10-Q 1 v149224_10q.htm Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarter ended March 31, 2009.
 
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
 
Commission File Number 1-8635
 
AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
New York
11-2571221
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification Number)

3265 Lawson Boulevard, Oceanside, New York 11572
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(516) 536-5850
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
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 that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  o No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether registrant is a large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o
 Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting company ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 on the Exchange Act)
Yes ¨   No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 9,507,183 shares of $.01 par value common stock as of May 14, 2009.

 
 

 

AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX
PAGE
   
Part I Financial Information
 
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 1
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008
 2
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
 3
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
 4
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 6
   
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
13
   
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks
25
   
Controls and Procedures
26
   
Part II Other Information
26

 
 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders
American Medical Alert Corp. and Subsidiaries
Oceanside, New York

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of American Medical Alert Corp. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2009 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three-months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of American Medical Alert Corp. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated March 30, 2009 we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ Margolin, Winer & Evens LLP

Margolin, Winer & Evens LLP
Garden City, New York

May 14, 2009

 
1

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
 
AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS
   
March 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
   
Dec. 31, 2008
 
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash
  $ 4,514,992     $ 2,473,733  
Accounts receivable
               
(net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $663,500 and $646,000)
    5,671,248       6,001,952  
Note receivable
    14,166       21,117  
Inventory
    501,501       547,596  
Prepaid income taxes
    121,687       215,427  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    389,876       436,554  
Deferred income taxes
    383,000       358,000  
                 
Total Current Assets
    11,596,470       10,054,379  
                 
FIXED ASSETS
               
(Net of accumulated depreciation and amortization)
    9,902,593       10,169,907  
                 
OTHER ASSETS
               
Intangible assets
               
(net of accumulated amortization of $5,695,702 and $5,386,262)
    2,791,591       3,085,931  
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of $58,868)
    10,128,718       9,996,152  
Other assets
    866,340       1,059,895  
      13,786,649       14,141,978  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 35,285,712     $ 34,366,264  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 1,301,667     $ 1,754,949  
Accounts payable
    634,179       749,335  
Accounts payable – acquisitions
    133,922       20,390  
Accrued expenses
    2,105,025       1,348,823  
Deferred revenue
    357,414       294,882  
Total Current Liabilities
    4,532,207       4,168,379  
                 
DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITY
    1,233,000       1,208,000  
LONG-TERM DEBT, Net of Current Portion
    2,460,000       2,815,000  
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS
    122,496       106,196  
ACCRUED RENTAL OBLIGATION
    517,450       507,512  
OTHER LIABILITIES
    10,000       10,000  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    8,875,153       8,815,087  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
    -       -  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value – authorized, 1,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding
               
Common stock, $.01 par value – authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued 9,509,673 shares in 2009 and 9,493,402 shares in 2008
    95,097        94,934  
Additional paid-in capital
    15,957,274       15,871,305  
Retained earnings
    10,494,765       9,721,515  
      26,547,136       25,687,754  
Less treasury stock, at cost (48,573 shares in 2009 and 2008)
    (136,577 )      (136,577 )
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    26,410,559       25,551,177  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 35,285,712     $ 34,366,264  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 
2

 

AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Revenues:
           
Services
  $ 9,640,644     $ 9,339,112  
Product sales
    271,583       296,633  
      9,912,227       9,635,745  
Costs and Expenses (Income):
               
Costs related to services
    4,515,966       4,581,200  
Costs of products sold
    121,002       150,755  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    4,052,447       4,155,041  
Interest expense
    23,682       102,055  
Other income
    (112,120 )     (120,663 )
                 
Income before Provision for Income Taxes
    1,311,250       767,357  
                 
Provision for Income Taxes
    538,000       315,000  
                 
NET INCOME
  $ 773,250     $ 452,357  
                 
Net income per share:
               
Basic
  $ .08     $ .05  
Diluted
  $ .08     $ .05  
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
               
Basic
    9,453,868       9,406,070  
                 
Diluted
    9,581,219       9,698,665  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 
3

 

AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
           
             
Net income
  $ 773,250     $ 452,357  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    1,050,972       1,036,673  
Stock compensation charge
    86,132       88,893  
Decrease (increase) in:
               
Accounts receivable
    330,704       (185,171 )
Inventory
    46,095       (136,871 )
Prepaid income taxes
    93,740       177,892  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    46,678       6,492  
Increase (decrease) in:
               
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
    667,284       36,190  
Deferred revenue
    62,532       (13,124 )
                 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    3,157,387       1,463,331  
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
Expenditures for fixed assets
    (282,346 )     (729,371 )
Repayment of notes receivable
    6,951       6,613  
Deposit on equipment and software
    -       (106,953 )
Purchase – other
    (15,099 )     (24,153 )
Decrease in other assets
    1,682       337  
                 
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
    (288,812 )     (853,527 )
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
               
Principal payments under capital lease obligation
    -       (10,297 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    -       (10,242 )
Repayment of long-term debt
    (808,282 )     (382,594 )
Payment of accounts payable - acquisitions
    (19,034 )     -  
Proceeds upon exercise of stock options and warrants
    -       120,000  
                 
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities
    (827,316 )     (283,133 )

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 
4

 

AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Net Increase in Cash
  $ 2,041,259     $ 326,671  
                 
Cash, Beginning of Period
    2,473,733       911,525  
                 
Cash, End of Period
  $ 4,514,992     $ 1,238,196  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
                 
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR INTEREST
  $ 23,682     $ 78,480  
                 
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR INCOME TAXES
  $ 119,098     $ 134,240  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
                 
Accounts payable due sellers in connection with acquisitions
  $ 132,566     $ 83,265  
                 
Other assets, deposits on equipment transferred to fixed assets
    189,346       -  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 
5

 

AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
1.           General:
 
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2008 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
2.           Results of Operations:
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of American Medical Alert Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries; together the “Company”.  All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.
 
