Originally Published MX January/February 2006

COVER STORY

Since its spin-out from ATL Ultrasound Inc. onto the NASDAQ stock exchange in 1998, SonoSite has played a pivotal role in creating the market for hand-carried ultrasound devices and has established itself as the market leader. According to estimates by industry analysts, SonoSite's installed base of more than 25,000 units has given it a share of the hand-carried ultrasound segment that exceeds 60%.

Share price for SonoSite Inc. (Bothell, WA), from December 2004 through mid-November 2005, versus the S&P 500. (click to enlarge)

The company's financial performance has been equally robust. Over the past five years, SonoSite's sales revenues have expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 63%. Last October, Deloitte & Touche LLP (New York City) named SonoSite to its Technology Fast 50 in Washington, a compilation of the state's fastest-growing technology companies. And in November, the market consulting firm of Frost & Sullivan (San Antonio, TX) recognized SonoSite as the fastest-growing medical imaging company for 2005.