AtriCure Inc

Previous wording

•Rising healthcare costs may result in efforts by government and private payors to contain or reduce healthcare spending, including reimbursement for procedures that utilize our products.

Current wording

•Government and private payors may contain or reduce healthcare spending, including reimbursement for procedures that utilize our products.

Previous wording

•Unfavorable publicity relating to our business or industry could negatively impact our operations.

Current wording

•Unfavorable publicity relating to our business or industry could negatively impact our operations or stock price.

Previous wording

•Unless and until we obtain additional FDA approval for our products, we will not be able to promote them for treatment of Afib and/or to prevent stroke, and our inability to maintain or grow our business could be harmed. We may be subject to fines, injunctions and penalties if we are found to be promoting our products for unapproved or off-label uses.

Current wording

•Unless and until we obtain additional FDA approval for our products, we will not be able to promote them for treatment of Afib, prevention of stroke, or reduction of post-operative Afib, and our inability to maintain or grow our business could be harmed. We may be subject to fines, injunctions and penalties if we are found to be promoting our products for unapproved or off-label uses.

Previous wording

•Governmental authorities may question our intercompany transfer pricing policies or change their laws in a manner that could increase our effective tax rate.

Current wording

•Governmental authorities may challenge our intercompany transfer pricing policies or change their laws in a manner that could increase our effective tax rate.

Previous wording

Our success depends in large part on the medical community’s acceptance of our products in the United States, which is the largest revenue market in the world for medical devices. Our ablation and LAAM product sales in the United States generate the majority of our revenue. We expect that sales of these products will continue to account for a majority of our revenue for the foreseeable future and that our future revenue will depend on the increasing acceptance by the medical community of our products as standard of care for treating Afib, managing the LAA and managing pain with Cryo Nerve Block therapy. The U.S. medical community’s acceptance of our products will depend upon our ability to demonstrate the safety and efficacy, advantages, long-term clinical performance and cost-effectiveness of our products. In addition, acceptance of products for the treatment of Afib is dependent upon, among other factors, the level of awareness and education of the medical community about the surgical treatment of Afib and the existence, effectiveness and safety of our products. Market acceptance and adoption of our products for the treatment of Afib also depends on the level of health insurer (including Medicare) reimbursement to physicians and hospitals for procedures using our products. Negative publicity resulting from incidents involving our products, or similar products could have a significant adverse effect on the overall acceptance of our products. If we encounter difficulties growing the market for our products in the U.S., we may not be able to increase our revenue enough to achieve or sustain profitability, and our business and operating results will be seriously harmed.

Current wording

Our success depends in large part on the medical community’s acceptance of our products in the United States, which is the largest revenue market in the world for medical devices. We expect that sales of our ablation and LAAM products will continue to account for a majority of our revenue for the foreseeable future and that our future revenue will depend on the increasing acceptance by the medical community of our products as standard of care for treating Afib, managing the LAA and managing post-operative pain with Cryo Nerve Block therapy. The U.S. medical community’s acceptance of our products will depend upon our ability to demonstrate the safety and efficacy, advantages, short and long-term clinical performance and cost-effectiveness of our products. In addition, acceptance of products for the treatment of Afib is dependent upon, among other factors, the level of awareness and education of the medical community about the surgical treatment of Afib and the existence, effectiveness and safety of our products. Market acceptance and adoption of our products for the treatment of Afib also depends on the level of health insurer (including Medicare) reimbursement to physicians and hospitals for procedures using our products. Negative publicity resulting from incidents involving our products, or similar products could have a significant adverse effect on the overall acceptance of our products. If we encounter difficulties growing the market for our products in the United States, we may not be able to increase our revenue enough to achieve or sustain profitability, and our business and operating results will be seriously harmed.

