annual limitations. From 
April 1999 to December 31, 2008, the Company made discretionary matching contributions of 50% to 75% of all U.S. 
employees’ contributions in each 401(k) Plan year. The Company made no discretionary contributions in 2011, 2010 
and 2009 under the 401(k) Plan. 

For the Company’s Japanese subsidiary, it has established an employee retirement plan at its discretion. In addition, for 
some of the Company’s other foreign subsidiaries, the Company deposits funds with insurance companies, third-party 
trustees, or into government-managed accounts consistent with the requirements of local laws. The Company has fully 
funded or accrued for its obligations as of December 31, 2011, and the related expense for each of the three years then 
ended was not significant. 

80 

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
NOTE 10—SEGMENT, GEOGRAPHIC AND MAJOR CUSTOMER INFORMATION 

In  accordance  with  the  FASB  ASC  280  guidance  on  disclosures  about  segments  of  an  enterprise  and  related 
information, operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial 
information  is  available  for  evaluation  by  the  chief  operating  decision  maker,  or  decision-making  group,  in  making 
decisions how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s chief decision maker, as defined under the 
FASB’s  ASC  280  guidance,  is  a  combination  of  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  Executive  Vice  President  and 
Chief  Financial  Officer.  To  date,  the  Company  has  viewed  its  operations,  managed  its  business,  and  used  one 
measurement of profitability for the one operating segment – the sale of aesthetic medical equipment and services, and 
distribution of cosmeceutical and dermal filler products, to qualified medical practitioners. In addition, substantially all 
of the Company’s long-lived assets are located in the United States. As a result, the financial information disclosed in 
the  Company’s  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  represents  all  of  the  material  financial  information  related  to  the 
Company’s operating segment. The following table summarizes revenue by geographic region, which is based on the 
shipping location of where the product is delivered, and product category (in thousands): 

Revenue mix by geography:

United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Asia, excluding Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rest of the world . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Revenue mix by product category: 

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Titan hand piece refills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dermal filler and cosmeceuticals(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  $

  $

  $

  $

Year Ended December 31, 
2010 

2009(1)

2011

23,313  $
15,019 
4,984 
3,571 
13,403 
60,290  $

33,703  $
3,505 
13,411 
4,686 
4,985 
60,290  $

19,337   $
13,625  
5,131  
5,801  
9,380  
53,274   $

27,808   $
4,824  
13,231  
3,863  
3,548  
53,274   $

21,019 
9,636 
4,727 
7,087 
11,213 
53,682 

26,842 
6,343 
13,186 
5,599 
1,712 
53,682 

(1) Beginning in 2010, we classified revenue from dermal fillers and cosmeceuticals product in the revenue category 
‘Dermal fillers and cosmeceuticals.’ Previously, we classified this revenue under the category of ‘Products.’ As such, 
we reclassified the 2009 revenue from ‘Products’ to ‘Dermal fillers and cosmeceuticals.’  

The Company had one customer that accounted for 8% at December 31, 2011 and 10% at December 31, 2010 of the 
Company’s total accounts receivable balance.  

NOTE 11—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  

Facility Leases  

As  of  December  31,  2011,  the  Company  was  committed  to  minimum  lease  payments  for  facilities  and  other  leased 
assets under long-term non-cancelable operating leases as follows (in thousands):  

Year Ending December 31, 
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
2017 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Future minimum rental payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

$

$

Amount

1,680 
1,739 
1,717 
1,370 
1,310 
1,346 
9,162 

Gross rent expense was $1.9 million in 2011, $1.7 million in 2010 and $1.6 million in 2009.  

81 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase Commitments  

The  Company  maintains  certain  open  inventory  purchase  commitments  with  its  suppliers  to  ensure  a  smooth  and 
continuous supply for key components. The Company’s liability in these purchase commitments is generally restricted 
to a forecasted time-horizon as agreed between the parties. These forecasted time-horizons can vary among different 
suppliers. The Company’s open inventory purchase commitments with its suppliers were not significant at December 
31, 2011.  

Indemnifications  

In  the  normal  course  of  business,  the  Company  enters  into  agreements  that  contain  a  variety  of  representations, 
warranties, and indemnification obligations. For example, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements 
with  each  of  its  directors  and  executive  officers.  The  Company’s  exposure  under  its  various  indemnification 
obligations  is  unknown  and  not  reasonably  estimable  as  they  involve  future  claims  that  may  be  made  against  the 
Company. As such, the Company has not accrued any amounts for such obligations.  