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2009 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
The accounting policies used in preparing these financial statements are the same as those described in the December 31, 2008 financial statements.
 
Certain amounts in the 2008 condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2009 presentation.
 
The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the full year.
 
3.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R) (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS 141(R),”) which replaces SFAS 141. The statement provides a broader definition of the “Acquirer” and establishes principles and requirements of how the Acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as how the Acquirer recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination.  SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  Statement No. 141R became effective as of January 1, 2009 for the Company. Accordingly, any business combination completed prior to January 1, 2009 was accounted for pursuant to SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”.  Business combinations completed subsequent to January 1, 2009, will be accounted for pursuant to Statement No. 141R.  The impact that Statement No. 141R will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements will depend upon the nature, terms and size of such business combinations, if any.

 
6

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.” FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The intent of FSP FAS 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141(R) and other generally accepted accounting principles. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective on January 1, 2009. Early adoption is prohibited.  The provisions of FSP FAS 142-3 are to be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date, except for the disclosure requirements which must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets recognized as of, and subsequent to, the effective date. Since this standard is applied prospectively, adoption did not have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
 
4.         Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation:
 
Stock based compensation is recorded in accordance with SFAS Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“Statement No. 123(R)”), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payments to employees, including grants of stock and employee stock options, based on estimated fair values.
 
The Company granted 5,000 stock options during the three month period ended March 31, 2008.  No options were granted during the three month period ended March 31, 2009.
 
The following tables summarize stock option activity for the first quarter ended March, 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
   
2009
             
               
Weighted
       
               
Average
       
         
Weighted
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
   
Number of
   
Average
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Options
   
Option Price
   
Term (years)
   
Value
 
Balance at January 1
    877,235     $ 4.25              
Granted
    -       -              
Exercised
    -       -              
Expired/Forfeited
    (4,150 )     5.31              
                             
Balance at March 31
    873,085     $ 4.25       3.20     $ 1,063,653  
                                 
Vested and exercisable
    873,085     $ 4.25       3.20     $ 1,063,653  

 
7

 
 
   
2008
             
               
Weighted
       
               
Average
       
         
Weighted
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
   
Number of
   
Average
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Options
   
Option Price
   
Term (years)
   
Value
 
Balance at January 1
    922,273     $ 4.01              
Granted
    5,000       6.51              
Exercised
    (60,000 )     2.00              
Expired/Forfeited
    (9,525 )     2.85              
   
 
   
 
             
Balance at March 31
    857,748     $ 4.18       5.17     $ 1,492,423  
                                 
Vested and exercisable
    855,248     $ 4.17       5.17     $ 1,492,423  

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the first quarter ended March 31 2008 was $288,000. No options were exercised during the first quarter ended March 31, 2009.  There were no nonvested stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2009. There were 2,500 nonvested stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2008.

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense related to all share-based payments recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Stock options
  $ -     $ 3,750  
                 
Stock grants – other
    22,887       22,878  
Service based awards
    33,845       31,069  
Performance based awards
    29,400       31,196  
Tax benefit
    (35,315 )     (36,450 )
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
  $ 50,817     $ 52,443  

 
8

 

Stock Grants - Other

The outside Board of Directors are granted shares of common stock at the end of each quarter as compensation for services provided as members of the Board of Directors and other committees.  These share grants vest immediately.  In addition, stock grants may be issued to employees at the Board of Directors’ discretion.

Service Based Awards

In January 2006, May 2007 and January 2009 the Company granted 60,000, 22,000 and 21,500 restricted shares, respectively, to certain executives in respect of services rendered but at no monetary cost.  These shares vest over periods ranging from 3 to 5 years, on December 31 of each year.  The Company records the compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  Fair value for restricted stock awards is based on the Company's closing common stock price on the date of grant. As of March 31, 2009 and 2008 there were 41,000 and 31,500 shares vested, respectively.  The aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock grants was $570,410. As of March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had $268,015 and $301,756, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested restricted stock units expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.17 years.

Performance Based Awards

In January 2006 and May 2007, respectively, the Company granted share awards for 90,000 shares (up to 18,000 shares per year through December 31, 2010) and 46,000 shares (up to 11,500 shares per year through December 31, 2010) to certain executives.  Vesting of such shares is contingent upon the Company achieving certain specified consolidated gross revenue and Earnings before Interest and Taxes (“EBIT”) objectives in each of the next four fiscal years ending December 31. The fair value of the performance shares (aggregate value of $909,400) is based on the closing trading value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and assumes that performance goals will be achieved.  The fair value of the shares is expensed over the performance period for those shares that are expected to ultimately vest.  If such objectives are not met, no compensation cost is recognized and any recognized compensation cost is reversed.  As of March 31, 2009 and 2008, 29,750 shares were vested.  As of March 31, 2009 and 2008, there was $350,691 and $569,939, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested share awards; that cost is expected to be recognized over a period of 1.75 years.

