form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
 
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
 
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                    to                   
 
Commission file number 001–33006

MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
39–1600938
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I. R. S. Employer Identification No.)
 
200 East Randolph Street, 24th Floor
Chicago, Illinois  60601-6436
 (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) (312) 565-6868
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes xNo o
 
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 xNo o
 
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.
 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b–2 of the Act).
Yes   o    No  x
 
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as of November 1, 2012: 93,110,500
 


 
 

 
 
INDEX
 
   
Page
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
1
   
1
   
2
   
3
   
4
   
5
   
6
Item 2.
21
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
29
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
30
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
31
Item 1A.
31
Item 2
32
Item 6.
32
   
Exhibit 31.1 Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
35
   
Exhibit 31.2 Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
36
   
Exhibit 32 Section 906 Certification of Principal Executive and Financial Officers
37

 
 

 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 (in thousands, except for share data)
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2012
   
2011
 
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash of $745 and $707 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
  $ 42,212     $ 39,272  
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $5,367 and $4,080 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    70,306       71,014  
Inventory
    4,455       4,718  
Prepaid expenses
    10,228       5,678  
Deferred income taxes
    3,451       3,393  
Other current assets
    24,646       20,199  
Total current assets
    155,298       144,274  
Property and equipment:
               
Computer equipment
    7,563       10,183  
Office equipment
    2,683       2,262  
Leasehold improvements
    1,287       1,220  
      11,533       13,665  
Less accumulated depreciation
    6,061       9,274  
Net property and equipment
    5,472       4,391  
Purchased and developed software, net of accumulated amortization of $12,960 and $9,283 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    21,025       23,924  
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $22,543 and $14,907 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    38,695       45,152  
Goodwill
    214,277       209,829  
Deferred income taxes
    6,554       9,209  
Other assets
    12,845       13,608  
Total assets
  $ 454,166     $ 450,387  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 19,478     $ 22,114  
Interest payable
    12,379       4,935  
Accrued wages
    5,941       6,972  
Restructuring accrual
    757       1,407  
Other current liabilities
    15,918       11,580  
Deferred revenue
    48,108       51,246  
Total current liabilities
    102,581       98,254  
Notes payable, net of unamortized discount
    249,869       249,438  
Deferred income taxes
    1,994       1,891  
Deferred revenue
    1,161       1,679  
Income taxes payable
    734       727  
Other liabilities
    4,752       5,927  
Total liabilities
    361,091       357,916  
Shareholders' equity:
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 150,000,000 shares authorized: 93,026,686 shares and 90,939,053 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    930       909  
Common stock subscribed, 145,769 shares and 195,116 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    935       1,311  
Additional paid-in capital
    575,987       563,563  
Accumulated deficit
    (486,931 )     (475,393 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    1,716       1,613  
Total Merge shareholders' equity
    92,637       92,003  
Noncontrolling interest
    438       468  
Total shareholders' equity
    93,075       92,471  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 454,166     $ 450,387  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
1

 
MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net sales:
                       
Software and other
  $ 21,232     $ 20,060     $ 69,251     $ 56,370  
Professional services
    11,277       11,999       30,573       30,914  
Maintenance and EDI
    27,885       28,018       84,434       81,057  
Total net sales
    60,394       60,077       184,258       168,341  
Cost of sales:
                               
Software and other
    9,143       8,909       29,140       20,167  
Professional services
    6,511       5,403       18,415       15,482  
Maintenance and EDI
    7,288       7,409       23,886       22,060  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,912       2,228       5,692       7,074  
Total cost of sales
    24,854       23,949       77,133       64,783  
Gross margin
    35,540       36,128       107,125       103,558  
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
Sales and marketing
    10,807       10,235       32,474       26,781  
Product research and development
    8,268       7,195       24,310       20,964  
General and administrative
    7,783       7,500       23,829       22,354  
Acquisition-related expenses
    (762 )     743       2,444       1,222  
Restructuring and other expenses
    830       1,151       830       1,115  
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
    2,651       2,352       8,183       10,225  
Total operating costs and expenses
    29,577       29,176       92,070       82,661  
Operating income
    5,963       6,952       15,055       20,897  
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense
    (8,269 )     (8,014 )     (24,657 )     (21,120 )
Interest income
    126       75       634       248  
Other, net
    38       (268 )     810       (1,683 )
Total other expense
    (8,105 )     (8,207 )     (23,213 )     (22,555 )
Loss before income taxes
    (2,142 )     (1,255 )     (8,158 )     (1,658 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1,684       (242 )     3,410       2,629  
Net loss
    (3,826 )     (1,013 )     (11,568 )     (4,287 )
Less:  noncontrolling interest's share
    (12 )     (18 )     (30 )     (18 )
Net loss attributable to Merge
    (3,814 )     (995 )     (11,538 )     (4,269 )
Less:  preferred stock dividends
    -       -       -       3,153  
Net loss attributable to common shareholders of Merge
  $ (3,814 )   $ (995 )   $ (11,538 )   $ (7,422 )
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders of Merge - basic
  $ (0.04 )   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.09 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic
    92,177,703       87,675,038       91,800,824       85,422,352  
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders of Merge - diluted
  $ (0.04 )   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.09 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted
    92,177,703       87,675,038       91,800,824       85,422,352  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
2


MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net loss
  $ (3,826 )   $ (1,013 )   $ (11,568 )   $ (4,287 )
Translation adjustment
    (25 )     15       36       190  
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable security, net of taxes
    (55 )     (10 )     67       183  
Comprehensive loss
    (3,906 )     (1,008 )     (11,465 )     (3,914 )
Less:  noncontrolling interest's share
    (12 )     (18 )     (30 )     (18 )
Comprehensive loss attributable to Merge
  $ (3,894 )   $ (990 )   $ (11,435 )   $ (3,896 )
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3


MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net loss
  $ (11,568 )   $ (4,287 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
    13,875       17,299  
Share-based compensation
    4,245       3,043  
Change in contingent consideration for acquisitions
    1,250       128  
Amortization of notes payable issuance costs & discount
    2,010       1,765  
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable and allowances, net of recoveries
    1,287       785  
Deferred income taxes
    2,700       7,190  
Unrealized gain on equity security
    (982 )     -  
Realized gain on sale of equity security
    -       (405 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
               
Accounts receivable
    (193 )     (12,746 )
Inventory
    263       1,248  
Prepaid expenses
    (4,507 )     (270 )
Accounts payable
    (2,703 )     (2,472 )
Accrued wages
    (1,031 )     2,396  
Restructuring accrual
    (650 )     (448 )
Deferred revenue
    (4,402 )     (8,092 )
Accrued interest and other liabilities
    9,694       4,777  
Other
    (4,143 )     (3,977 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    5,145       5,934  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (876 )     (477 )
Purchases of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements
    (1,976 )     (1,569 )
Change in restricted cash
    (38 )     940  
Distribution from investment in equity security
    -       405  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,890 )     (701 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of term notes
    -       53,560  
Note and stock issuance costs paid
    -       (1,528 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan
    924       878  
Principal payments on notes payable
    (35 )     (4,591 )
Principal payments on capital leases
    (267 )     (5 )
Redemption and retirement of preferred stock
    -       (41,750 )
Preferred stock dividends
    -       (7,328 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    622       (764 )
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    24       127  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    2,901       4,596  
Cash and cash equivalents (net of restricted cash), beginning of period (1)
    38,566       39,382  
Cash and cash equivalents (net of restricted cash), end of period (2)
  $ 41,467     $ 43,978  
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 14,838     $ 10,920  
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
    224       714  
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
               
Equity securities received in sales transactions
  $ 1,530     $ -  
Value of common stock issued for acquisitions
    6,900       29,820  
 
(1)
Net of restricted cash of $707 and $1,647 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2)
Net of restricted cash of $745 and $707 at September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)

   
Common Stock
   
 
   
Accumulated
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Additional
   
 
   
Other
   
Total Merge
   
Non-
   
Total
 
   
Shares
   
Subscribed
   
Shares
   
Issued
   
Paid–in
   
Accumulated
   
Comprehensive
   
Shareholders’
   
controlling
   
Shareholders’
 
   
Subscribed
   
Amount
   
Issued
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Deficit
   
Income
   
Equity
   
Interest
   
Equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
    195,116     $ 1,311       90,939,053     $ 909     $ 563,563     $ (475,393 )   $ 1,613     $ 92,003     $ 468     $ 92,471  
Stock issued under ESPP
    4,227       (4 )     69,409       1       271       -       -       268       -       268  
Exercise of stock options
    -       -       177,769       2       654       -       -       656       -       656  
Share-based compensation expense
    -       -       -       -       4,245       -       -       4,245       -       4,245  
Shares issued for acquisitions
    (53,574 )     (372 )     1,410,491       14       5,561       -       -       5,203       -       5,203  
Issuance of restricted shares
                    429,964       4       1,693                       1,697       -       1,697  
Net loss
    -       -       -       -       -       (11,538 )     -       (11,538 )     (30 )     (11,568 )
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       103       103       -       103  
Balance at September 30, 2012
    145,769     $ 935       93,026,686     $ 930     $ 575,987     $ (486,931 )   $ 1,716     $ 92,637     $ 438     $ 93,075  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
(1)
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and notes required by United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for annual financial statements are not included herein. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 of Merge Healthcare Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (Merge Healthcare), and its subsidiaries and affiliates (which we sometimes refer to collectively as Merge, we, us or our).
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations.  Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, unless otherwise noted.  The results of operations in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.
 
Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments 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. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions are reasonable based on information available at the time they are made. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
 
(2)
Other Current Assets and Other Current Liabilities
 
Other current assets consist primarily of revenue recognized that has not yet been billed to a customer, unbilled A/R from acquisitions, an equity investment and other non-trade receivables, all of which are due within the next twelve months.  The balances are comprised of the following as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
   
Balance at 
September
30, 2012
   
Balance at
December
31, 2011
 
Revenue recognized in excess of billings
  $ 21,258     $ 18,064  
Acquired unbilled A/R
    509       1,769  
Equity investment
    2,512       -  
Other non-trade receivables
    367       366  
    $ 24,646     $ 20,199  
 
Other current liabilities consist primarily of leases payable, accrued taxes and taxes payable, customer deposits, the current portion of certain acquisition obligations and other non-trade payables, all of which are due within the next twelve months.  The balances are comprised of the following as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
 
6

 
Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
   
Balance at
September 30,
2012
   
Balance at
December 31,
2011
 
Other current liabilities
  $ 4,082     $ 3,205  
Customer deposits
    3,976       2,469  
Acquisition obligations
    3,274       4,651  
Other non-trade payables
    2,948       -  
Accrued taxes and taxes payable
    1,473       782  
Leases payable
    165       473  
    $ 15,918     $ 11,580  
 
(3)
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill
 
The changes in carrying amount of goodwill in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, are as follows:
 
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 209,829  
Increase due to insignificant acquisition
    4,429  
Change due to foreign currency
    19  
Balance at September 30, 2012
  $ 214,277  
 
 Other Intangible Assets
 
Our intangible assets subject to amortization are summarized as of September 30, 2012 as follows:
 
   
Weighted
             
   
Average
             
   
Remaining
Amortization
Period (Years)
   
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Purchased software
    4.8     $ 32,161     $ (11,475 )
Capitalized software
    2.1       1,824       (1,485 )
Customer relationships
    6.5       46,285       (13,135 )
Backlog
    1.7       9,680       (7,785 )
Trade names
    6.9       2,083       (527 )
Non-competes
    4.6       3,190       (1,096 )
Total
          $ 95,223     $ (35,503 )
 
As a result of an insignificant acquisition in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we increased the gross carrying amounts of purchased software, customer relationships and trade names by $780, $1,220 and $80, respectively.
 
Estimated aggregate amortization expense for our intangible assets, which become fully amortized in 2022, is as follows:
 
For the remaining 3 months of the year ending:
2012
  $ 3,842  
For the year ending December 31:
2013
    14,107  
 
2014
    12,453  
 
2015
    10,180  
 
2016
    8,042  
 
2017
    5,687  
 
Thereafter
    5,409  
 
Total
  $ 59,720  

 
7

 
Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
Amortization expense in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is set forth in the following table:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Amortization included in cost of sales:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Purchased software
  $ 1,185     $ 1,122     $ 3,519     $ 3,775  
Capitalized software
    54       37       157       139  
Backlog
    553       936       1,659       2,809  
Total
    1,792       2,095       5,335       6,723  
                                 
Amortization and impairment included in operating expenses:
                               
Customer relationships
    1,873       1,302       5,560       4,074  
Trade names
    66       42       193       3,119  
Non-competes
    116       128       346       380  
Total
    2,055       1,472       6,099       7,573  
Total amortization and impairment
  $ 3,847     $ 3,567     $ 11,434     $ 14,296  
 
Upon completion of a product rebranding initiative in the second quarter of 2011, we recorded a $2,805 charge due to the impairment of our trade names associated with certain products.
 
(4)
Fair Value Measurements
 
Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable and non-marketable securities, accounts payable, notes payable, and certain accrued liabilities.  The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents (which are comprised primarily of deposit and overnight sweep accounts), accounts receivable, accounts payable, and certain accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.  The carrying amounts of our marketable equity securities are based on the quoted price of the security in an active market.  The estimated fair values of the non-marketable equity securities have been determined from information obtained from independent valuations and management estimates.  The fair value of our notes payable was approximately 109.0% of par value as of September 30, 2012 and 106.125% of par value as of December 31, 2011, based on quoted prices of the securities in an active market.
 
Current Investment
 
In the second quarter of 2012, we received an equity security investment from a customer as settlement for purchase commitments and outstanding receivables associated with a contract.  This equity investment is classified as a Level 2 trading security within other current assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.  We estimate the fair value of this investment on a recurring basis based on the quoted market price of the security less a discount due to a trading restriction.  Upon receipt, we estimated the fair value of this investment at $1,530.  At September 30, 2012, we estimated the fair value of this investment at $2,512, and recorded an unrealized loss of $76 and an unrealized gain of $982 within the other, net line in our statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
 
Non-Current Investments
 
At September 30, 2012, we held certain securities in a publicly traded entity and private companies, which are classified within other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.  The investment in the publicly traded equity security, over which we do not exert significant influence, is classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 1 inputs.  Unrealized gains and losses are reported within the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity.  The investments in equity securities of private companies, over which we do not exert significant influence, are classified as Level 3 investments and are reported at cost or fair value, if an other-than-temporary loss has been determined.  Any loss due to impairment in value is recorded when such loss occurs.  We performed the evaluation of our Level 3 investments as of September 30, 2012, and concluded that there was no significant change in their fair value.
 
 
8


Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
The following table sets forth the change in the fair value of our Level 1 publicly traded equity security:
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Balance at January 1
  $ 106     $ 55  
Unrealized gain
    67       216  
Balance at September 30
  $ 173     $ 271  
 
Unrealized gains or losses on our Level 1 available-for-sale (publicly traded) security, as well as foreign currency translation adjustments, are components of accumulated other comprehensive income as set forth in the following table:
 
   
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Cumulative translation adjustment
  $ 1,997     $ 1,961  
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale security, net of taxes
    (281 )     (348 )
Total accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 1,716     $ 1,613  
 
(5)
Restructuring
 
In the three months ended September 30, 2012, we completed a restructuring initiative to reduce our workforce. This action was taken based upon our assessment of ongoing personnel needs. As a result, we incurred $830 of employee termination costs that were recorded in restructuring and other expenses in our statement of operations.
 
The following table sets forth the activity in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, related to restructuring activities undertaken in the third quarter of 2012 and in prior years:
 
   
Employee
Termination
Costs
   
Contract Exit
Costs
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 970     $ 437     $ 1,407  
Charges to expense
    830       -       830  
Payments
    (882 )     (323 )     (1,205 )
Non-cash adjustments
    (275 )     -       (275 )
Balance at September 30, 2012
  $ 643     $ 114     $ 757  
 
See Note 13, Segment Information for restructuring and other expenses by segment.
 
(6)
Debt
 
In April 2010, we issued $200,000 of Senior Secured Notes (Notes) at 97.266% of the principal amount, which bear interest at 11.75% of principal (payable on May 1st and November 1st of each year) and which will mature on May 1, 2015.  In June 2011, we issued an additional $52,000 in Notes at 103.0% of the principal amount with terms identical to the existing Notes.  In connection with the Notes, we incurred issuance costs of $9,015 and $1,528, respectively (which are recorded in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets).  These issuance costs are recorded as a long-term asset and amortized over the life of the Notes using the effective interest method.
 
In the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we recorded $8,094 and $8,011, respectively, of interest expense related to the Notes, including $520 and $458, respectively, of amortization of debt issuance costs and $171 and $151, respectively, of amortization of net debt discount.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we recorded $24,217 and $21,104, respectively, of interest expense related to the Notes, including $1,512 and $1,187, respectively, of amortization of debt issuance costs and $498 and $578, respectively, of amortization of net debt discount.
 
 
9


Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
(7)
Shareholders’ Equity
 
In the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we issued 1,410,491 shares of our common stock (including 53,574 shares subscribed at December 31, 2011) valued at $5,561 as consideration for insignificant acquisitions.  The value of the shares issued was based on the closing price of our common stock on the earlier of the date shares were issued or subscribed, discounted based upon a trading restriction.  We also issued 429,964 shares of restricted stock which immediately vested to current employees as settlement of contingent consideration arising for an insignificant acquisition.  The restricted shares were valued at $1,697 based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of issuance. 
 
(8)
Share-Based Compensation
 
The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized during the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Share-based compensation expense included in the statements of operations:
                   
Professional services cost of sales
  $ 21     $ 8     $ 63     $ 27  
Maintenance and EDI cost of sales
    3       42       11       153  
Sales and marketing
    402       346       1,334       1,181  
Product research and development
    130       5       327       14  
General and administrative
    871       522       2,510       1,668  
Total
  $ 1,427     $ 923     $ 4,245     $ 3,043  
 
Stock option activity in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is set forth in the following table:
 
 
 
Number of
 
 
 
Options
 
Options outstanding, December 31, 2011
    9,191,034  
Options granted
    4,425,000  
Options exercised
    (177,769 )
Options forfeited and expired
    (1,026,844 )
Options outstanding, September 30, 2012
    12,411,421  
 
       
Options exercisable, September 30, 2012
    5,173,438  
 
As of September 30, 2012, there was approximately $17,176 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that may be recognized in future periods.
 
(9)
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Litigation
 
On June 1, 2009, Merge Healthcare was sued in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, State of Wisconsin, by William C. Mortimore and David M. Noshay with respect to the separation of Mortimore’s and Noshay’s employment and our subsequent refusal to indemnify them with respect to litigation related to their services as officers of Merge.  The plaintiffs allege that we breached their employment agreements, unreasonably refused their requests for indemnification and breached other covenants of good faith and fair dealing.  The plaintiffs seek indemnification and unspecified monetary damages.  Discovery in this case is on-going.  On April 6, 2011, the Milwaukee County Circuit Court rendered a decision in which it concluded that Merge and Mortimore had entered into an oral employment contract on or about June 15, 2006, but the Court did not make any decision as to damages, which damages would be addressed in a later phase of the litigation.  On May 9, 2011, Merge appealed the Circuit Court’s decision.  On September 18, 2012, the Appellate Court issued its decision reversing the trial court and determined that Mortimore must arbitrate his disputes with Merge. We have retained litigation counsel, intend to continue to defend this action vigorously and have filed a counterclaim for fraud, among other claims, against both Mortimore and Noshay.  We believe it is reasonably possible that we may incur a loss with respect to this matter; however, at this stage of the proceedings, it is not possible for management to reasonably estimate the amount of any potential loss.
 
 
10


Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
In January 2010, a purported stockholder class action complaint was filed in the Superior Court of Suffolk County, Massachusetts in connection with AMICAS Inc.’s (AMICAS) proposed acquisition by a third party.  A second similar action was filed in the same Court in February 2010 and consolidated with the first action.  In March 2010, because AMICAS had terminated its previously executed merger agreement and agreed to be acquired by us, the Court dismissed the plaintiffs’ claims as moot.  Subsequently, counsel for the plaintiffs filed an application for approximately $5,000 of attorneys’ fees for its work on this case, which fee petition AMICAS opposed.  We retained litigation counsel to defend against the fee petition.  On December 4, 2010, the court awarded plaintiffs approximately $3,200 in attorneys’ fees and costs.  AMICAS has appealed this judgment.  We previously tendered the defense in this matter to our appropriate insurers, which provided coverage against the claims asserted against AMICAS.  After receipt of the court’s attorneys’ fee award decision, the insurer denied policy coverage for approximately $2,500 of the fee award.  We do not believe that the insurer’s denial has merit and have retained counsel to contest it.  On June 6, 2011, the insurer filed an action against AMICAS and Merge in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois seeking a declaration that it is not responsible for the $2,500 portion of the judgment rendered on December 4, 2010 by the Superior Court of Suffolk County, Massachusetts.  Merge filed a counterclaim seeking a declaration that the insurer must pay the full amount of the Superior Court’s fee award, plus additional damages.  On April 30, 2012, the Northern District of Illinois federal court ruled in favor of our Motion for Summary Judgment.  The court ordered the insurer to pay the Massachusetts court judgment plus interest.  The insurer has appealed that court’s ruling.  We continue to vigorously assert all of our rights under our applicable insurance policies, which we believe cover the claims and expenses incurred by AMICAS or us in connection with the fee award.  We believe that the likelihood of a loss in excess of the amount of our recorded liability is remote.
 
