10-Q 1 v202471_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 quarterly period ended September 30, 2010.
 
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 001-8635
 
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 ¨ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a 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 ¨
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company x

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: 9,568,179 shares of $.01 par value common stock as of November 12, 2010.

 
 

 

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 September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009
 
2
     
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
 
3
     
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
 
4
     
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
 
5
     
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
7
 
   
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
16
     
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
36
     
Controls and Procedures
 
37
     
Part II Other Information
 
37
 
 
 

 

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 September 30, 2010 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income for the nine-month and three-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and cash flows for the nine-months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. 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, 2009, 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 31, 2010 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, 2009 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

November 15, 2010

 
1

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
 
AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
September 30,
2010 (Unaudited)
   
Dec. 31, 2009
 
ASSETS
           
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash
  $ 3,698,075     $ 5,498,448  
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $598,000 and $582,500)
    6,544,740       6,277,247  
Inventory
    1,127,382       1,105,727  
Prepaid income taxes
    297,858       134,081  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    405,762       345,465  
Deferred income taxes
    248,000       419,000  
                 
Total Current Assets
    12,321,817       13,779,968  
                 
FIXED ASSETS
               
(net of accumulated depreciation and amortization)
    7,573,791       8,756,827  
                 
OTHER ASSETS
               
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $6,746,542 and $6,080,825)
    1,650,294       2,026,011  
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of $58,868)
    10,742,493       10,255,983  
Investment in limited liability company
    3,642,824       -  
Other assets (including inventory of $361,205 in 2010)
    1,301,219       1,009,835  
      17,336,830       13,291,829  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 37,232,438     $ 35,828,624  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 660,000     $ 1,301,667  
Accounts payable
    896,429       621,235  
Accrued expense – acquisitions
    103,600       35,048  
Accrued expenses
    1,915,370       1,698,320  
Dividends payable
    -       950,364  
Deferred revenue
    265,389       227,004  
Total Current Liabilities
    3,840,788       4,833,638  
                 
DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITY
    1,064,000       1,235,000  
LONG-TERM DEBT, Net of Current Portion
    2,330,001       1,195,000  
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS
    111,524       126,449  
ACCRUED RENTAL OBLIGATION
    561,492       522,154  
ACCRUED EXPENSE – ACQUISITIONS
    96,400       -  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    8,004,205       7,912,241  
                 
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 9,610,723 shares in 2010 and 9,568,087 shares in 2009
    96,107        95,681  
Additional paid-in capital
    16,541,573       16,296,615  
Retained earnings
    12,727,130       11,660,664  
      26,364,810       28,052,960  
Less treasury stock, at cost (48,573 shares in 2010 and 2009)
     (136,577 )      (136,577 )
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    29,228,233       27,916,383  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 37,232,438     $ 35,828,624  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 
2

 

AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
(Unaudited)
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues:
           
Services
  $ 29,070,455     $ 28,862,812  
Product sales
    562,325       723,638  
      29,632,780       29,586,450  
Costs and Expenses (Income):
               
Costs related to services
    13,342,562       13,519,360  
Costs of products sold
    260,253       335,692  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    12,134,682       12,238,349  
Interest expense
    45,258       61,632  
Equity in net loss from investment in limited liability company
    507,512       -  
Other income
    (77,468 )     (172,363 )
                 
Income before Provision for Income Taxes
    3,419,981       3,603,780  
                 
Provision for Income Taxes
    1,402,000       1,478,000  
                 
NET INCOME
  $ 2,017,981     $ 2,125,780  
                 
Net income per share:
               
Basic
  $ .21     $ .22  
Diluted
  $ .21     $ .22  
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    9,544,931       9,472,938  
                 
Diluted
    9,842,901       9,689,676  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 
3

 
 
AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues:
           
Services
  $ 9,805,692     $ 9,846,058  
Product sales
    203,696       292,097  
      10,009,388       10,138,155  
Costs and Expenses (Income):
               
Costs related to services
    4,464,062       4,533,987  
Costs of products sold
    92,423       136,558  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    4,369,598       4,245,159  
Interest expense
    18,991       17,330  
Equity in net loss from investment in limited liability company
    391,385       -  
Other income
    (17,777 )     (56,024 )
                 
Income before Provision for Income Taxes
    690,706       1,261,145  
                 
Provision for Income Taxes
    283,000       517,000  
                 
NET INCOME
  $ 407,706     $ 744,145  
                 
Net income per share:
               
Basic
  $ .04     $ .08  
Diluted
  $ .04     $ .08  
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
               
Basic
    9,559,005       9,495,036  
                 
Diluted
    9,858,343       9,756,468  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.


 
4

 

AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
           
             
Net income
  $ 2,017,981     $ 2,125,780  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    2,794,776       3,058,536  
Loss on write off of fixed assets
    -       (11,409 )
Stock compensation charge
    197,990       318,805  
Equity in net loss from investment in limited liability company
    507,512       -  
Decrease (increase) in:
               
Accounts receivable
    (252,729 )     (176,098 )
Inventory
    (277,384 )     (450,461 )
Prepaid income taxes
    (163,777 )     (25,823 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (104,251 )     81,646  
Increase (decrease) in:
               
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
    516,657       892,717  
Deferred revenue
    38,385       15,105  
                 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    5,275,160       5,828,798  
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
Expenditures for fixed assets
    (913,151 )     (897,072 )
Repayment of notes receivable
    -       21,117  
Deposit on equipment
    -       (142,369 )
Purchase of Alpha Message Center, Inc.
    (577,977 )     -  
Purchase – other
    -       (23,167 )
Payment of Investment in limited liability company
    (4,150,336 )     -  
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets
    -       11,800  
Decrease in other assets
    4,798       (56,644 )
                 
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
    (5,636,666 )     (1,086,335 )
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
               
Proceeds from long-term debt
    2,000,000       -  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (1,506,666 )     (1,518,282 )
Payment of accrued expense - acquisitions
    (73,346 )     (151,600 )
Proceeds upon exercise of stock options
    47,394       -  
Payment of loan financing costs
    (4,370 )     -  
Dividends paid
    (1,901,879 )     -  
                 
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities
    (1,438,867 )     (1,669,882 )

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 
5

 

AMERICAN MEDICAL ALERT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net Increase (decrease) in Cash
  $ (1,800,373 )   $ 3,072,581  
                 
Cash, Beginning of Period
    5,498,448       2,473,733  
                 
Cash, End of Period
  $ 3,698,075     $ 5,546,314  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
                 
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR INTEREST
  $ 42,699     $ 60,473  
                 
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR INCOME TAXES
  $ 1,551,769     $ 1,201,969  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING  AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
                 
Accrued Expense – acquisitions / additional goodwill
               
- American Mediconnect Inc.
  $ 38,298     $ 226,140  
- Alpha Message Center, Inc.
    200,000       -  
                 
Other assets, deposits on equipment transferred to fixed assets
  $ 21,875     $ 221,719  
                 
Other assets, deposits on product transferred to inventory
  $ 105,476     $ -  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 
6

 

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, 2009 included in American Medical Alert Corp.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
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 September 30, 2010 and the results of operations and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
The accounting policies used in preparing these financial statements are the same as those described in the December 31, 2009 financial statements except as noted below.
 
