10-Q/A 1 d10qa.htm FORM 10-Q AMENDMENT Form 10-Q Amendment
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q/A

 


 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006

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 0-22056

 


Rural/Metro Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 


 

Delaware   86-0746929

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

9221 East Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (480) 994-3886

 


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 registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  x    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x There were 24,579,087 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding on November 9, 2006.

 



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EXPLANATORY NOTE

On February 14, 2007, Rural/Metro Corporation (“Company”) filed its Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in which it announced that it was restating previously reported financial statements to correct certain accounting practice errors relating to its inventory. As more fully described in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has determined that certain durable medical supply items should not be classified as inventory.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2006, and as more fully described in Note 1 of the financial statements, the Company changed its accounting policy relating to the classification of estimated uncollectible amounts related to self-pay patients. This change in accounting policy was applied retrospectively in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“SFAS”) Statement 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections” (“SFAS 154”). The Company now reflects revenue net of estimated uncompensated care, and this Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-Q/A (this “Amendment”) reflects such change. Previously, the Company recorded revenue at full established rates and recorded a provision for estimated amounts not expected to be realized as an operating expense. This Amendment amends the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter end March 31, 2006, as filed on May 10, 2006 (“Original Filing”). The change in accounting policy retrospectively applied to the financial statements did not change the previously reported operating income, net income, earnings per share, and operating cash flows. See Notes 1 and 2 to the financial statements for the amended results relating to the change in accounting policy relating to the classification of estimated uncollectible amounts related to self-pay patients and the restated results relating from the correction of certain accounting practice errors relating to inventory.

Except as required to reflect the effects of the items described above, no additional modifications or updates in this Amendment have been made to the Original Filing on Form 10-Q. Information not relating to the restatement remains unchanged and reflects the disclosures made at the time of the Original Filing. This amendment does not describe other events occurring after the original filing, including exhibits, or modify or update those disclosure affected by subsequent events, other than the events surrounding the Company’s notes and its 2005 Credit Facility, which are discussed below. This Amendment should be read in conjunction with the Company’s filings made with the SEC subsequent to the filing of the Original Filing, as information in such reports and documents may update or supersede certain information contained in this Amendment. Accordingly, this Amendment only amends and restates Items 1, 2 and 4 of Part I of the Original Filing, in each case, solely as a result of, and to reflect, the restatement, and no other information in the Original Filing is amended hereby. Additionally, pursuant to the rules of the SEC, Item 6 of Part II of the Original Filing has been amended to contain currently dated certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. As required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are attached to this Amendment as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2, 32.1 and 32.2.

Due to the restatement of the financial statements, the Company did not timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, as disclosed on Form 12b-25 filed on February 12, 2007. As a result, the Company received a notice of default on February 22, 2007 from the trustee of its 9.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015, and its 12.75% Senior Discount Notes due 2016. Any default under the Indentures that govern the notes also constitutes an “event of default” under the Company’s 2005 Credit Facility and could lead to an acceleration of the unpaid principal and accrued interest under the 2005 Credit Facility, unless a waiver is obtained. On March 13, 2007, the Company obtained a waiver of any defaults, including the event of default described above, under its 2005 Credit Facility. In addition, any default under the notes relating to the untimely filing of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, will be cured within the 60-day cure period (expires April 23, 2007) upon the filing of such report with the SEC, which the Company anticipates will occur on or about the same day that this Amendment is filed. Any or all forward-looking statements relating to the default made in this Form 10-Q/A (and in any other public filings or statements we might make) may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. By their nature, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict or quantify. Accordingly, except to the extent required by applicable law, we undertake no duty to update the forward-looking statements made in this Report on Form 10-Q/A.

The Company has re-evaluated its disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2006, and concluded that because of the inventory restatement the Company had a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting. See Item 4 of Part II for further discussion and remediation measures that the Company is taking.

In addition to this Amendment, the Company is amending its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended June 30, 2006 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, each of which will contain restated financial information. The Company will also file the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006.

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT

ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED

SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

 

             Page
Part I.   Financial Information   
 

Item 1.

  Financial Statements (unaudited):   
   

Consolidated Balance Sheet

   4
   

Consolidated Statement of Operations

   5
   

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit

   6
   

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

   7
   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   8
 

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    28
 

Item 3.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks    47
 

Item 4.

  Controls and Procedures    47
Part II.   Other Information   
 

Item 1.

  Legal Proceedings    49
 

Item 1A.

  Risk Factors    49
 

Item 6.

  Exhibits    55
  Signatures    56

 

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Part I. Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)

 

    

September 30,

2006

(As restated)

   

June 30,

2006

(As restated)

 
    
    

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 7,354     $ 3,041  

Short-term investments

     2,500       6,201  

Accounts receivable, net

     86,662       83,367  

Inventories

     9,258       8,828  

Deferred tax assets

     9,613       9,574  

Prepaid expenses and other

     6,940       3,698  
                

Total current assets

     122,327       114,709  

Property and equipment, net

     47,636       45,970  

Goodwill

     38,362       38,362  

Deferred tax assets

     69,383       71,051  

Insurance deposits

     2,264       2,842  

Other assets

     21,807       23,454  
                

Total assets

   $ 301,779     $ 296,388  
                

LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTEREST AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 11,460     $ 13,957  

Accrued liabilities

     41,465       38,590  

Deferred revenue

     22,183       21,342  

Current portion of long-term debt

     38       37  
                

Total current liabilities

     75,146       73,926  

Long-term debt, net of current portion

     293,171       291,337  

Other liabilities

     24,942       25,332  
                

Total liabilities

     393,259       390,595  
                

Minority interest

     2,838       2,065  
                

Stockholders’ deficit:

    

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, zero shares issued and outstanding at both September 30, 2006 and June 30, 2006

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 24,556,070 and 24,495,518 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2006 and June 30, 2006, respectively

     245       245  

Additional paid-in capital

     154,156       153,955  

Treasury stock, 96,246 shares at both September 30, 2006 and June 30, 2006

     (1,239 )     (1,239 )

Accumulated deficit

     (247,480 )     (249,233 )
                

Total stockholders’ deficit

     (94,318 )     (96,272 )
                

Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders’ deficit

   $ 301,779     $ 296,388  
                

See accompanying notes

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2006     2005  
     (As restated)     (As restated)  

Net revenue

   $ 116,841     $ 111,333  
                

Operating expenses:

    

Payroll and employee benefits

     72,941       65,919  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,020       2,721  

Other operating expenses

     28,624       29,824  

Gain on sale of assets

     (3 )     (1,342 )
                

Total operating expenses

     104,582       97,122  
                

Operating income

     12,259       14,211  

Interest expense

     (7,785 )     (7,508 )

Interest income

     120       153  
                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

     4,594       6,856  

Income tax provision

     (2,054 )     (3,504 )

Minority interest

     (773 )     (162 )
                

Income from continuing operations

     1,767       3,190  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (14 )     389  
                

Net income

   $ 1,753     $ 3,579  
                

Income per share

    

Basic—

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.07     $ 0.13  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —         0.02  
                

Net income

   $ 0.07     $ 0.15  
                

Diluted—

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.07     $ 0.13  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —         0.01  
                

Net income

   $ 0.07     $ 0.14  
                

Average number of common shares outstanding—Basic

     24,510       24,232  
                

Average number of common shares outstanding—Diluted

     24,920       25,261  
                

See accompanying notes

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

     Number of
Shares
   Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Treasury
Stock
    Accumulated
Deficit
(As Restated)
    Total
(As Restated)
 

Balance at June 30, 2006

   24,495,518    $ 245    $ 153,955     $ (1,239 )   $ (246,433 )   $ (93,472 )

Adjustment due to inventory correction (See Note 2)

   —        —        —         —         (2,800 )     (2,800 )
                                            

Balance at June 30, 2006, as restated

   24,495,518      245      153,955       (1,239 )     (249,233 )     (96,272 )

Issuance of common stock due to options exercised under Stock Option Plans

   60,552      —        74       —         —         74  

Tax benefit from options exercised under Stock Option Plans

        —        134       —         —         134  

Stock-based compensation benefit

        —        (7 )     —         —         (7 )

Comprehensive income, net of tax:

              

Net income

        —        —         —         1,753       1,753  
                    

Comprehensive income

                 1,753  
                                            

Balance at September 30, 2006

   24,556,070    $ 245    $ 154,156     $ (1,239 )   $ (247,480 )   $ (94,318 )
                                            

See accompanying notes

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2006     2005  
     (As restated)     (As restated)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 1,753     $ 3,579  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities—

    

Depreciation and amortization

     3,020       2,813  

Deferred income taxes

     1,628       3,166  

Accretion of 12.75% Senior Discount Notes

     1,838       1,640  

Earnings of minority shareholder

     773       162  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     418       435  

Stock-based compensation (benefit) expense

     (7 )     9  

Gain on sale of property and equipment

     (3 )     (1,348 )

Change in assets and liabilities—

    

Accounts receivable

     (3,295 )     (2,818 )

Inventories

     (431 )     (162 )

Prepaid expenses and other

     (3,238 )     1,985  

Insurance deposits

     578       378  

Other assets

     1,175       1,220  

Accounts payable

     (2,791 )     (2,890 )

Accrued liabilities

     2,872       (5,161 )

Deferred revenue

     841       1,053  

Other liabilities

     (389 )     926  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     4,742       4,987  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Sales of short-term investments

     8,701       12,500  

Purchases of short-term investments

     (5,000 )     (25,000 )

Capital expenditures

     (4,340 )     (2,974 )

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

     5       1,560  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (634 )     (13,914 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options

     134       168  

Issuance of common stock

     74       400  

Repayment of debt

     (3 )     (366 )

Distributions to minority shareholders

     —         (155 )
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     205       47  
                

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     4,313       (8,880 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     3,041       17,688  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 7,354     $ 8,808  
                

Non-cash investing activities:

    

Property and equipment funded by liabilities

   $ 294     $ 0  
                

See accompanying notes

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Rural/Metro Corporation, a Delaware corporation, along with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is a leading provider of both emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services. These medical transportation services are provided under contracts with governmental entities, hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities and organizations. The Company also provides fire protection and related services on a subscription fee basis to residential and commercial property owners and under long-term contracts with fire districts, industrial sites and airports. These services consist primarily of fire suppression, fire prevention and first responder medical care.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated financial position and results of operations. The results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full fiscal year.

These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/(A) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 22, 2007.

(1) Revenue – Accounting Change

During the quarter ended December 31, 2006, the Company changed its accounting policy relating to the classification of estimated uncollectible amounts related to self-pay patients, defined as “uncompensated care.” This change in accounting policy was applied retrospectively in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“SFAS”) Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.” The Company now presents revenue net of an estimate for uncompensated care within the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Previously the Company recorded revenue at full established rates and recorded a provision for estimated amounts not expected to be realized as an operating expense, as is generally accepted practice under the AICPA Guide, Accounting for Health Care Organizations (Guide). The Company believes that the new method of accounting is preferable given recent industry practice and the direction of deliberations relating to proposed revisions to the Guide related to revenue recognition for self-pay patients, and its consistency with the criteria for revenue recognition pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104. The retrospective application of this accounting change decreased net revenue and other operating expenses by $27.7 million and $22.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The change in accounting policy, retrospectively applied to the financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 did not change the previously reported income from continuing operations or net income. There was no material effect on cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as a result of the change in accounting policy.

(2) Inventory Restatement—Correction

In connection with the preparation of the financial statements for the second quarter of fiscal 2007, management determined that inventory had been historically overstated by the improper inclusion of certain durable medical supply items that should have been expensed as incurred. All previously issued financial statements contained in the Original Filing have been restated for the impact of expensing these items and resulted in a reduction in net earnings of $120,000 and $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The cumulative effect of this error on net income for all periods preceding fiscal 2007 was an increase in the accumulated deficit as of July 1, 2006 of $2.8 million. There was no material effect on cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as a result of the adjustment to inventory.

 

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The effects of the adjustment for inventory on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and at September 30, 2006, respectively are as follows:

 

     Consolidated Balance Sheet  
    

September 30, 2006

As previously

reported

   

Adjustments

due to inventory
correction

   

September 30, 2006

As

restated

 

Inventories

   $ 13,633     $ (4,375 )   $ 9,258  

Current portion deferred tax assets

     9,499       114       9,613  

Prepaid expenses and other

     6,940       —         6,940  

Total current assets

     126,588       (4,261 )     122,327  

Long-term portion deferred tax assets

     67,966       1,417       69,383  

Total assets

     304,623       (2,844 )     301,779  

Accumulated deficit

     (244,641 )     (2,839 )     (247,480 )

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     (91,479 )     (2,839 )     (94,318 )

Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders’ equity (deficit)

   $ 304,623     $ (2,844 )   $ 301,779  
                        
     Consolidated Balance Sheet  
    

June 30, 2006

As previously

reported

   

Adjustments

due to inventory
correction

   

June 30, 2006

As

restated

 

Inventories

   $ 13,135     $ (4,307 )   $ 8,828  

Current portion deferred tax assets

     9,461       113       9,574  

Prepaid expenses and other

     3,702       (4 )     3,698  

Total current assets

     118,907       (4,198 )     114,709  

Long-term portion deferred tax assets

     69,657       1,394       71,051  

Total assets

     299,192       (2,804 )     296,388  

Accumulated deficit

     (246,433 )     (2,800 )     (249,233 )

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     (93,472 )     (2,800 )     (96,272 )

Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders’ equity (deficit)

   $ 299,192     $ (2,804 )   $ 296,388  
                        

 

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     Consolidated Statement of Operations  
    

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2006
As previously reported,
adjusted for effect of
revenue accounting
change (Note 1)

   

Adjustments

due to inventory
correction

   

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2006

As

restated

 

Net revenue

   $ 116,841     $ -     $ 116,841  

Other operating expenses

     28,558       66       28,624  

Total operating expenses

     104,516       66       104,582  

Operating income

     12,325       (66 )     12,259  

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

     4,660       (66 )     4,594  

Income tax (provision) benefit

     (2,081 )     27       (2,054 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     1,806       (39 )     1,767  

Net income

   $ 1,792     $ (39 )   $ 1,753  

Net income applicable to common stock

   $ 1,792     $ (39 )   $ 1,753  
                        

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.07       —       $ 0.07  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.07       —       $ 0.07  
                        
     Consolidated Statement of Operations  
    

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2005
As previously reported,
adjusted for effect of
revenue accounting
change (Note 1)

   

Adjustments

due to inventory
correction

   

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2005

As

restated

 

Net revenue

   $ 111,333     $ —       $ 111,333  

Other operating expenses

     29,824       —         29,824  

Total operating expenses

     97,122       —         97,122  

Operating income

     14,211       —         14,211  

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

     6,856       —         6,856  

Income tax (provision) benefit

     (3,504 )     —         (3,504 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     3,190       —         3,190  

Net income

   $ 3,579     $ —       $ 3,579  

Net income applicable to common stock

   $ 3,579     $ —       $ 3,579  
                        

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.15       —       $ 0.15  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.14       —       $ 0.14  
                        

(3) New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of FIN 48 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“SFAS”) Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosure about fair value measures required under other accounting pronouncements, but does not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument is carried at fair value. SFAS 157 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS 157 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS Statement No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132R” (“SFAS 158”). This standard requires balance sheet recognition of the funded status for all pension and postretirement benefit plans in the year in which the changes occur through

 

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accumulated other comprehensive income. Additionally, this standard requires the measurement of the funded status of a plan as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year. The balance sheet recognition provisions of SFAS 158 are effective for the Company as of June 30, 2007 while the measurement date provisions are effective for the Company for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. As further discussed in Note 14, the Company has a defined benefit pension plan that will be subject to the provisions of SFAS 158.

 

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As of September 30, 2006, the Company’s defined benefit pension plan was overfunded. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of the balance sheet recognition provisions of SFAS 158 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. As the Company currently measures the funded status of its plan as of the end of its fiscal year, the measurement date provisions will have no impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). This statement provides interpretive guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of materiality assessment. For prior year immaterial misstatements that are considered material under SAB 108, a one-time transitional cumulative adjustment would be made to beginning retained earnings in the first interim period in which the statement is adopted. SAB 108 is effective for the Company on June 30, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SAB 108 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards” (“FSP 123(R)-3”). Under the provisions of FSP 123(R)-3, entities may follow either the transition guidance for the additional-paid-in-capital pool as prescribed by SFAS 123(R) or elect to use the alternative transition method as described in FSP 123(R)-3. An entity that adopts SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective application method may make a one-time election to adopt the transition method described in FSP 123(R)-3. The Company is electing to use the alternative transition method provided in FSP 123(R)-3 to calculate the pool of windfall tax benefits as of the adoption date of SFAS 123(R).

(4) Liquidity

The Company’s ability to service its long-term debt, to remain in compliance with the various restrictions and covenants contained in its debt agreements and to fund working capital, capital expenditures and business development efforts will depend on its ability to generate cash from operating activities which in turn is subject to, among other things, future operating performance as well as general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other conditions, some of which may be beyond the Company’s control.

If the Company fails to generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities, it may need to borrow additional funds or issue additional debt or equity securities to achieve its longer-term business objectives. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to borrow such funds or issue such debt or equity securities or, if it can, that it can do so at rates or prices acceptable to the Company. Management believes that cash flow from operating activities coupled with existing cash balances and amounts available under the Company’s $20.0 million Revolving Credit Facility will be adequate to fund the Company’s operating and capital needs as well as enable it to maintain compliance with its various debt agreements through September 30, 2007. To the extent that actual results or events differ from the Company’s financial projections or business plans, its liquidity may be adversely impacted. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

(5) Stock Based Compensation

At September 30, 2006, the Company had two stock compensation plans, the Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan (the “1992 Plan”) and the 2000 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the “2000 Plan”). The 1992 Plan, which provided for the issuance of stock options to employees and non-employees, including executive officers and the Board of Directors, expired November 5, 2002. The 2000 Plan, which provides for the issuance of stock options to employees and non-employees, excluding executive officers and the Board of Directors, had 480,664 common shares available for issuance at September 30, 2006.

 

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The Company recognized approximately $7,000 of stock based compensation benefit and $9,000 of stock based compensation expense in the statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. At September 30, 2006, there were no remaining unvested awards under any stock compensation plan. Upon an option grant, the fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and amortized to expense over the vesting period of the award. There were no stock options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2006.

(6) Short-term Investments

The Company’s short-term investments consist of taxable auction rate securities totaling $2.5 million and $6.2 million at September 30, 2006 and June 30, 2006, respectively. In accordance with SFAS Statement No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” these short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. These securities have stated maturities beyond three months but are priced and traded as short-term instruments due to the liquidity provided through the interest rate reset mechanism of 7 to 28 days.

(7) Accrued Severance

At September 30, 2006, the Company had accrued approximately $1.5 million in severance benefits pursuant to the employment agreement of the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer. Approximately $1.1 million is included in payroll and employee benefits expense in the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

(8) Long-term Debt

The following is a summary of the Company’s outstanding long-term debt (in thousands):

 

    

September 30,

2006

   

June 30,

2006

 

Senior Secured Term Loan B due March 2011

   $ 107,000     $ 107,000  

9.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due March 2015

     125,000       125,000  

12.75% Senior Discount Notes due March 2016

     61,008       59,170  

Other obligations, at varying rates from 6.0% to 12.75%, due through 2013

     201       204  
                

Long-term debt

     293,209       291,374  

Less: Current maturities

     (38 )     (37 )
                

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

   $ 293,171     $ 291,337  
                

The Senior Secured Term Loan B due March 2011 (the “Term Loan B”) bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25 percent per annum based on contractual periods from one to six months in length at the Company’s option. At September 30, 2006, $97.0 million of the outstanding Term Loan B balance was under a LIBOR option six-month contract accruing interest at 7.50 percent per annum, while the remaining $10.0 million was under a LIBOR option three-month contract accruing interest at 7.73 percent based on the interest rate contracts in effect at that time. At June 30, 2006, $97.0 million of the outstanding Term Loan B balance was under a LIBOR six-month contract accruing interest at 7.50 percent per annum, and the remaining $10.0 million outstanding debt balance was under a LIBOR option three-month contract accruing interest at 7.40 percent based on the interest rate contracts in effect at that time.

 

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The Company originally capitalized $13.3 million of expenses associated with obtaining its outstanding debt and is amortizing these costs as interest expense over the terms of the respective agreements. Unamortized deferred financing costs were $10.4 million at September 30, 2006 and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

At September 30, 2006, the Company had $39.0 million issued under its $45.0 million Letter of Credit Facility, primarily in support of insurance deductible arrangements. In addition, the Company’s $20.0 million Revolving Credit Facility includes a letter of credit sub-line in the amount of $10.0 million.

The senior secured credit facilities (collectively, the “2005 Credit Facility”), the $125.0 million aggregate principal amount 9.875% senior subordinated notes (the “Senior Subordinated Notes”) and the $93.5 million aggregate principal amount at maturity 12.75% senior discount notes due 2016 (the “Senior Discount Notes”) include various financial and non-financial covenants as well as quarterly and annual financial reporting obligations.

Specifically, the 2005 Credit Facility, as amended, requires Rural/Metro Operating Company, LLC (“Rural/Metro LLC”) and its subsidiaries to meet certain financial tests, including a maximum total leverage ratio, a minimum interest expense coverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The 2005 Credit Facility also contains covenants which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers, prepayments of other indebtedness, liens and encumbrances, capital expenditures, business activities by the Company, as a holding company, and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements.

The Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under its 2005 Credit Facility at September 30, 2006. Due to the restatement of the financial statements, the Company did not timely file the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, as disclosed on Form 12b-25 filed on February 12, 2007. As a result, the Company received a notice of default on February 22, 2007 from the trustee of its 9.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015, and its 12.75% Senior Discount Notes due 2016. Any default under the Indentures that govern the notes also constitutes an “event of default” under the 2005 Credit Facility and could lead to an acceleration of the unpaid principal and accrued interest under the 2005 Credit Facility, unless a waiver is obtained. On March 13, 2007, the Company obtained a waiver under the 2005 Credit Facility for any defaults relating to the restatement and the untimely filing of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006. In addition, any default under the notes relating to the untimely filing of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, will be cured within the 60-day cure period (expires April 23, 2007) upon the filing of such report with the SEC. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Financial Covenant

  

Level Specified

in Agreement

  

Level Achieved for
Specified Period

   Levels to be achieved at
         December 31, 2006    March 31, 2007    June 30, 2007

Debt leverage ratio

   < 4.50    4.28    < 4.25    < 4.25    < 4.00

Interest expense coverage ratio

   > 2.25    2.26    > 2.25    > 2.50    > 2.50

Fixed charge coverage ratio

   > 1.15    1.24    > 1.15    > 1.20    > 1.20

Maintenance capital expenditure (1)

   N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A    < $22.0 million

New business capital expenditure

   N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A    < $4.0 million

(1) Maintenance capital expenditure refers to capital expenditures to maintain operations.

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

The Senior Subordinated Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of Rural/Metro LLC and Rural/Metro (Delaware) Inc. (“Rural/Metro Inc”, collectively referred to as the “Senior Subordinated Notes Issuers”) and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by Rural/Metro Corporation (which is referred to singularly as Parent within the schedules presented in this Note 8) and substantially all of the current and future subsidiaries of Rural/Metro LLC, excluding Rural/Metro Inc. (the “Senior Subordinated Note Guarantors”).

The Company does not believe that the separate financial statements and related footnote disclosures concerning the Senior Subordinated Note Guarantors would provide any additional information that would be material to investors making an investment decision. Condensed consolidating financial information for the Parent, the Senior Subordinated Notes Issuers, the Senior Secured Note Guarantors and the Company’s remaining subsidiary (the “Non-Guarantor”) is presented in the following tables. The Non-Guarantor consists of the Company’s joint venture with the City of San Diego, San Diego Medical Services Enterprise, LLC, which is consolidated in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51”. Certain information presented has been restated from that originally reported to reflect the effect of the change in accounting policy relating to the classification of estimated uncollectible amounts related to self-pay patients and the restated results relating from the correction of certain accounting practice errors relating to inventory discussed in Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements, respectively.

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     

Parent

(As restated)

    Senior Subordinated   

Senior
Subordinated Notes
Guarantors

(As restated)

   

Non-

Guarantor

   

Eliminations

(As restated)

   

Rural/Metro
LLC - Consolidated
(As restated)

  

Eliminations

(As restated)

   

Rural/Metro
Corporation
Consolidated
(As restated)

 
     Notes Issuers              
    

Rural/Metro
LLC

(As restated)

   Rural/Metro
Inc.
             

ASSETS

                     

Current assets:

                     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —       $ —      $ —      $ 5,642     $ 1,712     $ —       $ 7,354    $ —       $ 7,354  

Short-term investments

     —         —        —        2,500       —         —         2,500      —         2,500  

Accounts receivable, net

     —         —        —        79,156       7,506       —         86,662      —         86,662  

Inventories

     —         —        —        9,258       —         —         9,258      —         9,258  

Deferred tax assets

     —         —        —        9,613       —         —         9,613      —         9,613  

Prepaid expenses and other

     —         50      —        6,890       —         —         6,940      —         6,940  
                                                                     

Total current assets

     —         50      —        113,059       9,218       —         122,327      —         122,327  

Property and equipment, net

     —         —        —        47,432       204       —         47,636      —         47,636  

Goodwill

     —         —        —        38,362       —         —         38,362      —         38,362  

Deferred tax assets

     —         —        —        69,383       —         —         69,383      —         69,383  

Insurance deposits

     —         —        —        2,264       —         —         2,264      —         2,264  

Other assets

     1,855       8,509      —        10,918       525       —         19,952      —         21,807  

Due from (to) affiliates (1)

     —         145,992      125,000      (143,273 )     (2,719 )     (125,000 )     —        —         —    

Due from (to) Parent

     (42,816 )     42,816      —        —         —         —         42,816      —         —    

Rural/Metro LLC investment in subsidiaries

     —         44,502      —        —         —         (44,502 )     —        —         —    

Parent Company investment in Rural/Metro LLC

     7,651       —        —        —         —         —         —        (7,651 )     —    
                                                                     

Total assets

   $ (33,310 )   $ 241,869    $ 125,000    $ 138,145     $ 7,228     $ (169,502 )   $ 342,740    $ (7,651 )   $ 301,779  
                                                                     

LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTEREST, AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

                     

Current liabilities:

                     

Accounts payable

   $ —       $ —      $ —      $ 10,478     $ 982     $ —       $ 11,460    $ —       $ 11,460  

Accrued liabilities

     —         2,218      —        38,677       570       —         41,465      —         41,465  

Deferred revenue

     —         —        —        22,183       —         —         22,183      —         22,183  

Current portion of long-term debt

     —         —        —        38       —         —         38      —         38  
                                                                     

Total current liabilities

     —         2,218      —        71,376       1,552       —         75,146      —         75,146  
                                                                     

Long-term debt, net of current portion (1)

     61,008       232,000      125,000      163       —         (125,000 )     232,163      —         293,171  

Other liabilities

     —         —        —        24,942       —         —         24,942      —         24,942  
                                                                     

Total liabilities

     61,008       234,218      125,000      96,481       1,552       (125,000 )     332,251      —         393,259  
                                                                     

Minority interest

     —         —        —        —         —         2,838       2,838      —         2,838  
                                                                     

Stockholders' equity (deficit):

                     

Common stock

     245       —        —        90       —         (90 )     —        —         245  

Additional paid-in capital

     154,156       —        —        74,770       20       (74,790 )     —        —         154,156  

Treasury stock

     (1,239 )     —        —        —         —         —         —        —         (1,239 )

Accumulated deficit

     (247,480 )     —        —        (33,196 )     5,656       27,540       —        —         (247,480 )

Member equity

     —         7,651      —        —         —         —         7,651      (7,651 )     —    
                                                                     

Total stockholders' equity (deficit)

     (94,318 )     7,651      —        41,664       5,676       (47,340 )     7,651      (7,651 )     (94,318 )
                                                                     

Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders' equity (deficit)

   $ (33,310 )   $ 241,869    $ 125,000    $ 138,145     $ 7,228     $ (169,502 )   $ 342,740    $ (7,651 )   $ 301,779  
                                                                     

Note: The sole purpose of Rural/Metro Inc. was to act as co-issuer of the Senior Subordinated Notes. Rural/Metro Inc. does not conduct any operations. The Balance Sheet for Rural/Metro Inc. at September 30, 2006 consists of equity and due to affiliates totaling an amount equal to $100.

(1) For purposes of this presentation, the Senior Subordinated Notes have been reflected in the balance sheets of both Rural/Metro LLC and Rural/Metro Inc. with the appropriate offset reflected in the eliminations column. Interest expense has been allocated to Rural/Metro LLC only.

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF JUNE 30, 2006

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

           Senior Subordinated   

Senior

Subordinated Notes

Guarantors

(As restated)

   

Non- Guarantor

   

Eliminations

(As restated)

   

Rural/Metro

LLC - Consolidated

(As restated)

  

Eliminations

(As restated)

   

Rural/Metro

Corporation

Consolidated

(As restated)

 
           Notes Issuers              
     Parent
(As restated)
   

Rural/Metro

LLC

(As restated)

  

Rural/Metro

Inc.

             
                       

ASSETS

                     

Current assets:

                     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —       $ —      $ —      $ 1,891     $ 1,150     $ —       $ 3,041    $ —       $ 3,041  

Short-term investments

     —         —        —        6,201       —         —         6,201      —         6,201  

Accounts receivable, net

     —         —        —        76,605       6,762       —         83,367      —         83,367  

Inventories

     —         —        —        8,828       —         —         8,828      —         8,828  

Current portion of deferred tax assets

     —         —        —        9,574       —         —         9,574      —         9,574  

Prepaid expenses and other

     —         75      —        3,619       4       —         3,698      —         3,698  
                                                                     

Total current assets

     —         75      —        106,718       7,916       —         114,709      —         114,709  

Property and equipment, net

     —         —        —        45,766       204       —         45,970      —         45,970  

Goodwill

     —         —        —        38,362       —         —         38,362      —         38,362  

Deferred tax asset

     —         —        —        71,051       —         —         71,051      —         71,051  

Insurance deposits

     —         —        —        2,842       —         —         2,842      —         2,842  

Other assets

     1,904       8,879      —        12,146       525       —         21,550      —         23,454  

Due from (to) affiliates (1)

     —         154,242      125,000      (151,408 )     (2,834 )     (125,000 )     —        —         —    

Due from (to) Parent Company

     (43,023 )     43,023      —        —         —         —         43,023      —         —    

LLC investment in subsidiaries

     —         35,020      —        —         —         (35,020 )     —        —         —    

Parent Company investment in LLC

     4,017       —        —        —         —         —         —        (4,017 )     —    
                                                                     

Total assets

   $ (37,102 )   $ 241,239    $ 125,000    $ 125,477     $ 5,811     $ (160,020 )   $ 337,507    $ (4,017 )   $ 296,388  
                                                                     

LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTEREST, AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

                     

Current liabilities:

                     

Accounts payable

   $ —       $ —      $ —      $ 12,730     $ 1,227     $ —       $ 13,957    $ —       $ 13,957  

Accrued liabilities

     —         5,222      —        32,914       454       —         38,590      —         38,590  

Deferred revenue

     —         —        —        21,342       —         —         21,342      —         21,342  

Current portion of long-term debt

     —         —        —        37       —         —         37      —         37  
                                                                     

Total current liabilities

     —         5,222      —        67,023       1,681       —         73,926      —         73,926  
                                                                     

Long-term debt, net of current portion (1)

     59,170       232,000      125,000      167       —         (125,000 )     232,167      —         291,337  

Other liabilities

     —         —        —        25,332       —         —         25,332      —         25,332  
                                                                     

Total liabilities

     59,170       237,222      125,000      92,522       1,681       (125,000 )     331,425      —         390,595  
                                                                     

Minority interest

     —         —        —        —         —         2,065       2,065      —         2,065  
                                                                     

Stockholders' equity (deficit):

                     

Common stock

     245       —        —        90       —         (90 )     —        —         245  

Additional paid-in capital

     153,955       —        —        74,770       20       (74,790 )     —        —         153,955  

Treasury stock

     (1,239 )     —        —        —         —         —         —        —         (1,239 )

Accumulated deficit

     (249,233 )     —        —        (41,905 )     4,110       37,795       —        —         (249,233 )

Member equity

     —         4,017      —        —         —         —         4,017      (4,017 )     —    
                                                                     

Total stockholders' equity (deficit)

     (96,272 )     4,017      —        32,955       4,130       (37,085 )     4,017      (4,017 )     (96,272 )
                                                                     

Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders' equity (deficit)

   $ (37,102 )   $ 241,239    $ 125,000    $ 125,477     $ 5,811     $ (160,020 )   $ 337,507    $ (4,017 )   $ 296,388  
                                                                     

Note: The sole purpose of Rural/Metro Inc. was to act as co-issuer of the Senior Subordinated Notes. Rural/Metro Inc. does not conduct any operations. The Balance Sheet for Rural/Metro Inc. at June 30, 2006 consists of equity and due to affiliates totaling an amount equal to $100.

(1) For purposes of this presentation, the Senior Subordinated Notes have been reflected in the balance sheets of both Rural/Metro LLC and Rural/Metro Inc. with the appropriate offset reflected in the eliminations column. Interest expense has been allocated to Rural/Metro LLC only.

 

16


Table of Contents

RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

    

Parent
(As restated)

    Senior Subordinated   

Senior
Subordinated Notes
Guarantors
(As restated)

   

Non-
Guarantor
(As restated)

  

Eliminations

(As restated)

   

Rural/Metro
LLC - Consolidated
(As restated)

   

Eliminations
(As restated)

   

Rural Metro
Corporation
Consolidated
(As restated)

 
     Notes Issuers              
    

Rural/Metro
LLC

(As restated)

    Rural/Metro
Inc.
             

Net revenue

   $ —       $ —       $ —      $ 112,900     $ 10,527    $ (6,586 )   $ 116,841     $ —       $ 116,841  
                                                                      

Operating expenses:

                    

Payroll and employee benefits

     (7 )     —         —        72,926       22      —         72,948       —         72,941  

Depreciation and amortization

     —         —         —        3,019       1      —         3,020       —         3,020  

Other operating expenses

     —         —         —        26,238       8,972      (6,586 )     28,624       —         28,624  

Gain on sale of assets

     —         —         —        (3 )     —        —         (3 )     —         (3 )
                                                                      

Total operating expenses

     (7 )     —         —        102,180       8,995      (6,586 )     104,589       —         104,582  
                                                                      

Operating income

     7       —         —        10,720       1,532      —         12,252       —         12,259  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     3,634       9,482       —        —         —        (9,482 )     —         (3,634 )     —    

Interest expense

     (1,888 )     (5,848 )     —        (49 )     —        —         (5,897 )     —         (7,785 )

Interest income

     —         —         —        107       13      —         120       —         120  
                                                                      

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

     1,753       3,634       —        10,778       1,545      (9,482 )     6,475       (3,634 )     4,594  

Income tax provision

     —         —         —        (2,054 )     —        —         (2,054 )     —         (2,054 )

Minority interest

     —         —         —        —         —        (773 )     (773 )     —         (773 )
                                                                      

Income from continuing operations

     1,753       3,634       —        8,724       1,545      (10,255 )     3,648       (3,634 )     1,767  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     —         —         —        (14 )     —        —         (14 )     —         (14 )
                                                                      

Net income

   $ 1,753     $ 3,634     $ —      $ 8,710     $ 1,545    $ (10,255 )   $ 3,634     $ (3,634 )   $ 1,753  
                                                                      

Note: The sole purpose of Rural/Metro Inc. was to act as co-issuer of the Senior Subordinated Notes. Rural/Metro Inc. does not conduct any operations.

(1) For purposes of this presentation, the Senior Subordinated Notes have been reflected in the balance sheets of both Rural/Metro LLC and Rural/Metro Inc. with the appropriate offset reflected in the eliminations column. Interest expense has been allocated to Rural/Metro LLC only.

 

17


Table of Contents

RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Parent
(As restated)
    Senior Subordinated    Senior
Subordinated Notes
Guarantors
(As restated)
    Non-Guarantor
(As restated)
    Eliminations
(As restated)
    Rural/Metro
LLC - Consolidated
(As restated)
    Eliminations
(As restated)
    Rural Metro
Corporation
Consolidated
(As restated)
 
     Notes Issuers             
     Rural/Metro
LLC
(As restated)
    Rural/Metro
Inc.
            

Net revenue

   $ —       $ —       $ —      $ 107,623     $ 9,411     $ (5,701 )   $ 111,333     $ —       $ 111,333  
                                                                       

Operating expenses:

                   

Payroll and employee benefits

     9       —         —        65,901       9       —         65,910       —         65,919  

Depreciation and amortization

     —         —         —        2,721       —         —         2,721       —         2,721  

Other operating expenses

     —         —         —        26,432       9,093       (5,701 )     29,824       —         29,824  

Gain on sale of assets

     —         —         —        (1,332 )     (10 )     —         (1,342 )     —         (1,342 )
                                                                       

Total operating expenses

     9       —         —        93,722       9,092       (5,701 )     97,113       —         97,122  
                                                                       

Operating income (loss)

     (9 )     —         —        13,901       319       —         14,220       —         14,211  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     5,274       11,058       —        —         —         (11,058 )     —         (5,274 )     —    

Interest expense

     (1,686 )     (5,784 )     —        (38 )     —         —         (5,822 )     —         (7,508 )

Interest income

     —         —         —        148       5       —         153       —         153  
                                                                       

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

     3,579       5,274       —        14,011       324       (11,058 )     8,551       (5,274 )     6,856  

Income tax provision

     —         —         —        (3,504 )     —         —         (3,504 )     —         (3,504 )

Minority interest

     —         —         —        —         —         (162 )     (162 )     —         (162 )
                                                                       

Income from continuing operations

     3,579       5,274       —        10,507       324       (11,220 )     4,885       (5,274 )     3,190  

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     —         —         —        389       —         —         389       —         389  
                                                                       

Net income

   $ 3,579     $ 5,274     $ —      $ 10,896     $ 324     $ (11,220 )   $ 5,274     $ (5,274 )   $ 3,579  
                                                                       

Note: The sole purpose of Rural/Metro Inc. was to act as co-issuer of the Senior Subordinated Notes. Rural/Metro Inc. does not conduct any operations.

(1) For purposes of this presentation, the Senior Subordinated Notes have been reflected in the balance sheets of both Rural/Metro LLC and Rural/Metro Inc. with the appropriate offset reflected in the eliminations column. Interest expense has been allocated to Rural/Metro LLC only.

 

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Table of Contents

RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

   

Parent

(As restated)

    Senior Subordinated  

Senior

Subordinated

Notes
Guarantors
(As restated)

   

Non-Guarantor

(As restated)

   

Eliminations
(As restated)

   

Rural/Metro

LLC -Consolidated

(As restated)

   

Eliminations

(As restated)

   

Rural Metro

Corporation

Consolidated

(As restated)

 
    Notes Issuers            
   

Rural/Metro

LLC
(As restated)

   

Rural/Metro

Inc.

           
                 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                 

Net income

  $ 1,753     $ 3,634     $ —     $ 8,710     $ 1,545     $ (10,255 )   $ 3,634     $ (3,634 )   $ 1,753  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities -

                 

Depreciation and amortization

    —         —         —       3,019       1       —         3,020       —         3,020  

Deferred income taxes

    (134 )     —         —       1,762       —         —         1,762       —         1,628  

Accretion of 12.75% Senior Discount Notes

    1,838       —         —       —         —         —         —         —         1,838  

Earnings of minority shareholder

    —         —         —       —         —         773       773       —         773  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    49       369       —       —         —         —         369       —         418  

Stock-based compensation benefit

    (7 )     —         —       —         —         —         —         —         (7 )

Gain on sale of property and equipment

    —         —         —       (3 )     —         —         (3 )     —         (3 )

Changes in assets and liabilities -

                 

Accounts receivable

    —         —         —       (2,550 )     (745 )     —         (3,295 )     —         (3,295 )

Inventories

    —         —         —       (431 )     —         —         (431 )     —         (431 )

Prepaid expenses and other

    —         (25 )     —       (3,209 )     (4 )     —         (3,238 )     —         (3,238 )

Insurance deposits

    —         —         —       578       —         —         578       —         578  

Other assets

    —         —         —       1,175       —         —         1,175       —         1,175  

Accounts payable

    —         —         —       (2,546 )     (245 )     —         (2,791 )     —         (2,791 )

Accrued liabilities

    —         (3,004 )     —       5,760       116       —         2,872       —         2,872  

Deferred revenue

    —         —         —       841       —         —         841       —         841  

Other liabilities

    —         —         —       (389 )     —         —         (389 )     —         (389 )
                                                                     

Net cash provided by operating activities

    3,499       974       —       12,717       668       (9,482 )     4,877       (3,634 )     4,742  
                                                                     

Cash flows from investing activities:

                 

Sales of short-term investments

    —         —         —       8,701       —         —         8,701       —         8,701  

Purchases of short-term investments

    —         —         —       (5,000 )     —         —         (5,000 )     —         (5,000 )

Capital expenditures

    —         —         —       (4,340 )     —         —         (4,340 )     —         (4,340 )

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

    —         —         —       5       —         —         5       —         5  
                                                                     

Net cash used in investing activities

    —         —         —       (634 )     —         —         (634 )     —         (634 )
                                                                     

Cash flows from financing activities:

                 

Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options

    134       —         —       —         —         —         —         —         134  

Issuance of common stock

    —         —         —       74       —         —         74       —         74  

Repayment of debt

    (3 )     —         —       —         —         —         —         —         (3 )

Due to/from affiliates

    (3,630 )     (974 )     —       (8,406 )     (106 )     9,482       (4 )     3,634       —    
                                                                     

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (3,499 )     (974 )     —       (8,332 )     (106 )     9,482       70       3,634       205  
                                                                     

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

    —         —         —       3,751       562       —         4,313       —         4,313  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    —         —         —       1,891       1,150       —         3,041       —         3,041  
                                                                     

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ —       $ —       $ —     $ 5,642     $ 1,712     $ —       $ 7,354     $ —       $ 7,354  
                                                                     

Note: The sole purpose of Rural/Metro Inc. was to act as co-issuer of the Senior Subordinated Notes. Rural/Metro Inc. does not conduct any operations.

 

19


Table of Contents

RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

   

Parent

(As restated)

    Senior Subordinated  

Senior

Subordinated
Notes

Guarantors

(As restated)

   

Non-

Guarantor

(As restated)

   

Eliminations
(As restated)

   

Rural/Metro

LLC - Consolidated

(As restated)

   

Eliminations

(As restated)

   

Rural Metro

Corporation

Consolidated

(As restated)

 
    Notes Issuers            
   

Rural/Metro

LLC
(As restated)

   

Rural/Metro

Inc.

           
                 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                 

Net income

  $ 3,579     $ 5,274     $ —     $ 10,896     $ 324     $ (11,220 )   $ 5,274     $ (5,274 )   $ 3,579  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities-

                 

Depreciation and amortization

    —         —         —       2,813       —         —         2,813       —         2,813  

Deferred income taxes

    —         —         —       3,166       —         —         3,166       —         3,166  

Accretion of 12.75% Senior Discount Notes

    1,640       —         —       —         —         —         —         —         1,640  

Earnings of minority shareholder

    —         —         —       —         —         162       162       —         162  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    46       389       —       —         —         —         389       —         435  

Stock-based compensation expense

    9       —         —       —         —         —         —         —         9  

Gain on sale of property and equipment

    —         —         —       (1,348 )     —         —         (1,348 )     —         (1,348 )

Changes in assets and liabilities-

                 

Accounts receivable

    —         —         —       (3,048 )     230       —         (2,818 )     —         (2,818 )

Inventories

    —         —         —       (162 )     —         —         (162 )     —         (162 )

Prepaid expenses and other

    —         25       —       1,961       (1 )     —         1,985       —         1,985  

Insurance deposits

    —         —         —       378       —         —         378       —         378  

Other assets

    —         —         —       1,220       —         —         1,220       —         1,220  

Accounts payable

    —         —         —       (2,625 )     (265 )     —         (2,890 )     —         (2,890 )

Accrued liabilities

    —         (3,417 )     —       (1,810 )     66       —         (5,161 )     —         (5,161 )

Deferred revenue

    —         —         —       1,053       —         —         1,053       —         1,053  

Other liabilities

    —         —         —       926       —         —         926       —         926  
                                                                     

Net cash provided by operating activities

    5,274       2,271       —       13,420       354       (11,058 )     4,987       (5,274 )     4,987  
                                                                     

Cash flows from investing activities:

                 

Sales of short-term investments

    —         —         —       12,500       —         —         12,500       —         12,500  

Purchases of short-term investments

    —         —         —       (25,000 )     —         —         (25,000 )     —         (25,000 )

Capital expenditures

    —         —         —       (2,974 )     —         —         (2,974 )     —         (2,974 )

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

    —         —         —       1,560       —         —         1,560       —         1,560  
                                                                     

Net cash used in investing activities

    —         —         —       (13,914 )     —         —         (13,914 )     —         (13,914 )
                                                                     

Cash flows from financing activities:

                 

Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options

    168       —         —       —         —         —         —         —         168  

Issuance of common stock

    400       —         —       —         —         —         —         —         400  

Repayment of debt

    —         —         —       (366 )     —         —         (366 )     —         (366 )

Distributions to minority shareholders

    —         —         —       —         (155 )     —         (155 )     —         (155 )

Distributions to Rural/Metro LLC

    —         155       —       —         (155 )     —         —         —         —    

Due to/from affiliates

    (5,842 )     (2,426 )     —       (7,854 )     (210 )     11,058       568       5,274       —    
                                                                     

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (5,274 )     (2,271 )     —       (8,220 )     (520 )     11,058       47       5,274       47  
                                                                     

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    —         —         —       (8,714 )     (166 )     —         (8,880 )     —         (8,880 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    —         —         —       17,031       657       —         17,688       —         17,688  
                                                                     

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ —       $ —       $ —     $ 8,317     $ 491     $ —       $ 8,808     $ —       $ 8,808  
                                                                     

Note: The sole purpose of Rural/Metro Inc. was to act as co-issuer of the Senior Subordinated Notes. Rural/Metro Inc. does not conduct any operations.

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

(9) Income Taxes

The following table shows the components of the income tax (provision) benefit (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     September 30,  
     2006     2005  
     (As restated)     (As restated)  

Current income tax provision

   $ (283 )   $ (555 )

Deferred income tax provision

     (1,762 )     (3,167 )
                

Total income tax provision

   $ (2,045 )   $ (3,722 )
                

Continuing operations provision

   $ (2,054 )   $ (3,504 )

Discontinued operations benefit (provision)

     9       (218 )
                

Total income tax provision

   $ (2,045 )   $ (3,722 )
                

The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2006 for continuing operations was 44.7 percent, which differs from the federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent primarily as a result of the portion of non-cash interest expense related to the Senior Discount Notes which is not deductible for income tax purposes, non-deductible executive compensation and state income taxes. The Company received income tax refunds of $8,000 and made income tax payments of $3,200 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2005 for continuing operations was 51.1 percent which differs from the federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent primarily as a result of the portion of non-cash interest expense related to the Senior Discount Notes which is not deductible for income tax purposes, non-deductible executive compensation and state income taxes. The Company made income tax payments of $37,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005.

The Company’s federal income tax return for the year ended June 30, 2004 is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Although the ultimate outcome is unknown, management believes that it has adequately provided for any potential adjustment that may arise from the current examination and that the final outcome will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

(10) Gain On Sale of Assets

On August 19, 2005, the Company sold real estate in Arizona for cash proceeds of $1.6 million. This transaction generated a pre-tax gain of $1.3 million which has been included in gain on sale of assets in the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2005.

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

(11) Net Income Per Share

A reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding utilized in the basic and diluted income per share computations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Three Months Ended
     September 30,
     2006    2005
     (As restated)    (As restated)

Income from continuing operations

   $ 1,767    $ 3,190

Average number of shares outstanding—Basic

     24,510      24,232

Add: Incremental shares for dilutive effect of stock options

     410      1,029
             

Average number of shares outstanding—Diluted

     24,920      25,261
             

Income per share—basic

   $ 0.07    $ 0.13
             

Income per share—diluted

   $ 0.07    $ 0.13
             

For the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, 0.6 million and 1.1 million, respectively, of shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options with exercise prices above the average market prices of the Company’s common stock during the respective periods have been excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share.

(12) Segment Reporting

The Company has four regionally-based reporting segments which correspond with the manner in which the associated operations are managed and evaluated by the Chief Executive Officer. These segments comprise operations within the following areas:

 

Segment  

States

A   Georgia, New York, Northern Ohio, Pennsylvania
B   Alabama, California (fire), Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Northern Florida, New Jersey (fire), Southern Florida, Southern Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin
C   Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon (fire), Utah
D   California (medical transportation), Central Florida, Colorado, Oregon (medical transportation), Nebraska, South Dakota, Washington

Each reporting segment provides medical transportation and related services while the Company’s fire and other services are predominantly in Segments B and C.

The accounting policies used in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements have also been followed in the preparation of the accompanying financial information for each reporting segment. For management purposes, the Company’s measure of segment profitability is defined as income from continuing operations before depreciation and amortization, interest, income taxes and minority interest. Additionally, corporate overhead allocations have been included within segment profits. Segment assets consist solely of accounts receivable. Segment results presented below reflect continuing operations only. Certain information presented has been restated from that originally reported to reflect the effect of the change in accounting policy relating to the classification of estimated uncollectible amounts related to self-pay patients and the restated results relating from the correction of certain accounting practice errors relating to inventory discussed in Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements, respectively.

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes segment information for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands):

 

     Segment A
(As restated)
   Segment B
(As restated)
   Segment C
(As restated)
    Segment D
(As restated)
   Total
(As restated)

Three months ended September 30, 2006

             

Net revenues from external customers;

             

Medical transportation

   $ 24,661    $ 16,298    $ 32,743     $ 24,767    $ 98,469

Fire and other (1)

     1,024      5,733      11,347       268      18,372
                                   

Total net revenue

   $ 25,685    $ 22,031    $ 44,090     $ 25,035    $ 116,841
                                   

Segment profit

   $ 5,350    $ 2,112    $ 4,095     $ 3,722    $ 15,279

Three months ended September 30, 2005

             

Net revenues from external customers;

             

Medical transportation

   $ 24,279    $ 17,025    $ 31,544     $ 22,210    $ 95,058

Fire and other (1)

     859      5,305      10,072       39      16,275
                                   

Total net revenue

   $ 25,138    $ 22,330    $ 41,616     $ 22,249    $ 111,333
                                   

Segment profit

   $ 4,414    $ 3,159    $ 7,788 (2)   $ 1,571    $ 16,932

(1) Other revenue consists of revenue generated from home health care services, dispatch contracts, billing contracts and other miscellaneous forms of revenue.
(2) Segment C profit for the three months ended September 30, 2005 includes a $1.3 million gain on the sale of real estate located in Arizona.

The following is a reconciliation of segment profit to income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
    

2006

(As restated)

   

2005

(As restated)

 
    

Segment profit

   $ 15,279     $ 16,932  

Depreciation and amortization

     (3,020 )     (2,721 )

Interest expense

     (7,785 )     (7,508 )

Interest income

     120       153  
                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

   $ 4,594     $ 6,856  
                

Segment assets consist solely of accounts receivable. The following table summarizes segment asset information (in thousands):

 

    

September 30,

2006

(As restated)

  

June 30,

2006

(As restated)

     
     

Segment A

   $ 16,160    $ 14,725

Segment B

     15,404      17,385

Segment C

     30,743      29,376

Segment D

     24,355      21,881
             

Total segment assets

   $ 86,662    $ 83,367
             

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table represents a reconciliation of segment assets to total assets (in thousands):

 

    

September 30,

2006

(As restated)

  

June 30,

2006

(As restated)

     
     

Segment assets

   $ 86,662    $ 83,367

Cash and cash equivalents

     7,354      3,041

Short-term investments

     2,500      6,201

Inventories

     9,258      8,828

Prepaid expenses and other

     6,940      3,698

Property and equipment, net

     47,636      45,970

Goodwill

     38,362      38,362

Deferred tax assets

     78,915      80,625

Insurance deposits

     2,264      2,842

Other assets

     21,807      23,454
             

Total assets

   $ 301,698    $ 296,388
             

(13) Discontinued Operations

During the prior fiscal year, the Company made the decision to exit two medical transportation markets and, as a result, the financial results of these service areas for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are included in income (loss) from discontinued operations.

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations excludes the allocation of certain shared services costs such as human resources, financial services, risk management and legal services, among others which are expected to continue. These ongoing services and related costs will be redirected to support new markets or for the expansion of existing service areas. Net revenue and income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, is shown by segment in the tables below (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,
     2006    2005

Net revenue:

     

Segment A

   $ —      $ 1,456

Segment B

     —        3,997

Segment C

     —        —  

Segment D

     —        —  
             

Net revenue from discontinued operations

   $ —      $ 5,453
             

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,
     2006     2005

Income (loss):

    

Segment A

   $ 104     $ 102

Segment B

     (113 )     287

Segment C

     —         —  

Segment D

     (5 )     —  
              

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

   $ (14 )   $ 389
              

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 is presented net of income tax benefit of $9,000 while income from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2005 is presented net of income tax expense of $0.2 million. Loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 for Segment A includes a $0.1 million reversal of closure-related costs due to the true-up of certain estimated accrual items related to the Company’s discontinued operations in the City of Augusta, Georgia. Loss from discontinued operations of $5,000 for Segment D is a result of legal expenses incurred for the settlement negotiations with the U.S. government regarding the alleged violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute in connection with certain contracts related to the Company’s discontinued operations in the State of Texas.

(14) Defined Benefit Plan

Effective July 1, 2004, the Company established a defined benefit pension plan covering eligible employees of one of its subsidiaries, primarily those covered by collective bargaining arrangements. Eligibility is achieved upon the completion of one year of service. Participants become fully vested in their accrued benefit after the completion of five years of service. The amount of benefit is determined using a two-part formula, one of which is based upon compensation and the other which is based upon a flat dollar amount.

The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2006     2005  

Service cost

   $ 369     $ 225  

Interest cost

     23       11  

Expected return on plan assets

     (59 )     (23 )

Amortization of gain

     (2 )     —    
                

Net periodic pension benefit cost

   $ 331     $ 213  
                

The following table presents the assumptions used in the determination of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

     2006     2005  

Discount rate

   6.48 %   5.00 %

Rate of increase in compensation levels

   4.0 %   2.5 %

Expected long-term rate of return on assets

   7.5 %   7.5 %

The Company contributed approximately $0.5 million and $0.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company’s fiscal 2007 contributions are anticipated to approximate $2.2 million.

(15) Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company is a party to, or otherwise involved in, lawsuits, claims, proceedings, investigations and other legal matters that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. The Company cannot predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of any of these lawsuits, claims, proceedings, investigations and other legal matters which it is a party to, or otherwise involved in, due to,

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

among other things, the inherent uncertainties of litigation, government investigations and proceedings and legal matters in general. The Company is also subject to requests and subpoenas for information in independent investigations. An unfavorable outcome in any of the lawsuits pending against the Company or in a government investigation or proceeding could result in substantial potential liabilities and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, these proceedings, and the Company’s actions in response to these proceedings, could result in substantial potential liabilities, additional defense and other costs, increase the Company’s indemnification obligations, divert management’s attention, and/or adversely affect the Company’s ability to execute its business and financial strategies.

The U.S. government is conducting an investigation into alleged discounts made in violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute in connection with certain contracts related to the Company’s discontinued operations in the State of Texas. The Company is currently negotiating a settlement with the government regarding these allegations. Although there can be no assurances that a settlement agreement will be reached, any such settlement agreement would likely require the Company to make a substantial payment to the government and enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement. If a settlement is not reached, the government has indicated that it will pursue further civil action. There can be no assurances that this matter will be fully resolved by settlement or that other investigations or legal action related to these matters will not be pursued against the Company in other jurisdictions or for different time frames.

Regulatory Compliance

The Company is subject to numerous laws and regulations of federal, state and local governments. These laws and regulations include, but are not necessarily limited to, matters such as licensure, accreditation, government healthcare program participation requirements, reimbursement for patient services and Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. Government activity is ongoing with respect to investigations and allegations concerning possible violations of fraud and abuse statutes and regulations by healthcare providers. The Company is from time to time subject to investigations relating to Medicare and Medicaid laws pertaining to its industry. The Company cooperates fully with the government agencies that conduct these investigations. See “Legal Proceedings” above. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in exclusion from government healthcare programs together with the imposition of significant fines and penalties, as well as significant repayments for patient services previously billed. The Company’s compliance program initiates its own investigations and conducts audits to examine compliance with various policies and regulations. In addition, internal investigations or audits may result in significant repayment obligations for patient services previously billed. The Company believes that it is substantially in compliance with fraud and abuse statutes and their applicable governmental interpretation.

Management believes that reserves established for specific contingencies of $2.8 million and $2.9 million as of September 30, 2006 and June 30, 2006, respectively, (including $2.5 million for the Texas matter described above at both September 30, 2006 and June 30, 2006) are adequate based on information currently available.

(16) Subsequent Events

Sale of Asset

On October 20, 2006, the Company sold an operating license held by one of its subsidiaries for cash proceeds of $0.7 million. This transaction generated a pre-tax gain of $0.7 million which will be included in income from discontinued operations during the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

2005 Credit Facility Waiver

On March 13, 2007, the Company obtained a waiver under the 2005 Credit Facility for any defaults relating to the restatement and the untimely filing of this Form 10-Q. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Unscheduled Principal Payment

On November 8, 2006, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Rural/Metro LLC, made a $7.0 million unscheduled principal payment on its Term Loan B. In connection with this payment, the Company will write-off approximately $0.2 million of deferred financing costs during the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

Credit Facility Amendment No. 4

The Company concluded that certain severance benefits associated with the termination of the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer should be expensed in the first quarter of fiscal 2007. Due to the inclusion of such expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company, through Rural/Metro LLC, Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent, and the various lenders to the 2005 Credit Facility agreed to amend the 2005 Credit Facility (“Amendment No. 4”) to modify the definition of the Consolidated EBITDA covenant contained in the 2005 Credit Facility to exclude the severance benefits associated with such termination. On November 10, 2006, the Company entered into Amendment No. 4, which is effective as of September 30, 2006, and is in compliance with all of its covenants under the 2005 Credit Facility at September 30, 2006.

Contract Activity

The Company was awarded several new contracts during the quarter ended September 30, 2006, including the following:

 

   

Three-year contract to provide exclusive airport fire fighting and emergency medical transportation services to the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, which commenced on October 1, 2006;

 

   

Three-year contract as the preferred provider of non-emergency medical transportation services to Valley Medical Center located in Renton, Washington, which commenced on October 1, 2006; and

 

   

Five-year master fire contract with the City of Carefree, Arizona which will become effective on January 1, 2007.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements, estimates, projections, guidance or outlook contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA). Wherever we refer to such words or phrases as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “plans”, “seeks”, “intends”, “will likely result”, “estimates”, “projects” or similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. We caution readers that such forward-looking statements, including those relating to the outcome of our ongoing efforts to remediate deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, our future business prospects, working capital, accounts receivable collection, liquidity, cash flow, insurance coverage and claim reserves, capital needs, future operating results and future compliance with covenants in our debt facilities or instruments, wherever they appear in this Report or in other statements attributable to us, are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our senior management about future results or events and, as such, involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those suggested by our forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are can be found throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A, including but not limited to this section containing Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, as updated to reflect the restatement of our financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (as well as the full fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, as reflected in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed today with the Commission), and the Explanatory Note at the beginning of this Form 10-Q/A. As such, these forward-looking statements are susceptible to the updated risk factors set forth in full in Item IA of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed, today with the Commission.

Any or all forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q/A (and in any other public filings or statements we might make) may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. By their nature, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict or quantify. Accordingly, except to the extent required by applicable law, we undertake no duty to update the forward-looking statements made in this Report on Form 10-Q/A.

Rural/Metro Corporation is strictly a holding company. All services, operations and management functions are provided through its subsidiaries and affiliated entities. All references to “we,” “our,” “us,” or “Rural/Metro” refer to Rural/Metro Corporation, and its predecessors, operating divisions, direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates. The website for Rural/Metro Corporation is located at www.ruralmetro.com. Information contained on the website, including any external information which is referenced or “linked” on our website, is not a part of this Report.

This report should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 22, 2007.

Restatement and Accounting Change

During the quarter ended December 31, 2006, and as more fully described in Note 1 of the financial statements, we changed our accounting policy relating to the classification of estimated uncollectible amounts related to self-pay patients, defined as “uncompensated care.” This change in accounting was applied retrospectively in accordance with SFAS 154. We now present revenue net of an estimate for uncompensated care within the Consolidated Statement of Operations, and this Amendment reflects such change. Previously, we recorded revenue at full established rates and recorded a provision for estimated amounts not expected to be realized as an operating expense, as is generally accepted practice under the AICPA Guide, Accounting for Health Care Organizations (“Guide”). We believe that the new method of accounting is preferable given recent industry practice and the direction of deliberations relating to proposed revisions to the Guide related to revenue recognition for self-pay patients, and its consistency with the criteria for revenue recognition pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulleting No. 104. The retrospective application of this accounting change decreased net revenue and other operating expenses by $27.7 million and $22.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. This Amendment amends the Original Filing to amend and restate the financial statements and other financial information contained in the Original Filing. The change in accounting policy, retrospectively applied to the financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 did not change the previously reported income from continuing operations or net income. There was no material effect on cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as a result of the change in accounting policy.

 

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As more fully described in Note 2 of the financial statements, in connection with the preparation of the financial statements for the second quarter of fiscal 2007, management determined that inventory had been historically overstated by the inclusion of certain durable medical supply items that should instead have been expensed as incurred. All previously issued financial statements contained in the Original Filing have been restated for the impact of expensing these items and resulted in a reduction in net earnings of $39,000 and $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The cumulative effect of this error on net income for all periods preceding fiscal 2007 was an increase in the accumulated deficit as of July 1, 2006 of $2.8 million. There was no material effect on cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as a result of the adjustment to inventory. See Item 4 – Controls and Procedures.

Management’s Overview

During the three months ended September 30, 2006, our net revenue increased $5.5 million or 4.9 percent. Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was $1.7 million compared to net income of $3.6 million for the same prior-year period. The year-over-year decrease in net income of $1.9 million was primarily due to a pre-tax gain of $1.3 million on the sale of real estate in Arizona and a $0.4 million income from discontinued operations during the three months ended September 30, 2005. Secondarily, the decrease resulted from the accrual of $1.1 million in severance benefits pursuant to the employment agreement of the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer.

Executive Summary

We provide both emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services to approximately 400 communities in 23 states. We provide these medical transportation services under contracts with governmental entities, hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities and organizations. As of September 30, 2006, we had approximately 95 contracts to provide 911 emergency medical transportation services and approximately 610 contracts to provide non-emergency medical transportation services and other medical transportation services.

We believe that providing a mix of emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services diversifies our revenue base and permits us to leverage our workforce and medical transportation vehicles more efficiently. We derive revenue from our medical transportation services through reimbursements we receive from commercial insurance companies and government-funded healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid and, to a lesser extent, from fees paid to us directly by our individual patients and from government subsidies paid to us under our 911 emergency medical transportation contracts.

Our medical transport revenue depends on various factors, including the mix of payers, the mix of rates, the acuity of the patients we transport and the mix of activity between emergency medical transportation services and non-emergency medical transportation services, as well as other competitive and market factors.

We are also a provider of fire protection and related services, and offer such services on a subscription-fee basis to residential and commercial property owners in three states and under long-term contracts with fire districts, industrial sites and airports at 13 sites located in 10 states. Our fire protection services consist primarily of fire suppression, fire prevention and first responder medical care.

 

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Operating Statistics

In evaluating our business, we monitor a number of key operating and financial statistics, including net/net EMS Average Patient Charge (“net/net EMS APC”), average Days Sales Outstanding (“DSO”, see further discussion in “Liquidity and Capital Resources”), Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”, see further discussion in “Liquidity and Capital Resources”) and medical transport volume (see further discussion in “Results of Operations”), among others.

The following is a summary of certain key operating statistics (EBITDA in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,
    

2006

(As restated)

  

2005

(As restated)

     

Net/net EMS APC (1)

   $ 342    $ 341

DSO (2)

     66      54

EBITDA (3)

   $ 14,483    $ 17,469

Medical Transports (4)

     267,255      259,288

(1) Net/Net EMS APC is defined as gross medical transport revenue less provisions for discounts applicable to Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party payers and uncompensated care divided by emergency and non-emergency transports from continuing operations.

 

(2) DSO is calculated using the average accounts receivable balance on a rolling 13-month basis and net revenue on a rolling 12-month basis and has not been adjusted to eliminate discontinued operations.

 

(3) See discussion of EBITDA along with a reconciliation of EBITDA to net cash provided by operating activities at “Liquidity and Capital Resources—EBITDA”.

 

(4) Medical transports from continuing operations are defined as emergency and non-emergency patient transports.

Factors Affecting Our Operating Results

Our fiscal 2007 first quarter results reflect our continued focus on growing and strengthening core operations. We continued our emphasis on expanding service areas that we have identified for future long-term growth, seeking targeted new contract opportunities and improving operating efficiencies.

We have observed the following trends and events that have affected or are likely to affect our financial condition and results of operations in the future.

Transport Volume

We depend on requests from emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services to support our primary source of revenues. Increases or decreases in transport volume are influenced by a number of factors. These factors include population growth, a change in the demographics of the communities we serve (for example, aging of the overall population), and seasonal or one-time factors that may affect the number of people requiring medical transportation. Additionally, non-emergency transports are increasingly driven by the increased number of secondary care facilities which require more frequent patient transport. Our transport volume is affected by entry into new markets and exit of discontinued markets or non-renewed contracts. The strength and number of our emergency and non-emergency medical transportation competitors in any given service area also affects our ability to expand market share in that location.

Uncompensated Care

When we contract with municipal, county or other governing authorities as an exclusive provider of 911 emergency medical transportation services, we are required to provide services to their citizens regardless of the ability or willingness of patients to pay. As a result, we incur uncompensated care in the normal course of providing medical transportation services.

 

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Several factors influence our uncompensated care, including the following:

 

   

Patients we transport who are uninsured or otherwise have no ability to pay for our services (“private pay”). Such patients have increased in volume from 11.3 percent of our private payer transport mix in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 14.5 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007. We believe this increase to be in line with overall U.S. healthcare trends specific to our locations. This is largely due to an increasing percentage of people who lack employer-sponsored coverage, with significant declines in health insurance coverage for those in the Southern and Western states.

 

   

Rate increases. On a periodic basis, we evaluate our cost structure and payer mix within each area we serve and, as appropriate, request rate increases. Ambulance rate increases generate additional revenue only from certain commercial insurance programs and private pay patients, due to the fixed rates, co-pay amounts and deductibles of payers such as Medicare, Medicaid and certain commercial insurance. Rate increases applied to patients who are uninsured or otherwise are private payers can compound an already challenging collection process. Increasing the dollars per transport on this payer group may in turn result in an increase in uncompensated care.

 

   

Our methodology for reserving for uncompensated care. This methodology is based on a standardized procedure that includes periodic reviews of subsequent historical receipts to determine actual historical percentages. These percentages are utilized to determine current anticipated collection percentages, which are applied to gross revenue in order to calculate net revenue. Net revenue is defined as gross medical transportation revenue less provisions for discounts applicable to Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party payers and uncompensated care. Therefore, a sustained disruption in receipts from government or commercial payers may result in an increase in the level of uncompensated care due to various collection challenges related to older receivables.

 

   

The quality of our billing documentation and procedures. Collection of complete and accurate patient billing information during an emergency service call is sometimes difficult due to the acuity of the patients we serve at the time patient care is rendered, and incomplete information hinders post-service collection efforts. As a result, we often receive partial or no compensation for our services.

While we attempt to negotiate subsidies or reimbursements from the contracted entity to offset some of the costs incurred to administer our medical services, not all authorities will agree to provide such reimbursement.

Work Force Management

Our business strategy focuses on optimizing the deployment of our work force in order to meet contracted response times and otherwise maintain high levels of quality care and customer service. A key measure is our ability to efficiently and effectively manage labor resources and enhance operating results. Several factors may influence our labor management efforts, including our ability to maximize our mix of emergency and non-emergency transportation business, significant wait times associated with emergency rooms is delaying redeployment and market-specific shortages of qualified paramedics and emergency medical technicians, which affect temporary wages. We also may experience increases in overtime and training wages due to growth in transport volume related to new contracts, expansion in existing markets and seasonal transport demand patterns.

Insurance Programs

We continue to deploy our risk management strategy to close worker’s compensation and general liability claims promptly. We have also worked to minimize future insurance-related losses through proactive risk management and work place safety initiatives. These programs include the implementation of DriveCam technology in the ambulance fleet; ergonomic safety programs designed to reduce on-the-job injuries and complementary return to work, fit for duty, and wellness programs.

Contract Activity

New Contracts

Effective July 1, 2006, we began servicing our one-year contract as the preferred non-emergency medical transportation provider to Deaconess Hospital located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

 

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Contract Renewals

We were awarded various contract renewals throughout our operations during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 including the:

 

   

15-month renewal of our long-standing contract to provide 911 medical transportation services in Orange County, Florida;

 

   

Three-year renewal contract to continue as the preferred provider of emergency and non-emergency transportation services to Baptist Memorial Health Care System in Memphis, Tennessee;

 

   

Five-year renewal contracts to continue as the preferred provider of non-emergency medical transportation services and critical care medical transportation services for University of Colorado Hospital located in Aurora, Colorado; and

 

   

Three-year renewal to continue providing specialty firefighting and emergency medical services to Morristown Municipal Airport located in Morristown, New Jersey.

New Accounting Standards

FIN 48

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of FIN 48 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

SFAS 157

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“SFAS”) Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosure about fair value measures required under other accounting pronouncements, but does not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument is carried at fair value. SFAS 157 is effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS 157 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

SFAS 158

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS Statement No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132R” (“SFAS 158”). This standard requires balance sheet recognition of the funded status for all pension and postretirement benefit plans in the year in which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income. Additionally, this standard requires the measurement of the funded status of a plan as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year. The balance sheet recognition provisions of SFAS 158 are effective for us as of June 30, 2007, while the measurement date provisions are effective for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. As further discussed in Note 14, we have a defined benefit pension plan that will be subject to the provisions of SFAS 158. As of September 30, 2006, our defined benefit pension plan was overfunded. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of the balance sheet recognition provisions of SFAS 158 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. As we currently measure the funded status of our plan as of the end of our fiscal year, the measurement date provisions will have no impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

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SAB 108

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). This statement provides interpretive guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of materiality assessment. For prior year immaterial misstatements that are considered material under SAB 108, a one-time transitional cumulative adjustment would be made to beginning retained earnings in the first interim period in which the statement is adopted. SAB 108 is effective for us on June 30, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SAB 108 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

FSP 123(R)-3

In November 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards” (“FSP 123(R)-3”). Under the provisions of FSP 123(R)-3, entities may follow either the transition guidance for the additional-paid-in- capital pool as prescribed by SFAS 123(R) or elect to use the alternative transition method as described in FSP 123(R)-3. An entity that adopts SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective application method may make a one-time election to adopt the transition method described in FSP 123(R)-3. We are electing to use the alternative transition method provided in FSP 123(R)-3 to calculate the pool of windfall tax benefits as of the adoption date of SFAS 123(R).

 

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Results of Operations

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

    

2006

(As restated)

   

% of

Net Revenue

   

2005

(As restated)

   

% of

Net Revenue

   

$

Change

    %
Change
 

Net revenue

   $ 116,841     100.0 %   $ 111,333     100.0 %   $ 5,508     4.9 %
                        

Operating expenses:

            

Payroll and employee benefits

     72,941     62.4 %     65,919     59.2 %     7,022     10.7 %

Depreciation and amortization

     3,020     2.6 %     2,721     2.4 %     299     11.0 %

Other operating expenses

     28,624     24.5 %     29,824     26.8 %     (1,200 )   (4.0 )%

Gain on sale of assets

     (3 )   —         (1,342 )   (1.2 )%     1,339     (99.8 )%
                              

Total operating expenses

     104,582     89.5 %     97,122     87.2 %     7,460     7.7 %
                              

Operating income

     12,259     10.5 %     14,211     12.8 %     (1,952 )   (13.7 )%

Interest expense

     (7,785 )   (6.7 )%     (7,508 )   (6.7 )%     (277 )   3.7 %

Interest income

     120     0.1 %     153     0.1 %     (33 )   (21.6 )%
                              

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

     4,594     3.9 %     6,856     6.2 %     (2,262 )   (33.0 )%

Income tax provision

     (2,054 )   (1.8 )%     (3,504 )   (3.1 )%     1,450     (41.4 )%

Minority interest

     (773 )   (0.7 )%     (162 )   (0.1 )%     (611 )   #  
                              

Income from continuing operations

     1,767     1.5 %     3,190     2.9 %     (1,423 )   (44.6 )%

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (14 )   (0.0 )%     389     0.3 %     (403 )   #  
                              

Net income

   $ 1,753     1.5 %   $ 3,579     3.2 %   $ (1,826 )   (51.0 )%
                              

Income per share

            

Basic -

            

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.07       $ 0.13       $ (0.06 )  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —           0.02         (0.02 )  
                              

Net income

   $ 0.07       $ 0.15       $ (0.08 )  
                              

Diluted -

            

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.07       $ 0.13       $ (0.06 )  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —           0.01         (0.01 )  
                              

Net income

   $ 0.07       $ 0.14       $ (0.07 )  
                              

Average number of common shares outstanding - Basic

     24,510         24,232         278    
                              

Average number of common shares outstanding - Diluted

     24,920         25,261         (341 )  
                              

# Variances over 100% not displayed.

Net revenue growth of $5.5 million, or 4.9 percent, resulted from an $3.4 million, or 3.6 percent, increase in medical transportation and related services revenue and a $2.1 million, or 12.9 percent, increase in fire and other services revenue.

 

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As a percentage of net revenue, operating expenses were 230 basis points higher for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the prior period primarily due to a 320 basis point increase in payroll and employee benefits and a 120 basis point decrease in gain on sale of assets, all as a percentage of net revenue, partially offset by a 230 basis point reduction in other operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue. These fluctuations are described in further detail below.

Net Revenue

The following table shows a comparison of consolidated net revenue by business (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2006
(As restated)
   2005
(As restated)
  

$

Change

  

%

Change

 

Medical transportation and related services

   $ 98,469    $ 95,058    $ 3,411    3.6 %

Fire and other services

     18,372      16,275      2,097    12.9 %
                       

Total net revenue

   $ 116,841    $ 111,333    $ 5,508    4.9 %
                       

Medical Transportation and Related Services

Same service area revenue accounted for $1.1 million, or 31.6 percent, of the increase in medical transportation and related services revenue, of which $1.2 million related to increased transports offset by a $0.1 million decline in rate increases. The remaining $2.3 million resulted from revenues generated under new contracts in Salt Lake City, Utah and the Orlando Regional Healthcare System in Florida.

A comparison of transports is included in table below:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2006    2005    Transport
Change
   %
Change
 

Medical transportation

   267,255    259,288    7,967    3.1 %

Alternative transportation

   21,120    18,722    2,398    12.8 %
                 

Total transports from continuing operations

   288,375    278,010    10,365    3.7 %
                 

Medical transports in areas that we served in both three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 increased by approximately 1,100 transports, while medical transports related to new contracts in Utah and Florida totaled approximately 6,900 transports for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The 12.8 percent increase in transports in our alternative transportation services business is a function of the broad range of services provided to our non-emergency medical transportation customers.

Net/net EMS APC for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was $342 compared to $341 for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The increase is primarily a result of rate escalators and other general rate increases that are contained or allowed in contracts to provide EMS services as well as a change in payer mix in select markets.

Discounts applicable to Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party payers (“contractual allowances”) related to continuing operations, which are reflected as a reduction of gross medical transportation revenue, totaled $65.5 million and $57.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Such discounts represented 35.6 percent and 34.2 percent of gross medical transportation and alternative transportation fees for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase of 140 basis points is primarily a result of rate increases. Such rate increases are applicable to commercial insurance and private pay patients. We are unable to pass on these rate increases to Medicare, Medicaid and certain other payers. The estimate for uncompensated care related to continuing operations, which are also reflected as a reduction of gross medical transportation revenue, totaled $27.3 million and $22.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As a percentage of gross medical transportation services revenue, the uncompensated care was 14.8 percent and 13.4 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The increase in the level of uncompensated care resulted from two components. Primarily, the impact of ambulance rate increases specific to our private pay patients. Secondarily, the impact of disruptions of our collections cycle. During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, we continued to experience what we believe to be a permanent extension of the collection cycle related to certain Medicaid

 

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managed care payers in Arizona. We also continued to experience collection delays stemming from Medicare patients’ transition to Medicare Advantage (“MA”) plans, primarily in Segment C. Finally, we continued to experience delays in collections from the consolidation of three regional billing locations in fiscal 2006, directly affecting Segments A and B. These disruptions in collections from government and private payers have caused an increase in uncompensated care. Management continues to closely monitor our collection efforts for these impacted areas to ensure the adequacy of the estimate for uncompensated care.

 

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Fire and Other Services

The increase in fire and other services revenue is primarily due to fire subscription revenue growth totaling $1.5 million, or 14.3 percent, of which $1.2 million, or 83.0 percent, was related to higher subscription rates and $0.3 million, or 17.0 percent, was related to an increase in the number of subscribers. Additionally, master fire fees increased $0.4 million due to increases in various master fire contract rates and other revenue increased $0.2 million driven by several miscellaneous revenue sources, none of which were individually significant.

Operating Expenses

Payroll and Employee Benefits

Of the $7.0 million increase in payroll and employee benefits expense, $4.9 million is attributable to increased wages and taxes due to the incremental increase in revenue. Additionally, $1.1 million is due to increased health insurance expense due to higher claims paid under our self insurance programs and $1.1 million is related to severance benefits pursuant to the employment agreement of the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer.

Depreciation and Amortization

The increase in depreciation and amortization is primarily due to higher depreciation expense as a result of increased capital expenditures during fiscal 2006.

Other Operating Expenses

The decrease in other operating expenses was due to a $0.9 million reduction in professional fees associated with lower year over year costs associated with compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act, a $0.5 million reduction in vehicle and maintenance expense primarily due to preventative maintenance efforts, a $0.3 million reduction in travel and entertainment resulting from continued cost containment efforts and decreases in miscellaneous other expenses, none of which were individually significant. These were partially offset by a $0.4 million increase in fuel expense driven by an increase in the number of transports as well as a 14.2 percent increase in the average cost per gallon of fuel and higher first responder fees totaling $0.4 million.

Gain on Sale of Assets

We recognized a $1.3 million pre-tax gain on the sale of real estate located in Arizona during the three months ended September 30, 2005. Cash proceeds from this transaction totaled $1.6 million.

Interest Expense

The increase in interest expense is primarily due to the continued non-cash accretion of the Senior Discount Notes.

 

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Table of Contents

Income Tax Provision

Our income tax provision consists primarily of deferred income tax expense, as we utilize net operating loss carryforwards to reduce federal and state taxes currently payable and the associated deferred tax benefits are realized. As a result, minimal current cash payments are required.

During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we recorded a $2.1 million income tax provision related to continuing operations, including a deferred income tax provision of $1.8 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 44.7 percent. This rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent primarily as a result of increases for the portion of non-cash interest expense related to our Senior Discount Notes which is not deductible for income tax purposes, non-deductible executive compensation, and state income taxes. Additionally, our effective tax rate includes a reduction related to income included in pretax income that is attributable to the minority interest in our joint venture with the City of San Diego. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2006 differs from the effective tax rate for the year ended June 30, 2006 primarily as a result of adjustments to prior year tax provisions included in the tax provision for the year ended June 30, 2006 that increased the effective tax rate by 4.0%.

We also recorded $9,000 in income tax benefit related to discontinued operations during the three months ended September 30, 2006. The Company received income tax refunds of $8,000 and made income tax payments of $3,200 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

During the three months ended September 30, 2005, we recorded a $3.5 million income tax provision, including a deferred income tax provision of $3.0 million resulting in an effective tax rate of 51.1 percent. This rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent primarily as a result of the portion of non-cash interest expense related to our Senior Discount Notes, which is not deductible for income tax purposes, non-deductible executive compensation, and state income taxes. We also recorded $0.2 million in income tax provision related to discontinued operations during the three months ended September 30, 2005. The Company made income tax payments of $37,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005.

Minority Interest

Minority interest relates to the City of San Diego’s portion (50 percent) of the San Diego Medical Services Enterprise, LLC fiscal year-to-date net income.

Discontinued Operations

During the prior fiscal year, we made the decision to exit two medical transportation markets and as a result the financial results of these service areas for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are included in income (loss) from discontinued operations.

For the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, net revenue associated with discontinued service areas totaled zero and $5.5 million, respectively. Net loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was $14,000, net of income tax benefit of $9,000. Net income from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $0.4 million, net of income tax expense of $0.2 million. Loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 includes a $0.1 million reversal of closure-related costs due to the true-up of certain estimated accrual items related to the Company’s discontinued operations in the City of Augusta, Georgia as well as legal expenses incurred for the settlement negotiations with the U.S. government regarding the alleged violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute in connection with certain contracts related to the Company’s discontinued operations in the State of Texas. Net income (loss) from discontinued operations excludes the allocation of certain shared services costs such as human resources, financial services, risk management and legal services, among others. These ongoing services and associated costs will be redirected to support new markets or for the expansion of existing service areas.

 

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Table of Contents

Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2005—Segments

Overview

We have four regionally-based reporting segments which correspond with the manner in which the associated operations are managed and evaluated by our Chief Executive Officer. These segments comprise operations within the following areas:

 

Segment   

States

A    Georgia, New York, Northern Ohio, Pennsylvania
B    Alabama, California (fire), Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Northern Florida, New Jersey (fire), Southern Florida, Southern Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin
C    Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon (fire), Utah
D    California (medical transportation), Central Florida, Colorado, Oregon (medical transportation), Nebraska, South Dakota, Washington

Each reporting segment provides medical transportation services while our fire and other services are predominantly in Segments B and C.

The accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements have also been followed in the preparation of the accompanying financial information for each reporting segment. For management purposes, segment profitability is defined as income from continuing operations before depreciation and amortization, interest, income taxes and minority interest. Additionally, corporate overhead allocations have been included within segment profits. Segment results presented below reflect continuing operations only.

The key drivers that impact net medical transportation revenues include rates charged for such services, mix of payers, the acuity of the patients we transport, the mix of activity between emergency medical transportation services and non-emergency medical transportation services, our ability to negotiate government subsidies as well as other competitive and market factors. These factors can vary significantly from market to market and also can change over time. The main drivers of fire and other revenue are fire subscription rates and the number of subscribers.

 

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Table of Contents

Segment A

The following table presents financial results and key operating statistics for Segment A for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands, except medical transports, alternative transports, net/net EMS APC and DSO):

 

     Three Months Ended              
   September 30,              
     2006     2005     $     %  
     (As restated)     (As restated)     Change     Change  

Net Revenue

        

Medical transportation and related services

   $ 24,661     $ 24,279     $ 382     1.6 %

Other services

     1,024       859       165     19.1 %
                          

Total net revenue

   $ 25,685     $ 25,138     $ 547     2.2 %
                          

Segment profit

   $ 5,350     $ 4,414     $ 936     21.2 %

Segment profit margin

     20.8 %     17.6 %    

Medical transports

     73,309       73,981       (672 )   (0.9 )%

Alternative transports

     5,913       5,207       706     13.6 %

Net/net EMS APC

   $ 311     $ 302     $ 9     2.9 %

DSO

     57       56       1     1.4 %

Transportation rate increases contributed to a $0.4 million increase in net medical transportation and related services revenue. Uncompensated care as a percentage of gross medical transportation revenue increased from 10.2 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 11.6 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily due to a change in collection patterns stemming from the consolidation of two regional billing locations in fiscal 2006, rate increases and a shift in payer mix. The increase in alternative transports business is a function of the broad range of services provided to our non-emergency medical transportation customers.

Payroll-related expense as a percentage of net revenue decreased from 57.6 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 54.0 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily due to reductions in headcount, health insurance costs and unemployment and workers’ compensation expense partially offset by increased overtime. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased from 20.4 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 19.0 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily driven by $0.2 million decrease in general liability insurance costs.

The increase in net/net EMS APC was primarily a result of rate increases and the change in payer mix in certain markets.

 

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Segment B

The following table presents financial results and key operating statistics for Segment B for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands, except medical transports, alternative transports, net/net EMS APC, fire subscriptions and DSO):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
             
     2006
(As restated)
    2005
(As restated)
   

$

Change

   

%

Change

 

Net Revenue

        

Medical transportation and related services

   $ 16,298     $ 17,025     $ (727 )   (4.3 )%

Fire and other services

     5,733       5,305       428     8.1 %
                          

Total net revenue

   $ 22,031     $ 22,330     $ (299 )   (1.3 )%
                          

Segment profit

   $ 2,112     $ 3,159     $ (1,047 )   (33.1 )%

Segment profit margin

     9.6 %     14.1 %    

Medical transports

     59,276       59,384       (108 )   (0.2 )%

Alternative transports

     3,633       3,421       212     6.2 %

Net/net EMS APC

   $ 251     $ 267     $ (16 )   (6.4 )%

Fire subscriptions at period end

     34,554       35,013       (459 )   (1.3 )%

DSO

     76       61       15     23.8 %

The increase in fire and other services revenue was driven by higher master fire contract fees in our specialty fire business line and higher fire subscription rates despite a slight decline in the number of fire subscriptions. The decline in medical transports was primarily due to greater competition in certain markets. Uncompensated care as a percentage of gross medical transportation revenue increased from 12.8 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 15.5 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily due to a disruption in collections stemming from the consolidation of a regional billing location in fiscal 2006. The increase in alternative transports business is a function of the broad range of services provided to our non-emergency medical transportation customers.

Payroll related expense as a percentage of net revenue increased from 59.7 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 65.4 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily due to increases in overtime and temporary staffing wages. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue declined from 21.5 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 18.9 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily driven by a $0.3 million reduction in vehicle related expenses, a $0.1 million decrease in general liability insurance costs and declines in other miscellaneous operating costs, none of which were individually significant.

DSO increased 15 days directly as a result of a change in collection patterns stemming from the consolidation of two regional billing locations as discussed above. The 15 day increase includes approximately 11 days associated with the discontinued New Jersey operations.

 

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Segment C

The following table presents financial results and key operating statistics for Segment C for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands, except medical transports, alternative transports, net/net EMS APC, fire subscriptions and DSO):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
             
     2006
(As restated)
    2005
(As restated)
   

$

Change

   

%

Change

 

Net Revenue

        

Medical transportation and related services

   $ 32,743     $ 31,544     $ 1,199     3.8 %

Fire and other services

     11,347       10,072       1,275     12.7 %
                          

Total net revenue

   $ 44,090     $ 41,616     $ 2,474     5.9 %
                          

Segment profit

   $ 4,095     $ 7,788     $ (3,693 )   (47.4 )%

Segment profit margin

     9.3 %     18.7 %    

Medical transports

     65,538       62,123       3,415     5.5 %

Alternative transports

     3,365       3,304       61     1.8 %

Net/net EMS APC

   $ 489     $ 498     $ (9 )   (1.8 )%

Fire subscriptions at period end

     83,734       80,468       3,266     4.1 %

DSO

     58       37       21     55.7 %

The increase in medical transportation and related services resulted from our new service area in Utah contributing $1.3 million, which commenced on April 3, 2006. This new service area revenue was offset by a $0.1 million decline in same service area revenue. Uncompensated care as a percentage of gross medical transportation revenue increased from 11.2 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 12.7 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily due the impact of ambulance rate increases specific to our private pay patients in this segment. Additionally, we continued to experience what we believe to be a permanent extension of the collection cycle related to certain Medicaid managed care payers in Arizona. We also continued to experience collection delays stemming from Medicare patients’ transition to MA plans. These sustained disruptions in collections from government and commercial payers continue to drive increases in our estimate for uncompensated care resulting from our provisioning methodology. The increase in fire and other services revenue is primarily due to 4.1 percent growth in the number of fire subscriptions and higher fire subscription rates. The increase in the number of medical transports was primarily a result of the new Utah service area, which contributed approximately 3,000 additional transports during the first quarter of fiscal 2007.

Payroll related expense as a percentage of net revenue increased from 56.5 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 61.3 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily due to wage increases resulting from the fiscal 2007 renegotiation of union contracts, increased overtime and fill-in staffing to support the increase in transports, increased health insurance expense and increased pension funding requirements. Other operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased from 24.4 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 23.5 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily driven by a $0.3 million reduction in vehicle related expenses and a $0.2 million decrease in professional fees due to fiscal 2006 contract negotiations and franchise protection efforts partially offset by increases in first responder fees, of which $0.4 million related to our new contract in Utah.

DSO increased 21 days primarily as a result of the extended collection cycle related to Medicaid payers in Arizona and the continued difficulty in collecting receivables from patients utilizing MA plans, as discussed above. Of the 21 day increase, approximately 6 days are specific to the Medicaid issue.

 

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Segment D

The following table presents financial results and key operating statistics for Segment D for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands, except medical transports, alternative transports, net/net EMS APC and DSO):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
            
     2006
(As restated)
    2005
(As restated)
   

$

Change

  

%

Change

 

Net Revenue

         

Medical transportation and related services

   $ 24,767     $ 22,210     $ 2,557      11.5 %

Other services

     268       39       229        #
                         

Total net revenue

   $ 25,035     $ 22,249     $ 2,786      12.5 %
                         

Segment profit

   $ 3,722     $ 1,571     $ 2,151        #

Segment profit margin

     14.9 %     7.1 %     

Medical transports

     69,132       63,800       5,332      8.4 %

Alternative transports

     8,209       6,790       1,419      20.9 %

Net/net EMS APC

   $ 311     $ 304     $ 7      2.4 %

DSO

     80       76       4      5.6 %

# Variances over 100% not displayed.

Same service area revenue accounted for $1.5 million of the increase in net medical transportation and related services revenue while the remaining $1.1 million resulted from our new Orlando Regional contract, which commenced on September 10, 2005. Approximately $0.6 million of the increase in same service area net medical transportation and related services revenue was a result of increased rates while the remainder was due to increased transports. Uncompensated care as a percentage of gross medical transportation revenue increased from 18.7 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 19.4 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 due to rate increases and a change in payer mix in certain markets. The change in payer mix partially resulted from our decision to expand certain of our 911 emergency medical transportation markets to provide opportunities to achieve greater resource utilization and leverage of our fixed asset base, despite a somewhat higher associated uncompensated care. Our new Orlando Regional Medical Center contract resulted in approximately 3,900 additional medical transports for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in same service area medical transports is due to significant population growth in certain markets and increased interfacility transports, specifically in the Colorado market.

Payroll related expense as a percentage of net revenue decreased from 54.9 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 53.1 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily due to efficiencies achieved from switching from 12 hour shifts to 24 hour shifts in certain markets. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased from 35.4 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to 27.6 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 primarily driven by a $0.3 million decrease in first-responder fees and decreases in other miscellaneous operating costs, none of which were individually significant. These declines were partially offset by a $0.3 million increase in professional fees incurred in fiscal 2007 associated with franchise protection efforts in certain markets and a $0.1 million increase in vehicle related expenses which were directly related to increased transports.

The increase in net/net EMS APC can primarily be attributed to rate increases in certain markets and the Orlando Regional Medical Center economies of scale as discussed above.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our liquidity needs are primarily to service long-term debt, fund working capital requirements, capital expenditures and business development activities. Our ability to generate cash from operating activities is subject to, among other things, our operating performance as well as general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other conditions, some of which may be beyond our control.

We believe that cash flow from operations coupled with existing cash balances and funds available through our $20.0 million Revolving Credit Facility will be adequate to fund our operating and capital needs through September 30, 2007. To the extent that actual results or events differ from our financial projections or business plans, our liquidity may be adversely impacted. See Explanatory Note and Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

Cash Flow

Throughout the year, we experience significant periodic outflows of cash for debt service, capital expenditures, workers compensation and general liability insurance premium deposits, 401(k) matching contributions and management bonuses. These outflows include $6.2 million in semi-annual interest payments on our Senior Subordinated Notes payable on September 15 and March 15.

Deposits on our annual workers’ compensation and general liability insurance programs are typically paid in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. These deposits totaled $2.6 million and $5.8 million in fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively.

In addition to the Senior Subordinated Notes interest payment discussed above, during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 we also made $2.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively, in interest payments associated with our Term Loan B. Additionally, during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we made payments totaling $4.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively, for capital expenditures and made defined benefit pension plan payments of $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

The table below summarizes cash flow information for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands):

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 
     2006
(As restated)
    2005
(As restated)
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 4,742     $ 4,987  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (634 )     (13,914 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

     205       47  

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $4.7 million and $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The $1.9 million decrease in net income was partially offset by a $0.8 million increase in net operating assets from the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007 and a $0.8 million increase in non-cash charges. The decrease in net income is primarily attributable to a gain recognized on the sale of real estate in Arizona during the first quarter of fiscal 2006 and severance benefits expense associated with the employment agreement of the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer during the first quarter of fiscal 2007. The increase in net operating assets is primarily attributable to growth in medical transportation revenue and the impact of disruptions of our collections cycle, and an increase in prepaid assets due to increased current general liability and workers compensation insurance premiums partially offset by a decrease in accrued wages due to the timing of payroll funding and the accrued severance benefits expense described above. The increase in non-cash items is primarily attributable to an increase in the estimate for uncompensated care caused by the impact of ambulance rate increases specific to our private pay patients and the impact of disruptions of our collections cycle as well as the previously mentioned gain on real estate, partially offset by a decrease in non-cash deferred income tax benefit relating to the utilization of a portion of our net operating loss carryforwards.

 

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We had working capital of $47.6 million at September 30, 2006, including cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $9.9 million, compared to working capital of $41.0 million, including cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $9.2 million, at June 30, 2006. The increase in working capital as of September 30, 2006 is primarily related to higher net accounts receivable due to the previously mentioned growth in medical transportation revenue and the impact of disruptions of our collections cycle and higher prepaid expenses due to increased general liability insurance premiums combined with lower accounts payable due to the timing of payments to vendors partially offset by increased accrued wages.

DSO increased 12 days from September 30, 2005 to September 30, 2006, primarily due to the disruption in collections related to certain Medicaid managed care payers in Arizona which accounts for 2 days of the 12 day total increase. Additionally, collection delays stemming from the consolidation of three regional billing locations in fiscal 2006 also contributed to the increase in DSO.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities includes the purchase and sale of short-term investments, capital expenditures and proceeds from the sale of property and equipment. We invest excess funds in highly liquid, short-term taxable auction rate securities. We had net sales of such securities of $3.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and net purchases of $12.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2005. We had capital expenditures totaling $4.3 million and $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Of the $1.3 million increase, approximately $1.2 million related to the purchase of three fire trucks for the Arizona fire market during the first quarter of fiscal 2007. Additionally, during the three months ended September 30, 2005, we received proceeds from the sale of property and equipment of $1.6 million primarily due to the sale of real estate in Arizona.

Financing Activities

Financing activities include the tax benefits from the exercise of stock options, proceeds from the issuance of common stock, repayment of debt and minority shareholder distributions. The reduction in current year stock option exercises contributed to a $0.3 million decrease in cash provided by the issuance of common stock, which was partially offset by a $34,000 increase in the tax benefit realized from the exercise of such options. During the three months ended September 30, 2005, we made a $0.2 million distribution to the City of San Diego, the minority shareholder in our medical services joint venture.

Debt Covenants

The 2005 Credit Facility, Senior Subordinated Notes and Senior Discount Notes include various financial and non-financial covenants as well as quarterly and annual financial reporting obligations.

Specifically, the 2005 Credit Facility, as amended, requires Rural/Metro LLC and its subsidiaries to meet certain financial tests, including a maximum total leverage ratio, a minimum interest expense coverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The 2005 Credit Facility also contains covenants which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers, prepayments of other indebtedness, liens and encumbrances, capital expenditures, business activities by the Company, as a holding company, and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements.

We were in compliance with all of our covenants under our 2005 Credit Facility at September 30, 2006. Due to the restatement of the financial statements, we did not timely file the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, as disclosed on Form 12b-25 filed on February 12, 2007. As a result, we received a notice of default on February 22, 2007 from the trustee of its 9.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015, and its 12.75% Senior Discount Notes due 2016. Any default under the Indentures that govern the notes also constitutes an “event of default” under the 2005 Credit Facility and could lead to an acceleration of the unpaid principal and accrued interest under the 2005 Credit Facility, unless a waiver is obtained. On March 13, 2007, we obtained a waiver under the 2005 Credit Facility for any defaults relating to the restatement and the untimely filing of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006. In addition, any default under the notes relating to the untimely filing of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, will be cured within the 60-day cure period (expires April 23, 2007) upon the filing of such report with the SEC. See Explanatory Note to this Amendment.

 

    

Level Specified

in Agreement

   Level Achieved for
Specified Period
   Levels to be Achieved at

Financial Covenant

         December 31, 2006    March 31, 2007    June 30, 2007

Debt leverage ratio

   < 4.50    4.28    < 4.25    < 4.25    < 4.00

Interest expense coverage ratio

   > 2.25    2.26    > 2.25    > 2.50    > 2.50

Fixed charge coverage ratio

   > 1.15    1.24    > 1.15    > 1.20    > 1.20

Maintenance capital expenditure (1)

   N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A    < $22.0 million

New business capital expenditure

   N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A    < $4.0 million

(1) Maintenance capital expenditure refers to capital expenditures to maintain operations.

 

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EBITDA

EBITDA is a key indicator that management uses to evaluate our operating performance. While EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered as an indicator of operating performance or an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity, we believe this measure is useful to investors in assessing our ability to meet our future debt service, capital expenditure and working capital requirements. This calculation may differ in method of calculation from similarly titled measures used by other companies. The following table sets forth our EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, as well as a reconciliation to cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable financial measure under generally accepted accounting principles (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2006
(As restated)
    2005
(As restated)
 

Net income

   $ 1,753     $ 3,579  

Add back:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     3,020       2,813  

Interest expense

     7,785       7,508  

Interest income

     (120 )     (153 )

Income tax provision

     2,045       3,722  
                

EBITDA

   $ 14,483     $ 17,469  

Increase (decrease):

    

Interest expense

     (7,785 )     (7,508 )

Interest income

     120       153  

Income tax provision

     (2,045 )     (3,722 )

Deferred income taxes

     1,628       3,166  

Accretion of 12.75% Senior Discount Notes

     1,838       1,640  

Earnings of minority shareholder

     773       162  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     418       435  

Stock based compensation (benefit) expense

     (7 )     9  

Gain on sale of property and equipment

     (3 )     (1,348 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

     (4,678 )     (5,469 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 4,742     $ 4,987  
                

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, consolidated EBITDA of $14.5 million included a 150 basis point increase in uncompensated care as a percentage of gross medical transportation revenue and the positive impact of $0.6 million increase in minority interest associated with our joint venture with the City of San Diego. Consolidated EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2005 of $17.5 million included the positive impact of $0.7 million from discontinued operations and a $1.3 million gain on the sale of real estate in Arizona.

Subsequent Events

Sale of Asset

On October 20, 2006, we sold an operating license held by one of our subsidiaries for cash proceeds of $0.7 million. This transaction generated a pre-tax gain of $0.7 million which will be included in income from discontinued operations during the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

Unscheduled Principal Payment

On November 8, 2006, we, through our wholly owned subsidiary, Rural/Metro LLC, made a $7.0 million unscheduled principal payment on our Term Loan B. In connection with this payment, we will write-off approximately $0.2 million of deferred financing costs during the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

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Credit Facility Amendment No. 4

We concluded that certain severance benefits associated with the termination of our former Chief Financial Officer should be expensed in the first quarter of fiscal 2007. Due to the inclusion of such expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2007, Rural/Metro LLC, Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent, and the various lenders to the 2005 Credit Facility agreed to amend the 2005 Credit Facility (“Amendment No. 4”) to modify the definition of the Consolidated EBITDA covenant contained in the 2005 Credit Facility to exclude the severance benefits associated with such termination. On November 10, 2006, we entered into Amendment No. 4, which is effective as of September 30, 2006, and are in compliance with all of our covenants under the 2005 Credit Facility at September 30, 2006.

Contract Activity

We were awarded several new contracts during the quarter ended September 30, 2006, including the following:

 

   

Three-year contract to provide exclusive airport fire fighting and emergency medical transportation services to the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, which commenced on October 1, 2006;

 

   

Three-year contract as the preferred provider of non-emergency medical transportation services to Valley Medical Center located in Renton, Washington, which commenced on October 1, 2006; and

 

   

Five-year master fire contract with the City of Carefree, Arizona which will become effective on January 1, 2007.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks

Our primary exposure to market risk consists of changes in interest rates on our borrowing activities. Under our 2005 Credit Facility, amounts outstanding under Term Loan B bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.25 percent and amounts drawn under our Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.25 percent. Based on amounts outstanding under Term Loan B at September 30, 2006, a 1 percent increase in the LIBOR rate would increase our interest expense on an annual basis by approximately $1.1 million. The remainder of our debt is primarily at fixed interest rates. We monitor the risk associated with interest rate changes and may enter into hedging transactions, such as interest rate swap agreements, to mitigate the related exposure. In addition, we are exposed to the risk of interest rate changes on our short-term investment activities. We had no investments in auction rate securities at September 30, 2006.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Restatement

As discussed in the Explanatory Note to this Form 10-Q/A for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006, and in Note 2 of the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Amendment, along with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, Item 4.02, dated February 13, 2007, management of the Company has amended its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. This Amendment is being filed in connection with the Company’s restatement of its annual consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the interim consolidated financial statements for each of the quarters within the years ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, and the interim consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. The determination to restate these consolidated financial statements was made as a result of the Company’s identification of certain accounting practice errors relating to its inventory. Specifically, the Company has determined that certain durable medical supply items were incorrectly included in inventory. Historically, the Company has counted these items as inventory and valued them within its inventory balance.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this Report (the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006). In its Original Filing, filed with the Commission on November 14, 2006, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer previously concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2006.

In connection with the restatement discussed above, management of the Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has re-evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2006. Based upon this re-evaluation and solely as a result of the material weakness described below, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2006.

 

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A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. Management identified the following material weakness in internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2006, which continued to exist as of September 30, 2006. The Company did not maintain effective internal controls over the classification of certain durable medical supply items within inventory. Specifically, the Company did not have effective procedures to detect that certain durable medical supply items were improperly included in inventory. This control deficiency resulted in the restatement of the Company’s 2006, 2005 and 2004 annual consolidated financial statements, the interim consolidated financial statements for each of the quarters within the fiscal years in 2006 and 2005, and the interim consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. Additionally, the control deficiency could result in a material misstatement of inventory and operating expenses that would result in a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.

Remediation of Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

In an effort to remediate the material weakness described above and in connection with the preparation of its Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for fiscal 2006, and its Amended Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q/A for the interim periods ended March 31, 2006 and September 30, 2006, the Company has conducted and completed a review of its controls relating to accounting for inventory, and corrected its method of accounting. These steps were completed subsequent to March 31, 2006 but prior to the filing date of this Amendment. While the remediation measures have improved the design effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, the newly designed controls have not yet operated for a sufficient period of time to demonstrate operating effectiveness. We continue to monitor and assess our remediation activities to ensure that the material weakness discussed above is remediated as soon as practicable. Additionally, management intends to enhance its controls and procedures related to the performance and analysis of periodic physical inventory counts so as to properly identify items that should be excluded from the inventory balance. Management currently expects that these steps will be completed by June 30, 2007.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f)) that occurred during the three month period ended September 30, 2006 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II. Other Information.

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The information contained in Footnote 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements is hereby incorporated by referenced into this Part II—Item 1 of this report.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following risk factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere herein should be carefully considered in evaluating us and our business.

We may fail to receive reimbursements from third-party payers.

We provide our medical transportation services on a fee-for-service basis and collect a substantial portion of our revenue from reimbursements from third-party payers, including government-funded healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid and private insurance programs. We recognize revenue when we provide medical transportation services; however, the reimbursement process is complex and there can be lengthy delays before we receive payment. In addition, third-party payers may disallow, in whole or in part, requests for reimbursement based on assertions that certain amounts and services are not reimbursable or that additional supporting documentation is necessary. Retroactive adjustments made by third-party payers may change amounts realized from them. We received approximately 90 and 91 percent of our medical transportation fee collections from third-party payers during fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively, including approximately 27 percent and 28 percent from Medicare during fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively, and approximately 15 percent from Medicaid for both fiscal years. To the extent our claims are not reimbursed or allowed, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We may not be able to successfully collect amounts billed directly to individual patients.

We are required to provide emergency medical transportation service regardless of the ability or willingness of the patient to pay. We face the risk of not being paid by individuals that require emergency medical transportation service and the risk of increased rates of non-payment should the number of such individuals using our services increase in our service areas. Our failure to receive payments from a significant number of individual patients could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Claims against us could exceed our insurance coverage; we may not have coverage for certain claims.

We are subject to a significant number of accident, injury and patient care incident lawsuits as a result of the nature of our business and day-to-day operations. Some of these lawsuits may involve large claim amounts and substantial defense costs. In order to minimize the risk of our exposure, we maintain insurance coverage for workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile liability and professional liability claims. In certain limited instances we may not have coverage for certain claims. When we do have coverage, the coverage limits of our policies may not be adequate. Liabilities in excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Claims against us, regardless of their merit or outcome, also may have an adverse effect on our reputation and business.

We may experience future increases in the cost of our insurance programs that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

An increase in our claim experience may result in increases in our insurance premiums. If we experience increases in our premiums, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Two insurance companies with which we have previously done business are in liquidation proceedings and we may be required to cover a portion of claims covered by these insurers or lose deposits we have with them.

Two of our previous workers’ compensation and general liability programs insurers, Reliance Insurance Company (“Reliance”), from whom we purchased coverage for policy years 1992 through 2000, and Legion Insurance Company (“Legion”), from whom we purchased coverage in 2001 and 2002, are currently in liquidation proceedings in Pennsylvania. In the event that we incur workers’ compensation or general liability claims for the policy years covered by these insurers and they are not covered by the applicable insurer or state guaranty fund, we may be required to fund any losses related to such claims. As of June 30, 2006, we had letters of credit totaling $3.7 million issued on behalf of Reliance along with $1.3 million of cash on deposit with Mutual Indemnity, a Legion affiliate. The liquidation proceedings may result in the loss of all or part of the collateral and/or funds currently held by these insurers,

 

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and may result in restricted access to both insurance and reinsurance proceeds relating to our general liability program. A requirement to fund significant claims or the loss of some or all of the amounts posted as collateral could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, result of operations and cash flows.

Our revenues may decline if Medicare reduces the reimbursements it pays to us or changes its programs.

Our revenues may decline if Medicare reduces its reimbursement rates or otherwise changes its current Medicare fee schedule. We received approximately 27 percent and 28 percent of our medical transportation fee collections from Medicare during fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. Any reductions in reimbursement rates or other changes to the Medicare fee schedule could result in a reduction in reimbursements we receive for our medical transportation services.

Some state and local governments regulate our rate structures and may limit our ability to increase our rates or maintain a satisfactory rate structure.

State or local government regulations or administrative policies regulate the rates we can charge in some states for medical transportation services. For example, the State of Arizona establishes the rates we may charge in the various communities we serve in that state. Medical transportation services revenue generated in Arizona accounted for approximately 33 percent and 31 percent of net revenue for fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. In some service areas in other states in which we are the exclusive provider of services, the municipality or fire district sets the rates for emergency medical transportation services pursuant to a master contract and establishes the rates for general medical transportation services that we are permitted to charge. In areas where we are regulated, there is no assurance that we will receive medical transportation service rate increases on a timely basis, or at all.

Due to budget deficits in many states, significant decreases in state funding for Medicaid programs have occurred or are proposed. Some states have reduced the scope of Medicaid eligibility and coverage. For example, patients covered by Medicare are required to make a 20 percent co-payment for medical transports. In most states, Medicaid makes this co-payment on behalf of its insureds (this is called a “cross-over payment”). Indiana recently passed legislation eliminating crossover payments by Medicaid and prohibiting medical transportation providers from collecting the 20 percent co-payment from patients. Other states have proposed taking similar steps.

If we are not able to charge satisfactory rates in one or more of the communities in which we operate it could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, results of operations or cash flows.

Our business is subject to laws, rules and regulations that can impose fines, penalties or other liabilities, revoke necessary licenses or otherwise cause material adverse effects.

Numerous laws, rules and regulations govern the medical transportation and fire fighting service business covering matters such as licensing, rates, employee certification, environmental matters and radio communications. Certificates of Need that certain states may employ to award market rights to geographic areas may change. Master contracts from governmental authorities are subject to risks of cancellation or unenforceability as a result of budgetary and other factors and may subject us to certain liabilities or restrictions.

Any failure to comply with all, or any changes in, applicable laws, rules and regulations could result in the revocation of contracts or licenses to conduct business in the relevant jurisdictions, fines or cause other material adverse effects. Federal and state laws also can require the owner or operator of real property to clean up historic contamination (or pay for that cleanup), without regard to fault.

Changes to existing programs also can create unanticipated risks.

Certain governmental actions could:

 

   

change existing laws, rules or regulations;

 

   

adopt new laws, rules or regulations that increase our cost of doing business;

 

   

lower reimbursement levels; or,

 

   

otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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Our business is subject to substantial regulation and, if we fail to comply with all applicable laws and government regulations, we could suffer penalties or be required to make significant changes to our operations.

