Merit Medical presents earnings expectations

SOUTH JORDAN — Merit Medical Systems Inc., a maker of disposable accessories used primarily in cardiology and radiology procedures, announced Tuesday that it expects its earnings for 2005 will be in the range of 63 cents to 65 cents per share.

In a prepared statement, Merit said it previously indicated that its anticipated sales for the calendar year would be in the range of $167 million to $171 million.

"Merit is investing in the future with new and expanded facilities, additional personnel in sales, research and development and administration, and several significant product launches . . . ," said Fred P. Lampropoulos, Merit's chairman and CEO. "We believe these investments will be valuable as we prepare for long-term growth."

The company has about 1,350 employees, with manufacturing facilities in Salt Lake City and South Jordan; Santa Clara, Calif.; Angleton, Texas; Richmond, Va.; Maastricht, The Netherlands; and Galway, Ireland.