Previous wording

The medical device industry, including the market for the treatment of Afib, is highly competitive, is subject to rapid technological change and can be significantly affected by new product introductions and promotional activities. There is no assurance that our products will compete effectively against drugs, catheter-based ablation, implantable devices, other surgical ablation devices, other products or techniques to occlude the left atrial appendage or other products and techniques to manage post-operative pain. Our products may become obsolete prior to the end of their anticipated useful lives, or we may introduce new products or next-generation products prior to the end of the useful life of our current products, either of which may require us to dispose of existing inventory and related capital equipment and/or write off their value or accelerate their depreciation. In addition, other products may be sold at lower prices. Due to the size of our markets, we anticipate that new or existing competitors may develop competing products, procedures and/or clinical solutions. There are few barriers to prevent new entrants or existing competitors from developing products to compete directly with ours. Companies also compete with us to attract qualified scientific, technical and commercial personnel as well as funding. Most of our competitors and potential competitors have greater financial, manufacturing, marketing and research and development capabilities than we have, and may obtain FDA approval or clearance for their products. In 2023, Medtronic announced the FDA clearance of the Penditure TM Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion System. The introduction of new products, procedures or clinical solutions, or our competitors obtaining FDA approvals or clearances, such as Medtronic's Penditure device, may result in price reductions, reduced margins, loss of market share, or may render our products obsolete, which could adversely affect our revenue and future profitability.

Current wording

The medical device industry, including the market for the treatment of Afib, is highly competitive, is subject to rapid technological change and can be significantly affected by new product introductions and promotional activities. There is no assurance that our products will compete effectively against drugs, catheter-based ablation, implantable devices, other surgical ablation devices, other products or techniques to occlude the left atrial appendage or other products and techniques to manage post-operative pain. Our products may become obsolete prior to the end of their anticipated useful lives, or we may introduce new products or next-generation products prior to the end of the useful life of our current products, either of which may require us to dispose of existing inventory and related capital equipment and/or write off their value or accelerate their depreciation. In addition, other products may be sold at lower prices. Due to the size of our markets, we anticipate that new or existing competitors may develop competing products, procedures and/or clinical solutions. There are few barriers to prevent new entrants or existing competitors from developing products to compete directly with ours. Companies also compete with us to attract qualified scientific, technical and commercial personnel as well as funding. Most of our competitors and potential competitors have greater financial, manufacturing, marketing and research and development capabilities than we have, and may obtain FDA approval or clearance for their products. The introduction of new products, procedures or clinical solutions, or our competitors obtaining FDA approvals or clearances, may result in price reductions, reduced margins, loss of market share, or may render our products obsolete, which could adversely affect our revenue and future profitability.

Previous wording

Conversely, positive results from clinical trial experience should not be relied upon as evidence that any of our products will gain market acceptance or that they will satisfy regulatory requirements for product approval. There can be no assurance that the results of studies conducted by collaborators or other third parties will be viewed favorably or are indicative of our own future study results. We may be required to demonstrate with substantial evidence through well-controlled clinical trials that our product candidates are either (i) safe and effective for use in a diverse population for their intended uses or (ii) are substantially equivalent to predicate devices under section 510(k) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). Success in early clinical trials does not mean that future clinical trials will be successful because product candidates in later-stage clinical trials may fail to demonstrate sufficient safety and efficacy to the satisfaction of the FDA and other regulatory authorities despite having progressed through initial clinical trials.

Current wording

Conversely, positive results from clinical trial experience should not be relied upon as evidence that any of our products will gain market acceptance or that they will satisfy regulatory requirements for product approval. There can be no assurance that the results of studies conducted by collaborators or other third parties will be viewed favorably or are indicative of our own future study results. We may be required to demonstrate with substantial evidence through well-controlled clinical trials that our products are either (i) safe and effective for use in a diverse population for their intended uses or (ii) are substantially equivalent to predicate devices under section 510(k) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). Success in early clinical trials does not mean that future clinical trials will be successful because products in later-stage clinical trials may fail to demonstrate sufficient safety and efficacy to the satisfaction of the FDA and other regulatory authorities despite having progressed through initial clinical trials.