On February 1, 2010, Merge filed a complaint against its former CEO, Richard Linden, and its former CFO, Scott Veech, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, seeking a declaration that we do not have to indemnify either Mr. Linden or Mr. Veech for liabilities they incurred in connection with an SEC investigation and enforcement actions and various securities fraud and shareholder derivative litigation.  Merge also sought to recover from both defendants all costs incurred by Merge associated with defending Mr. Linden and Mr. Veech in those prior actions.  On October 15, 2010, the Court concluded that it did not have subject matter jurisdiction over Merge’s claims and dismissed the claims in their entirety.  The Court rendered no opinion on the merits of Merge’s claims.  Merge is evaluating its further options with respect to the Scott Veech matter in Wisconsin state court.  On February 8, 2011, Merge filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin captioned Merge Healthcare Incorporated v. Richard Linden, Case no. 11-CV-001541.  On May 4, 2011, Merge and Mr. Linden entered into a confidential settlement agreement resolving all claims against Mr. Linden and through which Linden agreed to issue a statement of regret and apology to Merge’s Board of Directors and reimburse Merge for a portion of the legal fees to defend Mr. Linden in prior legal actions.  Merge believes that it has numerous meritorious claims against Mr. Veech and will continue to pursue these claims, which have not been affected by the settlement with Mr. Linden.  We believe that the likelihood of a loss with respect to this matter is remote.
 
In August, 2010, Merge Healthcare was sued in the Northern District of Texas by the Court-appointed receiver for Stanford International Bank, Ltd.  The receiver alleges that Merge was a recipient of a fraudulent conveyance as a result of a Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Robert Stanford and Stanford International Bank, Ltd. (SIBL).  Merge is not alleged to have participated in the Ponzi scheme.  The receiver’s claims arise from the failed acquisition of Emageon, Inc. (Emageon) by Health Systems Solutions, Inc. (HSS), an affiliate of SIBL, in February 2009, which resulted in the payment of a $9,000 break-up fee by HSS, which payment is alleged to have been financed by SIBL.  Merge subsequently acquired Emageon as part of our AMICAS acquisition.  The complaint seeks to recover the $9,000 payment to Emageon, plus interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees.  We have retained litigation counsel and intend to vigorously defend this action.  We have filed a motion to dismiss the complaint.  That motion has been fully briefed, and we are awaiting a decision from the Court.  We believe it is reasonably possible that we may incur a loss with respect to this matter.  The potential loss may lie in a range from zero to the full amount claimed, plus interest.
 
In addition to the matters discussed above, we are involved in various legal matters that are in the process of litigation or settled in the ordinary course of business.  Although the final results of all such matters and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the ultimate resolution of all such matters and claims will not have a material adverse effect on Merge’s financial condition.  However, such matters could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and cash flows for a particular period.
 
 
11


Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
Guarantees
 
We assumed a guarantee to a lender on behalf of a customer in connection with an acquisition.  At September 30, 2012, the balance outstanding on the loan was approximately $276.  Revenue is recorded as the guarantee is reduced.
 
(10)
Transactions with Related Party
 
Merrick RIS, LLC (Merrick) and its affiliates, including Merrick Ventures, LLC (Merrick Ventures), beneficially own, as of September 30, 2012, approximately 31% of our outstanding common stock.  Michael W. Ferro, Jr., our Chairman of the Board, and trusts for the benefit of Mr. Ferro’s family members beneficially own a majority of the equity interest in Merrick.  Mr. Ferro also serves as the chairman and chief executive officer of Merrick and the chairman and chief executive officer of Merrick Ventures.  Accordingly, Mr. Ferro indirectly owns or controls all of the shares of our common stock owned by Merrick and Merrick Ventures.  Due to its stock ownership, Merrick has significant influence over our business, including the election of our directors.
 
Effective January 1, 2009, we entered into a consulting agreement with Merrick.  Services provided by Merrick under the consulting agreement include financial analysis and strategic planning.  Effective January 1, 2010, we entered into an amendment to extend the term of the consulting agreement with Merrick through December 31, 2011, and modified the payment terms from a flat fee arrangement per quarter to a per transaction or success based arrangement.  On February 24, 2012, we entered into a second amendment, effective January 3, 2012, to extend the term of the consulting agreement with Merrick through December 31, 2013, and modified the fee structure to include a quarterly fee of $150. This is in addition to the per transaction or success based arrangement that exists. Further, the second amendment includes a modification of the success payment in the event of a sale, by including a payment of 2% of the total consideration received if the total consideration is greater than $1 billion (the agreement still allows for a 1% success fee if under $1 billion).  We paid $167 and $344 to Merrick for such services and recognized $200 and $296 in expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We paid $876 and $ 898 to Merrick for such services and recognized $794 and $840 in expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  As of September 30, 2012 and 2011, we have $50 and $246, respectively, recorded in accounts payable covering all obligations under this agreement.  
 
Merrick Ventures owns over 70% of the outstanding equity interest of an entity called higi llc (higi).  Mr. Ferro is higi’s chairman.  In December 2011, we entered into an agreement with higi, pursuant to which we agreed to provide higi with certain professional services, including software engineering design, application and web portal development for a fixed payment of $675.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we recognized $155 in revenue under this agreement with the revenue coming in the three months ended March 31, 2012.  In addition, the agreement granted higi certain branding rights related to our health station business and requires higi to pay to us a fixed annual fee of one hundred dollars per station for each station that is branded with higi’s trademark and that includes higi’s user interface.  The agreement has an initial term of one year with continuing renewal rights and is subject to termination on 120 days advance notice from us.  On March 28, 2012, we entered into an agreement to sell to higi health stations and related equipment.  Under terms of the agreement we received a fixed payment of $2,750 in the three months ended March 31, 2012.  We recognized revenue of zero and $2,750, respectively, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 under this agreement.
 
On February 24, 2012, we entered into an assignment agreement with Merrick Ventures under which Merge assumed a lease from Merrick of approximately 4,700 square feet located at 200 E. Randolph Street, 22nd floor, Chicago, IL at an annual rental rate of $78, terminating on December 13, 2013.  Under the assignment, Merge also paid approximately $70 (which represents the book value) for all fixtures, leasehold improvements and furniture located in the space.
 
(11)
Income Taxes
 
We are subject to tax in multiple jurisdictions and record income tax expense on an interim basis using an estimated annual effective tax rate.  The estimated annual effective tax rate is modified to exclude the effect of losses for those jurisdictions where the tax benefit cannot be recognized and a separate estimated annual tax rate is required.  Items discrete to a specific quarter are reflected in tax expense for that period.  A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized.  Further limitations may apply to deferred tax assets if certain ownership changes occur.  There was no material change in unrecognized tax benefits in the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  We do not expect a significant change in unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.
 
 
12


Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
(12)
Earnings Per Share Available to Common Shareholders
 
Basic and diluted net earnings or loss per share are computed by dividing earnings or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, earnings or loss available to common shareholders is computed as net income or loss less the 15% cumulative annual compounding dividend earned by preferred shareholders.  The computation of earnings or loss available to common shareholders is presented in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.  Diluted earnings per share includes the dilution that could occur based on outstanding restricted stock awards and the potential exercise of stock options, except for stock options with an exercise price of more than the average market price of our common stock, as such exercise would be anti-dilutive.
 
In the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, options to purchase 4,992,671 and 463,196 shares of our common stock, respectively, had exercise prices greater than the average market price of our common stock, and, therefore, are not considered in the above calculations of diluted net loss per share.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, options to purchase 4,632,431 and 528,196 shares of our common stock, respectively, had exercise prices greater than the average market price of our common stock, and, therefore, are not considered in the calculations of diluted net loss per share.
 
As a result of the losses in the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, incremental shares from the assumed exercise of employee stock options totaling 7,418,750 and 8,579,478 shares, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  As a result of the losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, incremental shares from the assumed conversion of employee stock options and restricted stock awards totaling 7,778,990 and 8,514,478 shares, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
 
(13)
Segment Information
 
In the second quarter of 2012, we realigned our business into two operating groups to provide better focus on our two primary end users, providers and consumers.  Our Merge Healthcare operating  group, which represent about 87% of our total revenue, markets, sells and implements interoperability, imaging and clinical solutions to healthcare providers.  Our Merge DNA (Data and Analytics) operating group, representing 13% of our revenues, focuses on the emergence of consumerism in healthcare, including health stations, clinical trials software and other consumer-focused solutions.  As a result of this change, effective in the second quarter of 2012, we have two reportable operating segments.
 
We evaluate the performance of these operating groups based on their respective revenues and operating income, which exclude public company costs, certain corporate costs (amortization expense that is not specific to a segment), net interest expense and income taxes.
 
 
13


Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
The following tables present operating group financial information for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
   
Healthcare
   
DNA
   
Total
   
Healthcare
   
DNA
   
Total
 
Net sales:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Software and other
  $ 17,854     $ 3,378     $ 21,232     $ 56,911     $ 12,340     $ 69,251  
Professional Services
    7,808       3,469       11,277       20,873       9,700       30,573  
Maintenance and EDI
    27,158       727       27,885       82,694       1,740       84,434  
Total net sales
  $ 52,820     $ 7,574     $ 60,394     $ 160,478     $ 23,780     $ 184,258  
Expenses
    43,447       8,746       52,193       131,675       25,643       157,318  
Segment income (loss)
  $ 9,373     $ (1,172 )     8,201     $ 28,803     $ (1,863 )     26,940  
                                                 
Net corporate/other expenses (1)
                    10,343                       35,098  
Loss before income taxes
                  $ (2,142 )                   $ (8,158 )
                                                 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Healthcare
   
DNA
   
Total
   
Healthcare
   
DNA
   
Total
 
Net sales:
                                               
Software and other
  $ 19,381     $ 679     $ 20,060     $ 55,606     $ 764     $ 56,370  
Professional Services
    6,775       5,224       11,999       16,429       14,485       30,914  
Maintenance and EDI
    28,018       -       28,018       81,042       15       81,057  
Total net sales
  $ 54,174     $ 5,903     $ 60,077     $ 153,077     $ 15,264     $ 168,341  
Expenses
    43,554       6,062       49,616       121,440       15,557       136,997  
Segment income (loss)
  $ 10,620     $ (159 )     10,461     $ 31,637     $ (293 )     31,344  
                                                 
Net corporate/other expenses (1)
                    11,716                       33,002  
Loss before income taxes
                  $ (1,255 )                   $ (1,658 )

(1)
Net corporate/other expenses include public company costs, corporate administration expenses, amortization expense which is not attributable to business segments, acquisition-related expenses and net interest expense.
 
