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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003

Commission File No. 000-22166

AETRIUM INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Minnesota   41-1439182
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  ( I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
2350 Helen Street, North St. Paul, Minnesota
( Address of principal executive offices)
  55109
(Zip Code)

(651) 704-1800

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months ( or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

             
Yes   X   No    
   
     

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

             
Yes       No   X
   
     
         
Number of shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value, outstanding as of May 6, 2003
    9,477,044  
 
   
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 2. Changes in Securities
Item 3. Defaults on Senior Securities
Item 4. Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
CERTIFICATIONS
EX-99.1 Certifications


Table of Contents

AETRIUM INCORPORATED

INDEX

                 
            Page
           
PART I.  
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
Item 1.  
Financial Statements:
       
       
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2003 (unaudited) and December 31, 2002
    3-4  
       
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002
    5  
       
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002
    6  
       
Notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements
    7-10  
Item 2.  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    11-16  
Item 3.  
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
    16  
Item 4.  
Controls and Procedures
    16  
PART II.  
OTHER INFORMATION
       
Item 1.  
Legal Proceedings
    17  
Item 2.  
Changes in Securities
    17  
Item 3.  
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
    17  
Item 4.  
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
    17  
Item 5.  
Other Information
    17  
Item 6.  
Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
    17  
SIGNATURES     18  
CERTIFICATIONS     19-21  

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PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

AETRIUM INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)

ASSETS

                       
          March 31,   December 31,
          2003   2002
         
 
          (Unaudited)        
Current Assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,794     $ 5,796  
 
Accounts receivable, net
    2,321       1,628  
 
Inventories
    7,218       7,359  
 
Other current assets
    171       152  
 
   
     
 
   
Total current assets
    14,504       14,935  
 
   
     
 
Property and equipment:
               
 
Furniture and fixtures
    598       598  
 
Equipment
    2,655       2,655  
 
   
     
 
 
    3,253       3,253  
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (2,847 )     (2,781 )
 
   
     
 
   
Property and equipment, net
    406       472  
 
   
     
 
Identifiable intangible assets, net
    2,413       2,634  
Other assets
    41       40  
 
   
     
 
     
Total assets
  $ 17,364     $ 18,081  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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AETRIUM INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                       
          March 31,   December 31,
          2003   2002
         
 
          (Unaudited)        
Current liabilities:
               
 
Trade accounts payable
  $ 759     $ 597  
 
Accrued compensation
    328       442  
 
Other accrued liabilities
    1,679       1,814  
 
   
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    2,766       2,853  
 
   
     
 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
 
Common stock, $.001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 9,477,044 shares issued and outstanding
    10       10  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    60,250       60,250  
 
Accumulated deficit
    (45,662 )     (45,032 )
 
   
     
 
   
Total shareholders’ equity
    14,598       15,228  
 
   
     
 
     
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 17,364     $ 18,081  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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AETRIUM INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)

                     
        Three months ended March 31,
       
        2003   2002
       
 
Net sales
  $ 3,070     $ 3,117  
Cost of goods sold
    1,499       1,411  
 
   
     
 
 
Gross profit
    1,571       1,706  
 
   
     
 
Operating expenses:
               
 
Selling, general, and administrative
    1,516       1,852  
 
Research and development
    553       547  
 
Unusual charges
    149        
 
   
     
 
   
Total operating expenses
    2,218       2,399  
 
   
     
 
Loss from operations
    (647 )     (693 )
 
Other income, net
    17       32  
 
   
     
 
Loss before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
    (630 )     (661 )
 
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle- see note 5
          (6,486 )
 
   
     
 
Net loss
  $ (630 )   $ (7,147 )
 
   
     
 
Loss per common share (basic and diluted):
               
 
Loss before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
  $ (0.07 )   $ (0.07 )
 
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle- see note 5
          (0.68 )
 
   
     
 
 
Net loss
  $ (0.07 )   $ (0.75 )
 
   
     