Previous wording

•change requirements for the approval or clearance of a product candidate even after reviewing and providing comment on a protocol for a pivotal clinical trial;

Current wording

•change requirements for the approval or clearance of a product even after reviewing and providing comment on a protocol for a pivotal clinical trial;

Previous wording

•approve or clear a product candidate for fewer or more limited indications or uses than we request;

Current wording

•approve or clear a product for fewer or more limited indications or uses than we request;

Previous wording

•not approve the labeling claims necessary or desirable for the successful commercialization of our product candidates.

Current wording

•not approve the labeling claims necessary or desirable for the successful commercialization of our products.

Previous wording

We depend on independent third-party distributors to sell our products in certain markets outside of the United States, and if these distributors do not perform, we may be unable to maintain or increase international revenue. We intend to grow our business outside of the United States, and to do so, we will need to attract additional distributors or hire direct sales personnel to expand the territories in which we sell our products. Independent distributors may terminate their relationship with us or devote insufficient sales efforts to our products. We are not able to control our independent distributors, and they may not be successful in marketing our products. In addition, many of our independent distributors outside of the United States initially obtain and maintain foreign regulatory approval for sale of our products in their respective countries. Our failure to maintain our relationships with our independent distributors outside of the United States, or our failure to recruit and retain additional skilled independent distributors in these locations, could have an adverse effect on our operations. Turnover among our independent distributors, even if replaced, may adversely affect our short-term financial results while we transition to new independent distributors or direct sales personnel. The ability of these independent distributors to market and sell our products could also be adversely affected by unexpected events, including, but not limited to, power failures, nuclear events, local economic and political conditions, natural or other disasters and war or terrorist activities. In addition, the ability of our independent distributors to borrow money from their existing lenders or to obtain credit from other sources to purchase our products may be impaired or our independent distributors could experience a significant change in their liquidity or financial condition, all of which could impair their ability to distribute our products and eventually lead to distributor turnover, and may adversely impact our sales.

Current wording

We depend on independent third-party distributors to sell our products in certain markets outside of the United States, and if these distributors do not perform, we may be unable to maintain or increase international revenue. We intend to grow our business outside of the United States, and to do so, we may need to attract additional distributors or hire direct sales personnel to expand the territories in which we sell our products. Independent distributors may terminate their relationship with us or devote insufficient sales efforts to our products. We are not able to control our independent distributors, and they may not be successful in marketing our products. In addition, many of our independent distributors outside of the United States initially obtain and maintain foreign regulatory approval for sale of our products in their respective countries. Our failure to maintain our relationships with our independent distributors outside of the United States, or our failure to recruit and retain additional skilled independent distributors in these locations, could have an adverse effect on our operations. Turnover among our independent distributors, even if replaced, may adversely affect our short-term financial results while we transition to new independent distributors or direct sales personnel. The ability of these independent distributors to market and sell our products could also be adversely affected by unexpected events, including, but not limited to, power failures, nuclear events, local economic and political conditions, natural or other disasters and war or terrorist activities. In addition, the ability of our independent distributors to obtain financing to purchase our products may be impaired or our independent distributors could experience a significant change in their liquidity or financial condition, all of which could impair their ability to distribute our products and eventually lead to distributor turnover, and may adversely impact our sales.

Previous wording

Healthcare costs have risen significantly over the past decade. There have been and may continue to be proposals by legislators, regulators and third-party payors to keep, contain or reduce healthcare costs.

Current wording

Healthcare costs have risen significantly over the past decade. There have been and may continue to be proposals by legislators, regulators and third-party payors to contain or reduce healthcare costs.

Previous wording

The continuing efforts of governments, insurance companies and other payors of healthcare costs to contain or reduce these costs, combined with closer scrutiny of such costs, could lead to patients being unable to obtain approval for payment from these third-party payors. The cost containment measures that healthcare providers are instituting both in the U.S. and internationally could harm our business. Some healthcare providers in the U.S. have adopted or are considering a managed care system in which the providers contract to provide comprehensive healthcare for a fixed cost per person. Healthcare providers may attempt to control costs by authorizing fewer elective surgical procedures, eliminating incremental procedure costs or by requiring the use of the least expensive devices possible, which could adversely affect the demand for our products or the price at which we can sell our products. Some healthcare providers have sought to consolidate and create new companies with greater market power, including hospitals. As the healthcare industry consolidates, competition to provide products and services has become and will continue to become more intense. This has resulted and likely will continue to result in greater pricing pressures and the exclusion of certain suppliers from important marketing segments.