   
Healthcare
   
DNA
   
Corporate/ 
Other
   
Consolidated
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
  $ 3,621     $ 926     $ 16     $ 4,563  
                                 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
  $ 11,128     $ 2,704     $ 43     $ 13,875  
Restructuring and Other One Time Charges
                               
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
  $ 333     $ 497     $ -     $ 830  
                                 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
  $ 333     $ 497     $ -     $ 830  
                                 
Assets as of September 30, 2012
  $ 403,818     $ 43,195     $ 7,153     $ 454,166  
                                 
   
Healthcare
   
DNA
   
Corporate/ 
Other
   
Consolidated
 
Depreciation and amortization
                               
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
  $ 4,023     $ 547     $ 10     $ 4,580  
                                 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
  $ 15,122     $ 1,455     $ 722     $ 17,299  
Restructuring and Other One Time Charges
                               
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
  $ 1,151     $ -     $ -     $ 1,151  
                                 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
  $ 1,115     $ -     $ -     $ 1,115  

(14)
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
The obligations under the Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed (except for certain release provisions which are considered customary), jointly and severally, by all of our current and future 100% owned domestic restricted subsidiaries (Guarantors).  The release provisions provide that the subsidiary guarantors will be released from obligations under its guarantees and the indenture in the following circumstances:
 
 
(1)
In connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) Merge or a restricted subsidiary;
 
 
14


Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
 
(2)
In connection with any sale or other disposition of the capital stock of that guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) Merge or a restricted subsidiary, such that, immediately after giving effect to such transaction, such guarantor would no longer constitute a subsidiary of Merge;
 
 
(3)
If  Merge designates any restricted subsidiary that is a guarantor to be an unrestricted subsidiary in accordance with the indenture; or
 
 
(4)
Upon legal defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture.
 
The Notes and guarantees are secured by a first-priority lien on certain collateral which comprises substantially all of the parent and guarantors’ tangible and intangible assets, subject to certain exceptions.  The following tables present the balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows of the parent, guarantor and non-guarantor entities along with the eliminations necessary to arrive at the information on a consolidated basis.
 
 General corporate expenses, including public company costs, certain amortization, corporate administration costs, acquisition-related expenses and net interest expense are included in the results of the parent (Merge Healthcare Incorporated).
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantors
   
Non-Guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash)
  $ 1,132     $ 37,820     $ 3,260     $ -     $ 42,212  
Accounts receivable, net
    -       62,112       8,194       -       70,306  
Intercompany receivables
    1,134       31,513       799       (33,446 )     -  
Other current assets
    3,251       35,627       3,902       -       42,780  
Total current assets
    5,517       167,072       16,155       (33,446 )     155,298  
Net property and equipment
    146       4,633       693       -       5,472  
Purchased and developed software, net
    -       20,509       516       -       21,025  
Other intangible assets, net
    -       38,087       608       -       38,695  
Goodwill
    -       212,908       1,369       -       214,277  
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries
    352,580       (799 )     -       (351,781 )     -  
Other assets
    6,493       4,709       8,197       -       19,399  
Total assets
  $ 364,736     $ 447,119     $ 27,538     $ (385,227 )   $ 454,166  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ 2,167     $ 16,053     $ 1,258     $ -     $ 19,478  
Deferred revenue
    -       46,443       1,665       -       48,108  
Intercompany payables
    5,055       11,987       16,457       (33,499 )     -  
Other accrued liabilities
    11,823       21,746       1,426       -       34,995  
Total current liabilities
    19,045       96,229       20,806       (33,499 )     102,581  
Notes payable
    249,869       -       -       -       249,869  
Other long-term liabilities
    2,747       5,245       649       -       8,641  
Total liabilities
    271,661       101,474       21,455       (33,499 )     361,091  
Total shareholders' equity
    93,075       345,645       6,083       (351,728 )     93,075  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 364,736     $ 447,119     $ 27,538     $ (385,227 )   $ 454,166  

 
15

 
Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantors
   
Non-Guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash)
  $ 5,451     $ 28,003     $ 5,818     $ -     $ 39,272  
Accounts receivable, net
    -       63,487       7,527       -       71,014  
Intercompany receivables
    -       29,108       635       (29,743 )     -  
Other current assets
    595       29,579       3,814       -       33,988  
Total current assets
    6,046       150,177       17,794       (29,743 )     144,274  
Net property and equipment
    113       3,753       525       -       4,391  
Purchased and developed software, net
    -       23,309       615       -       23,924  
Other intangible assets, net
    -       44,483       669       -       45,152  
Goodwill
    -       207,799       2,030       -       209,829  
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries
    340,637       (338 )     -       (340,299 )     -  
Other assets
    8,013       4,597       9,835       372       22,817  
Total assets
  $ 354,809     $ 433,780     $ 31,468     $ (369,670 )   $ 450,387  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ 3,124     $ 17,647     $ 1,343     $ -     $ 22,114  
Deferred revenue
    -       49,678       1,568       -       51,246  
Intercompany payables
    2,176       8,580       24,086       (34,842 )     -  
Other accrued liabilities
    4,921       18,729       1,244       -       24,894  
Total current liabilities
    10,221       94,634       28,241       (34,842 )     98,254  
Notes payable
    249,371       67       -       -       249,438  
Other long-term liabilities
    2,746       6,381       725       372       10,224  
Total liabilities
    262,338       101,082       28,966       (34,470 )     357,916  
Total shareholders' equity
    92,471       332,698       2,502       (335,200 )     92,471  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 354,809     $ 433,780     $ 31,468     $ (369,670 )   $ 450,387  
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net sales
  $ -     $ 54,025     $ 6,369     $ -     $ 60,394  
Cost of sales
    -       23,869       985       -       24,854  
Gross margin
    -       30,156       5,384       -       35,540  
Selling, research and development, general and administrative expenses
    1,638       21,574       3,646       -       26,858  
Acquisition-related expenses
    (762 )     -       -       -       (762 )
Restructuring and other expenses
    -       826       4       -       830  
Depreciation and amortization
    16       2,569       66       -       2,651  
Total operating costs and expenses
    892       24,969       3,716       -       29,577  
Operating income (loss)
    (892 )     5,187       1,668       -       5,963  
Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    5,313       (881 )     -       (4,432 )     -  
Other, net
    (8,248 )     51       92       -       (8,105 )
Other income (expense)
    (2,935 )     (830 )     92       (4,432 )     (8,105 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (3,827 )     4,357       1,760       (4,432 )     (2,142 )
Income tax expense
    -       820       864       -       1,684  
Net income (loss)
  $ (3,827 )   $ 3,537     $ 896     $ (4,432 )   $ (3,826 )

 
16

 
Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net sales
  $ -     $ 54,690     $ 5,387     $ -     $ 60,077  
Cost of sales
    -       22,653       1,296       -       23,949  
Gross margin
    -       32,037       4,091       -       36,128  
Selling, research and development, general and administrative expenses
  $ (2,713 )   $ 22,302     $ 5,341       -       24,930  
Acquisition-related expenses
    743       -       -       -       743  
Restructuring and other expenses
    -       1,006       145       -       1,151  
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
    10       2,278       64       -       2,352  
Total operating costs and expenses
    (1,960 )     25,586       5,550       -       29,176  
Operating income (loss)
    1,960       6,451       (1,459 )     -       6,952  
Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    5,741       (26 )     -       (5,715 )     -  
Other, net
    (8,257 )     (30 )     80       -       (8,207 )
Other income (expense)
    (2,516 )     (56 )     80       (5,715 )     (8,207 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (556 )     6,395       (1,379 )     (5,715 )     (1,255 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    457       (215 )     (484 )     -       (242 )
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,013 )   $ 6,610     $ (895 )   $ (5,715 )   $ (1,013 )
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net sales
  $ -     $ 167,513     $ 16,745     $ -     $ 184,258  
Cost of sales
    -       73,843       3,290       -       77,133  
Gross margin
    -       93,670       13,455       -       107,125  
Selling, research and development, general and administrative expenses
    2,581       69,881       8,151       -       80,613  
Acquisition-related expenses
    2,444       -       -       -       2,444  
Restructuring and other expenses
    -       826       4       -       830  
Depreciation and amortization
    42       7,941       200       -       8,183  
Total operating costs and expenses
    5,067       78,648       8,355       -       92,070  
Operating income (loss)
    (5,067 )     15,022       5,100       -       15,055  
Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    16,888       (2,451 )     -       (14,437 )     -  
Other, net
    (23,389 )     265       (89 )     -       (23,213 )
Other income (expense)
    (6,501 )     (2,186 )     (89 )     (14,437 )     (23,213 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (11,568 )     12,836       5,011       (14,437 )     (8,158 )
Income tax expense
    1       1,787       1,622       -       3,410  
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,569 )   $ 11,049     $ 3,389     $ (14,437 )   $ (11,568 )

 
17

 
Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net sales
  $ -     $ 148,484     $ 19,857     $ -     $ 168,341  
Cost of sales
    -       60,830       3,953       -       64,783  
Gross margin
    -       87,654       15,904       -       103,558  
Selling, research and development, general and administrative expenses
    (309 )     57,963       12,445       -       70,099  
Acquisition-related expenses
    1,222       -       -       -       1,222  
Restructuring and other expenses
    -       970       145       -       1,115  
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
    270       9,678       277       -       10,225  
Total operating costs and expenses
    1,183       68,611       12,867       -       82,661  
Operating income (loss)
    (1,183 )     19,043       3,037       -       20,897  
Equity in net income of subsidiaries
    20,815       (1,313 )     -       (19,502 )     -  
Other, net
    (22,720 )     (190 )     355       -       (22,555 )
Other income (expense)
    (1,905 )     (1,503 )     355       (19,502 )     (22,555 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (3,088 )     17,540       3,392       (19,502 )     (1,658 )
Income tax expense
    1,199       226       1,204       -       2,629  
Net income (loss)
  $ (4,287 )   $ 17,314     $ 2,188     $ (19,502 )   $ (4,287 )
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,569 )   $ 11,049     $ 3,389     $ (14,437 )   $ (11,568 )
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                                       
 