 
9

 

5.                 Earnings Per Share:
 
Earnings per share data for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 is presented in conformity with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.”

The following table is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in computing earnings per share:

March 31, 2009
 
Income
(Numerator)
   
Shares 
 (Denominator)
   
Per-Share
Amounts
 
                   
                   
Basic EPS - Income available to common shareholders
  $ 773,250       9,453,868     $ .08  
Effect of dilutive securities - Options
    -       127,351          
Diluted EPS - Income available to common shareholders and assumed conversions
  $ 773,250       9,581,219     $ .08  
                         
March 31, 2008
                       
                         
Basic EPS -Income available to common shareholders
  $ 452,357       9,406,070     $ .05  
Effect of dilutive securities - Options
    -       292,595          
Diluted EPS - Income available to  common shareholders and assumed conversions
  $ 452,357       9,698,665     $ .05  

6.         Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, all of which relate to the Company’s TBCS segment, for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
 
       
Balance as of January 1, 2009
  $ 9,996,152  
Additional Goodwill
    132,566  
         
Balance as of March 31, 2009
  $ 10,128,718  
 
 
10

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
 
       
Balance as of January 1, 2008
  $ 9,766,194  
Additional Goodwill
    83,265  
         
Balance as of March 31, 2008
  $ 9,849,459  
 
The addition to goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 relates to additional purchase price of American Mediconnect, Inc. based on the cash receipts from the clinical trials portion of the business.

7.           Long-term Debt:

As of January 1, 2006 the Company had a credit facility arrangement for $4,500,000 which included a revolving credit line which permitted borrowings of $1,500,000 (based on eligible receivables as defined) and a $3,000,000 term loan payable. The term loan is payable in equal monthly principal installments of $50,000 over five years commencing January 2006.  The revolving credit line was set to mature in May 2008.
 
In March 2006 and December 2006, the credit facility was amended whereby the Company obtained an additional $2,500,000 and $1,600,000 of term loans, the proceeds of which were utilized to finance certain acquisitions.  These term loans are payable over five years in equal monthly principal installments of $41,666.67 and $26,666.67, respectively. Additionally, certain of the covenants were amended.
 
In December 2006, the credit facility was amended to reduce the interest rates charged by the bank such that borrowings under the term loan will bear interest at either (a) LIBOR plus 2.00% or (b) the prime rate or the federal funds effective rate plus .5%, whichever is greater, and the revolving credit line will bear interest at either (a) LIBOR plus 1.75% or (b) the prime rate or the federal funds effective rate plus .5%, whichever is greater.  The LIBOR interest rate charge shall be adjusted in .25% intervals based on the Company’s ratio of Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA. In the third quarter of 2007, the interest rate was reduced by .25% based on this ratio.  The Company has the option to choose between the two interest rate options under the amended term loan and revolving credit line.  Borrowings under the credit facility are collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company.
 
On April 30, 2007, the Company amended its credit facility whereby the term of the revolving credit line was extended through June 2010 and the amount of credit available under the revolving credit line was increased to $2,500,000.
 
As of March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants in its loan agreement.

8.            Major Customers:


 
11

 

Since 1983, the Company has provided Personal Emergency Response Systems (“PERS”) services to the City of New York’s Human Resources Administration Home Care Service Program ("HCSP").  The contract term with the HCSP is for two years, commencing September 21, 2007, with two options to renew in favor of HRA for two additional two year terms.  During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company’s revenue from this contract represented 6% of its total revenue. As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, accounts receivable from the contract represented 9% and 8% of accounts receivable, respectively.
 
9.         Segment  Reporting:

The Company has two reportable segments, (i) Health and Safety Monitoring Systems (“HSMS”) and (ii) Telephone Based Communication Services (“TBCS”).
 
The table below provides a reconciliation of segment information to total consolidated information for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008:
 

   
2009
       
             
   
HSMS
   
TBCS
   
Consolidated
 
                   
Revenue
  $ 5,089,485     $ 4,822,742     $ 9,912,227  
Income before provision for income taxes
     772,030        539,220        1,311,250  
Total assets
    14,896,742       20,388,970       35,285,712  
               
   
2008
         
               
   
HSMS
   
TBCS
   
Consolidated
 
                         
Revenue
  $ 4,836,955     $ 4,798,790     $ 9,635,745  
Income before provision for income taxes
     520,261        247,096        767,357  
Total assets
    16,778,179       18,529,491       35,307,670  

10.               Commitments and Contingencies:

The Company is aware of various threatened or pending litigation claims against the Company relating to its products and services and other claims arising in the ordinary course of its business.  The Company has given its insurance carrier notice of such claims and it believes there is sufficient insurance coverage to cover any such claims.   Currently, there are no litigation claims for which an estimate of loss, if any, can be reasonably made as they are in the preliminary stages and therefore, no liability or corresponding insurance receivable has been recorded.