Litigation  

A Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA, class action lawsuit was filed against the Company in January 2008 
and settled in 2009 on a class-wide basis. In 2009, the Company paid a total of $950,000 in exchange for a full release 
of all claims and recorded a charge of $850,000 in its 2009 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the cost of the 
settlement, net of the administrative expenses and contributions from its insurance carrier.  

Other Legal Matters  

In  addition  to  the  foregoing  lawsuits,  the  Company  is  named  from  time  to  time  as  a  party  to  product  liability  and 
contractual lawsuits in the normal course of its business. As of December 31, 2011, the Company was not a party to 
any  pending  litigation  that  the  Company  believes  will  have  a  material  impact  to  its  results  of  operations  other  than 
those described above in the “Litigation” section.  

82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 12—SUBSEQUENT EVENT  

On  February  2,  2012,  the  Company  completed  the  acquisition  of  certain  assets  of  IRIDEX  Corporation’s  global 
aesthetic business for $5.1 million in cash. The company will account for this acquisition as a business combination.  

SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)  
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 

Dec. 31, 
2011 

Sept. 30,
2011 

June 30,
2011

March 31,
2011

Dec. 31,
2010

Sept. 30, 
2010 

June 30, 
2010 

March 31,
2010

Quarter ended: 
Net revenue . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 18,542  $ 15,232  $ 14,895  $ 11,621  $ 15,216  $ 12,092  $ 12,217  $ 13,749
Cost of revenue . . . . . . . . .    
5,829
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . .    
7,920
Operating expenses: 
Sales and marketing . . . .    
Research and 

7,506 
  11,036 

6,476 
8,419 

5,224 
6,397 

6,233 
8,983 

5,661 
6,431 

5,335 
6,882 

6,772 
8,460 

6,348 

6,779 

5,799 

6,452 

6,123 

5,946 

6,426 

6,361

development . . . . . . . . .    

General and 

administrative . . . . . . . .    
Litigationsettlement . . . . .    
Total operating 

expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Loss from operations. . . .    
Interest and other 

income, net . . . . . . . . . .    

2,313 

2,352 

2,346 

2,130 

2,173 

1,871 

1,506 

1,454

2,878 
— 

2,310 
— 

2,588 
— 

2,328 
— 

2,238 
— 

2,352 
— 

2,744 
— 

2,242
—

  11,970 

  11,088 
(2,628) 

11,282 
(2,863) 

10,404 
(4,007) 

10,534 
(1,551) 

10,022 
(3,591)   

  10,702 
(3,820) 

10,057
(2,137)

(934)   

140 

91 

199 

184 

144 

132 

141 

166

Loss before income 

taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

(794)   

(2,537) 

(2,664) 

(3,823) 

(1,407) 

(3,459)   

(3,679) 

(1,971)

Provision (benefit) for 

income taxes . . . . . . . . .    
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $
Net loss per share— 

basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $

Net loss per share—

diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $

Weighted average 

93 

47
(887 )  $  (2,863)  $ (2,456)  $ (3,855)  $ (1,280)  $ (3,459 )  $  (3,761)  $ (2,018)

(208) 

(127) 

326 

— 

82 

32 

(0.06 )  $  (0.21)  $ (0.18)  $

(0.28)  $

(0.09)  $

(0.25 )  $  (0.28)  $

(0.15)

(0.06 )  $  (0.21)  $ (0.18)  $

(0.28)  $

(0.09)  $

(0.25 )  $  (0.28)  $

(0.15)

number of shares used 
in per share 
calculations: 
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

  13,930 
  13,930 

  13,862 
  13,862 

13,765 
13,765 

13,667 
13,667 

13,622 
13,622 

13,589 
13,589 

  13,501 
  13,501 

13,438
13,438

83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SCHEDULE II 

CUTERA, INC. 

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS  
(in thousands) 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 

Deferred tax assets valuation allowance 

Year ended December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $
Year ended December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $
Year ended December 31, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $

17,868  $
13,838  $
1,367  $

4,148  $
5,347  $
13,131  $

463   $
1,317   $
660   $

21,553 
17,868 
13,838 

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Year

  Additions

  Deductions 

Balance 
at End of 
Year

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Year

  Additions

  Deductions 

Balance 
at End of 
Year

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable 

Year ended December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $
Year ended December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $
Year ended December 31, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $

20  $
586  $
61  $

39  $
116  $
675  $

51   $
682   $
150   $

8 
20 
586 

ITEM 9. 

CHANGES  IN  AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH  ACCOUNTANTS  ON  ACCOUNTING  AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

None. 