Depreciation and amortization
    46       13,533       296       -       13,875  
 
Share-based compensation
    2,165       1,972       108       -       4,245  
 
Change in contingent consideration for acquisitions
    1,547       (297 )     -       -       1,250  
 
Amortization of notes payable issuance costs & discount
    2,010       -       -       -       2,010  
 
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable and allowances, net of recoveries
    -       1,854       (567 )     -       1,287  
 
Deferred income taxes
    -       1,059       1,641       -       2,700  
 
Unrealized gain on equity security
    (982 )             -       -       (982 )
 
Net change in assets and liabilities (net of effects of acquisitions)
    (18,043 )     1,077       (5,143 )     14,437       (7,672 )
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (24,826 )     30,247       (276 )     -       5,145  
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
 
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    -       (876 )     -       -       (876 )
 
Purchases of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements
    (75 )     (1,648 )     (253 )     -       (1,976 )
 
Intercompany advances
    -       (17,638 )     (2,520 )     20,158       -  
 
Change in restricted cash
    (38 )     -       -       -       (38 )
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (113 )     (20,162 )     (2,773 )     20,158       (2,890 )
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
 
Intercompany advances
    19,658       -       500       (20,158 )     -  
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan
    924       -       -       -       924  
 
Principal payments on notes payable
    -       -       (35 )     -       (35 )
 
Principal payments on capital leases
    -       (267 )     -       -       (267 )
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    20,582       (267 )     465       (20,158 )     622  
 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    -       -       24       -       24  
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (4,357 )     9,818       (2,560 )     -       2,901  
 
Cash and cash equivalents (net of restricted cash), beginning of period
    4,906       27,841       5,819       -       38,566  
(1)
Cash and cash equivalents (net of restricted cash), end of period
  $ 549     $ 37,659     $ 3,259     $ -     $ 41,467  
(2)

 
(1)
Net of restricted cash of $707 at December 31, 2011.
 
(2)
Net of restricted cash of $745 at September 30, 2012.

 
18


Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
   
Non-Guarantor
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (4,287 )   $ 17,314     $ 2,188     $ (19,502 )   $ (4,287 )
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                                       
 
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
    1,029       15,987       283       -       17,299  
 
Share-based compensation
    1,435       1,545       63       -       3,043  
 
Change in contingent consideration for acquisitions
    -       128       -       -       128  
 
Amortization of notes payable issuance costs and discount
    1,765       -       -       -       1,765  
 
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable and sales returns, net of recoveries
    -       160       625       -       785  
 
Deferred income taxes
    5,861       87       1,242       -       7,190  
 
Realized gain on sale of equity security
    -       -       (405 )     -       (405 )
 
Net change in assets and liabilities (net of effects of acquisitions)
    (22,379 )     (10,268 )     (6,439 )     19,502       (19,584 )
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (16,576 )     24,953       (2,443 )     -       5,934  
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    -       (477 )     -       -       (477 )
 
Purchases of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements
    -       (1,569 )     -       -       (1,569 )
 
Intercompany advances
    21,132       -       -       (21,132 )     -  
 
Change in restricted cash
    140       800       -       -       940  
 
Distribution from investment in equity security
    -       -       405       -       405  
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    21,272       (1,246 )     405       (21,132 )     (701 )
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
 
Intercompany advances
    -       (21,992 )     860       21,132       -  
 
Proceeds from issuance of term notes
    53,560       -       -       -       53,560  
 
Note issuance costs paid
    (1,528 )     -       -       -       (1,528 )
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan
    878       -       -       -       878  
 
Principal payments on capital leases and notes
    -       (4,596 )     -       -       (4,596 )
 
Redemption and retirement of preferred stock
    (41,750 )     -       -       -       (41,750 )
 
Preferred stock dividends
    (7,328 )     -       -       -       (7,328 )
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    3,832       (26,588 )     860       21,132       (764 )
 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    -       -       127       -       127  
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    8,528       (2,881 )     (1,051 )     -       4,596  
 
Cash and cash equivalents (net of restricted cash), beginning of period
    186       34,914       4,282       -       39,382  
(1)
Cash and cash equivalents (net of restricted cash), end of period
  $ 8,714     $ 32,033     $ 3,231     $ -     $ 43,978  
(2)

 
(1)
Net of restricted cash of $1,647 at December 31, 2010
 
(2)
Net of restricted cash of $707 at September 30, 2011
 
(15)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
We describe below recent pronouncements that have had or may have a significant effect on our financial statements or on our disclosures. We do not discuss recent pronouncements that are not anticipated to have an impact on or are unrelated to our financial condition, results of operations, or related disclosures.
 
In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2012-02, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, to establish an optional two-step analysis for impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangibles other than goodwill. The two-step analysis establishes an optional qualitative assessment to precede the quantitative assessment, if necessary. In the qualitative assessment, the entity must evaluate the totality of qualitative factors, including any recent fair value measurements, that impact whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than goodwill has a carrying amount that more likely than not exceeds its fair value. The entity must proceed to conducting a quantitative analysis, according to which the entity would record an impairment charge for the amount of the asset’s fair value exceeding the carrying amount, if (1) the entity determines that such an impairment is more likely than not to exist, or (2) the entity foregoes the qualitative assessment entirely. The standards update will be effective for financial statements of periods beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted.  We do not expect adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 
19

 
Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
In June 2011, FASB issued AASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income.  ASU No. 2011-05 amends the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (Codification) to allow an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  In either case, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income.  ASU No. 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.  The amendments to the Codification in the ASU do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income.  We adopted this amendment as of January 1, 2012, and it did not impact the presentation of comprehensive income in our consolidated condensed financial statements.
 
 
20

 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
The discussion below contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  We have used words such as “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “expects” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements.  These statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities and the timing of certain events to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements.  These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation, those matters discussed in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events, developments, or changed circumstances, or for any other reason.  The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Item 1A, “Risk Factors” for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis is presented in the following order:
 
 
·  
Overview
 
·  
Business Segments
 
·  
Results of Operations
 
·  
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
·  
Material Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
·  
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Overview
 
We develop software solutions that facilitate the sharing of images to create a more effective and efficient electronic healthcare experience for patients and physicians.  Our solutions are designed to help solve some of the most difficult challenges in health information exchange today, such as the incorporation of medical images and diagnostic information into broader healthcare IT applications, the interoperability of proprietary software solutions, the profitability of outpatient imaging practices and the ability to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of our customers’ businesses.  Our ability to innovate has driven consistent expansion of solutions and services and entry into new markets.
 
Our solutions optimize processes for healthcare providers ranging in size from single provider practices to large health systems, to the sponsors of clinical trials and medical device manufacturers.  These solutions are licensed by more than 1,500 hospitals, 6,000 clinics and labs, 250 medical device manufacturers and by top pharmaceutical companies world-wide. We believe that we have an opportunity to grow revenue by expanding our solution footprint with existing customers, as only a small percent currently have more than one of our enterprise solutions.  
 
In the second quarter of 2012, we announced the creation of two operating groups to provide better visibility to our investors, end users, healthcare providers and consumers.  The operating group named Merge Healthcare represents approximately 87% of our total revenue and markets, sells and implements interoperability, imaging and clinical solutions to healthcare providers.  Merge DNA (Data and Analytics) represents about 13% of total revenues and focuses on the emergence of consumerism in healthcare, including health stations, data capture software and other consumer-focused solutions.  As a result of this change, effective in the second quarter of 2012, we have two reportable operating groups.
 
Merge Healthcare primarily generates revenue from the sale of software (including upgrades), hardware, professional services, maintenance and electronic data interchange (EDI) services.  Today, the majority of Merge Healthcare revenue is generated through perpetual license agreements with our customers.  Under this type of arrangement, the software, hardware and professional services are considered to be sources of non-recurring revenue and related backlog.  Merge Healthcare backlog of non-recurring revenue was approximately $31.1 million as of September 30, 2012.  Merge Healthcare also generates revenue through subscription-based pricing arrangements in which software, hardware and professional services are payable by our customers over a number of years.  Generally, these contracts will include a minimum image volume and/or dollar commitment.  As such, revenue from these transactions is recognized ratably over an extended period of time.  Subscription arrangements include, but are not limited to, contracts structured with monthly payments (including leases), long-term clinical trials or renewable annual software contracts (with very high renewal rates).  As a result of recent buying trends of our customers, Merge Healthcare expects to see an increase in the demand for subscription-based arrangements.  Due to the length of sales cycles with our customers, Merge Healthcare would expect these types of arrangements to become more prevalent in the second half of 2012 and beyond.  In the third quarter of 2012, subscription revenue was approximately 15% of total net sales and subscription revenue backlog as of September 30, 2012 was $40.3 million.   
 
 
21

 
Business Segments
 
Effective in the second quarter of 2012, we have reportable operating groups which we have designated Merge Healthcare and Merge DNA.  We evaluate the performance of each operating group based on its respective revenues and operating income, which excludes certain corporate costs, interest expense, amortization of issuance and note discount costs and income taxes.
 
The following tables provide operating group information for the periods indicated, based on GAAP reported information.  All amounts are in thousands, except percentages.
 