The Company owns a minority interest of approximately 10% in an unconsolidated limited liability company.  The Company’s investment in the unconsolidated limited liability company is recorded using the equity method of accounting, whereby the original investment is recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for contributions, distributions, and net income (loss) attributable to such limited liability company.  All income and loss are allocated to the limited liability company members in accordance with the terms of the limited liability company agreement.
 
Certain amounts in the 2009 condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation.
 
The results of operations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the full year.
 
3.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
 
During the third quarter of 2009, the Company adopted ASC Topic 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as the sole source of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The codification did not change GAAP but reorganizes the literature. References for FASB guidance throughout this document have been updated for the codification.

 
7

 

4.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation:
 
Stock based compensation is recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 718 (formerly SFAS No. 123 (R), Share-Based Payment), 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.
 
No options were granted during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 and the Company granted options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock during the nine month period ended September 30, 2009.
 
The following tables summarize stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
   
2010
             
               
Weighted
       
               
Average
   
 
 
         
Weighted
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
   
Number of
   
Average
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Options
   
Option Price
   
Term (years)
   
Value
 
Balance at January 1
    894,785     $ 4.29              
Granted
    -       -              
Exercised
    (11,513 )     4.12              
Expired/Forfeited
    (30,000 )     6.49              
                             
Balance at September 30
    853,272     $ 4.22       1.82     $ 1,669,401  
                                 
Vested and exercisable
    825,572     $ 4.16       1.74     $ 1,662,347  
 
 
8

 
 
 
 
   
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
    15,000       5.72              
Exercised
    -       -              
Expired/Forfeited
    (6,975 )     5.30              
                             
Balance at September 30
    885,260     $ 4.27       2.73     $ 1,553,992  
                                 
Vested and exercisable
    874,260     $ 4.25       2.70     $ 1,552,122  
 
The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $29,074. No options were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  There were 27,700 and 11,000 nonvested stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense related to all share-based payments recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

   
Three Months
   
Three Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Stock options
  $ 8,000     $ -  
Stock grants – other
    64,663       77,053  
Service based awards
    32,037       33,845  
Performance based awards
    (67,129 )     29,400  
Tax benefit
    (15,393 )     (57,526 )
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
  $ 22,178     $ 82,772  

   
Nine Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Stock options
  $ 8,000     $ 6,250  
Stock grants – other
    86,422       122,820  
Service based awards
    96,109       101,535  
Performance based awards
    7,459       88,200  
Tax benefit
    (81,165 )     (130,750 )
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
  $ 116,825     $ 188,055  

Stock Grants - Other

Effective January 1, 2010, the non-employee members of the Board of Directors have an option to elect at the beginning of each calendar year to receive either shares of common stock or cash as compensation for services provided, at the end of each quarter, as members of the Board of Directors and other committees. Prior to 2010, the non-employee members of the Board of Directors were 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.  Share grants issued vest immediately, but are subject to a one year restriction on transfer.  In addition, stock grants may be issued to employees at the Board of Directors’ discretion.

 
9

 

Service Based Awards

In January 2006, May 2007 and January 2009 the Company granted 50,000, 22,000 and 12,000 (net of 9,500 shares waived by an executive) 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 September 30, 2010 and 2009 there were 63,000 and 41,000 shares vested, respectively.  The aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock grants was $547,660. As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company had $34,154 and $200,326, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested restricted stock units expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of three months.

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 September 30, 2010 and 2009, 57,250 and 29,750 shares were vested, respectively.  As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, there was $37,294 and $177,000, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested share awards; that cost is expected to be recognized over a period of three months.
 
5.
Earnings Per Share:
 
Earnings per share data for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is presented in conformity with ASC Topic 250 (formerly SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share).

 
10

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

   
Income
   
Shares
   
Per-Share
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
(Numerator)
   
(Denominator)
   
Amounts
 
                   
Basic EPS - Income available to common stockholders
  $ 2,017,981       9,544,931     $ .21  
Effect of dilutive securities - Options and warrants
    -       297,970          
Diluted EPS - Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions
  $ 2,017,981       9,842,901     $ .21  
                         
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
                       
                         
Basic EPS -Income available to common stockholders
  $ 407,706       9,559,005     $ .04  
Effect of dilutive securities - Options and warrants
    -       299,338          
Diluted EPS - Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions
  $ 407,706       9,858,343     $ .04  
                         
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
                       
                         
Basic EPS - Income available to common stockholders
  $ 2,125,780       9,472,938     $ .22  
Effect of dilutive securities - Options
    -       216,738          
Diluted EPS - Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions
  $ 2,125,780       9,689,676     $ .22  
                         
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
                       
 
                       
Basic EPS -Income available to common stockholders
  $ 744,145       9,495,036     $ .08  
Effect of dilutive securities - Options
    -       261,432          
Diluted EPS - Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions
  $ 744,145       9,756,468     $ .08  
 
 
11

 

6.
Acquisition:

On September 29, 2010, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Alpha Message Center, Inc. (collectively “Alpha”), a New Jersey based company, provider of telephone after-hours answering and pager services. The purchase price of this acquisition consists of an initial cash payment of $577,977 and an accrual of $200,000 for estimated additional purchase price consideration to be paid over the next two years, based upon fourteen percent (14%) of the cash collected by the Company, excluding sales taxes, from certain revenue generated from Alpha.  The Company also incurred finder and professional fees of approximately $57,000, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.  The results of operations of Alpha are included in the Telephone Based Communications Services (“TBCS”) segment as of the date of acquisition.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.

Account Receivable
  $ 14,765  
Fixed assets
    25,000  
Non-compete agreement
    15,000  
Customer list
    275,000  
Goodwill
    448,212  
Cost to acquire Alpha
  $ 777,977  

The purchase price of the acquisition exceeded the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired inasmuch as the acquisition was consummated to enable the Company to strengthen its position in the area where it was already operating.  Furthermore, the acquisition was done for the business' future cash flows and net earnings as opposed to solely for the identifiable tangible and intangible assets.