Current wording

The continuing efforts of governments, insurance companies and other payors of healthcare costs to contain or reduce these costs, combined with closer scrutiny of such costs, could lead to patients being unable to obtain approval for payment from these third-party payors. The cost containment measures that healthcare providers are instituting both in the United States and internationally could harm our business. Some healthcare providers in the United States have adopted or are considering a managed care system in which the providers contract to provide comprehensive healthcare for a fixed cost per person. Healthcare providers may attempt to control costs by authorizing fewer elective surgical procedures, eliminating incremental procedure costs or by requiring the use of the least expensive devices possible, which could adversely affect the demand for our products or the price at which we can sell our products. Some healthcare providers have sought to consolidate and create new companies with greater market power, including hospitals. As the healthcare industry consolidates, competition to provide products and services has become and will continue to become more intense. This has resulted and likely will continue to result in greater pricing pressures and the exclusion of certain suppliers from important market segments.

Previous wording

FDA does not regulate the practice of medicine. Physicians may use our products in circumstances where they deem it medically appropriate, such as for the treatment of Afib or the reduction in stroke risk, even though FDA may not have approved or cleared our products to be marketed specifically for those indications. Some payors may deny coverage or payment for the use of our products for indications not specifically approved or cleared by FDA. Often, these denials can be overcome through an appeals process, but there is no guarantee of success in these cases.

Current wording

FDA does not regulate the practice of medicine. Physicians may use our products in circumstances where they deem it medically appropriate, such as for the treatment Afib, prevention of stroke, or reduction of post-operative Afib, even though FDA may not have approved or cleared our products to be marketed specifically for those indications. Some payors may deny coverage or payment for the use of our products for indications not specifically approved or cleared by FDA. Often, these denials can be overcome through an appeals process, but there is no guarantee of success in these cases.

Previous wording

We rely on single and limited source third-party vendors for the manufacture and sterilization of components used in our products. For example, we rely on one vendor to manufacture our RF generator, as well as separate vendors to manufacture our EPi-Sense System and related RF generator. It would be a time consuming and lengthy process to secure these products from an alternative supplier. We have significant concentrations with a limited number of vendors. Additionally, our devices are sterilized prior to use using ethylene oxide at third-party sterilizers. Recently, certain sterilization facilities have experienced mandated temporary closures due to concerns over the impact of emissions of ethylene oxide from such facilities, and the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed regulations aimed at reducing hazardous air pollutants. We also rely on third parties to handle our warehousing and logistics functions for European and several other international markets on our behalf.

Current wording

We rely on single and limited source third-party vendors for the manufacture and sterilization of components used in our products as well as third-party vendors for the manufacturing of our RF generator and our EPi-Sense System. We have significant concentrations with a limited number of vendors. It would be a time consuming and lengthy process to secure these products from an alternative supplier. Additionally, our devices are sterilized prior to use using ethylene oxide at third-party sterilizers. Recently, certain sterilization facilities have experienced voluntary or mandated temporary closures due to concerns over the impact of emissions of ethylene oxide from such facilities, and the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed regulations aimed at reducing hazardous air pollutants. We also rely on third parties to handle our warehousing and logistics functions for European and several other international markets on our behalf.

Previous wording

Our manufacturing operations are highly centralized to our corporate headquarters. While we take precautions, such as qualifying a second building for manufacturing, we do not maintain a backup manufacturing facility outside of our Ohio campus, making us dependent on the current facilities and production workers for the continued operation of our business. A natural or other disaster could damage or destroy our manufacturing equipment and cause substantial delays in our manufacturing operations, which could lead to additional expense and decreased revenue due to lack of supply. The insurance we maintain may not be adequate to cover our losses. With or without insurance, damage to our facilities or our other property due to a natural disaster or casualty event could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Our manufacturing operations are highly centralized to our corporate headquarters. While we have taken precautions, such as qualifying a second building for manufacturing, we do not maintain a backup manufacturing facility outside of our Ohio campus, making us dependent on the current facilities and production workers for the continued operation of our business. A natural or other disaster could damage or destroy our manufacturing equipment and cause substantial delays in our manufacturing operations, which could lead to additional expense and decreased revenue due to lack of supply. The insurance we maintain may not be adequate to cover our losses. With or without insurance, damage to our facilities or our other property due to a natural disaster or casualty event could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We are subject to extensive regulation by the federal government and foreign countries in which we conduct business. The laws that affect our ability to operate our business in addition to the FDCA and FDA regulations include, but are not limited to, the following:

Current wording

We are subject to extensive regulations by the federal government and foreign countries in which we conduct business. The laws that affect our ability to operate our business in addition to the FDCA and FDA regulations include, but are not limited to, the following:

Previous wording

Unless and until we obtain additional FDA approval for our products, we will not be able to promote them for the treatment of Afib and/or to prevent stroke, and our ability to maintain and grow our business could be harmed. We may be subject to fines, penalties, injunctions and other sanctions if we are deemed to be promoting the use of our products for unapproved, or off-label, uses.

Current wording

Unless and until we obtain additional FDA approval for our products, we will not be able to promote them for the treatment of Afib, prevention of stroke, or reduction of post-operative Afib, and our ability to maintain and grow our business could be harmed. We may be subject to fines, penalties, injunctions and other sanctions if we are deemed to be promoting the use of our products for unapproved, or off-label, uses.

Previous wording

Our business and future growth depend on the continued use of our products for the treatment of Afib. Unless the products are approved or cleared by FDA specifically for the treatment of Afib or prevention of stroke, we may not make claims about the safety or effectiveness of our products for such uses. In order to obtain additional FDA approvals to promote our products for the treatment of Afib or reduction in stroke risk, we will need to demonstrate in clinical trials that our products are safe and effective for such use. Development of sufficient and appropriate clinical protocols to demonstrate quality, safety and efficacy may be required and we may not adequately develop such protocols to support approval. We cannot assure you that any of our clinical trials will be completed in a timely manner or successfully or that the results obtained will be acceptable to FDA. We, FDA or the IRB may suspend a clinical trial at any time for various reasons, including a belief that the risks to study subjects outweigh the anticipated benefits.

Current wording

Our business and future growth depend on the continued use of our products for the treatment of Afib and/or reduction of Afib and related complications, such as stroke. Unless the products are approved or cleared by FDA specifically for the treatment of Afib, prevention of stroke, or reduction of post-operative Afib, we may not make claims about the safety or effectiveness of our products for such uses. In order to obtain additional FDA approvals to promote our products, we will need to demonstrate in clinical trials that our products are safe and effective for such use. Development of sufficient and appropriate clinical protocols to demonstrate quality, safety and efficacy may be required and we may not adequately develop such protocols to support approval. We cannot assure you that any of our clinical trials will be completed in a timely manner or successfully or that the results obtained will be acceptable to FDA. We, FDA or the IRB may suspend a clinical trial at any time for various reasons, including a belief that the risks to study subjects outweigh the anticipated benefits.

Previous wording

Although our Isolator Synergy System and EPi-Sense System have received FDA approval for the treatment of some forms of Afib in certain procedures, we have not received FDA clearance or approval to promote our other products for the treatment of Afib or the prevention of stroke. Unless and until we obtain FDA clearance or approval for the use of our other products to treat Afib or prevent stroke, we, and others acting on our behalf, may not claim in the U.S. that such products are safe and effective for such uses or otherwise promote them for such uses. Similar restrictions also exist outside of the U.S. There is no assurance that future clearances or approvals of our products will be granted or that current or future clearances or approvals will not be withdrawn. Failure to obtain a clearance or approval or loss of an existing clearance or approval, could hurt our ability to maintain and grow our business.