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted)
    9,477       9,475  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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AETRIUM INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)

                       
          Three months ended March 31,
         
          2003   2002
         
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
 
Net loss
  $ (630 )   $ (7,147 )
 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
               
   
Depreciation and amortization
    287       297  
   
Provision for excess and obsolete inventories
    20       20  
   
Unusual charges
    149        
   
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
          6,486  
   
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
     
Accounts receivable
    (693 )     181  
     
Inventories
    121       477  
     
Other current assets
    (19 )     (53 )
     
Other assets
    (1 )      
     
Trade accounts payable
    162       (96 )
     
Accrued compensation
    (114 )     (180 )
     
Other accrued liabilities
    (284 )     (851 )
 
   
     
 
     
Net cash used in operating activities
    (1,002 )     (866 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    5,796       7,181  
 
   
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 4,794     $ 6,315  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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AETRIUM INCORPORATED

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments except for the change in accounting principle described in Note 5) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and changes in cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year or any future period.
 
    Certain footnote information has been condensed or omitted from these financial statements. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.
 
2.   NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
 
    Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive shares outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive shares include stock options using the treasury stock method. Stock options are not included in the diluted loss per share calculations in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 because they are antidilutive. As of March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, there were 1,472,651 and 1,030,789 outstanding stock options that could have potentially impacted diluted earnings per share.
 
3.   STOCK-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION
 
    Aetrium has a stock incentive plan that is described more fully in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. We account for this plan under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations. No stock-based compensation cost is reflected in our consolidated statements of operations, as all options granted under the plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant and all options vest based only upon continuing employment. The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and net loss per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based compensation (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                   
      Three months ended March 31,
     
      2003   2002
     
 
Net loss, as reported
  $ (630 )   $ (7,147 )
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all grants, net of related tax effects
    (83 )     (116 )
 
   
     
 
Pro forma net loss
  $ (713 )   $ (7,263 )
 
   
     
 
Net loss per basic and diluted share:
               
 
As reported
  $ (0.07 )   $ (0.75 )
 
Pro forma
  $ (0.08 )   $ (0.77 )

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4.   RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
    In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” This interpretation elaborates on the disclosures required in financial statements concerning obligations under certain guarantees. It also clarifies the requirements related to the recognition of liabilities by a guarantor at the inception of certain guarantees. The disclosure requirements of this interpretation were effective for Aetrium on December 31, 2002 and, accordingly, were reflected in our financial statement disclosures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. We adopted the recognition provisions of the interpretation in the quarter ended March 31, 2003. The adoption of this interpretation did not impact our financial position or results of operations.
 
    In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition Disclosure — an amendment of SFAS No. 123.” This Statement amends SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation. In addition, SFAS 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. SFAS 148 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002, and disclosure requirements are effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. We intend to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. We included the disclosures required by SFAS 148 for annual reporting in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS 148 for interim period reporting in the first quarter of 2003. The adoption of SFAS 148 did not impact our financial position or results of operations.
 
    In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51.” This interpretation provides guidance on: 1) the identification of entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights, known as “variable interest entities” (VIEs); and 2) which business enterprise is the primary beneficiary and when it should consolidate the VIE. This new model for consolidation applies to entities: 1) where the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest; or 2) whose equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity’s activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. In addition, this interpretation requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures. This interpretation is effective for all new VIEs created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For VIEs created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of the interpretation must be applied no later than the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003. Certain disclosures are effective immediately. The adoption of this interpretation did not impact our financial position or results of operations.
 
5.   GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS — CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
 
    Effective January 1, 2002, Aetrium adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS 142 provides that goodwill is no longer amortized, but rather is reviewed for impairment at the beginning of the fiscal year in which the standard is adopted and at least annually thereafter.
 
    In accordance with SFAS 142, we completed a transitional goodwill impairment test as of January 1, 2002 and determined that the carrying value of our goodwill exceeded its fair value by $6.5 million. In accordance with SFAS 142, we recorded an impairment charge of $6.5 million (net of income taxes of $0) as a change in accounting principle in our statement of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2002.
 