 
12

 
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.  This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in the latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including, in particular and without limitation, statements contained herein under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, performance and achievements, whether expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, not to occur or be realized. These include uncertainties relating to government regulation, technological changes, our expansion plans and product liability risks.  Such forward-looking statements generally are based upon the Company’s best estimates of future results, performance or achievement, based upon current conditions and the most recent results of operations.  Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “continue” or similar terms, variations of those terms or the negative of those terms.
 
You should carefully consider such risks, uncertainties and other information, disclosures and discussions which contain cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those provided in the forward-looking statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and any other cautionary statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other public filings.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
Overview:

American Medical Alert Corp. (“AMAC” or the “Company”) was formed in 1981 as a New York corporation. The Company’s principal business is the provision of healthcare communication and monitoring services.  These services are reported through two operating segments. The first segment, Health Safety and Monitoring Services (“HSMS”), is comprised of the development and marketing of remote patient monitoring technologies that include personal emergency response systems, medication reminder and dispensing systems, telehealth/disease management technologies and safety monitoring systems to pharmacies. The second segment, Telephony Based Communication Services (“TBCS”), includes the provision of centralized call center solutions primarily to the healthcare community including traditional after hours services, “Daytime Services” applications, and clinical trial recruitment call center services and administration.  The Company’s products and services are primarily marketed to the healthcare community, including hospitals, home care, durable medical equipment, medical facility, hospice, pharmacy, managed care and other healthcare oriented organizations.  The Company also offers certain products and services directly to consumers.

 
13

 

HSMS
Until 2000, the Company’s principal business was the marketing of personal emergency response systems (PERS), a device that allows a patient to signal an emergency response center for help in the event of a debilitating illness or accident.  The PERS business was the entry point for the Company into the healthcare field, permitting the Company to establish a network of customers and strategic alliances which served as the foundation for the Company's expansion remote patient monitoring.

As part of its expansion strategy, in 1999, the Company secured certain exclusive rights to a medication reminder appliance which is marketed by the Company under the name Med-Time®. This natural adjunct to PERS proved to be strategically advantageous. Medication non-adherence currently costs an estimated $100 billion annually in the United States and accounts for 10 percent of hospital admissions.  The Company marketed an early version of Med-Time for several years.  Realizing the greater opportunity to expand upon our monitoring capabilities, the Company embarked upon the development of a new system that would allow for greater medication adherence oversight.  In 2009, the Company launched MedSmart™ its next generation solution. MedSmart improves adherence to medication regimens and reduces the risk of dosing errors improving clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Rounding out AMAC’s remote patient monitoring portfolio, in 2001, the Company entered the telehealth market, a market in its embryonic stage, after consideration of the opportunity to provide new technologies to assist healthcare professionals in home-based, health management activities. As a distributor of the Health Buddy® System, many of the Company’s customers have successfully demonstrated the value proposition associated with incorporating disease management technologies into a patient’s plan of care. In 2008, The Company added to its telehealth offering by becoming the first US channel market distributor of the Intel® Health Guide. The Intel® Health Guide is a comprehensive personal health system that promotes greater patient engagement and more efficient care by combining an in-home patient device with an online interface, thus allowing clinicians to monitor patients and remotely manage care. The Company believes the telehealth market will continue to provide opportunities for AMAC’s expansion as a full source provider of remote patient monitoring technologies and first line support services.

 
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TBCS
Beginning in 2000, the Company began a program of product diversification and customer base expansion to decrease its reliance on a single product line by marketing complementary call center and monitoring services to the healthcare community.  This diversification program began with the acquisition of the Company's first telephone answering service business, known as HCI in 2000.  Since that time the Company has expanded its telephone answering service business through nine (9) acquisitions and internally generated growth.

In order to accommodate the planned growth of this business, the Company has built or acquired nine communication centers. The Company has since consolidated its TBCS operation on to three equipment hubs and six satellite offices. The purpose of this effort is to link each of the locations in order to leverage the Company’s overall scope, scale and capability.  The Company’s acquisition strategy has allowed it to become a national provider of healthcare communication services.

In 2006, the Company broadened its capabilities to service specialized allied healthcare providers including hospitals, home care, hospice and other healthcare subspecialties. The Company believes it has identified other communication needs as expressed by its TBCS client base. In response to these expressed needs, the Company developed and implemented various specialized healthcare communication solutions that have resulted in the execution of numerous multi-year service contracts for the provision of these services. These solutions continue to create significant opportunities for long-term revenue growth.

In 2008, the Company focused special attention to revamp its PhoneScreen operation and business development efforts. This effort resulted in embedding this operation into the Company’s consolidated call center and IT infrastructure. This service specialty is now poised to accept greater volumes of work and is being well received by large pharmaceutical companies and clinical trial recruitment organizations.

The Company believes that the overall mix of cash flow generating businesses from HSMS and TBCS, combined with its emphasis on developing products and services to support demand from customers and the emerging, home-based monitoring market, provides the correct blend of stability and growth opportunity.  The Company believes this strategy will enable it to maintain and increase its role in the healthcare communications field.  Moreover, based on the Company’s aggressive growth strategy, management believes its TBCS business will allow the Company to become the largest provider of these specialized healthcare communication services in the United States.