Merge Healthcare Segment
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Change
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
Change
 
   
2012
   
2011
    $     %     2012     2011     $     %  
Net sales:
 
 
   
 
   
 
                           
 
         
Software and other
  $ 17,854     $ 19,381     $ (1,527 )     -7.9 %   $ 56,911     $ 55,606     $ 1,305       2.3 %
Professional Services
    7,808       6,775       1,033       15.2 %     20,873       16,429       4,444       27.0 %
Maintenance and EDI
    27,158       28,018       (860 )     -3.1 %     82,694       81,042       1,652       2.0 %
Total net sales
    52,820       54,174       (1,354 )     -2.5 %   $ 160,478     $ 153,077       7,401       4.8 %
Expenses
    43,447       43,554       (107 )     -0.2 %     131,675       121,440       10,235       8.4 %
Segment income
  $ 9,373     $ 10,620     $ (1,247 )     -11.7 %   $ 28,803     $ 31,637     $ (2,834 )     -9.0 %
                                                                 
                                                                 
Merge DNA Segment
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Change
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
Change
 
    2012     2011           %     2012     2011           %  
Net sales:
                                                               
Software and other
  $ 3,378     $ 679     $ 2,699    
NM
    $ 12,340     $ 764     $ 11,576    
NM
 
Professional Services
    3,469       5,224       (1,755 )     -33.6 %     9,700       14,485       (4,785 )     -33.0 %
Maintenance and EDI
    727       -       727    
NM
      1,740       15       1,725    
NM
 
Total net sales
    7,574       5,903       1,671       28.3 %   $ 23,780     $ 15,264       8,516       55.8 %
Expenses
    8,746       6,062       2,684       44.3 %     25,643       15,557       10,086       64.8 %
Segment loss
  $ (1,172 )   $ (159 )   $ (1,013 )  
NM
    $ (1,863 )   $ (293 )   $ (1,570 )  
NM
 
 
The following tables provide GAAP sales generated by non-recurring, subscription and maintenance and EDI revenue sources by segment for the periods indicated in 2012 and non-recurring and subscription backlog as of September 30, 2012.  All amounts are in thousands, except percentages.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
Healthcare
   
DNA
   
Total
   
Healthcare
   
DNA
   
Total
 
Revenue Source
  $     %     $     %     $     %     $     %     $     %     $     %  
Maintenance & EDI
  $ 27,158       51.4 %   $ 727       9.6 %   $ 27,885       46.2 %   $ 82,694       51.5 %   $ 1,740       7.3 %   $ 84,434       45.8 %
Subscription
    2,329       4.4 %     6,847       90.4 %     9,176       15.2 %     10,053       6.3 %     19,290       81.1 %     29,343       15.9 %
Non-recurring
    23,333       44.2 %     -       0.0 %     23,333       38.6 %     67,731       42.2 %     2,750       11.6 %     70,481       38.3 %
Total
  $ 52,820       100.0 %   $ 7,574       100.0 %   $ 60,394       100.0 %   $ 160,478       100.0 %   $ 23,780       100.0 %   $ 184,258       100.0 %
 
   
Backlog as of September 30, 2012
 
   
Healthcare
   
DNA
   
Total
 
Revenue Source
  $     %     $     %     $     %  
Subscription
  $ 10,860       25.9 %   $ 29,453       100.0 %   $ 40,313       56.5 %
Non-recurring
    31,078       74.1 %     -       0.0 %     31,078       43.5 %
Total
  $ 41,938       100.0 %   $ 29,453       100.0 %   $ 71,391       100.0 %
 
 
22

 
Results of Operations
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
The following table sets forth selected, summarized, unaudited, consolidated financial data for the periods indicated, as well as comparative data showing increases and decreases between the periods.  All amounts, except percentages, are in thousands.
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Change
   
   
2012
   
%
(1 ) 2011    
%
(1 ) $     %    
   
 
   
 
                 
 
           
Net sales:
 
 
   
 
           
 
   
 
           
Software and other
  $ 21,232       35.2 %   $ 20,060       33.4 %   $ 1,172       5.8 %  
Professional services
    11,277       18.7 %     11,999       20.0 %     (722 )     -6.0 %  
Maintenance and EDI
    27,885       46.2 %     28,018       46.6 %     (133 )     -0.5 %  
Total net sales
    60,394       100.0 %     60,077       100.0 %     317       0.5 %  
Cost of sales:
                                                 
Software and other
    9,143       43.1 %     8,909       44.4 %     234       2.6 %  
Professional services
    6,511       57.7 %     5,403       45.0 %     1,108       20.5 %  
Maintenance and EDI
    7,288       26.1 %     7,409       26.4 %     (121 )     -1.6 %  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,912       3.2 %     2,228       3.7 %     (316 )     -14.2 %  
Total cost of sales
    24,854       41.2 %     23,949       39.9 %     905       3.8 %  
Total gross margin
    35,540       58.8 %     36,128       60.1 %     (588 )     -1.6 %  
                                                   
Gross margin by net sales category (2)
                                                 
Software and other
    12,089       56.9 %     11,151       55.6 %     938       8.4 %  
Professional services
    4,766       42.3 %     6,596       55.0 %     (1,830 )     -27.7 %  
Maintenance and EDI
    20,597       73.9 %     20,609       73.6 %     (12 )     -0.1 %  
                                                   
Operating expenses:
                                                 
Sales and marketing
    10,807       17.9 %     10,235       17.0 %     572       5.6 %  
Product research and development
    8,268       13.7 %     7,195       12.0 %     1,073       14.9 %  
General and administrative
    7,783       12.9 %     7,500       12.5 %     283       3.8 %  
Acquisition-related expenses
    (762 )     -1.3 %     743       1.2 %     (1,505 )  
NM
(3 )
Restructuring and other expenses
    830       1.4 %     1,151       1.9 %     (321 )     -27.9 %  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,651       4.4 %     2,352       3.9 %     299       12.7 %  
Total operating costs and expenses
    29,577       49.0 %     29,176       48.6 %     401       1.4 %  
Operating income
    5,963       9.9 %     6,952       11.6 %     (989 )     -14.2 %  
Other income (expense), net
    (8,105 )     -13.4 %     (8,207 )     -13.7 %     102       -1.2 %  
Loss before income taxes
    (2,142 )     -3.5 %     (1,255 )     -2.1 %     (887 )     70.7 %  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    1,684       2.8 %     (242 )     -0.4 %     1,926    
NM
(3 )
Net loss
  $ (3,826 )     -6.3 %   $ (1,013 )     -1.7 %   $ (2,813 )  
NM
(3 )
 
 
(1)
Percentages are of total net sales, except for cost of sales and gross margin, which are based upon related net sales.
 
(2)
Depreciation and amortization expenses are excluded from these gross margin calculations.
 
(3)
NM denotes percentage is not meaningful.
 
Net Sales
 
Software and Other Sales.  Total software and other sales in 2012 were $21.2 million, an increase of $1.2 million, or 5.8%, from $20.0 million in 2011.  Software and other sales increased $2.7 million in our DNA segment, primarily due to sales and rentals of health stations (of which we had none in 2011) as well as an increase in clinical trials software.  This increase was partially offset by a $1.5 million decrease in our Healthcare operating group, primarily due to a decline in hardware sales.  Software and hardware orders are typically fulfilled, and revenue recognized, in either the quarter signed or the following two quarters.  Revenue recognized from software and other sales may vary significantly on a quarterly basis.
 
Professional Services Sales.  Total professional services sales in 2012 were $11.3 million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 6.0%, from $12.0 million in 2011.  Sales decreased $1.8 million in our DNA segment, primarily due to our clinical trials sales having a larger software component than 2011.  With the offering of our new customer configurable clinical trials platform in June 2012, we would expect less professional services as part of the overall contract. This decrease was offset by a $1.0 million increase in our Healthcare segment sales due to a greater number of installation projects in 2012 compared to 2011.  Revenue recognized from professional services sales generally lags software and other sales by one or two quarters due to the timing of when such services are performed compared to when the products are delivered.
 
 
23

 
Gross Margin
 
Gross Margin – Software and Other Sales. Gross margin on software and other sales was $12.1 million in 2012, an increase of $0.9 million, or 8.4%, from $11.2 million in 2011.  Gross margin as a percentage of software and other sales increased to 56.9% in 2012 from 55.6% in 2011, primarily due to a decrease in hardware sales, which are at lower margins than software only sales.  Hardware sales were 36.5% of software and other sales in 2012 compared to 39.8% in 2011.  We expect gross margin on software and other sales to fluctuate depending on the mix of sales among our products.
 
Gross Margin – Professional Service Sales. Gross margin on professional service sales was $4.8 million in 2012, a decrease of $1.8 million, or 27.7%, from $6.6 million in 2011.  Gross margin as a percentage of professional service sales decreased to 42.3% in 2012 from 55.0% in 2011, primarily due to the billable utilization of our professional services resources.  As the majority of professional services costs are fixed, we expect gross margins to fluctuate depending on billable utilization of these resources.
 
Gross Margin – Maintenance and EDI Sales. Gross margin on maintenance and EDI sales was $20.6 million in 2012, consistent with gross margin in 2011 of $20.6 million.  Gross margin as a percentage of maintenance and EDI sales was 73.9% in 2012, consistent with the percentage in 2011 of 73.6%.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
Sales and marketing expense increased $0.6 million, or 5.6%, to $10.8 million in 2012 from $10.2 million in 2011. As a percentage of net sales, sales and marketing expense increased by 0.9% to 17.9% due to efforts throughout 2011 to increase sales headcount, which resulted in greater personnel-related costs than the prior year, as well as continued investment to enhance the Merge brand in 2012.
 
Product Research and Development
 
Product research and development expense increased $1.1 million, or 14.9%, to $8.3 million in 2012 from $7.2 million in 2011, primarily due to an increase in headcount and related expenses.  As a percentage of net sales, product research and development increased by 1.7% to 13.7% in 2012.  We expect that our quarterly product research and development expense as a percentage of sales will remain relatively constant in 2012.
 
General and Administrative
 
General and administrative expense increased $0.3 million, or 3.8%, to $7.8 million in 2012 from $7.5 million in 2011.  As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses increased by 0.4% to 12.9% primarily due to a $0.3 million increase in stock compensation expense in 2012.
 
Restructuring and Other Expenses
 
Restructuring and other expenses decreased $0.3 million in 2012 compared to 2011.  The 2012 expense of $0.8 million was due to our restructuring initiative that commenced in September 2012.  The 2011 expense of $1.1 million was due to our restructuring initiative announced in August 2011.
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.3 million, or 12.7%, to $2.7 million in 2012 from $2.4 million in 2011, primarily due an overall increase in amortization on certain intangible assets which are not amortized on a straight-line basis (consistent with the expected cash flows for such assets).  
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
In 2012, we recorded income tax expense of $1.7 million, compared to an income tax benefit of $0.2 million recorded in 2011.  The amounts differ from the statutory rate primarily due to non-cash income tax expense being recorded for profitable foreign operations that cannot be offset by unprofitable U.S. domestic operations requiring a full valuation allowance and the deferred tax effect of tax deductible goodwill amortization.  Our expected effective income tax rate is volatile and may move up or down with changes in, among other items, operating income and the results of changes in tax laws and regulations of the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions in which we operate.
 