We are subject to extensive regulation at both the federal and state levels. The laws that directly or indirectly affect our ability to operate our business include the following:

 

   

federal laws (including the Federal False Claims Act) that prohibit entities and individuals from knowingly or recklessly making claims to Medicare, Medicaid and other government programs, as well as third-party payers, that contain false or fraudulent information;

 

   

a provision of the Social Security Act, commonly referred to as the “anti-kickback statute,” that prohibits the knowing and willful offering, payment, solicitation or receipt of any bribe, kickback, rebate or other remuneration in return for the referral or recommendation of patients for items and services covered, in whole or in part, by federal healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid;

 

   

a provision of the Social Security Act that imposes criminal penalties on healthcare providers who fail to disclose or refund known overpayments;

 

   

similar state law provisions pertaining to anti-kickback, self-referral and false claims issues which typically are not limited to relationships with federal payers;

 

   

provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) that prohibit knowingly and willfully executing a scheme or artifice to defraud any healthcare benefit program or falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any material false, fictitious or fraudulent statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services;

 

   

federal laws that impose civil administrative sanctions for, among other violations, inappropriate billing of services to federally funded healthcare programs, and employing individuals who are excluded from participation in federally funded healthcare programs;

 

   

reassignment of payment rules that prohibit certain types of billing and collection practices in connection with claims payable by the Medicare and Medicaid programs and some other payers programs and some other payers;

 

   

provisions of HIPAA limiting how healthcare providers may use and disclose individually identifiable health information and the security measures taken in connection with that information and related systems, as well as similar state laws; and

 

   

federal and state laws governing medical transport services, including the licensing or certification of medical transportation service providers, training and certification of medical personnel, the scope of services that may be provided by medical personnel, staffing requirements, medical control, medical procedures, communications systems, vehicles and equipment.

If our operations are found to be in violation of any of the laws and regulations described above or the other laws and regulations which govern our activities, we may be subject to penalties, including civil and criminal penalties, exclusion from federal healthcare programs, damages, fines and the curtailment of our operations. Any material penalties, individually or in the aggregate, would adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results. The risk of our being found in violation of these laws and regulations is increased by the fact that many of them have not been fully interpreted by the regulatory authorities or the courts, and their provisions are sometimes open to a variety of interpretations. Any action against us for violation of these laws or regulations, even if we successfully defend against it, could cause us to incur significant legal expenses and divert our management’s attention from the operation of our business.

Healthcare laws and regulations may change significantly in the future. We monitor these developments and modify our operations from time to time where we perceive a need to do so in response to the regulatory changes. However, we cannot assure you that any new healthcare laws or regulations will not materially adversely affect our business. We cannot assure you that a review of our business by judicial, law enforcement, or regulatory authorities will not result in a determination that could adversely affect our operations or that healthcare regulation will not change in a way that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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HIPAA regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business either if we fail to comply with the regulations or as a result of the costs associated with compliance.

The privacy standards under HIPAA took effect April 14, 2001 and cover all individually identifiable health information used or disclosed by a healthcare provider. HIPAA establishes standards concerning the privacy, security and the electronic transmission of patients’ health information. Under the statute, there are civil penalties of up to $100 per violation (not to exceed $25,000 per calendar year for each type of violation) and criminal penalties for knowing violations of up to $250,000 per violation. The enforcing agency, the Office of Civil Rights (the “OCR”) of the Department of Health and Human Services, has announced a compliance-based and compliance improvement type of enforcement program. We believe there is not sufficient basis to understand OCR’s enforcement posture and the potential for fines which may result from OCR’s finding of a violation of the privacy regulations. The significant costs associated with compliance and the potential penalties as a result of our failure to comply with the rule could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

HIPAA also mandates compliance with the approved HIPAA format when we submit claims electronically. We are filing claims in the approved HIPAA format with all of our Medicare plans. In addition, we await announcements from the commercial insurers regarding their compliance with the electronic claims submission requirements.

The final security rule, which became effective April 20, 2005, requires healthcare suppliers and other entities to set security standards for health information and to maintain reasonable and appropriate safeguards to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of this information. It also requires that we protect health information against unauthorized use or disclosure. We believe we have developed the appropriate policies and procedures to comply with the final security rule. Failure to do so could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We could experience a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows due to: (i) significant costs associated with continued compliance under HIPAA or related legislative enactments, (ii) potential fines from our noncompliance, (iii) adverse affects on our collection cycle arising from non-compliance or delayed HIPAA compliance by our payers, customers and other constituents or (iv) impacts to the healthcare industry as a whole that may directly or indirectly cause a material adverse affect on our business.

Providers and suppliers in the health care industry, such as us, are the subject of federal and state investigations related to billing and other matters.

Both federal and state government agencies have pursued civil and criminal enforcement efforts related to billing and other matters as part of numerous ongoing investigations of healthcare companies and their executives and managers. Although there are a number of civil and criminal statutes that can be applied to healthcare providers, a significant number of these investigations involve the Federal False Claims Act. These investigations can be initiated not only by the government but also by a private party asserting direct knowledge of fraud. These “qui tam” whistleblower lawsuits may be initiated against any person or entity alleging such person or entity has knowingly or recklessly presented, or caused to be presented, a false or fraudulent request for payment from the federal government, or has made a false statement or used a false record to get a claim approved. Penalties for False Claims Act violations include fines ranging from $5,500 to $11,000 for each false claim, plus up to three times the amount of damages sustained by the federal government. A False Claims Act violation may provide the basis for exclusion from the federally-funded healthcare programs. In addition, some states have adopted similar insurance fraud, whistleblower and false claims provisions.

From time to time, we receive requests and subpoenas for information from government agencies in connection with their regulatory and investigative authority, and are likely to be subject to such requests and subpoenas for information in the future. We review such requests and subpoenas and attempt to take appropriate action. We are also subject to requests and subpoenas for information in independent investigations. A determination by a regulatory or investigative authority in any of these investigations that we have violated the Federal False Claims Act or another civil or criminal statute could result in significant penalties or exclusion from federally-funded healthcare programs, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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As we announced on February 14, 2007, our historical financial information should no longer be relied upon.

On February 14, 2007, we announced that management of the Company had concluded, and the Audit Committee had approved the conclusion, that due solely to our error in improperly including certain durable medical supply items within inventory, the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, and the interim periods therein, and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as and for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and any related financial information, should no longer be relied upon.

Until we are able to become current with our filings with the SEC, we may face several adverse consequences.

As described above, we have delayed filing our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 and, although we are working as quickly as possible to complete our restatement and return to current filing status, we cannot provide assurance as to when this process will be completed. Because we are not current with our filings with the SEC, investors in our securities do not have the information required by SEC rules regarding our business and financial condition with which to make decisions regarding investment in our securities. In addition, until we are current with our SEC filings, the SEC will not declare a registration statement covering a public offering of securities effective under the Securities Act of 1933, and we will not be able to make offerings pursuant to existing registration statements or pursuant to certain “private placement” rules of the SEC under Regulation D to any purchasers not qualifying as “accredited investors.” We also will not be eligible to use a “short form” registration statement on Form S-3 to make equity or debt offerings for a period of 12 months after the time we become current in our filings. These restrictions could adversely affect our ability to raise capital, as well as our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, as discussed in the risk factor below, if we are not able to make these filings by April 23, 2007, our ability to obtain immediate and continued access to additional liquidity would likely be impaired, unless we received waivers or amendments from our lenders. We cannot assure you that these amendments or waivers will be received.

In addition, due to the need for restatement of the financial statements identified above, the Company did not timely file the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, as disclosed on Form 12b-25 filed on February 12, 2007. As a result, the Company received a notice of default on February 22, 2007 from the trustee of its 9.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015, and its 12.75% Senior Discount Notes due 2016. Any default under the Indentures that govern the notes also constitutes an “event of default” under the Company’s 2005 Credit Facility and could lead to an acceleration of the unpaid principal and accrued interest under the 2005 Credit Facility, unless a waiver is obtained. On March 13, 2007, the Company obtained a waiver of any defaults, including the event of default described above, under its 2005 Credit Facility. In addition, any default under the notes relating to the untimely filing of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006, will be cured within the 60-day cure period (April 23, 2007) upon the filing of such with the SEC. We cannot assure that we will be able to file the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 by April 23, 2007, or if we are not able to make these filings by April 23, 2007, that we will be able to obtain additional amendments or waivers.

Material weaknesses or deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting could harm stockholder and business confidence on our financial reporting, our ability to obtain financing and other aspects of our business. Maintaining an effective system of internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports.

Management reevaluated the Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 (the “2006 Management Internal Control Report”). We concluded that we had a material weakness in our internal control related to inventory. The existence of a material weakness as of June 30, 2006 would preclude management from concluding that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2006. The Company intends to amend its 2006 Management Internal Control Report. The existence of a material weakness is an indication that there is more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of our financial statements will not be prevented or detected. As a result of this material weakness, management’s assessment as of June 30, 2006 will conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is ineffective. It is also possible that additional material weaknesses will be identified in the future.

Because we will conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective and because we expect our independent registered public accountants to issue an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, and to the extent we identify future weaknesses or deficiencies, there could be material misstatements in our financial statements and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations. As a result, our ability to obtain additional financing, or obtain additional financing on favorable terms, could be materially and adversely affected which, in turn, could materially and adversely affect our business, our financial condition and the market value of our securities. In addition, perceptions of us could also be adversely affected among customers, lenders, investors, securities analysts and others. This current material weakness or any future weaknesses or deficiencies could also hurt confidence in our business and consolidated financial statements and our ability to do business with these groups.

We are the subject of certain lawsuits, which if determined adversely to us, could harm our business.

We are a party to, or otherwise involved in, lawsuits, claims, proceedings and other legal matters that have arisen in the ordinary course of conducting our business. We cannot predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of any of these lawsuits, claims, proceedings and other legal matters to which we are a party to, or otherwise involved in, due to, among other things, the inherent uncertainties of litigation, government investigations and proceedings and legal matters generally. An unfavorable outcome in any of the lawsuits pending against us, including those described above, could result in substantial potential liabilities and have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations, our liquidity, our operations, and/or our ability to comply with any debt covenants. Further, these proceedings, and our actions in response to these proceedings, could result in substantial potential liabilities, additional defense and other costs, increase our indemnification obligations, divert management’s attention, and/or adversely affect our ability to execute our business and financial strategies.

We are dependent on maintaining our business relationships.

We depend to a great extent on contracts with municipalities or fire districts to provide emergency medical transportation services. Contracts or other agreements with municipalities, counties or fire districts may have certain budgetary approval constraints. Failure to allocate funds for a contract may adversely affect our ability to continue to perform services without suffering significant losses. In addition, most of our contracts are terminable by either party upon agreed notice periods or upon the occurrence of certain events of default. We may not be successful in retaining our existing contracts or in obtaining new contracts for emergency medical transportation or other services. The loss or cancellation of several of these contracts could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Areas in which we provide subscription fire protection services may be converted to tax-supported fire districts or annexed by municipalities.

We provide residential and commercial fire protection services on a subscription-fee basis to property owners in unincorporated areas who do not receive services through municipal fire departments, volunteer fire departments, or fire protection districts. If several of the areas in which we provide subscription services were to convert to tax-supported fire districts or be annexed by municipalities, the loss of those arrangements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We may not accurately assess the costs of or revenues generated by new contracts, which could adversely affect our business, financial conditions, results of operations or cash flows.

Our new contracts increasingly involve a competitive bidding process. When we obtain new contracts, we must accurately assess the costs we will incur in providing services, as well as other factors such as expected transport volume, geographical issues affecting

 

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response time and the implementation of technology upgrades, in order to realize adequate profit margins or otherwise meet our financial and strategic objectives. Increasing pressures from healthcare payers to restrict or reduce reimbursement rates at a time when the costs of providing medical services continue to increase make assessing the costs associated with the pricing of new contracts, as well as maintenance of existing contracts, more difficult. In addition, integrating new contracts, particularly those in new geographic locations, could prove more costly, and could require more management time, than we anticipate. Our failure to accurately predict costs or to negotiate an adequate profit margin could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We face risks in attempting to terminate unfavorable contracts prior to their stated termination date because of the possibility of forfeiting performance bonds and the potential material adverse effect on our public relations, business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We are in a highly competitive industry. If we do not compete effectively, we could lose business or fail to grow.

The medical transportation service industry is highly competitive. We compete to provide our emergency medical transportation services with governmental entities, hospitals, local and volunteer private providers and private providers, including national and regional providers such as American Medical Response. In order to compete successfully, we must make continuing investments in our fleet, facilities, and operating systems. We believe that counties, fire districts and municipalities and health-care institutions consider the following factors in awarding a contract:

 

   

quality of medical care;

 

   

historical response time performance;

 

   

customer service;

 

   

financial stability;

 

   

personnel policies and practices;

 

   

managerial strength; and

 

   

cost.

Some of our current competitors and certain potential competitors may have access to greater capital and other resources than us. Counties, municipalities, fire districts, and healthcare organizations that currently contract for medical transportation services could choose to provide medical transportation services directly in the future. We may experience increased competition from fire departments in providing emergency medical transportation service. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully compete to provide our medical transportation services.

Municipal fire departments, tax-supported fire districts and volunteer fire departments represent the principal providers of fire protection services for residential and commercial properties. Private companies represent only a small portion of the total fire protection market and generally provide services where a tax-supported municipality or fire district has decided to contract for these services or has not assumed the financial responsibility for fire protection. In these situations, we provide services for a municipality or fire district on a contract basis or provide fire protection services directly to residences and businesses who subscribe for this service.

Private providers, such as Wackenhut Services, Inc., also provide fire protection services to airports and industrial sites. We cannot assure you that:

 

   

we will be able to continue to maintain current contracts or subscriptions or to obtain additional fire protection business on a contractual or subscription-fee basis;

 

   

fire districts or municipalities will not choose to provide fire protection services directly in the future; or

 

   

we will be able to successfully compete with private providers of fire protection services.

 

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The departure of our key management could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Our success depends upon our ability to recruit and retain key management personnel. We could experience difficulty in retaining our current key management personnel or in attracting and retaining necessary additional key management personnel. We have entered into employment agreements with some, but not all of our executive officers and certain other key management personnel. Failure to retain or replace our key management may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We may not be able to successfully recruit and retain healthcare professionals with the qualifications and attributes desired by us and our customers.

Our ability to recruit and retain healthcare professionals significantly affects our business. Medical personnel shortages in some of our market areas currently make the recruiting, training and retention of full-time and part-time personnel more difficult and costly. Our internal growth will require the addition of new personnel. Failure to retain or replace our medical personnel or to attract new personnel may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We may not pay dividends.

We have never paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently plan to retain any earnings for use in our business rather than to pay cash dividends. Payments of any cash dividends in the future will depend on our financial condition, results of operations and capital requirements as well as other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. Our senior subordinated notes due 2015, senior discount notes due 2016 and our credit facilities contain restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends, and any future borrowings may contain similar restrictions.

It may be difficult for a third party to acquire us and this could depress our stock price.

We are a Delaware company which has adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan pursuant to which we issued one preferred stock purchase right, or a Right, for each outstanding share of common stock. Our Shareholder Rights Plan could make it difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so would benefit security holders. The rights issued under the plan have certain anti-takeover effects. The rights will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us in a manner or on terms not approved by our Board of Directors. Anti-takeover provisions in Delaware law, certain provisions of our charter and the Shareholder Rights Plan could depress our stock price and may result in entrenchment of existing management, regardless of their performance.

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibits    
10.1   Amendment No. 4, dated as of November 10, 2006 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 4, 2005, among Rural/Metro Operating Company, LLC, as borrower; the lenders party thereto; Citibank, N.A., as LC facility issuing bank; Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent for the lenders; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent; and Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint lead bookrunners.(1)
31.1   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended*
31.2   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended*
32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002+
32.2   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002+

* Filed herewith.
+ Furnished but not filed.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 14, 2006.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    RURAL/METRO CORPORATION

Dated: March 22, 2007

  By:  

/s/ JACK E. BRUCKER

   

Jack E. Brucker,

President & Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

  By:  

/s/ KRISTINE BEIAN PONCZAK

   

Kristine Beian Ponczak,

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

  By:  

/s/ GREGORY A. BARBER

   

Gregory A. Barber,

Vice President and Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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Exhibit Index

 

10.1    Amendment No. 4, dated as of November 10, 2006 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 4, 2005, among Rural/Metro Operating Company, LLC, as borrower; the lenders party thereto; Citibank, N.A., as LC facility issuing bank; Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent for the lenders; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent; and Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint lead bookrunners. (1)
31.1    Certification pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended*
31.2    Certification pursuant to Rule 13a—14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended*
32.1    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002+
32.2    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002+

* Filed herewith.
+ Furnished but not filed.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 14, 2006.

 

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