On a pro forma basis, had Alpha acquisition taken place as of the beginning of the periods presented, our results of operations for those periods would not have been materially affected.
 
7.
Goodwill:

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, all of which relates to the Company’s TBCS segment, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
       
Balance as of January 1, 2010
  $ 10,255,983  
Additional Goodwill
    486,510  
         
Balance as of September 30, 2010
  $ 10,742,493  
         
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
 
         
Balance as of January 1, 2009
  $ 9,996,152  
Additional Goodwill
    226,140  
         
Balance as of September 30, 2009
  $ 10,222,292  

 
12

 

The addition to goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 consists of $448,212 which relates to the acquisition of Alpha Message Center, Inc.  in September 2010 and $38,298 which relates to the additional purchase price of American Mediconnect, Inc. based on the cash receipts from the clinical trials portion of the business.  The addition to goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 relates to the additional purchase price of American Mediconnect, Inc. based on the cash receipts from the clinical trials portion of the business.

8.
Investment in limited liability company:

On May 12, 2010, the Company entered into a limited liability company agreement with Hughes Telematics, Inc. and Qualcomm Incorporated to design, develop, finance and operate a mobile PERS system.  The Company invested $4,000,000 and incurred $150,336 in professional fees to acquire a minority interest in the new company, Lifecomm LLC (“Lifecomm”). As part of this transaction, the Company borrowed $2,000,000 from its bank to partially finance this transaction.  See Note 9 below.

 
The Company recorded a loss from investment in limited liability company of $507,512 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

In addition, pursuant to the limited liability company agreement, the Company has agreed to fund its share ($200,000) of a stand-by equity commitment for Lifecomm’s benefit, if required.

In connection with the formation of Lifecomm, the Company entered into a Value Added Reseller Agreement (“VAR Agreement”) with Lifecomm.  Under the VAR Agreement, the Company will be a reseller of the Mobile PERS Solution in the United States, as well as a preferred provider of the emergency assistance call center (“EACC”) component of the Mobile PERS Solution provided by Lifecomm to customers.  The Company will be the sole provider of the EACC to the customers to whom it resells the Mobile PERS Solution.  The term of the VAR Agreement is perpetual, subject to termination as set forth therein.  The VAR Agreement contains standard indemnification provisions for agreements of this nature.

9.
Long-term Debt:

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.  This term loan was paid in full during the second quarter of 2010 without any prepayment charge.  The revolving credit line was set to mature in May 2008.

 
13

 

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.  The term loan which was entered into in March 2006 was paid in full during the second quarter of 2010 without any prepayment charge.
 
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.  In June 2010, the term of the revolving credit line was extended through June 2013.
 
On May 12, 2010, the Company’s credit facility was amended whereby the Company obtained an additional $2,000,000 in the form of a term loan, the proceeds of which were utilized to partially finance an investment relating to the development of a mobile PERS system.  See Note 8 above.  This term loan is payable over five years in equal monthly principal installments of $33,333.33, commencing June 1, 2010.  The interest rate is consistent with the previous term loans secured by the Company.

As of September 30, 2010, June 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants in its loan agreement.  As of September 30, 2009, June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants in its loan agreement.

10.
Dividends:

On December 16, 2009, the Company declared a dividend in the amount of $0.10 per share, or $950,364, which was accrued as of December 31, 2009.  The dividend was payable to the shareholders of record as of December 28, 2009.  The dividend was paid on January 15, 2010.

On July 19, 2010, the Company declared a dividend in the amount of $0.10 per share, or $951,515, which was payable to the shareholders of record as of September 13, 2010.  The dividend was paid on September 29, 2010.
 
11.
Segment  Reporting:

The Company has two reportable segments, (i) Health and Safety Monitoring Systems (“HSMS”) and (ii) Telephone Based Communication Services (“TBCS”).

 
14

 
 
The table below provides a reconciliation of segment information to total consolidated information for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

   
2010
       
                   
   
HSMS
   
TBCS
   
Consolidated
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
                 
Revenue
  $ 15,412,503     $ 14,220,277     $ 29,632,780  
Income before provision for income taxes
    2,148,705       1,271,276       3,419,981  
Total assets
    17,823,172       19,409,266       37,232,438  

   
HSMS
   
TBCS
   
Consolidated
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
                 
Revenue
  $ 5,178,607     $ 4,830,781     $ 10,009,388  
Income before provision for income taxes
    242,563       448,143       690,706  

   
2009
       
                   
   
HSMS
   
TBCS
   
Consolidated
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
                 
Revenue
  $ 15,439,122     $ 14,147,328     $ 29,586,450  
Income before provision for income taxes
    2,433,580       1,170,200       3,603,780  
Total assets
    15,509,415       20,842,515       36,351,930  

   
HSMS
   
TBCS
   
Consolidated
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
                 
Revenue
  $ 5,303,770     $ 4,834,385     $ 10,138,155  
Income before provision for income taxes
    788,403       472,742       1,261,145  
 
 
15

 

12.
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.

Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
The following discussion and analysis provides information which management of American Medical Alert Corp. (referred to herein as “AMAC”, the “Company”, “we”, “our” or “us”) believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our results of operations and financial condition.  This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as well as the quarterly Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto which appear elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
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 our 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, our ability to keep up with technological changes, our expansion plans and product liability risks.  Such forward-looking statements generally are based upon our 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, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q 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.

 
16

 

Overview:

The Company’s primary business is the provision of healthcare communication services through (1) the development, marketing and monitoring of health and safety monitoring systems (HSMS) that include personal emergency response systems, medication management systems and objective and subjective data/ telehealth/ monitoring systems; and (2) telephony based communication services and solutions primarily for the healthcare community (“TBCS”).  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, pharmaceutical companies and other healthcare oriented organizations.  The Company also offers certain products and services directly to consumers.

About HSMS:

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)

The Company’s core business is the sales and marketing of our Personal Emergency Response System. The system consists of a console unit and a wireless activator generally worn as a pendant or on the wrist by the client. In the event of an emergency, the client is able to summon immediate assistance via the two-way voice system that connects their home telephone with the Company’s Response Center. The Company sells three PERS devices for use in either private homes or independent and assisted living facilities. The Company’s PERS is sold through its primary brand VoiceCare® and direct to consumer under Walgreens Ready Response™, Response Call™, and most recently ApriaAlert™.