Components of Statements of Income by Operating Segment
The following table shows the components of the Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
 
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In thousands (000’s)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
                         
   
2009
   
%
   
2008
   
%
 
Revenues
                       
  HSMS
    5,089       51 %     4,837       50 %
  TBCS
    4,823       49 %     4,799       50 %
                                 
     Total Revenues
    9,912       100 %     9,636       100 %
                                 
Cost of Services and Goods Sold
                               
  HSMS
    2,204       43 %     2,116       44 %
  TBCS
    2,433       50 %     2,616       55 %
                                 
     Total Cost of Services and Goods Sold
    4,637       47 %     4,732       49 %
                                 
Gross Profit
                               
  HSMS
    2,885       57 %     2,721       56 %
  TBCS
    2,390       50 %     2,183       45 %
                                 
     Total Gross Profit
    5,275       53 %     4,904       51 %
                                 
Selling, General & Administrative
    4,052       41 %     4,155       43 %
Interest Expense
    24       - %     102       1 %
Other Income
    (112 )     (1 )%     (120 )     (1 )%
                                 
Income before Income Taxes
    1,311       13 %     767       8 %
                                 
Provision for Income Taxes
    538               315          
                                 
Net Income
    773               452          

Results of Operations:

The Company has two distinct operating business segments, which are HSMS and TBCS.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

Revenues:

    HSMS

Revenues, which consist primarily of monthly rental revenues, increased approximately $252,000, or 5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.  The increase is primarily attributed to the following factors:

 
§
In 2007, the Company entered into an exclusive arrangement with Walgreen to provide the Company’s PERS product under the Walgreen brand name directly to the consumer. In the first quarter of 2009, the Company recognized increased revenue of approximately $117,000 from this arrangement as compared to the same period in 2008.  The Company anticipates it will continue to see growth under this arrangement with Walgreen.

 
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§
In late 2006, the Company executed a new agreement with a third party agency whereby PERS were placed online.  The subscriber base associated with this agreement has grown and accounted for an approximate $34,000 increase in revenue during the first quarter of 2009 as compared to the same period in the prior year.

The remaining increase in revenue is from the execution of other new agreements as well as growth within its existing subscriber base.  The Company anticipates that it will continue to grow its subscriber base and corresponding revenue through its continued sales and marketing efforts.

    TBCS

The increase in revenues of approximately $24,000, or 1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008 was primarily due to the following:
     
 
·
The Company continues to experience revenue growth within its telephone answering service businesses due to addition of new customers as well as increased business from its existing customer base.  The increase was partially offset by customer attrition at one of the call center locations as a result of certain account realignment.  The Company has modified its action plan and believes that it will experience reduced attrition at this location moving forward.
     
Based on the demand for US based healthcare communication services and on some of the work which is currently in process, the Company anticipates that there will be continued growth in this business segment with further expansion into healthcare and hospital organizations, clinical trial recruitment pharmacies and to physicians through its marketing strategies.

Costs Related to Services and Goods Sold:

  HSMS

Costs related to services and goods sold increased by approximately $88,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008, an increase of 4%, primarily due to the following:

 
·
The Company capitalized less labor and overhead costs in the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008 resulting in an increase in expense of approximately $75,000.  The Company reduced its purchases of traditional PERS devices and associated components therefore requiring less capitalized labor and overhead to prepare these products for shipment.  This has been facilitated primarily through more efficient tracking of inventory levels and reorder points.  The related personnel have now been utilized in other capacities within the inventory fulfillment department to enhance the monitoring of the Company’s expanded product base.

 
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  TBCS:

Costs related to services and goods sold decreased by approximately $183,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008, a decrease of 7%, primarily due to the following:

 
§
In the first quarter of 2008, the Company incurred additional labor and telephone service costs with the majority of these costs relating to the consolidation of its call center infrastructure in order to maximize operational efficiencies.  With this consolidation effort being substantially completed during 2008, the Company has started to realize the operational and financial benefits of this effort.  During the first quarter of 2009, the Company, through this consolidation effort, has realigned its personnel and structured its telephone system more efficiently whereby the Company was able to reduce its labor and telephone costs by approximately $169,000.  The Company anticipates it will continue to realize these benefits throughout 2009.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $103,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008, a decrease of 2%.  The decrease is primarily attributable to the following:

 
§
During the first quarter of 2009, the Company incurred less advertising expense as compared to the same period in 2008 by approximately $129,000.  The reduction in advertising expense is primarily related to the Walgreen campaign; whereby the Company reduced its advertising spending in the first quarter of 2009.  Moving ahead in 2009, the Company anticipates increasing its advertising expenditure, specifically as it relates to the Walgreen campaign as well as the promotion of its MedSmart medication reminder and pill dispenser.

 
§
As a result of the Company’s effort in consolidating its call center infrastructure, the Company has benefited from a reduction of approximately $92,000 in administrative payroll and related payroll taxes in the first quarter of 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.