    We completed the required annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2002 and determined that our remaining goodwill was fully impaired at that date. We recorded an impairment charge of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2002 to write off the remaining goodwill and, therefore, we had no goodwill balance at December 31, 2002.

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    Identifiable intangible assets are comprised of the following (in thousands):

                                                   
      March 31, 2003   December 31, 2002
     
 
              Accumulated                   Accumulated        
      Gross   amortization   Net   Gross   amortization   Net
     
 
 
 
 
 
Developed technology
  $ 2,600     $ (1,888 )   $ 712     $ 2,600     $ (1,799 )   $ 801  
Core technology
    3,167       (2,064 )     1,103       3,167       (1,962 )     1,205  
Customer list
    1,100       (550 )     550       1,100       (523 )     577  
Other
    99       (51 )     48       99       (48 )     51  
 
   
     
     
     
     
         
 
Total
  $ 6,966     $ (4,553 )   $ 2,413     $ 6,966     $ (4,332 )   $ 2,634  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 

    Amortization expense related to intangible assets amounted to $0.2 million in each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2003 and 2002. Estimated amortization expense for the balance of 2003 and the five succeeding years is as follows (in thousands):

         
2003 (nine months)
  $ 663  
2004
    871  
2005
    536  
2006
    202  
2007
    113  
2008
    28  

6.   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
    Aetrium’s comprehensive loss is equal to its net loss for all periods presented.
 
7.   INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are comprised of the following:

                   
      March 31,   December 31,
      2003   2002
     
 
      (in thousands)
Purchased parts and completed subassemblies
  $ 3,111     $ 3,247  
Work-in-process
    2,703       2,613  
Finished goods, including demonstration equipment
    1,128       955  
Equipment shipped subject to revenue deferral
    276       544  
 
   
     
 
 
Total
  $ 7,218     $ 7,359  
 
   
     
 

8.   OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
    Other accrued liabilities are comprised of the following:

                   
      March 31,   December 31,
      2003   2002
     
 
      (in thousands)
Accrued commissions
  $ 125     $ 51  
Accrued warranty
    375       404  
Customer deposits and deferred revenue
    395       687  
Accrued restructuring costs
    460       375  
Other
    324       297  
 
   
     
 
 
Total
  $ 1,679     $ 1,814  
 
   
     
 

    Warranty accrual activity for the three months ended March 31, 2003 was as follows (in thousands):

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Accrual balance, December 31, 2002
  $ 404  
 
Provisions for warranty
    18  
 
Settlements made
    (47 )
 
   
 
Accrual balance, March 31, 2003
  $ 375  
 
   
 

9.   UNUSUAL CHARGES AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
 
    Aetrium has been significantly impacted by the prolonged downturn in the semiconductor equipment industry that began in late 2000, continued through 2002 and into 2003. During this period, we implemented a number of restructuring actions to improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs, including facility consolidations and workforce reductions. In the quarter ended March 31, 2003, we terminated 6 employees in sales, engineering, and administration. We recorded severance and related costs of $149,000 in connection with this workforce reduction, which amount is included in the unusual charges caption in our statement of operations.
 
    Following is a summary of continuing lease obligations related to facilities that we have vacated as of March 31, 2003:

    A lease on a 30,000 square foot facility in North St. Paul, Minnesota that we vacated in June 2001 expires in February 2006, with an annual rent of approximately $198,000. Approximately half of this space is subleased to third parties, and we are actively seeking to sublease the remaining unused space.
 
    A lease on a 10,000 square foot facility located in Poway, California that we vacated in March 2001 expires in September 2003, with an annual rent of approximately $113,000. This facility has been subleased to a third party for the remainder of the lease term, but we remain liable under the lease on a contingent basis.
 