MedSmart

The second component of AMAC’s remote patient monitoring (“RPM”) platform addresses another serious healthcare need-medication adherence. During 2009, the Company commercially released AMAC’s new monitored medication management tool, MedSmart™. MedSmart is a system that organizes, reminds and dispenses pills in accordance with prescribed treatment regimens. With MedSmart‘s event reporting and notification option, family caregivers and healthcare professionals can monitor a client’s adherence to their medication regimen. MedSmart’s docking base serves as the gateway for remote programming and event reporting. When connected to a household phone, MedSmart transmits device and dispensing history to a secure server supported with a web application for review by authorized individuals. Through AMAC’s personalized notification system, alerts can be sent to track adherence, address dosing errors and predict refill requirements. The Company plans to market MedSmart directly to consumers and through its national business to business network.

Telehealth systems

Rounding out AMAC’s RPM portfolio is AMAC’s telehealth delivery capability. As a distributor of the Health Buddy® System, many of the Company’s customers have successfully demonstrated the value proposition of incorporating telehealth technologies into a patient’s plan of care.  Later this year, AMAC plans to release a new low-cost telehealth solution that combines vital sign reporting and personalized questions about the patient’s health.  This AMAC operated telehealth platform is directed toward providers who require a low-cost solution, easy installation, reliable transmission of vital sign data in real-time and ease of use on the patient side. Moving forward, AMAC plans to integrate its telehealth monitoring and medication management reporting feature sets to deliver the most robust solution for our customers.

 
17

 

About TBCS

Telephony Based Communication Services (TBCS)
 
AMAC’s TBCS division offers call center solutions that enhance the patient/provider communication experience. As part of our business development strategy, management continues to employ advanced telephony technology and information systems to develop services. In addition to technology, a critical component for expansion is the Company’s professionally trained call agent staff.  The overall infrastructure has allowed AMAC to expand its services beyond traditional telephone answering services to provide more innovative, clinically oriented call center offerings.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the TBCS segment accounted for 48% of the Company’s gross revenues.  The Company’s TBCS division is comprised of three service offerings:

After Hours Answering Services

AMAC’s after hours services are classified as essential call center services. Basic services in this offering include traditional after hour answer and customized message delivery options, contact lists and on-call schedule management, all of which can be updated at the client’s convenience using the OnCall web portal.  Through this portal, clients can also access the account’s call history, specifications and messages. Enhanced a la carte services including daytime overflow and broadcast messaging services which have proven to enhance value and facilitate stronger patient provider relations.

Concierge Services/Non-traditional Daytime Solutions

AMAC’s Concierge Services focus on the delivery of non-traditional enhanced communications and help to streamline workflow within provider organizations. These solutions primarily serve hospitals and health plans. Services range from supporting insurance eligibility verification programs; to enhancing patient self care activities via post discharge follow-up programs, to specialized Emergency Department programs with strict reach guidelines to facilitate better treatment and care. Through more efficient and effective call processing, these solutions improve patient satisfaction, reduce cost, and increase revenue by maximizing the ratio of patients to available resources.

Pharmaceutical Support and Clinical Trial Recruitment Services

Our PhoneScreen clinical trial solutions service is an integral component of our overall growth strategy to drive revenue enhancement and expand our visibility. PhoneScreen is a leader in the field of patient recruitment, retention and contact center services.  Using centralized telephone screening of potential clinical trial study subjects, PhoneScreen provides valuable data to inform advertising and patient recruitment strategies.

 
18

 

In 2009, the TBCS division commenced new relationships with two premiere pharmaceutical companies. We anticipate our pharmaceutical support programs will be utilized to deliver enhanced patient-centric healthcare communication experiences on behalf of certain brands. Based upon new demand, we are recruiting for nurses, health educators and other healthcare professionals that will allow us to provide additional turn-key solutions for our clients.

The Company has completed eleven acquisitions to date to facilitate growth within the TBCS division. For the remainder of 2010, the Company will focus on growing this segment through internally driven sales and marketing efforts and will also continue to search for additional acquisition opportunities.
 
Operating Segments
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, HSMS accounted for 52% of the Company’s revenue and TBCS accounted for 48% of the Company’s revenue.  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 opportunities. The Company believes this strategy will enable it to maintain and increase its role as a national healthcare communications provider.  Based on the Company’s growth strategy and the complementary nature of if its operating divisions, management believes the Company’s outlook is very positive. Management also believes that while the details of the newly enacted healthcare legislation is awaiting regulation, the Company’s products and services should be in greater demand over the next several years.

19

 
Components of Statements of Income by Operating Segment
The following table shows the components of the Statement of Income for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
                                                 
In thousands (000’s)
 
2010
   
%
   
2009
   
%
   
2010
   
%
   
2009
   
%
 
Revenues
                                               
HSMS
    5,178       52 %     5,304       52 %     15,413       52 %     15,439       52 %
TBCS
    4,831       48 %     4,834       48 %     14,220       48 %     14,147       48 %
                                                                 
Total Revenues
    10,009       100 %     10,138       100 %     29,633       100 %     29,586       100 %
                                                                 
Cost of Services and Goods Sold
                                                               
HSMS
    1,969       38 %     2,152       41 %     6,037       39 %     6,438       42 %
TBCS
    2,587       54 %     2,519       52 %     7,566       53 %     7,417       53 %
                                                                 
Total Cost of Services and Goods Sold
    4,556       46 %     4,671       46 %     13,603       46 %     13,855       47 %
                                                                 
Gross Profit
                                                               
HSMS
    3,209       62 %     3,152       59 %     9,376       61 %     9,001       58 %
TBCS
    2,244       46 %     2,315       48 %     6,654       47 %     6,730       47 %
                                                                 
Total Gross Profit
    5,453       54 %     5,467       54 %     16,030       54 %     15,731       53 %
                                                                 
Selling, General & Administrative
    4,370       44 %     4,245       42 %     12,135       41 %     12,238       41 %
Interest Expense
    19       - %     17       - %     45       - %     62       - %
Equity in net loss from investment in limited liability company
    391       4 %     -       -       507       2 %     -       -  
Other Income
    (18 )     - %     (56 )     (1 )%     (77 )     - %     (173 )     (1 )%
                                                                 
Income before Income Taxes
    691       7 %     1,261       12 %     3,420       12 %     3,604       12 %
                                                                 
Provision for Income Taxes
    283               517               1,402               1,478          
                                                                 
Net Income
    408               744               2,018               2,126          

Results of Operations:

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

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

Revenues:

    HSMS

Revenues, which consist primarily of monthly rental revenues, decreased approximately $126,000, or 2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009.  The decrease is primarily attributed to the following factors:

 
§
The Company realized a decrease in product sales of approximately $88,000 as compared to the same period in 2009.  Due to the general decline in the economy, the Company recorded fewer sales of its senior living products of approximately $33,000 and decreased sales of its pill dispensers of approximately $55,000 as compared to the same quarter in prior year.  The Company commenced a direct to consumer advertising campaign for its MedSmart device and it is anticipated that increased revenue will be generated from the sale of this product moving forward.