 
§
These decreases were partially offset by an increase in consulting expense of approximately $105,000.  The Company incurred increased consulting expenses relating to expanding its sales efforts as well as incurring fees to the upgrade of existing websites and accounting systems.

There were other decreases in selling, general and administrative expenses which arose out of the normal course of business such as minor purchases and legal expense which were partially offset by increases in amortization and utility expense.

 
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Interest Expense:

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $24,000 and $102,000, respectively.  The decrease of $78,000 was primarily due to the Company continuing to pay down its term loan as well as a significant reduction in the interest rate.

Other Income:

Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $112,000 and $120,000, respectively. Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 includes a training incentive received from the State of New Mexico for hiring and training employees within the State and an economic development incentive through the City of Clovis.  These incentives accounted for approximately $73,000 and $80,000, respectively.  In 2007, the Company opened a network operating call center in New Mexico and hired employees to serve as operators for the telephone answering service.  In 2008, the Company continued its further expansion into this facility by also hiring employees to serve as emergency response operators for the HSMS segment.

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes:

The Company’s income before provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was approximately $1,311,000 as compared to $767,000 for the same period in 2008. The increase of $544,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 primarily resulted from an increase in the Company's service revenues and decrease in the Company’s costs related to services and product sales and selling, general and administrative costs as well as decrease in the Company’s interest expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
As of January 1, 2006 the Company had a credit facility arrangement for $4,500,000 which included a revolving credit line which permitted borrowings of $1,500,000 (based on eligible receivables as defined) and a $3,000,000 term loan payable in equal monthly principal installments of $50,000 over five years commencing January 2006.
 
In March 2006 and December 2006, the Company’s credit facility was amended whereby the Company obtained an additional $2,500,000 and $1,600,000 of term loans, the proceeds of which were utilized to finance certain acquisitions.  These term loans are payable over five years in equal monthly principal installments of $41,666.67 and $26,666.67, respectively. Additionally, certain of the covenants were amended.
 
In December 2006, the credit facility was amended to reduce the interest rates charged by the bank such that borrowings under the term loan will bear interest at either (a) LIBOR plus 2.00% or (b) the prime rate or the federal funds effective rate plus .5%, whichever is greater, and the revolving credit line will bear interest at either (a) LIBOR plus 1.75% or (b) the prime rate or the federal funds effective rate plus .5%, whichever is greater.  The LIBOR interest rate charge shall be adjusted in .25% intervals based on the Company’s ratio of Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA.  In the third quarter of 2007, the interest rate was reduced by .25% based on this ratio.  The Company has the option to choose between the two interest rate options under the amended term loan and revolving credit line.  Borrowings under the credit facility are collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company.

 
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On April 30, 2007, the Company amended its credit facility whereby the term of the revolving credit line was extended through June 2010 and the amount of credit available under the revolving credit line was increased to $2,500,000.

As of March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants in its loan agreement.

The following table is a summary of contractual obligations as of March 31, 2009:
 
   
Payments Due by Period
 
Contractual  Obligations
 
Total
   
Less than 1 
year
   
1-3 years
   
4-5 years
   
More than 5 
years
 
Revolving Credit Line
  $ 950,000     $ -     $ 950,000              
Debt  (a)
  $ 2,811,667     $ 1,301,667     $ 1,510,000              
Operating Leases (b)
  $ 7,622,799     $ 1,078,228     $ 2,455,472     $ 1,563,507     $ 2,525,592  
Purchase Commitments (c)
  $ 901,254     $ 901,254                          
Interest Expense (d)
  $ 107,829     $ 76,258     $ 31,571                  
Acquisition Related Commitment (e)
  $ 133,922     $ 133,922                          
Total Contractual Obligations
  $ 12,527,471     $ 3,491,329     $ 4,947,043     $ 1,563,507     $ 2,525,592  
 
 
(a) – Debt includes the Company’s aggregate outstanding term loans which mature in 2010 and 2011.
 
 
(b)  Operating leases include rental of facilities at various locations within the United States.  These operating leases include the rental of the Company’s call center, warehouse and office facilities.  These operating leases have various maturity dates.  The Company currently leases office space from the Chairman and principal shareholder pursuant to a lease. This lease expires in September 2009.  The Company also leases office space from certain telephone answering service managers.  The leases with these managers expire in December 2009 and December 2012, respectively.
 
 
(c)  – Purchase commitments relate to orders for the Company’s traditional PERS system and its MedSmart pill dispenser.
 
 
(d)  – Interest expense relates to interest on the Company’s revolving credit line and debt at the Company’s current rate of interest.

 
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(e)  – Acquisition related commitment represents payments due based on collections of the clinical trial business relating to the American Mediconnect, Inc acquisition in December 2006.
 
The primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operating activities.  Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to approximately $1.5 million for the same period in 2008. During the first quarter of 2009, the cash provided by operating activities was primarily from depreciation and amortization of approximately $1.0 million, net earnings of approximately $0.8 million and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of approximately $0.7 million. The components of depreciation and amortization primarily relate to the purchases of the Company’s traditional PERS product and the customer lists associated with the acquisition of telephone answering service businesses.  The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses is primarily due to the timing of payments of expenses in the ordinary course of business.   Cash provided by operating activities during the first quarter of 2008 were the result of depreciation and amortization of approximately $1.0 million and net earnings of approximately $0.5 million. The components of depreciation and amortization primarily relate to the purchases of the Company’s traditional PERS product and the customer lists associated with the acquisition of telephone answering service businesses.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to approximately $0.9 million for the same period in 2008.  The primary component of net cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2009 was capital expenditures of approximately $0.3 million, net of deposits on equipment being transferred to fixed assets of approximately $0.2 million.  Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2009 primarily related to the continued production and purchase of the traditional PERS system.  The primary component of net cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2008 was capital expenditures of approximately $0.7 million.  Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2008 primarily related to the continued production and purchase of the traditional PERS system and the build-out of the Company’s call center in New Mexico.
 
Cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2009 used in financing activities were approximately $0.8 million compared to $0.3 million for the same period in 2008.  The primary component of cash flow used in financing activities in the first quarter of 2009 was the payment of long-term debt of approximately $0.8 million.  The primary component of cash flow used in financing activities in the first quarter of 2008 was the payment of long-term debt of approximately $0.4 million which was partially offset by the proceeds received on the exercise of stock options of approximately $0.1 million.
 
During the next twelve months, the Company anticipates it will make capital expenditures and purchase of inventory items of approximately $2.25 – $2.75 million for the production and purchase of the traditional PERS systems, MedSmart pill dispensers and telehealth systems as well as enhancements to its computer operating systems (this includes outstanding purchase orders issued to purchase approximately $0.9 million of the traditional PERS systems and the MedSmart pill dispenser).  This amount is subject to fluctuations based on customer demand.  The Company also anticipates incurring approximately $0.3 - $0.5 million of costs relating to research and development of its telehealth product and enhanced pill dispenser.

 
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As of March 31, 2009, the Company had approximately $4.5 million in cash and the Company’s working capital was approximately $7.1 million.  The Company believes that with its present cash balance and with operations of the business generating positive cash flow, it will be able to meet its cash, working capital and capital expenditure needs for at least the next twelve months. The Company also has a revolving credit line, which expires in June 2010 that permits borrowings up to $2.5 million, of which $950,000 was outstanding at March 31, 2009.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements:
 
As of March 31, 2009, the Company has not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have an impact on the Company’s current and future financial condition.
 
Other Factors:
 
During 2008, the Company recorded a loss on abandonment of $886,504, which represents the write-off of assets encompassing prepaid licensing fees and associated products paid or acquired in connection with a technology provider obtaining and completing certain new remote telehealth monitoring products and services.  The technology provider on this initiative experienced a funding shortfall and has filed for bankruptcy protection and will not be able to complete the project.  Although the Company has abandoned this particular project, the Company plans to continue its efforts within the telehealth sector. In 2008 the Company added to its telehealth offering by becoming the first US channel market distributor of the Intel® Health Guide. The Company believes the telehealth market will continue to provide opportunities for AMAC’s expansion as a full source provider of remote patient monitoring technologies and first line support services.

During 2005, the Company entered into two operating lease agreements for additional space at its Long Island City, New York location in order to consolidate its warehouse and distribution center and accounting department into this location.  The leases, which commenced in January 2006 and expire in March 2018, call for minimum annual rentals of $220,000 and $122,000, respectively, and are subject to increases in accordance with the term of the agreements.  The Company is also responsible for the reimbursement of real estate taxes.

On January 14, 2002, the Company entered into an operating lease agreement for space in Long Island City, New York in order to consolidate its HCI TBCS and PERS ERC/ Customer Service facilities.  The centralization of the ERC, Customer Service and H-LINK® OnCall operations has provided certain operating efficiencies and allowed for continued growth of the H-LINK and PERS divisions.  The fifteen (15) year lease term commenced in April 2003.  The lease calls for minimum annual rentals of $307,900, subject to a 3% annual increase plus reimbursement for real estate taxes.  

 
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Since 1983, the Company has provided Personal Emergency Response Systems (“PERS”) services to the City of New York’s Human Resources Administration Home Care Service Program ("HCSP").  The contract term with the HCSP is for two years, commencing September 21, 2007, with two options to renew in favor of HRA for two additional two year terms.  During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company’s revenue from this contract represented 6% of its total revenue. As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, accounts receivable from the contract represented 9% and 8% of accounts receivable, respectively.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R) (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS 141(R),”) which replaces SFAS 141. The statement provides a broader definition of the “Acquirer” and establishes principles and requirements of how the Acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as how the Acquirer recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination.  SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  Statement No. 141R became effective as of January 1, 2009 for the Company. Accordingly, any business combination completed prior to January 1, 2009 was accounted for pursuant to SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”.  Business combinations completed subsequent to January 1, 2009, will be accounted for pursuant to Statement No. 141R.  The impact that Statement No. 141R will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements will depend upon the nature, terms and size of such business combinations, if any.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.” FSP SFAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The intent of FSP FAS 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FAS No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141(R) and other generally accepted accounting principles. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective on January 1, 2009. Early adoption is prohibited.  The provisions of FSP FAS 142-3 are to be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date, except for the disclosure requirements which must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets recognized as of, and subsequent to, the effective date. Since this standard is applied prospectively, adoption did not have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 
23

 