    A lease on a 45,000 square foot facility in Poway, California that we vacated in 2000 was assigned to a third party and we are contingently liable for the lease if the assignee defaults. This lease expires in January 2010, and has a current annual rent of approximately $464,000.

    Following is a table that summarizes severance and facility exit restructuring charges and the associated accrual activity for the three months ended March 31, 2003 (in thousands):

                           
      Severance and   Facility        
      Benefits   Exit Costs   Total
     
 
 
Accrual balance, December 31, 2002
  $     $ 375     $ 375  
 
Restructuring charge - severance and related costs
    149             149  
 
Cash payments
    (42 )     (22 )     (64 )
 
   
     
     
 
Accrual balance, March 31, 2003
  $ 107     $ 353     $ 460  
 
   
     
     
 

    We estimate that the accrued severance and facility exit costs at March 31, 2003 will be paid or utilized as follows: approximately $100,000 in the quarter ended June 30, 2003; approximately $25,000 per quarter thereafter.

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AETRIUM INCORPORATED

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

    Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:

      Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the critical accounting policies that require the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are those related to revenue recognition, bad debts, inventories, intangible assets, goodwill, warranty obligations, and income tax accounting.
 
      Our policy is to recognize revenue on product sales upon shipment if contractual obligations have been substantially met, collection of the proceeds is assessed as being reasonably assured, and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, which is generally the case for sales of spare parts, accessories, change kits and some equipment and equipment upgrade sales. Some equipment or equipment upgrade sales contracts, however, may include post-shipment obligations and/or contractual terms that can only be satisfied after shipment, such as installation and meeting customer-specified acceptance requirements at the customer’s site. In these cases, revenue is not recognized until such obligations have been completed and there is objective evidence that the applicable contract terms have been met. Due to the high selling price of certain types of equipment, the timing of revenue recognition of a relatively small number of transactions may have a significant impact on our quarterly results.
 
      We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts that reflects our estimate of losses that may result from the uncollectibility of accounts receivable. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based primarily on an analysis of individual accounts for which we have information indicating the customer may not be able to pay amounts owed to us. In these cases, based on the available facts and circumstances, we estimate the amount that will be collected from such customers. We also evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable in the aggregate based on factors such as the aging of receivable amounts, customer concentrations, historical experience, and current economic trends and conditions. We adjust our allowance for doubtful accounts when additional information is received that impacts the amount reserved. If circumstances change, our estimates of the recoverability of accounts receivable could be reduced or increased by a material amount. Such a change in estimated recoverability would be accounted for in the period in which the facts that give rise to the change become known. As of March 31, 2003, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.2 million.
 
      We establish valuation reserves on our inventories for estimated excess and obsolete inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated market value based upon assumptions about future product demand and market conditions. If actual product demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory reserves may be required. As of March 31, 2003, our inventory excess and obsolescence reserve was $4.0 million.
 
      Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS 142 provides that goodwill is no longer amortized, but rather is reviewed for

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      impairment at the beginning of the fiscal year in which the standard is adopted and at least annually thereafter. SFAS 142 requires a two-step process in the review of goodwill for impairment. In step one we compare the fair value of our single reporting unit (i.e., Aetrium) with the net carrying value of our assets, including goodwill. If our fair value is less than our net asset carrying value, we perform the second step of the impairment test. In step two, we compare the aggregate fair values of our non-goodwill assets and liabilities with the fair value of Aetrium in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. At January 1, 2002, we determined that the carrying value of our goodwill exceeded its implied fair value by $6.5 million and recorded a goodwill impairment charge in that amount. At December 31, 2002, we determined that the carrying value of our goodwill exceeded its implied fair value by $0.7 million and recorded a goodwill impairment charge in that amount. As of December 31, 2002, after recording the goodwill impairment charge at that date, we had no remaining goodwill balance.
 