 
20

 

 
§
The Company realized a decrease in service revenue of approximately $59,000 from a managed care organization as a result of state funding being cancelled under their program.  Nevertheless, the Company has been able to maintain many of the existing subscribers who were associated with this organization at reduced rates.  This decrease was partially offset by the continued increase in service revenue generated from its agreement with Walgreen to provide the Company’s PERS product under the Walgreen brand name directly to the consumers.  The revenue increase from this program was approximately $37,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009.  As the Company believes that greater revenue growth can be facilitated from private label marketing channels, the Company continues to pursue opportunities in the private label program similar to Walgreen and is launching an advertising campaign under the Walgreen brand name.

    TBCS

The decrease in revenues of approximately $3,000, or less than 1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 was primarily due to:

 
§
The Company realized a decrease in revenue from its traditional after-hours service of approximately $367,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in prior year due to customer attrition resulting primarily from general  economic conditions and certain service issues.  The Company has been performing certain restructuring and reorganizational procedures and strategies to reduce and stabilize customer attrition

 
§
This decrease was partially offset by an increase in revenue within its non-traditional day-time service offering of approximately $345,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in prior year primarily due to certain hospital organizations expanding their services.  Based on a recently executed agreement with a new hospital organization and through further service expansion from existing hospital solution customers, the Company anticipates it will continue to realize growth in this area in the remainder of 2010 and into 2011.

While the Company realized minimal growth within its pharmaceutical support offerings for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, the Company has executed certain agreements with pharmaceutical companies whereby projects will commence in the fourth quarter of 2010 and into 2011; and as a result, revenue is anticipated to increase in this area.

 
21

 

Costs Related to Services and Goods Sold:

  HSMS

Costs related to services and goods sold decreased by approximately $183,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, a decrease of 9%, primarily due to the following:

 
·
Product costs decreased by approximately $44,000 as compared to the same quarter in prior year primarily due to a corresponding reduction in sales of its senior living products.

 
§
The Company’s depreciation expense decreased by approximately $39,000 primarily as a result of the Company purchasing its PERS equipment at reduced prices through an alternative supplier as well as purchasing less PERS equipment in the current and prior years.

 
·
The Company realized a decrease of approximately $41,000 in payroll expense associated with field technicians and emergency response center personnel.  This was a result of the Company incurring a reduced number of installations and fewer services required by field technicians.  In addition, as part of the Company’s continuing effort to evaluate its operational efficiencies and structuring of its emergency response centers, the Company has been able to reallocate and reduce the number of personnel required to operate its call centers. The Company will continue to evaluate personnel levels and based on the operational needs will adjust its resources accordingly.
 
  TBCS

Costs related to services and goods sold increased by approximately $68,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, an increase of 3%, primarily due to the following:

 
§
The Company recognized an increase in payroll and related expenses of approximately $30,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in prior year.  This was primarily a result of an increase in payroll expense associated with non-traditional day time service due to a corresponding increase in call volume and revenue in this area. As the Company continues to grow revenues in this area, the personnel requirements will continue to be closely monitored to perform these services effectively.  The Company also incurred increased payroll with respect to account programming which was partially offset by a decrease in the payroll associated with the traditional day time service.
 
 
§
The Company incurred costs of approximately $76,000 in developing reports with certain requirements relating to a specific project for a new customer within the pharmaceutical support service area. The project commenced in third quarter of 2010.
 
 
22

 

These increases were partially offset by a decrease in communication expense of approximately $15,000 which was primarily due to the Company performing a detailed analysis with respect to its pager services resulting in reduced costs for pager expense which was partially offset by an increase in telephone expense primarily due to the increase in non-traditional business.  In addition, TBCS recorded a decrease in rent expense of approximately $17,000 during the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the same period in the prior year as a result of the TBCS division allocating a portion of its rent expense to the HSMS division.   In the last quarter of 2009, the Company relocated the HSMS Customer Service and Emergency Response Center (“ERC”) employees to floor space within the TBCS rented space.  The space previously occupied by the HSMS employees was sublet to an independent third party.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately $125,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, an increase of 3%.  The increase was primarily attributable to the following:

 
§
The Company realized an increase in sales and marketing salaries of approximately $202,000 during the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to the Company’s expansion of its sales and marketing team during 2010 in an effort to facilitate sales growth.

 
§
The Company recorded an increase of advertising expense of approximately $295,000 during the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009.  This was primarily as a result of the Company commencing an advertising campaign for its MedSmart product during third quarter of 2010.  The Company anticipates that this advertising campaign will continue for the remainder of 2010 and into 2011.

These increases were partially offset by the following:

 
§
As part of certain executive’s employment agreements, there are provisions which call for different levels of cash and stock performance incentives to be paid based on corresponding levels of Earnings before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) thresholds being met.  In connection with the Company’s investment in a limited liability company, it is required to record its share of income or losses from this investment. As a result of the losses recorded to date and the current trend of the losses to be recorded for the remainder of the year, the company adjusted its EBIT estimates downward resulting in a decrease in stock incentive expense of approximately $98,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in the prior year.

 
§
The Company realized a decrease in consulting expense of approximately $34,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009.  During 2009, the Company engaged outside consultants for sales promotion and public relations, which were not utilized to the same extent during 2010.

 
23

 

 
§
The Company recognized a decrease in commission expense of approximately $41,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to less commission related referrals related to the PERS product in 2010 as compared to prior year.

 
§
The Company recorded a decrease in amortization expense of approximately $39,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to certain intangible assets associated with previous telephone answering service acquisitions and a license agreement being fully amortized.

 
§
The Company realized a decrease in bad debt expense of approximately $40,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to the Company tightening its policies with respect to collections as well as recovery of certain amounts previously written off.

 
§
The Company realized a decrease in administrative salaries of approximately $45,000 as there was a reduction of personnel at the senior level of the Company’s administration department at the end of 2009.
 
Interest Expense:

Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $19,000 and $17,000, respectively.  The increase of $2,000 was as a result of the Company obtaining an additional loan in May 2010 for the partial funding of the investment in limited liability company offset by the pay down of its existing term loans.

Equity in Net Loss from Investment in Limited Liability Company:

Equity in net loss from investment in limited liability company for the three months ended September 30, 2010 of approximately $391,000 was related to the Company’s May 2010 investment in Lifecomm.  This loss represents the Company’s equity share of research and development cost as well as other selling, general and administrative expenses incurred for the development of the next generation mobile PERS.  The Company anticipates that its share of equity loss over the next several quarters will increase and continue over the next twelve to fifteen months, at which time it is anticipated that the next generation mobile PERS will be completed and commercialized.