Critical Accounting Policies:

In preparing the financial statements, the Company makes estimates, assumptions and judgments that can have a significant impact on our revenue, operating income and net income, as well as on the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.  The Company believes that the estimates, assumptions and judgments involved in the accounting policies described below have the greatest potential impact on its financial statements due to the materiality of the accounts involved, and therefore, considers these to be its critical accounting policies.  Estimates in each of these areas are based on historical experience and a variety of assumptions that the Company believes are appropriate. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Reserves for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable
The Company makes ongoing assumptions relating to the collectability of its accounts receivable.  The accounts receivable amount on the balance sheet includes a reserve for accounts that might not be paid.  In determining the amount of the reserve, the Company considers its historical level of credit losses.  The Company also makes judgments about the creditworthiness of significant customers based on ongoing credit evaluations, and it assesses current economic trends that might impact the level of credit losses in the future. The Company recorded reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable of $663,500 as of March 31, 2009, which is equal to 10.5% of the total accounts receivable.  While the Company believes that the current reserves are adequate to cover potential credit losses, it cannot predict future changes in the financial stability of its customers and the Company cannot guarantee that its reserves will continue to be adequate.  For each 1% that actual credit losses exceed the reserves established, there would be an increase in general and administrative expenses and a reduction in reported net income of approximately $63,000. Conversely, for each 1% that actual credit losses are less than the reserve, this would decrease the Company’s general and administrative expenses and increase the reported net income by approximately $63,000.

Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost.  Depreciation for financial reporting purposes is being provided by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.  The valuation and classification of these assets and the assignment of useful depreciable lives involves significant judgments and the use of estimates.  Fixed assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Historically, impairment losses have not been required.  Any change in the assumption of estimated useful lives could either result in a decrease or increase to the Company’s financial results.  A decrease in estimated useful life would reduce the Company’s net income and an increase in estimated useful life would increase the Company’s net income.  If the estimated useful lives of the PERS medical device were decreased by one year, the cost of goods related to services would increase and net income would decrease by approximately $160,000 per annum.  Conversely, if the estimated useful lives of the PERS medical device were increased by one year, the cost of goods related to services would decrease and net income would increase by approximately $135,000 per annum.

 
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Valuation of Goodwill
Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are no longer amortized, but are subject to annual impairment tests.  To date, the Company has not been required to recognize an impairment of goodwill. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently when events or circumstances occur indicating goodwill might be impaired. This process involves estimating fair value using discounted cash flow analyses. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate discounted future cash flows. Assumptions used for these estimated cash flows were based on a combination of historical results and current internal forecasts.  The Company cannot predict certain events that could adversely affect the reported value of goodwill, which totaled $10,128,718 and $9,996,152 at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  If the Company were to experience a significant adverse impact on goodwill, it would negatively impact the Company’s net income.

Accounting for Stock-Based Awards
On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“Statement No. 123(R)”), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payments to employees, including grants of stock and employee stock options, based on estimated fair values. Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123R, the Company recorded a pre-tax expense of approximately $86,000 and $89,000 for stock-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
The determination of fair value of share-based payment awards to employees and directors on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model is affected by the Company's stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors.

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.

Market Risk Disclosure

The Company does not hold market risk-sensitive instruments entered into for trading purposes, nor does it hold market risk sensitive instruments entered into for other than trading purposes. All sales, operating items and balance sheet data are denominated in U.S. dollars; therefore, the Company has no significant foreign currency exchange rate risk.

In the ordinary course of its business the Company enters into commitments to purchase raw materials and finished goods over a period of time, generally six months to one year, at contracted prices. At March 31, 2009 these future commitments were not at prices in excess of current market, or in quantities in excess of normal requirements. The Company does not utilize derivative contracts either to hedge existing risks or for speculative purposes.

 
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Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates primarily through our financing activities.  Interest on our outstanding balances on our term loan and revolving credit line under our credit facility accrues at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% and LIBOR plus 1.50%, respectively.  Our ability to carry out our business plan to finance future working capital requirements and acquisitions of TBCS businesses may be impacted if the cost of carrying debt fluctuates to the point where it becomes a burden on our resources.

Item 4T.  Controls and Procedures.
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and President and its Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and President and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed by it under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

The Company is aware of various threatened or pending litigation claims against the Company relating to its products and services and other claims arising in the ordinary course of its business.  The Company has given its insurance carrier notice of such claims and it believes there is sufficient insurance coverage to cover any such claims.   Currently, there are no litigation claims for which an estimate of loss, if any, can be reasonably made as they are in the preliminary stages and therefore, no liability or corresponding insurance receivable has been recorded.

 
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Item 6.  Exhibits.

No.
 
Description
     
15.1
 
Letter from Margolin, Winer & Evens LLP, the independent accountant of the Company, acknowledging awareness of the use in a registration statement of a report on the unaudited interim financial information in this quarterly report
31.1
 
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
 
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
 
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
 
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP.
     
Dated: May 14, 2009
By:
/s/ Jack Rhian
   
Name: Jack Rhian
   
Title: Chief Executive Officer and President
     
 
By:
/s/ Richard Rallo
   
Name: Richard Rallo
   
Title: Chief Financial Officer

 
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