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

Attached  as  exhibits  to  this  Annual  Report  are  certifications  of  the  Company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  (CEO)  and 
Chief Financial Officer (CFO), which are required in accordance with Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934,  as  amended  (Exchange  Act).  This  Controls  and  Procedures  section  includes  the  information  concerning  the 
controls  evaluation  referred to  in  the  certifications,  and  it  should  be  read  in  conjunction with  the  certifications  for  a 
more complete understanding of the topics presented. 

The Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in the Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) (Disclosure Controls) as of the 
end  of  the  period  covered  by  this  Report  required  by  Exchange  Act  Rules 13a-15(b)  or  15d-15(b).  The  controls 
evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including 
the CEO and CFO. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and our CFO have concluded that as of the end of the period 
covered  by  this  report  the  Company’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  were  effective  at  a  reasonable  assurance 
level. 

84 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Definition of Disclosure Controls 

Disclosure  Controls  are  controls  and  procedures  designed  to  reasonably  assure  that  information  required  to  be 
disclosed  in  the  Company’s  reports  filed  under  the  Exchange  Act,  such  as  this  Report,  is  recorded,  processed, 
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure Controls are also 
designed to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, 
including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company’s 
Disclosure  Controls  include  components  of  its  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  which  consists  of  control 
processes  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  its  financial  reporting  and  the 
preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  in  the  U.S.  To  the 
extent that components of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting are included within its Disclosure 
Controls, they are included in the scope of the Company’s annual controls evaluation. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial 
reporting  as  defined  in  Rules  13a-15(f)  and  15d-15(f)  under  the  Exchange  Act.  Under  the  supervision  and  with  the 
participation of the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, the Company conducted an evaluation of 
the  effectiveness  of  its  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  based  on  criteria  established  in  the  framework  in 
Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission.  Based  on  this  evaluation,  the  Company’s  management  concluded  that  the  Company’s  internal  control 
over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial 
reporting  as  of  December  31,  2011  has  been  audited  by  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP,  an  Independent  Registered 
Public Accounting Firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein. 

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls 

The Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that the Company’s disclosure controls or 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  will  prevent  all  error  and  all  fraud.  A  control  system,  no matter  how  well 
designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be 
met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of 
controls  must  be  considered  relative  to  their  costs.  Because  of  the  inherent  limitations  in  all  control  systems,  no 
evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the 
Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be 
faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple  error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the 
individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The 
design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there 
can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over 
time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance 
with policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to 
error or fraud may occur and not be detected. 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent 
fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control 
over financial reporting. 

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION 

The  Company  has  established  that  the  2012  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders  will  be  held  at  its  principal  executive 
offices located at 3240 Bayshore Blvd., Brisbane, CA 94005-1021 on June 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. and the record date 
for the purposes of voting in that meeting shall be April 16, 2012. 

85 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certain  information  required  by  Part  III  is  omitted  from  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  because  we  will  file  a 
Definitive Proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement”) for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. 

PART III 

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement. 

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement. 

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 

RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement. 

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN  RELATIONSHIPS  AND  RELATED  TRANSACTIONS,  AND  DIRECTOR 

INDEPENDENCE 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement. 

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement. 

86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

PART IV 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

The financial statements required by Item 15(a) are filed as Item 8 of this annual report. 

The financial statement schedule required by Item 15(a) filed as Item 8 of this annual report. 

Exhibits. 

Exhibit No. 
3.2(1) 
3.4(1) 
4.1(4) 
10.1(1) 
10.2(1) 
10.3(1) 
10.4(5) 
10.6(1) 

  Description 
  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (Delaware). 
  Bylaws of the Registrant. 
  Specimen Common Stock certificate of the Registrant. 
  Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and executive officers. 
  1998 Stock Plan. 
  2004 Equity Incentive Plan. 
  2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 
  Brisbane Technology Park Lease dated August 5, 2003 by and between the Registrant and Gal-Brisbane, 

10.10(2) 

10.11(3) 
10.13(4)† 

10.14(6) 
10.18(7) 
10.19(8) 

10.20(9) 

23.1 
24.1 
31.1 
31.2 
32.1 

L.P. for office space located at 3240 Bayshore Boulevard, Brisbane, California. 

  Settlement  Agreement  and  Non-Exclusive  Patent  License,  each  between  the  Registrant  and  Palomar

Medical Technologies, Inc. dated June 2, 2006. 
  Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement. 
  Distribution  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and  PSS  World  Medical  Shared  Services,  Inc.,  a 

subsidiary of PSS World Medical dated October 1, 2006. 