Other Income:

Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $18,000 and $56,000, respectively, which primarily consists of miscellaneous income.

 
24

 

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes:

The Company’s income before provision for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was approximately $691,000 as compared to $1,261,000 for the same period in 2009. The decrease of $570,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 primarily resulted from the equity in net loss from investment in limited liability company and an increase in selling, general and administrative costs.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

Revenues:

    HSMS

Revenues, which consist primarily of monthly rental revenues, decreased approximately $26,000, or less than 1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009.  The decrease was primarily attributed to the following factors:

 
§
The Company sold less of its senior living products by approximately $154,000 as compared to the same period in the prior year which was primarily due to the general decline in the economy.  This decrease was partially offset by an increase in sales of its MedSmart medication medical system which the Company commercialized in 2009.  The Company commenced a direct to consumer advertising campaign for its MedSmart device and it is anticipated that increased revenue will be generated from the sale of this product moving forward.

 
§
The Company experienced revenue growth in its PERS business-to-business service of approximately $346,000 primarily from its existing third party reimbursement and long-term care programs as well as execution of new agreements.  This increase in service revenue was primarily partially offset by a decrease of approximately $326,000 in service revenue from a managed care organization as a result of state funding being cancelled under their program.  The Company has been able to maintain many of the existing subscribers who were associated with this organization at reduced rates.

 
§
The Company continued to realize increased revenue from its agreement with Walgreen to provide the Company’s PERS product under the Walgreen brand name directly to the consumers.  The revenue increase from this program accounted for approximately $151,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009.  As the Company believes that greater revenue growth can be facilitated from private label marketing channels, the Company continues to pursue other opportunities in the private label program such as Walgreen as well as launching an advertising campaign under the Walgreen brand name.

    TBCS

The increase in revenues of approximately $73,000, or 1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 was primarily due to:

 
25

 
 
 
§
The Company realized an increase in revenue within its non-traditional day-time service offering of approximately $1,099,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to certain hospital organizations expanding their services with us.  Based on a recently executed agreement with a new hospital organization and through further service expansion from existing hospital solution customers, the Company anticipates it will continue to realize growth in this area in the remainder of 2010 and into 2011.

 
§
This increase in revenue was partially offset by a decrease in revenue from its traditional after-hours service of approximately $921,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in the prior year due to customer attrition which was primarily the result of the general economic conditions and certain service issues.  The Company has been performing certain restructuring and reorganizational procedures and strategies to reduce and stabilize the attrition.  In addition, the Company was awarded a one-time project from a state program in the prior year whereby the Company generated approximately $119,000 in revenue which the Company did not perform in the current year.

While the Company realized minimal growth within its pharmaceutical offerings for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, the Company has executed certain agreements with pharmaceutical companies whereby projects will commence in the fourth quarter of 2010 and into 2011; and as a result, revenue is anticipated to increase in this area.

Costs Related to Services and Goods Sold:

  HSMS

Costs related to services and goods sold decreased by approximately $401,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, a decrease of 6%, primarily due to the following:

 
§
Product costs decreased by approximately $75,000 primarily due to a reduction in sales of its enhanced senior living products, partially offset by an increase in cost of products sold related to MedSmart medication management system which was commercialized in 2009.

 
§
The Company recorded a decrease in depreciation expense by approximately $123,000 primarily as a result of the Company purchasing its PERS equipment at reduced prices through an alternative supplier as well as purchasing less PERS equipment in the current and prior years.

 
·
The Company realized a decrease of approximately $86,000 in payroll associated with field technicians.  This was a result of the Company incurring reduced number of installations and less services required by field technicians.

 
26

 
 
 
·
As part of the Company’s continuing effort to evaluate its operational efficiencies and structuring of its emergency response centers, the Company has been able to reallocate and reduce the number of personnel required to operate its call centers.  As a result of realizing these efficiencies, the Company has reduced its payroll expense in this area by approximately $64,000 in 2010.  The Company will continue to evaluate personnel levels and based on the operational needs will adjust its resources accordingly.

 
·
In addition, the HSMS division recorded a decrease in rent expense of approximately $40,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in the prior year as a result of the HSMS division relocating the HSMS Customer Service and Emergency Response Center (“ERC”) employees to floor space within the TBCS rented space The space previously occupied by the HSMS employees was sublet to an independent third party.
 
These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the payroll costs associated with the Company’s IT personnel in the amount of approximately $88,000.  As the Company looks to update its current systems and to develop new systems, both internally and for clients, the Company has hired additional personnel and reallocated personnel to this division to help facilitate this process.  The Company believes this effort will benefit the Company.

  TBCS:

Costs related to services increased by approximately $149,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, an increase of 2%, primarily due to the following:

 
§
The Company recognized an increase in payroll and related expenses of approximately $216,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in prior year.  This was primarily a result of an increase in payroll associated with non-traditional day time service due to a corresponding increase in call volume and revenue in this area.  As the Company continues to grow in this area, the personnel requirements will continue to be closely monitored to perform these services effectively.  The Company also incurred increased payroll with respect to account programming which was partially offset by a decrease in the payroll associated with the traditional after-hours service.
 
 
§
The Company incurred costs of approximately $76,000 in developing reports with certain requirements relating to a specific project for a new customer within the pharmaceutical support service area. The project commenced in the third quarter 2010.
 
 
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These increases were partially offset by a decrease in communication expense of approximately $51,000 which primarily due to the Company performing a detailed analysis with respect to its pager services resulting in reduced costs for pager expense which was partially offset by an increase in telephone expense primarily due to the increase in non-traditional business.  In addition, the TBCS division recorded a decrease in rent expense of approximately $67,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in the prior year as a result of the TBCS division allocating a portion of its rent expense to the HSMS division.   In the last quarter of 2009, the Company relocated the HSMS Customer Service and Emergency Response Center (“ERC”) employees to floor space within the TBCS rented space.  The space previously occupied by the HSMS employees was sublet to an independent third party.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $103,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, a decrease of 1%.  The decrease is primarily attributable to the following:

 
§
The Company realized a decrease in consulting expense of approximately $251,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009.  During 2009, the Company engaged outside consultants for sales promotion and public relations, which were not utilized to the same extent during 2010.

 
§
The Company recognized a decrease in commission expense of approximately $124,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to less commission related referrals related to our PERS product in 2010 as compared to prior year.

 
§
The Company recorded a decrease in amortization expense of approximately $158,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to certain intangible assets associated with previous telephone answering service acquisitions and a license agreement being fully amortized.