      We review our identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value of an asset may be impaired. If such an event or change in circumstances occurs and potential impairment is indicated because the carrying values exceed the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, we would measure the impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. During 2002, as a result of our identified impairment of the carrying value of goodwill, we reviewed our identifiable intangible and other long-lived assets for potential impairment and concluded that the carrying value of these assets was not impaired. As of March 31, 2003, the carrying value of our identifiable intangible assets was $2.4 million.
 
      We accrue estimated warranty costs in the period that the related revenue is recognized. Our warranty cost estimates and warranty reserve requirements are determined based upon product performance, historical warranty experience, and costs incurred in addressing product performance issues. Should product performance or cost factors differ from our estimates, adjustments to our warranty accrual may be required. As of March 31, 2003, our warranty accrual was $0.4 million.
 
      Our deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when we believe it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At March 31, 2003, we maintained a valuation allowance to fully reserve against our deferred tax assets. If we generate taxable income consistently in future periods, our assessment of our ability to realize these deferred tax assets may change and we may reduce this valuation allowance, which would be reported as an income tax benefit.

    Results of Operations

      Net Sales. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2003 were $3.1 million, a slight decrease of 2% from the same period in 2002. Equipment sales were flat compared to the prior year with increased sales of automation equipment and reliability test equipment offset by lower sales of test handlers. Sales of change kits and spare parts decreased slightly in the quarter ended March 31, 2003 compared with the same period in 2002.
 
      Gross Profit. Gross profit was 51.2% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2003 compared with 54.7% of net sales for the comparable period in 2002. Gross margins decreased in 2003 primarily due to a higher mix of automation equipment and reliability test equipment sales and a lower mix of test handler sales.
 
      Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 were $1.5 million compared with $1.9 million for the comparable period in 2002, an 18% decrease. Commissions expense decreased in 2003 due to savings realized from the termination of our U.S. independent sales representatives in early 2002. In addition, selling, general and administrative expenses in 2003 were lower due to other cost containment initiatives implemented during 2002 as well as a workforce reduction in early 2003.

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      Research and Development. Research and development expenses were $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003, approximately the same amount as was incurred for the comparable period in 2002. As a percentage of revenues, research and development expenses amounted to 18.0% and 17.5% for the quarters ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Over time, we expect that research and development expenses will average 13% to 15% of revenues. Research and development expenses exceeded these levels in recent quarters due to reduced revenue levels resulting from the industry downturn and our decision to continue product development activities at current levels.
 
      Unusual Charges and Restructuring Activities. Aetrium has been significantly impacted by the prolonged downturn in the semiconductor equipment industry that began in late 2000, continued through 2002 and into 2003. During this period, we implemented a number of restructuring actions to improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs, including facility consolidations and workforce reductions. In the quarter ended March 31, 2003, we terminated 6 employees in sales, engineering, and administration. We recorded severance and related costs of $149,000 in connection with this workforce reduction.
 
      Following is a summary of continuing lease obligations related to facilities that we have vacated as of March 31, 2003:

    A lease on a 30,000 square foot facility in North St. Paul, Minnesota that we vacated in June 2001 expires in February 2006, with an annual rent of approximately $198,000. Approximately half of this space is subleased to third parties, and we are actively seeking to sublease the remaining unused space.
 
    A lease on a 10,000 square foot facility located in Poway, California that we vacated in March 2001 expires in September 2003, with an annual rent of approximately $113,000. This facility has been subleased to a third party for the remainder of the lease term, but we remain liable under the lease on a contingent basis.
 
    A lease on a 45,000 square foot facility in Poway, California that we vacated in 2000 was assigned to a third party and we are contingently liable for the lease if the assignee defaults. This lease expires in January 2010, and has an annual rent of approximately $429,000.

      Following is a table that summarizes severance and facility exit restructuring charges and the associated accrual activity for the three months ended March 31, 2003 (in thousands):

                           
      Severance and   Facility        
      Benefits   Exit Costs   Total
     
 
 
Accrual balance, December 31, 2002
  $     $ 375     $ 375  
 
Restructuring charge - severance and related costs
    149             149  
 
Cash payments
    (42 )     (22 )     (64 )
 
   
     
     
 
Accrual balance, March 31, 2003
  $ 107     $ 353     $ 460  
 
   
     
     
 

      We estimate that the accrued severance and facility exit costs at March 31, 2003 will be paid or utilized as follows: approximately $100,000 in the quarter ended June 30, 2003; approximately $25,000 per quarter thereafter.
 