  Cutera, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended by its Board of Directors on April 25, 2008. 
  Consulting Agreement dated March 2, 2009 by and between the Company and David A. Gollnick. 
  First  Amendment  to  Brisbane  Technology  Park  Lease  dated  August  11,  2010  by  and  between  the
Company  and  BMR-Bayshore  Boulevard  LLC,  as  successor-in-interest  to  Gal-Brisbane,  L.P.,  the 
original landlord, for office space located at 3240 Bayshore Boulevard. 

  Change of Control and Severance Agreement dated January 5, 2011 by and between the Company and

Len DeBenedictis, Chief Technology Officer of Cutera, Inc. 
  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 
  Power of Attorney (see page 88). 
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
Instance Document 

101.INS 
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document 
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document 
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document 
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document 
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document 

(1)  Incorporated by reference from our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-111928) which was 

declared effective on March 30, 2004. 

(2)  Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2006. 
(3)  Incorporated by reference from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 2005. 
(4)  Incorporated by reference from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2006. 
(5)  Incorporated by reference from our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2007. 
(6)  Incorporated  by  reference  from  our  Definitive  Proxy  Statement  on  Form  14A  filed  with  the  SEC  on  April  28, 

2008. 

(7)  Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 4, 2009. 
(8)  Incorporated by reference from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2010. 
(9)  Incorporated by reference from our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2011.  
†  Confidential Treatment has been requested for certain portions of this exhibit. 

87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Brisbane, State 
of California, on the 15th day of March, 2012. 

SIGNATURES 

CUTERA, INC. 

By:

/s/ KEVIN P. CONNORS 
Kevin P. Connors 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Power of Attorney 

KNOW  ALL  MEN  AND  WOMEN  BY  THESE  PRESENTS,  that  each  person  whose  signature  appears  below 
constitutes and appoints Kevin P. Connors, his attorney-in-fact, for him  or her in any and all capacities, to sign any 
amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in 
connection therewith, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said 
attorney-in-fact, or his substitute, may do or cause to be done by virtue thereof. 

Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  this  report  has  been  signed  below  by  the 
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ KEVIN P. CONNORS 
Kevin P. Connors 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal 
Executive Officer) 

/s/ RONALD J. SANTILLI   
Ronald J. Santilli 

  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal 

Accounting Officer) 

  Director 

David B. Apfelberg 

/s/ GREGORY A. BARRETT   Director 

Gregory A. Barrett 

/s/ DAVID A. GOLLNICK    Director 

David A. Gollnick 

/s/ MARK LORTZ 
Mark Lortz 

  Director 

/s/ TIM O’SHEA 
Tim O’Shea 

  Director 

/s/ JERRY P. WIDMAN 
Jerry P. Widman 

  Director 

88 

  March 15, 2012 

  March 15, 2012 

  March 15, 2012 

  March 15, 2012 

  March 15, 2012 

  March 15, 2012 

  March 15, 2012 

  March 15, 2012 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 31.1 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 
PURSUANT TO 15 U.S.C. SECTION 7241, AS 
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

I, Kevin P. Connors, certify that: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Cutera, Inc.: 

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material  fact  necessary  to  make  the  statements  made,  in  light  of  the  circumstances  under  which  such 
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 

Based  on  my  knowledge,  the  financial  statements,  and  other  financial  information  included  in  this  report, 
fairly  present  in  all  material  respects  the  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and  cash  flows  of  the 
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 

The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure 
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over 
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed  under  our  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant,  including  its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in 
which this annual report is being prepared; 

(b) Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting  to  be  designed  under  our  supervision,  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; 

(c) Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the 
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

(d)  Disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that 
occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of 
an  annual  report)  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the  registrant’s 
internal control over financial reporting; and 

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 
control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board 
of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 

a)  All  significant  deficiencies  and  material  weaknesses  in  the  design  or  operation  of  internal  control  over 
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and 

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 
role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Date: March 15, 2012 

/s/   KEVIN P. CONNORS 
Kevin P. Connors 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 31.2 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 
PURSUANT TO 15 U.S.C. SECTION 7241, AS 
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

I, Ronald J. Santilli, certify that: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Cutera, Inc.: 

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material  fact  necessary  to  make  the  statements  made,  in  light  of  the  circumstances  under  which  such 
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 

Based  on  my  knowledge,  the  financial  statements,  and  other  financial  information  included  in  this  report, 
fairly  present  in  all  material  respects  the  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and  cash  flows  of  the 
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 

The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure 
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over 
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed  under  our  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant,  including  its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in 
which this annual report is being prepared; 

(b) Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting  to  be  designed  under  our  supervision,  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; 

(c) Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the 
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

(d) Disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that 
occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of 
an  annual  report)  that  has  materially  affected  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the  registrant’s 
internal control over financial reporting; and 