 
§
The Company recorded a decrease in research and development expense of approximately $132,000 primarily as a result of the Company incurring charges relating to the research and development with respect to its MedSmart medication management system during 2009. No such costs were recorded in 2010 as such research and development work had been completed in 2009 and MedSmart has been commercialized.

 
§
As part of certain executive’s employment agreements, there are provisions which call for cash and stock performance incentives to be paid based on corresponding levels of Earnings before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) thresholds being met.  In connection with the Company’s investment in limited liability company, it is required to record its share of income or losses from this investment. As a result of the losses recorded to date and the current trend of the losses to be recorded for the remainder of the year, the Company adjusted its EBIT estimates downward resulting in a decrease in stock incentive expense of approximately $86,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in the prior year.

 
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§
The Company realized a decrease in administrative salaries of approximately $135,000 as there was a reduction of personnel at the senior level of the Company’s administration department at the end of 2009.

The decreases were partially offset by the following items:

 
·
An increase in sales and marketing salaries of approximately $472,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to the Company expanding its sales and marketing team during 2010 in an effort to facilitate sales growth.

 
·
An increase in advertising expense of approximately $327,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to the Company commencing an advertising campaign for its MedSmart products during third quarter of 2010.  The Company anticipates that this advertising campaign will continue for the remainder of 2010 and into 2011.

Interest Expense:

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $45,000 and $62,000, respectively.  The decrease of $17,000 was as a result of the Company’s loan balance being less in the early part of current year as compared to the same period in prior year primarily due to the Company paying down its term loan.  The Company obtained an additional loan in May 2010 for the partial funding of the investment in a limited liability company and as a result interest expense is expected to increase.

Equity in Net Loss from Investment in Limited Liability Company:

Equity in net loss from investment in limited liability company for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 of approximately $507,000 was related to the Company’s May 2010 investment in Lifecomm LLC.  This loss represents the Company’s equity share of research and development cost as well as other selling, general and administrative expenses incurred for the development of the next generation mobile PERS for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The Company anticipates its share of equity loss over the next several quarters will increase and continue over the next twelve to fifteen months, at which time it is anticipated that the next generation mobile PERS will be completed and commercialized.

Other Income:

Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $77,000 and $173,000, respectively. The decrease in other income was primarily the result of the Company receiving approximately $73,000 with respect to a training incentive from the State of New Mexico for hiring and training employees within the State and an economic development incentive through the City of Clovis during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These incentives were not provided for in the period in 2010.

 
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Income Before Provision for Income Taxes:

The Company’s income before provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was approximately $3,420,000 as compared to $3,604,000 for the same period in 2009. The decrease of $184,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 primarily resulted from an increase in equity in net loss from investment in limited liability company and a decrease in other income which were partially offset by an increase in the Company's revenue as well as a decrease in the Company’s costs related to services and product sales; and selling, general and administrative costs.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
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.  This term loan was paid in full during the second quarter of 2010 without any prepayment charge.
 
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.  The term loan which was entered into in March 2006 was paid in full during the second quarter of 2010 without any prepayment charge.
 
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.  In June 2010, the term of the revolving credit line was extended through June 2013.

On May 12, 2010, the Company’s credit facility was amended whereby the Company obtained an additional $2,000,000 in the form of a term loan, the proceeds of which were utilized to partially finance the Company’s investment in Lifecomm, as described in more detail in Note 8 of the Company’s financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10Q.  This term loan is payable over five years in equal monthly principal installments of $33,333.33, commencing June 1, 2010.  The interest rate is consistent with the previous term loans secured by the Company.

 
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As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants in its loan agreement.

The following table is a summary of contractual obligations as of September 30, 2010:
 
   
Payments Due by Period
 
Contractual  Obligations
 
Total
   
Less than 1
year
   
1-3 years
   
4-5 years
   
After 5 years
 
Revolving Credit Line
  $ 750,000           $ 750,000              
Debt  (a)
  $ 2,240,001     $ 660,000     $ 1,280,000     $ 300,001        
Operating Leases (b)
  $ 7,648,747     $ 1,228,020     $ 3,254,886     $ 1,807,750     $ 1,358,091  
Purchase Commitments (c)
  $ 745,479     $ 745,479                          
Interest Expense (d)
  $ 194,651     $ 65,787     $ 124,961     $ 3,903          
Total Contractual Obligations
  $ 11,578,878     $ 2,699,286     $ 5,409,847     $ 2,111,654     $ 1,358,091  
 
(a)
– Debt includes the Company’s aggregate outstanding term loans which mature in 2013 and 2014.
 
(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 December 2012.  The Company also leases office space from certain telephone answering service managers.  The leases with these managers expire in December 2012 and March 2015, 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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The primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operating activities.  Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to approximately $5.8 million for the same period in 2009.  During 2010, the cash provided by operating activities was primarily from net earnings of approximately $2.0 million, depreciation and amortization of approximately $2.8 million and equity in net loss from investment in limited liability company of approximately $0.5 million.  The components of depreciation and amortization primarily relate to the purchases of the Company’s traditional PERS equipment and the customer lists associated with the acquisition of telephone answering service businesses.  The net loss from investment in limited liability company represents the Company’s equity share of research and development cost as well as other selling, general and administrative expenses incurred for the development of the next generation mobile PERS.  During 2009, the cash provided by operating activities was primarily from net earnings of approximately $2.1 million as well as depreciation and amortization of approximately $3.1 million, and increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $0.9 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.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to approximately $1.1 million for the same period in 2009.  The primary component of net cash used in investing activities in 2010 was the $4.1 million investment in a limited liability company for the development of the next generation mobile PERS system; capital expenditures of approximately $0.9 million, net of deposits on equipment being transferred to fixed assets; and $0.6 million for the acquisition of Alpha, a telephone answering company.  The primary component of net cash used in investing activities in 2009 was capital expenditures of approximately $0.9 million, net of deposits on equipment being transferred to fixed assets.  Capital expenditures for both 2010 and 2009 primarily related to the continued production and purchase of the traditional PERS systems.
 
Cash flows used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were approximately $1.4 million compared to $1.7 million for the same period in 2009.  The components of cash flow used in financing activities in 2010 were the payment of long-term debt of approximately $1.5 million and the payment of two special dividends, which were declared on December 16, 2009 and July 19, 2010, aggregating approximately $1.9 million.  The cash flow used in financing was partially offset by the proceeds from long-term debt of $2.0 million which was obtained for the purpose of partially funding the investment in a limited liability company.  The primary component of cash flow used in financing activities in 2009 was the payment of long-term debt of approximately $1.5 million.
 