Current wording

Although our Isolator Synergy System and EPi-Sense System have received FDA approval for the treatment of some forms of Afib in certain procedures, we have not received FDA clearance or approval to promote our other products for the treatment of Afib, prevention of stroke, or reduction of post-operative Afib. Unless and until we obtain FDA clearance or approval for the use of our other products to treat Afib, prevent stroke, or reduce post-operative Afib, we, and others acting on our behalf, may not claim in the United States that such products are safe and effective for such uses or otherwise promote them for such uses. Similar restrictions also exist outside of the United States. There is no assurance that future clearances or approvals of our products will be granted or that current or future clearances or approvals will not be withdrawn. Failure to obtain a clearance or approval or loss of an existing clearance or approval, could hurt our ability to maintain and grow our business.

Previous wording

Our quarterly financial results are likely to fluctuate significantly because the pace of adoption of our products by clinicians are uncertain.

Current wording

Our quarterly financial results are likely to fluctuate significantly because the pace of adoption of our products by clinicians is uncertain.

Previous wording

Even though we reported net income of $50,199 in 2021, we have a history of net losses, including net losses of $30,438 in 2023, and $46,466 in 2022. As of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $357,057.

Current wording

We have a history of net losses, including $44,698 in 2024, $30,438 in 2023, and $46,466 in 2022. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $401,755.

Previous wording

Governmental authorities may question our intercompany transfer pricing policies or change their laws in a manner that could increase our effective tax rate or otherwise harm our business.

Current wording

Governmental authorities may challenge our intercompany transfer pricing policies or change their laws in a manner that could increase our effective tax rate or otherwise harm our business.

Previous wording

The majority of our accounts receivable arise from sales in the United States. However, we also have significant receivable balances from customers within the European Union and Asia. Our accounts receivable in the United States are primarily due from public and private hospitals. Our accounts receivable outside the United States are primarily due from public and private hospitals and from independent distributors. Our historical write-offs of accounts receivable have not been significant. We monitor the financial performance and credit worthiness of our customers so that we can properly assess and respond to changes in their credit profile. Our independent distributors operate in certain countries where economic conditions continue to present challenges to their businesses, and, thus, could place the amounts due to us at risk. These distributors are owed amounts from public hospitals that are funded by their governments. Adverse financial conditions in these countries may negatively affect the length of time that it will take us to collect associated accounts receivable or impact the likelihood of ultimate collection.

Current wording

The majority of our accounts receivable arise from sales in the United States. However, we also have significant receivable balances from customers within the European Union and Asia. Our accounts receivable in the United States are primarily due from public and private hospitals. Our accounts receivable outside the United States are primarily due from public and private hospitals and from independent distributors. Although our historical write-offs of accounts receivable have not been significant, we monitor the financial performance and credit worthiness of our customers so that we can properly assess and respond to changes in their credit profile. Our independent distributors operate in certain countries where economic conditions continue to present challenges to their businesses, and, thus, could place the amounts due to us at risk. These distributors are owed amounts from public hospitals that are funded by their governments. Adverse financial conditions in these countries may negatively affect the length of time that it will take us to collect associated accounts receivable or impact the likelihood of ultimate collection.

Previous wording

The market prices of the securities of medical device companies, particularly companies like ours without consistent revenue and earnings, have been highly volatile and are likely to remain highly volatile in the future. This volatility has often been unrelated to the operating performance of these particular companies. In the past, companies that experience volatility in the market price of their securities have often faced securities class action litigation. Whether or not meritorious, litigation brought against us could result in substantial costs, divert our management’s attention and resources and harm our ability to grow our business.

Current wording

The market prices of the securities of medical device companies, particularly companies like ours without consistent revenue and earnings, have been highly volatile and are likely to remain highly volatile in the future. This volatility has often been unrelated to the operating performance of these particular companies. In the past, companies that experienced volatility in the market price of their securities have often faced securities class action litigation. Whether or not meritorious, litigation brought against us could result in substantial costs, divert our management’s attention and resources and harm our ability to grow our business.

Previous wording

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could delay or prevent a change of control or change in management that would provide a premium to the market price of common stock. These provisions include those:

Current wording

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could delay or prevent a change of control or change in management that would provide a premium to the market price of common stock. These provisions include the following: