form10-q.htm

 


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
WASHINGTON, D. C.  20549
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 

[ x ] Quarterly report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009 or

[    ] Transition report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ______ to ______

 
001-09731
(Commission file No.)

ARRHYTHMIA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
DELAWARE
72-0925679
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or  organization)
(I.R.S. employer identification no.)

 
25 Sawyer Passway
Fitchburg, Massachusetts  01420
(Address of principal executive offices)
 

(978) 345-5000
(Issuer's telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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___.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes __ No__

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large Accelerated filer [  ]      Accelerated filer [  ]     Non-Accelerated filer [  ]     Smaller reporting company [ X ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes __ No X
 
As of October 23, 2009 there were 2,675,481 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding.
 

 

 
 

 


 
ARRHYTHMIA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
FORM 10-Q
 
September 30, 2009
 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
 
Item 1.  Consolidated Financial Statements 
      Consolidated Balance Sheets 
Consolidated Statements of Income 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risks 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 
 
Item 5.  Risk Factors 
Item 7.  Exhibits 
SIGNATURES 
 
       
       

 

 

 

 
 

 


 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.  Consolidated Financial Statements
 
ARRHYTHMIA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
ASSETS
 
September 30, 2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
    (Unaudited)      (Audited)   
Current assets:
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                      
  $ 2,519,865     $ 2,320,467  
Trade and other accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $47,082 and $45,619                                                                                
    3,471,464       2,705,145  
Inventories, net                                                                                      
    3,262,414       3,727,492  
Deferred income taxes, net                                                                                      
    12,500       21,000  
Prepaid tax                                                                                      
    242,789       309,000  
Deposits, prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                                              
    397,389       392,209  
Total current assets                                                                                   
    9,906,421       9,475,313  
                 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
$10,050,568 and $9,111,067                                                                                      
    7,112,443       7,305,278  
Goodwill                                                                                         
    1,564,966       1,564,966  
Other intangible assets, net                                                                                         
    107,668       143,010  
Total assets                                                                                      
  $ 18,691,498     $ 18,488,567  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable                                                                                      
  $ 1,505,797     $ 1,106,974  
Accrued expenses                                                                                      
    335,129       289,527  
Short term loan payable                                                                                      
    -       638,091  
Total current liabilities                                                                                   
    1,840,926       2,034,592  
Long term liabilities:
               
Long term deferred tax liability, net                                                                                      
    421,000       315,500  
Total long term liabilities                                                                                   
    421,000       315,500  
                 
Total liabilities
    2,261,926       2,350,092  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
    -       -  
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized,
3,926,491 shares issued, 2,675,481 and 2,688,291 outstanding
    39,265       39,265  
Additional paid-in-capital                                                                                      
    10,299,828       10,243,568  
Common stock held in treasury, 1,251,010 and 1,238,200 shares at cost
    (3,413,742 )     (3,380,554 )
Retained earnings                                                                                      
    9,504,221       9,236,196  
Total shareholders’ equity                                                                                   
    16,429,572       16,138,475  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity                                                                                   
  $ 18,691,498     $ 18,488,567  
                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 


1
 
 
 

 

ARRHYTHMIA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Revenue
  $ 5,457,377     $ 5,838,390     $ 15,512,270     $ 17,724,252  
Cost of sales
    4,576,068       4,996,830       12,811,506       14,424,783  
Gross profit
    881,309       841,560       2,700,764       3,299,469  
                                 
Selling and marketing
    173,323       200,887       507,501       615,915  
General and administrative
    509,037       521,548       1,596,933       1,917,496  
Research and development
    54,444       35,682       180,918       248,355  
Total expense
    736,804       758,117       2,285,352       2,781,766  
                                 
Income from operations
    144,505       83,443       415,412       517,703  
                                 
Other expense, net
    (15,291 )     (5,304 )     (34,504 )     (6,073 )
                                 
Income before income taxes
    129,214       78,139       380,908       511,630  
                                 
Income tax provision
    21,000       10,000       114,000       160,000  
Net income
  $ 108,214     $ 68,139     $ 266,908     $ 351,630  
                                 
Net income per share – basic
  $ 0.04     $ 0.03     $ 0.10     $ 0.13  
                                 
Net income per share – diluted
  $ 0.04     $ 0.03     $ 0.10     $ 0.12  
                                 
Weighted average common shares
Outstanding – basic
    2,675,481       2,711,680       2,679,371       2,711,680  
Weighted average common shares
Outstanding – diluted
    2,675,481       2,712,481       2,679,371       2,926,089  

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 

 
 

 

ARRHYTHMIA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 266,908     $ 351,630  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    1,049,113       1,044,334  
Share based compensation
    56,260       77,334  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    1,463       (1,463 )
Deferred tax assets
    114,000       10,000  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Trade and other accounts receivable
    (767,782 )     (1,129,902 )
Inventories
    465,078       (702,878 )
Deposits, prepaid expenses and other assets
    61,031       96,861  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    443,307       1,515,144  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    1,689,378       1,261,060  
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures, net of disposals
    (818,701 )     (674,127 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (818,701 )     (674,127 )
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Payments on acquisition note payable
    -       (134,083 )
Payments on short term equipment loan
    (638,091 )     (74,491 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (33,188 )     -  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (671,279 )     (208,574 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    199,398       378,359  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    2,320,467       1,684,411  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 2,519,865     $ 2,062,770  
                 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 

 
 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
1. Basis of Presentation:
 
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in complete financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Arrhythmia Research Technology, Inc. and subsidiary (the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed March 25, 2009.
 
The information presented reflects, in the opinion of the management of the Company, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial results for the interim period presented September 30, 2009 and management’s review of subsequent events up to October 30, 2009.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year.
 
2. Inventories:
 
Inventories consist of the following as of:
 
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
Raw materials
  $ 1,081,483     $ 1,099,876  
Work-in-process 
    493,599       773,245  
Finished goods
    1,687,332       1,854,371  
     Total
  $ 3,262,414     $ 3,727,492  
 
3. Share-Based Compensation:
 
The Company accounts for non-cash share based compensation under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718 (Formerly known as “SFAS No. 123(R)”) “Stock Compensation”.  Accordingly, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant).
 
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  Key input assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the exercise price of the award, the expected option term, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock over the option’s expected term, the risk-free interest rate over the option’s expected term, and the Company’s expected annual dividend yield.  The Company believes that the valuation technique and the approach utilized to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate in calculating the fair values of the Company’s stock options.  Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by persons who receive equity awards.
 
The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair market value of options granted using the Black Scholes valuation method:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
Dividend Yield
0%
Expected Volatility
40.65%
Risk Free Interest Rate
3.28%
Expected Option Terms (in years)
4.5
 
Included in general and administrative expense the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $56,260 and $77,334 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  A grant totaling 107,500 options to 24 persons including directors and management was made during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  No grants were made in the first nine months of 2009.
 

 
 

 

Share-based Incentive Plan

At September 30, 2009, the Company has one stock option plan that includes both incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options to be granted to certain eligible employees, non-employee directors, or consultants of the Company.  The maximum number of shares reserved for issuance is 400,000 shares.  The options granted have six-year contractual terms and either vest immediately or vest annually over a five-year term.
 
At September 30, 2009, there were 165,000 shares available for future grants under the above stock option plan.  The weighted average exercise price of options outstanding was $9.30 at September 30, 2009.
 
The following table presents the average price and contractual life information about options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2009:
 
Exercise Price
Number of Outstanding Shares
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)
Options Currently Exercisable
Average Fair Value at Grant Date
$    7.15
96,000
4.26
19,200
    $    2.74
     9.86
66,000
2.22
66,000
4.22
     12.42
10,000
2.84
6,000
5.38
       23.10
10,000
3.43
4,000
10.77
 
The aggregated intrinsic value of options outstanding and vested at September 30, 2009 was $0.  The Company expects 71,350 of the 86,800 options to vest over their remaining life.
 
The following table summarizes the status of Company’s non-vested options since December 31, 2008:
 
 
Non-Vested Options
 
Number of Shares
Weighted Average Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2008
111,000
       $  3.46
Granted
                     -
                -
Vested
(23,200)
           3.66
Forfeited
(1,000)
           2.74
Non-vested at September 30, 2009
86,800
       $  3.42

At September 30, 2009, there was $238,876 of total unrecognized cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan.  This non-cash expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.99 years.
 
 
4. Income Taxes:
 
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 (formerly known as “FIN 48” and “SFAS No. 109”).  ASC 740 requires management to perform a two-step evaluation of all tax positions, ensuring that these tax return positions meet the “more-likely than not” recognition threshold and can be measured with sufficient precision to determine the benefit recognized in the financial statements.
 
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  The periods from 2006 to 2008 remain open to examination by the IRS and state jurisdictions.  The Company believes it is not subject to any significant tax risk.  The Company does not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits.  Interest and penalties for a state jurisdiction audit of revenue and sales tax over a 3 year period resulted in $1,685 of interest expense recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
 
 
5. Earnings per share:
 
In accordance with ASC 260 (formerly known as “SFAS No. 128”), the basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share is computed similar to basic earnings per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding if the potential shares had been issued and if the additional shares were dilutive.  At September 30, 2009, all of the stock options were anti-dilutive and excluded in the earnings per share computation.
 

 
 

 

 
6. Asset Impairment:
 
Asset impairment charges of $22,378 were recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  These charges were related to equipment used in the testing of sensors in the assembly of electrodes.  The equipment has been written down to its estimated net realizable value.
 
 
7. Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
 
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASC 805-10 (formerly “SFAS No. 141(R)”), “Business Combinations,” which retains the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions, but requires a number of changes, including changes in the way assets and liabilities are recognized in the purchase method of accounting. It changes the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies, requires the capitalization of in-process research and development at fair value, and requires the expensing of acquisition-related costs as incurred. The provisions of this standard will apply prospectively to business combinations occurring in our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009 and the adoption did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations; however, it could impact future transactions entered into by the Company.
 
In April 2008, the FASB issued ASC 350-30, (formerly “FSP FAS 142-3”), “General Intangibles Other Than Goodwill,” which details the factors that should be considered in developing the useful lives for intangible assets with renewal or extension provisions.  ASC 350-30 requires an entity to consider its own historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements, regardless of whether those arrangements have explicit renewal or extension provisions, when determining the useful life of an intangible asset.  In the absence of such experience, an entity shall consider the assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension, adjusted for entity-specific factors.  ASC 350-30 also requires an entity to disclose information regarding the extent to which the expected future cash flows associated with an intangible asset are affected by the entity’s intent and/or ability to renew or extend the arrangement.  ASC 350-30 will be effective for qualifying intangible assets acquired by the Company on or after July 1, 2009.  The application of ASC 350-30 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial positions; however, it could impact future transactions entered into by the Company.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855-10 (formerly SFAS No. 165), “Subsequent Events,” which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.  We adopted this standard upon issuance with no impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 105-10 (formerly SFAS No. 168), “Accounting Standards Codification™ and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).” The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) has become the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. All existing accounting standard documents are superseded by the Codification and any accounting literature not included in the Codification will not be authoritative.  However, rules and interpretive releases of the SEC issued under the authority of federal securities laws will continue to be the source of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles for SEC registrants.  Effective September 30, 2009, all references made to GAAP in our consolidated financial statements will include the new Codification numbering system along with original references.  The Codification does not change or alter existing GAAP and, therefore, will not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
Any forward looking statements made herein are based on current expectations of the Company that involve a number of risks and uncertainties and should not be considered as guarantees of future performance.  These statements are made under the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plans,” “predict,” or “will”.  Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the Company can give no assurance that its expectations will materialize.  Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward looking statements.  Several of these factors include, without limitation: our ability to maintain our current pricing model and/or decrease our cost of sales; continued availability of supplies or materials used in manufacturing at competitive prices; volatility in commodity and energy prices and our ability to offset higher costs with price increases; the costs inherent with complying with new or revised statutes and regulations applicable to public reporting companies, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of  2002; variability of customer delivery requirements; our ability to efficiently integrate future acquisitions and other new lines of business that the Company may enter in the future, if any; and other risks referenced from time to time elsewhere in this report and in our filings with the SEC.
 
The Company is under no obligation and does not intend to update, revise or otherwise publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of any unanticipated events.  More information about factors that potentially could affect the Company's financial results is included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Overview
 
Arrhythmia Research Technology, Inc. (“ART”) is engaged in the licensing of medical software, which acquires data and analyzes electrical impulses of the heart to detect and aid in the treatment of potentially lethal arrhythmias.  Micron Products, Inc. (“Micron”), a wholly owned subsidiary, is the primary source of consolidated revenues.  Micron manufactures disposable electrode sensors used as a component part in the manufacture of integrated disposable electro-physiological electrodes.  These disposable medical devices are used worldwide in the monitoring of electric signals in various medical applications.  Micron also manufactures custom plastic injection molded products and provides product life cycle management.  Revenues in this sector are primarily custom injection molding, tooling, and end-to-end product life cycle management through a comprehensive portfolio of value-added services such as design, engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, machining, assembly and packaging.
 
Results of Operations
 
Revenue was $5,457,377 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $5,838,390 for the same period in 2008, a decrease of 6.5% or $381,013.  Sales of Micron’s medical sensors and snaps with silver surcharge decreased by $377,292, while the volume increased by 1%.  Management continues to focus on the protection and growth of its sensor market share.  In addition, miscellaneous sales decreased by $64,529.  Revenue from Micron Integrated Technology’s (MIT) custom manufactured and assembled products increased by $60,812.  The increase in MIT is net of the decrease in revenues from the discontinued unprofitable forging product that totaled $1,206,520 in the three months ended September 30, 2008.  The MIT division of Micron Products includes the custom manufacturing and product life cycle businesses.  This division’s revenue is derived from the custom molding, precision metal machining, assembly and mold making activities.
 
Revenue was $15,512,270 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $17,724,252 for the same period in 2008, a decrease of 12.5% or $2,211,982.  Sales of Micron’s medical sensors and snaps with silver surcharge decreased by $1,039,351, while the associated volume increased by 9.6%.  High volume precision molded products and other miscellaneous sales decreased by $72,380.  The snap attaching machine business unit decreased $46,083 when compared to the same period in 2008.  Despite a decrease from a discontinued unprofitable forging product of $2,684,501, MIT’s custom manufactured and assembled products only decreased by $1,054,168.  The offsetting increase of $1,630,333 is for continued growth of MIT’s custom products for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.  There were no sales of the Company’s SAECG products in the first nine months of 2009 or 2008.
 
Revenue from domestic and foreign sales for the first nine months is as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ending September 30,
   
Nine Months Ending September 30,
 
   
2009
   
%
   
2008
   
%
   
2009
   
%
   
2008
   
%
 
United States
  $ 3,620,010       66     $ 3,532,956       61     $ 9,741,678       63     $ 10,472,345       59  
Canada
    865,622       16       1,338,178       23       2,685,721       17       4,001,374       23  
Europe
    678,763       13       729,500       12       2,051,400       13       2,442,681       14  
Pacific Rim
    120,953       2       115,349       2       448,428       3       351,711       2  
Other
    172,029       3       122,407       2       585,043       4       456,141       2  
Total
  $ 5,457,377       100     $ 5,838,390       100     $ 15,512,270       100     $ 17,724,252       100  

The change in domestic sales was the net result of the MIT division’s elimination of an unprofitable forging product and increases in custom medical and defense industry products.  Canadian and European sales decrease is the result of price concessions and a decrease in silver surcharge collected for Micron’s electrophysiological sensor product lines.
 

 
 

 

Cost of sales was $4,576,068 or 83.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $4,996,830 or 85.6% for the same period in 2008.  Cost of sales was $12,811,506 or 82.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $14,424,783 or 81.4% for the same period in 2008.  Cost of manufacturing has stabilized due to an ongoing company-wide cost reduction effort.  The reduction and stabilization of costs remains a priority of management.  The inability to increase our sensor prices in the competitive global marketplace hinders passing additional material, utility, and other miscellaneous cost increases to our customers, excluding the escalating cost of silver.  Management continues its efforts to improve the overall gross margin by elimination of low contribution products while expanding higher margin product lines.  The investment in automated equipment is ongoing with the full benefit expected to begin the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
Selling and marketing expense was $173,323 or 3.2% of sales in the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $200,887 or 3.4% for the same period in 2008.  Selling and marketing expense was $507,501 or 3.3% of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $615,915 or 3.5% of sales for the same period in 2008 a decrease of 17.6%.   Selling expenses continue to be stable as a percentage of sales.  The decrease in selling expenses reflects a decrease in personnel and travel costs.  Selling expenses as a percentage of sales has been and is expected to remain stable for the remainder of 2009.
 
General and administrative expense was $509,037 or 9.3% of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $521,548 or 8.9% of sales for the same period in 2008.  General and administrative expense was $1,596,933 or 10.3% of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $1,917,496 or 10.8% of sales for the same period in 2008.    Included in the expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was a one time charge of $250,000 for costs associated with a terminated acquisition following due diligence.  The general and administrative expense is expected to remain stable.  The auditor attestation requirement in Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was delayed until 2010; therefore the expense associated with the attestation will be delayed until 2010.
 
Research and development expense was $54,444 or 0.9% of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $35,682 or 0.6% of sales for the same period in 2008.  Research and development expense was $180,918 or 1.2% of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $248,355 or 1.4% of sales in the same period in 2008.  The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included $52,000 of expense for equipment tested in a process improvement project with the sensor product line as well as the impairment of equipment used for final product testing.  The proportion of expense related to ART’s product, Predictor®7 was $3,041 and $14,691 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $11,446 and $51,487 for the same periods in 2008.  Although base development work on Predictor 7 has been completed, costs were incurred to support a National Institutes of Health research project utilizing ART’s proprietary Signal Averaged ECG products and patented algorithms.  The remaining portion of the research and development expense is associated with continued work on process improvements to the Micron sensor and snap product lines and new processes in MIT.  This work is expected to continue through the end of 2009 and beyond.
 
Other expense, net was $15,291 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $5,304 for the same period in 2008.  Other expense, net was $34,504 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to $6,073 for the same period in 2008.  Interest income of $8,919 in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $25,987 for the same period in 2008.  Interest expense associated with an equipment note was $31,699 and $35,481 for in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Other income of $6,915 was offset by a loss on disposal of assets of $18,639 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and other income of $3,421 in the same period in 2008.
 
Income taxes as a percent of income before income taxes were 30% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to 31% for the same period in 2008.  This difference was the result of tax credits earned in 2009.  Management will continue to seek to implement any tax planning opportunities that could effectively reduce the Company’s income tax obligations in the future.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working capital was $8,065,495 at September 30, 2009 compared to $7,440,721 at December 31, 2008, an increase of $624,774.  The increase resulted from the operational cash flows exceeding expenditures for capital investment, reduction of debt and stock repurchase program.  Working capital  will decrease with any significant investment in acquisition of assets or businesses,  expansion of production capacity, a medical study, or further software development.
 

 
 

 

Net capital expenditures were $818,701 for the first nine months of 2009 as compared to $674,127 for the same period in 2008.  The largest portion of the capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2009 resulted from adding automation equipment to our sensor product line.  Some of the expenditures were in the form of deposits on production equipment to be installed in the fourth quarter.  At least an additional $225,000 will be invested in this automation project before the end of 2009.  Included in the capital expenditures for the same period in 2008 was the installation of the Enterprise Resource Planning software, including shop floor bar code acquisition devices, as well as upgrades to and replacement of existing machinery and tooling.  Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were made with cash from operations.
 
The Company has an unsecured $1,000,000 credit line with a large multinational bank.  No funds have been drawn down on the line as of September 30, 2009 or December 31, 2008.  The Company had a one year term note secured by equipment with a balance at December 31, 2008 of $638,091.  The note was paid in full during the quarter ended September 30, 2009.  An acquisition note related to the acquisition of Leominster Tool in December of 2006 was paid in full in March 2008.
 
The Company expects to meet cash requirements for its operations at current levels with current operating cash flows for the foreseeable future.
 
In October 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase in the open market from time to time of up to $650,000 of the Company’s outstanding stock.  An aggregate of 23,389 shares were purchased in the fourth quarter of 2008 under the program for an aggregate of $53,975.  An additional aggregate purchase of 12,810 shares was made in the second quarter of 2009 under the program for $33,188.  No purchases were made in the third quarter of 2009.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported.  Certain of these significant accounting policies are considered to be critical accounting policies, as defined below.
 
A critical accounting policy is defined as one that is both material to the presentation of the Company’s financial statements and requires management to make difficult, subjective, and complex judgments that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  Specifically, critical accounting estimates have the following attributes: 1) the Company is required to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time of the estimate; and 2) different estimates the Company could reasonably have used, or changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur, would have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty.  The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be applicable and reasonable in the circumstances.  These estimates may change as new events occur, as additional information is obtained and as the Company’s operating environment changes.  These changes have historically been minor and have been included in the consolidated financial statements as soon as they became known.  In addition, management is periodically faced with uncertainties, the outcomes of which are not within its control and will not be known for prolonged periods of time.  These uncertainties are discussed in the section above entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.”  Based on a critical assessment of its accounting policies and the underlying judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies, management believes that the Company’s consolidated financial statements are fairly stated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and present a meaningful presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
Management believes that the following are critical accounting policies:
 
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable
 
Revenues from the sale of products are recorded when the product is shipped, title and risk of loss have transferred to the purchaser, payment terms are fixed or determinable and payment is reasonably assured.
 
The financing of customer purchased tooling utilizes the direct financing method of revenue recognition.  This requires the gain on the sale of the tooling to be recorded at the time the tool is put into service while the expected payments are reflected as a lease receivable.
 
Based on management’s on-going analysis of accounts receivable balances, and after the initial recognition of the revenue, if an event occurs which may adversely affect the ultimate collectability of the related receivable, management will record an allowance for the bad debt.  Bad debts have not had a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company accounts for share based compensation under ASC 718, “Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”).  ASC 718 requires that companies recognize and measure compensation expense for all share-based payments at the grant date based on the fair market value of the award.  This share-based compensation expense must be included in the Company’s statement of operations over the requisite service period.
 
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model which requires extensive use of financial estimates and accounting judgment, including the expected volatility of the Company’s common stock over the estimated term, and estimates on the expected time period that employees will retain their vested options prior to exercising them.  The use of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different estimates of the fair value of the stock-based compensation and as a result, provide significantly different amounts recognized in the Company’s statement of income.
 
Inventory and Inventory Reserves
 
The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost or market.  The Company reviews its inventory for quantities in excess of production requirements, obsolescence and for compliance with internal quality specifications.  Any adjustments to inventory would be equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net market value based upon assumptions about future demand, market conditions and expected cost to distribute those products to market.  If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory reserves may be required.
 
The Company maintains a reserve for excess, slow moving, and obsolete inventory as well as inventory with a carrying value in excess of its net realizable value.  A review of inventory on hand is made at least annually and a provision for excess, slow moving, and obsolete inventory is recorded, if necessary.  The review is based on several factors including a current assessment of future product demand, historical experience, and product expiration.
 
Deferred Tax Assets
 
The Company assesses its deferred tax assets based upon a more likely than not to be realized criteria.  The Company considers future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. In accordance with ASC 740 we recognize the benefits of a tax position if that position is more likely than not to be sustained on audit, based on the technical merit of the position.
 
Asset Impairment – Goodwill
 
The Company reviews the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets to assess potential impairments on an annual basis.  The management evaluates the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with the guidelines set forth in ASC 350.  The value assigned to intangible assets is determined by a valuation based on estimates and judgment regarding expectations for the success and life cycle of products and businesses acquired.  To test for impairment, present values of an estimate of future discounted cash flows related to the intangible assets are calculated compared to the value of the intangible asset.  When impairment exists it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.  As of September 30, 2009, no impairment of goodwill was required.
 
Asset Impairment – Long Lived Assets
 
The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable.  When it is determined that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, the Company generally measures any impairment based on projected undiscounted future cash flows attributed to the asset and its carrying value.  If the carrying value exceeds the future discounted cash flows, asset impairment would be recorded.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risks
 
Not applicable.
 

 
 

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, the Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (“the Certifying Officers”), conducted evaluations of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. As defined under Sections 13a – 15(e) and 15d – 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the term “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer 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 Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, included the Certifying Officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Based on this evaluation, the Certifying Officers have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that material information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported by management of the Company on a timely basis in order to comply with the Company’s disclosure obligations under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Further, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s third fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
Item 5.  Risk Factors
 
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Failure to comply with Quality System Regulations or industry standards could result in a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
 
The Company’s Quality Management System complies with the requirements of ISO 9001:2000.  In addition, many of our products are also subject to industry-defined standards.  If we are not able to comply with the Quality Management System or industry-defined standards, we may not be able to fill customer orders to the satisfaction of our customers.  Failure to produce products compliant with these standards could lead to loss of customers which would have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
 
The initiatives that we are implementing in an effort to improve our manufacturing productivity could be unsuccessful, which could harm our business and results of operations.
 
In an effort to improve our manufacturing productivity, we have implemented several strategic initiatives focusing on improving our manufacturing processes and procedures.  We believe these initiatives should improve customer satisfaction as well as our revenue and income.  However, in the event these initiatives are not successful, due to our failure to fully embrace the concepts and maximize the benefits of the investments of equipment and technology, the results of operations will not improve as expected.
 

 
 

 

Item 7.  Exhibits
 
(a)  
Exhibits
3.0        Articles of Incorporation(a)
 
3.1
Amended and Restated By-laws(b)
 
10.43*
Employment agreement between James E. Rouse and the Company dated December 26th, 2006.(c)
 
10.44*
Employment agreement between David A. Garrison and the Company dated January 1st, 2007.(d)
 
31.1
Certification of the CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a) on page X-1.
 
31.2
Certification of the CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a) on page X-2.
 
32.1
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on page X-3.
 
32.2
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on page X-4.
 
__________________________
 
 
* Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an exhibit.
(a)  
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-18 as filed with the Commission in April 1988, Registration Statement No. 33-20945-FW.
(b)  
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission May 8, 2009.
(c)  
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on December 8, 2006.
(d)  
Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 10-KSB for period ended December 31, 2006 as filed with the Commission in March of 2007.





 
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.
 
 
ARRHYTHMIA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
October 30, 2009
By:           /s/  James E. Rouse                                                      
 
James E. Rouse
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
By:           /s/  David A. Garrison                                                      
 
David A. Garrison
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
 

 

Index to Exhibits

Number
Exhibit
Page
31.1                 Certification of the CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a)                                                                                                        X-1
31.2                 Certification of the CFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a)                                                                                                        X-2
32.1                 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002                                         X-3
32.2                 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002                                         X-4