During the next twelve months, the Company anticipates it will make capital expenditures of approximately $1.25 – $1.75 million for the production and purchase of traditional PERS systems, telehealth systems, as well as enhancements to its computer operating systems.  This amount is subject to fluctuations based on customer demand.  The Company plans to incur approximately $1.25 - $1.75 million of advertising expense for promotional campaigns related to its PERS and MedSmart medication management systems.  The Company also anticipates incurring approximately $0.1 - $0.2 million of costs primarily relating to research and development of its telehealth products.

 
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As of September 30, 2010, the Company had approximately $3.7 million in cash and the Company’s working capital was approximately $8.5 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 flow needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. The Company also has a revolving credit line, which expires in June 2013 that permits borrowings up to $2.5 million, of which $750,000 was outstanding at September 30, 2010.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements:
 
As of September 30, 2010, the Company has not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources  that is material to investors.
 
Other Factors:
 
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.  

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.

In September 2009, the Company sublet a portion of its space under its operating lease which was entered into in 2005.  The space is being sublet to an independent third party and calls for minimum annual rentals of $125,000 and is subject to annual increases in accordance with the terms of the agreement.  The sublease expires in March 2018.

On May 12, 2010, the Company entered into a limited liability company agreement with Hughes Telematics, Inc. and Qualcomm Incorporated to design, develop, finance and operate a mobile PERS system.  The Company invested $4,000,000 to acquire a minority interest in the new company, Lifecomm LLC. As part of this transaction, the Company borrowed $2,000,000 from its bank to partially finance this transaction.

 
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The Company recorded a loss from investment in limited liability company of $507,512 as of September 30, 2010.  This represents the Company’s share, based on the equity method, of loss relating to this investment.  The loss primarily relates to research and development as well as other selling, general and administrative fees incurred for the development of the next generation mobile PERS.  As the development continues to progress, the Company expects it will continue to incur losses at greater levels over the next twelve to eighteen months, at which time it is anticipated the next generation mobile PERS will be completed and commercialized.

In addition, pursuant to the limited liability company agreement, the Company has agreed to fund its share ($200,000) of a stand-by equity commitment for Lifecomm’s benefit, if required.

In connection with the formation of Lifecomm, the Company entered into a Value Added Reseller Agreement (“VAR Agreement”) with Lifecomm.  Under the VAR Agreement, the Company will be a reseller of the Mobile PERS Solution in the United States, as well as a preferred provider of the emergency assistance call center (“EACC”) component of the Mobile PERS Solution provided by Lifecomm to customers.  The Company will be the sole provider of the EACC to the customers to whom it resells the Mobile PERS Solution.  The term of the VAR Agreement is perpetual, subject to termination as set forth therein.  The VAR Agreement contains standard indemnification provisions for agreements of this nature.

On September 29, 2010, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Alpha Message Center, Inc., a New Jersey based company, provider of telephone after-hour answering and pager services. The purchase price of this acquisition consists of an initial cash payment of $577,977 and an accrual of $200,000 for estimated additional purchase price consideration to be paid over the next two years, based upon fourteen percent (14%) of the cash collected by the Company, excluding sales taxes, from certain revenue generated from Alpha.  The Company also incurred finder and professional fees of approximately $57,000, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
 
During the third quarter of 2009, the Company adopted ASC Topic 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as the sole source of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The codification did not change GAAP but reorganizes the literature. References for FASB guidance throughout this document have been updated for the codification.

 
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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 $598,000 as of September 30, 2010, which is equal to 8.4% of 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 $71,000. 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 $71,000.

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 $163,000 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 $157,000 per annum.

 
35

 

Valuation of Goodwill
Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets 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 $10,742,493 and $10,255,983 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, 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
Stock based compensation is recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 718 (formerly FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment), 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.  The Company recorded a pre-tax stock-based compensation expense which is included in selling, general and administrative expense in its consolidated financial statements of approximately $198,000 and $319,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, 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 Disclosures 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 September 30, 2010 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 the outstanding balances on our term loans and revolving credit line under our credit facility accrues at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% and LIBOR plus 1.50%, respectively.  As of September 30, 2010, we had outstanding debt with an aggregate face amount of approximately $2,990,000, all of which is variable rate borrowings.  As of September 30, 2010, the hypothetical impact of a one percentage point increase in interest rates related to our outstanding variable rate debt would be to increase annual interest expense for the remainder of fiscal year 2010 by approximately $7,000. Our ability to carry out our business plan to finance future working capital requirements may be impacted if the cost of carrying debt fluctuates to the point where it becomes a burden on our resources.

Item 4.  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 September 30, 2010 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 1A.  Risk Factors.
 
Except as described below, management believes that there have been no material changes in the Company’s risk factors as reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which was filed on March 31, 2010 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, which was filed with the Commission on May 17, 2010.

If we fail to successfully manage our new product initiatives, or if we fail to anticipate the issues associated with such initiatives, our business may suffer.

The success of our new product initiatives, including MedSmart and TeleSmart, depends on a number of factors, including our ability to anticipate and manage a variety of issues associated with these new products, such as:

·  
difficulties faced in manufacturing ramp;
·  
customer interest and acceptance;
·  
effective management of inventory levels in line with anticipated product demand; and
·  
quality problems or other defects in the early stages of new product initiatives that were not anticipated in the design of those products.

Our business may suffer if we fail to successfully anticipate and manage these issues associated with our new product initiatives.

In addition, we are investing considerable financial and other resources to introduce new products and product enhancements, in particular, marketing and advertising related expenses with respect to MedSmart that our customers may not ultimately adopt.  If our customers do not adopt these new products or product enhancements due to a preference for alternative products or for other reasons, we would not recoup any return on our investments in these products, which may result in charges to our consolidated income statements and have a materially adverse effect on the future growth of our business.

If we lose key government customers, or if our key government customers require us to reduce our prices before we are able to reduce costs, as a result of budgetary constraints or other reasons, our operating results would likely be negatively impacted.

Sales to our government customers collectively accounted for approximately 12% of our gross revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, and 11% of our gross revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Some of these customers have been experiencing budget cuts and implementing cost cutting measures, which may cause them to demand price reductions or, alternatively, result in non-renewals of existing contracts upon expiration if price reductions are not implemented.  If we lose key government customers, or if our key government customers require us to reduce our prices before we are able to reduce costs, as a result of the foregoing or other reasons, our operating results would likely be negatively impacted.
 
Item 6.  Exhibits .

No.
 
Description
     
10.1
 
Waiver, dated as of September 29, 2010 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2002, as thereafter amended from time to time, by and between American Medical Alert Corp. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as successor-in-interest to The Bank of New York.
     
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: November 15, 2010
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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