      Other Income, net. Other income, net, which consists primarily of interest income from the investment of excess funds, amounted to $17,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003 compared to $32,000 for the same period in 2002. The decrease is attributable to lower average cash balances and generally lower interest rates in 2003 compared with the prior year.

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      Income Taxes. We maintain a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets and do not intend to record any income tax expense or benefit until the company is consistently profitable on a quarterly basis. Therefore, no income tax benefit has been recorded for the quarters ended March 31, 2003 and 2002.

    Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

      Cash and cash equivalents decreased by approximately $1.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2003. We used $1.0 million to fund operating activities during the period. The major components of cash flows were a net loss of $0.6 million and a $0.7 million increase in accounts receivable, partially offset by non-cash depreciation and amortization expense of $0.3 million. Accounts receivable increased primarily due to the timing of certain collections. We received approximately $0.7 million in payments at the end of December 2002 that resulted in a relatively low accounts receivable balance at the end of the fourth quarter. Also, approximately $0.3 million in collections that we anticipated receiving prior to March 31, 2003 was received shortly after the end of the quarter.
 
      We believe our cash and short-term investments of $4.8 million at March 31, 2003 will be sufficient to meet capital expenditure and working capital needs for at least the next twelve months. Historically we have supported our capital expenditure and working capital needs with cash generated from operations, and in future periods we expect to continue to do the same. However, a continuation of the current semiconductor equipment industry downturn and/or future industry cycles could affect the demand for our products, which could affect future cash flows. Also, we may acquire other companies, product lines or technologies that are complementary to our business, and our working capital needs may change as a result of such acquisitions.
 
      Future minimum annual lease payments under operating leases as of March 31, 2003 are as follows (in thousands):

           
 
2003 (nine months)
  $ 489  
 
2004
    574  
 
2005
    581  
 
2006
    116  

   
 
 
Total minimum lease payments
  $ 1,760  

   
 

      The above minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $0.2 million due in the future under noncancellable subleases.
 
      The above minimum lease payments do not include a facility lease that has been assigned to a third party and on which we remain contingently liable on a property located in Poway, California. The lease expires in January 2010 and minimum remaining payments amount to $3.7 million as of March 31, 2003.

    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

      In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” This interpretation elaborates on the disclosures required in financial statements concerning obligations under certain guarantees. It also clarifies the requirements related to the recognition of liabilities by a guarantor at the inception of certain guarantees. The disclosure requirements of this interpretation were effective for Aetrium on December 31, 2002 and, accordingly, were reflected in our financial statement disclosures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. We adopted the recognition provisions of the interpretation in the quarter ended March 31, 2003. The adoption of this interpretation did not impact our financial position or results of operations.
 
      In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition Disclosure — an amendment of SFAS No. 123.” This Statement

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      amends SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation. In addition, SFAS 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. SFAS 148 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002, and disclosure requirements are effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. We intend to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. We included the disclosures required by SFAS 148 for annual reporting in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS 148 for interim period reporting in the first quarter of 2003. The adoption of SFAS 148 did not impact our financial position or results of operations.
 
      In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51.” This interpretation provides guidance on: 1) the identification of entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights, known as “variable interest entities” (VIEs); and 2) which business enterprise is the primary beneficiary and when it should consolidate the VIE. This new model for consolidation applies to entities: 1) where the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest; or 2) whose equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity’s activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. In addition, this interpretation requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures. This interpretation is effective for all new VIEs created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For VIEs created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of the interpretation must be applied no later than the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003. Certain disclosures are effective immediately. The adoption of this interpretation did not impact our financial position or results of operations.

    Business Risks and Uncertainties

      A number of risks and uncertainties exist which could impact our future operating results. Aetrium operates in the semiconductor capital equipment industry, which is often described as a cyclical growth industry characterized by a long-term growth trend occasionally interrupted by periods of excess capacity in which the demand for new equipment is significantly diminished. As a result of these business cycles, we have in the past, and will likely in the future, experience significant fluctuations in demand for the equipment we manufacture and sell. The semiconductor equipment industry has been in a prolonged downturn since late 2000. In response to this downturn, we have implemented various expense reduction measures, including workforce reductions, facility shutdowns, and employee wage reductions. Such actions could have long-term adverse effects on our business and competitiveness. Although there are indications of the beginning of a recovery in the semiconductor industry, the outlook for the global economy and the future demand for semiconductors and semiconductor equipment are uncertain. Recent global events, including conflicts in Iraq and elsewhere and the recent outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) have further increased the uncertainties of the timing and strength of an industry recovery. If general economic and/or semiconductor industry business conditions remain weak, we could experience an extended period of low revenue levels that could require additional expense reduction measures and that could also have a negative impact on the realizeability of certain assets, including inventories and long-lived intangible assets. We will continue to monitor business conditions and make additional adjustments to operations and/or asset values, if necessary.
 
      Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to competition, reliance on significant customers, our success in developing new products and technologies, market acceptance of new products, risks and unanticipated costs associated with integrating or restructuring acquired or existing operations, and other factors, including those set forth in

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      our SEC filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.
 
      We undertake no obligation to update the above information, including any forward-looking statements, in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

      Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to our investment portfolio. As of March 31, 2003, our portfolio consisted primarily of high quality taxable instruments, such as corporate notes and bonds, money market funds, and bank repurchase agreements, all with original maturities of less than three months. Given the short duration of our investments and the size of our investment portfolio, we do not believe a change in interest rates would have a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations. We generally conduct business in U.S. dollars and, therefore, risks associated with changes in foreign currency rates are insignificant.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

      Based on their evaluation as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our President and Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Administrative Officer and our Treasurer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Subsequent to the date of their evaluation, there were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls. There were no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses identified and, therefore, no corrective actions were taken.

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AETRIUM INCORPORATED

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

    Item 1. Legal Proceedings

      None.

    Item 2. Changes in Securities

      None.

    Item 3. Defaults on Senior Securities

      None.

    Item 4. Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

      None.

    Item 5. Other Information

      None.

    Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

      (a) Exhibits

      99.1 Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

      (b) Reports on Form 8-K

      None

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AETRIUM INCORPORATED

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.

         
        AETRIUM INCORPORATED
       
        (Registrant)
         
Date: May 12, 2003   By:   /s/ Joseph C. Levesque
       
        Joseph C. Levesque
        Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer
         
Date: May 12, 2003   By:   /s/ Paul H. Askegaard
       
        Paul H. Askegaard
Treasurer
        (principal financial and accounting officer)

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CERTIFICATIONS

Certification by Chief Executive Officer

I, Joseph C. Levesque, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aetrium Incorporated, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Aetrium Incorporated.
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
 
  b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
  c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

     
Date: May 12, 2003   /s/ Joseph C. Levesque
   
    Joseph C. Levesque
    Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer

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Certification by Chief Administrative Officer

I, Douglas L. Hemer, Chief Administrative Officer of Aetrium Incorporated, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Aetrium Incorporated.
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
 
  b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
  c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

     
Date: May 12, 2003   /s/ Douglas L. Hemer
   
    Douglas L. Hemer
    Chief Administrative Officer

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Certification by Treasurer

I, Paul H. Askegaard, Treasurer of Aetrium Incorporated, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Aetrium Incorporated.
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
 
  b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
  c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

     
Date: May 12, 2003   /s/ Paul H. Askegaard
   
    Paul H. Askegaard
    Treasurer (principal financial and accounting officer)

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