 
24

 
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
The following table sets forth selected, summarized, unaudited, consolidated financial data for the periods indicated, as well as comparative data showing increases and decreases between the periods.  All amounts, except percentages, are in thousands.
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
     
Change
   
   
2012
   
%
  (1 ) 2011    
%
  (1 ) $     %    
                                               
Net sales:
                                             
Software and other
  $ 69,251       37.6 %     $ 56,370       33.5 %     $ 12,881       22.9 %  
Professional services
    30,573       16.6 %       30,914       18.4 %       (341 )     -1.1 %  
Maintenance and EDI
    84,434       45.8 %       81,057       48.2 %       3,377       4.2 %  
Total net sales
    184,258       100.0 %       168,341       100.0 %       15,917       9.5 %  
Cost of sales:
                                                     
Software and other
    29,140       42.1 %       20,167       35.8 %       8,973       44.5 %  
Professional services
    18,415       60.2 %       15,482       50.1 %       2,933       18.9 %  
Maintenance and EDI
    23,886       28.3 %       22,060       27.2 %       1,826       8.3 %  
Depreciation and amortization
    5,692       3.1 %       7,074       4.2 %       (1,382 )     -19.5 %  
Total cost of sales
    77,133       41.9 %       64,783       38.5 %       12,350       19.1 %  
Total gross margin
    107,125       58.1 %       103,558       61.5 %       3,567       3.4 %  
                                                       
Gross margin by net sales category (2)
                                                     
Software and other
    40,111       57.9 %       36,203       64.2 %       3,908       10.8 %  
Professional services
    12,158       39.8 %       15,432       49.9 %       (3,274 )     -21.2 %  
Maintenance and EDI
    60,548       71.7 %       58,997       72.8 %       1,551       2.6 %  
                                                       
Operating expenses:
                                                     
Sales and marketing
    32,474       17.6 %       26,781       15.9 %       5,693       21.3 %  
Product research and development
    24,310       13.2 %       20,964       12.5 %       3,346       16.0 %  
General and administrative
    23,829       12.9 %       22,354       13.3 %       1,475       6.6 %  
Acquisition-related expenses
    2,444       1.3 %       1,222       0.7 %       1,222       100.0 %
 
Restructuring and other expenses
    830       0.5 %       1,115       0.7 %       (285 )     -25.6 %  
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
    8,183       4.4 %       10,225       6.1 %       (2,042 )     -20.0 %  
Total operating costs and expenses
    92,070       50.0 %       82,661       49.1 %       9,409       11.4 %  
Operating income
    15,055       8.2 %       20,897       12.4 %       (5,842 )     -28.0 %  
Other income (expense), net
    (23,213 )     -12.6 %       (22,555 )     -13.4 %       (658 )     2.9 %  
Loss before income taxes
    (8,158 )     -4.4 %       (1,658 )     -1.0 %       (6,500 )  
NM
 
(3)
Income tax expense
    3,410       1.9 %       2,629       1.6 %       781       29.7 %  
Net loss
  $ (11,568 )     -6.3 %     $ (4,287 )     -2.5 %     $ (7,281 )     169.8 %  

 
(1)
Percentages are of total net sales, except for cost of sales and gross margin, which are based upon related net sales.
 
(2)
Depreciation and amortization expenses are excluded from these gross margin calculations.
 
(3)
NM denotes percentage is not meaningful.
 
Net Sales
 
Software and Other Sales.  Total software and other sales in 2012 were $69.3 million, an increase of $12.9 million, or 22.9%, from $56.4 million in 2011.  Software and other sales increased $11.6 million in our DNA segment, primarily due to $7.4 million in sales and rentals of health stations (of which we had none in 2011) as well as an increase in clinical trials software sales of $4.4 million.  Software and other sales also increased $1.3 million in our Healthcare segment, primarily due to an increase in our interoperability solution, which was introduced in January 2011.  Software and hardware orders are typically fulfilled, and revenue recognized, in either the quarter signed or the following two quarters.  Revenue recognized from software and other sales may vary significantly on a quarterly basis.
 
Professional Services Sales.  Total professional services sales in 2012 were $30.6 million, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 1.1%, from $30.9 million in 2011.  Professional services sales in our Healthcare segment increased $4.4 million, primarily due to a greater number of projects in 2012 compared to 2011.  This increase was offset by a decrease of $4.7 million in our DNA segment, primarily due to an enhancement to the clinical trial platform that resulted in less professional services being required.  Revenue recognized from professional services sales generally lags software and other sales by one or two quarters due to the timing of when such services are performed compared to when the products are delivered.
 
 
25

 
Maintenance and EDI Sales.  Total maintenance and EDI sales in 2012 were $84.4 million, an increase of $3.4 million, or 4.2%, from $81.0 million in 2011 primarily due to maintenance revenue related to new contracts in our Healthcare segment which exceeded the rate of attrition from our existing maintenance customer base.
 
Gross Margin
 
Gross Margin – Software and Other Sales. Gross margin on software and other sales was $40.1 million in 2012, an increase of $3.9 million, or 10.8%, from $36.2 million in 2011.  Gross margin as a percentage of software and other sales decreased to 57.9% in 2012 from 64.2% in 2011, due to an increase in hardware sales, which are at lower margins than software only sales.  Hardware sales were 39.5% of software and other sales in 2012 compared to 29.6% in 2011.  We expect gross margin on software and other sales to fluctuate depending on the mix of sales among our products.
 
Gross Margin – Professional Service Sales. Gross margin on professional service sales was $12.2 million in 2012, a decrease of $3.2 million, or 21.2%, from $15.4 million in 2011.  Gross margin as a percentage of professional service sales decreased to 39.8% in 2012 from 49.9% in 2011, primarily due to the billable utilization of our professional services resources.  As the majority of professional services costs are fixed, we expect gross margins to fluctuate depending on billable utilization of these resources.
 
Gross Margin – Maintenance and EDI Sales. Gross margin on maintenance and EDI sales was $60.5 million in 2012, an increase of $1.5 million, or 2.6%, from $59.0 million in 2011.  Gross margin as a percentage of maintenance and EDI sales decreased to 71.7% in 2012 compared to 72.8% in 2011, primarily due to an increase in third party maintenance costs.
 
Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $1.4 million, or 19.5%, to $5.7 million in 2012 from $7.1 million in 2011, primarily due to a decrease in amortization related to certain intangible assets which became fully amortized in the second quarter of 2011.  Also, amortization decreased on certain intangible assets which are not amortized on a straight-line basis (consistent with the expected cash flows for such assets).
 
Sales and Marketing
 
Sales and marketing expense increased $5.7 million, or 21.3%, to $32.5 million in 2012 from $26.8 million in 2011. As a percentage of net sales, sales and marketing expense increased by 1.7% to 17.6% due to efforts in the second half of 2011 and into 2012 to increase sales headcount, which resulted in greater personnel-related costs than the prior year, as well as continued investment to enhance the Merge brand in 2012.
 
Product Research and Development
 
Product research and development expense increased $3.3 million, or 16.0%, to $24.3 million in 2012 from $21.0 million in 2011, primarily due to an increase in headcount and related expenses. As a percentage of net sales, product research and development increased to 13.2% in 2012 compared to 12.5% in 2011.  We expect that our quarterly product research and development expense as a percentage of sales will remain relatively constant in 2012.
 
General and Administrative
 
General and administrative expense increased $1.5 million, or 6.6%, to $23.8 million in 2012 from $22.4 million in 2011, primarily due to a $1.4 million increase in legal expenses (see Note 9 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information), an increase of $1.0 million in our allowance for doubtful accounts and an increase in stock compensation cost of $0.8 million, offset by $1.2 million in bonus expense recorded in 2011 and a $0.3 million decrease in other professional fees.  As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses decreased by 0.4% to 12.9%.  We expect to leverage the current level of general and administrative expenses during 2012.
 
Restructuring and Other Expenses
 
Restructuring and other expenses decreased $0.3 million in 2012 compared to 2011.  The 2012 expense of $0.8 million was due to our restructuring initiative that commenced in September 2012.  The 2011 expense of $1.1 million was due to our restructuring initiative announced in August 2011.
 
 
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Acquisition-related Expenses
 
Acquisition-related expenses increased $1.2 million in 2012 to $2.4 million, from $1.2 million in 2011.  The 2012 expense is comprised of $1.6 million in contingent consideration paid for an insignificant acquisition, as well as $0.8 million in professional fees.  The 2011 expense is comprised of $1.6 million of professional fees related to two acquisitions, offset by a $0.4 million credit for a breakup fee received.
 
Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment
 
Depreciation, amortization and impairment expense decreased $2.0 million, or 20.0%, to $8.2 million in 2012 from $10.2 million in 2011, primarily due to a $2.8 million charge for the impairment of trade names associated with certain products upon completion of a product rebranding initiative in the second quarter of 2011, offset by an overall increase in amortization due to intangible assets acquired in the second half of 2011 and first quarter of 2012.  
 
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
Net other expense increased $0.7 million in 2012, primarily due to an additional $3.0 million in interest expense and amortization of issuance costs and note discount associated with our additional $52.0 million in Senior Secured Notes issued in June 2011, offset by debt refinancing costs of $1.4 million in 2011 and a mark to market adjustment on an investment of $1.0 million during 2012.
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
In 2012, we recorded income tax expense of $3.4 million, compared to $2.6 million of income tax expense recorded in 2011.   The amounts in 2012 and 2011 differ from the statutory rate primarily due to non-cash income tax expense being recorded for profitable foreign operations that cannot be offset by unprofitable U.S. domestic operations requiring a full valuation allowance and the deferred effect of tax deductible goodwill amortization.  Our expected effective income tax rate is volatile and may move up or down with changes in, among other items, operating income and the results of changes in tax laws and regulations of the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions in which we operate.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our cash and cash equivalents were $42.2 million at September 30, 2012, an increase of approximately $2.9 million, or 7.5%, from our balance of $39.3 million at December 31, 2011.  In addition, our working capital was $52.7 million at September 30, 2012, an increase of $6.7 million from our working capital of $46.0 million at December 31, 2011.
 
The change in cash and cash equivalents during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is attributed to the following factors:
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
(amounts in millions)
 
Cash received from (paid for):
 
 
   
 
 
Issuance of debt and equity
  $ -     $ 53.6  
Debt and equity issuance costs
    -       (3.0 )
Retirement of debt
    -       (4.6 )
Redemption of preferred stock
    -       (41.8 )
Payments of preferred stock dividends
    -       (7.3 )
Interest paid, net
    (14.8     (10.9 )
Acquisitions
    (0.9     (2.1 )
Restructuring initiatives
    (1.2 )     (1.6 )
Acquisition related costs
    (0.8 )     (0.9 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises
    0.7       -  
Property and equipment purchases
    (2.0     (1.6 )
Settlements with former officers
    -       (0.9 )
Other non-operating cash flows
    -       0.4  
Business operations
    21.9       24.4  
Increase in cash
  $ 2.9     $ 3.7  
 
 
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Cash generated from business operations in 2012 includes the payment of a company-wide 2011 bonus of $2.7 million to eligible employees.  
 
