Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x

 

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

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2008

 

 

 

Or

 

 

 

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECUTRIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                                                       to                                                       

 

Commission File Number  0-15266

 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

NEW JERSEY

 

22-2405059

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

481 Edward H. Ross Drive, Elmwood Park, NJ

 

07407

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(201) 791-2600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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 and Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 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  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated file in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  o   Accelerated Filer  x   Non-accelerated  Filer  o   Smaller reporting company  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes  o   No  x

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 13,773,765 shares of Common Stock ($.01 par value) at September 6, 2008.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

BIO-REFERENCE, LABORATORIES, INC.

 

FORM 10-Q

 

JULY 31, 2008

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

  Item 1.

Financial Statements

1

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2008 (unaudited) and October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months ended July 31, 2008 and July 31, 2007 (unaudited)

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and July 31, 2007 (unaudited)

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

6

 

 

 

 

  Item 2.

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

8

 

 

 

 

  Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

13

 

 

 

  Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

13

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

  Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

13

 

 

 

  Item 6.

Exhibits

13

 

 

 

  Signatures

 

14

 

 

 

  Certifications

 

16

 



Table of Contents

 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data, Or Unless Otherwise Noted]

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

July 31,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

$

10,725

 

$

11,897

 

Accounts Receivable - Net

 

92,283

 

86,018

 

Inventory

 

3,536

 

3,120

 

Other Current Assets

 

2,806

 

1,443

 

Deferred Tax Assets

 

7,013

 

6,019

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

116,363

 

108,497

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - AT COST

 

38,991

 

33,791

 

LESS: Accumulated Depreciation

 

15,665

 

13,266

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - NET

 

23,326

 

20,525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

522

 

516

 

Goodwill - Net

 

16,681

 

16,681

 

Intangible Assets - Net

 

5,697

 

6,550

 

Other Assets

 

1,174

 

1,054

 

Deferred Tax Asset

 

996

 

751

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL OTHER ASSETS

 

25,070

 

25,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

164,759

 

$

154,574

 

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

1



Table of Contents

 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data, Or Unless Otherwise Noted]

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

July 31,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Payable

 

$

22,903

 

$

24,576

 

Accrued Salaries and Commissions Payable

 

7,158

 

5,214

 

Accrued Taxes and Expenses

 

8,090

 

3,583

 

Revolving Note Payable - Bank

 

17,437

 

23,252

 

Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt

 

1,170

 

1,154

 

Capital Lease Obligations - Short-Term Portion

 

2,288

 

1,971

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

59,046

 

59,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Lease Obligations - Long-Term Portion

 

3,266

 

2,509

 

Long - Term Debt — Net of Current Portion

 

6,025

 

6,766

 

Deferred Tax Liabilities

 

536

 

282

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

9,827

 

9,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock $.10 Par Value;

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized 1,059,589 shares, None Issued

 

 

 

Series A Senior Preferred Stock, $.10 Par Value; Authorized Issued and Outstanding; None

 

 

 

Series A - Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $.10 Par Value, Authorized 3,000 Shares; None Issued

 

 

 

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value; Authorized 35,000,000 shares:

 

 

 

 

 

Issued and Outstanding 13,764,940 and 13,748,634 at July 31, 2008 and at October 31, 2007, respectively

 

138

 

138

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Paid-In Capital

 

41,676

 

41,435

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained Earnings

 

54,072

 

43,700

 

Totals

 

95,886

 

85,273

 

Deferred Compensation

 

 

(6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

95,886

 

85,267

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

164,759

 

$

154,574

 

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2



Table of Contents

 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data, Or Unless Otherwise Noted]

[UNAUDITED]

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET REVENUES:

 

$

77,776

 

$

65,961

 

$

219,834

 

$

180,636

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COST OF SERVICES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

1,527

 

1,164

 

4,310

 

3,124

 

Employee Related Expenses

 

18,154

 

14,764

 

53,013

 

42,008

 

Reagents and Laboratory Supplies

 

11,606

 

9,996

 

33,598

 

26,840

 

Other Cost of Services

 

7,883

 

6,543

 

22,475

 

18,453

 

TOTAL COST OF SERVICES

 

39,170

 

32,467

 

113,396

 

90,425

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT ON REVENUES

 

38,606

 

33,494

 

106,438

 

90,211

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and Administrative Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

647

 

562

 

1,790

 

1,810

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

19,377

 

16,557

 

56,492

 

47,720

 

Bad Debt Expense

 

10,265

 

9,203

 

29,361

 

24,062

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 

30,289

 

26,322

 

87,643

 

73,592

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

 

8,317

 

7,172

 

18,795

 

16,619

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense

 

462

 

639

 

1,647

 

1,746

 

Interest Income

 

(60

)

(65

)

(208

)

(179

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES - NET

 

402

 

574

 

1,439

 

1,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

7,915

 

6,598

 

17,356

 

15,052

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

3,178

 

2,409

 

6,984

 

5,739

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

4,737

 

$

4,189

 

$

10,372

 

$

9,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC:

 

$

0.34

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.75

 

$

0.68

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES - BASIC:

 

13,778,073

 

13,681,767

 

13,775,455

 

13,632,983

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED:

 

$

0.34

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.67

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES - DILUTED:

 

13,961,544

 

13,921,168

 

13,984,189

 

13,859,231

 

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3



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BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data, Or Unless Otherwise Noted]

[UNAUDITED]

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

July31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

10,372

 

$

9,313

 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

6,100

 

4,934

 

Amortization of Deferred Compensation

 

6

 

82

 

Deferred Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

 

(985

)

(2,823

)

Stock Based Compensation

 

86

 

 

Loss on Disposal of Fixed Assets

 

178

 

63

 

Change in Assets and Liabilities, (Increase) Decrease in:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Receivable

 

(8,968

)

(19,364

)

Provision for Doubtful Accounts

 

2,703

 

6,593

 

Inventory

 

(416

)

(880

)

Other Current Assets

 

(1,363

)

(585

)

Other Assets and Deposits

 

(126

)

25

 

Increase (Decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

 

6,695

 

5,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET CASH - OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

14,282

 

3,118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

 

(5,012

)

(5,485

)

Business Acquisitions and Related Costs

 

(1,917

)

 

Acquisition of Intangible Assets

 

 

(28

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET CASH - INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(6,929

)

(5,513

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments of Long-Term Debt

 

(725

)

(847

)

Payments of Capital Lease Obligations

 

(2,140

)

(2,038

)

(Decrease) Increase in Revolving Line of Credit

 

(5,815

)

6,554

 

Proceeds from Exercise of Options

 

607

 

1,370

 

Common Stock Repurchased

 

(452

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET CASH - FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(8,525

)

5,039

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(1,172

)

2,644

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIODS

 

$

11,897

 

$

8,954

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIODS

 

$

10,725

 

$

11,598

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

1,637

 

$

1,785

 

Income Taxes

 

$

6,368

 

$

8,351

 

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

[Dollars In Thousands]

 

During the nine month period ended July31, 2008 and July31, 2007 the Company entered into capital leases totaling $3,214 and $1,664, respectively.

 

During the nine month period ended July31, 2008 and July31, 2007, the Company wrote-off approximately $3,026 and $2,347 of furniture and equipment.

 

During the nine month period ended July31, 2008 and July31, 2007 the Company wrote-off approximately $2.333 and $0 on intangible assets that were fully amortized.

 

During the nine month period ended July31, 2008 and July31, 2007, the Company recorded the tax effect on the exercise of non-qualified stock options of $0 and $229. The tax benefit was recorded as an increase to Paid-In Capital and the Deferred Tax Asset.

 

During the nine month period ended July31, 2008 and July31, 2007, the Company financed the purchase of equipment through a term note of approximately $0 and $4,100.

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5



Table of Contents

 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data, Or Unless Otherwise Noted]

(UNAUDITED)

 

[1]  The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. However, in the opinion of the management of the Company, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results have been included in the statements. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Reference is made to the October 31, 2007 consolidated financial statements of Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc. contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007.

 

[2] Service revenues are principally generated from laboratory testing services including chemical diagnostic tests such as blood analysis, urine analysis and genetic testing among others. Net service revenues are recognized at the time the testing services are performed and are reported at their estimated net realizable amounts. Net realizable amounts from patients, third party payors and others for services rendered, are accrued on an estimated basis in the period the related services are rendered, and are adjusted in subsequent periods based upon an analysis of the Company’s collection experience from each category of payor group as well as prospectively determined contractual adjustments and discounts with third party payors. Differences between these adjustments and any subsequent revisions are included in the statement of operations for the period in which the revisions are made and are disclosed, if material. Applying this methodology and aggregating its collection experience from all payor groups, the Company has not been required to record an adjustment related to revenue recorded in prior periods that was material in nature. Revenues on the statements of operations are net of the following amounts for allowances and discounts.

 

 

 

Three Month Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

July 31

 

July 31

 

 

 

[Unaudited]

 

[Unaudited]

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Medicare / Medicaid

 

$

51,872

 

$

40,603

 

$

143,732

 

$

109,768

 

Other

 

141,865

 

102,088

 

387,146

 

269,269

 

 

 

$

193,737

 

$

142,691

 

$

530,878

 

$

379,037

 

 

A number of proposals for legislation or regulation continue to be under discussions which could have the effect of substantially reducing Medicare reimbursements for clinical laboratories or introducing cost sharing to beneficiaries.  Depending upon the nature of regulatory action, if any, which is taken and the content of legislation, if any, which is adopted, the Company could experience a significant decrease in revenues from Medicare and Medicaid, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.  The Company is unable to predict, however, the extent to which such actions will be taken.

 

[3] An allowance for contractual credits and discounts is estimated by payor group and determined based upon a review of the reimbursement policies and subsequent collections from the different types of payors. The Company has not been required to record an adjustment in a subsequent period related to revenue recorded in a prior period, which was material in nature. Agings of accounts receivable are monitored by billing personnel and follow-up activities are conducted as necessary. Bad debt expense is recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales considered necessary to maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts at an appropriate level, based on the Company’s experience with its accounts receivable. The Company writes off receivables against the allowance for doubtful accounts when they are deemed to be uncollectible. For client billing, accounts are written off when all reasonable collection efforts prove to be unsuccessful. Patient accounts are written off after the normal dunning cycle has occurred, which may include transfer to a third party collection agency. Third party accounts are written off when they exceed the payer’s timely filing limits. Accounts Receivable on the balance sheets are net of the following amounts for contractual credits and doubtful accounts:

 

 

 

[Unaudited]

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2008

 

October 31, 2007

 

Contractual Credits / Discounts

 

$

80,578

 

$

79,257

 

Doubtful Accounts

 

14,346

 

11,643

 

 

 

$

94,924

 

$

90,900

 

 

[4] In May 2008, FASB issued two new Financial Accounting Standards No. 162 “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” and No. 163 “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts–an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60”.  FAS #162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (the GAAP hierarchy).  This Statement is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  This statement is not expected to have a material impact on the reporting of our results of operations. FAS #163 is primarily geared towards financial guarantee insurance contracts by insurance enterprises.  It is not expected to have any material effect on the reporting of our results of operations.

 

In March 2008 FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.  This statement is effective for all interim periods beginning Nov 15, 2008.  This Statement changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.  This statement is not expected to have a material impact on the reporting of our results of operations.

 

[5] The following disclosures present certain information on the Company’s intangible assets as of July 31, 2008 (Unaudited) and October 31, 2007. All intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives, as indicated below, with no estimated residual value.

 

Intangible Assets
At July 31, 2008
[Unaudited]

 

Weighted-Average
 Amortization
Period

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Balance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer Lists

 

20

 

$

4,873

 

$

1,871

 

$

3,002

 

Covenants Not to Compete

 

5

 

4,205

 

1,558

 

2,647

 

Patents

 

17

 

156

 

108

 

48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

 

 

$

9,234

 

$

3,537

 

$

5,697

 

 

6



Table of Contents

 

Intangible Assets
At October 31, 2007

 

Weighted-Average
Amortization
Period

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Balance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer Lists

 

20

 

$

5,045

 

$

1,828

 

$

3,217

 

Covenants Not to Compete

 

5

 

4,205

 

927

 

3,278

 

Patents

 

17

 

156

 

101

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

 

 

$

9,406

 

$

2,856

 

$

6,550

 

 

The aggregate intangible amortization expense for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 was $282 and $240, respectively, and for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 was $853 and $907, respectively. The estimated intangible asset amortization expense for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2008 and for the four subsequent years is as follows:

 

Fiscal Year
Ending
October 31,

 

Estimated
Amortization
Expense

 

2008

 

$

856

 

2009

 

1,110

 

2010

 

1,085

 

2011

 

973

 

2012

 

200

 

Thereafter

 

1,473

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

5,697

 

 

 [6] In May 2008, the Company entered into an amended revolving note payable loan agreement with PNC Bank, N.A. (“the bank”).  The maximum amount of the credit line available to the Company pursuant to the loan agreement is the lesser of (i) $40,000 or (ii) 50% of the Company’s qualified accounts receivable [as defined in the agreement].  The amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement provides for interest on advances to be subject to the bank’s prime rate or the Eurodollar rate of interest plus, in certain instances, an additional interest percentage.  The additional interest percentage charges on Eurodollar borrowings range from 1% to 4% and are determined based upon certain financial ratios achieved by the Company.  At July 31, 2008, the Company had elected to have $17,437 of the total advances outstanding converted into a Eurodollar rate loan with a variable interest rate of 4.295%.  The remaining outstanding advances were subject to the bank’s prime rate of interest.  At July 31, 2008, advances outstanding of $-0- were subject to interest at the bank’s prime rate.  As of July 31, 2008, the bank’s prime rate was 5.0%.  The credit line is collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s assets. The line of credit is available through October 2012 and may be extended for annual periods by mutual consent, thereafter.  The terms of this agreement contain, among other provisions, requirements for maintaining defined levels of capital expenditures, fixed charge coverage, and the prohibition of the payment by the Company of cash dividends. As of July 31, 2008, the Company utilized $17,437 of available unused credit under this revolving note payable loan agreement.

 

Effective as of October 31, 2007, we executed a fifth amendment to the loan agreement formalizing the repayment terms of a $5 million term loan from PNC Bank used by our wholly-owned subsidiary, BRLI No. 2 Acquisition Corp. to fund the $5 million acquisition Cash Payment in connection with the purchase of the operating assets of GeneDx. The term loan is evidenced by a secured promissory note payable over a six year term in equal monthly principal payments of $69,444.44, plus interest at an annual rate of 6.85%.  The Balance on this note as of July 31, 2008 was approximately $3,542.

 

In January 2007, the Company issued a ten year term note of $4,100 for the financing of equipment.  The note is payable in equal monthly installments of $46,826 including principal and interest, with payment commencing on March 1, 2007 at an effective interest rate of 6.63% per annum.  The balance on this note as of July 31, 2008 was approximately $3,644.

 

[7] The provision for income taxes for the three months ended July 31, 2008, consists of a current tax provision of $4,143 and a deferred tax benefit of $965. The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended July 31, 2008, consists of a current tax provision of $7,999 and a deferred tax benefit of $1,015. At July 31, 2008, the Company had a current deferred tax asset of $7,013 included in other current assets, long-term deferred tax asset of $996 and a deferred tax liability of $536 accrued in other long-term liabilities. The provision for income taxes for the three months ended July 31, 2007 consists of a current tax provision of $3,309 and a deferred tax benefit of $900. The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended July 31, 2007 consists of a current tax of $8,792 and a deferred tax benefit of $3,053.

 

[8] On July 14, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock through the period ending October 31, 2010. As of July 31, 2008, 19,700 shares were repurchased for approximately $452,500 [amounts not in thousands]. The shares were cancelled upon repurchase.

 

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Item 2.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data, Total Patient Data, Or Unless Otherwise Noted]

 

OVERVIEW

 

We are a clinical laboratory located in northeastern New Jersey. Our regional footprint lies within the New York City metropolitan area and the surrounding areas of New Jersey and southern New York State as well eastern Pennsylvania and some areas of western Connecticut; under certain circumstances, we provide services further into New York State, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. As a regional provider, we are a full-service laboratory that primarily services physician office practices; our drivers pick up samples and deliver reports and supplies, we provide sophisticated technical support, phlebotomy services or patient service centers where appropriate, and electronic communication services in many cases. We have also developed a national reputation for our expertise in certain focused areas of clinical testing. GenPath, our cancer and oncology laboratory, is one of the premier hematopathology laboratories in the country. Physicians outside of our regional footprint send samples to our laboratory in order to take advantage of the expertise that we are able to provide in blood-based cancer pathology and associated diagnostics. Our correctional healthcare services are used throughout the country at prisons and jails. The focused markets we serve on a national basis outside of our regional footprint do not require many of the logistical and other ancillary support services required within the region. Even within our regional footprint, we provide the same services that we provide on a national basis as well as some regional focused diagnostic services, such as histology and pathology support services, substance abuse testing, fertility testing, hemostasis testing, women’s health testing, and molecular diagnostics that are unavailable from many of the smaller regional competitors; testing in some of these areas may be provided outside of physician offices.

 

Over the last few years, there have been fundamental changes in the laboratory services industry. In the 1990s, the industry was negatively impacted by the growth of managed care, increased government regulation, and investigations into fraud and abuse. These factors led to revenue and profit declines and industry consolidations, especially among commercial laboratories. There are currently only three publicly-traded full service laboratories operating in the U.S. While that means that the two national mega-laboratories and BioReference Laboratories are the only remaining publicly traded commercial laboratories, there are numerous hospital outreach programs and smaller reference laboratories that compete for the commercial clinical laboratory business scattered throughout the country. Clinical laboratories have had to improve efficiency, leverage economies of scale, comply with government regulations and other laws and develop more profitable approaches to pricing. Moreover, there has been a proliferation of technology advancements in clinical diagnostics over the last decade that has created significant opportunities for new testing and growth.

 

As a full service clinical laboratory, we are constantly looking for new technologies and new methodologies that will help us to grow. Since the turn of the century, our size alone has made us attractive to companies that are driving the advances in technology. We represent a significant opportunity for these companies to market their products in one of the major population centers of the world—the New York Metropolitan area. We have had several successful strategic relationships with such technology opportunities. In addition to new technology opportunities, we have an extremely seasoned and talented management staff that has been able to identify emerging laboratory markets that are under-served or under-utilized. We are currently developing programs for cardiology, histology and women’s health to go along with our existing hemostasis, hematopathology and correctional healthcare initiatives which have already been established and in which we have been increasing our market share for the past several years. We will continue to vigilantly seek focused diagnostic marketing opportunities where we can provide information, technology, service or support that expand and grow our clinical laboratory.

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company acquired the operating assets of GeneDx, a leading DNA sequencing laboratory.  As molecular testing in general becomes a more significant element in the diagnostic testing industry, the Company believes that genetic testing will become an essential diagnostic tool of the future.  GeneDx was started by two geneticists from the NIH in 2000.  Over the next six years, based on the reputation and expertise of the founders and the outstanding team they built around themselves, along with a very focused and dedicated understanding of the science of genetics, GeneDx became known as one of the premier genetic testing laboratories for the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases.  The Company believes that the promise of genetic testing is in the diagnosis of the genetic variants of common diseases.  It is the Company’s intention to leverage the expertise and reputation of GeneDx in order to take a leadership role in the expanding area of genetic testing.  The Company is seeking cutting edge methods of testing that will be commercially viable diagnostic tools for the advancement of genetic testing. During the past year, GeneDx introduced GenomeDx, a new test based on CGH Array technology, a high-speed, chip-based technology, that has allowed GeneDx to move to the forefront of an emerging technology platform. The Company is already expanding the menu of tests offered and employing marketing techniques that were extremely successful in building GenPath, our oncology laboratory.  In addition to scientists and technicians to manage testing, GeneDx employs several genetic counselors to help patients and referring physicians and geneticists understand the meaning of the test results.  Prior to the acquisition, GeneDx ‘s revenues and profits were increasing  at an accelerating  rate. This increase has continued through fiscal 2007 and through the first nine months of fiscal 2008.

 

While we recognize that we are a clinical laboratory that processes samples, we also understand that we are an information company that needs to effectively communicate the results of our efforts back to healthcare providers. Laboratory results play a major role in the implementation of physician healthcare. Laboratory results are used to diagnose, monitor and classify health concerns. In many cases, laboratory results represent the confirming data in diagnosing complicated health issues. Since laboratory results play such an important role in routine physician care, we have developed informatics solutions that leverage our role in healthcare. We needed to build a web-based solution to quickly, accurately, conveniently and competitively collect ordering information and deliver results, so we built an internal solution that we call Care-Evolve. That solution has been essential to our own operations. We license the technology to other laboratories throughout the country which they utilize to more effectively compete against the national laboratories. These other laboratories licensing our technology are not out competitors since they are outside our regional footprint.

 

We have also created our PSIMedica business unit which has developed a Clinical Knowledge Management (CKM) System that takes data from enrollment, claims, pharmacy, laboratory results and any other available electronic source to provide both administrative and clinical analysis of a population. The system uses proprietary algorithms to cleanse and configure the data and transfer the resulting information into a healthcare data repository. Using advanced cube technology methodologies, the data can be analyzed from a myriad of views and from highly granular transactional detail to global trended overview. Events such as the Katrina disaster in Louisiana three summers ago and general pressures from the government have made development of an electronic medical record system and Pay-for Performance reimbursement priority goals in the healthcare industry. A large portion of an individual’s medical record consists of laboratory data and a key performance indicator in any Pay-for-Performance initiative is laboratory result data. Our CKM system is a mature, full functioning solution that will allow us to play a role in these important national initiatives.

 

To date, neither our PSIMedica business unit nor Care-Evolve has produced significant revenues.

 

COMPARISON OF THIRD QUARTER 2008 VS THIRD QUARTER 2007

 

NET REVENUES:

 

Net revenues for the three month period ended July 31, 2007 were $65,961 as compared to $77,776 for the three month period ended July 31, 2008; which represents an 18% increase in net revenues. This increase is due to a 9% increase in patient count and a 9% increase in net revenues per patient due to a shift in business to higher

 

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reimbursement esoteric testing which continues to be the principal driver in net revenue per patient.

 

The number of patients serviced during the three month period ended July 31, 2008 was approximately 1,042 thousand which was 9% greater when compared to the prior fiscal year’s three month period. Net revenue per patient for the three month period ended July 31, 2007 was $68.08 compared to net revenue per patient of $74.11 for the three month period ended July 31, 2008, an increase of $6.03 or 9%.

 

COST OF SERVICES:

 

Cost of Sales increased from $32,467 for the three month period ended July 31, 2007 to $39,170 for the three month period ended July 31, 2008, an increase of $6,703 or 21% as compared to an 18% increase in net revenues.  This increase is 3% grater then the increase in net revenues, however, it is trending downward from the 28% increase in the second quarter of FY 2008.  Employee related expenses increased from $14,764 for the period ended July 31, 2007 to $18,154 for the period ended July 31, 2008, an increase of $3,390 or 23%.  This increase was driven by increases in technical, professional and semi-technical wages, however, at a rate 9% lower than what we experienced during the second quarter of the current fiscal year.  In addition, pick-up and delivery vehicle operating expenses (energy related costs) continue to have an impact on the cost of services.  Although, as energy prices subside, we expect to see this category’s impact reduced.

 

GROSS PROFITS:

 

Gross profits increased from $33,494 for the three month period ended July 31, 2007 to $38,606 for the three month period ended July 31, 2008; an increase of $5,112 or 15%. Gross profit margins decreased 1% during the current quarter.

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:

 

General and administrative expenses for the three month period ended July 31, 2007 was $26,322 as compared to $30,289 for the three month period ended July 31, 2008, an increase of $3,967 or 15%. This increase is 3% less then the increase in net revenues.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE:

 

Interest expense decreased to $462 during the three month period ended July 31, 2008 from $639 during the three month period ended July 31, 2007. This decrease is due to a decrease in utilization and in the interest rates on the PNC Bank line of credit, acquisition debt and capital leases. Management believes that this trend will continue in the near term due to the decrease in interest rates.

 

INCOME:

 

We realized net income of $4,737 for the three month period ended July 31, 2008, as compared to $4,189 for the three month period ended July 31, 2007; an increase of 13%.  Pre-tax income for the period ended July 31, 2007 was $6,598 compared to $7,915 for the period ended July 31, 2008, an increase of 20%.  The provision for income taxes increased from $2,409 for the three month period ended July 31, 2007 to $3,178 for the three month period ended July 31, 2008.

 

NINE  MONTHS 2008 COMPARED TO NINE  MONTHS 2007

 

NET REVENUES:

 

Net Revenues for the nine month period ended July 31, 2007 were $180,636 as compared to $219,834 for the nine month period ended July 31, 2008.  This represents a 22% increase in net revenues. This increase is due to a 13% increase in patient counts and a 9% increase in revenue per patient due to a continuing shift in business to higher reimbursement esoteric testing.

 

The number of patients serviced during the nine month period ended July 31, 2008 was approximately 3,055 million which was 13% greater when compared to the prior fiscal year’s nine month period. Net revenue per patient for the nine month period ended July 31, 2007 was $65.69, compared to net revenue per patient for the nine month period ended July 31, 2008 of $71.36, an increase of $5.67 or 9%.

 

COST OF SERVICES:

 

Cost of Services increased to $113,396 for the nine month period ended July 31, 2008 from $90,425 for the nine month period ended July 31, 2007. This amounts to a $22,971, or a 25% increase in direct operating costs. This increase is 3% greater than the increase in net revenues of 22%.  However, this is trending downward from the 28% increase in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 as compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2007. Employee related expenses increased by $11,005 (26%) and is down 6% from the six month period ended April 30, 2008. Pick-up and delivery vehicle operating expenses increased 34% year over year and continues to have an impact on cost of services.  This rate is down 15% from the 49% increase in the first six months of fiscal year 2008 as compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2007.

 

GROSS PROFITS:

 

Gross profits on net revenues, increased to $106,438 for the nine month period ended July 31, 2008 from $90,211 for the nine month period ended July 31, 2007; an increase of $16,227 (18%) primarily attributable to the increase in net revenues. Gross profit margins decreased 2 percent to 48 percent during the current period.

 

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GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:

 

General and administrative expenses for the nine month period ended July 31, 2008 were $87,643 as compared to $73,592 for the nine month period ended July 31, 2007, an increase of $14,051 or 19%. This increase is 3% less than the increase in net revenues.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE:

 

Interest expense decreased to $1,647 during the nine month period ended July 31, 2008 as compared to $1,746 during the nine month period ended July 31, 2007, a decrease of $99.  This decrease is due to a decrease in utilization and in the interest rates on the PNC Bank line of credit, acquisition debt and capital leases. Management believes that this trend will continue in the near term due to the decrease in interest rates.

 

INCOME:

 

We realized net income of $9,313 for the nine months ended July 31, 2007 as compared to $10,372 for the nine month period ended July 31, 2008, an increase of $1,059 or 11%.  Pre-tax income for the period ended July 31, 2007 was $15,052, as compared to $17,356 for the period ended July 31, 2008, an increase of $2,304 (15%). The provision for income taxes increased from $5,739 for the period ended July 31, 2007, to $6,984 for the current nine month period.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

 

Our working capital at July 31, 2008 was $57,317 as compared to $48,747 at October 31, 2007; an increase of $8,570. Our cash position decreased by $1,172 during the current period. This was caused primarily by the cash payment of $1,917 to the prior owners of GeneDx in connection with the acquisition of GeneDx’s assets.  We reduced our short term debt by $5,815 and repaid $2,865 in existing debt. We had current liabilities of $59,046 at July 31, 2008. We generated $14,071 in cash from operations at July 31, 2008, compared to $3,118 in cash from operations for the nine month period ended July 31, 2007, an overall increase of $10,953 in cash generated from operations year over year.

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, totaled $92,283 at July 31, 2008, an increase of $6,265 from October 31, 2007 or 7%. This increase was primarily attributable to increased revenue.  Cash collected during the nine month period ended July 31, 2008 increased 28% over the comparable prior year nine month period.

 

Credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is generally diversified due to the large number of patients comprising our client base.  We have significant receivable balances with government payors and various insurance carriers.  Generally, we do not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables. However, we continually monitor and evaluate our client acceptance and collection procedures to minimize potential credit risks associated with our accounts receivable and establish an allowance for uncollectible accounts. As a consequence, we believe that our accounts receivable credit risk exposure beyond such allowance is not material to the financial statements.

 

A number of proposals for legislation continue to be under discussion which could substantially reduce Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements to clinical laboratories.  Depending upon the nature of regulatory action, and the content of legislation, we could experience a significant decrease in revenues from Medicare and Medicaid, which could have a material adverse effect on us. We are unable to predict, however, the extent to which such actions will be taken.

 

Billing for laboratory services is complicated and we must bill various payors, such as the individual, the insurance company, the government (federal or state), the private company or the health clinic. Other factors that may complicate billing include:

 

·                  Differences between fee schedules and reimbursement rates.

·                  Incomplete or inaccurate billing information as provided by the physician.

·                  Disparity in coverage and information requirements.

·                  Disputes with payors.

·                  Internal and external compliance policies and procedures.

 

Significant costs are incurred as a result of our participation in government programs since billing and reimbursement for laboratory tests are subject to complex regulations. We perform the requested tests and report the results whether the information is correct or not or even missing. This adds to the complexity and slows the collection process and increases the aging of our accounts receivable (“A/R”). When patient invoices are not collected in a timely manner, the item is written off to the allowance. Days Sales Outstanding (“DSO”) for the period ended July 31, 2008, decreased to 108 days; a decrease of 7 days, or 6%, from the  days that we reported at the end of fiscal year 2007.

 

In May 2008, the Company entered into an amended revolving note payable loan agreement with PNC Bank, N.A. (“the bank”).  The maximum amount of the credit line available to the Company pursuant to the loan agreement is the lesser of (i) $40,000 or (ii) 50% of the Company’s qualified accounts receivable [as defined in the agreement].  The amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement provides for interest on advances to be subject to the bank’s prime rate or the Eurodollar rate of interest plus, in certain instances, an additional interest percentage.  The additional interest percentage charges on Eurodollar borrowings range from 1% to 4% and are determined based upon certain financial ratios achieved by the Company.  At July 31, 2008, the Company had elected to have $17,437 of the total advances outstanding converted into a Eurodollar rate loan with a variable interest rate of 4.295%.  The remaining outstanding advances were subject to the bank’s prime rate of interest.  At July 31, 2008, advances outstanding of $-0- were subject to interest at the bank’s prime rate.  As of July 31, 2008, the bank’s prime rate was 5.0%.  The credit line is collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s assets. The line of credit is available through October 2012 and may be extended for annual periods by mutual consent, thereafter.  The terms of this agreement contain, among other provisions, requirements for maintaining defined levels of capital expenditures, fixed charge coverage, and the prohibition of the payment by the Company of cash dividends. As of July 31, 2008, the Company utilized $17,437 of available unused credit under this revolving note payable loan agreement.

 

Effective as of October 31, 2007, we executed a fifth amendment to the loan agreement formalizing the repayment terms of a $5 million term loan from PNC Bank used by our wholly-owned subsidiary, BRLI No. 2 Acquisition Corp. to fund the $5 million acquisition Cash Payment in connection with the purchase of the operating assets of GeneDx.  The term loan is evidenced by a secured promissory note payable over a six year term in equal monthly principal payments of $69,444.44, plus interest at an annual rate of 6.85%.  The Balance on this note as of July 31, 2008 was approximately $3,542.

 

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In January 2007, the Company issued a ten year term note of $4,100 for the financing of equipment.  The note is payable in equal monthly installments of $46,826 including principal and interest, with payment commencing on March 1, 2007 at an effective interest rate of 6.63% per annum.  The Balance on this note as of July 31, 2008 was approximately $3,644.

 

On July 14, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock over the period ending October 31, 2010. As of July 31, 2008, 19,700 shares were repurchased under this plan for approximately $452,500 [amounts not in thousands].

 

We intend to expand our laboratory operations through aggressive marketing while also diversifying into related medical fields through acquisitions.  These acquisitions may involve cash, notes, common stock, and/or combinations thereof.

 

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

 

 

Over the Next

 

 

 

 

 

Five Years

 

FY2008

 

Long - Term Debt

 

$

7,920

 

$

1,154

 

Capital Leases

 

4,917

 

2,266

 

Operating Leases

 

3,290

 

2,404

 

Purchase Obligations

 

34,941

 

9,632

 

Employment/Consultant Contracts

 

8,895

 

2,165

 

Total

 

$

59,963

 

$

17,621

 

 

Our cash balance at July 31, 2008 totaled $10,725 as compared to $11,897 at October 31, 2007.  In September 2006, we acquired certain assets of a Maryland genetics testing laboratory, GeneDx. We made a $5 million cash payment, delivered 230,947 shares of our unregistered common stock valued at $5 million, and assumed certain GeneDx liabilities to complete the acquisition. The Purchase Agreement also provides for an upside Contingent Payment, not to exceed $7 million, payable partly in cash and partly in stock, dependent upon the performance of GeneDx’s operations during the four twelve month measuring periods commencing October 1, 2006. The maximum amount payable with respect to the second measuring period is approximately $2 million. We believe that our cash position, the anticipated cash generated from future operations,  and the  availability of our credit line with PNC Bank, will meet our anticipated cash needs in fiscal 2008.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

To date, inflation has not had a material effect on our operations.

 

New Authoritative Pronouncements

 

In May 2008, FASB issued two new Financial Accounting Standards No. 162 “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” and No. 163 “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60”.  FAS #162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (the GAAP hierarchy).  This Statement is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  This statement is not expected to have a material impact on the reporting of our results of operations. FAS #163 is primarily geared towards financial guarantee insurance contracts by insurance enterprises.  It is not expected to have any material effect on the reporting of our results of operations.

 

In March 2008 FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.  This statement is effective for all interim periods beginning Nov 15, 2008.  This Statement changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.  This statement is not expected to have a material impact on the reporting of our results of operations.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods.

 

Accounting for Goodwill

 

We evaluate the recoverability and measure the possible impairment of goodwill under SFAS 142. The impairment test is a two-step process that begins with the estimation of the fair value of the reporting unit. The first step screens for potential impairment and the second step measures the amount of the impairment, if any.  Management’s estimate of fair value considers publicly available information regarding our market capitalization as well as (i) publicly available information regarding comparable publicly-traded companies in the clinical laboratory testing industry, (ii) the financial projections and future prospects of our business, including its growth opportunities and likely operational improvements, and (iii) comparable sales prices, if available. As part of the first step to assess potential impairment, management compares the estimate of fair value to book value of the Company’s Report.  If the book value of the unit is greater than the estimate of fair value, we then proceed to the second step to measure the impairment, if any.  The second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying value.

 

The implied fair value is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit.  The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the goodwill is greater than its implied fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in that period.

 

Accounting for Intangible and Other Long-Lived Assets

 

We evaluate the possible impairment of our long-lived assets, including intangible assets. We review the recoverability of our long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable.  Evaluation of possible impairment is based on our ability to recover the asset from the expected future pretax cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the related operations. If the expected undiscounted pretax cash flows are less than the carrying amount of such asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying amount of the asset.

 

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Accounting for Revenue

 

Service revenues are principally generated from laboratory testing services including chemical diagnostic tests such as blood analysis, urine analysis and genetic testing among others. Net service revenues are recognized at the time the testing services are performed and are reported at their estimated net realizable amounts. These estimated net realizable amounts from patients, third party payors and others for services rendered, are accrued on an estimated basis in the period the related services are rendered and adjusted in subsequent periods based upon an analysis of the Company’s collection experience from each category of payor group as well as prospectively determined contractual adjustments and discounts with third party payors. Differences between these adjustments and any subsequent revisions are included in the statement of operations for the period in which the revisions are made and are disclosed, if material. Applying this methodology and aggregating its collection experience from all payor groups, the Company has not been required to record an adjustment related to revenue recorded in prior periods that was material in nature.

 

Accounting for Contractual Credits and Doubtful Accounts

 

An allowance for contractual credits is determined based upon a review of the reimbursement policies and subsequent collections for the different types of payors. Agings of accounts receivable are monitored by billing personnel and follow-up activities are conducted as necessary. Bad debt expense is recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales considered necessary to maintain the allowance for doubtful accounts at an appropriate level, based on our experience with our accounts receivable. We write off accounts against the allowance for doubtful accounts when they are deemed to be uncollectible. For client billing, accounts are written off when all reasonable collection efforts prove to be unsuccessful. Patient accounts are written off after the normal dunning cycle has occurred, which may include being transferred to a third party collection agency. Third party accounts are written off when they exceed the payer’s timely filing limits.

 

Accounting for Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes utilizing the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and for tax loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards, are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q contains historical information as well as forward-looking statements. Statements looking forward in time are included in this Quarterly Report pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results in future periods to be materially different from any future performance suggested herein.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While many aspects of our business are subject to complex federal, state and local regulations, the accounting for our business is generally straightforward.  Our revenues are primarily comprised of a high volume of relatively low dollar transactions, and about 42% of all our costs consist of employee compensation and benefits.  Revenues are recognized at the time the services are performed and are reported at the estimated net realizable amounts from patients, third-party payors and others for services rendered including prospectively determined adjustments under reimbursement agreements with third-party payors.  These adjustments are accrued on an estimated basis in the period the services are rendered and adjusted in future periods as final settlements are determined.  These estimates are reviewed and adjusted, if warranted, by senior management on a monthly basis.  We believe that our estimates and assumptions are correct; however, several factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors in addition to those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007, as well as elsewhere herein including:

 

·                  our failure to integrate newly acquired businesses (if any) and the cost related to such integration.

·                  our failure to obtain and retain new customers and alliance partners, or a reduction in tests ordered or specimens submitted by existing customers.

·                  adverse results from investigations of clinical laboratories by the government, which may include significant monetary damages and/or exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

·                  loss or suspension of a license or imposition of a fine or penalties under, or future changes in, the law or regulations of CLIA-88, or those of Medicare, Medicaid or other federal, state or local agencies.

·                  failure to comply with the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements and the recently passed Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.

·                  failure to comply with HIPAA, which could result in significant fines as well as substantial criminal penalties.

·                  changes in payor mix.

·                  failure to maintain acceptable days sales outstanding levels.

·                  increased competition, including price competition.

·                  our ability to attract and retain experienced and qualified personnel.

·                  adverse litigation results.

·                  liabilities that result from an inability to comply with new corporate governance requirements.

·                  failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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Item 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We do not invest in or trade market risk sensitive instruments. We also do not have any foreign operations or significant foreign sales so that our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk is minimal.

 

We do have exposure to both rising and falling interest rates. At July 31, 2008, advances of approximately $-0- under our Loan Agreement with PNC Bank were subject to interest charges at the Bank’s then prime rate of 5.0%.The Company elected to have $17,473 of advances outstanding at said date converted into a Eurodollar rate loan with a variable interest rate of 4.295%.

 

We estimate that our monthly cash interest expense at July 31, 2008 was approximately $183 and that a one percentage point increase or decrease in short-term rates would increase or decrease our monthly interest expense by approximately $21.

 

Item 4 - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 4 – Submission to a Vote of Security Holders

 

Our Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on July 17, 2008. At the meeting, the following two individuals were elected by the following vote to serve as Class II directors, each for a term of three years and until his successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

 

 

For

 

Withheld

 

Sam Singer

 

12,501,269

 

613,945

 

Harry Elias

 

12,661,712

 

453,502

 

 

Our other directors whose term continued are as follows:

 

Marc D. Grodman

 

Class I Director

Howard Dubinett

 

Class I Director

Joseph Benincasa

 

Class III Director

Gary Lederman

 

Class III Director

John Roglieri

 

Class III Director

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

31A                          Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31B                            Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32A                          Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Chief Executive Officer

32B                            Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Chief Financial Officer

 

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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.

 

 

 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ Marc D. Grodman, M.D.

 

Marc D. Grodman, M.D.

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ Sam Singer

 

Sam Singer

 

Chief Financial and Accounting Officer

 

 

Date: September 5, 2008

 

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