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 
control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board 
of directors (or any other persons performing the equivalent functions): 

a)  All  significant  deficiencies  and  material  weaknesses  in  the  design  or  operation  of  internal  control  over 
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and 

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 
role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Date: March 15, 2012 

/s/   RONALD J. SANTILLI 
Ronald J. Santilli 
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 32.1 

CERTIFICATION OF 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

In  connection  with  the  annual  report  on  Form  10-K  of  Cutera,  Inc.  a  Delaware  corporation,  for  the  period 
ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, each of the undersigned officers of 
Cutera,  Inc.  certifies  pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  Section 1350,  as  adopted  pursuant  to  Section 906  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002, that to his respective knowledge: 

(1)  the  annual  report  fully  complies  with  the  requirements  of  Section  13(a)  or  15(d)  of  the  Securities 

Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and 

(2)  the  information  contained  in  the  annual  report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial 

condition and results of operations of Cutera, Inc. for the periods presented therein. 

Date: March 15, 2012 

Date: March 15, 2012 

/s/ Kevin P. Connors 
Kevin P. Connors 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

/s/ Ronald J. Santilli 
Ronald J. Santilli 
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Information (as of April 30, 2012) 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
Kevin  P.  Connors,  President  and 
Chief Executive Officer, Cutera, Inc. 
David  B.  Apfelberg,  MD2,4,  Clinical 
Surgery, 

Professor 
Stanford University Medical Center 
Gregory Barrett2, President and Chief 
Executive Officer, BÂRRX Medical 
(recently acquired by Covidien) 

Plastic 

of 

David  A.  Gollnick,  Former  Executive 
Vice  President  of  Research  and 
Development at Cutera, Inc. 

Mark Lortz1, Former Chief Executive 

Officer, TheraSense, Inc. 

Timothy 

J.  O'Shea1,  Managing 

Director, Oxo Capital 

Jerry  P.  Widman1,2,3  ,  Former  Chief 
Financial Officer, Ascension Health 

1-Audit Committee member 
2-Compensation Committee member 
3-Chairman of Audit Committee 
4-Chairman of Compensation Committee 

MANAGEMENT TEAM 
Kevin P. Connors, President, Chief 

Executive Officer and Director 
Ronald J. Santilli, Executive Vice 

President and Chief Financial Officer 

Leonard C. DeBenedictis, Chief 

Technology Officer  

ANNUAL MEETING 
Annual meeting of stockholders will be 
held  on  June  13,  2012,  10:00  a.m. 
(PDT)  at:  3240  Bayshore  Blvd., 
Brisbane, California 94005. 

TRANSFER AGENT 
Computershare Trust Company, Inc.  
350 Indiana St., Suite 800 
Golden, Colorado 80401 
303-262-0600 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED 
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 
2012- Ernst & Young  LLP, 
Redwood City, California 
2011- PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 
San Jose, California 

CORPORATE LEGAL COUNSEL 
Wilson,  Sonsini,  Goodrich  &  Rosati, 
P.C., Palo Alto, California 

CORPORATE/STOCKHOLDER 
INFORMATION 
Our  Form  10-K  was  filed  with  the 
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission 
on  March  15,  2012.  For  additional 
copies  of  this  report,  Form  10-K,  or 
other  financial  information,  without 
charge,  please  visit 
Investor 
Relations  page  on  our  website  at: 
www.cutera.com 
to 
ir@cutera.com. 

write 

the 

or 

STOCK LISTING 
AND MARKET DATA 
Our  common  stock  is  traded  on  The 
NASDAQ  Global  market  under  the 
symbol "CUTR." We have not declared 
or  paid  any  cash  dividends  on  our 
capital  stock  since  our  inception.  We 
currently  expect 
future 
retain 
to 
the 
if  any,  for  use 
earnings, 
operation  and  expansion  of  our 
business  and  do  not  anticipate  paying 
any  cash  dividends  in  the  foreseeable 
future.  As  of  February  29,  2012,  we 
believe there were approximately 2,000 
holders of record of our common stock. 

in 

The following table sets forth quarterly 
high  and  low  closing  sales  prices  per 
share of our common stock as reported 
on  The  NASDAQ  Global  Market  for 
the periods indicated. 

Common Stock

2011 

2010

   High    Low     High   Low  
7.01 
6.99 
8.62 
8.25 

4th Qtr.    $  7.93  $  6.96  $  8.39  $
3rd Qtr.       8.74     7.03    
9.00  
2nd Qtr.       9.46     7.59     12.04  
1st Qtr.       9.94     8.08     11.03