Operating Cash Flows
 
As set forth in the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash provided by operating activities was $5.1 million in 2012, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $5.9 million in 2011.  The net loss in 2012 of $11.6 million includes non-cash expenses of $24.4 million and interest expense on our Notes of $12.3 million which is not payable until November 2012.  
 
In addition to the payments related to restructuring initiatives as noted in the table above, we have remaining payments as of September 30, 2012 of $0.8 million which we expect will be paid by December 31, 2012.  
 
Accounts receivable days sales outstanding was 106 days for the third quarter of 2012 compared to 101 days for the third quarter of 2011.    
 
Investing Cash Flows
 
In the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we paid $0.9 million to complete an insignificant acquisition and $2.0 million to purchase fixed assets.
 
Financing Cash Flows
 
In the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we received $0.9 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options and shares purchased under the employee stock purchase plan.  
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total outstanding commitments as of September 30, 2012 (in thousands), were as follows:
 
   
 
   
Payment due by period
 
   
 
   
Less than
   
 
   
 
   
More than
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
1 Year
   
1 – 3 Years
   
3 – 5 Years
   
5 Years
 
Operating leases
  $ 17,093     $ 3,403     $ 3,388     $ 3,013     $ 7,289  
Capital leases (including interest)
    1,493       503       990       -       -  
Acquisition obligations
    6,217       3,274       2,875       68       -  
Notes payable (including interest)
    340,882       29,630       311,235       17       -  
Total
  $ 365,685     $ 36,810     $ 318,488     $ 3,098     $ 7,289  
 
The above obligations include lease payments, net of contractually committed sub-lease income of $0.1 million, zero, zero and zero in the respective periods indicated, involving facilities that we use and those we have either ceased to use or previously abandoned.  
 
Except for restricted cash of $0.7 million (primarily letters-of-credit related to our leased facilities) and a $0.3 million guarantee to a lender on behalf of a customer at September 30, 2012, we do not have any other significant long-term obligations, contractual obligations, lines of credit, standby letters of credit, guarantees, standby repurchase obligations or other commercial commitments.
 
As of September 30, 2012, approximately $3.3 million of our cash balance was held by our foreign subsidiaries.  We may need to accrue and pay taxes if we choose to repatriate these funds.
 
General
 
We believe our current cash and cash equivalent balances will be sufficient to meet our operating, financing and capital requirements through at least the next 12 months, including interest payments due under the Notes.  However, any projections of future cash inflows and outflows are subject to uncertainty.  In the event that it is necessary to raise additional capital to meet our short term or long term liquidity needs, such capital may be raised through additional debt, equity offerings or sale of certain assets.  If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-related or debt securities, such securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our common stock.  Furthermore, the number of shares of any new equity or equity-related securities that may be issued may result in significant dilution to existing shareholders.  In addition, the issuance of debt securities could increase the liquidity risk or perceived liquidity risk that we face.  We cannot, however, be certain that additional financing, or funds from asset sales, will be available on acceptable terms.  If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, we will likely not be able to take advantage of opportunities, develop or enhance services or products or respond to competitive pressures.  Any projections of future cash inflows and outflows are subject to uncertainty.  In particular, our uses of cash in 2012 and beyond will depend on a variety of factors such as the costs to implement our business strategy, the amount of cash that we are required to devote to defend and address any regulatory proceedings, and potential merger and acquisition activities.   
 
 
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For a more detailed description of risks and uncertainties that may affect our liquidity, see Item 1A., “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
Material Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We have no material off balance sheet arrangements.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires our management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an ongoing basis, our management evaluates these estimates.  We base our estimates and judgments on our experience, our current knowledge (including terms of existing contracts), our beliefs of what could occur in the future, our observation of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers and information available from other sources.  Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
 
We have identified the following accounting policies and estimates as those that we believe are most critical to our financial condition and results of operations and that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments in estimating the effect of inherent uncertainties: revenue recognition, allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts, intangible assets and goodwill, share-based compensation expense, income taxes, guarantees and loss contingencies.  There have been no significant changes in the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012 in our method of application of these critical accounting policies.  For a complete description of our critical accounting policies, please refer to Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Our cash and cash equivalents are exposed to financial market risk due to fluctuations in interest rates, which may affect our interest income.  As of September 30, 2012, our cash and cash equivalents included money market funds and short term deposits, including certain cash which is restricted, totaling approximately $42.2 million, and earned interest at a weighted average rate of approximately 0.1%.  The value of the principal amounts is equal to the fair value of these instruments.  Due to the relative short-term nature of our investment portfolio, our interest income is vulnerable subject to changes in short-term interest rates.  At current investment levels, our net income (loss) would vary by approximately $0.4 million on an annual basis for every 100 basis point change in our weighted average short-term interest rate.  We do not use our portfolio for trading or other speculative purposes.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
 
We have sales and expenses that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and, as a result, have exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.  In the event our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk increases to levels that we do not deem acceptable, we may choose to hedge those exposures.  We did not enter into any derivative financial instruments to hedge such exposures in 2012 or 2011.
 
 
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Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, which were designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, as of September 30, 2012, as required by Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act.  This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer.  Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level to ensure (1) that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes with respect to our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting in the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012.
 
 
30

 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
Please refer to the detailed discussion regarding litigation set forth in Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q.
 
Merge is involved in various legal matters that are in the process of litigation or settled in the ordinary course of business.  Although the final results of all such matters and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the ultimate resolution of all such matters and claims will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.  However, such matters could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and cash flows for a particular period.
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and the market price for our common stock.  Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 includes a detailed discussion of these factors, which have not materially changed other than as reflected below.
 
Our efforts to explore strategic alternatives may not result in a definitive transaction and may create a distraction for our management and uncertainty that may adversely affect our business and operating results.
 
As previously announced on September 6, 2012, our Board of Directors has retained Allen & Company LLC, a New York-based investment bank, to assist in exploring and evaluating a broad range of strategic alternatives, including, but not limited to, a sale of Merge or a business combination.  We do not have a defined timeline for the strategic review, and there can be no assurance that the review will result in any specific action or transaction.  There are various risks and uncertainties relating to our evaluation of strategic alternatives.  Evaluation and negotiation of a potential transaction may distract management from focusing its time and resources on day-to-day operations of Merge and may result in the loss of business opportunities, which could have an adverse effect on our business and operating results.  Also, the current market price of our common stock may reflect a market assumption that a transaction will occur, and a failure to complete a transaction could result in a decline in the market price of our common stock.  We may be subject to litigation regarding the strategic review process and any potential transaction that may result.  The costs associated with our evaluation of strategic alternatives may be substantial and we will incur these costs regardless of whether a transaction is ultimately consummated.  Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction may result in increased difficulties in retaining key employees and recruiting new employees and may cause business partners to terminate, or not enter into or renew, their business arrangements with us.  Any of the foregoing factors could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
 
We are Subject to Government Regulation, Changes to which could Negatively Impact our Business.
 
We are subject to regulation in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), including periodic FDA inspections, in Canada under Health Canada’s Medical Devices Regulations, and in other countries by corresponding regulatory authorities.  We may be required to undertake additional actions in the U.S. to comply with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the “FDCA Act”), regulations promulgated under the FDCA Act, and any other applicable regulatory requirements.  For example, the FDA has increased its focus on regulating computer software intended for use in a healthcare setting.  If our software solutions are deemed to be actively regulated medical devices by the FDA, we could be subject to more extensive requirements governing pre- and post-marketing activities.  Complying with these regulations could be time consuming and expensive, and may include:
 
 
·  
Requiring us to receive FDA clearance of a pre-market notification submission demonstrating substantial equivalence to a device already legally marketed, or to obtain FDA approval of a pre-market approval application establishing the safety and effectiveness of the software;
 
 
·  
Requiring us to comply with rigorous regulations governing the pre-clinical and clinical testing, manufacture, distribution, labeling and promotion of medical devices; and
 
 
·  
Requiring us to comply with the FDCA Act regarding general controls, including establishment registration, device listing, compliance with good manufacturing practices, reporting of specified malfunctions and adverse device events.
 
 
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Similar obligations may exist in other countries in which we do business, including Canada. Any failure by us to comply with other applicable regulatory requirements, both domestic and foreign, could subject us to a number of enforcement actions, including warning letters, fines, product seizures, recalls, injunctions, total or partial suspensions of production, operating restrictions or limitations on marketing, refusals of the government to grant new clearances or approvals, withdrawals of marketing clearances or approvals and civil and criminal penalties.
 
Following an inspection by the FDA earlier in 2012, one of our suppliers received a FDA warning letter seeking responses to certain process issues that the FDA had identified.  Both Merge and our supplier responded to the FDA on October 4, 2012, and have undertaken a number of corrective actions in response to the FDA warning letter.
 
There can be no assurance, however, that our actions or the actions of our supplier taken in response to the FDA warning letter will be deemed adequate by the FDA or that additional actions will not be required by us.  In addition, we remain subject to periodic FDA inspections and there can be no assurances that we will not be required to undertake additional actions to comply with the FDCA Act and any other applicable regulatory requirements.  Any failure by us to comply with the FDCA Act and any other applicable regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue to manufacture and distribute our software solutions.  The FDA has many enforcement tools including recalls, seizures, injunctions, civil fines and/or criminal prosecutions.  Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
 
See also the discussions in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Part I, Item 4, “Controls and Procedures” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
In the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we issued 1,410,491 shares of our common stock as partial consideration for an insignificant acquisition.  These shares were issued pursuant to an exception from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
Item 6.
 
 
(a) 
Exhibits
   
See Exhibit Index
 
 
32

 
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.
 
 
Registrant:
   
 
MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED
   
November 2, 2012
By:
/s/ Jeffery A. Surges
   
Jeffery A. Surges
   
Chief Executive Officer
   
(principal executive officer)
     
November 2, 2012
By:
/s/ Steven M. Oreskovich
   
Steven M. Oreskovich
   
Chief Financial Officer
   
(principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)

 
33

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) Pursuant to Rule 13a–14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer (principal accounting officer) Pursuant to Rule 13a–14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*
 
*In accordance with Rule 406T under Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 shall be deemed “furnished” and not “filed.”
 
 
34